While this tropical island is most famous for it’s full moon parties, there are so many other things to do in Koh Phangan, Thailand and I’ll share my favourites with you in this blog.
From stunning beaches, jungle adventures, and island hopping trips, to spiritual workshops and amazing parties (arguably even more epic than the full moon), this magical Thai island is not short of beautiful places to explore and interesting things to do.
I fell in love with this island paradise on my first trip many years ago. After spending a few incredible months there, I returned the following year to rent a house and live on the island for six months. When I came back for a third time last year, it felt like I was returning home.
And I’m not alone in this feeling. Many travelers have been captivated by the magic of Koh Phangan, and if you’re drawn to visit, chances are you’ll experience it too.
So if you’re wondering what to in Koh Phangan beyond the full moon party then this post is for you!
In this guide, I’m sharing my favorite things to do in Koh Phangan (or Koh Pha Ngan). Whether you want to discover hidden beaches, waterfalls and go island hopping, or if you’re seeking spiritual enlightenment or just the best place for sunset cocktails, my Koh Phangan travel guide will help you make the most of your time on this beautiful island!
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The Best Things To Do In Koh Phangan
While Koh Phangan may be known as a party island and hippy beach paradise, there is much more to do and see here. I’ve divided this post into sections so you can easily find what you’re looking for, whether you’re interested in beaches, parties, nature, wellness & spirituality, and island hopping.
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Beach Hopping
Despite being a relatively small island, Koh Phangan has over 20 beautiful beaches so make sure to go beach hopping and visit a few!
Generally speaking, the beaches on the south and west coast tend to be the liveliest, while the ones in the north and east have a more secluded vibe.
The ideal way to spend a day on Koh Phangan is to rent a motorbike and go beach hopping up the west coast discovering the smaller bays and nicest beaches along the way.
Here’s some of the best beaches in Koh Phangan that you should check out and what to do there:
Thong Nai Pan Beach
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Koh Phangan you’ll need to head up north. Thong Nai Pan is quite far from all the action on Phangan Island but is well worth the drive! There are actually two beaches here – Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai.
Both beaches are postcard-perfect with palm fringed soft white sand and calm turquoise waters. Due to the secluded location they are also peaceful and uncrowded – especially if you go in the morning, so it’s a must for anyone looking for a truly tranquil paradise setting.
Chaloklum Beach
One of my favorite beaches in Koh Phangan is Chaloklum Beach. Chaloklum is a small traditional fishermans village in the north of the island. Here, you will find a serene and unique crescent-shaped bay with authentic Thai vibes.
With boats coming in and out of the bay and a backdrop of lush greenery, Chaloklum is one of the most picturesque beaches I’ve come across in Thailand. Much of the beach is full of palm trees, providing plenty of shady areas to relax. Plus, the waters are crystal clear, shallow, and incredibly inviting.
Haad Salad Beach And Haad Yao Beach
Haad Salad (or Salad Beach) and Haad Yao ( Long Beach) on the northwest coast are some of the best beaches in Koh Phangan, with soft, white sand, inviting swimmable waters and a laid-back atmosphere with low key beachfront restaurants and bars.
Of the two, Haad Salad feels more secluded with just a few restaurants and low key beach huts perfect for getting away from it all, while Haad Yao is bigger and has a growing selection of trendy beach bars, restaurants and hotels.
Secret Beach
Secret Beach is a small but reasonably quiet beach on the west coast of Phangan Island, just before larger Haad Yao beach. You only need to drive down a small (signposted) hill to access it, so it’s not as secret as its name suggests.
However, what I love most about Secret Beach is the fabulous Koh Raham beach bar. I’ve never seen a beach bar like this. It extends along the side of the beach and out towards the sea and has many cute swings, treehouses, and lounge areas. There is also a cool snorkeling point at the end of the bar with steps going into the sea!
Experience Sunset At Zen Beach
Zen Beach in Sri Thanu is a must-visit in Koh Phangan. If you come here around sunset, you’ll be greeted by an array of weird and wacky sights. I’m talking musicians playing various instruments, yogis practicing acro yoga, fire dancers, drum circles, and nudists, to name a few.
Honestly, the vibe here gets weirder and weirder every year. It might be extravagant but it’s definitely an experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting Koh Phangan! There is so much going on here that you probably won’t notice how amazing the sunset is from this beach.
Nightlife And Parties
Koh Phangan is known for its epic parties and there is no shortage of bars, nightlife, and live music events on the island happening at all times of the month – so whenever you visit Koh Phangan you can be sure to experience some pretty epic nightlife!
Experience The Famous Full Moon Party
No guide to Koh Phangan is complete without mentioning the infamous Full Moon Party that takes place directly on Haad Rin Beach every month.
Once a month (during the full moon), Haad Rin Beach transforms into a tropical nightclub where the multiple bars lining the beach blast out music, offer cheap drinks (such as the famous “buckets”) and glow in the dark UV body paints.
What’s cool about the Full Moon Party is that it caters to all music tastes. There are different music zones along the beach, ranging from techno and house to reggae and drum and bass.
More Amazing Parties On Koh Phangan
If you’re not in Koh Phangan at full moon time, don’t worry; you can attend many other parties. The Half Moon Party, Waterfall Party, Jungle Experience, Oxa, Hollystone and Eden are other legendary nightlife events. Check out what’s on at Phangan Events.
Note than many of these other parties are held nearer Baan Tai than Haad Rin so consider this when deciding where to stay on Koh Phangan and booking your accommodation.
Enjoy Live Music At Rasta Home
One part of Phangan nightlife I will NOT miss when I’m on the island is Friday night at Rasta Home.
Rasta Home is a rustic reggae music bar with chill vibes during the week and an electric atmosphere on Friday evenings when the in-house reggae band plays their live set.
The only downside to Rasta Home is that, in recent years, it has become so busy (leading them to expand the venue) and it doesn’t have the intimate vibe it once had, but it’s still worth checking out if you’re into reggae music and relaxed nightlife.
Watch The Sunset From A Viewpoint Cafe
One of the best places to watch sunset is from a viewpoint café. Koh Phangan has a couple of fantastic options.
420 Club (previously called 360 Viewpoint) is located in the north of the island, giving panoramic vistas of the island and an incredible view of Koh Ma.
It’s an good place to come for lunch with a view or a sunset drink when you’re in this part of the island. However, be warned – with comfy bean bars dotted all around, you might be tempted to hang out here all day!
Another popular Koh Phangan viewpoint cafe, located just outside Thong Sala, is the Amsterdam Bar. It’s strategically built at the top of a hill, giving breathtaking views of the island and surrounding ocean. There’s a large pool, three floors with multiple chill areas, and a much more casual vibe than some of the more prestigious bars on the island.
It’s one of my favorite places to watch the sunset from, and if you want to make a night of it, they often have DJs playing until late.
Eat At Pantip Food Market
No Koh Phangan travel guide could be complete without a mention of Pantip food market in Thong Sala. Whilst it’s not the biggest or best food market in Thailand, it’s still a great place to come if you’re looking for a cheap dinner.
It’s open every evening and has all your Thai street food favourites like spring rolls, pad thai, green curry, mango sticky rice at cheap prices. They also have some international dishes, beers and cocktails, live music and a few souvenir stalls making it a good place to start a night out.
Nature Adventures
And it’s not just about beaches – the island of Koh Phangan also boasts incredible nature to explore inland, from lush jungle covered mountains to refreshing waterfalls and epic hikes to stunning viewpoints!
Here are some of the best things to do in Koh Phangan for nature lovers:
Hike To Bottle Beach Viewpoint
The well-known hike to Bottle Beach is a must-do when visiting Koh Phangan. The trailhead starts from a small dirt road near Haad Khom Beach in the north of the island and takes you into the forest before the steep incline up Khao Baan Fai Mai Peak begins.
The uphill hike is strenuous, especially the very last part, where you have to scramble on the rocks a bit, but the incredible vistas you get as a reward are well worth it! The viewpoint is so high up, and the ambiance there is incredibly peaceful that you feel totally at one with nature.
When you decide to venture back down, you’ll eventually come out directly in the blissful and secluded Bottle Beach, where you can reward yourself with a fruit shake and dip in the ocean.
And don’t worry; If you don’t fancy walking back don’t worry, one of the local taxi boat drivers will take you back for a small fee.
Cross The Sandbar To Koh Ma
Koh Ma is a TINY island on the northwestern tip of Koh Phangan. It’s connected to Phangan by a 200-meter-long sandbar, meaning you can walk across to Koh Ma from Mae Haad Beach during low tide.
There is not much to see on Koh Ma, but walking to the island is a cool and unique experience. Some people have even managed to climb to the top of Koh Ma, too. There are also coral reefs surrounding Koh Ma so it’s a fantastic snorkeling spot.
Hike Up Khao Ra
Another EPIC hike on Koh Phangan is the Khao Ra hike. Khao Ra is the highest peak on the island (627 meters), so there’s guaranteed incredible panoramic views from the top. However, you’ll have to work for it!
You’ll find the trailhead at Khao Ra Bungalows, in the center of the island. Be aware that parts of the trail are very steep and the hike can be fairly challenging, especially for inexperienced hikers. It takes 2 to 3 hours to reach the summit so wear proper footwear, start early to avoid the mid day heat, and bring plenty of water!
Explore The Waterfalls
Khao Raa waterfall
Koh Phangan has a surprising amount of waterfalls, and the best time to see them is shortly after the rainy season ends but it can be fun to explore the jungle at any time – just don’t expect to see gushing torrents of water in the dry season!
A few waterfalls are just a short drive inland from Thong Sala, such as Phaeng Noi Waterfall. There is also a popular fall close to Koh Ma, Wang Sai Waterfall, which has a large pool at the base for swimming.
Then there is Than Sadet Waterfall, a series of waterfalls within Namtok Than Sadet National Park. This national park, located on the island’s west side, makes a fantastic day out in nature, as there are numerous trails leading to two hidden and protected beaches – Haad Sadet Beach and Haad Thong Reng.
If you’re looking for more of an adrenaline rush, there’s a new zipline at Wang Sai Waterfall, or you can join an ATV jungle adventure tour which allows you to be immersed in the jungle and get to places that you can’t reach by road.
Wellness And Spirituality
From yoga classes to sound healing and ecstatic dance, if you’re looking to explore your spiritual side or simply take care of your wellness and mental health, try these unique activities in Koh Phangan.
Join A Yoga Class In Sri Thanu
The west side of Koh Phangan (Sri Thanu) is a huge yoga hub, attracting wellness enthusiasts and spiritual seekers from all over the world. Whether you’re an experienced yogi or are new to the practice, attending a yoga class is one of the must-do things to do in Koh Phangan.
Orion Healing, located between Sri Thanu and Hin Kong Beach, is one of the most popular and longest-running yoga schools in Koh Phangan, offering daily drop-in classes. Along with Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga, this beachfront yoga school also provides a range of workshops, including dance, meditation, and reiki healing.
If you’d like a more immersive experience there’s plenty of yoga retreats in Koh Phangan that you can spend anything from a few days to a few weeks at. If you’d like to go deeper or even fancy a change of career, there are some excellent yoga teacher training courses in Koh Phangan too.
Try Ecstatic Dance
Koh Phangan may not be the birthplace of ecstatic dance, but it’s where many people (myself included) first discovered this spiritual celebration of movement.
Ecstatic dance is an event where you can move freely to music without following specific steps or choreography. It’s an expressive and personal dance experience that can help you connect deeper to yourself and achieve a meditative state.
There are no phones, alcohol, or substances allowed at an ecstatic dance party; instead, it is a kind of sober rave. If you enjoy dancing or are just intrigued, you’ll find no shortage of these events on the island! One of the best is held every Sunday at Pyramid Yogashala.
Unwind At The Dome Sauna
The Dome Sauna is unlike any sauna you’ve ever been to before! This outdoor sauna is hidden in the jungle, combining relaxation with stargazing.
It’s open every evening, and along with a dome-shaped herbal sauna, there is a fire where you can sit around and meditate, socialize, or admire the incredible night sky.
The Dome is decorated beautifully with fairy lights, spiritual ambient music, and psychedelic visual projections against the jungle backdrop, creating an enchanting ambiance. It’s undoubtedly one of the most unique things to do in Koh Phangan!
Relax With A Thai Massage
If your muscles get sore after all that yoga and hiking take some time to relax and rejuvenate with a massage while you’re on Koh Phangan.
There’s plenty of options, from budget friendly local massage parlours offering traditional Thai massage, to upmarket spas at the fancier resorts offering a wide range of massage therapies and spa treatments.
If you’re looking for something in between check out Lavella Spa in Baan Tai which offers a beautiful and relaxing environment and highly trained masseuses while keeping prices affordable.
Receive A Buddhist Blessing At Wat Maduea Wan
Wat Maduea Wan is a Buddhist temple towards the center of the island. To reach the temple, you must climb a gold dragon staircase guarded by 5-headed serpent statues (nagas)
The temple has a very peaceful vibe, and there are many simple areas with alters where you can sit and meditate. What makes this experience really special, though, is that you can receive a blessing from a monk here.
As the monk performs his chanting ritual, he will place a small fabric bracelet on your wrist, which is said to bring you good fortune. I’ve done these Buddhist blessings all over Southeast Asia, and I have to say, the one that felt most authentic and special was this one at Wat Maduea Wan.
If you’re in Thong Sala you could pop into Wat Phu Khao Noi, Koh Phangan’s oldest temple dating back to the 15th century. The name of this white temple means “The Temple of the Small Mountain,” so you’ll get some nice views from up here too.
Visit The Chinese Temple (The Kuan Yin Temple)
Koh Phangan’s Chinese Temple (Kuan Yin Temple) is another beautiful cultural spot on the island. Unlike similar temples in other parts of Thailand, Kuan Yin is never crowded with tourists, making for a peaceful and authentic experience.
The architecture of the colourful temple is stunning, but the jungle setting and view from the top are also magnificent. You’ll find plenty of places to sit and meditate to the sounds of nature and the temple bells. It’s the perfect place to go if you want to get away from it all and find inner peace.
Day Trips & Island Hopping From Koh Phangan
Of course, one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan is to explore some of the nearby islands in the Gulf of Thailand. Here are some incredible nearby places you must visit during your Phangan trip!
Take A Day Trip To Koh Samui
Koh Samui is Phangan’s big brother and like most siblings, these two islands could not be any different. While Phangan has a hippy, chilled island life vibe, Koh Samui is much more developed, vibrant and lively.
Koh Samui is just a short 30-minute ferry ride from Phangan. Numerous ferries depart every day from multiple companies. For example, the Seatran ferry departs from Thong Sala pier in Koh Phangan and docks in Bang Rak in Samui.
As well as beautiful coconut palm fringed beaches, there’s plenty to see and do on Samui – from unique temples and jungle adventures to lively beach bars and colourful markets. You can join a Koh Samui Island Tour to see all the highlights without any stress.
For more ideas on what to do there, check out my detailed guide on things to do in Koh Samui, and, if your thinking of spending the night there, check out my guide on where to stay in Koh Samui too.
Visit Koh Tao And Koh Nang Yuan
Taking a boat trip to Koh Tao and the neighboring Koh Nang Yuan island is one of the most popular things to do on Koh Phangan.
Koh Tao is much smaller than Phangan and offers an even more laid-back island vibe and quiet atmosphere. While these islands are out of this world beautiful, Koh Tao is most famous for what’s under the water.
Renowned for its world-class dive sites and amazing snorkelling, Koh Tao is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, including turtles, reef sharks, and endless colorful fish. One of the best dive sites is Sail Rock where you can dive with whale sharks and sting rays.
And don’t worry if you haven’t scuba dived before, many dive schools on Koh Tao offer a try scuba diving taster session. The island is one of the cheapest and best places in the world to get your PADI certificate which takes just 3 – 4 days.
And if diving makes you feel more nervous than excited, don’t worry – you can still enjoy Koh Tao’s abundant marine life on a snorkeling trip.
Another must do is going over to tiny Koh Nang Yuan island which has two sandbars. The short hike to Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint is well worth it for one of the most incredible and iconic views in the whole of Thailand!
If you want to visit both of these stunning islands join this popular Koh Tao & Nang Yuan boat tour which includes snorkeling, relaxation time on both islands, and a buffet lunch.
Explore Ang Thong Marine Park
Ang Thong Marine Park, an archipelago of 42 stunning islands in the Gulf of Thailand, is another thing you won’t want to miss if you love island hopping adventures.
This protected paradise boasts towering limestone cliffs, lush jungles, and crystal-clear waters full of marine life. A day trip is enough to explore its highlights, as only two islands are inhabited.
On Koh Wua Ta Lap, the main island, you can hike to a breath taking viewpoint overlooking the archipelago. Another highlight is the Emerald Lake, a hidden saltwater lagoon with surreal green waters surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.
The best way to see it is by joining a boat trip. This Ang Thong Marine Park Full Day Tour from Koh Phangan visits all the top spots and includes snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and hiking to amazing viewpoints. You get picked up from your hotel and travel to the marine park via speedboat, maximizing your time there, and the staff can take photos of you too.
Koh Phangan Travel Guide: Tips For Planning Your Trip To Koh Phangan
How To Get To Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island situated in Surat Thani province on the eastern coast or Gulf of Thailand next to the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
There’s a couple of different ways to get there, depending on how much time you have and your budget.
By Air:
The nearest airport to Koh Phangan is on the neighboring island of Koh Samui and the absolute quickest way to reach Koh Phangan is to fly into Bangkok and then fly to Samui Airport (USM). Then you’ll need to take a ferry from Bangrak Pier, which is near to the airport, to Koh Phangan island where you ‘ll arrive at Thong Sala Pier.
However, Samui Airport only receives domestic flights with Bangkok Airways from Bangkok (and other places in Thailand.) It’s a privately owned airport with very few international flights and airfares can be expensive.
Another, cheaper, option is to fly to Surat Thani Airport (URT) which is the closest airport on the mainland and take a bus and ferry combination to the island.
By Bus And Ferry:
If you don’t want to fly, or you’re backpacking Thailand on a budget, you can take an overnight bus or train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then catch a bus and ferry to Thong Sala in Koh Phangan.
Many travel agencies offer combined bus and ferry tickets. You can book these easily online with 12GoAsia. I recommend doing this so that you have a stress free travel day and don’t have to worry about missing your connection.
If you’re island hopping you can get a ferry to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui in 30 minutes or Koh Tao in about 90 minutes.
If you’re visiting Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party, definitely book your transport and accommodation in advance and beware that most hostels and hotels have a 3 night minimum stay during this period.
Best Time To Visit Koh Phangan
Weatherwise, the best time to go to Koh Phangan is during the dry season between December and April. This time offers the best weather for enjoying the island’s beaches, outdoor activities, and events but equally visiting out of season has its perks too and the full moon parties happen all year round.
Here’s a breakdown of the seasons and what weather you can expect when visiting Koh Phangan:
Dry Season (December To April)
- December to February: This is the peak tourist season with pleasant weather, sunny clear skies, and cooler temperatures. It’s a great time for outdoor activities, beach days, and water sports but it’s also the peak tourist season so expect higher prices, more crowds and make sure you book in advance.
- March to April: The weather starts to get hotter, and the island becomes less crowded. This is a good time to visit if you prefer quieter beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Rainy Season (May To November)
- May to June: The rainy season begins, but showers are generally short-lived and sporadic. Prices for accommodation and activities tend to be lower during this time, and the island is less crowded.
- July And August: Koh Phangan is a great choice if you are looking for a sunny Thai island getaway during the summer holidays. While this is the rainiest time in Phuket and Andamans on the West coast, the Eastern coast islands in the Gulf of Thailand like Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are still relatively dry but can be hot and humid with some thunderstorms.
- September to November: This is the most rainy time on the Eastern coast and the island sees more consistent rainfall, with occasional heavy downpours. Some businesses may close temporarily. The sea conditions can also be a bit rough, affecting boat travel and water activities. However, the lush landscape can be quite beautiful, and you might still have some sunny days.
P.S. I have a blog about traveling around Thailand during the rainy season too if you need more tips.
If you’re interested in experiencing the famous Full Moon Party, which takes place on Haad Rin Beach every month, it’s important to plan your visit around the full moon dates. These parties are especially wild during the peak tourist season (December to February), but they also happen during other months.
If you can’t time your visit for the Full Moon don’t despair – there are parties on Koh Phangan at all times of the month, including the Half Moon party and Black Moon party.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Koh Phangan depends on your preferences. If you want the best weather and parties then the peak dry season months are ideal but expect the island to be more crowded and for prices to be higher – and make sure you book in advance.
If you don’t mind the heat or some refreshing rain showers and prefer fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere, then might like visiting during the shoulder seasons or even early in the rainy season.
Getting Around Koh Phangan
Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find both taxis and songthaews (shared pick up trucks) waiting to meet the ferries at Thong Sala Pier. You can also ask your accommodation to provide a transfer from the ferry port.
Once you’re settled in the main options for getting around Koh Phangan are:
- Taxis: Taxis are available in Thong Sala and go all over the island, but they can be relatively expensive compared to other modes of transportation. Make sure you agree on the price before getting in.
- Songthaews: Songthaews are shared pickup trucks that function as a form of public transportation. They follow set routes from Thong Sala town along the south and west coasts and are the cheapest option for getting around.
- Guided Tour: If you want to explore the island’s hidden gems you can join a guided tour which will take you to all the best spots for a really fun day out. This Koh Phangan Island Tour is ideal if you want to explore the beaches, waterfalls and viewpoints but don’t know how to ride a motorbike, or if are traveling solo and want to make friends and photo buddies.
- Motorbike or Scooter Rentals: Renting a motorbike or scooter is a popular and convenient way to explore the island. However, ensure you’re comfortable riding one, wear a helmet, don’t drive drunk, get your international drivers license and ensure your travel insurance covers you for this.
Where To Stay In Koh Phangan
The island has many beautiful beaches and different areas that all have a different vibe, so choose where you stay in Koh Phangan carefully depending on what sort of experience you are looking for.
Baan Tai and Thong Sala are convenient and affordable places to stay for nightlife, shopping and exploring the island, but the beaches aren’t the best. There are tons of fun backpacker hostels like Wanderlust Hostel and budget friendly beach huts like Seaesta Beach Bungalows.
If you’re heading to the full moon party then the best place to stay is at Tommy Resort – this is a good mid range beach resort right on Haad Rin beach at the south east end of the island where the famous party is held. However, most other parties are nearer to Baan Tai.
For the best beach holiday head up north to Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai where you’ll find luxury beach resorts like the Anantara Rasananda Resort.
And if you want to be in the heart of the yoga scene stay near Sri Thanu or check out the nearby beaches of Haad Yao, Haad Salad, and Mae Haad. Seethanu Bungalows is one of my favourites and it’s near Zen beach.
I’ve written a detailed guide to Where to Stay in Koh Phangan, with more information about the different areas and accommodation recommendations for all budgets. I’ve also a guide to Where to Stay in Koh Samui if you’re heading there too.
How Long To Spend In Koh Phangan
You could spend months on this magical island discovering different beaches and joining interesting workshops every day but if you’re just on holiday then I recommend spending 3 – 5 days on Koh Phangan so you can explore the island’s highlights, relax on the beach, go island hopping, experience the nightlife and join at least one yoga class.
If you’re visiting Koh Phangan for the full moon party be aware that many hotels have a 3 night minimum stay during this period, especially those around Haad Rin and Baan Tai, but don’t worry you won’t get bored as there’s plenty to do and plenty of other parties happening.
So Now You Know What To Do In Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is so much more than just the home of the Full Moon Party. With its stunning beaches, lush nature, crazy parties and thriving yoga community, it’s a unique island that is well worth exploring. And, who knows – maybe the magic of Koh Phangan will cast its spell on you too!
And if Koh Phangan is just one stop on your Thailand adventure, check out my other blogs and travel guides like my Koh Samui Guide, my pick of The Best Places to Visit in Thailand and my Thailand Travel Guide, for essential tips to plan your trip!
