Koh Phangan and Koh Samui to Spiritgust: how to get to Tha Sala
6–9 January 2027
Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Thailand
Plan your arrival from the islands
Spending New Year on Koh Phangan? Spiritgust is a short hop away on the mainland, in Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, on the southern Gulf coast of Thailand. The festival runs 6 to 9 January 2027. Gates open 12:00 pm on 6 January 2027.
Most island travellers take a car ferry or catamaran to Donsak, then continue by shuttle from Donsak Pier. Shuttles will run from Donsak Pier to the festival.
From Koh Phangan
Take a ferry from Thong Sala Pier to Donsak. Car ferries from Seatran and Raja take about 2h15 to 2h30, with fares of roughly THB 270 to 350 per person. Lomprayah’s catamaran goes via Koh Samui and takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Ferry times and fares change by season, so check before travel.
The last ferries leave the island in the late afternoon. Plan to be on the pier by early afternoon at the latest.
From Koh Samui
Take a ferry from Lipa Noi (Raja) or Nathon Pier (Lomprayah, Seatran) to Donsak. Raja takes about 1h30, and Lomprayah takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Samui is the easiest starting point for connections. Check ferry times before travel.
From Koh Tao
Koh Tao has no direct route to the mainland. Take a boat to Koh Phangan (about 1 to 1h40, fares roughly THB 350 to 660), then continue to Donsak. Allow a buffer for weather and the change. Check before travel.
The last leg: Donsak Pier to Tha Sala
Donsak is the arrival pier for the car ferries. Shuttles will run from Donsak Pier to the festival. The organiser estimate for the road journey from Donsak to Tha Sala is about one hour. Private taxis and transfers from Donsak cost roughly THB 1,500 to 2,500 (check before travel).
Flying in
Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST) is about 40 minutes from Tha Sala by road. There is no direct flight from Koh Samui, so most fliers connect through Bangkok. Check flight schedules before you book.
Example timeline from Koh Phangan
| When | Step |
|---|---|
| Morning, 5 January | Ferry from Thong Sala Pier to Donsak (about 2h30) |
| Late morning, 5 January | Shuttle from Donsak Pier, or road transfer, to Tha Sala (about 1 hour) |
| Early afternoon, 5 January | Check in and settle |
| 6 January | Gates open at 12:00 pm |
Ferry times, fares and shuttle timings can change. Check before you travel.
Common questions from the islands
Is Spiritgust on Koh Phangan?
No. Spiritgust 2027 is in Tha Sala, Nakhon Si Thammarat, on the mainland of Thailand. Island travellers take a ferry to Donsak, then continue by road. Shuttles run from Donsak Pier to the festival.
How do I get to Spiritgust from Koh Phangan?
Take a car ferry or catamaran from Thong Sala Pier to Donsak. The crossing takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. Shuttles run from Donsak Pier to the festival, and the road journey to Tha Sala takes about one hour. Ferry times and fares change, so check before you travel.
How long does it take from Koh Samui?
Ferries from Koh Samui reach Donsak in about 45 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on the operator. Add about an hour from Donsak to Tha Sala. Allow half a day for the whole trip, and check ferry times before you travel.
Can I go straight from the Full Moon or New Year parties on the islands to Spiritgust?
Yes, if you plan the ferry first. Leave in time for the last sailing from the island, and arrive on 5 January if you can, so you have time to rest before gates open at 12:00 pm on 6 January 2027.
Get in touch
Arrange your road connection and shuttle with your provider where needed, and leave a buffer for ferry, traffic, and weather changes.
Last updated 10 November 2026 · Ferry times and fares come from third-party timetables. Check before you travel.