travel blog koh phangan

21 BEST Things to Do in Koh Phangan [2024 Travel Guide]

• Last Updated: April 2, 2024

An epic list of all the best things to do in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Yes, there’s more to the island than just the Full Moon Party! 

Koh Phangan is a relatively small island in the Gulf of Thailand nestled in between Koh Tao and Koh Samui . 

Yet it has everything you could wish for in a tropical island paradise: towering palm trees, white-sand beaches, coral reefs with exotic fish, and lush jungles filled with waterfalls all framed by the idyllic turquoise ocean. 

But when most travellers think of Koh Phangan, they think of wild parties, neon paint and buckets full of alcohol. 

Koh Phangan is home to the famous Full Moon Party. Travellers from all over the globe flock to this island to dance the night away with other tourists. 

If you are a true party animal, you may just have the best night of your life at the Full Moon Party. 

This beach party is absolutely epic and so much fun, but many people focus on this party scene too much and overlook all the other amazing parts of Koh Phangan. 

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Table of Contents

1. Hike to Bottle Beach

2. stay at indigo coral house and learn about their amazing sustainability and refugee projects, 3. get a thai massage, 4. take a day trip to ang thong national marine park, 5. visit koh ma, 6. hike khao ra mountain, 7. watch the sunset from a rooftop bar, 8. go scuba diving, 9. chill out on thong nai pan beach, 10. visit thong sala’s street markets, 11. watch a movie at an outdoor cinema, 12. seek out some waterfalls, 13. go sea kayaking, 14. take a road trip around the island, 15. dance the night away at the full moon party, 16. or party at the half moon party, 17. enjoy the scenery from the haad rin viewpoint, 18. go snorkelling, 19. visit the temples, 20. watch a muay thai boxing match, 21. rent a motorbike, budget: bodega hostel, mid range: samutra residences, luxury: panviman resort koh phangan, budget – moonsoon’s restaurant, mid-range – restaurant sunshine, luxury – milky bay restaurant, the best things to do in koh phangan.

With this list of the best things to do in Koh Phangan, I hope to shed some light on the other fun activities and natural attractions of the island. 

So even if you don’t drink and don’t like partying, you can still have an incredible time when you explore the island. 

You can snorkel, hike, kayak, scuba dive, and enjoy all the best parts of Thai culture like eating street food, exploring temples, and getting a Thai massage. 

So whether you are interested in the Full Moon Party or not, the beauty around Koh Phangan should not be missed on a trip to Thailand!

With a reputation as one of the best beaches and a top Koh Phangan attraction, Bottle Beach is a true gem of Thailand’s gulf. 

Located in the north of the island, the beach is pretty hard to get to but the one-hour trek through the jungle is a fun adventure. 

Wear good walking shoes and plenty of bug spray, and you’ll feel like you really earned your relaxing beach day once you arrive on the white sands of Bottle Beach. 

The hike begins at Coconut Beach on the north of Koh Phangan and is completely free!

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Thailand with our comprehensive travel guide!

There are so many incredible sustainability and conservation initiatives happening in Thailand right now , and one of the main focuses of my most recent trip to the Land of Smiles was to learn about some of them.

Koh Phangan has always been a hub for alternative thinking and eco-conscious travellers, and I was lucky enough to spend the day at place called Indigo Coral House to discover how they are giving back to their community.

Run by the passionate duo Fatimah and Matteo, the accommodations, living areas and workshops at Indigo Coral House have been built using sustainable bamboo, and the construction methods have been refined to minimise the amount of non-renewable resources needed.

Their goal is to show local builders that bamboo is not only a fantastic construction material, but can be used to make funky, high-quality and beautiful designs too.

That’s not all they do at Indigo Coral House though. It has also become a haven for Burmese refugees who flee over the border to escape the current turmoil.

Not only do Fatimah and Matteo offer a safe space for them to live, but they teach them art techniques such as leaf printing and weaving so they can create their own pieces and sell them at the markets to make an income.

I had the most amazing day at Indigo Coral House and felt so welcome by everybody who calls the place home.

A special thank you to Soemoechit who taught me leaf printing, Phyu Phyu Moe who cooked up the most delectable Burmese vegetarian lunch for me, and of course Fatimah and Matteo who took time out of their day to show me all that they are doing.

You can visit Indigo Coral House yourself to do art and bamboo building workshops, leaf printing, learn how to compost or just stay in some of the stunning bamboo bungalows and villas. Highly recommend if you’re coming to Koh Phangan!

• Location : 8/65 moo 8 Koh Phangan Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
• WhatsApp: +44 793 165 0719

After spending a big day hiking around, diving and swimming, you might want to treat your body to a Thai massage. 

Let the experienced local masseuses knead, twist, and smooth the kinks out of your muscles and you’ll feel so refreshed afterward. 

Thai massage is a highly revered traditional practice in the country, so you should definitely experience it at least once while travelling through Thailand. 

This is a great way to relax when you visit Koh Phangan.

READ MORE: Extend your Thai adventures by jumping on the ferry and checking out what to do on Koh Tao !

This protected archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand is a stunning oasis of natural beauty. 

Filled with hiking trails, limestone caves, towering cliffs, palm forests, coral reefs, sandy beaches, and much more, Ang Thong National Marine Park is a nature-lovers paradise. 

You can only enter the marine park via a government-approved tour boat.

Luckily there are plenty of great tour companies that offer day trips from Koh Phangan to Ang Thong . 

A trip to Koh Ma should definitely be on your list of Koh Phangan sightseeing. 

This tiny island is actually separate from Koh Phangan, but is connected to the main island by a sand bar that is visible at low tide. 

So head to the northwest of the island at low tide and you can walk along the sand bar to Koh Ma. 

You can also enjoy sunbathing on the sand bar and swimming in the ocean to escape the heat. 

This 627-meter high mountain is one of the best Koh Phangan attractions. 

Hiking to the top will provide you with some amazing views, and the whole journey takes about 2-3 hours round trip. 

You can hike the trail in sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, and be sure to pack lots of water and sunscreen. 

To avoid the mid-day heat, try to hike in the early morning or late afternoon. 

Khao Ra is located near the north of the island and the hike is free. 

READ MORE: Plan your best trip with these Thailand itineraries .

There’s something absolutely magical about watching the sunset from a tropical island. 

Even better is watching an island sunset up high at a rooftop bar so you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view. 

Koh Phangan has lots of rooftop bars and restaurants that make great vantage points for sunset. Here are a few of the best ones:

• Secret Mountain: Open 10 am to 9 pm
• Amsterdam Bar : Open 12 pm to 1 am
• Three Sixty Bar : Open 10 am to 12 am

Scuba diving is definitely one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan, and the last time we visited proved exactly why!

The Gulf of Thailand is packed with gorgeous marine life, including tropical fish, manta rays, coral reefs, and more. 

Among the best diving spots near the island are Samran Pinnacle, Hin Yippon, Koh Ma, and Ang Thong National Marine Park . 

Sail Rock is arguably the best dive site in the entire Gulf of Thailand, so this is a great place to go and explore the waters.

The island has a few dive schools that can hook you up with gear or help you get your divers certification.

Personally however we recommend the absolute legends at H2O Diving in Thong Nai Pan.

Run by the incredible couple Alis and Lee, these guys are a PADI 5-Star Center and have been operating since 2003.

They use a modern and comfortable speed boat to get out to the dive sites, and this means they can actually time their trips to avoid when all the other companies go out.

For example, Sail Rock is quite far from Koh Phangan meaning all the local companies go out in the morning. For H2O however, they go out after lunch.

When I went out for my two dives with Lee, we were the only dive boat there. A pretty magical experience (check out my video below of what it was like) .

The gear they use is new and well-maintained, the staff friendly and the service they provide is some of the most professional I’ve experienced from diving in over a dozen countries.

I highly, HIGHLY recommend scuba diving with Lee, Alis and the team at H2O if going out in Koh Phangan.

Of all the Koh Phangan attractions, the beaches are undoubtedly one of the best reasons to visit/

People travel from far and wide to stretch out on the velvety white sand and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Thai islands, so make sure you squeeze plenty of beach days into your Thailand itinerary. 

While visiting Koh Phangan, head to Thong Nai Pan for the ultimate beach day. 

Soak in the sun or lie in the shade under a coconut palm. Splash in the water and collect seashells.

Take plenty of photos because this beach on Koh Phangan’s northeast coast is truly beautiful. 

As the main hub of Koh Phangan, Thong Sala is a bustling town with plenty of fun things to do. 

The street markets are the town’s best attraction; tourists and locals both come together in the evenings to browse through the local goods and gorge on some delicious Thai food. 

The Phantip Night Market opens every evening and has some of the best street food on the island. 

Every Saturday, the main street of Thong Sala turns into a Walking Street Market , also known as the Thong Sala Night Market.

At Thong Sala Night Market, the streets become pedestrian-only as local vendors fill the road with their own stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and other homemade goods. There is also plenty of Thai food to eat!

For a fun night in Koh Phangan, head to the Moonlight Cinema .

Located near the night market in Thong Sala, this open-air movie theater is full of comfy pillows and plays a wide variety of new and old films. 

You can buy snacks and drinks at the theater as well. It’s a highlight of many who visit Koh Phangan!

• Location : 46 Moo 1, Chaloklum Rd. Thong Sala, Ko Phangan
• Hours : 3 pm to 1 am (opens at 1 pm on weekends)

In addition to all the ocean scenery and white-sand beaches, some of the best things to see in Koh Phangan lie inland within the lush jungle. 

The island is home to lots of waterfalls where you can go have a picnic, take photos, and swim in the fresh flowing water. 

Phaeng Waterfall , Than Sadet Waterfall , and Paradise Waterfall are three of the most picturesque falls on the island. 

If you just hop in a taxi or songtaew and tell the driver the name of the waterfall you want to visit, they’ll know where to go.

READ MORE: Thinking of visiting other places in Thailand? Our new blog post will tell you the best spots to go!

Cruising through the turquoise waters and soaking in all the natural beauty is one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan. 

Many of the island’s beaches have kayak rentals available, with the average price being about 150 Baht per hour.  

Make sure you are reasonably fit and aware of the ocean currents before setting out on the water and don’t kayak alone. 

A popular place to kayak on the island is from Wok Tum to Koh Ma because the waters are generally calm here. 

If you want to see a lot of the island in a short amount of time, your best bet is to book a sightseeing tour. 

There are a few tourism companies that offer either ATV or road trip adventures around the island , which is great if you don’t have your own form of transport. 

Your tour will take you to all the best spots on the island, including beaches, waterfalls, rooftop bars, and other amazing places that you might not be able to see on your own. 

For any party animals out there looking for a classic Thailand backpacker experience, add the Full Moon Party to your bucket list. 

Some travelers come to Koh Phangan solely for the Full Moon Party, as it is a famous phenomenon among young travelers. 

This party includes lots of neon body paint, lots of cheap mixed drinks in plastic buckets, and lots of loud music, flashing lights, and dancing. 

It’s one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan if you like to party.

The party is held every full moon on Haad Rin Beach. There is a Sunrise and Sunset Beach on Haad Rin Beach, and the party is on Sunrise Beach.

Just keep in mind that lots of accommodations completely book up for the party, so book your bed as far in advance as you can!

If you love the idea of the Full Moon Party, but you won’t be in Koh Phangan during the actual full moon, have no fear!

The island also hosts a Half Moon Party at, you guessed it, every half-moon. 

That means this party happens twice a month rather than just once, and it isn’t as famous but it is still super fun. 

The Half Moon Party happens in the jungle instead of on the beach, and there are tons of different stages and dance floors bumping different types of music. 

For a panoramic view on the south of the island, head to the Haad Rin Viewpoint. 

The climb to the top only takes about 15 minutes, but in the humid, tropical heat it can be quite tiring so pack plenty of water. 

The trail starts behind the Fairyland Resort on the southern tip of the island. From the top, you can enjoy views of the nearby beaches and you can even see Koh Samui in the distance. 

READ MORE: Make the most of your trip to Thailand with these travel tips

If you’re not ready to commit to scuba diving, you can still explore Koh Phangan’s flourishing underwater marine life by snorkelling. 

Snorkelling is cheap and easy, so anyone can do it. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent a snorkel, mask, and flippers for roughly 100 Baht per hour. 

One of the island’s best locations for snorkelling is Mae Haad Beach and Haad Son along the north coast. 

With so much natural beauty to see and partying to be done, it can be easy to forget about all the stunning temples on Koh Phangan!

But the temples are amazing representations of Thai culture and Buddhist architecture, so you should definitely try to see plenty of them. 

Some of the island’s most beautiful temples are Wat Nok , Wat Khao Tham , and Wat Pho (not to be confused with the famous Wat Pho in Bangkok ).

If you haven’t yet been to see a Muay Thai Boxing Match in Thailand, now is your chance!

This fast-paced, mesmerizing sport is super popular in Thailand, and watching a match is a great way for tourists to catch a glimpse of the local Thai culture. 

Koh Phangan is home to 7 Muay Thai Boxing stadiums that host matches every evening. Some of them even have training classes so you can learn the basics of the sport for yourself! 

To explore Koh Phangan on your own schedule, rent a motorbike and enjoy all the mobility you need. 

Before renting a motorbike, make sure you have travel insurance and a copy of your passport to give the rental company. 

Also take lots of photos of the bike before you ride it, so the company can’t blame any scratches or dings on you. 

There are lots of motorbike rental companies around Ko Pha Ngan, and the average cost is around 150 Baht per day.  

The most popular route to explore by motorbike is the west coast of the island. 

Koh Phangan Travel Guide

After taking note of all the best things to do in Koh Phangan, here are some recommendations for where to stay and what to eat. 

Accommodation in Koh Phangan

Whether you’re a budget backpacker who just wants to party, or an upscale traveller looking for the best quality beach resorts, Koh Phangan has it all. 

This hostel is loud, wild, crazy, and perfect for social butterflies and partiers in Koh Phangan. 

It has over 1,000 great reviews on Hostelworld , and it is the best place to stay on the island for the moon parties and just for making friends and taking part in lots of fun, social activities. 

Keep in mind that prices rise during the Full Moon Party, but the hostel is still cheaper than a hotel on Koh Pha Ngan. 

If you want a quieter atmosphere, there are plenty of other hostels on Hostelworld that aren’t party hostels, just do a bit of browsing. 

This new and affordable resort in Koh Phangan is perfect for those who want to experience a bit of luxury on Koh Pha Ngan without spending a ton of money. 

With a super friendly staff, new rooms and private bungalows, a beautiful garden and private pool, and located in a quiet area, this place exudes an aura of comfort and relaxation. 

On my last visit to the island I had the chance to stay in the best luxury resort on Koh Phangan!

Tucked away at the quiet end of Koh Pha Ngan on Thong Nai Pan Beach, and a world away from the hectic Full Moon Party, Panviman Resort is beautiful accommodation is built up on a headland surrounded by jungle with amazing views over the Gulf of Thailand.

The food is next level, they have live music most nights in either their beachside or cliffside restaurant, the hotel staff can organise any tour or activity you want and they even do a floating breakfast!

Want to know the best part? Rooms start at just $110 a night! Proof that you don’t need to kill the budget to enjoy a little bit of luxury in Thailand.

If you’re planning a trip to this part of the country definitely check out Koh Phangan and Panviman Resorts.

What to Eat in Koh Phangan

Don’t miss these amazing restaurants in Koh Phangan for your next visit!

Located on the east coast of Koh Pha Ngan near Bottle Beach, Moonsoon’s Restaurant is a super laid-back local restaurant with delicious, cheap local food.

They have local and western food, all at cheap prices. People also rave about the friendly, English-speaking staff.

Restaurant Sunshine on the west coast of Koh Pha Ngan is a relaxed eatery serving all the classic Thai dishes.

It is moderately priced, the portion sizes are hefty, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

Located on a pristine beach and stocked with fresh and delicious seafood, Milky Bay Restaurant is one of the top-rated places to eat on Koh Phangan. 

The menu is extensive, so you can eat classic Thai food, pizza and pasta, or freshly-caught fish. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Ko Pha Ngan, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the premier backpacking and party destinations in Southeast Asia .

Tourists started traveling to this area in the 1980s, and due to the popularity of its Full Moon Parties, it has been popular ever since.

This is a heavy party destination, especially around the madness that is Haad Rin (location of the Full Moon Party) but, if you head to the northern or eastern beaches on the island, they tend to be a lot more low-key and relaxed.

If you’re not here just to party, there are plenty of yoga and nature resorts here to get away from it all and relax (or recover). So, while the island has become infamous for its chaotic and sprawling Full Moon Party (5,000-25,000 attend the party each month), there is actually a lot more to do here than just binge drink.

This Ko Pha Ngan travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this popular beachy getaway!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Ko Pha Ngan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ko Pha Ngan

1. Go snorkeling

Snorkeling day trips usually run from 11am-5pm and include transportation, snorkeling, swimming, and lunch, for about 1,600 THB per person. You meet tons of people on these tours so they’re great for solo travelers. There is also a tour called the Munchies Tour and another called the Reggae Tour.

2. Enjoy the famous Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party is a giant beach rave with a lot of drinking, dancing, and partying. Each bar has its own sound system, and the beach is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers put on shows, and little booths sell glow-in-the-dark face paint.

3. Tour the temples

Thailand is covered with temples and Ko Pha Ngan is no exception. They are beautiful windows into Thai religion and make for great photo opportunities. Wat Phu Khao Noi and especially Wat Samai Kongka are two of the most beautiful temples on the island.

4. Lounge in the sun

Haad Rin is the most developed beach on the island but, with over 30 beaches to choose from, you can have anything from touristy and developed beaches to deserted and secluded beaches. Thong Nai Pan is one of my favorites, with its white sand and calmer waters.

5. Take a boat trip

Boat trips can be arranged through a variety of resorts and companies around the island. Some of the best itineraries include visits to the Than Sadet Waterfall, Thong Nai Pan, and Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat). Usually, lunch is included on these excursions. Day trips cost 1,600-2,200 THB.

Other Things to See and Do in Ko Pha Ngan

1. swim in a natural mountain pool.

Close to Haad Rin in the direction of Baan Tai, take a turn off to the right where you see the sign stating “river on stone” natural pool, and you will find yourself at the Sramanora waterfall. It is a little out of the way to get to, but definitely worth the trek. There is also a resort close by, with a little restaurant if you get hungry. Two days before and two days after the Full Moon Party, Waterfall Party takes place here. Dance the night away as DJs play electronica and jump in the natural pools when you need to cool off. Admission is 600 THB which includes a beer.

The island is home to a growing number of yoga schools where you can go to relax and revitalize your body. There are numerous options depending on how much time you have and how serious you are. You can go for a single lesson, attend a multi-day retreat, or stay there for six months learning to be a yoga instructor. The drop-in price for a single class (60-90 minutes) is generally around 300 THB. If you’re planning on attending more than one class, a 10-class pass is around 2,200-2,500 THB. Wonderland Healing Center, Samma Karuna, and Pyramid Yoga are some of the most popular yoga studios on the island.

3. Rent a kayak

Just like on many of the other islands, it’s possible to rent a sea kayak and get out on the water. Head out for an hour of paddling or be more ambitious and do an organized day tour. You can find kayaks on nearly every beach, with most starting at around 150 THB per hour. The west coast, from Wok Tum to Koh Ma, is the calmest and offers some of the best kayaking waters to beach hop.

4. Watch (or learn) Muay Thai

Muay Thai has gained international fame as Thailand’s martial art and it’s a thrilling and disciplined sport. It is known as “the art of using eight limbs,” as fighters use fists, knees, elbows, and shins to pummel their opponent. You can catch a fight in one of the island’s three stadiums or sign up for a lesson and learn it yourself. You can even attend a Muay Thai camp here! A private Muay Thai lesson starts around 600-700 THB, a 10-lesson pass is 5,000 THB, and a week’s stay at a training camp starts from 5,000 THB, including accommodation and meals. Diamond Muay Thai and Phangan Muay Thai are the two biggest training gyms.

5. Learn to cook

Thai food is one of the best cuisines in the world. Many tourists come here to just eat and eat and eat. But why not take the extra step and sign up for one of the island’s numerous cooking classes so you can bring the cuisine home with you? Classes begin with a visit to the local market (where you’ll learn about local ingredients and how to select them) and end with a tasty meal of the few different dishes you’ve prepared. Classes cost 1,200-1,500 THB depending on how many dishes you want to make. The Phangan Thai Cooking Class is the preeminent cooking school on the island.

6. Visit the waterfalls

Ko Pha Ngan has its share of waterfalls, although some are only seasonal, drying up partway through the year. If you’re up for some hiking, make your way to one of these for a secluded getaway from the beach party scene. Try Wang Sai and Than Prawet, a couple of the lesser-known waterfalls. July-October is the peak time for seeing the waterfalls with the most water, while November-June is the dry season.

7. Learn to dive

It’s not the top place in Thailand for diving, but there are still some good options here if you want to dive (Ko Tao is a better choice though). The most well-known dive site in the area is Sailrock, a rock that pierces the water and creates the opportunity for a great wall dive down to 40 meters (130 feet). Day trips including two dives, gear, and meals cost around 2,650 THB. Many of the diving centers offer PADI courses as well, which cost 8,500 THB for a three-day certification course.

8. Soak in the culture

The C&M Culture Center offers a variety of classes that you can take to learn more about the traditions of the people of Ko Pha Ngan. Learn how to make pad thai in a cooking class, pick up a few words in a language class, try your hand at learning how to give a Thai massage, or strike a pose in a yoga class. Group classes are 700-1,500 THB, while private classes are 3,000-3,500 THB. The center also puts on special events for Thai holidays and national festivals too.

9. Zipline through the canopy

If heights are your thing, Just for Fun Canopy Adventure offers sweeping zip lines and tree bridges 22 meters (72 feet) in the air! The full course takes about 45 minutes, and you can grab a drink afterward at their Fish Spa. It costs 800 THB per person.

10. Eat your way through the Thong Sala Night Market

Night markets are incredibly popular around Thailand, and Ko Pha Ngan is no exception. The island’s version (also called Phantip Night Market) takes place right by Thong Sala pier and is open daily from 4pm-11pm. Prices range from 20-100 THB. Every Saturday, the market expands onto the streets outside and includes vendors selling crafts and clothing.

11. Admire the views

Epic views can be enjoyed all over the island, whether from natural viewpoints or a jungle café. Ko Ma, Haad Rin, and Chaloklum have all-natural viewpoints that you can get to with varying degrees of difficulty. Some require hiking through the jungle, while others are turn-offs from main roads. Khao Ra is the highest point on the entire island and is only accessible via a steep hiking trail — but the views are worth it! Amsterdam Bar, a three-story bar complete with a pool, is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the water.

12. Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park

This national park, located just 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Ko Pha Ngan, is an archipelago of 42 islands, characterized by steep limestone cliffs and mountains, evergreen and mangrove forests, white-sand beaches with hidden coves, and cascading waterfalls. Animals on the islands include monkeys, macaques, leopards, fishing cats, wild boars, otters, kingfishers, sea eagles, and more. You must visit the park with a licensed tour operator that has a permit to access the archipelago and day trips usually cost around 2,000 THB, with most tours stopping at a few of the islands to go snorkeling, hiking, and/or kayaking. The park is closed from October 20th-December 20th.

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In the high season, bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 600-700 THB per night while an 8-10-bed dorm costs 500 THB. Large dorm rooms with 12-18 beds cost 120-200 THB. Private rooms that sleep two people are 700-2,000 THB. In the low season, prices can sometimes drop by up to half. Free Wi-Fi and AC are standard, while free breakfast not.

As a party destination, most hostels on Ko Pha Ngan have outdoor pools and bars, offer free drinks, and generally have many extra amenities that center around socializing and partying. Many hostels are also located right on the beach. One of the most unique places to stay on the island is called The Sanctuary , which is a yoga retreat that also rents out beds to people looking for a nice beach view.

Note that many hostels require that you pay your balance in cash when you arrive at the property.

There are no designated private campgrounds on Ko Pha Ngan, though you can camp in the national parks. You can rent a two-person tent for 150 THB per night.

Budget hotel prices – Basic beachside bungalows with a fan cost 700-900 THB per night. For a more luxurious bungalow or villa, expect to spend about 1,200-1,800 THB. Cheap rooms can be found for around 400-600 THB per night.

Bungalows are usually located either right on the beach, or with great views of the beach or mountains. They generally have private bathrooms, AC, and Wi-Fi either in the bungalow or in common areas of the resort. Breakfast is sometimes included, though you can also usually add it for 200 THB per day if it’s not.

During New Year’s and the Full Moon Party, prices increase by upwards of 30%, so be prepared if you plan on attending.

On Airbnb, private rooms cost 800-900 THB per night. They’re not very common though; most Airbnb offerings are private entire villas or bungalows and range wildly in price depending on how luxurious you want to get. Most nice (but not extravagant) villas cost 700-1,600 THB per night.

Average cost of food – Thai cuisine is aromatic and spicy with a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries. Many dishes are influenced by Thailand’s many neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Laos, and Myanmar. Thai cuisine uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. Coconut milk is commonly used in curries and desserts, especially in central and southern Thailand. Seafood features heavily in Ko Pha Ngan’s island cuisine.

Popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, pad thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Dessert is usually fruit or various dishes comprised of coconut milk or glutinous rice, with mango sticky rice being a popular dessert.

Eating out in Ko Pha Ngan is quite affordable. Snacks, like a satay skewer or pancake at the night market, cost 10-20 THB. You can find traditional dishes, like curries or fried rice, for around 50-100 THB at a typical street vendor. A meal at most tourist restaurants, especially around Haad Rin, costs about 100-170 THB per meal. Go to Food Stall Park or Little Home Restaurant for some of the best and most affordable Thai cuisine.

Western meals are more expensive, costing 230-350 THB for a meal such as a pasta dish or burger, while a steak is around 450-600 THB. McDonald’s combo meals cost 155 THB. I’d skip the Western food and stick with Thai food, as it’s much cheaper and is much tastier.

When drinking, you can get cheap beers at 7-Eleven and bring them onto the beach to drink. It’s around 50% cheaper this way compared to drinking at the bar. A cappuccino is 110 THB.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay between 1,100-1,400 THB per week for basic groceries like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. However, eating out is so cheap here, it’s much easier to just get food from street vendors and markets than it is to cook your own food.

Backpacking Ko Pha Ngan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend 1,025 THB per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, a few short-distance songthaews, street food, cheap beers from 7-Eleven, and mostly free activities like hiking and swimming. If you’ve come here to party, I’d probably budget closer to 1,640 THB a day.

On a mid-range budget, expect to pay 2,700 THB per day. On this budget, you can get a private Airbnb or cheap guesthouse, eat street food and the occasional sit-down meal, take some taxis to get around, drink more, and do more paid activities like diving or kayaking or a cooking class.

On a “luxury” budget, expect to spend about 5,500 THB per day. On this budget, you can stay in a villa or resort, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a scooter or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, it depends on how many of the tips listed below you use). But we want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Ko Pha Ngan can get expensive, especially if you’re here to do a lot of partying or spending time at one of the expensive yoga retreats. That being said, you can still have a budget-friendly trip if you plan ahead. Here are some ways to save money on Ko Pha Ngan:

• Find deals on a room – As a general guide, the further you walk along the beach, the better deal you get (and the quieter your accommodation will be). If you are coming near the Full Moon Party, arrive at least 3-5 days prior to secure a decent place.
• Time your trip wisely – If you come during the Full Moon Party or Half Moon Party, expect prices to skyrocket! You can pay double or triple what you normally would. My favorite time to visit is about a week before the party when there is just the right number of people on the island.
• Drink cheaply – Buckets, the famous alcohol-filled sand pails popular at the Full Moon Party, cost a lot of money. Save them until later (and save yourself from passing out too). You can get cheap beers at 7-Eleven and bring them onto the beach. It’s much cheaper that way!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay. It’s the best way to get insider tips about a place and connect with people who actually live there.
• Bargain hard – When shopping at the markets, use your negotiation skills. The rule of thumb is the more you buy, the cheaper the prices. So shop in groups for the best deals.
• Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Ko Pha Ngan, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Pick up a LifeStraw , which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Ko Pha Ngan

Looking for accommodation in Ko Pha Ngan? Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Na-Tub Hostel
• Bodega Party Hostel
• Echo Beach Hostel
• The Sanctuary

How to Get Around Ko Pha Ngan

Songthaews – Songthaews (pickup trucks that have been converted to taxis) are the main way to get around. There are no set stops — you just flag one down — though there is usually a sign on the dashboard to let you know the final stop. Expect to pay around 100-400 THB a ride. They have set prices and don’t really offer deals unless there are a lot of people involved.

Motorcycle Rental – You can rent motorcycles around the island for 150-350 THB per day. It’s hilly, so don’t make Ko Pha Ngan the place you learn how to ride a motorbike! There are a lot of accidents on this island because people underestimate the bad road conditions here. Always be sure to wear a helmet, not just for safety but because you can be fined up to 1,000 THB if you’re caught without one!

When to Go to Ko Pha Ngan

The average temperature in Ko Pha Ngan does not change very much throughout the year. The hottest months are from April to June, when temperatures hover between 26-32°C (79-89°F).

November to February are the coolest months and most popular time to visit, with temperatures between 23-30°C (73-86°F). February is the driest month and is the best time to come if you want to soak up the sun or enjoy some water sports. December and January in particular are the busiest months. Expect more crowds and higher prices.

Compared to other parts of Thailand, Ko Pha Ngan has a relatively short rainy season, only lasting from October through the beginning of December. Prices are a little cheaper during this time too.

How to Stay Safe in Ko Pha Ngan

Ko Pha Ngan is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. That said, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur so always keep your valuable secure. When at the beach, don’t leave anything valuable unattended just in case. Always keep your valuables secure when out and about and only bring the cash you need with you when drinking/partying.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re here to party, be aware that drugs are illegal in Thailand and drug use is punishable by time in some pretty bad prisons. Undercover police might try to sell you drugs, then arrest you. Locals might rat you out for a reward. Bottom line? Don’t do drugs while you’re here.

Also, be careful about your buckets of alcohol. Those things are lethal! I have a hard-and-fast rule that I and other experienced Full Mooners follow: no buckets before midnight. If you want to actually see the sunrise, I’d suggest you follow it too.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, read this post on common travel scams to avoid .

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more information about safety in Southeast Asia, check out this article .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Phangan: 24 Best Beaches & Things To Do

An island of spiritual hedonism.

Thailand is one of our favourite countries and we love coming back over and over.

After one and a half months in Koh Samui at the beginning of 2019, we were very excited to go to Koh Phangan.

Back in 2014 we only visited Koh Phangan for a single night and yes, it was for the Full Moon Party .

And while it was a fun and unforgettable experience with our friends, this time we came for the many delicious food options and the relaxed vibe .

During our two weeks on the island this time around, we actively avoided being on the island during the full moon.

And we fell in love with this pristine hippie paradise .

In this travel guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Koh Phangan and share all of our best tips and secrets.

Where to stay in Koh Phangan:

• Luxury : Anantara Rasananda – Koh Phangan’s best and most expensive hotel.
• Value for money : Mangrove Villa – Comfortable rooms with a central location in Thong Sala.
• Budget : Haad Yao Bay View Resort – Direct beach access and where we stayed the longest on the island.

Search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan here .

Table of contents

Why visit Koh Phangan

Koh phangan orientation and map, sri thanu beach and zen beach, secret beach, haad yao beach, haad thien beach, haad gruad beach, haad salad beach, mae haad beach, malibu beach, chaloklum beach, bottle beach, thong nai pan beach, eastern beaches, southern beaches, hang out on the beach, visit a temple or shrine, waterfalls in koh phangan, viewpoints in koh phangan, channel your inner yogi and enjoy the hippie vibe, sport activities, diving and snorkelling, ang thong marine national park, join a thai cooking class, get a massage, moon parties, animal entertainment, best food in thong sala, best food in sri thanu, best food on the rest of the island, vegan and vegetarian places, supermarkets and convenience stores, fresh fruits and greens, renting a scooter, taxis and songthaews, from koh samui, from koh tao, from the thai mainland by bus, train and ferry, dry season (december to march), hot season (april to august), rainy season (september to november), our best tips for visiting koh phangan.

Many people come to Koh Phangan (also sometimes spelled Ko Pha-ngan) for the Full Moon Party , the Half Moon Party or even the Black Moon Party.

But there’s so much more to this gorgeous island.

The beaches are stunning and the water so clear.

The palm tree-lined roads curve beautifully through the lush landscapes .

Traffic on most roads is near non-existent, making exploring Koh Phangan on your own two wheels a delight.

The food options are overwhelmingly good, especially if you’re into eating healthily . Fresh fruit is abundant, and so are fully vegan restaurants and cafés.

The weather is perfect for most of the year.

And as always with Thailand, the people will make you smile time and time again.

Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand – off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus and a part of Surat Thani Province.

Most visitors will arrive in Koh Phangan by the pier in the main town of Thong Sala . This is the main commercial centre of the island.

Some will turn southeast towards Haad Rin , particularly known for the monthly Full Moon Parties.

The east coast north of Haad Rin is scarcely developed but has some very nice beaches and resorts.

Heading northwest from Thong Sala you’ll reach the island’s spiritual centre Sri Thanu before approaching the beaches of Haad Yao, Salad Beach and Mae Haad Beach.

Chaloklum in the north is very relaxed and popular with divers.

Beaches in Koh Phangan

In general, the beaches on the east coast of Koh Phangan are better suited for swimming as the west coast beaches have bigger tidal variations due to offshore reefs (and are shallower).

The sand is very fine on most beaches and they’re all great for playing and tanning.

Of course, the sunrise can be seen from the beaches on the east coast and the sunset from the west coast beaches.

Heading directly towards the ocean from the south part of Sri Thanu (around Karma Kafe), after crossing a small bridge, Sri Thanu Beach will greet you in all of its glory.

It’s probably the widest beach of the island , though development sits on most of the sand. There’s still plenty of room, though.

And it’s beautiful.

If you’re alright getting wet, you can reach Zen Beach by heading north. Otherwise, get back out to the road and then turn left by the language school by the start of the lake.

Zen Beach is perhaps even prettier than its southern neighbour.

We wouldn’t mind spending a few days on the two… to, you know, really compare them.

Read more about where to stay near Sri Thanu Beach and Zen Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Sri Thanu and Zen Beach here (adlink) .

Well… If “secret” is in the name, can it truly be secret?

Nonetheless, adding some allure seems to be great for marketing, because Secret Beach is very popular .

When we arrived in the middle of the day, lots of people were sunbathing, swimming and generally having a great time on Secret Beach. It wasn’t crowded, though.

There’s also a nice beach bar serving snacks and drinks.

If you go all the way to the left of the beach towards the rocks, there are almost no people. We found ourselves a perfect little spot.

You can even climb the cliffs or walk around them in the water, and there will be two more small beaches with only a few people – those people might be naked though, as the extra hidden beaches are considered non-official nudist beaches .

Read more about where to stay near Secret Beach here or search for the best value accommodation here (adlink) .

It’s easy to enjoy your vacation on Haad Yao Beach.

As with most places on the island, it’s a chill place to hang out.

The massage ladies wave and smile, a few children run around, the dogs are playing and people seem genuinely happy.

There are lots of restaurants and bars with just enough space between them to make the beach seem pristine and developed at the same time.

At low tide, the water level gets really low. Haad Yao Beach is calmer at its northern end.

Read more about where to stay near Haad Yao Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Haad Yao Beach here (adlink) .

This beach is very small, but you won’t be sharing it with more than a few other people from the Sense Asia Beach Resort .

You can stroll along a paved boardwalk, but not much happens here. And that’s the point.

Haad Gruad Beach seemed popular with the dedicated yoga crowd, and we also spotted a few people donning their birthday suits.

We went there just before sunset and the vibe was very chill .

There’s a small restaurant or two and a huge swing.

Read more about where to stay near Haad Gruad Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Haad Gruad Beach here (adlink) .

This northwestern beach is quite long and there are lots of restaurants where you can dine looking at the ocean, admiring the sunset.

Salad Beach will appeal to most people looking for a beach in Thailand.

It’s relaxed , not too crowded and has just enough options to keep you occupied.

The beach is nicely sheltered on both its southern and northern ends.

Read more about where to stay near Haad Salad Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Haad Salad Beach here (adlink) .

Mae Haad Beach is definitely one of Koh Phangan’s more unique beaches.

At low tide, you can walk along the sandbar to the nearby small island of Ko Ma .

The beach itself is long, wide and all in all a very attractive place to worship the sun and the gentle waves.

Read more about where to stay near here or search for the best value accommodation near Mae Haad Beach here (adlink) .

Stretching westward from Chaloklum Bay, Malibu Beach was one of our favourite beaches in Koh Phangan.

The cute looking round trees are a fun addition, but the real star of Malibu Beach is the fine-as-powder sand and incredibly clear water.

There’s also a swing for your ‘gram.

Read more about where to stay near Malibu Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Malibu Beach here (adlink) .

Chaloklum Beach in the north is primarily a fishing village.

The main village of Chaloklum is located in the middle of the beach and here there’s a local vibe and you can see lots of fishermen with longtail boats .

To avoid the boats, you can swim at the western and eastern ends of the bay. The sand is white, there are plenty of palm trees and it’s pretty quiet.

All the way to the left, you will find the gorgeous Malibu Beach.

Read more about where to stay near Chaloklum Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Chaloklum Beach here (adlink) .

Bottle Beach can only be reached by boat or by trekking through the jungle, and herein lies some of its appeal.

The reward for getting to this hard-to-reach beach is a pristine stretch of sand with incredible water.

The Thong Nai Pan Beach is divided into two; Thong Nai Pan Noi (north) and Thong Nai Pan Yai (south). You can find them in the northeastern part of Koh Phangan.

Even though it’s a remote part of the island, shops and many great restaurants are available.

We stayed a few days with Buri Rasa Village at Thong Nai Pan Noi and enjoyed the laid back vibe.

Read more about where to stay near Thong Nai Pan Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Thong Nai Pan Beach here (adlink) .

The east side of Koh Phangan is not as developed as the rest of the island.

However, if you go there you can find some beautiful beaches like Haad Than Sadet Beach (close to Than Sadet Waterfall), Haad Thong Reng , Hat Nam Tok , Hat Yang , Haad Why Nam Beach and Haad Yuan Beach .

There are also a few beaches named the same as on the westside: Hat Yao (east) and Haad Thien (east).

Search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan’s northeast here (adlink) .

As previously mentioned, Haad Rin Beach is where the Full Moon Party happens.

If you want to party, this is the place for you.

When we visited this time, we didn’t go to Haad Rin but the beach looks really pretty during the day and when it’s not a full moon.

Leela Beach in the south is worth a visit as well if you are in that area.

If you want to learn more about Haad Rin and Leela Beach, Places of Juma has a great article with the top 12 beaches in Koh Phangan .

Search for the best value accommodation near Haad Rin Beach here (adlink) .

What to do in Koh Phangan

Even if you aren’t the beachgoing type, you have to head to Koh Phangan’s beaches to experience their peacefulness.

Their tranquillity isn’t unmatched in Thailand, but the sense of community, especially on the west coast, is pretty unique.

And the water is beautiful.

There are about 20 temples in Koh Phangan.

Though not as grandiose as the temples in Koh Samui (or in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or other bigger cities), they’re still deeply spiritual places filled with that special religious atmosphere.

Check out Wat Phu Khao Noi , Wat Khao Tam and Wat Pho in the southwest or the Chinese Temple in the northwest.

The temples are free to visit but remember to dress respectfully, i.e. covering your shoulders, chest and knees.

First and foremost: like everywhere else, waterfalls depend on water flow.

If you’re visiting Koh Phangan in the dry season (roughly from December to March) or it simply hasn’t rained much, water won’t be gushing out the falls.

As we were in Koh Phangan in the dry season, we only visited two waterfalls.

There are quite a few more if you’re in the mood for chasing them.

Paradise waterfall

Paradise waterfall is in the northern part of Koh Phangan close to Chaloklum Bay.

The road leading to the falls is short from the main road but steep in sections and bumpy.

Though not material for a documentary on dangerous roads, be careful.

There’s a rope swing plunging you into the water and an option to hike up the falls to get a great view.

The price is 20 baht per person (~ less than 1 USD / 1 EUR), including a water bottle.

Great plastic karma to you if you say no thanks and bring your own water instead. The price is the same though.

Phaeng waterfall

Part of the Thansadej National Park , Phaeng waterfall is a very accessible waterfall in Koh Phangan.

The park is actually home to several different waterfalls, with the two closest to the entrance being Phaeng Noi Waterfall and Phaeng Yai Waterfall .

They run off into pools suitable for swimming.

There are options for both a short and a long hiking route in the park. We just went to the Dom Sila viewpoint .

Flip flops won’t kill you but wearing sturdy shoes will make the trek much more enjoyable.

The ground is basically roots and stones and can potentially become very slippery.

The entrance is free but you have to pay for parking which is around 20 baht for scooters (~ less than 1 USD / 1 EUR) and 50 baht for cars (~ 1.6 USD / 1.4 EUR).

Being a mountainous island , Koh Phangan has some pleasing viewpoints scattered around its hillsides.

Whenever the road gets steep, follow it to its steepest point and you’ll probably get a pretty good view.

One of the more famous ones is the Dom Sila viewpoint located inside the Thansadej National Park.

Not so much into hiking? It’s possible to drive all the way to Secret Mountain .

Alex found a cool and probably very seldom visited viewpoint on one of his runs.

Start at Diamond Muay Thai just north of Thong Sala and continue past the small lakes.

Go right and from there take the steepest road. Once at the top, you’ll have a great view over the southwest of Koh Phangan.

If you love yoga , you will love Koh Phangan.

Even better if you love people who love yoga. Because there are a lot of those people on the island!

You can find several yoga studios, yoga teacher courses and other activities related to a holistic health approach scattered around, though mainly close to Sri Thanu on the west coast.

If yoga is the spiritual gateway “drug”, Koh Phangan is the vortex you might end up in.

Apart from yoga, there are also a lot of other courses offered.

We are going to mention a few: tantric communication, breath of love intensive, Ayurveda juice detox, inner dance, dragon magick, shiatsu massage, aquatic therapy training, blue lotus initiation, crystal vocal alchemy and mandala art expression.

Yeah, we are just listing a bunch of courses we saw on flyers around the island and we don’t know what half of them mean, but it sounds really cool!

You can even learn to become a rebirthing breathwork facilitator.

Okay, we will stop now…

…But not before letting you know that there even is a resort offering a full fruitarian experience .

Luckily there are lots of other ways to stay active in Koh Phangan if meditation music makes you yawn.

Get buff at Evolve in Sri Thanu where you’ll find free weights, gymnastic rings and boxing bags. There are day passes as well as cheaper prices for memberships.

You can also opt to join the locals in the national sport Thai boxing (Muay Thai) at one of the dedicated gyms.

If you want some scenery to go along with your workout, rent a mountain bike and explore the steep dirt roads.

Being an island, there are also lots of wind and water sports available including kite surfing and kayaking .

Dogs can, unfortunately, be a nuisance on some of the smaller roads if you’re running , but stick to the main roads and go in the early morning and you’ll have no problem getting a runner’s high.

The main roads in the northwest and the northeast are especially great for adding some vertical to your routine.

There are a few reefs around the island, most notably at Koh Ma in the northwest and at Koh Tae Tok in the southwest.

The neighbouring island, Koh Tao, is more famous for its diving sites but from Koh Phangan, you can easily reach many of the same sites.

Sail Rock is about an hour’s boat ride from Koh Phangan and here you can meet manta rays, barracudas and sometimes even whale sharks.

Southwest Pinnacles and Koh Nang Yuan are also popular choices.

There are several dive schools in Koh Phangan more than willing to take you out into the Gulf of Thailand.

The archipelago southwest of Koh Phangan consists of 42 smaller islands in different shapes and sizes, famous for their untouched beauty.

The main island Ko Wua Talap contains the national park’s headquarters, a cave, a stunning beach as well as the main draw for most visitors to Ang Thong; the view dubbed the viewpoint of viewpoints – also called the most beautiful sight in Thailand.

So far, we have to agree.

On the other islands, it’s possible to visit an emerald lake , hike to other viewpoints, chill out on the secluded beaches or snorkel in the waters.

There’s an entrance fee of 300 baht per person (~ 9.4 USD / 8.3 EUR) which is sometimes included in the price.

Kayaking, snorkel gear, food and drinks are sometimes included as well, but not always – so make sure to double check with your travel agent.

We booked one of the few bungalows in the national park to be able to spend more time soaking in the beauty of this place.

Ang Thong Marine National Park is usually closed in November and December due to rough ocean conditions.

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If you love Thai food you can learn how to cook delicious meals yourself by signing up for a cooking class.

They’re great fun and you’ll usually walk away with the exact recipes and new knowledge of the cooking concepts.

Sometimes, you’ll also visit a local market to buy fresh produce before getting into the kitchen.

Expect to pay around 1,500 baht (~ 47 USD / 42 EUR) for a three-meal course.

We didn’t try it, but the school by the lake in Sri Thanu is supposed to be pretty good.

Getting a massage is one of our favourite activities in Thailand!

Thai massages are so hardcore but so amazing.

And the prices are more than fair .

Usually, an hour of Thai massage will cost you 300 baht (~ 9.4 USD / 8.3 EUR).

The massage parlours also offer oil massages, deep tissue massages (not for the faint of heart), Swedish massages as well as other types of beauty treatments.

As previously mentioned, you will have lots of opportunities to party hard in Koh Phangan.

The biggest ball is without a doubt the famous Full Moon Party .

Once a month, everything neon clashes at Haad Rin on the southeast of the island for the legendary party, attended by thousands of people.

If you don’t like crowds , this is not the party for you.

Walking through the narrow streets leading down to the beach, you practically get buckets of alcohol thrown at you for a few hundred baht.

With sand under your feet, it’s all about stumbling your way to a scene where you can dance until the sun rises.

Naturally, every bed gets booked up around the full moon in Koh Phangan, so if you plan to attend, it’s wise to secure your accommodation well in advance.

It almost goes without saying, but if you attend the Full Moon Party you have to be extremely aware to hold on to your belongings, keep your drink from getting spiked and worse.

The atmosphere is fun, but there’s unfortunately also a dark side to the festivities.

Be careful and have a good time, but remember moderation!

There are also parties twice monthly at the half moons as well as one at the black moon .

What not to do in Koh Phangan

Or should we say animal exploitation ?

Please, avoid riding elephants , taking selfies with tigers or watching dolphin shows.

There are so many reasons you shouldn’t support this kind of cruelty.

Read all about it in our detailed guide Be a responsible tourist in Thailand: 10 things you need to know .

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

Whether you want to rough it and stay in a wooden bungalow without electricity or a luxurious resort , Koh Phangan will offer a suitable place to rest your head.

Compared to Koh Samui, the top resorts aren’t as high-end, and there aren’t any condo-type places, but the options are still pretty good.

Be sure to book well in advance as the best hotels and guesthouses in Koh Phangan tend to fill fast.

If all you want from a trip to Koh Phangan is yoga , vegan food and beautiful beaches , staying in or near Sri Thanu is a no-brainer.

The western beaches are generally gorgeous, the food here is super health-oriented and there are so many yoga schools offering everything from daily sessions to month-long teacher courses.

Sri Thanu is where most digital nomads and expats tend to stay in Koh Phangan.

The “city” itself can easily be walked, but having your own scooter is advisable for exploring the nearby beaches and areas. Unless you really like hills…

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations in Sri Thanu or search for the best value accommodation in Sri Thanu here (adlink) .

Beyond The Blue Horizon Villa Resort

With just 9 villas, Beyond The Blue Horizon is one of the more intimate villa resorts near Sri Thanu.

The pool overlooks the beautiful beach , as do some of the rooms, and they all include a balcony/patio, free wifi, air conditioning and a private bathroom.

It’s located right next to a yoga studio, and the delicious eateries of Sri Thanu are just minutes away.

Check prices and availability at Beyond The Blue Horizon Villa Resort (adlink) .

Loyfa Natural Resort

With the heart of Sri Thanu in walking distance , you’ll love the location of Loyfa Resort if you appreciate a wide array of healthy dining options.

The resort itself is situated by a private beach with sunset views and also has two pools .

Each room features a balcony (some with sea views ), free wifi, air condition and a private bathroom.

If you wanna go fancy without totally breaking the bank, consider booking the romantic pool villa .

By the way, rumour says that the breakfast includes vegan pancakes…

Check prices and availability at Loyfa Natural Resort (adlink) .

Benjamin Hut

Benjamin Hut looks like a promising place if you’re looking for a cheap double bed to sleep in near Sri Thanu.

There’s a pool and the ocean (and sunset) is mere steps away.

Each guestroom comes with a small balcony , air conditioning and a private bathroom.

Check prices and availability at Benjamin Hut (adlink) .

Staying north of Sri Thanu on the west coast of Koh Phangan is very popular for both families and independent travellers .

The beaches are nice for tanning and relaxing and there are plenty of good-value accommodations and Thai restaurants.

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan’s northwest here (adlink) .

Haad Yao Bay View Resort

We spent the majority of our time in Koh Phangan at Haad Yao Bay View Resort and ended up really liking it.

It’s a huge hotel with almost 200 rooms, so you’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for very personalized service.

What we got instead was a low-priced room with a desk , wifi (we asked specifically for a room close to a router as some of them might have weaker connections), air condition and a private bathroom.

We opted out of the breakfast and instead drove around the west coast for morning adventures followed by café and restaurant meals.

Haad Yao Bay View Resort is located in the northernmost part of Haad Yao Beach and you’ll be just steps away from the ocean. The hotel also has a pool , which we didn’t use, but it looked nice.

Check prices and availability at Haad Yao Bay View Resort (adlink) .

Cookies Salad Resort

The 3-starred beachfront resort Cookies Salad overlooks Haad Salad Beach from its southern end.

All the rooms feature ocean views as well as air conditioning and private bathrooms.

There’s a pool, and people seem to really like staying here with friendly staff and good food from the restaurant.

Check prices and availability at Cookies Salad Resort (adlink) .

Thong Sala is a very convenient place to stay in Koh Phangan as it’s pretty much in the middle of everything (you can’t stay at the geographic middle of Koh Phangan as it’s jungle-clad).

This also means that you have to drive to get to most activities and beaches, but as the island isn’t too big, this might not be an issue.

Thong Sala Pier is where the ferries arrive and depart to the mainland as well as to Koh Tao and Koh Samui.

The food options are great , and if you want to be able to walk from place to place, wheels aren’t needed here.

The average price for sleeping in Thong Sala is cheaper than the rest of the island, which could be the main argument for staying here.

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Thong Sala here (adlink) .

Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane

If you want a 5-star luxurious, romantic stay on Phangan staying between Thong Sala and Sri Thanu, this is probably your best bet.

The beach isn’t the island’s best, but with the resort’s pool plus either a room overlooking the ocean (and sunset !) or a room with a private plunge pool , you’ll manage.

Check prices and availability at Kupu Kupu (adlink) .

Haad Rin is the main tourist town of Koh Phangan and where you’ll find the best nightlife.

It’s also where the monthly Full Moon Party is held, so book in advance if you want to stay here in the week leading up to the event!

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Haad Rin here (adlink) .

Richmond Guesthouse

Richmond Guesthouse isn’t the most classy hotel in town, but it just might be the best value place to sleep in Haad Rin.

The rooms look rather basic, but there’s free wifi, air condition and a private bathroom – all within walking distance of the beach.

Check prices and availability at Richmond Guesthouse (adlink) .

Palita Lodge

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay close to the Full Moon Party where you’ll actually be able to sleep , consider Palita Lodge at the northern part of Haad Rin.

As there are no DJs in front during the party, it’s definitely one of the lesser noisy places to stay, yet you’ll still be in walking distance to the action.

The rooms look nice, as does the garden, and there’s a pool for you to plunge in.

Check prices and availability at Palita Lodge (adlink) .

When we arrived at Koh Phangan, we stayed in the northeast for a few nights.

This is the most remote part of Koh Phangan, and though there are plenty of restaurants to try, you’ll have to drive to Thong Sala and onwards from there to explore the rest of the island.

If you are simply looking for a chilled vacation in Koh Phangan, this is perfect. If you want to see the whole island in a few days, perhaps it’s less suitable… Though the distances aren’t far by international standards – the longest trip in Koh Phangan isn’t more than an hour or an hour and a half of driving.

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan’s northeast here (adlink) .

Buri Rasa Village

Buri Rasa Village in Koh Phangan is a great choice for any holidaymaker; young, old or in-between, looking for a relaxing tropical vacation on one of Thailand’s most unique islands.

If you’re looking to unwind and have fun , the natural splendour of the northeastern part of Koh Phangan and the charming setting of Buri Rasa Village offers you the perfect place in which to do so.

You can see lots of pictures and read more about Buri Rasa Village in our review or you can check prices and availability here (adlink) .

Anantara Rasananda

Though comfort beyond what Buri Rasa offers is probably overkill for most travellers, nearby Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas offers a truly luxurious resort experience (for more than double the price, as well).

Reviewers are raving about their experiences here, especially praising the quality of the service and the beautiful rooms.

Check prices and availability at Anantara Rasananda (adlink) .

Suan Sawan Ocean View

If you’re on a smaller budget and still want to stay comfortably in the northeast of Koh Phangan, Suan Sawan Ocean View looks like a solid bet.

It’s not located directly on the beach, but it has a pool and the beach is only a few minutes of walking away.

The sea view rooms have balconies, air condition and private bathrooms, making Suan Sawan Ocean View seem like great value for money .

Check prices and availability at Suan Sawan Ocean View (adlink) .

Where to eat in Koh Phangan

We have rarely eaten as diversely and as well as we did while visiting Koh Phangan.

The restaurant and café scene is bursting with creativity and there’s a lot of soul being put into the food on the island.

If you have dietary restrictions of any kind, you won’t have any problem finding suitable foods.

As vegans, we found that we could eat almost any kind of food we wanted to in a vegan version – all the way from shawarma and Indian foods to pizza and burgers.

There are also a lot of great cafés in Koh Phangan offering organic coffee, smoothie bowls, delectable desserts and nice work environments.

Of course, you won’t have any problem finding delicious Thai food. Also in organic and vegan versions.

Happy eating!

Being the biggest city in Koh Phangan it makes sense that you’ll find many of the island’s best places to have a bite in Thong Sala.

The Pantip Market is a no-brainer if you want to snack the night away and sample all kinds of known and unknown foods – including organic Thai food at Soul Organics .

Pizza Luna , located inside the food market just east of Thong Sala, serves the best pizzas on the island.

Sri Thanu is the epicentre of spiritualism and health in Koh Phangan so this is naturally where you’ll find the highest concentration of restaurants and cafés focusing on whole foods and their healing powers.

Just walking down the main street, you’re spoilt for choice.

Get your favourite foods in vegan versions at Eat.co and at Karma Kafe , go for a Middle Eastern feast at Taboon or head just south of town to dine at Chana Masala where you can munch on dosas and other tasty Indian foods or visit a bit further south Pure Vegan Heaven that .

If you rent your own wheels (this is definitely the best way to explore the island), driving from restaurant to restaurant is a great way to spend the day in Koh Phangan.

Walu Bowls is where to go for perfect açai bowls and a nice cup of coffee to start the day right.

At Organic Vegetarian Food by Mrs Pong, you might have to be patient as Mrs Pong is working solo in the kitchen, but the Thai food coming out of there is so worth it.

If you’re up near the northwest of the island, stop by at Ying Ying’s Kitchen for home cooked rice dishes, noodles and Thai curries.

We got the best cups of coffee at Bubba’s Roastery in Haad Yao.

During our stay in Koh Phangan, we ate 100% vegan fare with delight.

It’s probably one of the easiest places to get vegan food in Southeast Asia.

Koh Phangan is home to astonishingly many vegan-friendly places!

We have written a detailed vegan guide to Koh Phangan with the best restaurants and cafés .

Check out the Koh Phangan map on Happycow for an updated overview of all the animal-friendly places to eat on the island or find some great vegan recipes you can cook yourself .

As in Koh Samui, you will find a Big C , a Tesco Lotus and a Makro in Koh Phangan.

They’re smaller and stock a less diverse range of products than their Samui namesakes, but all offer most anything you’ll realistically need while staying on the island.

In the afternoons, there’s usually a local market in front of Big C where you can shop for low-quality clothes as well as Thai food.

There are lots of 7/11 and Family Mart shops on the island. They’re both open 24 hours a day and are quite well stocked when it comes to snacks and daily necessities.

The strong air conditioning inside them can be a lifesaver in the heat and their prices aren’t outrageous.

For the freshest and cheapest fruits and vegetables in Koh Phangan, you have to visit the local fruit stalls.

They draw you in with their rainbow displays and keep you coming back because everything is so fresh and embarrassingly cheap.

In many of the fruit stalls, it’s also possible to order fruit shakes and fruit platters .

How to get around Koh Phangan

Unfortunately, Koh Phangan hasn’t really prioritized public transportation on the island.

Almost everyone has their own motorbike or car .

It’s possible to rent your own vehicle during your stay in Koh Phangan. Prices vary depending on the model and the place you rent it from.

Apparently, some motorbike shops scam tourists so it’s advisable to check out reviews of the place before you rent the vehicle.

We rented a Honda Click motorbike from Budget Two in Thong Sala at the pier and we can recommend this shop. It was very professional and our motorbike was new and worked perfectly.

Go for a new model with good brakes . Compared to the rest of Southeast Asia, the roads are new and in relatively nice condition in Koh Phangan, but beware that many of them are very curvy and hilly.

Normally, a motorbike costs 250 baht per day (~ 7.8 USD / 7 EUR) but as we rented ours for 9 days, we got it for 200 baht per day (~ 6.3 USD / 5.6 EUR).

You can probably get an even better price if you rent it for longer or bargain harder.

It’s very important to insist on getting a helmet and then to always wear it while driving.

We saw a lot of “ veeeery cool people” not wearing helmets and some even listened to music while driving. Be careful on the roads.

If driving yourself isn’t your prefered mode of transportation, you can also grab a yellow and red taxi or find a seat in an open taxi called songthaew .

The latter is usually the cheapest option, although prices can vary greatly depending on your bargaining skills, the time of day and even the mood of the driver.

How to get to Koh Phangan

As Koh Samui is the best-connected island of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, many people opt to travel to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui by boat.

Every day, at least three ferries leave from Big Buddha Pier on Koh Samui’s north coast and arrive at the pier in Haad Rin (making it especially convenient for the partygoers).

There are also ferries from Bangrak Pier, Maenam Pier, Lipa Noi Pier and Nathon Pier that instead arrive in Phangan’s main city, Thong Sala .

The boats start running in the morning and keep on making the crossing until it’s almost midnight.

The price for a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan should be between 300 and 600 baht (between ~ 9.4 USD / 8.5 EUR and ~ 18.8 USD / 17 EUR) depending on the speed of travel and comfort level.

The trip takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours.

Koh Tao is further away from Koh Phangan than Koh Samui is, so from here the trip takes from 1 to 2 hours.

There are about 6 ferries doing the trip each day with prices hovering around 500 baht (~ 15.7 USD / 14.1 EUR).

From the Thai mainland, the best way to get to Koh Phangan is by taking a ferry from Surat Thani Pier or Donsak Pier .

To get there from Bangkok , a good choice is to take the sleeper train from Hua Lamphong Station or one of the many buses leaving early in the morning.

Combined bus + ferry tickets are easy to buy from tour operators.

The boats arrive in Koh Phangan between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 6 hours after departing – depending on from where you leave, the boat’s speed and whether or not it stops in Koh Samui before reaching Koh Phangan.

From Surat Thani Town , expect to pay around 350 baht (~ 11 USD / 9.9 EUR) for a 4-hour trip.

Schedules change frequently and vary with the seasons, so be sure to make arrangements prior to travelling if you want to lock down your itinerary.

If you have more leeway, it’s possible to simply arrive on the pier and ask about the next crossing.

The first boat to Koh Phangan usually leaves around 7 am and the last in the afternoon.

If you’re late to the party (both figuratively and literally), consider catching a ferry to Koh Samui and then connect onwards from there.

Tip: Full Moon Party coming up? The ferries and boats will be full of partygoers travelling to Koh Phangan, so make sure to book in advance.

When to visit Koh Phangan

When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan?

Koh Phangan is an all-year-round holiday spot .

The weather is really pleasant most of the time and there are lots of things to do in any kind of weather.

Throughout the year, the average temperature is about 28°C (82ºF).

Generally, there are three seasons in Koh Phangan: the dry season, the hot season and the rainy season.

There’s always a chance it’s gonna rain , but October and November are the wettest months.

February and March are the sunniest and driest months in Koh Phangan.

As with any other place, the weather can change from year to year.

In the dry season, the weather in Koh Phangan is amazing.

Peak season is from mid-December to mid-February .

If you’re planning your vacation during these months it’s recommended to book in advance .

There will always be available accommodation in Koh Phangan, but the best hotels, bungalows and villas might be fully booked.

We visited from March 2 to March 15 in 2019 and the weather was perfect.

The sun is very strong , especially from around 11 am to 3 pm. We recommend that you eat lunch, take a nap or at least stay in the shade at this time.

In the hot season, you can expect hot daytime sunshine followed by cooling afternoon rain showers.

Because of the holidays, July and August are popular months to visit Koh Phangan.

The region is one of the drier ones in Thailand during the summer months.

It rains quite a lot from July to December with October and November being the rainiest months .

Like in most other tropical places, it’s usually heavy rain for a short amount of time.

You will also have many hours of dry and sunny weather even if it’s rainy season.

As always, there are pros and cons to visiting Koh Phangan during the low season.

It’s much less crowded and you can be lucky to find great deals on accommodation .

The landscape will be greener and the waterfalls will flow freely .

You’ll have to deal with the showers, though.

• One of our top tips for a more sustainable stay in Koh Phangan is to fill water into larger containers from one of the “water machines” set up around the island. The water is priced at just 1 baht per litre. It’s totally safe to drink and can heavily reduce the number of plastic bottles you end up using on your trip.
• The electrical outlets in Koh Phangan generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
• How long to stay in Koh Phangan is a difficult question to answer – you can see the highlights in a few adventure-filled days or spend weeks eating your way through all of the delicious food and exploring the nooks and crannies of the island.
• Koh Phangan vs Koh Samui vs Koh Tao … If you have the time, why choose? Each island offers something unique and is just a short ferry ride away. Quickly summarized, Koh Phangan has unique parties and more of an undiscovered vibe + a big yoga community, Koh Samui offers the best value accommodation and has something for everyone and Koh Tao is much smaller and famous for its diving schools.
• Beachwear belongs on the beach . Though the Thai inhabitants of Koh Phangan are used to tourists, it’s considered inappropriate to wear beachwear anywhere else.
• Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling in the high season (July, August and December to March) or around the full moon . There will always be beds available, but many of the best hotels and resorts get fully booked months ahead.
• Koh Phangan is beautiful . Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content .
• Wifi in Koh Phangan is everywhere in hotels and cafés. It’s usually fast enough. If you need to stay connected while on the road, consider buying a local SIM card with data. It’s rather cheap and the process is simple.
• Koh Phangan is super family-friendly . Thai people love children, and lazing around is hassle-free on the island.
• The sun is strong . Remember your sun protection!
• Credit cards are mostly used at upscale places, so you’ll need to carry cash for most restaurants, shops and services.
• You’ll seldom be far away from an ATM and/or a place to exchange money . Usually, it’s cheapest to withdraw money in baht. Because of fees, try to limit your amount of withdrawals and go for your daily max each time.
• With a few well-respected hospitals, clinics and dentists on the island, help is never too far away should you have any medical issues while visiting Koh Phangan. For really serious stuff, Koh Samui or Surat Thani have better facilities.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting all the way to the end!

We hope our guide to Koh Phangan has been useful.

If you’ve visited Koh Phangan, it would be awesome to hear your best tips in the comments.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help.

Currently planning a trip? Check out our article Hand Luggage Only: Our Packing List for Travelling in Southeast Asia for Several Months for what to pack when travelling to Koh Phangan.

Pin for later:

Our favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for cheap hotels.
• Momondo for the best flight deals.
• SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

• Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
• Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
• See all of our camera gear here .
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• A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Samui: 32 Best Beaches & Things To Do - Everything you need to know including where to stay, popular activities and where to eat
• Overlap Stone 1 + 2 in Koh Samui Travel Guide: How to Visit & What To Expect - Everything you need to know about the experiences
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2 thoughts on “ A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Phangan: 24 Best Beaches & Things To Do ”

Hi, after reading your blog, I felt like I have to visit this place. Me and my wife have planned to visit koh phangan in Feb 2023, although we have decided to skip the full moon party. Thanks for such detailed virtual tour of the place.

Hi Niraj, we’re happy to hear that you found our travel guide useful! We truly hope you will have an awesome time in Koh Phangan in February 🙂

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So according to the schedule, in the afternoon of the first day of the trip, we dragged each other around the island to check in the most beautiful corners. We explored the super beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan to take photos where a lot of our fantastic moments were captured. These photos have attracted quite many likes from our friends.

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Some beautiful beaches to note are:

Bottle Beach: This beach is amazingly green with white sand and many sailboats. Just like in those calendar pictures.

Haad Salad: There are a lot of hammocks and coastal palm trees. This beach is less visited and should be wild and quiet. Come here and lie on a hammock while thinking about life. Sounds pretty cool for me.

Haad Rin: Not to mention this beach is the most famous one on the island. This place is where the Full Moon Party festival takes place, which attracts tourists from all over the island to come here. This is home to bars and restaurants so you should expect to see a huge crowd here. The drinkers also gather in this area, so you beautiful girls should be aware when walking on this beach at night.

Haad Yao: Plan your schedule to come to this beach for sunset watch is the best. Haad Yao was voted as the most romantic beach on the island. Admire the sea view and turn up a love song to sing along just like in a romantic novel. Whoever has a crush should come here to confess his love.

Evening: Culinary and party culture

After walking along the beach, your stomach must have been craving for food. So, let’s come to Thong Sala Night Market. Available at the market are regular and affordable Thai foods: Pad Thai, papaya salad, porridge, fruit cake, smoothies, coconut cream and so on. We recommend that you try mushroom smoothies “only on Koh Phangan”!

Or you can stop by Haad Rin area where restaurants and eateries run along the coast. With a tight budget, common local eateries are good enough; if you want to try something more special, visit a fancy restaurant. In addition, there are also street vendors on the beach in case you want to chew something during your walk. A lot of fresh seafood dishes are prepared for visitors, and if possible, try the perch fish with a bottle of beer.

* Tips: On Koh Phangan island, most of Belgian famous beers are available for you to try.

Remember to throw your trash in the dumpsters.

At night, you should go to a beachside bar, listen to music, and make friends with visitors from all over the world. Nothing much, buying a bottle of chilled beer is enough to blend into the lively atmosphere here. Plus, the staff in Koh Phangan bars are very polite, courteous and hospitable. Thus, the party should be exciting until midnight.

Koh Phangan itinerary: Day 2 (#koh phangan travel blog)

Morning – afternoon: go for a swim and experience water games.

Well, getting up at dawn when traveling is an extremely difficult challenge. It seems that everyone is determined to “get up early tomorrow to welcome a new day” and the result is having brunch is always awesome, right? Me too!

Therefore, our second day started a little late because last night we had a little too much to drink, so we stayed in until 9 before we finally arrived at the beach!

This is the main part of our island trip: swimming! It’s undeniably the pearl of Thailand, the sea here is beautiful and charming. Clear turquoise water, white sandy beach without a piece of trash, cool breeze blowing through your skin and shady green palm trees running along the coast make an incredible impression. A dreamy background for people to take amazing photos.

There are different features for each beach: Haad Rin is vibrant and bustling while Hat Yuan and Hat Thian are quieter and more peaceful. Whichever you prefer, just head straight to that beach.

Something to note: Wear your bikini. You know what, Koh Phangan welcomes year-round Western visitors so everyone wears their bikinis wandering around the island. Remember that in Koh Phangan, everyone is beautiful. Don’t worry if you are not in your best fit. Feel free to show off your body! (Actually, if you’re wearing something not bikini to walk on the beach, it will be quite strange. Then, don’t question why everyone keeps looking at you.)

Another activity that attracts tourists to this island is water games. Adventurous and relaxing games are always available to try at all times. The most popular one is scuba diving, which is a great way to admire the ocean with a variety of beautiful corals and fish under the water.

Besides, you may try kayaking, surfing, fishing and so on. People coming to the islands of Thailand mainly because they want to try these water sports there, you should also experience them. You will love them for sure.

Evening: Go wild with the Full Moon Party

My favorite part of the 3-day trip to Koh Phangan is the Full Moon Party. As its name suggests, the Full Moon Party is a banquet that takes place on the full moon day at the busiest Haad Rin beach of this beautiful island of Koh Phangan. This is not a traditional festival of indigenous people, nor is it a meeting for international visitors but it is a party for the youth when coming to this island.

Taking part in this party, you will enjoy awesome EDM hits while burning yourself with extremely unique and dramatic fire dance performances throughout the night. And the most exciting part is to use luminous paint to decorate yourself similar to the Color Me Run activity. To make it straight, it’s super dirty but fun at the same time.

And yet, everyone would drink, enjoy the food and talk through the night as if they knew each other from previous lives. Just keep going like that until late night.

In 2019 the festival will take place on January 20, February 20, March 20, April 19, May 19, June 17, July 18, August 15, September 13, October 14, November 11, and December 11. So you have to plan your schedule to attend the Full Moon Party on the right day.

Koh Phangan itinerary: Day 3

Morning: conquer the wild nature.

You must be chilling hard last night, so the next morning should be rather relaxing. In Koh Phangan in addition to swimming and water games, you can visit the natural gardens where lush greenery and butterflies cover the sky, Ann Thong Geopark or beautiful poetic natural waterfalls.

Great waterfalls include Nam Tok Than Sadet and Nam Tok Phaeng. Remember to wear shoes that have good grip or the road will be really slippery and dangerous.

Afternoon: Visit sacred temples on the island

If you are interested in spiritual life and want to spend some time on a religious site during the island trip, the afternoon can be spent to visit the temples of Koh Phangan. Of course, on the land of the golden pagoda, there are pagodas everywhere.

The most famous is Guanyin. Besides, Wat Khao Tham, Wat Phu Khao Noi, Wat Samai Kongkha and Wat Pho attract a lot of tourists.

The pagodas and temples here seem majestic and somewhat mysterious, so whether you come here to pray for peace or just visit as a tourist, you still need to keep an attitude for discipline and show your respect.

Evening: Visit the market for gifts and souvenirs

The best place to buy Thai gifts in Koh Phangan that you should pay a visit is Thong Sala Market, which sells clothes, fabric, jewelry, food and so on for an affordable price. Well, on the island, the most popular tourist attraction is the sea so there are no luxurious shopping centers for you to hunt for expensive stuff.

Koh Phangan is indeed an ideal place to take oneself away on a vacation. If you have a chance to go to Thailand, remember to explore this island. It’s worth your time and money.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Koh Phangan you can refer to

• Koh Phangan Day Tour by Junk Boat
• Koh Phangan Day Tour by Speedboat
• Koh Pha Ngan (Mingalaba) Road Trip
• Ferry & Bus Ticket between Bangkok and Koh Pha Ngan by Lomprayah
• Ferry Ticket between Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Samui (Nathon Pier/Pralarn Pier) by Lomprayah
• Ferry Ticket between Koh Samui (Nathon Pier/Pralarn Pier) and Koh Pha Ngan by Lomprayah
• Lomprayah Ferry Ticket (One Way) between Phuket and Koh Phangan Koh Phangan One Way Ferry Ticket to Koh Tao
• Ferry Ticket between Chumphon (Thung Makham Noi Pier) and Koh Pha Ngan by Lomprayah
• [SALE] 4G Sim Card (Thailand Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G SIM Card (BKK Airport Pick Up) for Thailand (Unlimited Data)
• 4G Pocket WiFi (Bangkok and Phuket Airports Pick Up) for Thailand
• 4G Portable WiFi for Thailand from Uroaming (Unlimited Data)

Are you looking for more Thailand travel guide and top things to do in Thailand: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Thailand travel blog — The fullest Thailand travel guide for a budget trip to Thailand for the first-timers .

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Koh Phangan – The Ultimate Travel Guide!

Koh Phangan in Thailand is certainly one of the most amazing islands in the country . Today, although no longer an insider tip, it is now a popular destination for backpackers, dropouts and yogis, but also individual travelers and luxury vacationers are increasingly drawn to this dream island. Above all, the offer of paradisiacal beaches is on this island unparalleled in Thailand and makes the heart of sun-hungry beach vacationers beat faster. In addition to the many beautiful picture book beaches , you will find a really impressive offer of unique things to do in Koh Phangan, including visiting tropical waterfalls, picturesque temples, deep jungle and breathtaking viewpoints. Definitely, enough attractions to spend several weeks on Koh Phangan.

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information about Koh Phangan Island in Thailand. In addition, we show you the most beautiful attractions, activities and where to find the best accommodations.

Good to know!

If you are still looking for where to stay on Koh Phangan , we can recommend the lovely Castaway Beach Bungalows . For a special vacation, you should take a look at the ingenious Buri Rasa Koh Phangan .

Koh Phangan is especially known for its impressive, tropical dream beaches . Here we show you the most beautiful beaches in Koh Phangan , which are perfect for a vacation.

The best travel time for Koh Phangan is in January, February, and March. Furthermore, from April to August, there is mostly nice weather. In autumn, you have to expect more rain.

For getting from Bangkok to Koh Phangan there are several options that can be organized relatively easily. Air, bus, train, but also combination tickets can be found most conveniently online at 12goasia .

General information about Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, and is 65 kilometers from the mainland, between the two islands of Koh Samui to the south and Koh Tao to the north. It has a size of about 125 km² and is part of the Samui archipelago, a group of islands that includes another 60 islands and islets. The famous Ang Thong National Park, a popular destination for boat trips, is also located in this region. Koh Phangan is well-known for its countless paradise beaches and the unique dropout flair that can be felt almost everywhere on the island.

The island’s capital is Thong Sala, where the ferry also docks. In the city you will find countless bars, backpacker hostels and also the lovely Thong Sala Night Market , which is known for its good street food. Especially famous is the place Haad Rin on the southern tip, where once a month on the full moon the infamous Full Moon Party takes place. However, the other parts of the island are quiet and perfect for a really idyllic vacation.

Things to do in Koh Phangan

Many people know Koh Phangan because of the infamous Full Moon parties. But this beautiful island has much more to offer! Here we have summarized the best things to do in Koh Phangan , the coolest activities and viewpoints at a glance:

Leela Beach

One of the most beautiful places on Koh Phangan is the gorgeous Leela Beach . It is located in the south of the island and impresses with its spectacular beach scenery. Here you can expect a real dream beach with the finest white sand and with almost kitschy turquoise sea colors . Behind it are large coconut palms, where attached sea swings form a really heavenly ambience. Thanks to the great choice of accommodations, it attracts families as well as couples! Especially in the northern part of the beach, there are good hotels, which are ideal for a vacation.

Tip : A true vacation dream directly on Leela Beach is the beautiful Cabin Beach Resort in a stunning prime beach location and with a really charming pool.

Explor e Koh Phangan by scooter

To roar with the scooter over the island to discover the most beautiful places and attractions of Koh Phangan on your own is probably one of the most popular activities during a visit. In doing so, you’ll explore the stunning jungle scenery of the island’s interior, mystical temples, hidden waterfalls, breathtaking viewpoints and paradisiacal dream beaches. Keep in mind, however, that riding a scooter on Koh Phangan is not without danger, especially because of the steep roads, so you should pay attention and drive slowly.

Haad Yuan Beach

Another highlight of Koh Phangan is the beautiful Haad Yuan Beach in the southwest of the island. Arriving by taxi boat from Haad Rin, one immediately feels as if stranded in paradise. Tall palm trees, turquoise sea and huge round rocks make this place unique on the island! Many visit this dream beach on a day trip, others, however, spend here in the small, simple bungalows directly at the sea also their vacation. Either way, Haad Yuan is definitely one of the best attractions on Koh Phangan that should not be missed on any visit!

Phaeng Noi Waterfall

The Phaeng Noi Waterfall is the largest and for many visitors the most beautiful waterfall on Koh Phangan. It is part of Than Sadet National Park in the center of the island and a popular destination for nature excursions. From the parking lot, this picturesque waterfall can be easily explored and visited via a short, easy hike through the jungle . Thanks to the brilliant scenery, it is perfect for taking photos or just to refresh yourself in the waterfalls. A beautiful attraction on Koh Phangan that you can even visit without paying an entrance fee.

Haad Rin Beach

In the south of the island is the lively village of Haad Rin , where the world-famous Full Moon Party takes place. Once a month, it gets packed and loud here because party lovers from all over the world make a pilgrimage to this legendary event. At this time, the hotels are fully booked, and the place is bursting at the seams. If you prefer it quiet, come outside this time and then enjoy, amazingly, one of the most beautiful and quiet beaches on the island ! You will also find taxi boats on site that will take you to other fascinating bays. For a relaxing vacation in this area, we would still recommend the nearby Leela Beach.

Koh Ma Viewpoint (Three Sixty Bar)

The Koh Ma Viewpoint is an absolute highlight. Because of the many mountains and hills, you will find plenty of amazing viewpoints on Koh Phangan. Some of them are really spectacular, and so a visit to such a viewpoint is one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan. Really recommendable and already a real attraction is the Koh Ma Viewpoint at the Three Sixty Bar . After a rather steep ascent, you can enjoy a cool drink with chill out music, a breathtaking view of the sea and the offshore islet of Koh Ma. The perfect viewpoint to end a perfect beach day!

The Haad Salad Beach is one of the most beautiful highlights in the west of Koh Phangan. It is one of the ultimate dream beaches of the island and, moreover, a terrific choice for a vacation. The sea shines in the most stunning turquoise-blue sea colors and the fine sand grants optimal entry into the water. Worth seeing and truly unique is especially the iconic palm tree that juts diagonally into the water, which has almost become a landmark of Koh Phangan. But also great are the many cozy beach bars , which place their chairs and lounges partly directly on the sea and thus conjure up a unique vacation ambience.

Tip : Haad Salad is a popular beach for a beach vacation on Koh Phangan. Absolutely fantastic is the Salad Hut , a great accommodation with wooden huts and hammocks.

Chinese Temple Goddess of Mercy

One of the most beautiful attractions is the Chinese Guan Yin Temple , which offers a wonderful view over the island landscape from its impressive pagodas and buildings. It is the largest Chinese temple on the island and was built in a spectacular location on a mountainside. On a tour, you will discover a variety of interesting Chinese Buddha statues, as well as mystical images of Chinese warriors and dragons. A visit to this sacred place is highly recommended and is almost a must on any island tour on Koh Phangan.

Tip : Until today, there are more than 20 temples on the island to discover. The most beautiful temples on Koh Phangan can be found here.

Than Sadet Waterfall

A real natural attraction is the Than Sadet waterfall in the same named national park. It is one of the most fascinating waterfalls that Koh Phangan has to offer and a popular stop on island tours. Even some kings of Thailand are said to have visited this picturesque waterfall. It impresses especially with its location in the dense jungle and with countless cascades in a paradisiacal setting. On a length of 3 kilometers you can find many small natural pools , which inviting for having a swim. Especially beautiful are the spots at Thong Nang, Sampon and Daeng waterfalls. An unforgettable experience that should not be missed on any trip to Koh Phangan.

A real insider tip for a visit to Koh Phangan is the small peninsula Koh Raham in the west of the vacation island. It belongs to the Koh Raham restaurant, but is accessible to everyone and a visit is a very unique experience. The special thing here is above all the extraordinary scenery, which enchants with countless beautiful details, swings, and hammocks directly over the water . In addition, there is access to the sea at the tip, where you can marvel at many colorful fish while snorkeling. If you like, you can spoil yourself with a delicious cocktail and stay until evening to enjoy the sunset there.

Tip : Right next door is the popular Secret Beach . No longer a secret insider tip, but still an absolutely stunning sandy beach that is ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Thong Nai Pan Yai Viewpoint

Another must visit to Koh Phangan Island is the beautiful Thong Nai Pan Yai Viewpoint . It is located in the northeast, on a small peninsula near the resort of the same name, Thong Nai Pan , and thrills with a magnificent view of the palm-lined coastline. The drive or climb to the viewpoint is quite steep, but once at the top, one of the most beautiful viewpoints on Koh Phangan awaits you. From the terrace of the famous 2C bar , visitors experience an indescribably grandiose backdrop of dream beaches, jungle, and mountains while enjoying cool drinks.

Tip : Perfect for a vacation are also the two bays of Thong Nai Pan. Here you will also find plenty of wonderful accommodations, like the dreamlike Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Spa .

Bottle Beach

The Bottle Beach is a real paradise in the north of Koh Phangan, and moreover, one of the insider tips of the island. This small, secluded beach paradise can only be reached by taxi boat from Chaloklum , by jeep or via an almost 2-hours hike. Arrived you will find a fine white dream beach with turquoise blue sea , high palm trees and deep jungle in the hinterland. From time to time, even some monkeys can be spotted in the trees. Most visitors come for a day visit, but those who love the peace and quiet can also spend their vacation here! Along the beach there are small, basic bungalow complexes and nice restaurants, which provide the necessary catering.

Tip : A unique Koh Phangan experience is the hike up to Bottle Beach Viewpoint . After a 45-minute walk, you will be rewarded with a magnificent view.

Wat Paa Sang Tham

Wat Paa Sang Tham is located on the island’s interior, very close to the famous Chinese temple, and is another interesting attraction on Koh Phangan. Especially surprising are the countless small statues and the many lovingly designed details of this temple complex. You should not miss the large golden rock , which is a bit hidden in the jungle, and conjures a mystical and impressive atmosphere. Again, admission is free, but a small donation is always welcome.

Haad Sadet & Silver Cliff Resort Viewpoint

If you love it very quiet, it is best to visit Haad Sadet beach on the east coast of the island. Here you will experience the most pristine part of Koh Phangan , including jungle, tall palm trees and extremely quiet flair. The beach is a bit more coarse-grained and forms with the large granite rocks and the original appearance, a real lost place scenery. Until today, there are still no big hotels, but only small family bungalow complexes. In addition, it is still really untouristy here, you can wonderfully relax and switch off.

Tip : The view from the restaurant of the Silver Cliff Resort and also from Plaa`s Thansadet Resort , where you can enjoy a unique panorama with a cool drink, is unique.

Full Moon Party

The island actually became really famous because of the Full Moon Party , which takes place once a month at the time of the full moon. At this period, especially in the south of Koh Phangan everything is crowded and those who prefer it quiet, should then avoid the entire area around the Haad Rin. Up to 30,000 visitors from all over the world make a pilgrimage to the island once a month for Full Moon Party to experience this legendary event. Other cool, smaller events are the Waterfall Party right in the jungle of Koh Phangan and the Eden Party at the dream beach Haad Yuan.

Tip : Also note that for the Full Moon Party, the ferries are booked up early , and you should get tickets in advance. Also, accommodations at Haad Rin are quickly sold out at that period!

Ang Tong Marine National Park

The Ang Thong Marine National Park is a popular destination for excursions from Koh Phangan. This beautiful national park includes 42 islands and islets, where you can admire the most beautiful highlights during a day tour. In addition, at Ang Thong National Marine Park you will find numerous beautiful coral reefs for snorkeling , and there are also tours by kayak to the various lagoons offered. If you like, you can climb the famous Ang Thong Viewpoint on the main island Koh Wua Ta Lap and enjoy the most beautiful view of the archipelago from up here.

Snorkeling & Diving

Koh Phangan is surrounded by some outstanding snorkeling and diving spots . The coral reefs around the island are simply breathtaking, and so you have the opportunity to marvel at a magnificent underwater world. Nice spots for snorkeling can be found, for example at Koh Ma, Haad Tien, Haad Yao, Haad Salad and Secret Beach. Recommended for diving is Sail Rock, also called “Hin Bai” where you can enjoy some of the most spectacular underwater scenery. Therefore, some diving schools have also settled on the island. Really popular and awarded several times is Chaloklum Diving , which offers SCUBA diving, snorkeling & PADI courses on Koh Phangan for now 25 years!

How to get to Koh Phangan

There are several ways on how to get to Koh Phangan :

By plane : Koh Phangan does not have its own airport. The nearest one is on the neighboring island Koh Samui, or then on the mainland at Surat Thani. Thereafter, you will have to take the ferry to the island.

By bus & ferry : In many vacation destinations in Thailand, you can book combination tickets with bus & ferry. There are also numerous offers online at 12go.asia.

By train & ferry : If you want to travel by train from Bangkok, it is best to take the night train to Surat Thani. From there, continue by bus or minibus to the ferry port.

Tip : Cheap tickets for flight, bus, train and ferry to Koh Phangan are best found online at 12goasia .

Where to Stay on Koh Phangan

There is a broad range of accommodation on Koh Phangan. Whether you are a backpacker, a family with children or individual travelers, every vacationer is sure to find a perfect place to stay here. From backpacker hostels, to bungalows by the sea, yoga retreats and luxurious 5-star hotels, everything is available. If you are looking for a accommodation on Koh Phangan, then we can give you these tips along the way… It’s worth a look!

• 4-Star Hotel on the Beach : The Buri Rasa Koh Phangan enchants with super nice bungalows by the sea, with delicious breakfast and a top price / performance ratio!
• Wooden Bungalows on the Beach : The Castaway Beach Bungalows a real insider tip. Directly at the sea, you can experience dreamlike sunsets and a unique scenery.
• Backpacker Hostel : The So Good Haad Rin Hostel  is a nice, quiet hostel in the south of Koh Phangan. Here inspires family atmosphere and cozy vibes among like-minded people.
• Resort in the Jungle : The Kiri Tawan is located in the jungle inland and amazes with lovely bungalows in prime location directly in nature next to deep jungle.

Find the best accommodation on Koh Phangan:

More about koh phangan:, top 12 amazing beaches in koh phangan, where to stay in koh phangan: 8 best areas & hotels, bottle beach: dream beach at koh phangan, secret beach (haad son) | beach guide, haad yuan: a paradise beach on koh phangan, 20 unique things to do in koh samui, keep exploring, more about thailand.

Bangkok | Chiang Mai | Krabi | Koh Lanta | Chiang Rai | Ayutthaya | Sukhotai | Koh Lipe | Khao Sok Nationalpark | Koh Samet | Koh Larn | Koh Similian | Thailand

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. Meaning that if you click on certain links, and then subsequently purchase a product, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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22 Top Things To Do in Koh Phangan in 2024: Travel Guide

• Last updated: February 29, 2024

Welcome & thank you for reading our blog. :) We love what we do and put a lot of work in our free articles. We hope you find what you are looking for!

About Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a stunning island located in the Gulf of Thailand, often regarded as one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand .

Situated just north of Koh Samui and south of Koh Tao , Koh Phangan is a renowned destination with breathtaking beaches, pristine waters, and a relaxed ambiance, even though it’s known for crazy parties.

So it’s no wonder Koh Phangan attracts such a diverse crowd, from those seeking to party all night to those just wanting to laze on the beach or snorkel around.

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Koh Phangan Travel Tips

Before we jump into the top things to do in Koh Phangan, let’s cover the travel essentials and tips to help you have a more fun, enjoyable, and safer trip to this remarkable island in Thailand .

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Koh Phangan is easy to explore on your own, but for some guided experiences, we recommend booking the top-rated ones on Viator or GetYourGuide .

Get travel insurance

While Koh Phangan is a safe destination, we recommend getting travel insurance for any trip outside your country. We highly recommend an insurance package from Heymondo . And as our reader, you get 5% off the price.

We have compiled a Koh Phangan Travel Map , which you can refer to when exploring.

Top things to do in Koh Phangan

While everyone always thinks of the Full Moon Party, there are plenty of other great things to do in Koh Phangan, an island that offers much more than just partying.

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1. Enjoy the beaches

It goes without saying that enjoying the beautiful beaches in Koh Phangan is the top thing to do on the island.

And what’s great about Koh Phangan is that it has plenty of beaches to offer (more than 30!), so it never feels too busy.

We visited almost all the beaches in Koh Phangan and compiled a list of the most worth visiting ones.

Best beaches in Koh Phangan:

• Haad Rin beach
• Thong Nai Pan Beach
• Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach

Bottle Beach

• Secret Beach
• Mae Haad Beach

Note: Our personal favorite beaches were in order, Bottle Beach, Thong Nai Pan Yai, Thong Nai Pan, and Haad Rin Beach.

And before you ask yourself why we liked Haad Rin, the beach of the Full Moon Party, let us explain.

We visited the Haad Rin beach a few days after the Full Moon Party, so it was essentially empty. The beach was clean, the water was clear, and it got deep fast enough so you could go for a swim. Also, it’s long and wide so we easily found our own little spot.

2. Snorkel the coral reef

Even though Koh Tao is known for the best snorkeling in Thailand, snorkeling in Koh Phangan is still one of the best things to do on your visit.

All along the western coast of Koh Phangan lie coral reefs, which you can snorkel by swimming a bit out from the beach for about 5 minutes.

The best snorkeling in Koh Phangan can be had at Koh Ma, the nearby Mae Haad beach, and at Haad Yao, which also has a long reef not far from the beach.

Compared to Koh Tao , snorkeling in Koh Phangan is less impressive, but you still get to see plenty of species of fish and nice corals.

Best snorkeling spots in Koh Phangan:

• Koh Ma (Mae Haad Beach)

You can rent snorkel masks and fins from beach bars, restaurants, or dive shops in Koh Phangan for about 100 Thai baht per hour.

It’s worth buying your own snorkel equipment if you plan on staying longer in Koh Phangan or also visiting nearby Koh Tao and Koh Samui . You can, of course, buy all this on the islands, but expect to pay about 30% more than if you purchased it in advance. Still a reasonable price, though.

Note: Koh Phangan’s best snorkeling is at offshore coral reefs. This means that many times you have to walk or swim the shallow water for up to a few hundred meters (Haad Yao) to get to the best spots. In comparison, Koh Tao offers more accessible snorkeling spots, where you simply enter the water and snorkel not far from the beach and see a lot.

3. Visit the island’s most famous photo spot at Koh Ma Sandbank

On the northwest of Koh Phangan, a sandbank connects the island to the island of Koh Ma, and when it’s low tide, you can walk to it without even getting wet.

For the best view of Koh Ma, you can visit the 420 Club Phangan on the nearby hill (formerly 360 bar).

Koh Ma island has little to offer, though, as it’s just a tiny island where you can chill in the shade of trees and snorkel around.

Nonetheless, Koh Ma’s sandbank is an excellent place for a short visit, as you can also chill on the nearby Mae Haad beach and enjoy a drink or food in one of the restaurants.

Koh Ma and Mae Haad are famous for their snorkeling, as there is a lot to see at the long coral reef offshore.

To have the best conditions for walking on the sandbank at Koh Ma, we recommend checking the tide graph/chart for Koh Phangan on Tide Forecast before you visit. Make sure that the tide is at its lowest level or is falling.

We visited when the tide was at its lowest, and the sandbank was actually really wide. Once, we also came just after sunset and saw people walking through ankle-deep water to Koh Ma.

4. Go diving

The island’s location makes diving to great diving sites one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan.

From Koh Phangan, you can go diving to stunning diving sites like Sail Rock, midway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao , among others.

You can find many dive centers at Chaloklum Beach and Haad Yao, the best spots on the island to head out for diving.

4.1. Learning to dive

While the neighboring Koh Tao is the most famous place for getting your diving certificate in Thailand, you can also do the open water diving course in Koh Phangan .

If you’re interested in going deeper and want to expand your limits and knowledge, Koh Phangan also offers the advanced open water diver course (includes accommodation).

And if you’re not yet sure if you want to pursue diving, you can go on a so-called Discover Scuba Diving Experience and enjoy two amazing dives under the supervision of professionals.

LEARN TO DIVE

4.2. Fun dives

Certified divers in Koh Phangan have plenty of fun dives available, with the best one being the scuba diving trip to Sail Rock .

5. Visit the stunning Ang Thong Marine Park

A great day trip from Koh Phangan is to Ang Thong Marine Park, a stunning archipelago of 42 beautiful small islands covered with dense jungle and lined with stunning white sand beaches. 

With activities like kayaking, hiking, swimming, and snorkeling, this picturesque marine park has no shortage of things to do.

But the highlight of Ang Thong Marine Park is, without question, the panoramic viewpoint, one of Thailand’s best viewpoints!

While taking a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park is more popular from Koh Samui, you can go on a day trip from Koh Phangan .

Best Ang Thong Marine Park trips from Koh Phangan:

• Ang Thong National Marine Park Speedboat Tour
• Snorkel and Kayak Trip to Angthong Marine Park by Speed Boat
• Ang Thong Marine Park Overnight from Koh Phangan

ANG THONG MARINE PARK

UPDATE: After traveling through Thailand for half a year and seeing MANY viewpoints, we can confirm that Ang Thong Marine Park viewpoint, Samet Nangshe (Phang Nga), and the Hong Island Viewpoint ( Krabi ) are the best the country has to offer!

6. Visit Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan on a day trip

Another great trip from Koh Phangan is the day trip to Koh Tao and the neighboring Koh Nang Yuan, offering excellent snorkeling spots and beaches.

Best trips to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan from Koh Phangan:

• Snorkel Tour to Koh Nangyuan and Koh Tao
• Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Speedboat Tour

KOH TAO AND KOH NANG YUAN

7. Go hiking

Koh Phangan is great for hiking, and there are some nice trails around the island, both for beginners and intermediate hikers.

Best Koh Phangan hikes:

• Bottle Beach hike 
• Haad Khom hike
• Haad Yuan hike
• Khao Ra hike
• Dom Sila & Phaeng Waterfall hike

Most hikes in Koh Phangan are either easy or moderate, with the Khao Ra hike being the hardest one.

Make sure to start your hikes in the early morning, because it gets super hot by 9 am, and the humidity doesn’t help either.

We’re so happy we did the Bottle Beach hike, as there’s nothing better than getting rewarded with a beautiful beach after hiking for 1 hour and a half.

At the Bottle Beach hiking trail’s start is also where you can do the short 10-15-minute Haad Khom hike, which gets you to a nice viewpoint over Haad Khom and you can also see parts of Chaloklum.

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8. Visit Bottle Beach

Bottle Beach feels like a hidden gem that offers a tranquil and secluded escape from the bustling tourist areas. With its pristine white sand, crystal clear turquoise waters, and lush green surroundings, Bottle Beach is a paradise for nature lovers and those seeking peace and relaxation.

We spent a few hours at the Bottle beach and only wished we could stay longer! And we can easily say that Bottle Beach is one of the best and most beautiful beaches in Koh Phangan. 

Top tip: Make sure to try the sandwiches at the restaurant right next to Smile Bungalows, they are amazing!

You can get to Bottle Beach in Koh Phangan by a longtail boat ride from Chaloklum or Haad Khom, hiking for 1 hour and a half from Haad Khom, or by a 4×4 vehicle. The road to Bottle Beach is steep and dangerous, so getting there by motorbike is not recommended, as many have broken their bikes or got hurt.

Accommodations at Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan:

• Smile Bungalows
• Haad Khuad Resort
• Bottle Beach 1 Resort
• Bottle Beach 2 Bungalows

9. Take in the views at Koh Phangan viewpoints

Koh Phangan is a picturesque island famous for its stunning viewpoints. There are countless spots to enjoy breathtaking panoramas of the island’s lush jungles and sparkling turquoise waters.

Best viewpoints in Koh Phangan:

• Bottle Beach Viewpoint
• Thong Nai Pan Viewpoint
• Secret Mountain Viewpoint
• Haad Rin Viewpoint (North)
• Haad Rin Rock Viewpoint
• Dom Sila Viewpoint

10. Visit Bottle Beach Viewpoint

The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is without a doubt the best viewpoint in Koh Phangan and one of the highlights of the island.

You can climb the Bottle Beach viewpoint directly from the Bottle Beach which will take around 30-45 minutes or you can visit the viewpoint separately from the beach. In that case, you have to drive to ‘ Bottle Beach Scooter Parking ’ from where you start the hike. From there it takes around 20 minutes to reach the viewpoint.

The viewpoint is a huge rock sticking out of the jungle, so be careful while climbing it. Especially if it’s very windy or raining as it can be slippery.

The Bottle Beach viewpoint is free of charge and you can visit at any time.

Note: Please be mindful of others while visiting the viewpoint. When we visited one family took the main part of the viewpoint as their picnic spot and didn’t care at all that others would like to enjoy the spot as well. Keep in mind that this is a narrow rock. Be nice! 

11. Visit a bar with a great view

Koh Phangan’s hilly landscape allowed many great bars and restaurants to set up shop on hills overlooking beautiful beaches and bays.

Cafes and restaurants with the best views in Koh Phangan:

• 420 Club Phangan (formerly 360 Bar)
• Hide on High
• So Good Haad Rin
• Apichada Viewpoint
• Mae Haad Tree House

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12. Visit waterfalls

There are nice waterfalls that are worth visiting in Koh Phangan if you are in the right season, either in the rainy season or right after it.

Best waterfalls in Koh Phangan:

• Phaeng Waterfalls 
• Wangsai Waterfall
• Than Sadet Waterfall

You can visit the Phaeng Waterfalls which consist of two different waterfalls, the Phaeng Noi and Phaeng Yai Waterfalls. Although, according to the reviews from others the waterfalls are not the most impressive, the hike to Phaeng Waterfall offers nice nature and views. So even if there’s no water, it might be worth a visit if you have extra time. This is also where Dom Sila Viewpoint is located.

As we were in Koh Phangan in a really dry part of the year, we decided to skip the waterfalls.

13. Party in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is renowned for its vibrant party scene and it’s home to some of the most known parties in South East Asia, attracting thousands of visitors each month.

Parties here cater to a diverse range of people so there are endless opportunities to dance and celebrate under the stars in this tropical paradise.

Best parties in Koh Phangan:

• Full Moon Party
• Half Moon Festival
• Jungle Experience
• Eden Garden Party

It’s important to note that while Koh Phangan’s party scene is vibrant throughout the year, it’s advisable to research beforehand about specific events happening during your visit. This way, you can align your trip with parties that match your desired music genre and vibe.

14. Attend the Full Moon Party

The most famous party on the island of Koh Phangan is the Full Moon Party, held monthly on the beautiful Haad Rin beach during the full moon night. It attracts thousands of partygoers from around the world and has various stages playing different genres of music such as EDM, techno, and reggae.

The entrance fee for the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan is 200 THB or about 6 USD.

Full Moon Party Dates 2024

• January 25, 2024
• February 25, 2024
• March 24, 2024
• April 23, 2024
• May 23, 2024
• June 21, 2024
• July 22, 024
• August 19, 2024
• September 17, 2024
• October 18, 2024
• November 15, 2024
• December 15, 2024
• December 31, 2024 (NYE)

15. Visit Koh Phangan’s temples

While exploring the island, you’ll pass through some of Koh Phangan’s temples, which of course are not as impressive as Bangkok ’s temples but are still worth a short stop when passing by.

Best temples to visit in Koh Phangan:

• Wat Phu Khao Noi
• Kuan Yin Temple (Chinese Temple)
• Wat Sri Thanu

16. Go kayaking

As on most Thai islands, kayaking in Koh Phangan is a fun activity, and you can do it from most beaches, but the best kayaking is at Haad Yao, Mae Haad, and Thongsala.

In Thongsala, you can rent a kayak and go to the island of Koh Tae Nai in about 30 minutes, just off the shore of Koh Phangan.

You could also rent a kayak and head out to Bottle Beach from Haad Khom, although it’s quite a bit of a distance, so it’s not for beginners.

From Haad Rin, you could rent a kayak and reach the east coast beaches.

Kayak rental is available on almost every beach in Koh Phangan and one hour costs between 100 and 150 baht or 3-4 USD.

Kayak rental in Koh Phangan:

• Beck’s Resort in Thongsala
• Silver Beach and Secret Place in Haad Yao
• Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach
• Haad Rin Beach

17. Visit the Night Markets

For some delicious street food, great snacks, and tasty drinks, head out to Koh Phangan’s Phantip Market operating every day, or the bigger Saturday Walking Street Market on Saturdays.

While island night markets in Thailand are not as busy and visited as those in Bangkok , Chiang Mai , or Phuket , it’s still a great way to enjoy the evening.

18. Learn Muay Thai

Muay Thai is one of the most effective martial arts practiced in Thailand for centuries. And while its home is in Thailand, it has become one of the most popular fighting styles in the world.

You can find Muay Thai gyms in every city and town in Thailand, and Koh Phangan is no exception.

It offers a few different gyms, classes, and workshops for all experience levels – from beginners to advanced fighters.

Best Muay Thai centers and gyms in Koh Phangan:

• Diamond Muay Thai
• Chinnarach Muaythai
• Rittisak Muay Thai Gym

19. Join a cooking class

If you’re looking to learn more about Thai cuisine, then a cooking class in Koh Phangan is the perfect way to do it!

Learn how to cook delicious and authentic Thai food so that you can cook these delicious dishes at home.

Not only will you learn about the essential ingredients and techniques used in traditional Thai cooking, but you’ll also get to taste some of Thailand’s most delicious dishes.

One of the Koh Phangan cooking classes you can join is the Home Style Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour .

20. Go kitesurfing

A great water activity in Koh Phangan is kitesurfing, as the reef-protected calm waters with stable wind make it easy for beginners to learn.

Koh Phangan is not yet a very popular kitesurfing destination in Thailand, so you can have a more relaxed session with not so many kitesurfers around.

The best kitesurfing centers in Koh Phangan are Kiteflip, AccroKite, and KBA Kitesurf Center.

KITESURFING

21. Explore the island on an ATV adventure

Koh Phangan is one of the islands of Thailand where going on an ATV ride makes for a great day out. It’s a great way to go off-road to some places you usually can’t go by yourself or it’s a bit too dangerous with a motorbike.

Best ATV adventures in Koh Phangan:

• 1.5 Hour ATV Jungle Safari
• 2.5 Hour ATV Jungle Safari
• 3.5 Hour ATV Jungle Safari

ATV ADVENTURE

22. Attend a Yoga Retreat

Koh Phangan hosts some of Thailand’s best Yoga Retreats and classes with great facilities and skillful teachers in a serene environment.

Best Yoga Retreats in Koh Phangan:

• 4 Day Vegan Wellness Yoga Retreat
• 8 Day Vegan Wellness Yoga Retreat
• 12 Day Vegan Yoga and Meditation Holiday

Best time to visit Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is an all-year-round destination that is great to visit anytime except for a short period from mid-September until early December when it can rain a lot and rougher seas are more common.

Generally, Koh Phangan has three main seasons: the dry, hot, and wet season. 

The dry season lasts from mid-December until April and this time is considered the best time to visit Koh Phangan.

GOOD TO KNOW

Songkran Festival (Thai New Year) takes place in April. It’s when water fights are organized all over the country.

• Read our comprehensive Songkran Travel Guide to learn everything you need to know if you’re visiting Thailand at this time.

The hot season lasts from May until September when it’s extra hot and occasional storms can happen during your stay in Koh Phangan.

It’s when the sea temperature is very high, especially on the beaches where the water is shallow. We visited Koh Phangan in May, and the sea was super hot on some beaches.

The wet or rainy season lasts from mid-September until mid-December and these are the wettest months in Koh Phangan.

Koh Phangan’s location helps it steer clear of the heavy monsoon rains that hit Thailand’s Andaman coastline. If you are planning a trip to Thailand during the European summer months (June, July, and August), Koh Phangan and neighboring Koh Samui or Koh Tao would be a sensible choice due to their more favorable weather conditions.

However, Koh Phangan has a tropical climate which means that weather can be unpredictable and vary locally. While one part of the island might be perfect for sunbathing on the beach, the other side may experience scattered thunderstorms. We’ve experienced this firsthand on many Thai islands. But usually it’s short periods.

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

The best place to stay in Koh Phangan depends on what you want from your stay as there are many distinct areas on the island offering different experiences.

Best areas to stay in Koh Phangan:

• Baan Tai & Baan Kai : best for watersports
• Haad Salad : beautiful, not too busy beach
• Haad Yao : cosy long beach with snorkeling options
• Thong Nai Pan : best for families, relaxed atmosphere
• Haad Rin : amazing beach and location of the Full Moon Party
• Srithanu : away from the crowds
• Thong Sala : the most developed, main town with the port
• Mae Haad : great beach with the best snorkeling on the island
• Bottle Beach : fabulous setting far away from development and crowds

Below are the top-reviewed stays in each area that are worth checking out for your Koh Phangan visit.

Hostel: Prachan Hostel Hotel: Dreamville Resort: Baan Manali Resort

Baan Tai and Baan Kai

Hostel: See Sea Backpacker House Hotel: BeauBo Beach Resort: Milky Bay Resort | CheeVa Beach Resort

Hostel: U Hostel Hotel: Princess Paradise   Resort: Bayshore Resort | Vannee Golden Sands Beachfront Resort | The Cabin Beach Resort (Leela Beach)

Hostel: Shiralea Backpackers Resort Hotel: High Life Bungalow Resort: Baan Kiao Resort | Amara Beach Resort | Sun Moon Star Resort

Salad Hut Resort | Cookies Salad Resort | Haad Salad Resort

Mae Haad and Koh Ma

Koh Ma Beach Resort | Wang Sai Resort | Maehaad Guesthouse

Thong Nai Pan

North Beach: Buri Rasa Village | Anantara Rasananda | Panviman Resort South Beach: Havana Beach Resort | PingChan Beachfront Resort | Longtail Resort

Smile Bungalows | Haad Khuad Resort | Bottle Beach 1 Resort | Bottle Beach 2 Bungalows

Where to eat in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan has some great restaurants with both local and Western food. And if you’re vegetarian or vegan, there are plenty of choices for you in Koh Phangan, as it’s known as the best island for vegetarians in Thailand.

We mostly ate near our place in Haad Yao, so we have some great recommendations for that area.

Our restaurant recommendations for Koh Phangan:

• Locco’s PizzaBar (amazing pizzas)
• Karma Kafe (great buddha bowl and other vegetarian food)
• Pura Vida Cafe (great acai bowls, bagels, sandwiches)
• Taste From Heaven (incredibly tasty vegan food – try Khao Soi, Massaman Curry, as well as delicious Western dishes like spaghetti and burger) recommended for non-veggies as well
• Ying Thai Restaurant (authentic local Thai)
• TORTALN Thai Isan Food (great Thai Isan dishes)
• Simple Thai food & rice noodles (stall with amazing Thai samosa, try chocolate one, and other ready-made food – opening times vary, drop by if nearby!)

How to get to Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is one of Thailand’s most famous islands and it’s easy to get there, although the journey can be long.

You can get to Koh Phangan by ferry or speedboat in about three hours from Surat Thani, in about 1 hour from Koh Tao , and 30 minutes from Koh Samui , or a combo bus and ferry transfer from Bangkok in 14 hours and Phuket in 8 hours. The closest airport to Koh Phangan is the Koh Samui International Airport.

Since Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport, you’ll have to take a ferry or speedboat for at least one part of the journey. 

We always book all our transfers online on 12go.asia to be sure we’ll have our spot! This is very important if you travel during the high season.

Getting to Koh Phangan from Bangkok

You can get to Koh Phangan from Bangkok with a combined transfer of a bus and then a ferry in about 14 hours.

Check the bus and ferry combo transfer from Bangkok to Koh Phangan.

To get to Koh Phangan by train, you get off at the Surat Thani train station and then catch a transfer to the island.

You can book a train and van combo transfer or organize it by booking a train to Surat Thani and a transfer from Surat Thani train station to the island.

Check train routes from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Check transfer times from Surat Thani train station to Koh Phangan.

Getting to Koh Phangan from Surat Thani

Beyond arriving at Surat Thani by bus or train, you can also fly into the Surat Thani Airport and then get a transfer by van and boat to Koh Phangan, as it’s easy to fly into Surat Thani from Bangkok or Chiang Mai .

Check flight deals from Bangkok.

Check flight deals from Chiang Mai.

Check the transfer times from Surat Thani Airport.

Getting to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui and Koh Tao

There are frequent daily speedboat and ferry trips between Koh Phangan, Koh Samui , and Koh Tao , providing a fast and efficient way to travel between these islands.

Check speedboat and ferry options from Koh Samui.

Check speedboat and ferry options from Koh Tao.

Getting to Koh Phangan from Phuket and Krabi

You can get to Koh Phangan from Phuket and Krabi with a combined transfer of a bus and then a ferry in about 8 hours.

Check the combo transfer options from Phuket.

Check the combo transfer options from Krabi.

How to get around Koh Phangan

The best way to get around Koh Phangan independently is by renting a motorbike. There are many motorbike rentals across the island, and many times you can rent them at your hotel.

A scooter rental in Koh Phangan costs around 250 THB or about 7 USD daily.

You may need to leave your passport or pay a deposit of about 3000 THB (around $88) to rent a motorbike. We mainly left the cash deposit, as we don’t like anyone else having our passports.

Save money on conversion fees and ATM transactions. Get a Wise card!

If you’re not driving, you can use the local taxis or Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) to go around Koh Phangan.

The fares are usually fixed starting from 50 THB and depend on the distance you wish to travel. From Thongsala Pier expect to pay around 100 THB for a trip to Haad Rin and 200 THB for Chaloklum, Haad Yao, and Thong Nai Pan. 

The prices to different spots on the island are usually displayed on the taxis, however, always confirm the price before starting the trip.

And if you’re looking for an organized trip to take you around Koh Phangan’s best spots, check out the Private One Day Road Trip around Koh Phangan .

How many days to spend in Koh Phangan?

You should spend at least 3 days in Koh Phangan to have enough time to see the island’s main highlights, and do at least one day trip and relax on the beaches. 

Anything over three days in Koh Phangan will give you more time to have a more relaxed schedule or do extra activities.

Is Koh Phangan worth visiting?

Yes, Koh Phangan is absolutely worth visiting as it’s a tropical paradise with stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a laid-back atmosphere.

While Koh Phangan is most famous for its Full Moon Party, it also offers pristine nature, breathtaking beaches and viewpoints, and a range of other activities.

We were positively surprised by Koh Phangan and will happily return!

Is Koh Phangan a safe destination?

Like all of Thailand , Koh Phangan is a safe destination for all travelers, including women, solo travelers, and families.

However, always practice general safety precautions such as being aware of your surroundings, keeping an eye on your valuables (especially in crowded places and on beaches), and wearing a helmet while driving a motorbike.

And be extra careful around the Full Moon Party when the area of Haad Rin will be full of drunk people. If you don’t plan on going to the party, we would advise staying further away like we did, so you won’t be bothered by the party at all.

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Internet in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan generally offers reliable Internet access across the whole island with an average speed adequate for the needs of most people. 

Looking for more travel guides and Thailand travel inspiration?

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Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai – Pai

Phi Phi Islands – Maya Bay – Koh Hong

Koh Samui – Koh Tao

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The Ultimate Koh Phangan, Thailand Travel Guide

• Last Updated On: April 4, 2024

Koh Phangan is my favorite island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s famous for the full moon party which was one of the first things I learned about Thailand (sadly enough) but it offers so much more. The full moon party is only in the very south of the island and occurs once a month. The rest of the time, there are ton of amazing beaches, fantastic hiking, and delicious food to eat. Koh Phangan has also become a digital nomad hotspot in recent years attracting a lot of long term stay people.

I really liked Koh Phangan and found it to be much more beautiful and relaxing than their western counterparts in Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. I spent a week in the island on my trip around Thailand and can definitely recommend visiting!

How to get to Koh Phangan

Getting to Koh Phangan can be a bit of a mission. While the journey is quite frequent and easy to book, it just takes a long time to reach Koh Phangan.

By Ferry from Surat Thani

The first method is to fly into Surat Thani airport and take the bus to the ferry terminal. Alternatively, and possibly more conveniently, you can contact car rental Surat Thani , rent one of their reliable vehicles, and take it on the ferry for added freedom and flexibility. There are multiple daily flights to Surat Thani from hotspots like Bangkok or Chiang Mai for very cheap on AirAsia. Conversely, you can also take a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani but this will take 11-12 hours so I don’t recommend this method.

From Surat Thani, you will then take a shuttle transfer to the ferry terminal at Donsak Pier which is about 2 hours away. From the pier, you will then board your ferry which is another 2.5 hour journey. All in all, you can budget about 5 hours from landing at the airport to arriving in the Thong Sala pier of Koh Phangan.

The price for this transfer varies depending on the ferry company you book. You can prebook this transfer online or purchase the tickets directly at the airport where you will find numerous stands for companies selling the transfer. I paid 500 THB for the shuttle and the ferry and prebooked the Koh Phangan transfer on Bookaway . The ferries stop running around 18h so make sure you plan accordingly, otherwise you might have to stay the night in Surat Thani.

By ferry from Koh Samui

The easiest way to get to Koh Phangan is by flying into the island of Koh Samui. Koh Samui is the bigger brother island of Koh Phangan is located just 1h by ferry south. From the airport, it’s a short 10 minute drive to the pier where you have multiple ferry companies running the trip between the two islands.

I took this journey on my way out of Koh Phangan because I didn’t want to repeat the same journey from Surat Thani so I booked flights out of Koh Samui. I paid another 500 THB for this trip which includes the ferry to Koh Samui and the shuttle transfer to the airport.

During high season, I would highly recommend booking these ferries in advance because there’s nothing worse than showing up and being told the ferries are booked for the day!

Best time of year to visit Koh Phangan

The islands in the south enjoy split seasons depending which side of the country you’re on. The Andaman sea to Thailand’s east enjoys the opposite season as the Gulf of Thailand. The best times to visit the Andaman sea (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan islands, Krabi) are between November and April. Conversely, the best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao) is April to October.

I visited Koh Phangan in the off season months in December but the weather was almost perfect the entire time. Conversely, I’ve had friends that have visited in June and were greeted to torrential down pours day in and day out. While there are “seasons” to visiting Koh Phangan and the Gulf of Thailand, it’s the tropics so you can never have anything guaranteed!

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

There are numerous resorts, private rooms, budget accommodation, bungalows and houses on Koh Phangan. We have stayed in several accommodations as we have also been to the island several times. On average we paid €15-20 per night for both of us for a beachfront bungalow with fan and basic bathroom. 

You can get a bed in a hostel for as little as €5 per night. But you can also rent a villa with a pool or stay in one of the luxurious resorts. On Koh Phangan you will find the right accommodation for every budget.

Our accommodations:

• Coco Garden Resort
• The Beach Village
• Milky Bay Resort
• V View Beach Resort

Special accommodations on Koh Phangan:

• Silan Residence Koh Phangan
• The Coast Resort Koh Phangan
• Panviman Koh Phangan
• Zama resort
• The Great Escape Chalets
• Green Papaya Resort

How to get around Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a relatively large island that is mostly unconnected with each other by public transport. There aren’t many options to speak of from what I gathered and the only mode of transport around the island is by scooter, songthaew (local shared taxis) or by private taxi.

The local songthaew taxis leave at designated times throughout the day but mostly connect the main towns of Koh Phangan. Taxis are reasonably priced but you can’t use Grab or any ride hailing apps on the island making them unreliable.

The best method of getting around Koh Phangan is definitely by scooter. You can rent scooters on Koh Phangan pretty much anywhere. The prices will vary depending on the time of year but you can expect to pay between 150 and 250 THB for a basic 125 cc scooter.

Koh Phangan has wide paved roads that make scooter riding very easy and enjoyable. There is hardly any traffic on this island (except during peak times) so you don’t need to deal with the craziness like in Bali, Indonesia for example.

Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan

The Full moon party is famous around the world for being one of the craziest and epic parties in Thailand. This is literally the first thing I knew about Thailand just from word of mouth. It happens on the night of the full moon so almost every month. It is located on Haad Rin Beach which is actually quite beautiful. It is turned into a huge outdoor beach party on the eve of the full moon.

Bars are full of party goers of all ages (mostly younger let’s be honest), sand buckets filled with liquor and mix, and Singha beers on free flow. The party goes to the early morning hours of the day and you can expect to see thousands of people on the beach.

At the party there is mostly electronic music on the ears. Every now and then even internationally known DJ’s come to the island. The party then goes on until sunrise the next day. The  Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan  usually takes place exactly on the full moon day of the month. From time to time the party is also postponed because of religious days. Book your accommodation accordingly in advance. Depending on the time of year, it can get pretty crowded on the island.

I visited in December 2021 during COVID and this party is of course not happening until further notice!

Best Beaches in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is spoiled with incredible beaches all over the island. I would say the beaches in Koh Phangan are nicer than the ones in Phuket. Perhaps it’s not as beautiful as a Koh Phi Phi Leh but for how easy it is to get to, Koh Phangan offers some of the better beaches in Thailand.

I explored the beautiful  Chaloklum Beach  and the somewhat hidden  Bootle Beach.  You can reach it by boat or by scooter on very rough gravel roads (at least that’s how it was back then). We didn’t find the beach that beautiful, there are really nicer beaches. We wouldn’t take the horror path through the jungle again. But this beach also has its beautiful corners.

South of Koh Phangan

In the very south and south-east of the island is the gorgeous  Leela Beach  and  Haad Rin Beach  . The sand at Leela Beach is incredibly white, the water crystal clear and turquoise. You’ll be amazed! In the east of the island is  Than Sadet Beach  . This one is a little gem. The palm trees reach for the sky, the restaurant is cozy and the accommodations are original. The rocks on the left and right as well as the wooden bridge, which leads you over the small arm of the river, are particularly beautiful

Northwest of Koh Phangan beaches

I found the beaches in the northwest of Koh Phangan to be the most beautiful. These all had wide sandy beaches with beautiful palm trees, cliffs, and crystal clear water. During high season however, you can expect these beaches to get quite busy which might make it less enjoyable.

One of my favorite spots is the so-called  “Secret Beach”  . It is by no means “secret” but simply stunningly beautiful. We particularly liked the rocks in the water, the clear sea, the colors and the peace and quiet.  Haad Salad is also a beautiful beach right next to the What’s Cup cafe.

Bottle Beach Viewpoint

For the best views of Koh Phangan with an added hike, visit the Bottle Beach Viewpoint in Koh Phangan’s north. You can drive close to the entrance point with a scooter and then walk another 20 minutes through the bush to the viewpoint. From the viewpoint, you have a stunning view of Bottle Beach and the Gulf of Thailand!

I found the two  beaches Thong Nai Pan Yai & Thong Nai Pan Noi  very beautiful. These are located in the east of the island and are easily accessible by road. On Noi Beach you will find almost only luxury resorts, while on Yai Beach there are nice and cheaper accommodations. The beaches are beautiful and certainly worth a visit!

Haad Sadet is another very off the beaten path beach on Koh Phangan’s east coast. This beach is very remote so you won’t find the typical crowds here. It is located in the Namtok Than Sadet National Park and you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to enter this park.

The beach itself is quite pretty but it’s probably not as beautiful as the beaches on the west coast. There are some bungalows where you can stay as well as a nudist beach nearby.

Silver Cliff Restaurant viewpoint

My favorite part of this beach is the restaurant on the clifftop. It’s a short walk from the beach but the views here are incredible. I had lunch and coconuts here and it was absolutely stunning.

Best Cafes in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan has seen a huge influx of high quality cafes in recent years. There are now plenty of beautiful, trendy, and digital nomad friendly cafes located all throughout the island. Of course, Koh Phangan’s cafe selection still pales in comparison to Bali’s cafes but you won’t leave disappointed!

Bubba’s Coffee

Bubba’s coffee is one of the most well known cafes on the island. They serve amazing brunch style food from all over the world as well as make delicious coffee. They have multiple locations on the island but you can expect the same quality everywhere. I came here numerous times for their breakfast items as there isn’t much local Thai dishes to speak of on the island.

You can expect a large crowd at this cafe as it is very popular with tourists and digital nomads alike.

Orion cafe located in the northwest of the island is the perfect place to relax and chill by the beach. It’s located literally in front of the beach and is a very popular spot with the digital nomads. There is ample seating and plush couches for those looking for a comfortable spot to work.

What’s cup is probably my favorite cafe on the island. Located in the northwest of Koh Phangan near to Haad Salat beach, this cafe is the ultimate spot to have coffee and brunch food with a view. Literally, look at this photo below and tell me that you can’t find the meaning of life with this view!

This place gets very busy in the late mornings so make sure to come early for the best tables. The food is also remarkably tasty which makes the view even better. I loved working from here as it was a chilled place after the morning rush and the views were spectacular.

What to eat in Koh Phangan

As with anywhere in Thailand, you’re never far away from amazing delicious food and of course this is the case in Koh Phangan as well. As it is a large island, you’ll find all the Thai classics as well as numerous western style restaurants to mix it up. These are some of the highlights of the restaurants I visited but there are countless more that I didn’t have time to visit!

Phantip Night Market in city center

You can’t go wrong with street markets in Thailand. Literally never.

Phantip night market is the main night market in Koh Phangan. There are a few smaller ones located outside of the main town but definitely stick with this one.

As with any night market, you can expect to find all the delicious options here from cooked food like Pad Thai, Pad see ew, Pad Gra Prao, green curry etc. to street dishes like satays, Thai pancakes, mango sticky rice, fried chicken, and much more.

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

This was probably my favorite restaurant on the entire island. It’s a slightly more upscale seafood restaurant located on the beach south of the city center. This restaurant has a beautiful beach in front with numerous Thai style long boats laid out on the beach for tables and lounge seating.

The food itself is absolutely fantastic with some of the strongest and tastiest curries I’ve had in Thailand. Make sure to get the mix seafood curry which was probably one of the best things I’ve eaten all over Thailand. The restaurant also serves fantastic cocktails which is hard to find. Prices are on the higher side but is to be expected with this type of setting.

Make sure to make a reservation before hand!

Siri’s Island Cafe

Located just north of the Thong Sala city center, Siri’s island cafe is the spot to go for delicious Khao Soi. I lived off of Khao Soi in northern Thailand and was really craving these delicious noodles as soon as I had left. Siri is one of the only places on the island that served this delicious noodle soup. The owner was also very friendly.

For delicious Thai food that we all know, visit Pum Pui in the northwest of the island. This restaurant serves all the classics but is one of the best places to do it.

Bann Boontom Somtum & Gallery

Possibly the best authentic Thai restaurant on the island! This place specializes in northeastern isaan cuisine, but has its own unique style. This is really different from most Thai restaurants on the island directed at foreigners and tourists. This was the real deal spicy and delicious Thai flavor that I had not tasted previously.

Make sure to try the various Larb dishes as well as the fried pork!

Visit Koh Tao Island

If you have a few more days, I’d also recommend visiting the island of Koh Tao. It’s world famous for its diving although the corals have seen better days with the onset of climate change. Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Koh Tao was known as an absolute factory for open water courses. It was packed with dive schools and the dive and party lifestyle was the way here. It was so overpacked with diving that almost a third of all open water certifications in the world were done in Koh Tao. That is absolutely insane.

The island is much smaller than Koh Phangan and many people prefer this vibe. Koh Tao can be reached by ferry from Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani. The quickest way to reach Koh Tao from Bangkok is to fly to Koh Samui and take the ferry to Koh Tao.

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Thailand Nomads

• Koh Phangan

Best Things to do in Koh Phangan – 2024 Guide

Joy intisuk.

• March 30, 2023

One thing that we can definitely promise you about Koh Phangan is that you will never get bored here. This underdeveloped island that’s located about 12 kilometers north of Koh Samui has something for everyone.

The 125-square-kilometer island has all the characteristics of a tropical paradise: white, powdery beaches, turquoise waters, coconut tree groves, a steep hinterland covered in lush vegetation, and little villages.

The majority of the attractions and activities in Koh Phangan are strongly tied to nature. For those who enjoy exploring, Koh Phangan makes a wonderful vacation destination with its beaches, waterfalls, and vistas.

On the island, new modes of entertainment and recreation have emerged as a result of increased tourism. You can still have a fantastic time on this island even if you don’t drink or enjoy partying.

From the busy streets crowded with food booths to the peace of secret beaches, there are countless things to do in Koh Phangan, but here are the top 21 activities that you must definitely try.

Unearth the diverse attractions with our guide to the best things to do in Koh Phangan , from pristine beaches and lush jungles to vibrant markets and exhilarating water sports, all waiting to be explored.

21 Best Things to do in Koh Phangan – 2023 Guide

1. experience the world-famous full moon party.

The island of Koh Phangan is well known for hosting celebrations with a lunar theme. Parties are held on the east side of Koh Phangan’s southernmost beach, Haad Rin Beach, during full moons, half moons, and black moons.

The Full Moon Party should be on the bucket list of any party animals out there searching for a traditional backpacker experience in Thailand.

Some tourists visit Koh Phangan only for the Full Moon Party because it is a well-known phenomenon among young tourists.

In comparison to Koh Phangan’s famous full-moon party, half- and black-moon parties are a little less well-known. They both take place near Baan Tai Beach, which is north of Haad Rin.

There will be plenty of neon body paint, inexpensive mixed drinks served in plastic buckets, loud music, flashing lights, and dancing at this party. If you enjoy partying, it’s one of the greatest things to do in Koh Phangan.

Just keep in mind that many hotels entirely sell out for the event, so reserve your room as soon as you can!

• Location: Haad Rin Nok Beach
• Hours: Every full moon, all night long
• Cost: 100 Baht entrance fee

2. Hike to Bottle Beach

The Bottle beach was rated as the greatest in Koh Phangan by Conde Nast Traveler, and we can’t agree more.

The beach is quite difficult to reach because it is in the north of the island, but the hour-long hike through the jungle is an exciting adventure. The difficult trip through the forest is worth it once you arrive, but you will deeply regret it if you don’t slather yourself with bug spray beforehand.

When you reach the white sands of Bottle Beach, you’ll feel as though you’ve earned your relaxed beach day, so make sure you pack plenty of bug spray and wear excellent walking shoes.

You can expect to go from Coconut Beach to Bottle Beach in a total of about an hour and a half.

• Location: The island’s North Coast
• Hours: Ideally, during the day.

3. Go for Beach Hopping

With so many beaches to visit in Koh Phangan, beach hopping is a must-try thing. The relatively tiny island, which has a radius of around 40 kilometers, contains about 30 beaches with varying lengths and characteristics.

Renting a motorbike in Koh Phangan is very simple and affordable. This makes it convenient for you to explore all these unspoiled expanses of beaches.

Haad Nam Tok is one of the tiny ones that are difficult to get by road (Waterfall Beach). In this situation, renting a long-tail boat for the day might be a good idea. Explore these secluded pockets of heaven by taking a cruise along the stunning Koh Phangan shore.

4. Take a Day Trip to Ang Thong National Park

This protected archipelago in Koh Phangan is a breathtaking haven of unspoiled beauty. Put Ang Thong National Park at the top of your list of things to do in Koh Phangan if you’re looking for adventure and activity.

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with its hiking paths, limestone caverns, tall cliffs, palm forests, coral reefs, sandy beaches, and much more.

The park is made up of enormous, lush islands that tower over the water impressively. The park offers a very cool experience because it contains hidden caves that may be discovered by boat or just swimming.

Only tour boats authorised by the government are permitted to enter the marine park. Fortunately, many excellent travel operators provide Koh Phangan to Ang Thong day tours.

• Location: In the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui
• Hours: Year-round or April – October for the best weather conditions
• Cost: 1800 Baht ($55) for a speedboat tour

5. Go Scuba Diving

Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan is scuba diving.

Koh Phangan in Thailand has beautiful marine life, such as tropical fish, manta rays, coral reefs, and more. Its location of Koh Phangan makes it perfect for diving excursions into the Gulf of Thailand.

The reefs along the northwest coast, starting in Chaloklum, are in good shape. Diving off the beach straight is even an option.

There are various diving locations in Koh Phangan, but the best one is Sail Rock. It has a rich diversity of marine life because it is located 15–40 metres below sea level.

The rock is accessible to divers of all skill levels and is about an hour’s boat journey from Koh Phangan. Manta rays, barracuda, and whale sharks are some of the main attractions at this dive site.

The island is home to several truly outstanding dive schools that may provide you with equipment or aid in obtaining your dive certification.

If scuba diving is really your thing, you might also want to visit Koh Tao which is only a short boat ride away, is renowned for its great diving!

• Location: Sail Rock, situated between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
• Hours: Year-round, but the best diving conditions are from April – October
• Cost: 2000 – 2500 Baht

6. Experience Snorkeling

There are top attractions such as snorkeling and scuba diving spots near Koh Phangan. Koh Phangan has everything needed to explore the underwater world, however, it is less well-known than Koh Tao, which is popular as the mecca of underwater sports in the Gulf of Thailand.

Nearly every beach along the west and north shores offers snorkeling opportunities. You can arrange for beach diving as well, but Koh Phangan-based dive shops typically venture further out to sea, in the direction of Koh Tao (some 35 km away).

Sail Rock, one of the area’s most stunning dive locations, is located 15 kilometers north of Koh Phangan.

• Location: North Coast
• Hours: During daylight hours, every day
• Cost: 100 baht/ per hour

7. Get a Thai Massage

What better way to cure your Full Moon Party hangover than to have a relaxing Thai massage that has its unique charm?

You’ll feel extremely rejuvenated after letting the skilled native masseuses knead, twist, and work out the kinks in your muscles.

You should definitely get a Thai massage at least once when visiting Thailand because it is a widely appreciated local institution. Anyone wishing to unwind a little on Koh Phangan should try this pastime.

Be prepared; these massages are intense and sometimes feel like they are holding you up like origami. However, the light and limber feeling you have afterward makes the pain worthwhile.

You must definitely try Thai massage at Wat Pho. It is a popular temple in Koh Phangan. Even when quite crowded during religious holidays, it maintains its tranquility. A sizable lily pond and many modest buildings are located on the expansive grounds.

This temple draws a lot of health-conscious visitors because of its reasonably priced herbal sauna and massage room. It is deemed one of the top massage destinations in Koh Phangan.

• Location: Everywhere on the island
• Hours: Anytime, ideally daytime.
• Cost: 300-1500 Baht for an hour, depending on the quality of the establishment. Street masseurs will charge a lot less than those in proper salons.

8. Cool down at a Waterfall

Some of the nicest sights of Koh Phangan may be seen inland, among the lush jungle, in addition to all the ocean splendor and white-sand beaches.

There are several cascading waterfalls on Koh Phangan where you may go for a picnic, take pictures, and go swimming in the naturally flowing fresh water.

You should particularly pay attention to Paradise Falls, Phaeng Falls, and Than Sadet, which are significant to the Thai people because of the inscriptions that King Rama VI left on the rocks there.

Both Than Sadet Waterfall and Paradise Waterfall are located close to the road leading to the Thong Nai Pan beaches and Chaloklum Bay, respectively.

The Thong Nai Pan beaches are close to the Than Prawet Waterfall. Last but not least, Than Praphet is a path that plunges into the ocean at Waterfall Beach on the island’s southeast shore.

Any of these waterfall visits will undoubtedly be worthwhile if you’re up for strenuous walks. However, to make the most of your time around these waterfalls, you must have a good knowledge of Koh Phangan’s weather.

Just keep in mind that it’s frequently preferable to visit them as soon as the hot season ends and the weather begins to improve.

• Location: Almost every region in Koh Phangan has a waterfall.
• Hours: Daytime- preferably from July to September
• Cost: Free or a very minimal entry fee.

9. Detox with Yoga

Yoga retreats and centers are extremely popular in Koh Phangan. Yoga, which has its roots in India, combines spiritual and physical practices that are similar to meditation and is thought to benefit both the body and the mind.

There are many yoga studios in Koh Phangan, including Orion Healing Centre in Sri Thanu, Agama Yoga Retreat nearby Haad Yuan, and Pure Flow Yoga in Sri Thanu. You can reserve a single session or spend your vacation at a yoga retreat.

A week-long to a month-long retreat is available at the Yoga Retreat, which is tucked away in the jungle. You will practice yoga, meditation, and vegan cuisine throughout your retreat.

Drop-in yoga classes are also available at the Yoga Retreat if you don’t have time for a full-fledged retreat.

• Location: The Yoga Retreat is in the jungle, ten minutes from Haad Salad Beach
• Hours: Every day
• Cost: 300 Baht for a drop in class

10. Hike Up Khao Ra

This 627-meter-high Khao Ra mountain is one of the best attractions in Koh Phangan. Overlooking Koh Phangan, Khao Ra offers breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea.

A central “road” crosses the island’s crest between Ban Tai and the northeastern side’s Thong Nai Pan Beach. The only issue is that it is still unfinished, severely rutted, and unlit in some areas.

In any case, it’s advisable to ride in a suitable offroad vehicle, like a cab, 4×4 or dirtbike. Avoid attempting to ascend Khao Ra in a regular automobile, especially in the rain!

You may enjoy some breathtaking views by hiking to the top; the roundtrip hike takes around 2-3 hours.

Wearing sturdy sneakers or hiking boots is recommended so that you don’t slip or fall. Always carry plenty of water and sunscreen when going on a hike.

Try to hike in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The hike to Khao Ra is close to the island’s north and is absolutely free of any cost.

It is a fairly straightforward climb, so you don’t need a guide, and the round trip up and down depends on your pace.

The trail is well-kept. However, the markings are not very clear. There are a few intersections where you won’t be sure which way to go, but after moving forward for approximately 100 meters, a sign will appear. You might need to walk back a few steps.

• Location: In the North of the island
• Hours: Either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat
• Cost: Free of Cost

11. Kayak in The Ocean

Grab a kayak and get paddling if you want to explore on your own rather than as part of a tour group. On Koh Phangan, kayaking is a wonderful way to discover the stunning coastline.

Watch your mind and soul open up as you cruise through the turquoise waters and soak in the natural beauty.

Kayak rentals are available at the most popular beaches, but the finest spots are on the west coast’s calmer waters. Any beach is wonderful as long as the water is not too rough.

Before you decide, discover about the currents at that beach and don’t kayak alone.

Be aware that going against the flow entails going all the way back. Wear sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and lots of water before venturing outside. Waterproof camera cases are available in Thong Sala and Haad Rin.

The waters from Wok Tum to Koh Ma on the west coast are typically calm and have unspoiled, undiscovered beaches that you may kayak to.

Always follow locals’ recommendations before venturing out, and make sure your vehicle is equipped with the necessary safety gear, life jacket, water, etc.

• Location: Anywhere. Still, Wok Tum to Koh Ma is a good bet.
• Hours: Whenever you want
• Cost: 150 Baht/hr

12. Experience Trekking in The Lush Greens

Koh Phangan trekking is a fantastic way to experience the island’s wild side. The island is ideal for camping, trekking, and even bushwhacking. The finest location for this daring activity is along the eastern shore.

You can also go hiking in the island’s central mountains, notably Khao Ra, which is 630 metres high and offers views of Chaloklum and Thong Nai Pan.

The actual journey is not difficult. However, it is simple to get lost. It is advised to employ a guide for this reason. At the Phaeng Waterfall National Park, you can easily hire a guide.

You can also try trekking from Coconut Beach to Bottle Beach. The difficult trip through the forest is worth it once you arrive, but you will deeply regret it if you don’t slather yourself with bug spray beforehand.

• Hours: Year-round, but avoid November as this is when the rain is heaviest
• Cost: Free of cost

13. Learn how to Prepare Thai Dishes

Though it would be wonderful to consume delicious food, you can also learn Thai cooking techniques while you’re here. The good news is that the island is littered with excellent locations for learning how to prepare Thai cuisine.

The skill to prepare delectable Thai foods is a wonderful “souvenir” you may bring back from your trip because Thai cuisine is well-known across the world. With your new culinary abilities, you’ll be able to wow your family and friends.

There are several excellent culinary schools in Koh Phangan where you may master the fundamentals of Thai cookery.

You may learn all the insider secrets of becoming a Thai chef from institutions like the C&M Culture Centre in Sri Thanu, The Phangan Cooking Class, and My Wok and Me in Thong Sala.

• Location: Pantip Market, Thong Sala
• Hours: Check the schedule of the class
• Cost: Avg- 2000 Baht

14. Enjoy the Breathtaking Sunrise

Observing the sunset from a tropical island has a truly mystical vibe. You can take in a breathtaking 360-degree panorama view while observing an island sunset from a rooftop bar.

Many of the rooftop cafés and eateries on Koh Phangan provide excellent vantage points for watching the sunset. Some of the best are listed below:

Secret Mountain- Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Amsterdam Bar- Open from 12 p.m. until 1 a.m

Three Sixty Bar- Open from 10 a.m. until 12 a.m

You should definitely check out the Secret Mountain restaurant. It is a local restaurant with unparalleled views.

Late in the afternoon, people frequently come here to eat and drink while taking in the sunset. You can see the island in its entirety from up there, and you can even make out the Ang Thong Islands poking out of the water. This is among the top things to do in Koh Phangan.

• Location: 42/3 Baan Nai Suan, Moo 2.
• Hours: Every day just before sunset
• Cost: 50 Baht to use the pool, 500 Baht for food and drinks

15. Sunbathe On Thong Nai Pan Beach

The beaches on Koh Phangan are, without a doubt, the best Koh Phangan attractions.

Make sure you fit lots of beach days into your Thailand schedule because people travel from far and wide to lounge on the velvety white sand and swim in the pristine waters of the Thai islands.

Visit Thong Nai Pan on Koh Phangan for the ultimate beach day.

The beach at thong Nai Pan is precisely what you would expect to see on an island in Thailand. White-sand beaches, thick palm trees that wave in the breeze, and blue sea that sparkles in the unending sunshine. Grab a refreshing beverage as time passes by.

Lay in the shade beneath a coconut palm or soak up the sun. Splash around and gather seashells. Since this beach on Koh Phangan’s northeast shore is so stunning, make sure to take lots of pictures.

• Location: On the Northeast Coast

16. Visit Thong Sala’s Street Markets

Thong Sala, the center of Koh Phangan is a lively town with lots of entertaining things to do. The town’s street markets are its main draw, drawing both visitors and residents in the evenings to peruse the local wares and stuff their tummies with delectable Thai cuisine.

The best street cuisine on the island can be found at the Phantip Night Market, which opens every evening.

The Thong Sala Night Market, also known as the Walking Street Market, takes over the city’s main street every Saturday.

At the Thong Sala Night Market, the streets are filled with local sellers’ own stalls selling trinkets, apparel, jewelry, and other handcrafted goods.

The market is an excellent spot to consume international cuisine, including sushi, grilled meat and fish, pizza, and Thai rice dishes. There is a tonne of Thai food available here at affordable prices.

• Location: Moo 1, Thong Sala, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
• Hours: Daily from 4 pm until late
• Cost: Entry is Free

17. Take a Road Trip around the Island

Taking a road trip is the best option if you want to see a lot of the island in a short amount of time.

If you don’t have a vehicle of your own, there are a few tourism businesses that offer either ATV or road trip activities throughout the island. Also, you can consider renting a bike from these famous rentals in Koh Phangan to explore the island at your own pace.

You’ll see all the main locations on the island throughout your tour, including beaches, waterfalls, rooftop bars, and other spectacular locations that you might not have had time to visit on your own.

18. Check Out Koh Phangan viewpoints

Mountainous terrain abounds on Koh Phangan, offering visitors a wide variety of breathtaking vantage points. Khao Ra, a 627-meter-tall peak in the island’s north-central region, is the highest point.

Hiring a guide at the trailhead is the most effective way to reach the peak. Considering that the walk might be difficult, the cost is not excessive.

In addition to Khao Ra, the island has other excellent vantage locations, including those in Haad Yao, Haad Rin, and between Haad Maehaad and Chaloklum Bay, to name a few.

While some of the Koh Phangan overlooks are just by the side of the road, others call for a little more work to get them.

Visit the Haad Rin Viewpoint for a comprehensive view of the island’s south.

Even while it just takes a few minutes, the ascent to the top can be strenuous given the humid, tropical climate, so make sure to bring lots of water.

At the southernmost point of the island, the walk begins behind the Fairyland Resort. You can see Koh Samui in the distance and the adjacent beaches from the summit.

• Location: M39C+6X4, Unnamed Road, Haad Rin, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
• Hours: Anytime
• Cost: Free Entry

19. Try Hands On Muay Thai Boxing

On Koh Phangan, Muay Thai is a fun after-dinner activity. Thailand’s national sport doesn’t usually take place in the same spot on the island during regular competitions. Instead, a lottery is used to select the places.

To find out where and when the next fight will take place, go to the closest boxing stadium. The Muay Thai setups at Haad Rin and Thong Sala are very impressive. Numerous camps on the island offer instruction in this sport.

There are 7 Muay Thai Boxing stadiums in Koh Phangan, and contests are held there every evening. For you to master the fundamentals of the sport on your own, some of them even provide training classes!

• Location: Muay Thai Boxing Centers
• Hours: 7:30 am to 8:00 pm
• Cost: 200-400 Baht

20. Visit the Temples

It is easy to overlook the breathtaking temples on Koh Phangan with so much sightseeing and partying to be done.

However, as temples are magnificent examples of Thai culture and Buddhist architecture, you should make an effort to visit many of them.

The Kuan Yin Temple, Wat Nok, Wat Khao Tham, Wat Pho Kao Nai, and Wat Pho temples are among the most stunning on the island.

If you are running short of time, visit Kuan Yin and Wat Pho at least.

Kuan Yin Temple is on the road leading from Thong Sala to Chaloklum in the north. It consists of 7 separate structures, all of which are magnificent and offer expansive views of the surrounding countryside and Chaloklum Bay.

The compound is decorated with a striking “dragon drum,” multiple vibrantly colored pagodas, a big golden Buddha picture, and wind chimes.

Frangipani and bougainvillea are scattered throughout the gardens, while numerous golden warriors stand guard at the entrance. The Kuan Yin Temple was built as a combination of a lighthouse and a temple after initially being intended as a beacon to serve fishermen.

Wat Pho is another very popular temple in Koh Phangan. Even when quite crowded during religious holidays, it maintains its tranquility. A sizable lily pond and many modest buildings are located on the expansive grounds.

This temple draws a lot of health-conscious visitors because of its reasonably priced herbal sauna and massage room. One of the top massage destinations in Koh Phangan, according to visitors to Wat Pho.

Wat Phu Kao Nai is the oldest temple in Koh Phangan. It translates to “temple of the tiny mountain” in Thai. One of the calmest areas on the island, it hosts numerous meditation retreats.

When meditations are taking place at Wat Phu Khao Noi, visitors are asked to observe a respectful silence. It is not permitted to pose with any of the Buddha statues. When visiting the temple, dress appropriately.

21. Get Wet at Challenge Phangan

The Challenge is a waterpark between Sri Thanu and Chao Phao bays on the west coast of Koh Phangan. It is located near Sweet Water Lake. It offers a thrilling and enjoyable water obstacle course that you must finish in the least amount of time.

Rolling barrels, monkey bars, a rope swing, stepping stones, a climbing mountain, balance beams, and swinging shapes are among the difficult obstacles on this course.

The on-site bar/restaurant offers drinks and refreshments while the entertaining races are going on. Children under the age of 10 must always be accompanied in the water by an adult, and all participants under the age of 18 are required to wear life jackets.

• Location: 90/22 Baan Tai, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
• Hours: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
• Cost: Entry Fees- 500 THB

Wrapping Up

As soon as you land in Thailand, you get surrounded by a riot of color and sound the moment. It is new and exciting but also a little intimidating. From the constant turmoil of the capital city of Bangkok, Koh Phangan provides some relief.

Koh Phangan may be bustling with activity, but it also has quiet areas where you may temporarily disconnect from the outside world.

It combines tranquility with excitement and offers a variety of chances for outdoor adventure. You’ll have to experience it for yourself to fully get how curious and exceptional it is.

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Backpacking Koh Phangan: Parties, Beers & Beaches

Check out everything you need to know about backpacking Koh Phangan in Thailand. I will be giving you all the information you need to know such as costs, getting around, accommodation, what to do, the infamous full moon party and so much more!

Koh Phangan is equal parts a quiet and chilled back island, as well as a place where swarms of tourists gather to get absolutely wasted and forget realities. Though just be aware that the latter part is only for certain periods of the month. For the most part, Koh Phangan is an awesome island offering a piece of paradise. Therefore if you are planning on visiting Thailand backpacking Koh Phangan is a necessity to give you a break from the hustle and bustle of many cities here in Asia.

In this backpacking Koh Phangan travel guide, I will let you in on all the top things to do in Koh Phangan, where to sleep, where to eat, when to party, and more!

Be aware that even though there will be plenty of references to drunken debauchery in this post, Koh Phangan is so much more than that. It is actually one of my favorite islands in Thailand. There are plenty of white sandy beaches, oceanside accommodation, and locally run eateries serving the tastiest of foods.

At the end of it all, you will fall in love with Koh Phagan and all the little parts of paradise which you will no doubt discover. This island is huge, so if there is a part of it you don’t like you can simply move on. Each beach has its own specialties and different parts of the island generally cater to different kinds of travelers. Though that’s why I have written this backpacking Koh Phangan travel guide which will provide all the information you need to know.

Everything You Need To Know About Backpacking Koh Phangan

• When To Travel Koh Phagan

How Many Days To Spend Backpacking Koh Phangan

Cost per day to travel koh phangan, where to stay while backpacking koh phangan, getting around koh phangan, where to eat in koh phangan, safety while backpacking koh phangan, things to do in koh phangan, where to after backpacking koh phangan, when to travel koh phangan.

Located in the Gulf Of Thailand, Koh Phangan, has 2 distinctive seasons, the dry season and the wet season.

The dry season runs from late December through to March. This is when you will have hot dry sunny days and is the peak of the tourist season. Because of this, many accommodation providers increase their nightly rates so you may find yourself spending a bit more than planned.

Personally, I traveled to Koh Phangan just after Songkran during the month of April. Their monsoon rain generally only hits once per day during the afternoon. The weather changed pretty fast when one minute we were driving our scooter around under the hot run and five minutes later we are ducking for cover under the nearest overhanging balcony. The rain only lasted around 20 minutes and then as quickly as it came, it disappears again.

The wet season, also known as the monsoon season, is from April to November. These days will be hot, humid, and wet. Downpours are frequent, though they never seem to last long and always seem to be followed by blue skies. Though from September to November this is when the weather truly starts to get bad with seemingly constant downpours. The only problem you may have will be getting to and from Koh Phangan as the waters may be too rough for the ferry companies to safely operate. Though there is nothing wrong with being stranded in paradise for a couple of extra days. The prices during the wet season are also a lot cheaper than during the dry season. Making it a lot easier on your backpacking Koh Phangan travel budget.

Koh Phangan is a damn chill island where I could honestly spend weeks relaxing beachside. Though I understand I am not the majority, nor is that a reasonable amount for most people when you are on an adventure to explore the whole country.

Honestly, I recommend spending between 3 to 5 days here in Koh Phangan. Though this will depend on how many islands you plan on a visit before or after. As if you are beach hopping your way down Thailand 3 days may be enough. Koh Phangan is a beautiful palm tree-covered island, but Thailand does have a lot of those.

Spending at least 3 days in Koh Phangan will also you to spend some days chilling poolside, checking out some of the incredible beaches this island has to offer, and partaking in some of the fun activities. Though more on that later.

Be aware that if you are coming to Koh Phangan for the full moon party or any of the endless other moon parties that there seems to be every week. One of those days will be considered a write-off. Therefore is best to add a day or two onto your backpacking Koh Phangan itinerary.

If you are traveling here during the main full moon party many hostels and hotels on the island generally have a minimum night’s stay in the terms and conditions of their booking. Therefore make sure to read the fine print before making a payment or paying a deposit.

Being more towards the southern end of Thailand as well as being an island prices here are generally a bit more than on the mainland. This is because of 2 reasons. Number one, the South of Thailand is more touristy, when backpacking Chiang Mai , its incredible value for money. Though down here in Koh Phangan it is unfortunately not as much. The second reason is because of the cost of transporting the goods from the mainland across the water to the island. Though this is essentially the same for any island around the world. Prices will just generally be more expensive, not the best for your cost to travel Thailand budget .

When it comes to accommodation there are so many options available and at widely different price ranges. From hundreds of dollars per night cliffside luxury hotels to bunk bed-filled backpacking hostels. The cheapest hostels start at around $5.00 per night. Though this is for a room you’ll be sharing with 15+ people. For smaller-sized dorm rooms, you’ll be paying around the $10.00 mark per night. Also, just be aware that during the full moon party this price can increase, a lot.

For a private room, you can plan to spend around $12.00 to $25.00 for a fan room in a decent guesthouse. This may not be a beachfront room, but you will never too far from a dip in the ocean. Best to do a bit of research though as the options for private rooms are endless as there are so many available. Push up your budget by an extra $10.00 or so and you can find yourself in a beautiful bamboo fan room with an oceanfront view.

I fell in love with the delicious meals at local restaurants in Koh Phangan. For western food, you can generally triple this price. It’s a lot more expensive so it’s best to stick local and appreciate such delicious flavors in such a paradise spot.

Overall I would budget approximately $30.00 per day for backpacking Koh Phangan to stay on the safe side. This will allow you a decent bed to sleep in, a few beers, and a couple of restaurant meals to keep you energized. Though if you are planning to go hard-partying you will need to add an extra $20.00 or so onto this budget to also for drinks and entry fees.

When deciding where to stay in Koh Phangan you really need to figure out what kind of traveler you are. This is because different areas of the island sort of cater to different types of tourists.

Had Rin: If you’re keen on a party this is the place to be. Home to a few different hostels this beachside spot is a top hit with backpackers. Even when the full moon party is not on you can find fire shows and other parties going on.

Baan Tai: This is where I have previously stayed when backpacking Koh Phangan. Most properties here are beachfront (including hostels). It caters more to backpackers again rather than luxurious travelers. During low tide the water goes out so far, meaning you can only really swim during high tide. Though many accommodation providers along here also have a pool. There are also some awesome local restaurants nearby within walking distance.

Thong Sala: This is the main town of Koh Phangan and where the ferry boats all arrive at. You will have plenty of guesthouse options located here as well as some of the best restaurants on the island. Just be aware you will need to head a bit further out to find a nice beach.

Haad Yao: If you are wanting a beautiful beach right next door to your bedroom Haad Yao may just be the place for you. They have both cheaper guesthouses here as well as hotels. There is also an assortment of restaurants and cafes nearby. Just be aware this is not a party location.

Haad Salad: Now Haad Salad is definitely where I will be staying on my next trip backpacking Koh Phagan. Salad Beach is one of my favorite beaches on the island with pristine white sand and turquoise blue water. The accommodation options here are more beach shack vibes so is a good low-cost option for a private room. The town of Haad Salad is relatively small so you’ll need to utilize some sort of transport to get around.

Here are my top picks for the backpacking Koh Phangan travel guide:

Getting To Koh Phangan From Bangkok

Unfortunately getting to Koh Phangan from Bangkok isn’t the easiest. This is because, no matter which type you choose, you will need to take multiple types of transport to get to the island. Though don’t worry too much about it because it gives you an opportunity to break up a lot of travel over multiple days, or to make things easy you can book the entire journey through a travel agency who will make sure everything runs smoothly. I recommend checking out 12.Go Asia for booking such trips.

Flying to Koh Phangan from Bangkok is definitely the fastest way to get to the island. Though sometimes it can be a little pricey to best to weigh up all options.

You do need to be aware that there isn’t actually an airport on Koh Phangan. The nearest airport is on the neighboring island of Koh Samui. Though from there it is a relatively easy journey to get to Koh Phangan.

There is a public bus between Koh Samui Airport and the port which leaves every hour. The cost is around 150thb. Though it depends on how long you want to wait around as to whether you should catch the bus. Alternatively, you could also take a taxi. This would definitely be a good option if you have friends you could split the cost with. You will likely need to haggle for a decent price, 200-300thb.

Once you are at the port you can just visit one of the many ferry companies. It is best to shop around to compare prices and check if the ride is direct or if it also stops at Koh Phangan. The 2 main companies are Seatran Discovery and Lomprayah. Personally, I have only used Lomprayah while in Thailand and this is simply because they provided nothing but excellent service.

You can also do a train and boat combo to get from Bangkok to Koh Phagan. I often find train journeys a lot more comfortable than buses, especially since they offer berths where you can lay flat which makes a big difference. You can book your train tickets over at 12.Go Asia .

You can either take the train to Surat Thani and then catch the ferry to Koh Phagan. There are multiple train journeys and departure times you can choose from so make sure it works which your plans. The journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani takes 13 hours so if you choose one of the overnight options you will arrive at slightly better times where it won’t be completely pitch black.

Once in Surat Thani, you can make your way to Lomprayah Tapee Pier. The boat departs from here once per day at 11.30 am and it is a 2-hour journey. It will cost you around $30.00 for the ferry.

There are plenty of travel agencies around the Khao San Road area that can book you onto an overnight bus and ferry combo to Koh Phangan. For a reputable company, expect to pay between $40.00 to $50.00. It is a long journey to make and will take around 15 hours so prepare yourself for that.

Make sure to bring warm clothes and fresh socks and the air conditioning on Thai buses can be extremely chilly.

This is a similar journey I did but to Koh Tao . Overall it wasn’t too painful and once we got away from Bangkok traffic and could keep a steady pace it was relatively smooth. It wasn’t the worst night’s sleep but wasn’t the best either. Though it was an affordable way to travel the distance which also meant we didn’t need to spend money on accommodation that night.

Traveling Around Koh Phangan

Koh Phagan is a large island and therefore you’ll need some sort of transportation to get around. Sure if you are happy on chilling on the beach next to your resort you should be fine hanging in the same spot. Though if you are wanting to travel around and explore some of the best sights of the island you will need to take some sort of transportation.

I highly recommend downloading the offline map of Koh Phangan on the Maps.Me app for your cell phone. It’ll be super helpful navigating your way around if you do not have data. This is one thing I always make sure I have before arriving at a new destination.

Sure you can walk small distances in Koh Phangan to get from your accommodation to a restaurant, but that is probably as far as you will want to go. There are footpaths, though they are generally not the best of quality.

If you’re happy chilling at your resort and staying put you will be fine walking. Though if you’re like me and wanting to check out the best beaches this awesome tropical island has to offer you’ll need to have some form of transport.

Not always the biggest scooter fan (generally because they often can get wound up in scams), I actually went ahead and hired a scooter for 24 hours. This was done through the hostel I was staying at. Though there are plenty of scooter hire shops around the island. Just remember to look at reviews online or ask the staff in your accommodation for recommendations.

There are both long-term and short-term hires available in Koh Phangan. For long term you will get a much better rate per day. Though for short term expect to pay around $7.00 per day.

Make sure you take a video of your bike when you first get it highlighting any damage. Also, be aware that Koh Phangan is a relatively hilly island. Many people end up with broken bones and a visit to the hospital for choosing this as their place to learn how to drive a scooter. In all honesty, I didn’t think the roads were horribly bad, and there was a lot of road works happening during my visit to improve road conditions. Though potholes are seemingly around every turn, hitting one of those bad boys wrong will not end well.

For those not comfortable driving a scooter a songthaew will be your best means of transportation on Koh Phangan. These are basically pickup truck-style taxis where the driver will take you where you need to go around the island.

The most popular route between Haad Rin and Thongsala has a set price of $3.33 / 100 THB per person. But with a sort of songthaew mafia running the island the prices can quickly double depending on demand. There is no point either in haggling with them as they have their own set prices and only offer discounts for groups.

From cute little beach shacks to upscale modern restaurants there is a variety of places to eat in Koh Phangan. It is also a vegetarian paradise here with plenty of meat-free options. These are my top picks, all tested and tried, for my backpackers travel guide to Koh Phangan:

Cheap Eats In Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan has so many affordable locally run restaurants it is a budget travelers dream. It is relatively easy to find ourselves a delicious plate of meat and rice (or tofu if you are a vegetarian like me) for around $2.00 / 60 THB. This is how I ate the majority of the time I was in Koh Phangan and it was some of the best and delicious meals I had throughout my entire backpacking Thailand journey.

Unfortunately, a lot of these locally run restaurants you can’t find any information online. They aren’t on Tripadvisor or Google. Instead, it can simply be a matter of discovering them yourselves as you are venturing around the island. Our top spot was nearby Slumber Party Hostel in Baan Tai. It is a couple of hundred meters from there towards the hospital and you will find 5 or so local restaurants lined up all together along the side of the road.

In the main town, you can also head to Nine Restaurant and Bar for affordable meals. Their western meals are a bit more pricey around $5.00 / 150 THB. But their Thai curries and stirfries cost around $2.70 / 80 THB.

Western Food In Koh Phangan

As with many places around Thailand, Western food is a whole lot more expensive than eating local meals. This is because a lot of the ingredients are harder to come by and generally cost more as it is imported from overseas. It may not be the best on your Thailand budget, but it may just help with that little bit of homesickness.

To be honest I did not eat any Western meals during my stay in Koh Phangan. When you find delicious and affordable local food, you have no reason to pay twice as much for lunch. Though a little bit of research shows some of the top places for Western food in Koh Phangan:

Monnalisa : With 2 different locations in Koh Phangan itself you’ll have no excuse why you can’t try this spot. Either at the Thongsala Food Court in the main town or the infamous party spot of Haad Rin. Specializing in Italian food you can’t beat a delicious pasta or pizza dish with homemade ingredients. For budget travelers, you can also choose to have dry pasta instead of homemade to save some money.

The Masons Arms : This cute well built British-style Pub is a great choice for Western food in Koh Phangan. Whether you are after a chip butty, Sunday roast, or a full English breakfast. This place will have you reminiscing about home.

Beach Coconut Bowls: If you are looking for something and somewhere a little bit more instagrammable head to Beach Coconut Bowls. With beautiful Bali-style smoothie bowls these will definitely stand out on your feed. The bowls start from $6.00 / 180 THB.

Koh Phangan is a relatively safe place. You can keep yourself safe and well by using common sense and not putting yourself in difficult situations. The main thing here is that there is a bit of petty theft. Don’t use your phone along a busy street and if you must, turn away from the traffic. Carry your valuables in a cross the body bag. Bag snatching is quite common here to you want to prevent giving people the opportunity. These happen all over Asia and these points are standard practice when you are traveling.

The water here is not drinkable. Though you are able to brush your teeth with it. You can buy cheap bottles of water from 7/11. Or even better book accommodation with a refillable water station. This is something which a lot of hostels these days have on offer.

As mentioned a bit above a common scam throughout Thailand are motorbike scams. Usually, this involves blaming travelers for scratches and other marks on the motorbike and making them pay for this. To avoid this happening make sure you hire through a recommend and highly rated company. You can also document the state of the bike via video prior to taking it so you can always refer back to that if you get blamed.

Now if you are planning on doing a bit of partying here in Koh Phangan you’ll need to be aware of safety around drugs and alcohol. First off, drugs, you need to be aware there are harsh penalties for having drugs on you in Thailand. It is likely you’ll end up in prison, which isn’t fun for anyone involved. Drugs are everywhere during the full moon party, but you are best not to partake. If you are offered drugs, this can sometimes be from an undercover police officer who will quickly arrest you if you say yes. Police are also known to pay the locals to offer drugs to foreigners so they can arrest them.

All in all, it’s best to just avoid drugs completely in Thailand. Now let’s get into the second part, alcohol. It’s cheap here in Thailand and you can very quickly consume too much and find yourself in a difficult situation. You are best to stay away from the buckets as they are lethal, instead just stick with beers.

How many things do you really need to do when you’re in paradise? Not too many. Though Koh Phangan has a wide array of activities on offer to keep everyone busy. That means that even if you are exactly a beach lover, there are still plenty of other things to do while you’re on the island.

Full Moon Party

The full moon party is probably the number one thing to do in Koh Phangan and is the reason the majority of travelers actually come here. Seriously during this time of the month, the island can receive an influx of 30,000+ travelers! Though in saying that, it doesn’t mean Koh Phangan is a party place. Nevertheless, let get into what you need to know about the full moon party. There is a party every month, but here you can find exact dates and tickets cost $3.33 / 100 THB.

Though don’t worry if you want to party while backpacking Koh Phangan and your plan doesn’t match up with the dates. There is also have half moon party, quarter moon party. Basically a different party each week!

If you love a bit of an underwater adventure then you can’t miss out on doing a snorkeling adventure while you are backpacking Koh Phangan. The snorkeling tour will take you to all of the best snorkeling spots around the island. A lot of which are inaccessible by land or quite difficult to get to.

Some of the best spots to go snorkeling on the island include Haad Salad, Haad Yao, and Koh Ma. There are tours available on the island or if you like you can travel around to the beaches and snorkel them yourself.

Just be aware that box jellyfish have become quite common here in Koh Phangan over recent years. These are highly poisonous and can kill in minutes. Action has been taken on certain beaches by installing nets. Though best to keep an eye out and follow any warning signs.

Beach Hopping

Koh Phangan is an island paradise so what better things to do than going on a beach-hopping adventure. This is what I did one of the days in Koh Phangan and it was a great way to see what this island has to offer. From coastal roads with ocean views to stunning clifftop locations, there is some incredible scenery on this island.

The best way to do this would be to hire a motorbike. The roads here aren’t too difficult, though you will need to be careful of potholes. Some of the best beaches in Koh Phangan include Haad Chao Phao, Leela Beach, Haad Salad, Chalok Lum Beach, Haad Rin, Baan Tai Beach, and Mae Haad Beach.

Sramonora Waterfall

Located at the South Side of Koh Phangan in Ban Kai Village in Sramanora Waterfall. It is a simple 5-minute drive off the main road making it super accessible. What makes this waterfall a step above others on the island is the natural pool at the top.

The best time to visit is between November and March after there has been some heavy rain. This will get the water rushing and make for some awesome photos. If there hasn’t been any rain in a while the waterfall may just turn into a little trickle.

Two other waterfalls you can visit on the island are Wang Sai and Than Prawet.

If you like something a bit more fast-paced than island life why not do zip lining with Just for Fun Canopy Adventure. The park offers 1 suspended bridge (30m), 3 short ziplines (30-40m), 1 staircase, 1 ladder, and 1 long zipline (450m). The highest platform is about 40m high. It costs $25.00 / 800 THB per person.

For a more chill time and to center yourself why not visit one of the yoga schools on Koh Phangan. The most popular is called The Yoga Retreat . Here you can practice yoga, meditation, eat delicious vegan food and just get zen.

It’s only a 10 minutes walk from Haad Salad beach within the jungle. If you are overall the drunken travelers, this is definitely the place to come. A 1h 30min yoga class is $13.00 / 400 THB.

Ang Thong Marine Park

If you snorkeled all of the beaches while backpacking Koh Phangan why not head out a bit further afield on a day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park. It is made up of 42 separate islands and is one of the best spots to snorkel in the Gulf of Thailand.

Prices generally start around $30.00 for the day trip on a group tour.

Hike Khao Ra Mountain

Lastly, you could go for a hike up Koh Ra Mountain. This will give you some awesome views of the island. The best idea is to do the hike in the morning or in the late afternoon. This way you will avoid the main heat of the day with the sun beating down on you.

There is an entrance fee of $0.67 / 20 THB. The hike will take you around 3 hours return to complete. It is well signposted so you need to have a guide. It starts at Khao Ra Retreat and then you can just follow the marked path from there.

After your backpacking Koh Phangan adventure has come to an end you have a couple of different options of where you could go:

Other Nearby Islands: Koh Tao and Koh Samui are two other islands that are in the same area as Koh Phangan. An hour or so ferry ride will take you between islands. Koh Samui and Koh Tao are quite different islands if you’re trying to decide between the two. Koh Tao is popular with scuba divers and snorkelers . There are some great reefs around this chill island. On the opposite side is Koh Samui which is the largest of all these three islands. It is more modernized and set up for tourism. There is also an airport which will be able to transport you to locations further afield.

North: If you’re planning to head north of Koh Phangan your next natural location would likely be Bangkok. I wouldn’t recommend traveling any further North in one go as that is already one long trip. Best to break up your journey with a night or two backpacking Bangkok .

South: This is the route I took and recommend if you’re looking to head further south from Koh Phangan. Make your way to Krabi in Southern Island. There are awesome things to do down here and you’ll be able to check out the incredible and photogenic Railey.

Any Questions? Let me know in the comments!

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Want more Thailand Inspiration? Check out….

• THAILAND TO LAOS BORDER CROSSING
• BEST ELEPHANT SANCTUARIES IN CHIANG MAI
• BEST HOSTELS IN CHIANG MAI
• CHIANG MAI TO LUANG PRABANG
• CHEAP EATS IN CHIANG MAI
• TRAVELING ASIA WITH STRAY TRAVEL
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• BACKPACKING CHIANG MAI
• CHIANG MAI SUNDAY NIGHT MARKET
• BACKPACKING BANGKOK

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. So, if you click on it and purchase something, I get a small percentage at no extra cost to you. As always all opinions are my own and your support is much appreciated.

Photo credit: “ Welcome To Koh Phangan ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by  Kyle Pearce  . “ Koh Phangan, Haad Rin ” ( CC BY 2.0 ) by  Fabio Achilli .

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

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Koh Phangan: travel guide with the best places to visit

Nestled in the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan is a captivating tropical paradise, known for its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and unique blend of tranquillity and excitement. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the world-famous Full Moon Party, a serene escape to crystal-clear waters, or a taste of authentic Thai culture, this island has something for every kind of traveller. For me, it’s also one of the top places for online work in the whole of Thailand.

How to get there?

Koh Phangan can be reached on a ferry from Donsak Pier near Surat Thani. Raja Ferry is slow, cheap, uncomfortable, and takes about 2,5 hours while Lomprayah is exactly the opposite but about twice the price and takes 1,5 hours. Time is money, they say. The choice is yours 🙂

Another option would be to fly to Koh Samui and hop on a boat from there. There are regular flights from Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand, as well as some foreign destinations. Check your connections at  12Go.Asia

How long to stay?

The island is a very pleasant place to stay, regardless if you are a party type or not. I would count a minimum 3 days which could be easily extended to one week or even longer. Beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and forest, nice standard of accommodation for online work, good food, and an option for a day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Par k . What else would you need for a perfect tropical holiday?

When to go?

The best period to visit Koh Phangan is between December and August.

The dry season lasts from December to April and it’s the peak tourist season. Pleasant weather with lower humidity and cooler temperatures. Accommodation and flights can be more expensive, and popular tourist spots can be crowded.

From May to August, there is a hot season with higher temperatures and humidity. Occasional rain showers are possible but they are usually brief. May and June can be particularly hot.

Rainy season months, so September to November, are better to be avoided. The prices are more budget-friendly but you may expect frequent rainfall and boat tours will most likely be closed.

Where to stay?

The night in Mae Haad Garden Inn cost me about 12 EUR per night and I chose that location only because other options were not available because of the Full Moon Festival. I ended up very satisfied with it and the area was super calm. With a scooter, it was easy to reach any part of the island anyway. Chaloklum Beach was only a 10-minute ride away.

Later, I moved to the Shanti Boutique Hotel which was a bit more expensive but absolutely brilliant. The rooms are simple but very cozy and clean, and it’s nice that they come with a balcony. The location is great as well, near Srithanu Beach and Zen Beach. There are also many cafés and restaurants that offer super tasty food with a lot of variety.

How to get around the island?

Without a doubt, the best option is to rent a motorbike. Ask for one at your accommodation. They will either have one or get in touch with someone who can deliver it to you within minutes. You will also find some rental agencies near Thongsala Pier.

The network of roads is really good with most of them sealed. There are still some dirt roads, often steep so pay special attention there or simply park your bike on the side of the road and walk.

What to do in Koh Phangan?

Wat phu khao noi.

The oldest temple on the island is a very tranquil place to walk around and enjoy the peace. It has a very nice vibe and the buildings are beautiful to look at. As it is located on a small hill, there are some good views too.

Phaeng Noi Waterfall

Wonderful waterfalls with lots of places to stop for a quick dip. The circular trail is challenging and adventurous but absolutely worth it. The full version takes about 2 hours but you may also choose a shorter variation. Hiking shoes are recommended as the trail is sometimes difficult and can be slippery. The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 THB.

Than Sadet Waterfall

The scenic road from the south of the island to Haad Sadet Beach crosses Namtok Than Sadet National Park. Don’t expect an impressive waterfall as it’s more like a stream with a lot of small waterfalls where you can walk up or downstream. The level of water depends on the season. The entrance fee for foreigners is 100 THB.

En route, you will notice two other access points to the same stream: Pho Darng Waterfall and Deang Waterfall.

Haad Sadet Beach

An okayish place but nothing too special. The highlight for me was taking a walk through We took a walk through the rickety bridge to the abandoned resort on the nearby beach: Haad Thong Reng. The entrance to Haad Sadet Beach costs 100 THB.

Haad Yao (East) and Haad Yang

Two remote and quiet beaches that can be reached by boat from Haad Rin, 4WD, or on foot. Haad Yao (East) is popular for its weekly parties at Lost Paradise .

Haad Wai Nam

Another nice and cozy beach, with a very chilled vibe and free atmosphere. Beautiful rocks and good water for snorkeling! The restaurants serve delicious food and there is a beach party every Saturday. The easiest way to get here is by boat from Haad Rin.

Haad Yuan Beach

I really enjoyed the jungle hike from Haad Rin to get to this place, with a wonderful viewpoint on the way. It takes about 1,5 hours. If you don’t feel like hiking all the way back, you can just take a boat taxi for approximately 200 THB per person. There are parties on Saturday night at Eden Bar.

This is the epicenter of the island’s nightlife, most famous for its Full Moon Party, a massive monthly beach party that draws thousands of visitors from all over the world. The event typically takes place on the night of the full moon, hence the name. It’s known for its vibrant atmosphere, music, dancing, and colorful decorations.

Haad Rin is divided into two main beaches: Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) and Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach). Sunrise Beach is where most of the Full Moon Party action happens, while Sunset Beach is generally quieter and more relaxed. Both beaches offer stunning views and plenty of water sports activities.

For good panoramic views, hike to Haad Rin Rock Viewpoint . It’s a good spot for sunset, although take the flashlight with you as the route is bushy. Follow the road to the antenna and about 20 meters before the road ends, there is a small, overgrown path toward the rock from which you can see the best view.

Yang Na Yai Tree and Wat Pho

Dipterocarpus alatus also known colloquially as the resin tree, is a tropical forest tree. The tallest one on the island is truly colossal and impressive. It’s located near Wat Pho, which is a quiet temple with an herbal sauna on the opposite side of the street.

Wat Khao Tham

It’s a very quiet and calm place on the hills of Koh Phangan, with a wonderful viewpoint over Koh Phangan. Koh Samui can be seen as well. They have a Vipassana meditation retreat so ask for more details if you are interested.

Koh Ma and Koh Ma Beach

Koh Ma is a small island in the northwest connected to Koh Phangan by a tiny but very picturesque sandbar. It’s a very popular snorkeling spot with some rock reefs on the east side of the island. The beach is very nice too, with hotel rooms located right on it but go a bit further and you will find a much quieter part.

Very disappointing place. The entrance fee was 50 THB per person but the place is neglected and it isn’t worth the time and money. The bar was closed and the waterfall was very tiny. Not recommended!

Guanyuin Temple

Beautiful temple located on the hill by the main road from Thongsal to Chaloklum. It is dedicated to the bodhisattva Guanyin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The price for entering is 40 THB per person.

West Coast Beaches

There are several pleasant beaches on that section of the island. Especially worth mentioning are: Salad Beach, Haad Yao Beach, Secret Beach, Zen Beach, Srithanu Beach, and Hin Kong Beach.

Phangan Royal Navy Ship

HTMS Phangan was donated to the Thai government by the United States back in 1957 as a symbol of good relations. It was in service during the Vietnam War and was officially retired on June 5, 2008. During my visit in April 2022, the interior was not available for sightseeing.

Chalok Lam Beach and Malibu Beach

A nice beach stretching mainly by Chaloklum, a small fishing village. There are a lot of food options around. To the west of the village is the very picturesque Malibu Beach.

Khao Ko Viewpoint

A hidden little viewpoint over Chaloklum Bay! You can spend the entire afternoon there enjoying the view from the hammocks. The road is short but very steep so if you are an inexperienced motorbike rider, just park it on the side and continue on foot. Refreshments like beer, coke, and water are available.

Bottle Beach

Nice, wide, and relatively clean beach with a bar and some bungalows for rent. The road to get there is recommended for 4WD only, so unless you are a skilled rider, it’s better to park your motorbike and continue on foot. It’s a pleasant downhill walk and on the way back I was lucky enough to get a ride in a pickup truck. From here, you can also access the track through the jungle leading to the most amazing viewpoint on the island.

If you don’t drive a car or ride a motorbike, you can find boat taxis waiting for clients on the beach or ask about them in a bar.

Bottle Beach Viewpoint

Probably my favorite point in Koh Phangan. The journey through the jungle path was nothing short of amazing, and some moderate climbing near the end added to the sense of adventure and connection with nature. It’s not for someone who is scared of heights though.

The viewpoint can be reached either from Bottle Beach (about 25 minutes) or from the road on the other side. Just look for “Bottle Beach Scooter Parking” on Google Maps. From there the walk is even shorter. Flip-flops are not recommended.

Haad Khom Beach

A quiet and beautiful beach. Sometimes you can see monkeys around this area. You can take a boat taxi to Bottle Beach from here or simply take a trail which is well-signed with blue marks. It should take about 1 – 1.5 hours one way.

Thong Nai Pan Beach

Beautiful beach and area with clean soft sand and water. The village has a quiet vibe and feels small and calm. Wat Thong Nai Pan with an unusual stupa has a nice viewpoint and is located nearby.

You may also check Than Prawet Waterfall or Thong Nai Pan Waterfall if you are tired of beaches.

Day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning archipelago located in the Gulf of Thailand, not far from Koh Phangan. The park was established on 12th November 1980. and consists of 42 small, limestone islands, characterized by lush greenery, towering cliffs, and hidden coves. All of the islands are uninhabited and undeveloped except for one:  Koh Wua Talap , where the visitor center, campsite, and bungalows are located.

There are numerous companies running daily trips from Koh Phangan and Koh Samui and first, you will need to decide if you prefer to take a speedboat or a slow boat. It takes about an hour to reach the islands by speedboat and about 2-3 hours by slow boat. You can save a lot of time choosing the first option but the ride can be bumpy and less enjoyable. The slow boat usually has a nice deck where you can sunbathe and take a lot of nice pictures.

I decided to choose a tour operated by the  Orion Cruise , starting from Koh Phangan. It was a bigger and slower boat. As of April 2022, the cost was about 2.000 THB. Included in the price is pick-up from the hotel, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, and snorkeling equipment. You may pay an extra 200 THB if you go for an option with a kayak. The price included the Ang Thong National Marine Park entrance fee.

A full description of the tour can be found in a separate post HERE . You may also ask at your accommodation for alternative options.

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Paradise Waterfall In Koh Phangan – A Complete Guide

Posted on Last updated: 18 March 2024

Categories Thailand

Paradise Waterfall Koh Phangan is definitely worth a stop even in dry season. From rope swings to interacting with local kids, here’s all you need to know.

Table of Contents

How To Get To Paradise Waterfall

Paradise Waterfall in Koh Phangan is located straight up the middle of the island along Chaloklum Road. The drive to the top is super smooth and all completely tarmac.

It’s just a five minute drive from Phaeng Waterfall and was our favourite of the Koh Phangan Waterfalls .

If you’re looking for transport to and from Koh Phangan, you can pre-book all of your Lomprayah transfers.

We stayed in the Thong Sala area of Koh Phangan and rented scooters for 180 Baht per day.

It’s definitely the easiest way to explore the island and took roughly 20 minutes to reach Paradise Waterfall Koh Phangan from Thong Sala Pier.

For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.

Paradise Waterfall Entrance Fee

Adults: 20 Baht per person.

Included with the 20 Baht entrance fee you receive a bottle of water.

Paradise Waterfall Opening Times

Monday – Sunday: 8am – 4pm.

Best Time To Visit Paradise Waterfall

The best time to visit any waterfalls in Koh Phangan is just after the monsoon season or after a heavy rainfall.

Monsoon season runs from July – September. However, there can still be heavy rainfall in other months making the waterfalls worth a visit.

However, Paradise Waterfall is still worth a visit during dry season, as we found out!

What To Pack

Photography Camera

Reusable Water Bottle

Lightweight Rain Jacket

Quick Dry Towel

Lifeproof Phone Case

What To Expect At Paradise Waterfall

Paradise Waterfall Koh Phangan was definitely our favourite Koh Phangan waterfall .

Although there wasn’t really any fast flowing water due to dry season, the place had a real good vibe.

There were locals jumping from a rope swing and the kids were having a real good time interacting with the tourists.

The younger ones were teaching all the tourists how to backflip from the rope swings and they certainly showed us how it’s done.

Paradise Waterfall Koh Phangan had a very communal feel to it. On the way in, the lady on the entrance was very kind and the locals were not intimidating in any way.

There is a restaurant right at the entrance too, so if you get peckish after a tiring afternoon rope swinging, you’re in good hands.

This Koh Phangan waterfall doesn’t require any kind of hike. The falls are right next to the car park.

After you turn off at the sign to Paradise Waterfall, the road is uphill and a little rocky. So please be careful if you’re on bikes!

Although It Wasn’t Wet Season

We figured that the best time to visit any Koh Phangan Waterfall is just after monsoon season or after a heavy rainfall.

Of all the waterfalls on the island, Paradise Waterfall Koh Phangan was our favourite.

Even though we didn’t experience the full impact of the falls, the swimming hole at the bottom was an awesome afternoon outing!

If you’re looking to visit a Phaeng Waterfall at its best however, we recommend you skip it in dry season.

It’s said to be monsoon season from July through to September and you can weigh up your options when you’re visiting.

Where To Stay In Koh Phangan

Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Located along beautiful Tong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas offers spacious villas and suites with free WiFi, private pool and terrace.

It also features a fitness room. With a modern Thai design villas and suites feel very traditional.

Situated in a garden setting, rooms comes with a 32-inch LCD TV with Apple TV, home entertainment system and iPod docking station.

Le Divine Comedie Beach Resort

Le Divine Comedie Beach Resort features a unique and stylish design with a private terrace.

This beachfront property boasts an outdoor infinity pool and on-site parking facilities. Free WiFi is available throughout the hotel.

Le Divine Comedie Beach Resort is located 5 miles away from Haad Rin.

Each room has its own character. The rooms include air conditioning, a minibar and a safety deposit box. All en suite bathrooms come with free toiletries and shower facilities.

Oasis Hostel

Situated in Thongsala, within 900 yards of Thongsala Pier and 650 yards of Thongsala Walking Street, OASIS hostel offers free WiFi.

All rooms feature a kitchen and a shared bathroom. Thong Sala is a 7-minute walk from the property.

All units at the hostel come with a seating area. Guest rooms will provide guests with a microwave.

A continental breakfast is available daily at the property.

For more places to stay in Koh Phangan, you can click here for the latest on Booking.com.

Planning Your Trip

Book your flight.

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight.

They search websites and airlines around the globe to find you the best possible routes and prices.

Book Your Accommodation

Use Booking.com to find the best accommodation deals.

They consistently return the cheapest rates on everything from guesthouses to hotels for all of your budget needs.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Use SafetyWing to find the best travel insurance for you.

They provide travel and medical incident insurance built specifically for digital nomads.

Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.

Book Your Tours & Activities

Use GetYourGuide to book your activities in advance.

They sell the best tours, excursions and activities to attractions around the world.

Conveniently book, download and access your tickets on the move all from your mobile.

Book Your Rental Car

Use RentalCars.com to find the best deals on rental cars in the area.

They compare all major car rental companies and allow you to easily book the perfect vehicle for your trip.

Buy Those Last Minute Bits

Use Amazon to buy everything you need for your adventure.

They offer next day delivery and you can use my travel packing checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything.

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Best Beach Guide: Top 8 Beaches on Koh Phangan (+ Travel Tips)

Soft white sand, crystal-clear water and perfectly lined with beautifully shaped palmtrees – on Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand the dream of a perfect, paradisiacal beach becomes true.

With over 30 beaches to choose from, it’s up to you whether you want some chilled vibes and music to go with your sunbath or a more secluded spot to recharge your energy.

Fortunately, this tropical island has it all! In this Travel Guide I’ll introduce you to the best beaches on one of my favorite islands in the world: Koh Phangan in Thailand.

If you’d like to visit as many beaches as possible, you’re better off renting your own scooter .

This way you can easily jump from one cool place to the other without having to rely on a more expensive songthaew taxi.

What else to do on Koh Phangan? Find here my Ultimate To-Do List for the time of your life!

BEACH GUIDE KOH PHANGAN: TOP 8 BEACHES (+ TRAVEL TIPS)

Table of Contents (Skip to the section!)

1. Long Beach (Haad Yao)

Haad Yao , better known as Long Beach , lives up to its name and is the longest beach on the island. Due to its length it offers the perfect setting for expanded beach walks in powderlike soft sand as well as a big variety of beach bars to watch an epic sunset.

That’s why it is considered to be a perfect allrounder for every day.

Travel Tip 1: Does the combo of vegan pizza at a stylish Ibiza-like beach bar plus a front-row seat for an unforgettable sunset sound good? Then check out Coco Locco Beach Restaurant & Bar .

Travel Tip 2: Are you a fan of electronic music? Then head to Seaboard Bungalows at Long Beach on a wednesday night. Their weekly design & food market is accompanied by changing DJ’s with a very good sound system, chilled atmosphere & nothing but good vibes.

2. Secret Beach

Not so secret anymore, but worth a visit!

This rather small cove with fine white sand feels more secluded than other beaches on the island while still offering enough possibilities to get a cold coconut or something to eat when needed.

It’s never overly full and I’ve always found a nice spot to enjoy life. But bring enough sunscreen and a hat as spots in the shadow are rare.

Good to know: Because the way down to the beach is pretty steep, I’d highly recommend to park your scooter up on the main road.

You’ll see plenty of others doing the same. Just go down, turn left and you’ll walk straight to Secret Beach .

Travel Tip: Secret Beach is ideal to go snorkeling. If you don’t have any snorkeling equipment, don’t worry! On the far North end of Secret Beach, you’ll find Koh Raham Beach Club , a waterfront restaurant & beach bar with rental gear for only 150 Baht per hour.

3. Salad Beach (Haad Salad)

What can I say? Salad Beach is regarded as one of the best beaches on Koh Phangan and the first beach, where literally my jaw dropped!

This palmtree-lined beach has the finest, silk-soft sand and the water is as clear as it can get.

Although almost the entire bay consists of resorts, it doesn’t feel very crowded but rather laid-back.

In the evenings, you’ll find more than a handful of good & reasonably prized restaurants , some of them with beautiful dinner setups in the sand. If you’re up for live music at night, check out Crystal Day or Jack’s Bar .

Travel Tip: Salad Beach doesn’t have a “public” entrance. But you can park your car or scooter at Haad Salad Resort and walk past the pool area until you’ll see the beach. Normally it’s for free, but sometimes they collect a parking fee (20 Baht/scooter, 100 Baht/car).

4. Thong Nai Pan Beach

Thong Nai Pan is one of the few beaches on the remote eastcoast of Koh Phangan and a peaceful hideaway with an idyllic surrounding.

If you’re after some party & beats: this is not the right place!

Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful setting for long beach walks and romantic dinners at one of the beach restaurants with plenty of illuminated lanterns that create a tranquil atmosphere .

Honeymoon feeling at its best!

Travel Tip: When you’re in this area, make sure to visit Hide on High bar & art jewellery store . This funky bar is a very unique place , offering good plant-based iced coffee, beer or whatever drink you fancy + good reggae music and a fantastic view of Haad Sadet Beach .

5. Haad Rin

“Isn’t that the beach, where usually the Full Moon Party takes place?!”, I hear you wondering. Yes, you’re right. 🙂

But at daytime it’s a totally different story. Clear water & seriously the softest sand make you feel like you’re in heaven.

Fun-filled Haad Rin pleases everybody, from groups of friends, families, couples and those, who want to have quality time by themselves.

There is a good range of restaurants and very cool bars at the beach promenade , so you won’t be looking for a cheeky beer for too long.

6. Haad Chao Phao

Although no beach on Koh Phangan is an insider tip any more, this would be the closest one to get this title.

Haad Chao Phao is situated right between Secret Beach and Zen Beach , but not as crowded as its popular neighbors.

Here you’ll find couples, individuals and yoginis from next door’s yoga center Samma Karuna enjoying the peacefulness .

And how beautiful is this leaning palmtree swaying in the wind ? I really love this place and even celebrated my birthday picknick right underneath it… Only the BEST memories!

Since it doesn’t have a public parking area nor an actual entrance, it’s only accessible by one of the beach resorts.

Travel Tip: Park your scooter at Benjamin’s Hut and combine your beach stroll with a delicious (also vegan) breakfast. Or just park it at Paragon Resort (entrance right behind 7/11) and walk to the beach.

7. Zen Beach

Very chilled and zen (pun intended 😉 ) at daytime, but even more amazing in the evening.

At dawn, you’ll find crowds of expats and hippies gather to watch a cracking sunset , play instruments, dance, chitchat or just enjoy their cold beverage while listening to good electronic music .

Zen Beach is the place to be to get to know new people or just soak up some positive vibes .

8. Bottle Beach

Paradisiacal Bottle Beach is located in the northeast of the island, beautifully secluded with stunning turquoise water and white sand .

Getting there is more difficult than to any other beach, but definetely worth the effort. There are no roads leading to it, so you have different options.

Getting to Bottle Beach

Either take a longtail boat taxi from Chaloklum fishing village or – if you are into a little bit of adventure – take one of the Bottle Beach hikes .

There are two options, the jungle trekking route (slightly shorter!) or the more scenic but longer coastal route. Both starting from Haad Khom in the north.

Travel Tip: There is also a Bottle Beach Viewpoint with magnificent views of the cove. If you’d like to know how to get there, check out my detailed Travel Guide .

When hiking please remember to bring plenty of water as well as sunscreen and wear sneakers .

As you may know, Thailand can get real hot and walking through the jungle is not just a walk in the park! After your strenuous hike you can choose between four resorts for some tasty lunch and a refreshing coconut.

I hope you enjoyed reading it. Feel free to contact me on Instagram (@eat.travel.flow) if you have any travel related questions or simply leave a comment below. 🙂

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10 Best Things to do in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand [with Suggested Tours]

Want to see the beauty of Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand? Read our tips below on the things to do in Koh Pha Ngan with suggested tours!

Want to join an exciting night-long party? Head your way to Koh Pha Ngan! This island is located in the southeast part of Thailand. It is well-known for its Full Moon party that occurs once a month in Haad Rin. Boasting with beautiful beaches, you could never go wrong here. Experience some of Thailand’s wonderful nature and awesome parties, visit Koh Pha Ngan on your next holiday vacation!

Other articles you can read:

• Travel Tips in Thailand – List of Day Trips That You Can Do in Bangkok and other cities!
• Basic Thai Phrases You Need To Learn before Traveling to Thailand
• Best Backpacker Hostels in Bangkok, Thailand
• Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, Thailand – Best Backpacker Party Hostels
• Thailand Travel Guide and Thai eVisa Application Process for British Citizens

Table of Contents

List of Best Things to do in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

1. bottle beach.

A very nice beach where you can still be relatively undisturbed even in the high season. The reason for this is that you cannot drive to the beach but have to walk about 1.5km because the steep path to it is in a catastrophic state. But if you have an enduro bike and some experience it can be done without any problems. White beach and turquoise water, Bottle Beach is always worth a visit.

2. Thong Nai Pan Noi

Thong Nai Pan Noi is located in a great bay in the northeast of Koh Phangan. This beach is beautiful and quiet, with a few resorts directly overlooking the beach and restaurants that offer service all day but with a romantic touch in the evening.

3. Salad Beach

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Weltreise mit Oliver & Helena (@smartveganlife) on Aug 12, 2020 at 12:17am PDT

A superb beach where the crystal clear water is shallow for swimming. The beach is also long and pleasant with restaurants lined up. If you are looking for peace and a wonderful backdrop, then this is the place to be.

4. Slip N Fly Party

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Slip ‘N Fly Phangan (@slipnflyparty) on Jan 11, 2020 at 9:02pm PST

Have a lot of fun at the Slip N Fly! Either you’re traveling with kids or not, you’d definitely enjoy your time here. This waterpark was open in 2014. Having its main highlight which is the 2 x 40-meter SlipNFly slides, Slip N Fly offers a whole day fun party.

5. Than Sadet Waterfall National Park

If you like waterfalls, you will definitely like it here. If you want to do a little sport, you can climb the adventurous path and look at the view from the viewpoint. But be sure to wear sturdy shoes, no flip-flops or the like. Here, one becomes very impressively aware of how beautiful this piece of earth called Koh Phangan is.

6. Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach

Very nice, wide, soft sandy beach. The water is relatively shallow so it’s suitable for small kids as well. There are also a few bars with shady spots. The water is wonderfully clear and without stones, you can go far into it. A great beach to relax and feel good.

7. The Secret Beach

A beautiful small tourist beach where you can swim even at low tide. The sand is white and the waters are turquoise green. It only has a few small beach restaurants. Such a nice little beach that will allow you, if you are equipped with shoes, mask & snorkel, to see lots of magnificent fish.

8. Haad Rin

This is where the full moon party takes place so expect the crowd during those times. But of course, aside from the famous parties that happen once a month, it is a very beautiful beach with white sand and frequent waves. Haad Rin Nok or sunrise beach, within walking distance from it, is the Haad Rin Nai or sunset beach. You can visit both at once.

Suggested Tour: Koh Pha Ngan (Mingalaba) Road Trip

9. Ao Chaloklum Bay

Located in the northern part of the island, this bay is magnificently surrounded by coconut trees. A very beautiful white sand beach with clear water. Near the village, there are shops, cafes, and many apartments for rent.

10. Learn Muay Thai

Get physically active in Koh Pha Ngan, try learning Muay Thai! There are some Muay Thai sports camps that offer training sessions for those interested in learning the sport. Diamond Muay Thai is one of those Thai boxing camps you can join.

Where to stay in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand

Budget hotel.

Phangan Arena Hostel

Phangan Arena Hostel is a 5-minute walk from Bantai Beach.  It offers dormitory and private rooms with free WiFi. Guests can choose from a variety of games and sports, such as football, pool table, and table tennis. Tasty local and western cuisines are served at the restaurant.

Price: Starts at $10 per night for Budget Double Room, includes taxes and charges, add $5 for breakfast, a nd it’s partially refundable.

Luxury Hotel

Somewhere Only We Know

Located on two private beaches, this ultra-private small resort is composed of two spacious and private villas. Designer’s villas composed entirely of unique furniture pieces. This unusual resort is only accessible by a 7 minutes walk by foot through a nature trail or by boat if the weather allows. Bedrooms are soundproofed for quality nights. Free Wi-Fi available in all areas, complimentary spring water, tea, and coffee in room. Private Jungle Spa and retreat next to a waterfall with a wide choice of massage, detox, and relaxing programs.

Price: Starts at $713 per night for Deluxe Sea View Observation Net & Cinema Villa, includes taxes and charges, free breakfast, a nd it offers a free cancellation.

These are the possible things you can do in Koh Pha Ngan, Thailand. So if you are ready to have a fun and exciting trip, you know what to do and where to go! So pack your things now and prepare yourself for a wonderful adventure in Koh Pha Ngan.

How to go to Koh Pha Ngan from London

There’s no airport on Koh Pha Ngan island. The nearest airport is located in Koh Samui.

Via EVA Air: (one way with one-stop)

*From London Heathrow – Bangkok – Koh Samui

Ticket Price: £668.37

*From Koh Samui to Koh Phangan via ferry

Traveling from Koh Samui island to Koh Phangan is very easy since the two islands are very near to each other. The travel time can only take an hour.

* Prices are subject to change. You can visit Skyscanner for more details about the ticket prices.

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How To Get To Koh Phangan: The Quick and No-Fuss Guide!

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Home » How To Get To Koh Phangan: The Quick and No-Fuss Guide!

In the biting summer heat, a cool dip in the turquoise waters of Koh Phangan will drive all your fatigue away. 

If your kids are all up for adventure and can handle the wild, then Koh Phangan is the treasure island worth exploring. From scenic beauty to ancient serenity, you will find everything in this jewel of the Thai Gulf. 

The island is connected to the mainland via ferries, and thus to reach the place, hopping on a ferry is necessary.

So without further delay, let’s start our journey to Koh Phangan!

In this guide, you can find out how to:

• Get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
• Get from Phuket to Koh Phangan
• Get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
• Get from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Bangkok

If you’re done exploring the wonders of the Thai capital city, then it’s time to head south now! Koh Phangan is located at a distance of around 770 km from Bangkok . But this distance can be conveniently shortened if you fly to destinations close to Koh Phangan.

To reach Koh Phangan, you can travel by land or air (though a ferry ride is a must in all cases). Based on your convenience, you can choose either of the options. 

Now let’s get you to Koh Phangan from Bangkok!

1. By Air + Ferry

If money is not a question to you and you wish to get to the island as quickly as possible, then traveling by air is the most convenient option. However, you need to know that Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport. 

Thus, to reach Koh Phangan by air, you must book a flight to Surat Thani or Koh Samui to reach the island sooner.

1a) Fly to Surat Thani + Ferry to Koh Phangan

Surat Thani is located on the western shores of the Gulf of Thailand and lies close to Koh Phangan. You can board a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Click here to book your ticket from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Next, you will have to grab a transfer from the airport to Donsak where you will have to catch a ferry.

The ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan will only take 2 hours. However, you need to allow around 3 hours and 15 min for the whole journey from the airport to the island.

Click here to book your airport transfer plus ferry combo ticket.

1b) Fly to Koh Samui + Ferry to Koh Phangan

Koh Samui is the neighboring island of Koh Phangan and offers the fastest route to your travel destination. Your entire journey will only take a couple of hours as Koh Samui airport is the nearest airport to Koh Phangan.

Traveling via Koh Samui can push your budget a bit higher, but when have convenience and effectiveness been affordable?

So if money isn’t a problem, board a 1-hour flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui and hop on a 30-minute ferry to Koh Phangan.

Click here to book your air ticket from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Click here to book your ferry ticket.

2. By Land (Bus/Train) + Ferry

Another way to reach Koh Phangan from Bangkok is via bus or train.

Traveling by land is the most affordable and economical for travelers looking for budgeted traveling options. If you’re one of them, here’s how to reach Koh Phangan by land without straining your pocket.

2a) Bus + Ferry

A night’s travel by bus will make your Koh Phangan journey more memorable. It takes about 10-18 hours to reach Koh Phangan if traveling by bus. 

Although a bit uncomfortable, the long journey will end sooner than you think. Countless private and public buses are available, dropping you directly at Donsak, Surat Thani.

From Donsak, your Koh Phangan journey will end at Thong Sala Pier via ferry. 

We recommend grabbing a combo ticket for both your bus and ferry.

Click here to grab your combo bus and ferry ticket.

A train journey is another option to shorten the distance between Bangkok and Koh Phangan. Although most of the journey is on land, the remaining distance is covered by ferries.

To make the most of your budgeted vacation, board a train from Bang Sue Junction at night and relax at Chumphon.

From Chumphon, continue to Tung Makham via taxi and board a ferry from Tung Makham to Thong Sala Pier. The whole journey can take about 11 hours. 

If you’re traveling with family, booking a train ticket with lower berths is recommended beforehand. Lower berths provide more in terms of comfort.

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Phuket

The journey from Thailand’s largest island to the famous party island doesn’t have to be torturous.

There is a list of options if you want to travel from Phuket to Koh Phangan. Traveling by air is faster and more convenient if you don’t want your quality vacation time wasted on commuting. 

However, traveling by bus is best if you are on a budget.  

Here’s how you can reach Koh Phangan from Phuket.

As Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport, you’ll need to fly to Koh Samui first. You must catch a ferry or speedboat from Koh Samui to reach Koh Phangan.

There are many departures from Phuket airport to Koh Samui; you can board a flight that suits you. After reaching Koh Samui, take a short ride to Bangrak Pier to board a ferry to reach Koh Samui.

Keep in mind that you should probably give yourself some additional time between the flight and the ferry – just in case of a flight delay.

Click here to book your flight ticket from Phuket to Koh Samui.

The ferry will drop you at Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan, and you’ve reached your destination!  

Click here to purchase your ferry ticket.

2. By Land (Bus/Minivan) + Ferry

Traveling through the mainland by bus or minivan is perfect if you are on a budget.

To start, you can board a bus from Phuket Airport or Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, ride a taxi to Donsak Pier and then board a ferry to Thong Sala Koh Phangan.

Depending on the weather and other factors, the journey will take about 10 hours or more. This option isn’t for you if you’re an impatient traveler who despises long travel hours. 

Fortunately, you can make this journey easy by purchasing a combo ticket for both the bus and van.

Click here to grab your combo ticket.

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Koh Samui

Traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is like going to your neighbor’s house down the street. The 30-minute journey is like hopping between islands, and the cherry on top? The closest ferry port is only 15 min away from the airport.

The Bangrak Pier is close to the airport, and from there, you can board a ferry to Thong Sala Koh Phangan.

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Surat Thani

You can easily reach Koh Phangan from the western shores of Surat Thani by boarding a ferry. There are numerous options, from fastest to cheapest, and you can choose whichever suits you best.

The fastest way to reach Koh Phangan from Surat Thani is by boarding a ferry from Tapee pier Lomprayah. The journey will take less than 3 hours if you choose this route.

For a cheaper alternative, you have to travel via bus for an hour first to reach the Donsak terminal and later board a ferry to Thong Sala pier. The whole journey via this route will take about 4 hours. Based on your convenience, you can choose either of the options.

Use this search function to find the best option for you:

Here in this article, we have highlighted all the convenient options for you to reach Koh Phangan. You can opt for any of these based on your budget and convenience. 

As there are many transfers to Koh Phangan (especially if you’re traveling by bus or train), don’t forget to book combo tickets. There are many options that you can choose from which will make your Koh Phangan journey smooth and fun.

So, book your tickets today and have a blast at Koh Phangan!

Ready to start planning your trip? We have loads of helpful blog posts on our Thailand travel blog hub.

You might also want to know if should you choose Koh Phangan or Koh Samui for your next visit, and why.

Jolene Ejmont

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How to get around in koh phangan – full guide 2024.

Table of Contents

In this article, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about getting around in Koh Phangan in 2024. Koh Phangan is a very beautiful tropical island with plenty of things to see and do. However, traveling around this island is not necessarily straightforward. 

If you are hoping to explore the island well and visit different towns and beaches, you will need to figure out the best method of transport for you. The distances are too far to walk. So having a transport plan for Koh Phangan really is an important part of your trip planning.

Before you read on, it is also important to be aware that getting around in Koh Phangan is slightly different from other areas of Thailand. In this article, we will share some of the differences and help you plan your transport around Koh Phangan.

Koh Phangan is genuinely one of our favorite islands. There is so much to see and do here. Working out the best transport options will help you ensure that you make the most of this beautiful island. As always, we will share practical tips, recommendations, prices, and specific details to help you book and organize your transport.

LOOKING FOR THINGS TO DO? – Don’t miss these AMAZING things to do in Koh Phangan

WHICH AREA SHOULD YOU STAY? – Check out the BEST areas to stay in Koh Phangan

WHEN SHOULD YOU VISIT? – Find out more about the BEST time of year to visit Koh Phangan

Summary of the best ways to get around in Koh Phangan

Can you use taxi apps in koh phangan.

In Thailand, you can generally use taxi apps to get cheap local taxis. The two main apps are Grab and Bolt. Unfortunately, it is not yet possible to use these taxi apps to get around in Koh Phangan. Although you can register an account, if you try to use these apps in Koh Phangan, you will not be able to find a local driver.

Can you walk around Koh Phangan?

This depends on exactly what you are wanting to do and how far you are planning to travel. It is possible to walk around towns in Koh Phangan. There are also some very beautiful jungle treks on the island. However, if you are planning to walk between the main towns and beaches in Koh Phangan, the distances are too far to walk. For example, if you wanted to walk from Thong Sala (south coast) to Chaloklum (north coast), it probably takes 2 or 3 hours at a reasonable pace. So if you are hoping to explore the island and see some different beaches, you will need to work out the best transport option for you.

A few tips for renting vehicles in Koh Phangan

Here are a few tips to help you if you’re planning to rent vehicles in Koh Phangan:

• Check the vehicle for damage and maintenance issues. Take photos of any scratches or damages on the body of the vehicle and check things like brakes and lights.
• Make sure you read the contract carefully and understand your responsibilities and liabilities.
• Check what deposit your rental dealer is looking for. In some cases, they will ask for a passport. We don’t recommend this; it is much better to get a cash deposit.
• Make sure that your deposit is written on your contract or ask for a receipt for your deposit.
• Agree on a daily rental rate and try to negotiate a lower rate if you are looking for a longer rental period.
• Remember to check the amount of petrol in the tank before you drive away. You will generally be expected to return the vehicle with the same amount of petrol in the tank.

1 Motorbike rental (the cheapest way to get around in Koh Phangan)

Don’t miss our full guide to motorbike rental in Koh Phangan

Advantages and disadvantages of bike rental

The cheapest and most convenient way to get around in Koh Phangan is to rent a bike and ride around the island. Bike rental in Koh Phangan is simple and straightforward. There are plenty of bike rental dealers around, and you can often arrange bike rental through your hotel or resort. Bike rental is one of the most popular methods of transport for tourists and backpackers visiting this island. The obvious disadvantages of bike rental are lack of safety, lack of bag space, and getting soaked in a storm (especially likely from October – December but possible any time of the year). 

Prices of bike rental

On the plus side, riding a bike around Koh Phangan is a very beautiful and exhilarating way to get around. Petrol is cheap and easily available, and you can generally park your bike anywhere without problems. The daily rate for bike rental in Koh Phangan generally ranges between 150 baht (£3 or $4) and 250 baht (£6 or $6) for a basic 125cc motorbike for a short rental.

If you are able to rent for a month, you may be able to get the price down to around 100 baht per day (£2 or $3). Newer and more powerful bikes (150cc or 155cc) are likely to cost between 250 baht – 400 baht per day (£5 – £8 or $6 – $10 per day). You may be able to get longer rentals down to 200 baht per day (£4 or $5). Petrol is cheap on Koh Phangan – it generally costs around 40 baht per litre and bikes are light on petrol. 

What is the best bike rental company?

Pajampo is one of the best bike rental dealers in Koh Phangan. They are open from 9 am – 7 pm every day. This bike rental company is conveniently located a short walk from the main pier in Thong Sala. This means that you can pick up your bike straight away; there is no need to contact them in advance or reserve a bike; just show up and pick your bike.

Pajampo generally starts with very reasonable prices, so you won’t need to barter hard to get a good deal here. In order to rent a bike, you will need to leave a deposit; they generally ask for a passport or 5,000 baht; we don’t recommend leaving a passport. So be prepared for the big cash deposit. You will also need to sign a contract before you rent your bike. The bike rental contracts in Koh Phangan are standardized, so it is the same document wherever you rent. 

Safety tips – Koh Phangan by bike

If you plan to rent a bike in Koh Phangan, we just wanted to share a few safety tips. Firstly, always make sure that you wear your helmet; the roads can be very hazardous, and sadly, there are many fatalities each year, normally involving people without bike helmets. Secondly, be aware of water and sand on the roads; some areas of the island accumulate dry sand which can be surprisingly slippery on the road surface. Thirdly, be aware of other cars and vehicles on the roads; the roads in Koh Phangan can be quite fast and crowded at times.

Always ride cautiously and let cars overtake when there is space. It is also important to be aware of steep hills; some of the coast roads around the island have very steep hills, and this can be challenging, especially for inexperienced riders. If possible, we only recommend riding a bike in Koh Phangan if you have some prior experience and a reasonable level of confidence. Make sure that you are fully covered by your insurance to ride a bike in Koh Phangan.

2 Shared taxi buses (a convenient way to get around in Koh Phangan)

If bike rental is not your thing, then you may want to consider taxi options in Koh Phangan. Traveling by taxi is a convenient and easy way to get around the island; what’s more, this is safer than traveling by motorbike. However, taxi prices in Koh Phangan are relatively high, and local drivers seem to be very unwilling to barter. They really do stick to high prices. In some cases, they may discount the price a little; however, if you’re traveling on a tight budget, you can’t rely on local drivers being willing to negotiate a lower price. If you’re planning to travel around Koh Phangan, we highly recommend that you consider your budget if you are going to rely on taxis. 

How do taxis work in Koh Phangan?

The taxis in Koh Phangan are shared taxi buses called Songthaews. You can often find them waiting or flag them at the side of the road. They generally run fixed routes around the island. They also tend to have a fixed price to travel between different towns. Once you are happy with the price, jump in the back and enjoy the ride. Songthaews may be able to drop you off at a specific resort as long as it is not too far off their route; we recommend that you check this before you jump in, as you may need to walk a little to get to your exact destination. Alternatively, your driver may be willing to reroute a little to drop you at your resort or hotel, but they may charge more for this. Songthaews are colored depending on which areas they serve:

Dark Green: Thong Sala and up the west coast to Haad Yao and Haad Salad.

Blue: Thong Sala – Chaloklum and Thong Sala – Haad Rin. 

How much do taxis cost in Koh Phangan?

Prices typically range between 100 baht – 300 baht (£2 – £6 or $2.50 – $8), depending on how far you’re traveling, how many people are in your group, and what time of day you are traveling

Here are some examples of the daytime taxi prices (per person) to give you a feel for the island:

• Thong Sala – Haad Rin 100 baht (£2 or $2.50).
• Thong Sala – Chaloklum 200 baht (£4 or $5).
• Thong Sala – Haad Salad 200 baht (£4 or $5).
• Thong Sala – Thong Nai Pan 300 baht (£6 or $8). 

Private taxis (if you want to travel alone) 1,000 – 1,500 baht (£20 – £30 or $25 – $40). For nighttime taxis, you can add an extra 50 – 100 baht (£1 – £2 or $1.20 – $2.50). 

Top tip: If you are visiting Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Festival or for the Half Moon Festival, you may prefer to take a shared taxi rather than using motorbike rental to travel around the island at night. There are plenty of Songthaew buses running late into the night on these party nights. They do charge a little bit more, but this is a safe way to get to and from the beach parties.

3 Car rental (the best way for families to get around in Koh Phangan)

And finally, one of the most popular options for families in Koh Phangan is car rental. This is an underrated way to get around the island. Car rental is generally only a little bit more expensive than bike rental, and it is safer. The advantage of car rental is more space, more safety, and protection from heavy rainstorms; you can transport your bags around the island. What’s more, car rental in Koh Phangan is surprisingly affordable, especially if you are renting for a couple of weeks or longer. Car rental is a particularly good method of transport for families. If you are uncomfortable taking your kids on a motorbike around the island, you could also negotiate a child seat or baby seat in your car rental deal. 

What is it like to drive a car around Koh Phangan?

Driving a car around Koh Phangan may sound like a very serious prospect. In reality, driving in Koh Phangan is very relaxed. You are very unlikely to be pulled over by the police, and parking around the island is generally easy (there are a few areas in Thong Sala where it can be hard to park). The main challenge is the lack of road rules, so although it is slightly easier and less intense to drive, you do need to stay very alert and watch out for risks and hazards on the road. The roads in Koh Phangan are usually crowded with bikes, pedestrians, dogs, and even the occasional monkey. So the rules are relaxed, but you do need to stay attentive if you plan to drive in Koh Phangan.

How do you rent a car in Koh Phangan?

There are several rental dealers around. Pajampo does offer car rental as well as bike rental. You may need to show a driver’s license or an international license and leave a substantial deposit. Car rental generally costs 500 – 1,500 baht per day in Koh Phangan (roughly £10 – £30 or $12 – $40) 

For great price car rental you can also contact Lita (who works for Asia Blue in Thong Sala) You can message directly on WhatsApp +66 9945 73061 She only has one vehicle so reserve as early as possible.

Practicalities – How to get around in Koh Phangan?

We just wanted to share a few insights to help you understand what it is like to travel and navigate around Koh Phangan. The island is around 10 km in the North and South Direction and 15 km in the east-west Direction. It generally takes around 30 minutes to travel across the length of the island. The roads don’t have strictly enforced speed limits; however, most people drive around 40 km/hour. 

How do you navigate in Koh Phangan?

Navigating around the island is generally fairly easy; however, if you are trying to find a specific Guest House, Resort, cafe, or restaurant, some of the side roads can be obscure and difficult to find. We recommend having a good offline map available. For example, it is possible to save Google Maps offline on your phone, and you can use your phone’s location services to help you navigate. If you have saved the map offline, you don’t need mobile data to navigate around with your phone. 

What are the roads like in Koh Phangan?

Most of the roads in Koh Phangan are suitable for cars and bikes. However, there are some very steep hills which can be tricky, especially if you were sharing a bike. The steep hilly sections can be found along the road between Thong Sala and Haad Rin. The road up to the Bottle Beach Carpark (east of Chaloklum) is also very steep and challenging on a bike. There are some steep roads on the Haad Rin peninsula (southeast tip of the island). There are also some steep hills in the Than Sadet National park. If you are riding a motorbike up a steep hill, the motorbike loses speed and wobbles, which is dangerous. If you are riding your motorbike down a steep hill, keep your speed low in case you have problems with the brakes.

AND finally – some less accessible places (such as Bottle Beach ) are best accessed by taxi boat (normally costs around 150baht per person and wait on the beaches for travellers)

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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• Koh Phangan Island: Enjoy The Full Moon Party On The Beach & Turn Into A Party Wolf

23 Mar 2023

Koh Phangan Island , a pristine paradise on earth is renowned for its Full Moon Parties held every month. This boisterous and fun-filled night long affair which is tied to the lunar calendar attracts tourists from all parts of the world.

Most of the celebrations center on Sunrise Beach, where several hundred backpackers get together to shake their legs and have some fun. These parties are hip and happening with pumping music, attractive strobe light, and plenty of booze. However, there is more to Koh Phangan Islands than just the infamous full moon beach parties and hedonistic multi-day parties. The beaches of Koh Phangan are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and even snorkeling. There is so much to do and see on this beautiful island, that you will never spend a dull moment.

Here is a comprehensive Koh Phangan Island guide that is sure to help you make the best of your vacation. Read on for more!

Best Time To Visit Koh Phangan Island

Image Source

Suggested Read: Koh Lanta Island: A Lesser Known Paradise In Thailand

Thailand has three seasons – The Cool Season, The Hot Season, and The Rainy Season. It is suggested you plan a trip to the island in summer. The season is in full swing between March and June, and there is little to no rain to dampen your vacation. تحميل تطبيق الماتش You may also plan a visit between December and March when the weather is hot, bright, and yet not too humid – making it ideal for lounging on the fantastic beaches of Koh Phangan Island.

Places To Visit In Koh Phangan Island

Here are the places you should visit on your trip to Koh Phangan Island:

1. Shimmering Bays and Secluded Beaches

These beautiful beaches host a number of full moon parties too. Cushions on the beach, beautiful sunsets, fire dancing shows, and clear blue waters, is what makes this beach one of the best places to visit in Koh Phangan Island. This beautiful island is also designated as a National Park and teems with rare flora and fauna.

2. Ban Tai Beach

Suggested Read: Scuba Diving In Thailand: 7 Places That’ll Let You Explore The Underwater Life

Ban Tai is a hub for rave and party lovers. When at the beach, you can also indulge in flying kites and some paddling too. Much of this beautiful beach is calm and peaceful with a backdrop of palm trees. كيفية لعب الدومينو There are a number of eateries and bars where you can relish a wide variety of food.

3. Thong Sala Night Market

By now Koh Phangan may sound like a bit of a ‘farang’ haven. But, wait until you have ventured into the night market at Thong Sala. Friendly locals await you, proudly by the side of their freshly made Thai dishes. Do not let the small shops fool you, as the food is more delicious and cheaper than what you will find in most restaurants. Be sure to try their Pad Thai and Sushi. The options are plentiful and you will be lost for choice.

Things To Do In Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan island has acres of undisturbed tropical rain forest and also boasts of a wild jungle interior. If you love adventure, you will love Koh Phangan island. From mountain treks and Koh Phangan island hopping for the adventurous lot to fishing trips for families to coastline walks for those looking for something mellow, there is something for everyone. Listed below are a few of the many things you can do on a Koh Phangan vacation.

1. Full Moon Party in Thailand

Suggested Read: 12 Tips For Backpacking In Thailand: A List Of Do’s & Don’ts

Spend the day enjoying a Koh Phangan island tour and unleash your wild side at night. This is what Koh Phangan Island is famous for. If you are on the island during a full moon, be sure to don your best clothes and head out to the wild full moon party in Koh Phangan, on the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin beach. This is a one of its kind party where you will find people from all over the world having a blast.

Best Time: The Koh Phangan party takes place on full moon days. Approximated set dates are announced to help travelers, book in advance. نادي مانشستر سيتي

2. Laze on the beaches

Contrary to common belief, the beaches on this party island aren’t just for booze and music. The island isn’t short on gorgeous beaches. Whilst some of these beaches are harder to reach, they are well worth the effort. Make your way to quiet and secluded beaches such as Wai Nam Beach. This beach is perfect for swimming and some occasional paddling.

Bottle beach is yet another quaint island near Koh Phangan that you will fall in love with. Its powdery soft beach and crystal-clear waters are quite a sight to behold after a treacherous water scooter journey to get to.

3. Go diving

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Thailand In August To Escape The Thai Monsoon

Though most travelers set out to nearby islands for a day of diving, Koh Phangan isn’t too shabby to have some fun. The beauty of Koh Phangan extends well below the waves where the marine life is rich. The waters of Koh Phangan are clear making it ideal for both novices as well as seasoned divers to explore. And, the cheap prices are sure to bring a smile to your face.

4. Sunset Bar Crawl

A couple of thatched-roof bungalows just off the beach makes way for some great fun. Golden Rock is an isolated haven, where you can sip a few cocktails as you watch the sun dip into the oceans in this prime sunset spot. And, if you haven’t had your fill, clamber up the steps on the side of the mountain and get to Amsterdam Bar for a few hours of extended fun and frolic. Round off your bar crawl, with a skinny dip in Blue Rama’s stunning infinity pool.

Places To Stay On Koh Phangan Island

1. santhiya koh phangan resort & spa.

If you do not have a budget constraint, close your eyes and book your stay at the 5 star rated Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa. This all-inclusive traditional Thai retreat offers plush suites and rooms, upscale dining, a spa, and an outdoor pool for unlimited fun and recreation. It is at walkable distance from most popular haunts and is a great place to stay and enjoy a Koh Phangan party.

Address : 22/7, Moo 5, Ban Tai District, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand Rate : INR 7,000 onwards

2. The Coast Resort, Koh Phangan

For those on the lookout for a resort that is not way too expensive and offers good amenities, The Coast Resort, Koh Phangan is an ideal place to stay. The sleek beachfront 4-star resort also has an airy restaurant, a gym, and an outdoor pool with a chic swim up bar.

Address : 117/21 Moo 6, Bantai, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand Rate : INR 4,560 onwards

Koh Phangan Island Map

Suggested Read: 9 Magnificent Thailand Caves That Every Adventure Junkie Should Witness Once In A Lifetime

How To Get To Koh Phangan Island

Since Koh Phangan airport is still under construction, travelers will need to fly into Bangkok international airport and thereafter catch a train or bus to Surat Thani.

A 2.5-hour boat ride from Surat Thani or a 45-minute boat ride from Koh Samui will take you to Koh Phangan. The Samui ferry will drop you off at the main dock of Haad Rin. During the full moon parties, there are ferries by the hour that will take you to Haad Rin. A number of tour operators also run overnight buses starting from Bangkok all the way to Koh Phangan for about 600 Baht. This also includes the ferry charges.

All good things are hard to get, and so is getting to Koh Phangan Islands. It takes a bit of determination to get to this secluded island. Yet it is all worth it. If Koh Phangan seems too far away for you, plan a trip to Thailand famous counterparts to enjoy a tropical island vacation.

Suggested Read: Mauritius Vs Bali: Where Would You Like To Go On Your Next Vacay ?

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