An epic listing 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 may want for in a tropical island paradise: towering palm timber, white-sand seashores, coral reefs with unique fish, and luxurious jungles full of 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 bounce the evening away with different vacationers.
In case you are a real get together animal, you could 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 give attention to this get together scene an excessive amount of and overlook all the opposite superb elements of Koh Phangan.
The Finest Issues to do in Koh Phangan
With this listing of the perfect issues to do in Koh Phangan, I hope to shed some gentle on the opposite enjoyable actions and pure points of interest of the island.
So even for those who don’t drink and don’t like partying, you possibly can nonetheless have an unimaginable expertise on this island.
You’ll be able to 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, Koh Phangan shouldn’t be missed on a visit to Thailand!
1. Hike to Bottle Seaside
With a fame as among the finest seashores and a prime Koh Phangan attraction, Bottle Seaside is a real gem of Thailand’s gulf.
Positioned within the north of the island, the seaside is fairly laborious to get to however the one-hour trek by way of 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 Seaside.
The hike begins at Coconut Seaside and is totally free!
READ MORE: Plan your journey to Thailand with our complete journey information!
2. Soar by way of the Air at Slip N Fly
For a little bit of an adrenaline kick, go to the water park generally known as Slip N Fly.
This enjoyable vacationer attraction has a number of swimming pools, waterslides, and pool video games in addition to a bar and restaurant.
The park is most well-known for its two 40-meter lengthy waterslides that scoop up on the finish. So that you decide up pace as you progress down the slide, then the upward curve launches you into the air.
Some folks try backflips and twists whereas they soar by way of the air, however the much less daring can simply benefit from the trip and hope they don’t bellyflop into the pool!
Slip N Fly is quickly closed as of August 2022, however verify the web site for contact information to see if it’s open whenever you’re within the space!
- Location: 98/5 Moo 3, Madeuwan, Koh Phangan
- Hours: 11 am to six:30 pm
- Value: 700 Baht
3. Get A Thai Therapeutic massage
After launching your self into the air on the Slip N Fly, 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 tissues and also you’ll really feel so refreshed afterward.
Thai therapeutic massage is a extremely revered conventional follow within the nation, so it is best to undoubtedly expertise it at the least as soon as whereas travelling by way of Thailand.
It is a nice exercise in Koh Phangan for anybody trying to calm down slightly.
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 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’ll be able to solely enter the marine park by way of a government-approved tour boat.
Fortunately there are many nice tour firms that supply day journeys from Koh Phangan to Ang Thong.
5. Go to Koh Ma
A visit to Koh Ma ought to undoubtedly be in your listing 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 may stroll alongside the sand bar to Koh Ma.
You too can get pleasure from 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 finest Koh Phangan points of interest.
Mountaineering to the highest will give you some superb views, and the entire journey takes about 2-3 hours spherical journey.
You’ll be able to hike the path in sturdy sneakers or climbing boots, and you should definitely 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 positioned close to the north of the island and the hike is free.
READ MORE: Plan your finest 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 get pleasure from 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 certainly among the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan.
The Gulf of Thailand is full of attractive marine life, together with tropical fish, manta rays, coral reefs, and extra.
The island has a number of dive faculties that may hook you up with gear or aid you get your divers certification. Haad Yao Divers, The Dive Inn, and Chaloklum Diving are a number of of them.
Among the many finest 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 web site in the complete Gulf of Thailand, so it is a excellent spot to go and discover the waters.
Not each firm goes to Sail Rock day by day, as they attempt to defend it. If you wish to go, it’s finest to e-book it forward.
If you happen to’re actually into scuba diving, additionally think about heading to Koh Tao. Only a brief boat trip away, Koh Tao is thought for its superb diving!
9. Sit back on Thong Nai Pan Seaside
Of all of the Koh Phangan points of interest, the seashores are undoubtedly the perfect.
Individuals journey from far and huge 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 underneath a coconut palm. Splash within the water and accumulate seashells.
Take loads of pictures as a result of this seaside on Koh Phangan’s northeast coast is really stunning.
10. Go to Thong Sala’s Avenue 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 finest attraction; vacationers and locals each come collectively within the evenings to flick through the native items and gorge on some scrumptious Thai meals.
The Phantip Night time Market opens each night and has among the finest road meals on the island.
Each Saturday, the primary road of Thong Sala turns right into a Strolling Avenue Market, often known as the Thong Sala Night time Market.
At Thong Sala Night time Market, the streets change into pedestrian-only as native distributors fill the highway with their very own stalls promoting souvenirs, clothes, jewellery, and different selfmade items. There’s 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 filled with comfortable pillows and performs all kinds of latest and outdated movies.
You should buy snacks and drinks on the theater as effectively. 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)
- Value: 150 Baht per ticket
12. Hunt down Some Waterfalls
Along with all of the ocean surroundings and white-sand seashores, among the finest issues to see in Koh Phangan lie inland inside the lush jungle.
The island is house to numerous waterfalls the place you possibly can go have a picnic, take pictures, and swim within the recent flowing water.
Phaeng Waterfall, Than Sadet Waterfall, and Paradise Waterfall are three of probably the most picturesque falls on the island.
If you happen to simply hop in a taxi or songtaew and inform the motive 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 let you know the perfect spots to go!
13. Kayak within the Ocean
Cruising by way of the turquoise waters and soaking in all of the pure magnificence is among the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan.
Most of the island’s seashores have kayak leases out there, with the common value being about 150 Baht per hour.
Be sure to 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 usually calm right here.
14. Take a Highway Journey across the Island
If you wish to see loads of the island in a brief period of time, your finest wager is to e-book a sightseeing tour.
There are a number of tourism firms that supply both ATV or highway journey adventures across the island, which is nice for those who don’t have your personal type of transport.
Your tour will take you to all the perfect spots on the island, together with seashores, waterfalls, rooftop bars, and different superb locations that you simply may not have the ability to 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 listing.
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 contains numerous neon physique paint, numerous low cost combined drinks in plastic buckets, and plenty of loud music, flashing lights, and dancing.
It’s among the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan for those who wish to get together.
The get together is held each full moon on Haad Rin Seaside. There’s a Dawn and Sundown Seaside on Haad Rin Seaside, and the get together is on Dawn Seaside.
Simply take into account that numerous lodging fully e-book up for the get together, so e-book your mattress as far prematurely as you possibly can!
- Location: Haad Rin Nok Seaside
- Hours: Each full moon, all evening lengthy
- Value: 100 Baht entrance payment
16. OR get together on the Half Moon Get together
If you happen to love the thought of the Full Moon Get together, however you gained’t be in Koh Phangan through 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.
Meaning this get together occurs twice a month fairly 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 several types of music.
- Location: Within the forest simply north of Baan Tai
- Hours: Each half-moon, all evening lengthy!
- Value: 2,400 Baht for in the future (can e-book tickets on-line prematurely)
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 get pleasure from views of the close by seashores and you may even see Koh Samui within the distance.
READ MORE: Profit from your journey to Thailand with these journey suggestions
18. Go Snorkelling
If you happen to’re not able to decide to scuba diving, you possibly can nonetheless discover Koh Phangan’s flourishing underwater marine life by snorkelling.
Snorkelling is affordable and simple, so anybody can do it. If you happen to don’t have your personal gear, you possibly can hire a snorkel, masks, and flippers for roughly 100 Baht per hour.
One of many island’s finest areas for snorkelling is Mae Haad Seaside and Haad Son alongside the north coast.
19. Go to the Temples
With a lot pure magnificence to see and partying to be accomplished, it may be simple to neglect about all of the beautiful temples on Koh Phangan!
However the temples are superb representations of Thai tradition and Buddhist structure, so it is best to undoubtedly attempt to see loads of them.
A few of the island’s most stunning 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
If you happen to haven’t but been to see a Muay Thai Boxing Match in Thailand, now could be your likelihood!
This fast-paced, mesmerizing sport is tremendous in style in Thailand, and watching a match is an effective 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 courses so you possibly can study the fundamentals of the game for your self!
21. Lease a Bike
To discover Koh Phangan by yourself schedule, hire a bike and revel in all of the mobility you want.
Earlier than renting a bike, be sure you have journey insurance coverage and a replica of your passport to provide the rental firm.
Additionally take numerous pictures of the bike earlier than you trip it, so the corporate can’t blame any scratches or dings on you.
There are many motorcycle rental firms across the island, and the common price is round 150 Baht per day.
The preferred path to discover by motorcycle 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 below 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 desires to get together, or an upscale traveller on the lookout for the highest quality seaside resorts, Koh Phangan has all of it.
Price range: Bodega Hostel
This hostel is loud, wild, loopy, and excellent for social butterflies and partiers in Koh Phangan.
It has over 1,000 nice critiques on Hostelworld, and it’s the finest place to remain on the island for the moon events and only for making buddies and participating in numerous enjoyable, social actions.
Understand that costs rise through the Full Moon Get together, however the hostel continues to be cheaper than a resort.
If you’d like a quieter ambiance, there are many different hostels on Hostelworld that aren’t get together hostels, simply do a little bit of shopping.
Mid Vary: Samutra Residences
This new and reasonably priced resort in Koh Phangan is ideal for individuals who wish to expertise a little bit of luxurious with out spending a ton of cash.
With a brilliant pleasant employees, new rooms and personal bungalows, an exquisite backyard and personal pool, and positioned in a quiet space, this place exudes an aura of consolation and leisure.
Luxurious: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
If you’d like a five-star keep in your personal personal villa on Koh Phangan island, that is the place to go.
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas are positioned only a brief stroll from the scenic Thong Nai Pan Seaside, although you could by no means wish to go away the beautiful grounds of the resort!
Full with scrumptious breakfast and pleasant employees, you possibly can benefit from the clear and cozy upscale suites with both pool or backyard views and make the most of the spa and health centre on-site.
What to Eat in Koh Phangan
Price range – Moonsoon’s Restaurant
Positioned on the east coast close to Bottle Seaside, Moonsoon’s Restaurant is a brilliant 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 employees.
Mid-Vary – Restaurant Sunshine
Restaurant Sunshine on the west coast of the island 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 recent and scrumptious seafood, Milky Bay Restaurant is among the top-rated locations to eat on Koh Phangan.
The menu is in depth, so you possibly can eat traditional Thai meals, pizza and pasta, or freshly-caught fish.
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