Chantara Junk Boat Cruise to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui
Activity provider: Chantara, Junk Boat
Reviewed Nov 2026
Highlights
- Sailing on the Chantara, a traditional Burmese wooden junk
- Thai buffet lunch cooked on board
- Snorkelling at the Koh Ma reef
- Cruise along the north coast of Koh Phangan
- Beach time at Thong Nai Pan Yai
- Sunset on the sail back
This full-day cruise sails from Koh Samui around Koh Phangan on the Chantara, a traditional wooden Burmese junk. It is a late start, with pickup from 10am. The day takes in lunch on board, snorkelling at Koh Ma, the wild north coast of Phangan and a long beach stop at Thong Nai Pan Yai, then the sail back at sunset.
- Duration: 9 to 10 hours, pickup from 10am
- Group size: up to 36 on board
- Includes: hotel pickup on Samui, Thai buffet lunch, soft drinks, coffee and tea, snacks, snorkel and fishing gear, towel
- Excludes: alcohol, a cash pickup surcharge from the far south and west of Samui
The Day
The boat leaves Samui at 11am, and the crew serves a buffet of five mild Thai dishes, cooked on board, as you near Phangan. The first stop is about an hour of snorkelling over the reef off Koh Ma, the small island joined to Phangan’s north-west tip by a sandbar. The Chantara then follows the north coast, where forested hills run down to the sea, to Thong Nai Pan Yai for about 90 minutes on the beach. The sail home runs down Phangan’s east coast and back across to Samui, usually with the sun going down.
Watch out: Hotels in Nathon, Lipa Noi, Na Muang, Taling Ngam, Thong Krut, Bang Kao and Hua Thanon pay a pickup surcharge in cash at the pier. Carry baht.
Who It Suits
It suits couples, families and anyone who wants a slow day on the water rather than a speedboat dash. It’s also the easy way to see Koh Phangan’s quieter coasts without moving hotels.
Insider Tip: Bring cash for drinks or a massage at Thong Nai Pan Yai, and a light layer for the evening sail back.
Itinerary
Pickup on Koh Samui
Hotel pickup from 10am and boarding at 10:45.
Crossing to Koh Phangan
The Chantara leaves at 11am; a buffet of five mild Thai dishes, cooked on board, is served near Koh Phangan.
Koh Ma reef
About an hour of snorkelling over the reef off Koh Ma, on Phangan’s north-west tip.
North coast of Koh Phangan
Sailing along the forested, little-built north coast.
Thong Nai Pan Yai
About 90 minutes on the beach for swimming; drinks and massage on the beach are extra.
Sailing back
The return along Phangan’s east coast and across to Samui, often with a sunset at sea.
Drop-off
Back at the pier around 7pm and at your hotel by 8pm.
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off on Koh Samui
- Thai buffet lunch on board
- Soft drinks, water, coffee and tea
- Snacks
- Snorkel gear
- Fishing equipment
- Towel
- Insurance
Not Included
- Alcoholic drinks
- pickup surcharge from the far south and west of Samui (cash)
Good to know
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Before you go
Late start: pickup from 10am. Hotels in Nathon, Lipa Noi, Na Muang, Taling Ngam, Thong Krut, Bang Kao and Hua Thanon pay a pickup surcharge in cash at the pier. Suitable for all fitness levels; prams are fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the cruise start and finish?
Where does it stop?
Is lunch included?
Is pickup free everywhere on Samui?
What is the Chantara?
Spotted something out of date or incorrect? Let us know
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