The easiest way to reach Koh Phangan is via Bangkok international airport, from Bangkok it is a 45 minutes flight to Koh Samui airport. From Samui's Nathon port there are 2 to 3 express boats departing every day (depending on the season) to Phangan's Thong Sala port. At Samui's Lipa Noi port there is 1 ferry boat per day which also arrives at Thong Sala. To reach Hat Rin from Samui, there are boats twice a day from Bangrak pier.

During Full Moon parties, there are several speedboats linking Hat Rin in half an hour from Bophut and Maenam piers as well. Koh Phangan is also linked up to mainland by 4 boats and ferries per day all departing from Suratthani's Ban Don Port or Donsak port.