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Koh Phangan travel guide
Guide me around Koh Phangan
Beyond the famous full moon party, Thai gulf paradise Koh Phangan has certainly its charm and is undoubtedly worth a visit. With delightful beaches and bays, lush tropical forests with crystalline cascades carved into nature, a laid-back diving scene, tranquil sanctuaries, and a bustling night market, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy on this tropical island.
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Best beaches to visit in Koh Phangan
Beaches & Bays
Picture yourself on an island with a beautiful blue sky above, white sand beneath your toes, and gentle waves lapping at the crystalline water. Koh Phangan has a beach for every type of traveler, from secluded beaches and bays to those with sand, surf, and fun. Regardless of your reason for visiting, you’re sure to find a beach that suits your preferences on this diverse island.
Here’s a collection of beaches and bays you can choose from:
Here’s a collection of beaches and bays you can choose from:
- Haad Ban Tai Beach (palms, white sand, a bit touristy)
- Haad Ban Kai Beach (palms, white sand, a bit touristy)
- Haad Rin Beach (busy, beach bars & music)
- Haad Sarikantang Beach (tranquil & little touristy)
- Ao Mae Haad Bay & Kho Ma Island (tranquil, swimming, snorkeling)
- Haad Salad Beach (family beach)
- Haad Khom Beach (family beach)
- Than Sadet Bay (tranquil & not too touristy)
- Thong Nai Pan Bay (tranquil & not too touristy, recommended)
- Thong Nai Yai Bay (tranquil & not too touristy, recommended)
- Chaloklum Beach (tranquil & non-touristy)
- Haad Son Beach (tranquil & non-touristy)
- Haad Yao Beach (tranquil & not too touristy)
- Bottle Beach (tranquil & touristy, only via boat or 4×4)
- Malibu Beach (tranquil & touristy, recommended)
Best nature to explore in Koh Phangan
Stunning Nature
Nature lovers visiting Koh Phangan can discover some hidden treasures on the island. Khao Ra Hill offers an easy 3-hour roundtrip hike, starting from Khao Ra Retreat. It’s advisable to start your hike in the morning or evening to avoid the midday sun, and don’t forget to bring enough water.
During the rainy season, the island is filled with numerous beautiful waterfalls where you can swim or enjoy a picnic. Than Sadet Waterfall, Than Prawet Waterfall, Paeng Waterfall, and Wang Sai Waterfall are some of the most notable ones.
A day trip to Koh Nang Yuan Island is an excellent way to escape from Koh Phangan. You can snorkel or visit a viewpoint to see the island’s stunning beauty. The best way to enjoy the island’s breathtaking sunsets is from Ao Nai Wok Bay.
Cultural side of Koh Phangan
The Cultural Side
Koh Phangan, the famous party island of Thailand, surprisingly offers a cultural side as well. To get a taste of the local culture, visit Wat Khao Noi Temple or Wat Khao Tahm Temple which boasts a lying Buddha statue. Additionally, Wat Khao Tham is known for its exceptional meditation retreats. From the Chinese Kuan Yin Temple, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the island.
If you’re keen on treating your mind and body, you can arrange Yoga retreats or Thai cooking classes on the island.
One of the must-visit places in Koh Phangan is its night market in Thong Sala. Each day around 4 PM, street vendors open their stalls to serve you and your Thai friends with delicious seafood dishes, traditional Thai cuisine, fresh juices, noodles, sushi, and much more food to try.
water activities to do on Koh Phangan
Water Activities
As Koh Phangan is part of the Ang Thong Marine National Park, diving and snorkeling are among the island’s main attractions. The best time for diving and spotting whale sharks and manta rays is from April to October, but there are still plenty of fascinating marine creatures to see outside of this period.
Recommended dive sites include Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle. If you prefer shallow water activities, you can go snorkeling around Mae Haad, Haad Khom, Haad Salad, Haad Yao, Haad Chao Phao, and Koh Ma Island, where you can get up close with friendly fish and marine life.
For more action, you can try wakeboarding at Chaloklum Beach, kitesurfing at Thong Sala Beach and Ban Tai, or rent a sailboat or catamaran at Plaay Laem Beach, where you can also try surfing if the wind conditions are favorable.
Best nightlife on Koh Phangan
Legendary Nightlife
We are sure you have at least once in your life heard about Koh Phangan’s world-famous Full Moon Party at Haad Rin Beach. Dancing with your feet in the sand, surrounded by people from all over the world, holding a tropical cocktail in your hand, and displaying artsy UV masterpieces painted on your body. This is Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party at its best.
But don’t be afraid to miss all the fun if you do not happen to be on the island during a full moon. You’ve still got many other party highlights to choose from if you’re planning on dancing until the sun rises.
There is the Half Moon Festival near Ban Tai which takes place inside the lush jungle, the Moonset Party at Chao Phao Beach, the Black Moon Party, the Shiva Moon Party, the Jungle Party, and parties at Sramanora and Paradise waterfall. Just ask about the next festival coming up and get the party started.
Tips for party animals: To enjoy a party to the fullest, you should follow some easy rules. Bring a copy of your passport instead of the original, wear closed shoes to avoid injuries from broken glass, leave your valuables at home, and don’t buy drugs at the party. Keep in mind that (high) entrance fees apply to popular parties.
Transportation tips for Koh Phangan
Getting There
You can reach the island by plane, (night) train, or (night) bus, with Surat Thani being the town you’ll need to reach before taking a ferry to Koh Phangan.