An epic checklist of all the perfect issues to do in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Sure, there’s extra to the island than simply the Full Moon Get together!
Koh Phangan is a comparatively small island within the Gulf of Thailand nestled in between Koh Tao and Koh Samui.
But it has all the pieces you might want for in a tropical island paradise: towering palm bushes, white-sand seashores, coral reefs with unique fish, and plush jungles stuffed with waterfalls all framed by the idyllic turquoise ocean.
However when most travellers consider Koh Phangan, they consider wild events, neon paint and buckets filled with alcohol.
Koh Phangan is house to the well-known Full Moon Get together. Travellers from all around the globe flock to this island to bop the evening away with different vacationers.
If you’re a real get together animal, you might simply have the perfect evening of your life on the Full Moon Get together.
This seaside get together is totally epic and a lot enjoyable, however many individuals deal with this get together scene an excessive amount of and overlook all the opposite wonderful elements of Koh Phangan.
The Greatest Issues to do in Koh Phangan
With this checklist of the perfect issues to do in Koh Phangan, I hope to shed some mild on the opposite enjoyable actions and pure sights of the island.
So even in case you don’t drink and don’t like partying, you possibly can nonetheless have an unimaginable time once you discover the island.
You possibly can snorkel, hike, kayak, scuba dive, and revel in all the perfect elements of Thai tradition like consuming road meals, exploring temples, and getting a Thai therapeutic massage.
So whether or not you have an interest within the Full Moon Get together or not, the wonder round Koh Phangan shouldn’t be missed on a visit to Thailand!
1. Hike to Bottle Seashore
With a popularity as probably the greatest seashores and a high Koh Phangan attraction, Bottle Seashore is a real gem of Thailand’s gulf.
Positioned within the north of the island, the seaside is fairly arduous to get to however the one-hour trek via the jungle is a enjoyable journey.
Put on good strolling sneakers and loads of bug spray, and also you’ll really feel such as you actually earned your enjoyable seaside day when you arrive on the white sands of Bottle Seashore.
The hike begins at Coconut Seashore on the north of Koh Phangan and is totally free!
READ MORE: Plan your journey to Thailand with our complete journey information!
2. Keep at Indigo Coral Home and Be taught About their Superb Sustainability and Refugee Tasks
There are such a lot of unimaginable sustainability and conservation initiatives taking place in Thailand proper now, and one of many essential focuses of my most up-to-date journey to the Land of Smiles was to study a few of them.
Koh Phangan has all the time been a hub for different considering and eco-conscious travellers, and I used to be fortunate sufficient to spend the day at place referred to as Indigo Coral Home to find how they’re giving again to their neighborhood.
Run by the passionate duo Fatimah and Matteo, the lodging, residing areas and workshops at Indigo Coral Home have been constructed utilizing sustainable bamboo, and the development strategies have been refined to minimise the quantity of non-renewable sources wanted.
Their objective is to indicate native builders that bamboo is just not solely a improbable building materials, however can be utilized to make funky, high-quality and exquisite designs too.
That’s not all they do at Indigo Coral Home although. It has additionally turn into a haven for Burmese refugees who flee over the border to flee the present turmoil.
Not solely do Fatimah and Matteo supply a protected area for them to dwell, however they train them artwork methods equivalent to leaf printing and weaving to allow them to create their very own items and promote them on the markets to make an earnings.
I had probably the most wonderful day at Indigo Coral Home and felt so welcome by all people who calls the place house.
A particular thanks to Soemoechit who taught me leaf printing, Phyu Phyu Moe who cooked up probably the most delectable Burmese vegetarian lunch for me, and naturally Fatimah and Matteo who took day out of their day to indicate me all that they’re doing.
You possibly can go to Indigo Coral Home your self to do artwork and bamboo constructing workshops, leaf printing, discover ways to compost or simply keep in a number of the beautiful bamboo bungalows and villas. Extremely suggest in case you’re coming to Koh Phangan!
- Location: 8/65 moo 8 Koh Phangan Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
- WhatsApp: +44 793 165 0719
3. Get a Thai Therapeutic massage
After spending an enormous day mountain climbing round, diving and swimming, you may wish to deal with your physique to a Thai therapeutic massage.
Let the skilled native masseuses knead, twist, and clean the kinks out of your muscle mass and also you’ll really feel so refreshed afterward.
Thai therapeutic massage is a extremely revered conventional observe within the nation, so it is best to undoubtedly expertise it at the very least as soon as whereas travelling via Thailand.
This can be a nice method to calm down once you go to Koh Phangan.
READ MORE: Prolong your Thai adventures by leaping on the ferry and testing what to do on Koh Tao!
4. Take a Day Journey to Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park
This protected archipelago within the Gulf of Thailand is a shocking oasis of pure magnificence.
Stuffed with mountain climbing trails, limestone caves, towering cliffs, palm forests, coral reefs, sandy seashores, and rather more, Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park is a nature-lovers paradise.
You possibly can solely enter the marine park through a government-approved tour boat.
Fortunately there are many nice tour corporations that provide day journeys from Koh Phangan to Ang Thong.
5. Go to Koh Ma
A visit to Koh Ma ought to undoubtedly be in your checklist of Koh Phangan sightseeing.
This tiny island is definitely separate from Koh Phangan, however is related to the primary island by a sand bar that’s seen at low tide.
So head to the northwest of the island at low tide and you’ll stroll alongside the sand bar to Koh Ma.
You can too take pleasure in sunbathing on the sand bar and swimming within the ocean to flee the warmth.
6. Hike Khao Ra Mountain
This 627-meter excessive mountain is among the greatest Koh Phangan sights.
Climbing to the highest will offer you some wonderful views, and the entire journey takes about 2-3 hours spherical journey.
You possibly can hike the path in sturdy sneakers or mountain climbing boots, and make sure to pack numerous water and sunscreen.
To keep away from the mid-day warmth, attempt to hike within the early morning or late afternoon.
Khao Ra is situated close to the north of the island and the hike is free.
READ MORE: Plan your greatest journey with these Thailand itineraries.
7. Watch the Sundown from a Rooftop Bar
There’s one thing completely magical about watching the sundown from a tropical island.
Even higher is watching an island sundown up excessive at a rooftop bar so you possibly can take pleasure in an unimaginable panoramic view.
Koh Phangan has numerous rooftop bars and eating places that make nice vantage factors for sundown. Listed below are a number of of the perfect 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
8. Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is unquestionably probably the greatest issues to do in Koh Phangan, and the final time we visited proved precisely why!
The Gulf of Thailand is full of attractive marine life, together with tropical fish, manta rays, coral reefs, and extra.
Among the many greatest diving spots close to the island are Samran Pinnacle, Hin Yippon, Koh Ma, and Ang Thong Nationwide Marine Park.
Sail Rock is arguably the perfect dive website in your entire Gulf of Thailand, so it is a good spot to go and discover the waters.
The island has a number of dive faculties that may hook you up with gear or allow you to get your divers certification.
Personally nonetheless we suggest absolutely the legends at H2O Diving in Thong Nai Pan.
Run by the unimaginable couple Alis and Lee, these guys are a PADI 5-Star Middle and have been working since 2003.
They use a contemporary and comfy velocity boat to get out to the dive websites, and this implies they will really time their journeys to keep away from when all the opposite corporations exit.
For instance, Sail Rock is sort of removed from Koh Phangan that means all of the native corporations exit within the morning. For H2O nonetheless, they exit after lunch.
Once I went out for my two dives with Lee, we had been the one dive boat there. A reasonably magical expertise (try my video under of what it was like).
The gear they use is new and well-maintained, the workers pleasant and the service they supply is a number of the {most professional} I’ve skilled from diving in over a dozen nations.
I extremely, HIGHLY suggest scuba diving with Lee, Alis and the staff at H2O if going out in Koh Phangan.
9. Relax on Thong Nai Pan Seashore
Of all of the Koh Phangan sights, the seashores are undoubtedly probably the greatest causes to go to/
Individuals journey from far and extensive to stretch out on the velvety white sand and swim within the crystal-clear waters of the Thai islands, so be sure you squeeze loads of seaside days into your Thailand itinerary.
Whereas visiting Koh Phangan, head to Thong Nai Pan for the final word seaside day.
Soak within the solar or lie within the shade beneath a coconut palm. Splash within the water and acquire seashells.
Take loads of photographs as a result of this seaside on Koh Phangan’s northeast coast is really lovely.
10. Go to Thong Sala’s Road Markets
As the primary hub of Koh Phangan, Thong Sala is a bustling city with loads of enjoyable issues to do.
The road markets are the city’s greatest attraction; vacationers and locals each come collectively within the evenings to flick thru the native items and gorge on some scrumptious Thai meals.
The Phantip Night time Market opens each night and has a number of the greatest road meals on the island.
Each Saturday, the primary road of Thong Sala turns right into a Strolling Road Market, also referred to as the Thong Sala Night time Market.
At Thong Sala Night time Market, the streets turn into pedestrian-only as native distributors fill the street with their very own stalls promoting souvenirs, clothes, jewellery, and different home made items. There may be additionally loads of Thai meals to eat!
11. Watch a Film at an Out of doors Cinema
For a enjoyable evening in Koh Phangan, head to the Moonlight Cinema.
Positioned close to the evening market in Thong Sala, this open-air movie show is stuffed with comfortable pillows and performs all kinds of latest and previous movies.
You should purchase snacks and drinks on the theater as properly. It’s a spotlight of many who go to Koh Phangan!
- Location: 46 Moo 1, Chaloklum Rd. Thong Sala, Ko Phangan
- Hours: 3 pm to 1 am (opens at 1 pm on weekends)
12. Hunt down Some Waterfalls
Along with all of the ocean surroundings and white-sand seashores, a number of the greatest issues to see in Koh Phangan lie inland throughout the lush jungle.
The island is house to numerous waterfalls the place you possibly can go have a picnic, take photographs, and swim within the contemporary flowing water.
Phaeng Waterfall, Than Sadet Waterfall, and Paradise Waterfall are three of probably the most picturesque falls on the island.
For those who simply hop in a taxi or songtaew and inform the driving force the identify of the waterfall you wish to go to, they’ll know the place to go.
READ MORE: Pondering of visiting different locations in Thailand? Our new weblog submit will inform you the perfect spots to go!
13. Go Sea Kayaking
Cruising via the turquoise waters and soaking in all of the pure magnificence is among the greatest issues to do in Koh Phangan.
Most of the island’s seashores have kayak leases accessible, with the common value being about 150 Baht per hour.
Ensure you are moderately match and conscious of the ocean currents earlier than setting out on the water and don’t kayak alone.
A well-liked place to kayak on the island is from Wok Tum to Koh Ma as a result of the waters are typically calm right here.
14. Take a Street Journey across the Island
If you wish to see a variety of the island in a brief period of time, your greatest guess is to ebook a sightseeing tour.
There are a number of tourism corporations that provide both ATV or street journey adventures across the island, which is nice in case you don’t have your individual type of transport.
Your tour will take you to all the perfect spots on the island, together with seashores, waterfalls, rooftop bars, and different wonderful locations that you simply may not be capable of see by yourself.
15. Dance the evening away on the Full Moon Get together
For any get together animals on the market on the lookout for a traditional Thailand backpacker expertise, add the Full Moon Get together to your bucket checklist.
Some vacationers come to Koh Phangan solely for the Full Moon Get together, as it’s a well-known phenomenon amongst younger vacationers.
This get together consists of numerous neon physique paint, numerous low cost combined drinks in plastic buckets, and plenty of loud music, flashing lights, and dancing.
It’s probably the greatest issues to do in Koh Phangan in case you wish to get together.
The get together is held each full moon on Haad Rin Seashore. There’s a Dawn and Sundown Seashore on Haad Rin Seashore, and the get together is on Dawn Seashore.
Simply remember the fact that numerous lodging utterly ebook up for the get together, so ebook your mattress as far prematurely as you possibly can!
16. OR get together on the Half Moon Get together
For those who love the concept of the Full Moon Get together, however you gained’t be in Koh Phangan throughout the precise full moon, don’t have any worry!
The island additionally hosts a Half Moon Get together at, you guessed it, each half-moon.
Which means this get together occurs twice a month moderately than simply as soon as, and it isn’t as well-known however it’s nonetheless tremendous enjoyable.
The Half Moon Get together occurs within the jungle as an alternative of on the seaside, and there are tons of various phases and dance flooring bumping various kinds of music.
17. Benefit from the Surroundings from the Haad Rin Viewpoint
For a panoramic view on the south of the island, head to the Haad Rin Viewpoint.
The climb to the highest solely takes about quarter-hour, however within the humid, tropical warmth it may be fairly tiring so pack loads of water.
The path begins behind the Fairyland Resort on the southern tip of the island. From the highest, you possibly can take pleasure in views of the close by seashores and you’ll even see Koh Samui within the distance.
READ MORE: Take advantage of your journey to Thailand with these journey suggestions
18. Go Snorkelling
For those who’re not able to decide to scuba diving, you possibly can nonetheless discover Koh Phangan’s flourishing underwater marine life by snorkelling.
Snorkelling is reasonable and straightforward, so anybody can do it. For those who don’t have your individual gear, you possibly can lease a snorkel, masks, and flippers for roughly 100 Baht per hour.
One of many island’s greatest places for snorkelling is Mae Haad Seashore and Haad Son alongside the north coast.
19. Go to the Temples
With a lot pure magnificence to see and partying to be achieved, it may be straightforward to overlook about all of the beautiful temples on Koh Phangan!
However the temples are wonderful representations of Thai tradition and Buddhist structure, so it is best to undoubtedly attempt to see loads of them.
A number of the island’s most lovely temples are Wat Nok, Wat Khao Tham, and Wat Pho (to not be confused with the well-known Wat Pho in Bangkok).
20. Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match
For those who haven’t but been to see a Muay Thai Boxing Match in Thailand, now’s your likelihood!
This fast-paced, mesmerizing sport is tremendous fashionable in Thailand, and watching a match is a good way for vacationers to catch a glimpse of the native Thai tradition.
Koh Phangan is house to 7 Muay Thai Boxing stadiums that host matches each night. A few of them even have coaching lessons so you possibly can study the fundamentals of the game for your self!
21. Lease a Motorcycle
To discover Koh Phangan by yourself schedule, lease a motorcycle and revel in all of the mobility you want.
Earlier than renting a motorcycle, be sure you have journey insurance coverage and a duplicate of your passport to present the rental firm.
Additionally take numerous photographs of the bike earlier than you experience it, so the corporate can’t blame any scratches or dings on you.
There are many bike rental corporations round Ko Pha Ngan, and the common price is round 150 Baht per day.
The most well-liked path to discover by bike is the west coast of the island.
Koh Phangan Journey Information
After paying attention to all the perfect issues to do in Koh Phangan, listed here are some suggestions for the place to remain and what to eat.
Lodging in Koh Phangan
Whether or not you’re a finances backpacker who simply needs to get together, or an upscale traveller on the lookout for the very best quality seaside resorts, Koh Phangan has all of it.
Finances: Bodega Hostel
This hostel is loud, wild, loopy, and ideal for social butterflies and partiers in Koh Phangan.
It has over 1,000 nice critiques on Hostelworld, and it’s the greatest place to remain on the island for the moon events and only for making pals and participating in numerous enjoyable, social actions.
Remember that costs rise throughout the Full Moon Get together, however the hostel continues to be cheaper than a lodge on Koh Pha Ngan.
If you need a quieter ambiance, there are many different hostels on Hostelworld that aren’t get together hostels, simply do a little bit of searching.
Mid Vary: Samutra Residences
This new and inexpensive resort in Koh Phangan is ideal for individuals who wish to expertise a little bit of luxurious on Koh Pha Ngan with out spending a ton of cash.
With an excellent pleasant workers, new rooms and personal bungalows, a phenomenal backyard and personal pool, and situated in a quiet space, this place exudes an aura of consolation and leisure.
Luxurious: Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
On my final go to to the island I had the possibility to remain in the perfect luxurious resort on Koh Phangan!
Tucked away on the quiet finish of Koh Pha Ngan on Thong Nai Pan Seashore, and a world away from the hectic Full Moon Get together, Panviman Resort is gorgeous lodging is constructed up on a headland surrounded by jungle with wonderful views over the Gulf of Thailand.
The meals is subsequent degree, they’ve dwell music most nights in both their beachside or cliffside restaurant, the lodge workers can organise any tour or exercise you need and so they even do a floating breakfast!
Wish to know the perfect half? Rooms begin at simply $110 an evening! Proof that you simply don’t must kill the finances to take pleasure in somewhat little bit of luxurious in Thailand.
For those who’re planning a visit to this a part of the nation undoubtedly try Koh Phangan and Panviman Resorts.
What to Eat in Koh Phangan
Don’t miss these wonderful eating places in Koh Phangan in your subsequent go to!
Finances – Moonsoon’s Restaurant
Positioned on the east coast of Koh Pha Ngan close to Bottle Seashore, Moonsoon’s Restaurant is an excellent laid-back native restaurant with scrumptious, low cost native meals.
They’ve native and western meals, all at low cost costs. Individuals additionally rave in regards to the pleasant, English-speaking workers.
Mid-Vary – Restaurant Sunshine
Restaurant Sunshine on the west coast of Koh Pha Ngan is a relaxed eatery serving all of the traditional Thai dishes.
It’s reasonably priced, the portion sizes are hefty, and the ambiance is welcoming.
Luxurious – Milky Bay Restaurant
Positioned on a pristine seaside and stocked with contemporary and scrumptious seafood, Milky Bay Restaurant is among the top-rated locations to eat on Koh Phangan.
The menu is intensive, so you possibly can eat traditional Thai meals, pizza and pasta, or freshly-caught fish.
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