Visit Koh Phangan: Top 10 Amazing Things To Do

Located in the Gulf of Thailand, and is 65 kilometers from the mainland, between the two islands of Koh Samui to the south and Koh Tao to the north.

The legendary Full Moon Party takes place on Koh Phangan. Visitors from all over the world come to this island to party the night away with other tourists. If you’re a true party animal, the Full Moon Party could be the best night of your life. So whether you are interested in the Full Moon Party or not, visit Phangan should not be missed on a trip to Thailand!

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information about Koh Phangan Island in Thailand, including things to do, accommodation, restaurants and even how to go to Koh Phangan without difficulties.

Things to do in Koh Phangan

I hope that this list of the top things to do in Koh Phangan sheds some light on the island’s other entertaining activities and natural beauties.

Experience The Full Moon Party

If you find ou top things to do in Koh Phangan, don’t miss this event. The majority of people who go to Koh Phangan do so for the Full Moon Party. The party takes place on Haad Rin Beach every month and brings in around 30,000 party-goers.

For the full experience, cover yourself with UV paint, drink from the bucket, and party until the sun rises. If you love to party, this is definitely one of the most fun things to do in Thailand.

Go To The Half Moon Party

It takes place one week before and one week after the Full Moon Party. With huge open-air venue and has three music stages: psytrance, house and hip-hop. The festival doesn’t book big names and has a maximum capacity of around 4,000, making it much more low-key than the Full Moon Party.

Try Thai Food in The Thong Sala Night Market

The Thong Sala Night Market with incredibly cheap food was originally made for the locals of Koh Phangan The night market is a foodie paradise. The atmosphere in the Thong Sala Night Market makes it one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan. There are so many incredible foods to try in Thailand, with markets usually offering the best.

Enjoy The Sunset From Secret Mountain

Eat and drink while watching the sun set over the horizon. From way up there, you get panoramic vistas over the island and you can even see the Ang Thong Islands rising up out of the water. This is one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan at the end of the day.

Explore The Ang Thong National Park

If you want adventure and activity, put Ang Thong National Park at the top of your list of things to do in Koh Phangan. The park comprises huge green islands that look dramatically over the water. Housing secret caves that can be explored by kayak or simply by swimming, the park makes for a seriously cool experience.

Join in Cooking Class

Learning to make Thai food is definitely an unforgettable experience. You’ll visit the organic farm and see where all of the ingredients you’ll be cooking come from, then learn how to make traditional Thai dishes. Best of all, you get to eat everything you make at the end

Rent a bike to explore the island

Hiring a motorbike will be one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan. It gives you the freedom to explore at your leisure and stop whenever you see something interesting. Another fun option is to rent a bicycle and join this half-day trip with a guide. Bikes, snacks, water and a guide are included in the fun day trip.

* It costs about 150 Baht/$5 per day for a motorbike.

Get a Massage

What better way to cure a hangover after a Full Moon party than to be kneaded like dough by a fake strong Thai woman? Get ready, these massages are very powerful and sometimes it feels like you are bending like an origami.

But, the pain is worth it for the light and limber feeling you get afterward. I always get a massage when in Koh Phangan, it’s a must-do.

*Cost: 300-1500 Baht/$10-45 for an hour depending on the quality of the establishment

Take a Day Trip To Koh Tao

One thing to do in Koh Phangan is hopping in a boat and heading off to neighboring Koh Tao (Turtle Island). Koh Tao offers some world-class scuba diving. If you’re into diving, a visit here is one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan.

*Cost: 400 Baht/ $12

See The Waterfalls

Tired of the beautiful sea? Koh Phangan is home to many waterfalls but don’t forget to visit Paradise Falls, Phaeng Waterfalls and Than Sadet, an important site for Thais due to the rock inscriptions left by King Rama VI.

Eat Thai food in Koh Phangan

We all know what a wonderful cuisine Thai Food is, with its rule of spicy, sour, sweet, salt as elements in all dishes this makes the food a wonderful concoction of aromatic flavors and unforgettable bite.

Thai food is now popular worldwide with many restaurants in major cities and towns throughout the globe but the only place you’ll be able to try the real stuff is here in things to do in Thailand!

The Southern part of Thailand is known for its more spicy flavor and the use of coconuts also. Although Koh Phangan is in the South you can find Northern dishes here like Khao Soi, a spicy yet sweet Burmese inspired noodle soup.

Nong View Restaurant in Baan Kai

As well as a VIP room used for dining and local events, the restaurant now has a generous seating space.

The menu comprises around 150 separate foods, which is a high number, however, you can be confident that each is wonderful and wonderfully crafted in its Southern Thai style custom.

Baan Boonton Somtum and Gallery

Baan Boontom is known for its Isaan style food. The cooker changed the food to be slightly less, less bold flavors but to still taste delicious! The food is delicious, very fresh and full of delicate yet strong flavor with an authentic touch, perfect to enjoy with a few friends. Try the spicy pork neck, salted egg som tam and delicious fried chicken with sticky rice.

Jimmy’s Thai Food

Jimmy’s Thai Food is a small family-run restaurant located just past the one-way system in Baan Ta. The food is traditional and delicious and the portions are generous. Try the Beef Noodle Soup, Shrimp Fried Rice, Duck Rice and Pad Thai.

JJ’s Resort and Restaurant

The Restaurant has excellent Food and a Sunset View. A family run business that is well-known for its Burmese Salad and Thai dishes as well as Vegetarian and Vegan food, healthy drinks and shakes.

Luna Lounge

The restaurant has a very relaxed vibe and customers are encouraged to dine at the tables or on the sofas. The seafood is lovely there and the wine selection is very good. A more high-end Thai dining experience

Other restaurants that you can try if you have more than time to relax: Pom Pui, Mama Pooh’s in Sri Thanu, Nine Restaurant and Bar in Thong Sala, Phangan Food Court and Pantipmarket.

Where to stay – Accommodation in Koh Phangan

Whether you’re a budget backpacker who just wants to party or a luxury traveler looking for the best quality beach resorts, Koh Phangan has it all. Koh Phangan offers a wide range of hotels and resorts catering to different budgets and preferences. Here are a few popular options to consider for your stay:

• Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas: A luxurious beachfront resort in Thong Nai Pan Noi, known for its upscale villas, private pools, spa services, and stunning sea views.
• Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa: A beautiful resort with traditional Thai architecture, offering elegant rooms, infinity pools, and a serene atmosphere on Thong Nai Pan Beach.
• Panviman Resort Koh Phangan: Nestled on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, this resort boasts spacious rooms, lush gardens, infinity pools, and panoramic ocean views.
• Buri Rasa Village Koh Phangan: Located on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, this boutique resort offers a blend of Thai and colonial designs, comfortable rooms, and beachfront dining.
• Sarikantang Resort & Spa: A peaceful retreat on Haad Rin Beach, offering comfortable rooms, a beachfront pool, and access to both the party scene and tranquility.

Remember to check current reviews, availability, and special offers when making your reservation. Koh Phangan’s diverse accommodations ensure there’s a suitable option for every traveler, whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or the island’s famous party scene.

How to go to Koh Phangan

Koh Samui to Koh Phangan

There is just one way to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan by ferry. Koh Phangan is located just 15 kilometers north of Koh Samui. The ferry ride takes between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on which ferry terminal you depart from.

Cost: 5-12$

Bangkok to Koh Phangan

There are several ways that you can get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. In this guide, Hanoi Voyages will show you the best options for getting from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. Plus, there are helpful tips to help you plan your trip.

By Bus + Ferry

Traveling by bus is a popular way to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. This includes night bus travel as well as daytime travel. Numerous bus companies, private and public, take you from the Thai capital to the south of the country, most directly to the Donsak ferry terminal. From there you’ll take the ferry to Thong Sala, the main ferry terminal on Koh Phangan.

Duration: two and a half hours. The ticket cost: ~ 130 baht.

By Airplane

Although Koh Phangan does not have its own airport, going to Koh Phangan by plane is the fastest and most popular: In around 1.5 hours you can get to the neighboring island of Koh Samui or to Surat Thani on the mainland relatively quickly by plane. After That, you will have to continue by ferry to Koh Phangan.

• Flight to Surat Thani & Bus + Ferry to Koh Phangan
• Flight to Koh Samui & Ferry to Koh Phangan

Phuket to Koh Phangan

By Flight + Ferry

A simpler and less time-consuming option is to fly, but that’s not even as simple as it seems at first glance; it is expensive and you cannot fly directly to Koh Phangan because there is no airport on the island. This means you’ll have to fly to the neighboring island of Koh Samui and then get a ferry from there.

While the flight from Phuket is a mere 55 minutes, and the ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is only 30 minutes

By Bus + Ferry

Take a bus or minivan from Phuket to Surat Thani, which is a common transit point for traveling to the islands. From Surat Thani, board a ferry to Koh Phangan.

* If you prefer this choice, keep in mind that you should reserve it at least two days in advance, and if it’s around the popular Full Moon Parties, you should probably book it as far in advance as possible because ferries and buses can fill up quickly.

Duration: 7.5 hours

The best time to visit Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan weather is divided into three seasons:

• The wet season that lasts from September to November,
• The cool and dry season that lasts from December to March,
• The hot season from April to June.

The weather of Koh Phangan during the dry season is believed to be the best time to visit Phangan. This is also an excellent time to go walking and swimming, diving, or snorkeling around the island’s many beautiful places.

In contrast, May to July is another low season with rainier days. If you prefer to relax and have a quieter vacation and are not keen on beach activities, this could be the best time to visit Koh Phangan. Every service will be significantly lower up to 30% to 40% than during peak season.