12 Awesome Things to Do in Koh Phangan that You Can’t Miss

Looking for fun things to do in Koh Phangan? Although Koh Phangan is commonly associated with non-stop crazy parties, what a lot of people don’t know is that there is an equally lovely quiet side to the island that is totally underrated.

When Tom and I first went, we purposely stayed away from the craziness of the full moon parties and opted to skip it altogether.

Instead, we spent our days exploring in our motorbike, finding hidden beaches and viewpoints. We’ve recently updated this article after spending yet another few blissful seasons (we come back every year) relaxing in Koh Phangan.

So if you want all the insider scoop on the best things to do on the island, keep on reading!

Things to Do in Koh Phangan

Go Diving

I know that most people associate diving with Koh Phangan’s neighboring island, Koh Tao. However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that some of the dive sites that you can reach from Koh Tao are the same sites your visit when in Koh Phangan.

Dive sites like the Southwest Pinnacle and Sail Rock are halfway in the middle and are great sites to explore. For those that are just looking to go snorkeling, checking out some of the beaches in Haad Salad and Haad Ya.

In all honesty, Dive Sites in Thailand are all pretty amazing but the ones near Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are pretty noteworthy.

Eat Your Heart out in the Night Market

The Thong Sala Night Market is a must do while you’re in Koh Phangan. Unlike most night markets, the one in Thong Sala is full of food (dream come true for me!) The seafood selection is pretty good and the meals always come out so fresh and delicious!

You will find anything from traditional Thai meals to sushi rolls, fried potatoes, and many more. Don’t let the run-down parking lot feel throw you off! If you’re a bit apprehensive as to what to order, here’s on of our articles on the best things to eat in Thailand.

A must-eats are:

• Pad Thai
• Mango Sticky Rice
• Laarb
• Masaman curry

Boating in Koh Phangan

Set aside a day and do yourself a favor and explore the many beautiful beaches near Koh Phangan. From Koh Phangan. You can even reach Ang Thong National Marine Park for a day of swimming and snorkeling. If you want to take it to the next level, you can also include overnight camping in your boating trip for a minimal fee.

There are also boat tours which bring you to the hard to reach places like Thong Nai Pan, Bottle Beach, Ko Ma, and Ko Tae.

We rented a scooter and tried to reach Bottle Beach whose roads were steep and almost impassable. Although we succeeded, I will forever have that scar on my leg to remember that afternoon by.

Top Tip: If you’re looking for a memorable experience, check out this incredible sunset cruise tour which allows you to explore the park in style. The cruise includes breakfast and lunch which is why it’s a best seller!

Kayak Around Ang Thong Marine Park

If you prefer a more active approach towards exploring Ang Thong Marine park, we recommend doing it by kayaks as it is one of the best ways to see the place! You can easily row your way around the hundred of different islets amidst the emerald-colored waters.

Visiting this marine park was a trip highlight and definitely one of the best things to do while on the island. Click here to view Kayak Tour.

Editor’s note: To get around the islands, we’ve found the best way to book tickets for buses and boats are through Booakaway or 12go website.

Rent a Motorbike and Explore

Although we don’t recommend trying to find Bottle Beach via motorbike, we do recommend renting one and taking it around the island for a spin. Riding bikes are the cheapest and best way to see a place! Koh Phangan itself is very steep and hilly so experienced riders are recommended.

One of the best viewpoints? A hill with a lovely view of Haad Son.

If you’re coming from Ai Chaophao, head towards Haad Yao. Keep riding down and soon you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the island.

Travel Must: At the risk of sounding like your parents, make sure you get travel insurance before hitting the road. Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to leave home without. We recommend either World Nomads or Safety Wing, depending on the type of traveler you are.

Take a Cooking Class

Hi, I am Anna and I love Thai food. In fact, I am almost obsessed with it. It is by far my favorite cuisine within the South East Asian region. Since I love it so much, what better way to spend a couple of hours than by learning how to cook (and eat) delicious Thai food.

Koh Phangan has no shortage of cooking schools but schools like Same Same in Haad Rin, C&M Study Center, as well as Jang’s Thai cooking school come well recommended. If you want to see all the cooking classes available in Thailand, check out the link below.

Likened to be like the Airbnb for cooking, we’ve used Cookly in so many different countries and love their platform.

View Classes in Thailand

Go Chasing Waterfalls

Contrary to what TLC told you, do go chasing waterfalls while you’re in Koh Phangan (god, I hope you’ll got that reference!) There are about 7 different waterfalls in Koh Phangan, all relatively close to the main towns. Please do note that a lot of the waterfalls dry up during the rainy season.

However, if you are up for a nature trip, do check out Sramanora waterfalls, Phaeng, Thaan Prapaad, Thaan Sadet, Wangsai, Paradise and Thaan Prawes waterfalls.

Visit Nang Yuan Island

If you love snorkeling and epic viewpoints, a trip to Nang Yuan Island is a MUST! Although very touristy, the snorkeling was amazing with large fish swimming in the nearby reefs.

The viewpoint is also pretty iconic so this is considered a must-do. You can either rent your own long-tail boats and snorkels or simply go on a Nang Yuan Island tour to avoid having to worry about the logistics!

Go Trekking in Koh Phangan

If for some reason you are tired of lounging around on the beach, there are some great trekking trails by the Eastern coastline of the island. You can head up to the tallest mountain in Khao Ra or head into the Phaeng Waterfall National Park. If you decided to head up Khao Ra, on a really clear day, you can even see the neighboring island of Koh Tao.

Insider Tip: Don’t forget to bring snacks and water with you to keep you hydrated during the trek For those that want a guide to accompany them, you can easily find guides by the National Park.

Get Your Ohm On

It’s pretty ironic that after a crazy few days of binge drinking, people immediately look for some peace and quiet, opting to spend a couple of days meditating. Due to the hippie vibe that Koh Phangan has, there are many yoga centers and retreats happening on the island.

Get your ohm on by attending a few yoga classes. Yoga Retreat is in Haad Salad comes well recommended. If you’re looking for something more intense, we’ve heard great things about the detox programs in The Sanctuary.

Watch the Sunset (Everyday)

Because I naturally gravitate towards the sun, watching sunsets in different parts of the world is sort of like a past time of mine. So believe me when I say that Koh Phangan has no shortage of beautiful sunsets.

One of our favorite spots is by Amsterdam Bar by Ao Playlaaem. The view from the restaurant area is out of this world! Relax in their many floor cushions as you enjoy the colors of the sunset unfold in front of you.

There you have it, folks! While there are literally lots more to do while in Koh Phangan, our suggestion is to explore it on your own and find your little slice of heaven where you can relax and unwind.

Attend the Full Moon Party

No trip to Koh Phangan would be complete without attending the infamous Full Moon Party. It’s almost a right of passage and is extremely popular amongst the travelers. Over the years, they have expanded their repertoire and have started celebrating the half-moon party, black moon party, and so on.

Nevertheless, it’s an incredible experience that must be done at least once. As a word of caution, just have your wits with you when partying in Thailand (or anywhere in Southeast Asia). Don’t accept drinks from strangers and make sure you dispose of your beer bottles and buckets properly!

We’ve seen so many “day-after-full-moon-party” photos and it’s pretty grim seeing so much litter across the beautiful beaches!

Transport: Koh Phangan to Other Islands

To get to the nearby islands from Koh Phangan, click here to reserve tickets, see the timetable of ferries, and more. Sometimes certain boat trips get sold out which is why we recommend booking transport ahead of time.

We recommend downloading the Skyscanner App and using Bookaway or 12Go website to view bus, boat, and train schedules ahead of time. We’ve used these websites all over Asia and it saves us the hassle of lining up in travel agencies or bus stations.

Where to Stay in Koh Pha Ngan

Looking for where to stay in Koh Phangan? Here are a few of our personal recommendations on the best places to stay in Koh Pha Ngan. Please take note that the island is HUGE!

There are different areas and beaches throughout the whole island so don’t forget to consider the location carefully when choosing where to stay.

Airbnb Accommodation in Koh Pha Ngan

There are tons of Airbnbs in Koh Pha Ngan that offer incredible value and beautiful places to stay. Here are some of our top picks for epic getaways on the island:

• Stone & Wood Beachfront Villa
• The Hatch – Romantic Hin Kong Beachfront
• Mini Private Resort Near Full Moon Party

Use this map to explore more Airbnbs in Koh Pha Ngan to find your dream vacation stay.

You can also click the yellow button if you want to read the full article with all our hotel and hostel recommendations or check out our top picks below.

Best Hostel for the Full Moon Party: Our House Hostel

If you’ve come to Koh Phangan to partake in the debauchery, Our House Hostel is the place to stay. Although seemingly crowded, it is the perfect place to meet people to party with. They have 10,12, and 36-bed dorm rooms where you are guaranteed to meet a fun bunch to party with.

The hostel provides free paint so you can get in the spirit of partying and is located minutes away from the full moon party beach in Haad Rin. (Prices start at $6 a night for a dorm bed)

To compare prices and read reviews, check: Booking.com  | Hostel World

Other Top Budget Hostels on Hostel World

• Dancing Elephant No.1 Hostel
• Slumber Party Hostel
• Goodtime Beach Backpackers

View All Hostels

Best Mid Range for Full Moon Party: Little Paradise

For those that really want to be right in the middle of all the action without having to stay in dorm rooms, this place is a good choice for you. The bungalows on top of the hill are a bit further from the madness but the climb up there is quite steep.

The rooms are clean and comfortable and the location is unbeatable. They also have a pool which is perfect for lounging about recovering from the night before. (Prices start at $29 a night for two people)

To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com 

Splurge: Cocohut Village Beach Resort & Spa

This resort and spa is conveniently located on the very tranquil Leela Beach.  Guests are able to enjoy many Thai and international dishes at the onsite restaurant, before heading to the bar for a nightcap.

Leela Beach is one of the most beautiful places in all of Thailand and the resort makes sure that they plan many fun activities for their guests.  The breakfast is noteworthy and the rooms are well maintained, very spacious, and clean. (Prices start at $60 a night for two people)

To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com 

Luxury: Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas

The stylish villas at Kupu Kupu Phangan give guests the perfect place to unwind and relax during their stay.  There is a private beach for guests as well as a concierge to assist with booking tours.  Guests have plenty of outdoor activities to participate in that include snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing.

The rooms are luxurious and the day beds along their pool and beach are amazing. Their breakfasts in the morning is composed of a wide selection and is definitely worth every penny! They also provide a free shuttle to town during the day, but trust me-you really wouldn’t want to leave this place! (Prices start at $158 with breakfast)

To compare prices and read reviews, check:  Booking.com

Airbnb Villas: If villas are more your thing, you can also look at renting a villa while in Koh Phangan via Airbnb. Check out our full article on how to get $65 coupon code for your booking or simply click here to get our coupon code.

Want more of our awesome things to do guides? Check these out:

• 10 Awesome Things to do in Bangkok
• 10 Awesome Things to do in Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai: Best Things to Do and See

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