With the entire issues to do in Koh Phangan, it’s nothing wanting paradisiacal. Its golden seashores and turquoise water are rivaled in magnificence solely by its personal towering palms and plush jungle.
The island sits within the Gulf of Thailand and thrums with vitality 24/7. There are quite a few unbelievable locations to go to in Thailand, however be sure you put this island in your record.
That is one in every of my favourite islands in Thailand, I had such a fantastic expertise right here. From the bustling streets lined with meals stalls to the serenity of secret seashores, there may be an infinite record of issues to do in Koh Phangan, however listed below are my prime 25.
1. Expertise The Full Moon Social gathering
Okay, so my first one isn’t distinctive, however the remaining are!
Let’s begin with the obvious and well-liked factor to do in Koh Phangan. The bulk of people that go to Koh Phangan achieve this for the Full Moon Social gathering. The get together takes place on Haad Rin Seaside each month and brings in round 30,000 party-goers.
To get the total expertise, cowl your self in UV paint, drink alcohol from a bucket, and get together till dawn. Should you’re into events, that is undoubtedly one of many coolest issues to do in Thailand.
- The place: Haad Rin Seaside
- When: Each full moon
- How: Keep in one of many many lodging close to Haad Rin Seaside after which stroll to the get together with the opposite neon ravers
- Price: The get together is free so simply funds for nonetheless a lot alcohol and paint you wish to purchase
2. Go Diving at Sail Rock
Sail Rock is definitely one of the best dive website within the Gulf of Thailand. The rock is about an hour’s boat experience from Koh Phangan and appropriate for divers of all ranges. Star gamers at this dive website embrace manta rays, barracuda, and whale sharks.
- The place: Sail Rock, located between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
- When: Yr-round however one of the best diving situations are from April – October
- How: Guide a diving tour from one of many respected dive faculties on the island. Click on right here for a newbie dive, and click on right here if you happen to’re already licensed.
- Price: 2000 – 2500 Baht ($70-80USD)
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Bangkok – Prime 13 Superior Issues You Gained’t Wish to Miss
3. Gorge on Thai Meals in The Thong Sala Evening Market
The vitality within the Thong Sala Evening Market alone makes it top-of-the-line issues to do in Koh Phangan. However, that’s not why you go. From steaming bowls of pad thai to contemporary falafel slathered in hummus, the evening market is a foodie paradise. There are such a lot of unbelievable meals to strive in Thailand, with markets normally providing one of the best.
- The place: Thong Sala ($4 in a cab from Haad Rin)
- When: Each evening
- How: Simply rock up with an empty abdomen and order something that takes your fancy
- Price: 150 Baht ($5) for dinner and a beer
4. Hike Up Khao Ra (top-of-the-line issues to do in Koh Phangan)
I guess you didn’t assume you’d be mountaineering on this get together island, did you? Should you’ve achieved your packing correctly and have what you’ll want to hike in consolation, this journey is effectively value doing. The spherical journey up and down takes round 3 hours relying in your tempo and it’s a fairly simple climb – you don’t want a information.
Whereas the trail is well-maintained, it’s not marked very effectively. There are a couple of intersections the place you’ll be uncertain of which method to go, however after about 100m, you’ll see an indication…you may need to backtrack a few instances. Click on right here for extra particulars.
- The place: Within the North of the island
- When: Both early within the morning or late within the afternoon to keep away from the noon warmth
- How: Begin at Khao Ra Retreat and Guesthouse and observe the trail from there
- Price: Free
5. Get Moist at Problem Phangan
Have you ever ever watched Complete Wipeout on TV and wished you may do it? Properly, since this is without doubt one of the issues to do in Koh Phangan, you may! This water-based impediment course is a lot enjoyable and may have you in stitches as you bounce, flip, and faceplant into the water. Seize some pals and revel in. Click on right here to be taught extra.
- The place:90/22 Moo 1, Bantai, Koh Phangan
- When: Day by day 10am – 6pm
- How: Hop in a cab, they’ll know the place to go
- Price: 500 Baht ($15)
6. Go To The Half Moon Social gathering
Should you aren’t going to be in Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Social gathering however nonetheless need some UV rave motion, this may type you out. The Half Moon Social gathering takes place in an enormous open-air venue and has three music levels: psytrance, home and hip-hop. The pageant doesn’t ebook massive names and has a most capability of round 4,000, making it rather more low-key than the Full Moon Social gathering.
- The place: Within the forest, north of Baan Tai
- When: One week earlier than and one week after the Full Moon Social gathering (each half moon)
- How: Each taxi on the island will know how one can get there
- Price: 1,500 Baht ($45) on the door
7. Take pleasure in The Sundown From Secret Mountain
Sitting atop a steep hill is Secret Mountain, an area restaurant with unparalleled views. Folks have a tendency to go up right here within the late afternoon to eat and drink whereas they watch the solar set over the horizon. From method up there, you get panoramic vistas over the island and you may even see the Ang Thong Islands rising up out of the water. This is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan on the finish of the day.
- The place: 42/3 Baan Nai Suan, Moo 2. Click on right here for extra.
- When: Day by day simply earlier than sundown
- How: Both drive to the highest of the hill or hike if you happen to’re feeling energetic
- Price: 50 Baht ($1.50) to make use of the pool, 500 Baht ($15) for meals and drinks
8. Eat Some Israeli Meals at Paprika
Israeli meals won’t be the very first thing you wish to eat whenever you get to Thailand, however if you happen to want a break from pad thai, Paprika has among the best culinary choices on the island. The meals is contemporary, scrumptious, and low cost; and the portion sizes are greater than ample even for an enormous eater like myself.
- The place: Moo 6, Haad Rin
- When: Day by day 11am-11pm
- How: Stroll there out of your lodging in Haad Rin or get a cab
- Price: 300 Baht ($10) for meals and drinks
9. Discover The Ang Thong Nationwide Park
If you need journey and exercise, put Ang Thong Nationwide Park on the prime of your record of issues to do in Koh Phangan. The park contains large inexperienced islands that loom dramatically over the water. Housing secret caves that may be explored by kayak or just by swimming, the park makes for a severely cool expertise.
- The place: Within the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui
- When: Yr-round or April – October for one of the best climate situations
- How: Boat tour
- Price: 1800 Baht ($55) for a speedboat tour
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Chiang Mai – A Listing of The Prime 17 Finest, 21 superior issues to do in Chiang Rai and Issues To Do in Pai. Should you’re heading to different islands, don’t miss the superior issues to do in Koh Lipe. There are such a lot of superb locations to go to in Thailand 😀
10. Kayak Round The Island
If you’re the type of one who likes to discover solo, versus in a tour group, then seize your self a kayak and begin paddling. Most seashores have kayaks for rent however discover out what the currents at that seaside are like earlier than you commit.
Wok Tum to Koh Ma alongside the west coast usually has calm water in addition to pristine hidden seashores to which you’ll be able to paddle. All the time heed the recommendation of locals earlier than setting off, and guarantee you have got correct security tools on board (life jacket, water, and so on.)
- The place: Wherever, however Wok Tum to Koh Ma is an effective guess.
- When: Everytime you need
- How: Go to the seaside and rent a kayak
- Price: 150 Baht ($5) per hour
11. Trek to Bottle Seaside
Conde Nast Traveller known as this seaside one of the best in Koh Phangan and I’ve to say I agree. The trek by way of the jungle is difficult and you’ll severely remorse it if you happen to don’t lather your self in bug spray beforehand, however it would all be value it whenever you get there.
Altogether, it would take you about an hour and a half to finish the trek from Coconut Seaside to Bottle Seaside. This was most likely one in every of my favorite issues to do in Koh Phangan!
- The place: The island’s North Coast
- When: Yr-round however keep away from November as that is when the rain is heaviest
- How: Go to Chalok Lam after which keep on to Coconut Seaside. From there simply observe the trail all the best way to Bottle Seaside.
- Price: Free
☞ SEE ALSO: Backpacking Thailand – The Final Journey Information
12. Study How To Prepare dinner Thai Meals
Wish to impress your pals at your subsequent banquet? Study to make Thai meals. Critically, it really works. Take a look at this highly-rated Thai cooking class run by an area girl. You’ll go to the natural farm and see the place the entire substances you’ll be cooking with come from, then learn to make conventional Thai dishes. Better of all, you get to eat all the pieces you make on the finish.
- The place: Meet at Pantip Market, Thong Sala
- When: Test the schedule
- How: Test availability and join right here
- Price: $53 for a half-day class
13. Rent a Bike and Discover The Island
Most individuals who rent motorbikes on Koh Phangan will survive. Nevertheless, there are some who assume carrying a helmet is uncool and dashing round corners is enjoyable. These folks get injured. Don’t be one in every of these folks.
I’ve rented a bike many instances, all the time worn a helmet and pushed cautiously and by no means had any points. Should you’re secure and also you drive sensibly, hiring a bike shall be top-of-the-line belongings you do in Koh Phangan. It offers you the liberty to discover at your leisure and cease everytime you see one thing attention-grabbing.
Talking of renting a bike, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a well-liked, stunning journey you gained’t wish to miss.
One other enjoyable choice is to hire a bicycle and be a part of this present day half-day journey with a information. Bikes, snacks, water and a information are included within the enjoyable day journey. Click on right here for particulars.
- The place: There are rental locations all around the island
- When: Yr-round
- How: Hiring a bike is simple however chances are you’ll want at hand over your passport as a deposit (strive your finest to not do that). Be sure to take images of the bike earlier than you experience it in case they attempt to blame you for any dings the car already had. Don’t experience with out insurance coverage both. Click on right here to hitch a half-day biking journey.
- Price: 150 Baht/$5 per day for a bike.
14. Detox at The Yoga Retreat
After operating across the island, taking in all of the issues to do in Koh Phangan, a detox may be very a lot so as. The Yoga Retreat is hidden away within the jungle and affords retreats starting from every week to an entire month.
Throughout your retreat, you’ll spend hours meditating, doing yoga, and feasting on vegan delicacies. Should you don’t have time for a full-blown retreat, the Yoga Retreat additionally affords drop-in yoga lessons.
- The place: Within the jungle, ten minutes from Haad Salad Seaside
- When: Day by day
- How: Taxis are your best choice
- Price: 300 Baht/ $9 for a drop in school
☞ SEE ALSO: Prime 10 Meals To Attempt in Thailand
15. Chill out in The Baan Tai Natural Sauna
Should you went a bit too arduous on the Full Moon Social gathering, you may get all of these toxins out of your physique by sweating for an hour or two within the natural sauna. In addition they do massages right here if you need a bit of additional pampering.
Whereas most assume the one issues to do in Koh Phangan contain partying to a point, Koh Phangan additionally affords tons of the way to chill out and is definitely a preferred place for retreats.
- The place: Wat Pho Temple, Baan Tai
- When: Day by day from 2pm-9pm
- How: Taxi
- Price: 100 Baht/ $3
16. Feast On Seafood at Milky Bay
The place higher to feast on seafood than on a tropical island? Located on the sting of a white sand seaside and boasting a pool looking over the ocean, that is the very definition of meals with a view. Milky Bay is ideal for peaceable eating within the wonderful sunshine, and is without doubt one of the finest eating places on the island.
- The place: Baan Tai
- When: Day by day
- How: Taxi
- Price: 500 Baht/$15 for meals and a drink
17. Get a Therapeutic massage
What higher method to nurse your post-Full Moon Social gathering hangover than by being kneaded like dough by a deceptively robust Thai girl? Put together your self, these massages are hardcore and at factors, you’re feeling such as you’re being folded up like origami.
However, the ache is value it for the sunshine and limber feeling you get afterward. I all the time get a therapeutic massage when in Koh Phangan, it’s a must-do.
This isn’t simply one of many prime issues to do in Koh Phangan, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in Thailand normally! Don’t depart with out getting one.
- The place: All around the island
- When: Anytime
- How: No must ebook for many locations, simply stroll in
- Price: 300-1500 Baht/$10-45 for an hour relying on the standard of the institution (road masseurs will cost lots lower than these in correct salons)
☞ See Additionally: Ayutthaya Historic Park – The Final Journey Information
18. Meditate With Phra Olarn
Experiencing mindfulness and connecting with your self on a deeper degree can actually make a distinction to the state of your psychological well being. Phra Olarn makes use of particular respiration strategies and strolling meditation to boost wellness and peace of thoughts. Whether or not you’ve meditated earlier than or not, that is undoubtedly value making an attempt out.
- The place: Wat Samai Kongkha
- When: Day by day
- How: Taxi or stroll from Salad Seaside
- Price: 30,000 Baht/$930 for a 7 day mindfulness retreat
19. Sunbathe On Thong Nai Pan Seaside
Thong Nai Pan is strictly what you’ll count on a seaside on a Thai island to appear like. Pearly white sand, lush, swaying palms, and turquoise water that glimmers underneath infinite sunshine. Seize your self an ice-cold drink and whereas away the hours as you get your tan on.
- The place: On the Northeast Coast
- When: Day by day
- How: Keep in Panburi Village and go from there
- Price: Free
20. Snorkel At Mae Haad Seaside
Snorkelling is certainly one in every of my favorite issues to do in Koh Phangan. There’s lots occurring within the water across the island and fortunate snorkellers may have the possibility to admire tropical fish, coral, rays and different marine wildlife.
- The place: North Coast
- When: Throughout daytime, day-after-day
- How: Both deliver your personal snorkel gear or rent it on the island
- Price: 100 baht/$3 per hour
21. Take a Day Journey To Koh Tao
Assume you’ve achieved all of the issues to do in Koh Phangan? Hop in a ship and head off to neighbouring Koh Tao (Turtle Island). Though it might be smaller and quieter than Koh Phangan, there are quite a few issues to do in Koh Tao to maintain you busy…it’s additionally a fantastic spot for chilling out.
Koh Tao affords some world-class scuba diving, and inexpensive PADI certifications. Should you’re into diving, a go to right here is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan.
- The place: North of Koh Phangan
- When: Yr-round
- How: There are boats that depart frequently all through the day from Haad Rin and Thong Sala piers
- Price: 400 Baht/ $12
22. See The Waterfalls
Bored with the attractive sea? Koh Phangan is residence to quite a few cascading waterfalls, however be sure you take a look at Paradise Falls, Phaeng Falls, and Than Sadet, which is a vital website for Thai folks because of the inscriptions left on the rocks by King Rama VI.
23. Attempt Kitesurfing
Should you’ve ever needed to provide kitesurfing a go, Koh Phangan is a good place to strive it out. AccroKite Koh Phangan is affiliated with IKO (Worldwide Kitesurf Group), so you’re in good palms!
Through the 3-hour expertise, you’ll be taught concept on the seaside, talk about the wind, security, how one can arrange the kite, and how one can fly. Then, you’ll enter the water and learn to handle the kite.
Apart from having a great time and studying one thing new, included within the day are tools, an IKO skilled teacher, and an IKO license on the finish. Click on right here for extra particulars.
24. ATV Across the Island
Koh Phangan is a jungly, mountainous island, which makes exploring by ATV all of the extra enjoyable! This can be a distinctive factor to do in Koh Phangan and an effective way to discover the island.
The adventurous tour is enjoyable for all ranges. Rip round off-track dust tracks, pull as much as superb lookout factors to see the ocean, and benefit from the lush jungle. Included within the journey is a information, tools, water, and insurance coverage. Click on right here for particulars.
25. Full-Day Street Journey Journey
An effective way to see the entire island and discover the attractive nature (seashores, jungle, mountains), is by becoming a member of a day journey.
On this group tour, you’ll take a look at one of the best seashores on the island, pure swimming swimming pools and waterfalls, go snorkeling, and have sundowners at a seaside bar. Roundtrip transfers between Haadrin and Thong Sala are included. Discover out extra about this budget-friendly exercise in Koh Phangan, right here.
Should you’d reasonably take pleasure in a day on the island with your personal group of pals, you and your companion, or just by your self, you may take a look at this non-public tour as an alternative. You may customise your itinerary and have a driver and an air-conditioned car at your disposal all day! Click on right here for particulars.
The place to Keep in Koh Phangan
Listed below are some prime inns, hostels & B&B’s in Koh Phangan.
Funds
So Good Haad Rin Hostel – rated “Very good” 9.1/10. This is without doubt one of the highest-rated hostels on the complete island. Folks love this place. It’s all dorm room lodging however they’ve feminine and coed dorms they usually’re all tremendous clear and comfortable. The place additionally has a enjoyable vibe to it. Click on right here for particulars.
Coral Bungalows – rated “Good” 7.2/10. The funds bungalows are round $10 per evening they usually harken again to Thailand of outdated. Fundamental comfortable mattress with a pleasant window, near the seaside. There’s additionally an onsite pool. What extra are you able to ask for? Click on right here for particulars.
Alcove Bungalow – rated “Very good” 9.1/10. This property is positioned on the west coast of Koh Phangan. Though it’s in a bit extra secluded space, there are bicycles and motorbikes for hire, day journeys could be organized, and also you’ll discover water sports activities like snorkeling and SUP. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant serving Thai and French delicacies. The bungalows listed below are tastefully embellished and supply air-conditioning and ensuite loos. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook this lodging.
Midrange
Castaway Seaside Bungalows – rated “Very good” 9.4/10. Should you’re searching for a chilled-out place to remain, which is positioned proper on the sand, then take a look at these seaside bungalows! The picket bungalows supply superb views, a 4-poster mattress, a fridge, a balcony and a hammock. Subsequent door you’ll discover a funky seaside bar – nice for assembly different vacationers. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook this bungalow.
Le Divine Comedie Seaside Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.5/10. Situated simply 8 kilometers from Haad Rin Seaside, this property affords inexpensive luxurious. There’s an out of doors infinity pool and an onsite restaurant serving up Thai and Burmese meals. Every of the rooms are uniquely designed and affords non-public balconies, air-conditioning and a minibar. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook this lodging.
Prime Finish
Panviman Koh Phangan – rated “Fabulous” 8.7/10. This place is one thing out of a dream! For round $100/evening, you may take pleasure in this luxury retreat overlooking Thong Nai Pan. There’s a spa, infinity pool and a couple of beachfront eating places. The trendy, superior double rooms supply a sea view, non-public balcony, air-conditioning and rather more. Click on right here to be taught extra and ebook this lodging.
Prepared for Koh Phangan?
Touching down in Thailand for the primary time is an expertise in contrast to some other. From the second you permit the airport in Bangkok, you might be swept up in a cacophony of colour and noise. It’s thrilling and new but additionally slightly overwhelming. Koh Phangan affords some respite from the 24/7 chaos of the capital.
Koh Phangan could also be buzzing with vitality, but it surely additionally has peaceable enclaves the place you may escape the world for a second. It affords a combination of pure magnificence and journey alternatives and combines serenity with adrenaline. It’s a curious and distinctive place that you just’ll simply have to find for your self to actually perceive.
Some photographs on this submit are courtesy of Shutterstock. Test them out for royalty-free photographs and movies.
Goats On The Street Advisable Assets For Koh Phangan, Thailand
✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Koh Phangan. It’s essential to be sure you have enough journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in outside actions akin to snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountaineering, and so on.. World Nomads covers virtually all adventurous actions that you can imagine. Click on right here to get a free quote and be taught extra about this well-liked journey insurance coverage.
✓ We advocate buying eco-friendly merchandise on your keep in Koh Phangan. We’re personally making an attempt to scale back the quantity of single-use plastic that we use, and encourage you to do the identical throughout your travels.
To keep away from buying plastic water bottles whereas in Koh Phangan, think about shopping for a water bottle with a built-in filter akin to LifeStraw or GrayL, or get your self a Steri-Pen. By way of utensils, this bamboo set is nice for picnics on the seaside, whereas these glass or metallic straws are excellent for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, deliver your personal.
✓ There are quite a few inexpensive locations to remain in Koh Phangan. Goats On The Street makes use of and recommends Reserving.com as a consequence of their glorious costs, and cancellation choices. We additionally continuously use Airbnb after we wish to ebook a short-term residence. Click on right here to seek for lodging in Koh Phangan on Reserving.com.
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