Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you use the link to make a qualifying purchase, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As always, thanks for being here!
Here’s an ultimate guide detailing 16 awesome things to do on Koh Phangan to make your trip as epic as possible! Discover a remarkable island with so much more to offer than just the famous Full Moon Party!
Researching what to do on Koh Phangan? You’d be forgiven for initially picturing an island with an epic party during the full moon and nothing much else.
I mean, Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party is an event that is well-known beyond the borders of Thailand and some travellers visit solely to attend.
However, as epic as this event is, Koh Phangan has so much more than just great nightlife. This idyllic island has many other amazing activities, experiences, and things to do for every type of traveller to enjoy.
After spending 5 weeks on the island across two visits, here are 16 awesome things to do on Koh Phangan to help inspire and plan your trip to our favourite Thai island.
- 16 Awesome Things to Do On Koh Phangan
- 1. Discover Koh Phangan’s Postcard-Worthy Beaches
- 2. Take a Boat to Bottle Beach
- Have you got your Thailand travel insurance?
- 3. Enjoy Panoramic Views at Bottle Beach Viewpoint
- 4. Take a Day Trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island
- 5. Eat Your Way Through The Night Markets
- 6. Visit The Chinese Temple (Kuan Yin Temple)
- 7. Explore the Koh Phangan Waterfalls
- 8. Cruise The Palm Tree-Lined roads on a scooter
- 9. Enjoy a Coffee with a View at What’s Cup
- 10. Relaxing Massage on the beach
- 11. Explore by Stand Up Paddleboard
- 12. Walk out on the Hin Kong Sandbank
- 13. Take a stroll out to Koh Ma
- 14. Watch Incredible Sunsets
- 15. Enjoy a Delicious Pastry at the German Bakery by Achim
- 16. Experience the famous Full Moon Party
- How to Get to Koh Phangan
- Where to Stay On Koh Phangan Island
- Koh Phangan FAQ
- Where to Eat On Koh Phangan
- How to Get Around Koh Phangan
- Final Thoughts
- Pin It For Later!
- More Thailand Posts
16 Awesome Things to Do On Koh Phangan
Whether you’re dreaming of relaxing on idyllic beaches, swimming in tropical turquoise water, discovering breathtaking viewpoints, exploring temples, or eating your weight in local Thai street food – Koh Phangan is sure to be a destination in Thailand where you’ll make unforgettable memories!
1. Discover Koh Phangan’s Postcard-Worthy Beaches
The absolute best thing to do on Koh Phangan is discover the island’s beautiful beaches.
As with many other islands in the south of Thailand, the beaches here are a dreamy tropical heaven. The kind that looks like they belong in a travel magazine!
There’s a beach for everyone on Koh Phangan, no matter what type of vibe you prefer. From the bustling Haad Rin in the south to the relaxed family and couple atmosphere in the northwest, to the secluded Bottle Beach, to the stunning sunsets at Zen Beach.
There’s soft white sand and inviting turquoise water to be found in every corner of the island. You’d be forgiven for wanting to spend the entirety of your time here soaking up the paradise beach vibes!
2. Take a Boat to Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is one of Koh Phangan’s most isolated and hardest-to-reach beaches. It is only accessible by taxi boat, a 1-2 hour sweaty hike or 4×4 vehicle.
While getting to the beach is an activity in itself, by making the effort you’ll be rewarded handsomely. Here you’ll be able to enjoy a secluded, tropical bliss and one of Koh Phangan’s most stunning bays.
As well as being one of the most beautiful beaches on Koh Phangan, what makes Bottle Beach so special is its remote location. It feels a world away from the island’s developed areas. Apart from a couple of beach bungalow resorts, it’s surrounded by palm trees, mountains, and jungle.
As I mentioned, there are only three ways to get to Bottle Beach. The most convenient option is taking a taxi boat from nearby Chaloklum Beach. The price is around 200 baht per person each way and you should organise a return time with the captain.
3. Enjoy Panoramic Views at Bottle Beach Viewpoint
There are some breathtaking views to be found on all the Thai Gulf islands including the spectacular Koh Tao viewpoints. However, here on Koh Phangan, my favourite lookout has to be the Bottle Beach viewpoint.
You’re rewarded with some incredible panoramic views of Bottle Beach once you step out onto the huge boulder the viewpoint is located on. The views of the surrounding coastline and the island’s inner jungle landscape are just breathtaking!
The Bottle Beach viewpoint is an amazing place to enjoy at any time of day. However, the best times are on either side of the intense midday heat and harsh sun. We enjoyed a late afternoon soaking up the views but if you are planning to watch the sunset make sure you leave enough time so you’re not scrambling over the rocks in the dark.
There are three ways in which you can reach the viewpoint.
The first is by following the steep hiking trail from Bottle Beach itself.
Secondly, you can take on a longer hike of around 3.5km (one way) from Haad Khom Beach. All Trails rank this route second in their list of best trails in Koh Phangan!
I’d recommend the third choice – taking a scooter to the viewpoint’s car park and hiking from there. The car park is conveniently marked on Google Maps as ‘Bottle Beach Scooter Parking‘. As you head towards Thong Nai Pan, continue north to where you can park up and start walking.
While the trail itself is easy to follow, the final part involves scrambling over some boulders. Make sure to use caution as there are very steep drops. For this reason, I’d recommend wearing a pair of trainers rather than flip-flops.
4. Take a Day Trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island
If you need another example of tropical heaven in the Gulf of Thailand, a day trip to Koh Nang Yuan is for you!
This tiny island epitomises paradise with its small strip of glistening white sand connecting three rocky, jungle-like islets.
But as well as boasting a perfect tropical beach and great snorkelling, this island is also where I found one of the best viewpoints in Thailand! In my eyes, this view alone is worth making the trip from Koh Phangan!
Koh Nang Yuan is located very close to the neighbouring Koh Tao and it’s common for people to catch a boat over from there. However, the good news is that you can still visit from Koh Phangan by joining a Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao snorkelling tour!
You can expect the journey by speed boat from Koh Phangan to Koh Nang Yuan to take around one hour. The main focus of the tour will be Koh Nang Yuan where you can enjoy lunch and free time in paradise, but there will also be a stop at one of Koh Tao’s top snorkelling points too!
You can easily book a trip to Koh Nang Yuan online in advance or at one of the tour agencies in Koh Phangan.
5. Eat Your Way Through The Night Markets
During my three months in Thailand, one of my favourite things to do was check out the local night markets in each destination. While those in Chiang Mai are some of the best in Southeast Asia, Koh Phangan also has a few markets worth checking out.
I found myself in Pantip Market in the centre of Koh Phangan’s main town Thong Sala for dinner almost every night. There’s a great selection of street food available – from the classic pad thai and pad see ew to pizza, kebabs, smoothies, and sweet treats. Next to the food stalls, there are vendors with jewellery, gifts and crafts for you to browse.
On Saturdays, there’s also a bigger market on Thong Sala’s Walking Street. This street is shut off from cars after 6pm to allow people to browse through the food and shopping stalls.
Phangan Food Court is another great place to find amazing street food at great prices. This market is found on the left-hand side as you leave Thong Sala heading south.
6. Visit The Chinese Temple (Kuan Yin Temple)
No trip to Thailand is complete without visiting at least a couple of temples. Even I, as someone who doesn’t find religious sites particularly interesting thoroughly enjoyed visiting temples. I ended up being blown away by the architecture and detail which is a real work of art!
There are numerous temples you can visit on Koh Phangan. However, my top pick is the Chinese Temple (also known as the Guanyin Temple, Goddess of Mercy Temple or Kuan Yin Temple).
This temple complex is not only incredibly beautiful, but it also has sweeping views of the island. Not only of the mountainous, jungle interior but also of the sea in the distance.
The Chinese Temple is located on a hill in the north of Koh Phangan close to the coastal village of Chaloklum. You can reach it by following the main road towards Chaloklum and looking out for the signposted left-hand turn. It’s also pinned on Google Maps as Kuan Yin Temple – so if in doubt follow Google’s directions.
Read the Full Guide: The Ultimate Guide to The Chinese Temple on Koh Phangan
7. Explore the Koh Phangan Waterfalls
Koh Phangan is home to some cool waterfalls which make for a fun day out.
Not only are waterfalls nice to admire and photograph but also for cooling off in the intense midday heat. Both locals and tourists alike enjoy a dip in the refreshing water.
Just be aware that some of the island’s waterfalls dry up in the drier months. So depending on the time of year of your trip, there might not even be a drop flowing.
This happened to me at Phaeng Waterfall in the month of February. I went with great expectations but it ended up as a big fail!
Popular Koh Phangan waterfalls include:
- Phaeng Waterfall
- Than Sadet Waterfall
- Paradise waterfall
- Wang Sai Waterfall
- Sramanora Waterfall
8. Cruise The Palm Tree-Lined roads on a scooter
Undoubtedly renting a scooter will allow you to fully maximise your time on Koh Phangan.
Not only does it give you the ultimate freedom to discover all of the awesome spots on this list, but exploring Koh Phangan’s quieter roads on a scooter is what I can only describe as a tropical vibe. The feeling of the open air as you drive along the palm tree-fringed roads surrounded by views of the island’s mountainous jungle is something so simple but very memorable from my time in Thailand.
Some of my favourite areas to drive were the road north towards Chaloklum, the back roads inland of Baan Tai, and the coastal road approaching Haad Rin.
9. Enjoy a Coffee with a View at What’s Cup
Craving your caffeine fix? Koh Phangan has a great selection of vibey coffee shops but What’s Cup Café is a stand-out choice. Here you can pair your favourite brew with an amazing view over the bay of Haad Yao.
Whether you’re a coffee lover, tea drinker or fancy some brunch or a cake, it’s always better to enjoy it with a view! Am I right?
You can find What’s Cup around 500m south of Haad Yao and there’s scooter parking available right outside.
10. Relaxing Massage on the beach
Along with taking a Thai cooking course, ‘get a Thai massage’ is plonked on almost every list of things to do in Thailand that’s on the internet.
But I do love a good massage so I believe it’s always worth its place!
And what better way to make your relaxing treatment extra special than by enjoying it with a beach view. Haad Salad is a great area for this as it has a chilled atmosphere and beachfront parlours with competitive prices.
So, if you fancy a traditional Thai massage, a back neck and shoulders, or an aloe vera treatment, head up to Haad Salad and get yourself booked in!
11. Explore by Stand Up Paddleboard
Stand-up paddle boarding has become seriously popular and what better place to go for a paddle than the tropical waters of Koh Phangan! The feeling of gliding across a calm bay and looking back at the palm trees lining the white sand beach is a fantastic way to enjoy the island!
The great thing about paddle boarding is that even complete beginners can have a great time on the water. Even if you can only paddle on your knees, it’s still an awesome experience! Especially somewhere like Koh Phangan with such beautiful turquoise water and its picturesque coastline!
Haad Salad is my top choice for getting out on a board as it’s tucked into a bay offering some shelter from the wind – aim for sunset if you want it as calm as possible.
Related Post: Awesome Things To Do On Koh Lipe
12. Walk out on the Hin Kong Sandbank
One of the most unique Koh Phangan activities is to wander out on the Hin Kong sandbank.
Depending on the tide times, this stretch of sand will appear heading out to sea in the middle of Hin Kong Beach. If you have a drone (which I sadly didn’t at the time), it’s a great place to get some stunning aerial shots!
If you’re feeling peckish while you’re here, Mama Kop is a great local Thai restaurant next to the sandbank. They serve tasty Thai food at great prices!
Alternatively, you can find a few other restaurants and bars along this beach which is a nice place to chill with a cold beer in the evening while the sun is setting.
Not far from Thong Sala, Hin Kong Sandbank is only a 10 minute drive north along the coastal road.
13. Take a stroll out to Koh Ma
At the northwest tip of Koh Phangan, there’s a second sandbank that you can enjoy. This connects Mae Haad Beach to Koh Ma: a separate tiny tropical island.
Again, the sandbank only appears at low tide but it’s a postcard-worthy scene and a popular spot for some beach time. It’s definitely worth adding a visit here to your Koh Phangan itinerary!
Koh Ma and its surrounding reef are also known to be the best snorkel spot on Koh Phangan. So make sure to get in the water and explore the underwater world!
14. Watch Incredible Sunsets
Nothing rounds off a day of island life quite like kicking back on the beach and watching the sun go down over the sea. This is one of the best things to do on any tropical island and is especially true for Thailand’s Koh Phangan.
Although I can’t predict Mother Nature, I’d expect some burner sunsets during your time on Koh Phangan. I’d also say it is worth watching every single day! Some of the best spots on the island to watch the sunset include Zen Beach, Haad Yao and Amsterdam Bar.
During my time on the island, I enjoyed heading to Haad Yao most nights to throw a frisbee on the beach while the sky turned orange.
It’s such a great way to slow down to island time and appreciate the beauty of where you are!
15. Enjoy a Delicious Pastry at the German Bakery by Achim
If you are a bakery and pastry lover then you are in for a treat here on Koh Phangan!
We’d found the bread and pastry in SE Asia a bit disappointing – after being spoiled for many years in Europe. That is until we discovered the German Bakery by Achim on Phangan Island.
With equipment shipped over from Germany, Achim’s Bakery is the real deal!
The freshly baked flakey pastries and sourdough bread are to die for. You’ll find a variety of baked delights but I have to recommend our favourites: the almond and chocolate croissants.
Absolutely delicious!
Located on the outskirts of Thong Sala, you’ll find the German Bakery on the left as you leave Thong Sala on the main road south. With a handful of outdoor, shaded tables it’s a nice spot to indulge in a sweet treat paired with an espresso coffee.
It doesn’t matter if you have been backpacking around SE Asia for a few months like us or are in Thailand for a short holiday. If you love bread and pastries the German Bakery is a must-visit and a welcomed taste of fine European baking!
16. Experience the famous Full Moon Party
I couldn’t complete this list without including the Koh Phangan Full Moon Party. It’s the most popular thing to do on Koh Phangan and the party is so famous that it attracts travellers to the island solely to attend.
Think UV paint, buckets of booze, and a crazy all-night party on the beach. If you’re looking for a classic backpacker party experience, they don’t come much more iconic than this one!
The Full Moon Party is held on Haad Rin Beach and if you plan to visit during this time I’d recommend booking accommodation as early as possible. Places can book up weeks (and even months) in advance so don’t be surprised if prices are hiked during the full moon period. That’s how big this party is!
How to Get to Koh Phangan
The closest airport to Koh Phangan is on the neighbouring island of Koh Samui. This means that no matter where you are travelling from the final leg of your journey will be by boat.
However, depending on your starting point you may also have to get a flight, train, bus, or a combination first.
I’ve outlined below how to reach Koh Phangan from other tourist spots in Thailand, but if you’re travelling internationally I’d recommend flying into Bangkok or Phuket first. From there you can follow the relevant steps below.
12Go Asia is our favourite platform for booking transport across Thailand and other destinations in Southeast Asia. We’ve used it many times as it’s great for conveniently booking combination tickets to have all your transfers from A to B included in one booking.
Bangkok to Koh Phangan
The quickest, most convenient, and likely most expensive way to reach Koh Phangan from Bangkok is to take a flight to Koh Samui. From here you can catch one of the daily ferries or speedboats to Koh Phangan.
If you’re looking for the cheapest option I’d recommend booking a combo ticket which includes an 8-10 hour bus followed by a speed boat or ferry.
Other options include taking a train to Surat Thani and catching the ferry from there. Thailand Trains have a comprehensive timetable and guide for taking the train from Bangkok to Koh Phangan.
Book your tickets from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
Koh Tao / Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
Getting to Koh Phangan from either of its two neighbouring islands is very straightforward. There are ferries and speedboats with multiple daily departures from both.
The journey from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is 30-90 minutes depending on whether you travel by ferry or speedboat and which pier you depart from.
I recommend travelling from Bangrak Pier to Thong Sala unless you are visiting for the Full Moon Party or staying in the south of Koh Phangan. In which case catching a ferry to Phangan Haad Rin Pier would make more sense.
If travelling from Koh Tao to Koh Phangan the best option is to catch one of the ferries departing Mae Head Pier. This will take between 1-2 hours to reach Thong Sala on Koh Phangan.
Phuket to Koh Phangan
If convenience is your top priority when travelling to Koh Phangan from Phuket, you could take the 1 hour flight to Koh Samui and then transfer to the ferry.
However, if this is out of budget and you don’t mind a lengthy journey, you can book a bus and ferry combo ticket. I recommend 12 Go Asia’s bus and ferry option as I generally found this more comfortable than the vans. Both options have journey times of between seven and eleven hours.
Book your tickets from Phuket to Koh Phangan
Chiang Mai to Koh Phangan
The journey from Chiang Mai to Koh Phangan (or any southern Thailand destination) is a long one. There’s no getting around it.
The easiest option is to catch a flight to Koh Samui and then the ferry from there.
However, if you want to do the journey as cheaply as possible and have time on your side you could travel by bus or train via Bangkok.
Where to Stay On Koh Phangan Island
Accommodation for all budgets can be found on Koh Phangan and each area has its own vibe. Here’s a quick summary of each area to help you decide which one is suited to you.
Thong Sala is Koh Phangan’s biggest town and is where you’ll generally find the cheapest options. Here you also have the biggest choice of restaurants and food markets on your doorstep. Just bear in mind you’ll have to travel to get to the island’s best beaches.
Haad Rin is one of the liveliest areas of Koh Phangan and is where the famous Full Moon Party is held. It’s the place to be for a lively beach holiday atmosphere and nightlife, and is home to one of Koh Phangan’s best beaches.
The Northwest Bays are quieter alternatives suited for couples and families looking to stay on an idyllic beach while still being relatively close to the bustle. Top choices include Haad Salad, Chaloklum Beach and Haad Yao.
Thong Nai Pan is located on the less developed and quieter eastern side of Koh Phangan. This is the top choice if you’re looking for the most luxurious resorts.
Haad Than Sadet Beach is the ultimate escape from crowds found within Than Sadet National Park on the eastern side of Koh Phangan. There are only a handful of accommodations and restaurants here with a much quieter and rustic vibe.
Best Hotels on Koh Phangan
To save you time researching, here are my top picks for hotels on Koh Phangan with something for every budget.
Best Budget Choice: Phangan Arena Hostel
With dorms and private rooms, this hostel is known as having one of the best hostel atmospheres in Koh Phangan. It also boasts some impressive facilities including a large outdoor swimming pool, an astroturf football pitch, games and sports rooms, and daily activities. The hostel is a great choice for people looking for nightlife as it’s not too far from all the main Koh Phangan parties – Full/Half Moon, Waterfall, and Jungle parties.
Best Mid-Range Choice: Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Beach
Located in Thong Nai Pan Noi this beachfront resort backs into the mountain and jungle. With intricate and wooden interiors in the traditional Thai style and panoramic sea views, this is a special place to unwind in island time.
Best Luxury Choice: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
Enjoy ultimate luxury in Koh Phangan at this beachfront villa resort. Stay in one of their spacious and modern Thai-style villas and enjoy a private terrace and pool, jungle garden, and beach restaurant. Nothing says island luxury more than this!
Koh Phangan FAQ
Koh Phangan Weather and Best Time to Visit
Boasting a tropical and sunny climate with steady temperatures, Koh Phangan can be enjoyed at any time of year.
However, it’s best to be aware of the different seasons when planning for your trip.
The island has three main seasons to consider:
Dry (December to April) – This is considered the high season where the island experiences slightly cooler temperatures and lower humidity.
Hot (May to August) – These are the sweltering months when temperatures get hotter in an already hot destination. With some sporadic rain this period can also be considered a transition between the previously dry and upcoming wet seasons.
Wet (September to November) – As you might imagine this is the period when Koh Phangan sees the highest rainfall. In particular, October is exceptionally wet so be prepared to dodge downpours if you’re visiting during this time.
As far as the absolute best time to visit goes, it really depends on a few classic factors.
High season is guaranteed to have the best weather but it also means crowds and prices are at their highest.
If you’re prepared to put up with some rainy days then travelling during the low season can present some great discounts. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that some restaurants and resorts close during this time.
Remember: Koh Phangan is a tropical destination and while these seasons act as a helpful guide, unpredictable weather can occur at any time!
Where to Eat On Koh Phangan
Mama Kop is a beachfront restaurant without the price tag. Located on Hin Kong Beach, expect home-cooked meals including curries, stir-fries, noodles, soups, and salads. While we enjoyed some lunches here, I have to say dinner during golden hour was fantastic!
Pure Vegan Heaven has a menu that includes a variety of tasty vegan dishes. Choose from smoothie bowls, poke bowls, pasta, wraps, burgers, Thai food, juices, and more. There are two locations, in Thong Sala and Hin Kong Beach, both serving up delicious and fresh flavours!
The various Koh Phangan Night Markets are some of the best spots to enjoy local and international street food. I have to say the Thong Sala Saturday Local Market was my favourite! Although on other days we enjoyed eating our way around the Thong Sala’s Pantip Market and the Phangan Food Court.
How to Get Around Koh Phangan
The best way to get around Koh Phangan is by renting your own scooter.
This is the cheapest and most convenient option and gives you complete freedom to discover the island at your own pace.
I’d recommend Pukki’s Motorbike Rental between Baan Tai and Thong Sala. We rented from here a couple of times and always found high-quality scooters and trustworthy service.
If riding a scooter isn’t for you, there are also shared taxis (songtheows) that drive regularly between Koh Phangan’s main areas.
Pro travel tips: When renting a scooter in Thailand always check Google reviews, only leave cash as a deposit and take thorough pictures and videos of the bike’s condition.
Final Thoughts
Koh Phangan is my favourite of all the Thai islands I’ve visited so far and it deserves a place on everyone’s Thailand travel itinerary!
I hope this travel guide has helped to fuel your Koh Phangan inspiration and illustrates that the island has so much more to it than just the Full Moon Party!
If you have any questions about Koh Phangan leave a comment below and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!
Pin It For Later!
More Thailand Posts
Heading elsewhere in Thailand? Check out some of the posts below for more Thai inspiration.
Koh Phangan changed a lot and is no loner just a backpackers island (actually it never really was). In just the past five years, luxury developments like pool villas and upscale resorts have sprung up, drawing in a wider array of visitors. Fortunately, the island’s relaxed atmosphere persists, and I hope it stays that way. It would be unfortunate if it turned into a smaller version of Koh Samui with overcrowded streets and busy traffic.
Hi James, I agree I hope the relaxed atmosphere stays too! I guess overdevelopment is all too common with popular places nowadays. Hopefully Koh Phangan keeps its charm!