Hi there

I'm newly registered to the forum but I've been reading various posts on here over the last few weeks as research for my first trip to Thailand at the end of February.

I know there are loads of threads regarding travelling to Koh Phangan but I have few more specific questions that I hope someone will be able to give me advice on.

My plane is arriving in Bangkok at 15:45 on 27th Feb and I am intending to get a sleeper train to Surat Thani that evening, followed by a ferry to Koh Phangan the next day.

I believe there are sleeper trains leaving from Hualamphong at 19.30 and 22.50. Can anyone advice as to whether there is enough time to get from the airport to Hualamphong for the 19.30 train? Obviously I have to allow at least an hour for baggage collection, some time to get to the train station, plus I should also take into consideration if there will be any delays with my flight. Would it be more sensible to book the 22.50 train? And if so, is there much to do around the area of Hualamphong station and somewhere to leave my baggage so I can explore the place for the evening?

I need to book the train in advance as it's on a weekend and just 2 nights before the full moon party of March 1st.

I am also wondering if it's worth booking a combined train-bus-ferry ticket in advance or just getting the bus-ferry ticket from Surat Thani when I arrive and there won't be any problems with doing this with it being so close to the full moon party. I've heard numerous horror stories about the private buses and been advised to use the government ones - does this generally just apply to longer journeys or should I stay away from them even for the short trip from Surat Thani train station to where the ferry leaves for Koh Phangan/Samui?

Any advice would be much appreciated

As an update, I have found out that the 22.50 train does not have sleeper cars so it looks like I might have to book the 19.30 one and hope I have enough time to get to Hualamphong station.

I think that you will have time with the 19.30 one the flights in are usually on time. Once you have cleared your baggage it is about an hours ride in good traffic to the station so even allowing for bad traffic it should give you time .

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Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

Thanks for that. What's the best way to travel from the airport to the trains station? A taxi from the downstairs rank?

I was in Koh Phangan a few weeks ago. We got there by catching a plane from Bangkok to Koh samui. then getting a fairy to Koh Phangan. Koh Samui was the best place we visited to you would do go to spend some time there.

You can get a plane from Bangkok to samui and there are quite a few a day with bangkok airways the other carrier is Thai. The flight only averages an hour.
You would have plenty of time as the last plane is not until around 8 or 9 at night.
Certain carriers let you book your luggage through from your start destination right through to Samui.
The flight is not cheap though apart from usually the last one of the day. Check out the web site for bangkok airways and Thai domestic.
If you decide on the train I would recommend a taxi steer clear of the ones as you just arrive as they will offer more expensive ones you need to go downstairs and out.
I personally would fly but this will depend on your budget. Bear in mind to add your taxi fare to your train ticket fare to make a proper decision.
I don't know where you are flying from John but it is usually a pretty long flight to Bangkok and to add another overnight on that could be gruelling but hey if you can sleep anywhere and you are young enough you will be fine.
Enjoy

__________________
Kiss
God laughs at people who make plans.

My initial thought was to fly but after taking into consideration that I would most likely have to stay in Samui overnight as the 18.00 flight arrives at 19.30 and there do not seem to be any boats across to Koh Phangan this late - please correct me if I'm wrong.
I won't get to the destination any earlier and I'll be spending a lot more on the flight plus extra accommodation in Ko Samui.
I am flying to Bangkok direct from Heathrow whic is an 11 or 12 hour flight so it certainly will be a lot of travelling but I'll just have to deal with it!

It's easy to say you will deal with it but will you! the heat and all, coming from snow and cold UK weather, any way at the airport i go up to the next level to the drop off taxi area where ppl are getting out of cabs. i arrive and ask the taxi driver to put the meter on and tell him where im going..... i never get a knock back as the cabbie doesnt have to wait or go down to the next level for his next fare......... and you avoid more delays as every one is wanting a quick cab downstairs.................cheers have a gr8 time.........

Seeitsoon is wright,your flyght is to long from Uk to spend another night on the train,and corect,if you don't catch the 7,30 sleeping train(withch you have to book in advance)the last one 22,30 is very uncomfortable,and than again 11 houres on the train,two houres on ferry...and more....to koh phangan....in my opinion you will not enjoy this trip.
The best way is to take a flight to Koh Samui(Bangkok air),spend a night there and take the boat next day to Koh Phangan,you will arrive safe,rested and happy...and ready for the big full moon party!And don't forget,even if you miss full moon party....partys in Phangan never ended,next day is the same.....

lilly66, makes sense ur on holiday dont thrash ur self needlessly in the 1st 24, 48 hours.... you will be a happy chappy if you heed quality advice..... please fly to koh Samui.... it will be money well spent............ @ Koh Phangan and Khaosan Rd Bangkok every day can be a party, just wait n see, you will say those guys were right....i have just returned this last week from southern Thailand and Bangkok .....nothin has changed................have fun