best time to visit koh phangan thailand

Best Time to Visit Koh Phangan [Month by Month Guide]

Planning a vacation to Koh Phangan in Thailand?

Great choice. We love Koh Phangan because of the gorgeous beaches, hip and laid back seaside villages, cool cafes, amazing sunset spots and because there is always some event happening. Koh Phangan, in short, is what you expect from tropical paradise.

You’re probably asking yourself when is the best time to visit Koh Phangan? You’re in the right place. In this guide you’ll find out about Koh Phangan weather by month.

The Koh Phangan climate is basically 3 stages of hot as follows: hot, hot+rainy or hot+humid. Pretty much, Koh Phangan climate is hot year round but with some variations.

→ The Best Places to Stay in Koh Phangan

The best time to visit Koh Phangan is between mid December and end of March. These months have the best weather situation because temperatures are cooler and days are nice and dry.

“By cooler I don’t necessarily mean cool, I just mean slightly lower temperatures”

You can still have an amazing trip if you visit during the other months. In fact many tourists prefer low season in Koh Phangan because of the lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.

This article covers everything you need to know about Koh Phangan weather. By the end you will know exactly what to expect and what is the best months to visit Koh Phangan.

When is the best time to Visit Koh Phangan?

For the best and most enjoyable weather with pleasant temperatures and also calm water conditions with *high tides, the best time to visit Koh Phangan is from mid December to around the end of March.

Temperatures continue to rise from March onwards. And also, from March to July the tide is lower and certain beaches won’t be any good for swimming. But you may also want to consider visiting Koh Phangan around Mid April and be part of Songkran celebrations. Pretty much this is a massive water fight that happens all over Thailand. A good way to cool down during these hotter days.

Tides in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan and the rest of the islands in the Gulf sea of Thailand are affected by daily tides. These tides are usually high until around mid day and slowly go down. Then there’s also the yearly cycle where the tide is overall lower between March and July. This causes certain beaches to be shallow and unsuitable for swimming and also the water is warm. Not great if you want to cool down.

From August until February, the tides are higher creating good swimming conditions for the majority of beaches

When should you not go to Koh Phangan?

October and November are the wettest months in Koh Phangan. These months get the most rainfall. However, most often rain comes in the late afternoon in burst that typically last around 1 hour and quickly clear up to sunny days.

Considering the rainfall rarely ruins entire days, many tourists and travelers prefer these low season months for the low hotel prices along with cheaper scooter rentals and also fewer tourists.

Weather in the Gulf of Thailand (East Coast)

Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf sea on the East Coast of Thailand. It neighbors with the popular diving island Koh Tao to the north and just a 30 minute ferry south is Koh Samui. The trio islands have similar weather patterns with weather being hot year round.

Regardless what time of year to visit Koh Phangan, it is always important to stay hydrated and drink lots of water.

The Koh Phangan weather chart below gives a an overview of the weather in Koh Phangan by month. This chart can also be referenced to if you’re visiting Koh Tao or Koh Samui.

Getting to Koh Phangan can be done via the bus and ferry joint tickets. It’s a hassle free and affordable way to travel from many destinations including Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and Ao Nang

→ Bangkok to Koh Phangan (joint ticket) → Phuket to Koh Phangan (joint ticket) → Krabi to Koh Phangan (joint ticket)

Koh Phangan Dry Season & Koh Phangan Rainy Season

The dry season in Koh Phangan is typically from mid December to the end of August. As with any tropical climate it can rain at any time but during these months rain isn’t common.

The wet season, which is also referred to as Monsoon season runs from September to mid December. It rains almost every day during these months. However, most often the rain comes in heavy bursts in the late afternoon which is a similar rainfall pattern in most South East Asian countries.

Koh Phangan in January – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 28℃ | Dry Season : Yes | Tide: high

Koh Phangan weather in January is ideal. Wether you plan hitting the beach, exploring the island on a scooter, doing amazing boat tours or land tours, January is one of the best months.

Koh Phangan temperature in January is one of the cooler months of the year. And is also just 1 month past the end of wet season meaning chances of rainfall are low.

There are many great things to do in Koh Phangan in January. One of them is to take advantage of the ideal sea conditions. The calm seas are perfect to visit places like Angthong Marine Park. It’s an archipelago formed by a cluster of small islands covered in jungle and you’ll get to snorkel with colorful marine life and kayak through gorgeous lagoons. It’s one of the best things to do if you’re in Koh Phangan.

Koh Phangan in February – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Weather in Koh Phangan in February follows the same pattern as the previous month.

It can often be more appealing to visit Koh Phangan during February. The main reason is because most tourists visiting for Christmas will have already left and the island will be less busy.

While February is by no means the low season, there tends to be more accommodation on offer. Also places like restaurants and nightlife venues aren’t as busy as the previous month.

Koh Phangan in March – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 30℃ | Dry Season : Yes | Tide: high or low

In March temperatures begin to rise and also humidity tends to increase making it feel even hotter. The end of March also marks the end of the cooler.

But don’t worry, you’re on a tropical island surrounded by gorgeous beaches. You can easily cool off at one of the many beaches.

Koh Phangan in April – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 32℃ | Dry Season : Yes | Tide: low

Temperatures gradually increase throughout April. How hot it feels often comes down to the levels of humidity which are always unpredictable. So while April is indeed one of the hottest months, it the humidity that makes the days hot, stuffy and sticky.

April also marks the month of Songkran. This is the Thai new year and what better way to celebrate than a nationwide massive water fight. Come here in April and have fun getting soaked from head to toe.

Koh Phangan in May – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 33℃ | Dry Season : Yes | Tide: low

Weather in Koh Phangan can feel unbearably hot in May. With average temperatures of around 33℃ and humidity levels high, even evening is usually quite warm. It’s important to stay hydrated and if possible don’t spend excessive amounts of time in the open sun especially around mid day.

Koh Phangan in June – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 32℃ | Dry Season : Yes | Tide: low or high

In June temperatures slowly start coming down yet still remain above the 30℃ mark. Humidity levels also begin to drop and compared with the previous month of May which is always the hottest, June offers somewhat of a spite of relief.

June is also when the tide begins to increase and the water level is fuller.

Koh Phangan in July – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 31℃ | Dry Season : Yes | Tide: high or low

July in Koh Phangan marks the start of the peak summer months. Temperatures are still high but humidity levels tend to be lower. This is when kids come out of school and families go on vacation.

July can be busy because not only foreign tourists visit but also the locals kids on the island are on vacation and families from other provinces and from Bangkok also come to enjoy their holidays on this tropical island.

Koh Phangan in August – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 30℃ | Dry Season : Yes | Tide: high

August weather in Koh Phangan is like the final month of overall sunny days. It’s still a great time to visit because by mid August most families have gone back to prepare for kids back to school. It is usually significantly quieter and thus hotel prices can be cheaper than usual.

The weather is still holding though until the end of August.

Koh Phangan in September – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 29℃ | Dry Season : Yes/No | Tide: high

Weather in Koh Phangan in September is usually unpredictable. This is the end of the dry season. Overcast days start to roll in and as the month progresses expect more frequent showers.

September can be a good month to snatch up some bargain deals while the weather is still holding up. Personally I love these shoulder months especially watching a thunder storm rolling in from the distance as I sit in a terrace overlooking the ocean.

Koh Phangan in October – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 29℃ | Dry Season : No | Tide: high

October is officially the wet season. However, with tropical climates, rainy season doesn’t mean constant rain, it isn’t the UK with constant drizzles. Thailand weather usually just gets on with it.

In most cases mornings up until the early afternoon it’s nice and sunny. Then clouds start rolling in and throw down a massive downpour usually lasting around 1 hour in the late afternoon. But it tends to clear up rather quickly.

Koh Phangan in November – When to Visit Koh Phangan

November is the same as the previous month. This can be a really good time if you want bargain deals. Especially big resorts with super low occupancy like to significantly slash prices. Usually these deals happen last minute though. So searching for deals in November 1 year in advance may result in getting the same prices as any other month.

Koh Phangan in December – When to Visit Koh Phangan

Temperature : 29℃ | Dry Season : No/Yes | Tide: high

December is once again the shoulder month and can be unpredictable especially until mid month until the weather in Koh Phangan begins to settle. This can be a great time to visit Koh Phangan if you love the outdoors.

After the rainfall outdoor nature will be at it’s best and temperatures have still not gone up making it perfect if you love hikes. Also, Koh Phangan is home to a few waterfalls. These are usually underwhelming in the dry season with barely any water. But in December they will be at their best.

Koh Phangan Travel Guide

How to get to koh phangan.

Getting to Koh Phangan is easy and the best options will be determined depending where you’re coming from and your budget.

Most tourists visiting Koh Phangan come from either Bangkok or from Phuket and Krabi. If you’re coming from either of these destinations the fastest option is to take a direct flight to the nearby island Koh Samui. From there take a 30 minute ferry to Koh Phangan.

A cheaper option that will only be slightly slower is the joint tickets. These tickets combine a bus trip with the ferry. It’s hassle free and quite fast because the bus goes directly to the ferry avoiding any transfers. This saves a lot of time and money.

Where to stay in Koh Phangan?

Koh Phangan is a big island with different areas to stay that offer a different atmosphere.

The west coast of Koh Phangan is the most popular. This coast includes the main town of Thongsala along with the hip and cool Sri Thanu known for its retreats, vegan restos and laid back vibe. Further down is Baan Tai which is on the way to Haad Rin.

Below is a breakdown for the various areas and places to stay in Koh Phangan. Along with a few hotel recommendations which are all conveniently located. Or read this guide that covers the best places to stay in Koh Phangan .

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a large island and there is various areas to stay around the island. While Haad Rin is arguably the most famous area in Koh Phangan because the full moon party is held every month, it is sort away from everything else.

Below is an overview for the 3 best areas to stay on Koh Phangan along with a few hotel suggestions for any budget.

Sri Thanu is the hip and trendy seaside neighborhood known for it’s wellness retreats, cool cafes, vegan bars and the amazing sunsets at Zen beach. This, personally, is our favorite area

Best place to stay for any Budget in Sri Thanu ⤵

Bustling markets offer everything from street food to local shops and convenience stores. Enjoy scenic views of the busy port, connecting the island to nearby ones. Despite its lively vibe, Thong Sala maintains a relaxed feel, perfect for exploring the island’s beaches, jungles, and cultural spots.

Best place to stay for any Budget in Thongsala ⤵

Haad Rin is the main party town on Koh Phangan and boast one of the island most gorgeous beaches. It’s a lively area especially around the full moon party days. While famous with budget travelers, there is still a number of higher end hotels on offer.

Best place to stay for any Budget in Haad Rin ⤵

Located on the northeastern portion Koh Phangan, Haad Yao is a laid back beachside town. It’s a hilly area with quite a few restaurants and the beach is nice too. If you’re looking for peace and quiet this may be the place.

Best place to stay for any Budget in Haad Yao ⤵

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Since you’re going to Koh Phangan you may want to consider adding one of these best selling and best rated tours to your Ko Phangan itinerary.

Where to go after Koh Phangan?

Being in Koh Phangan is pretty convenient. You can jump on a ferry and island hop to Koh Samui or head over to Koh Tao . Or another option would be to purchase a bus+ferry combo ticket and make your way to Krabi town or Ao Nang/Railay. Phuket can also be reached by air from Koh Samui airport.

Use the form below to search transport to your next destination⤵

For your trip to Koh Phangan

Things to do in Koh Phangan excluding the full moon party Koh Phangan full moon party guide How to get from Phuket to Koh Phangan

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——— ABOUT US ———

We're Jackie and James, now in our late 30's, we've been traveling on and off for 5 years now. After living our entire lives on a tiny island named Malta, we set off to explore Asia on a budget while writing detailed guides about awesome destinations. We hope our travels help you realize that traveling doesn't have to cost a fortune.

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The Best Time to Visit Koh Phangan, Thailand for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Koh Phangan for ideal weather are

January 29th to March 25th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Koh Phangan Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Koh Phangan Travel Info

Weather in koh phangan.

Average temperatures in Koh Phangan vary very little. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year. The area is far less temperate than some — in the 4th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Koh Phangan, the hottest months are May, June, and then April. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally mid April where highs are regularly around 92.2°F (33.4°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 78.2°F (25.7°C) at night.

Koh Phangan Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Koh phangan temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Koh Phangan Perceived Temperature (F)

Koh phangan perceived temperature (c), average koh phangan temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Koh Phangan are February, March, and then April. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around early February. For example, on the week of February 5th there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in late October with an average of 4 days of significant precipitation the week of October 22nd.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Koh Phangan.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Koh Phangan (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Koh Phangan has some extremely humid months, and high humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is June (71.7% relative humidity), and the most humid month is November (81.5%).

Wind in Koh Phangan is usually extremely calm . The windiest month is February, followed by January and March. February’s average wind speed of around 4.9 knots (5.6 MPH or 9 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in late January and early February where average top sustained speeds reach 9.4 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Koh Phangan.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to koh phangan.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings and regional advisories for Thailand; exercise a high degree of caution and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 27, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Koh Phangan, Thailand is January, followed by August and July. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Koh Phangan in May. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall koh phangan travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 92.2°F (33.4°C) and 85.8°F (29.9°C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 5 to 10 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the slowest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for deals.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see moderate precipitation with 7 to 10 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the second busiest season for tourism in Koh Phangan, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly more.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 89.9°F (32.2°C) and 85.2°F (29.6°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a great amount: 8 to 16 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Koh Phangan to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 85.8°F (29.9°C) and 83.9°F (28.8°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 3 to 10 times per month. These times of year are the busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Thailand › Koh Phangan, Thailand

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Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Ko Pha Ngan, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is one of the premier backpacking and party destinations in Southeast Asia .

Tourists started traveling to this area in the 1980s, and due to the popularity of its Full Moon Parties, it has been popular ever since.

This is a heavy party destination, especially around the madness that is Haad Rin (location of the Full Moon Party) but, if you head to the northern or eastern beaches on the island, they tend to be a lot more low-key and relaxed.

If you’re not here just to party, there are plenty of yoga and nature resorts here to get away from it all and relax (or recover). So, while the island has become infamous for its chaotic and sprawling Full Moon Party (5,000-25,000 attend the party each month), there is actually a lot more to do here than just binge drink.

This Ko Pha Ngan travel guide can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this popular beachy getaway!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Ko Pha Ngan

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ko Pha Ngan

1. Go snorkeling

Snorkeling day trips usually run from 11am-5pm and include transportation, snorkeling, swimming, and lunch, for about 1,600 THB per person. You meet tons of people on these tours so they’re great for solo travelers. There is also a tour called the Munchies Tour and another called the Reggae Tour.

2. Enjoy the famous Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party is a giant beach rave with a lot of drinking, dancing, and partying. Each bar has its own sound system, and the beach is lined with people selling alcohol, fire dancers put on shows, and little booths sell glow-in-the-dark face paint.

3. Tour the temples

Thailand is covered with temples and Ko Pha Ngan is no exception. They are beautiful windows into Thai religion and make for great photo opportunities. Wat Phu Khao Noi and especially Wat Samai Kongka are two of the most beautiful temples on the island.

4. Lounge in the sun

Haad Rin is the most developed beach on the island but, with over 30 beaches to choose from, you can have anything from touristy and developed beaches to deserted and secluded beaches. Thong Nai Pan is one of my favorites, with its white sand and calmer waters.

5. Take a boat trip

Boat trips can be arranged through a variety of resorts and companies around the island. Some of the best itineraries include visits to the Than Sadet Waterfall, Thong Nai Pan, and Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat). Usually, lunch is included on these excursions. Day trips cost 1,600-2,200 THB.

Other Things to See and Do in Ko Pha Ngan

1. swim in a natural mountain pool.

Close to Haad Rin in the direction of Baan Tai, take a turn off to the right where you see the sign stating “river on stone” natural pool, and you will find yourself at the Sramanora waterfall. It is a little out of the way to get to, but definitely worth the trek. There is also a resort close by, with a little restaurant if you get hungry. Two days before and two days after the Full Moon Party, Waterfall Party takes place here. Dance the night away as DJs play electronica and jump in the natural pools when you need to cool off. Admission is 600 THB which includes a beer.

The island is home to a growing number of yoga schools where you can go to relax and revitalize your body. There are numerous options depending on how much time you have and how serious you are. You can go for a single lesson, attend a multi-day retreat, or stay there for six months learning to be a yoga instructor. The drop-in price for a single class (60-90 minutes) is generally around 300 THB. If you’re planning on attending more than one class, a 10-class pass is around 2,200-2,500 THB. Wonderland Healing Center, Samma Karuna, and Pyramid Yoga are some of the most popular yoga studios on the island.

3. Rent a kayak

Just like on many of the other islands, it’s possible to rent a sea kayak and get out on the water. Head out for an hour of paddling or be more ambitious and do an organized day tour. You can find kayaks on nearly every beach, with most starting at around 150 THB per hour. The west coast, from Wok Tum to Koh Ma, is the calmest and offers some of the best kayaking waters to beach hop.

4. Watch (or learn) Muay Thai

Muay Thai has gained international fame as Thailand’s martial art and it’s a thrilling and disciplined sport. It is known as “the art of using eight limbs,” as fighters use fists, knees, elbows, and shins to pummel their opponent. You can catch a fight in one of the island’s three stadiums or sign up for a lesson and learn it yourself. You can even attend a Muay Thai camp here! A private Muay Thai lesson starts around 600-700 THB, a 10-lesson pass is 5,000 THB, and a week’s stay at a training camp starts from 5,000 THB, including accommodation and meals. Diamond Muay Thai and Phangan Muay Thai are the two biggest training gyms.

5. Learn to cook

Thai food is one of the best cuisines in the world. Many tourists come here to just eat and eat and eat. But why not take the extra step and sign up for one of the island’s numerous cooking classes so you can bring the cuisine home with you? Classes begin with a visit to the local market (where you’ll learn about local ingredients and how to select them) and end with a tasty meal of the few different dishes you’ve prepared. Classes cost 1,200-1,500 THB depending on how many dishes you want to make. The Phangan Thai Cooking Class is the preeminent cooking school on the island.

6. Visit the waterfalls

Ko Pha Ngan has its share of waterfalls, although some are only seasonal, drying up partway through the year. If you’re up for some hiking, make your way to one of these for a secluded getaway from the beach party scene. Try Wang Sai and Than Prawet, a couple of the lesser-known waterfalls. July-October is the peak time for seeing the waterfalls with the most water, while November-June is the dry season.

7. Learn to dive

It’s not the top place in Thailand for diving, but there are still some good options here if you want to dive (Ko Tao is a better choice though). The most well-known dive site in the area is Sailrock, a rock that pierces the water and creates the opportunity for a great wall dive down to 40 meters (130 feet). Day trips including two dives, gear, and meals cost around 2,650 THB. Many of the diving centers offer PADI courses as well, which cost 8,500 THB for a three-day certification course.

8. Soak in the culture

The C&M Culture Center offers a variety of classes that you can take to learn more about the traditions of the people of Ko Pha Ngan. Learn how to make pad thai in a cooking class, pick up a few words in a language class, try your hand at learning how to give a Thai massage, or strike a pose in a yoga class. Group classes are 700-1,500 THB, while private classes are 3,000-3,500 THB. The center also puts on special events for Thai holidays and national festivals too.

9. Zipline through the canopy

If heights are your thing, Just for Fun Canopy Adventure offers sweeping zip lines and tree bridges 22 meters (72 feet) in the air! The full course takes about 45 minutes, and you can grab a drink afterward at their Fish Spa. It costs 800 THB per person.

10. Eat your way through the Thong Sala Night Market

Night markets are incredibly popular around Thailand, and Ko Pha Ngan is no exception. The island’s version (also called Phantip Night Market) takes place right by Thong Sala pier and is open daily from 4pm-11pm. Prices range from 20-100 THB. Every Saturday, the market expands onto the streets outside and includes vendors selling crafts and clothing.

11. Admire the views

Epic views can be enjoyed all over the island, whether from natural viewpoints or a jungle café. Ko Ma, Haad Rin, and Chaloklum have all-natural viewpoints that you can get to with varying degrees of difficulty. Some require hiking through the jungle, while others are turn-offs from main roads. Khao Ra is the highest point on the entire island and is only accessible via a steep hiking trail — but the views are worth it! Amsterdam Bar, a three-story bar complete with a pool, is a popular spot to watch the sunset over the water.

12. Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park

This national park, located just 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Ko Pha Ngan, is an archipelago of 42 islands, characterized by steep limestone cliffs and mountains, evergreen and mangrove forests, white-sand beaches with hidden coves, and cascading waterfalls. Animals on the islands include monkeys, macaques, leopards, fishing cats, wild boars, otters, kingfishers, sea eagles, and more. You must visit the park with a licensed tour operator that has a permit to access the archipelago and day trips usually cost around 2,000 THB, with most tours stopping at a few of the islands to go snorkeling, hiking, and/or kayaking. The park is closed from October 20th-December 20th.

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide
• Phuket Travel Guide

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In the high season, bed in a 4-6-bed dorm costs 600-700 THB per night while an 8-10-bed dorm costs 500 THB. Large dorm rooms with 12-18 beds cost 120-200 THB. Private rooms that sleep two people are 700-2,000 THB. In the low season, prices can sometimes drop by up to half. Free Wi-Fi and AC are standard, while free breakfast not.

As a party destination, most hostels on Ko Pha Ngan have outdoor pools and bars, offer free drinks, and generally have many extra amenities that center around socializing and partying. Many hostels are also located right on the beach. One of the most unique places to stay on the island is called The Sanctuary , which is a yoga retreat that also rents out beds to people looking for a nice beach view.

Note that many hostels require that you pay your balance in cash when you arrive at the property.

There are no designated private campgrounds on Ko Pha Ngan, though you can camp in the national parks. You can rent a two-person tent for 150 THB per night.

Budget hotel prices – Basic beachside bungalows with a fan cost 700-900 THB per night. For a more luxurious bungalow or villa, expect to spend about 1,200-1,800 THB. Cheap rooms can be found for around 400-600 THB per night.

Bungalows are usually located either right on the beach, or with great views of the beach or mountains. They generally have private bathrooms, AC, and Wi-Fi either in the bungalow or in common areas of the resort. Breakfast is sometimes included, though you can also usually add it for 200 THB per day if it’s not.

During New Year’s and the Full Moon Party, prices increase by upwards of 30%, so be prepared if you plan on attending.

On Airbnb, private rooms cost 800-900 THB per night. They’re not very common though; most Airbnb offerings are private entire villas or bungalows and range wildly in price depending on how luxurious you want to get. Most nice (but not extravagant) villas cost 700-1,600 THB per night.

Average cost of food – Thai cuisine is aromatic and spicy with a variety of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries. Many dishes are influenced by Thailand’s many neighboring countries, including Malaysia, Laos, and Myanmar. Thai cuisine uses many ingredients to create layers of flavor. Typical spices and fresh herbs include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. Coconut milk is commonly used in curries and desserts, especially in central and southern Thailand. Seafood features heavily in Ko Pha Ngan’s island cuisine.

Popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, pad thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

Dessert is usually fruit or various dishes comprised of coconut milk or glutinous rice, with mango sticky rice being a popular dessert.

Eating out in Ko Pha Ngan is quite affordable. Snacks, like a satay skewer or pancake at the night market, cost 10-20 THB. You can find traditional dishes, like curries or fried rice, for around 50-100 THB at a typical street vendor. A meal at most tourist restaurants, especially around Haad Rin, costs about 100-170 THB per meal. Go to Food Stall Park or Little Home Restaurant for some of the best and most affordable Thai cuisine.

Western meals are more expensive, costing 230-350 THB for a meal such as a pasta dish or burger, while a steak is around 450-600 THB. McDonald’s combo meals cost 155 THB. I’d skip the Western food and stick with Thai food, as it’s much cheaper and is much tastier.

When drinking, you can get cheap beers at 7-Eleven and bring them onto the beach to drink. It’s around 50% cheaper this way compared to drinking at the bar. A cappuccino is 110 THB.

If you cook your own food, expect to pay between 1,100-1,400 THB per week for basic groceries like pasta, rice, vegetables, and some meat. However, eating out is so cheap here, it’s much easier to just get food from street vendors and markets than it is to cook your own food.

Backpacking Ko Pha Ngan Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend 1,025 THB per day. This budget covers a hostel dorm, a few short-distance songthaews, street food, cheap beers from 7-Eleven, and mostly free activities like hiking and swimming. If you’ve come here to party, I’d probably budget closer to 1,640 THB a day.

On a mid-range budget, expect to pay 2,700 THB per day. On this budget, you can get a private Airbnb or cheap guesthouse, eat street food and the occasional sit-down meal, take some taxis to get around, drink more, and do more paid activities like diving or kayaking or a cooking class.

On a “luxury” budget, expect to spend about 5,500 THB per day. On this budget, you can stay in a villa or resort, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a scooter or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day, it depends on how many of the tips listed below you use). But we want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Ko Pha Ngan can get expensive, especially if you’re here to do a lot of partying or spending time at one of the expensive yoga retreats. That being said, you can still have a budget-friendly trip if you plan ahead. Here are some ways to save money on Ko Pha Ngan:

• Find deals on a room – As a general guide, the further you walk along the beach, the better deal you get (and the quieter your accommodation will be). If you are coming near the Full Moon Party, arrive at least 3-5 days prior to secure a decent place.
• Time your trip wisely – If you come during the Full Moon Party or Half Moon Party, expect prices to skyrocket! You can pay double or triple what you normally would. My favorite time to visit is about a week before the party when there is just the right number of people on the island.
• Drink cheaply – Buckets, the famous alcohol-filled sand pails popular at the Full Moon Party, cost a lot of money. Save them until later (and save yourself from passing out too). You can get cheap beers at 7-Eleven and bring them onto the beach. It’s much cheaper that way!
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who can give you a free place to stay. It’s the best way to get insider tips about a place and connect with people who actually live there.
• Bargain hard – When shopping at the markets, use your negotiation skills. The rule of thumb is the more you buy, the cheaper the prices. So shop in groups for the best deals.
• Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Ko Pha Ngan, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Pick up a LifeStraw , which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Ko Pha Ngan

Looking for accommodation in Ko Pha Ngan? Here are my suggested places to stay:

• Na-Tub Hostel
• Bodega Party Hostel
• Echo Beach Hostel
• The Sanctuary

How to Get Around Ko Pha Ngan

Songthaews – Songthaews (pickup trucks that have been converted to taxis) are the main way to get around. There are no set stops — you just flag one down — though there is usually a sign on the dashboard to let you know the final stop. Expect to pay around 100-400 THB a ride. They have set prices and don’t really offer deals unless there are a lot of people involved.

Motorcycle Rental – You can rent motorcycles around the island for 150-350 THB per day. It’s hilly, so don’t make Ko Pha Ngan the place you learn how to ride a motorbike! There are a lot of accidents on this island because people underestimate the bad road conditions here. Always be sure to wear a helmet, not just for safety but because you can be fined up to 1,000 THB if you’re caught without one!

When to Go to Ko Pha Ngan

The average temperature in Ko Pha Ngan does not change very much throughout the year. The hottest months are from April to June, when temperatures hover between 26-32°C (79-89°F).

November to February are the coolest months and most popular time to visit, with temperatures between 23-30°C (73-86°F). February is the driest month and is the best time to come if you want to soak up the sun or enjoy some water sports. December and January in particular are the busiest months. Expect more crowds and higher prices.

Compared to other parts of Thailand, Ko Pha Ngan has a relatively short rainy season, only lasting from October through the beginning of December. Prices are a little cheaper during this time too.

How to Stay Safe in Ko Pha Ngan

Ko Pha Ngan is an incredibly safe place to backpack and travel — even if you’re traveling solo, and even as a solo female traveler. That said, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur so always keep your valuable secure. When at the beach, don’t leave anything valuable unattended just in case. Always keep your valuables secure when out and about and only bring the cash you need with you when drinking/partying.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

If you’re here to party, be aware that drugs are illegal in Thailand and drug use is punishable by time in some pretty bad prisons. Undercover police might try to sell you drugs, then arrest you. Locals might rat you out for a reward. Bottom line? Don’t do drugs while you’re here.

Also, be careful about your buckets of alcohol. Those things are lethal! I have a hard-and-fast rule that I and other experienced Full Mooners follow: no buckets before midnight. If you want to actually see the sunrise, I’d suggest you follow it too.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, read this post on common travel scams to avoid .

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more information about safety in Southeast Asia, check out this article .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

The Complete Guide to Diving in Koh Tao

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The Best time to visit Koh Phangan, Thailand

Heading to Koh Phangan? We share the best time to visit Koh Phangan by month, including the weather in Koh Phangan & the high and low seasons.

Koh Phangan is a beautiful destination in Thailand, but deciding when to visit Koh Phangan can be a challenge. We share the best times to visit the tropical island and talk through the pros and cons of each month. 

Best time to visit Koh Phangan by month

January – This is high season in Koh Phangan, so you can expect many visitors during this time but not as many as in December and August. Hotels prices are at their highest during this month too. 

February – This is high season in Koh Phangan but hotel prices begin to drop in price slightly. This is also the driest month, with only 85mm of rainfall, making it the best month to visit if you are looking for great weather. 

March – This is the low season in Koh Phangan, with fewer tourists than average but prices are still fairly high. Rain begins to increase slightly during this month, with around 195mm rain fall occurring this month. 

April – This is also low season in Koh Phangan but be aware of the Songkran Holidays when many locals will travel around the country. This increases the prices of domestic flights as well as hotel rates. Temperatures begin to hit 30°C and rainfall increases to 196mm. 

May – This is a very low season in Koh Phangan with much fewer tourists than other times of the year. As such, hotel prices are lower and luxury hotels have great offers. Although this is a quieter month, it is also a wet and humid month; temperatures hit 31°C and you can expect around 200mm of rainfall. 

June  – This is also a very low season in Koh Phangan with cheaper hotel rates available. Rainfall increases to around 260mm.

July – This is the high season in Koh Phangan, with hotel prices rising with the demand. Rainfall is slightly less than in June, falling to around 230mm. 

August – Along with December, this is peak season in Koh Phangan, with many visitors coming to the island during the school holidays. Prices rise accordingly. Rainfall sits around 210mm. 

September – Crowds drop considerably in September, making this a great month to visit. Prices of hotels also come down and hotels tend to offer great deals at this time too. 

October – This is a very low season in Koh Phangan, with very few tourists around but hotel prices only drop slightly from September. This is one of the wettest months in Koh Phangan, with around 270mm of rainfall. 

November – This is also a very low season and hotel prices continue to drop, making November a fantastic time to visit Koh Phangan if you are traveling on a budget. However, this is the wettest month of the year, seeing up to 552mm of rain. 

December – This is peak season in Koh Phangan, welcoming the most tourists during this month. On average, prices are more expensive during this month compared to other months. The rain begins to stop in December, with an average of 337mm a month. 

Quick notes on when to visit Koh Phangan

• The weather is hot all year round in Koh Phangan
• The rainiest months are September to November. 
• The sea is warm enough to swim in all year round. 
• April and May are the hottest months but changes in temperatures are small. 
• If you aren’t interested in partying, avoid visiting Koh Phangan during the full moon or half-moon parties, as the island can get crowded and expensive during this time. 

What is the best time to visit Koh Phangan? 

n our opinion, the best time to visit Koh Phangan is between December to March. The rainy season has finished and the April heat hasn’t arrived. December and January are the busiest months and many young travelers head here for the parties but visiting in February or March can offer a quieter scene and cheaper hotel prices.

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Ko Pha-Ngan

In the late 1970s, Ko Pha-Ngan was a pristine paradise that beckoned the intrepid. Its innocent days may be long gone, but don’t let that deter you: this gulf isle offers much more than the Full Moon parties that made it famous.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Ko Pha-Ngan. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Hat Than Sadet

This lovely beach of leaning coconut trees has the royal seal of approval, literally. Behind the collection of shacks that line the sands and azure waters…

This lovely, secluded cove has a stretch of soft sand overlooked by green hills and is a superb choice for a relaxing day of swimming and snorkelling…

Nam Tok Phaeng

Nam Tok Phaeng is protected by a national park and is a pleasant reward after a short but rough hike. After the waterfall (dry out of season), it's a…

Shrine of Our Lady Guanyin Phangan

This colourful Chinese temple cascades down a serene jungle-covered mountainside overlooking the Island's green canopy. Dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist…

Yang Na Yai Tree

Thrusting 54m into the heavens near Wat Pho, Ko Pha-Ngan's tallest Yang Na Yai (dipterocarpus alatus; ยางนา), said to be over 400 years old, is an…

Wat Phu Khao Noi

The oldest temple on the island, Wat Phu Khao Noi or 'temple of small mountain', near the hospital in Thong Sala, is believed to have been founded by…

Wat Khao Tham

With resident female monks, Wat Khao Tham, near Ban Tai, sits in shade among the trees high up on a hill. A bulletin board details meditation retreats at…

Chedi Wat Nai

This beautiful stone pagoda from the 19th century has carvings of monks, Garudas, demons, elephants, nagas and an intriguing man in a Chinese suit, as…

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Wildlife & Nature

Jan 18, 2016 • 5 min read

In the late 1970s, Ko Pha-Ngan was a pristine paradise that beckoned the intrepid. Its innocent days may be long gone, but don’t let that deter you: this…

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BEST TIME TO VISIT KOH PHANGAN

Koh phangan (ko pha-ngan) climate & weather.

Because the island has a tropical savanna climate in the Gulf of Thailand, knowing when is the best time to visit Koh Phangan is essential , as the weather can ruin your trip during the rainy season. The weather is hot, humid, and windy throughout the year, but the island is less humid than Phuket. Because the average temperature on Koh Phangan varies so little throughout the year, ranging between 24°C and 34°C, discussing hot and cold seasons is unnecessary; instead, we’ll focus solely on the island’s wet and dry seasons.

Best Time To Visit Koh Phangan By Month

Mid-december to april (dry seasons) - best time to visit koh phangan for all activities.

The rainy season on Koh Phangan usually ends in the first two weeks of December, and the dry season begins and lasts until April. The months of February and March are frequently the driest of the year. During this time, you may expect some bright and pleasant days with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C.

On the other hand, the high tide on the island occurs from December to March , making this the best time to visit Koh Phangan for individuals who prefer beach activities such as sunbathing, swimming, diving, or snorkelling. As a result, this time period is known as the island’s “ super peak season “. Reservations for lodging and air tickets should be made as early as possible, and be prepared for price increases not only for hotels and flights, but also for foods and drinks during these crowded months. 

For those on a tight budget , this peak season may be the worst time to visit Koh Phangan because there is nothing cheap to be found on the island. However, since most western tourists leave by the end of March, many Asians from the surrounding regions visit the island during or immediately after the Songkran Festival (Thailand New Year), which is usually held in the middle of April and just before the rainy season in May. As there are less visitors, most hotels will offer you the best possible rate.

May to November (Wet Seasons) - Best Time To Visit Koh Phangan On A Budget (Just Avoid Oct & Nov)

The wet season usually lasts from May to early December . Rainier days occur from May to September, with an average rainfall of about 110 mm. The wettest season on Koh Phangan begins in October (the start of the moosoon ), with a significant increase in the island’s rainfall that can more than double from September. November is by far the wettest month of the year, with an average rainfall of more than 500 mm. In this context, November is generally considered a low season , but it is the most budget – friendly month to visit.

May to July is another low season . Apart from the rainier days, these are also the hottest months of the year (average temperature above 32°C) and the island’s low tide . Most beachgoers avoid visiting during this time because of the shallow water , which makes swimming unfavourable. However, if you prefer to relax and have a quieter vacation and are not keen in beach activities, this could be the best time to visit Koh Phangan. Accommodation, air tickets, food, and nightlife expenses will be significantly lower than during peak season, particularly for hotels, which could be up to 30% to 40% cheaper.

Even though it is the pre-monsoon season , August to September are busier and more touristy than May and July. This is due to the fact that the water level begins to rise during these months, attracting mostly Asian visitors to the island for beach activities. You can still enjoy a few hours of clear blue sky in the morning before showers and heavy rain approach later in the afternoon or evening. Nonetheless, these months are far quieter than peak season, and lodging is still considered cheaper . It is worthwhile to consider visiting Koh Phangan during this time.

More About Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan, Thailand’s fifth largest island , is located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the east coast of Surat Thani province. It’s around 55 km off the coast of Thailand, 15 km north of Ko Samui and 35 km south of Koh Tao. The island is well known for its monthly full moon party in Haad Rin , but it also has some of Thailand’s most gorgeous beaches, most of which are still relatively undeveloped, allowing tourists to choose between a wild beach party and a peaceful beach vacation.

Apart from the stunning beaches and clear blue sea, half of the island is protected rainforest, with waterfalls, mountains, coconut farms, and other attractions for visitors. As soon as you arrive on the island, you will be greeted with breathtaking scenery.

How To Get To Koh Phangan

The only method to get to Koh Phangan is by ferry because the island does not have its own airport. The majority of tourists will travel to Samui International Airport (IATA: USM) and then transfer to Bangrak Seatran Pier to catch the ferry to Koh Phangan. If your first stop is Koh Samui and stay on the west coast, there are two more piers to choose from: Nathon Pier and Lipa Noi Pier .

A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Phangan: 24 Best Beaches & Things To Do

An island of spiritual hedonism.

Thailand is one of our favourite countries and we love coming back over and over.

After one and a half months in Koh Samui at the beginning of 2019, we were very excited to go to Koh Phangan.

Back in 2014 we only visited Koh Phangan for a single night and yes, it was for the Full Moon Party .

And while it was a fun and unforgettable experience with our friends, this time we came for the many delicious food options and the relaxed vibe .

During our two weeks on the island this time around, we actively avoided being on the island during the full moon.

And we fell in love with this pristine hippie paradise .

In this travel guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about Koh Phangan and share all of our best tips and secrets.

Where to stay in Koh Phangan:

• Luxury : Anantara Rasananda – Koh Phangan’s best and most expensive hotel.
• Value for money : Mangrove Villa – Comfortable rooms with a central location in Thong Sala.
• Budget : Haad Yao Bay View Resort – Direct beach access and where we stayed the longest on the island.

Search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan here .

Table of contents

Why visit Koh Phangan

Koh phangan orientation and map, sri thanu beach and zen beach, secret beach, haad yao beach, haad thien beach, haad gruad beach, haad salad beach, mae haad beach, malibu beach, chaloklum beach, bottle beach, thong nai pan beach, eastern beaches, southern beaches, hang out on the beach, visit a temple or shrine, waterfalls in koh phangan, viewpoints in koh phangan, channel your inner yogi and enjoy the hippie vibe, sport activities, diving and snorkelling, ang thong marine national park, join a thai cooking class, get a massage, moon parties, animal entertainment, best food in thong sala, best food in sri thanu, best food on the rest of the island, vegan and vegetarian places, supermarkets and convenience stores, fresh fruits and greens, renting a scooter, taxis and songthaews, from koh samui, from koh tao, from the thai mainland by bus, train and ferry, dry season (december to march), hot season (april to august), rainy season (september to november), our best tips for visiting koh phangan.

Many people come to Koh Phangan (also sometimes spelled Ko Pha-ngan) for the Full Moon Party , the Half Moon Party or even the Black Moon Party.

But there’s so much more to this gorgeous island.

The beaches are stunning and the water so clear.

The palm tree-lined roads curve beautifully through the lush landscapes .

Traffic on most roads is near non-existent, making exploring Koh Phangan on your own two wheels a delight.

The food options are overwhelmingly good, especially if you’re into eating healthily . Fresh fruit is abundant, and so are fully vegan restaurants and cafés.

The weather is perfect for most of the year.

And as always with Thailand, the people will make you smile time and time again.

Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand – off the east coast of the Kra Isthmus and a part of Surat Thani Province.

Most visitors will arrive in Koh Phangan by the pier in the main town of Thong Sala . This is the main commercial centre of the island.

Some will turn southeast towards Haad Rin , particularly known for the monthly Full Moon Parties.

The east coast north of Haad Rin is scarcely developed but has some very nice beaches and resorts.

Heading northwest from Thong Sala you’ll reach the island’s spiritual centre Sri Thanu before approaching the beaches of Haad Yao, Salad Beach and Mae Haad Beach.

Chaloklum in the north is very relaxed and popular with divers.

Beaches in Koh Phangan

In general, the beaches on the east coast of Koh Phangan are better suited for swimming as the west coast beaches have bigger tidal variations due to offshore reefs (and are shallower).

The sand is very fine on most beaches and they’re all great for playing and tanning.

Of course, the sunrise can be seen from the beaches on the east coast and the sunset from the west coast beaches.

Heading directly towards the ocean from the south part of Sri Thanu (around Karma Kafe), after crossing a small bridge, Sri Thanu Beach will greet you in all of its glory.

It’s probably the widest beach of the island , though development sits on most of the sand. There’s still plenty of room, though.

And it’s beautiful.

If you’re alright getting wet, you can reach Zen Beach by heading north. Otherwise, get back out to the road and then turn left by the language school by the start of the lake.

Zen Beach is perhaps even prettier than its southern neighbour.

We wouldn’t mind spending a few days on the two… to, you know, really compare them.

Read more about where to stay near Sri Thanu Beach and Zen Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Sri Thanu and Zen Beach here (adlink) .

Well… If “secret” is in the name, can it truly be secret?

Nonetheless, adding some allure seems to be great for marketing, because Secret Beach is very popular .

When we arrived in the middle of the day, lots of people were sunbathing, swimming and generally having a great time on Secret Beach. It wasn’t crowded, though.

There’s also a nice beach bar serving snacks and drinks.

If you go all the way to the left of the beach towards the rocks, there are almost no people. We found ourselves a perfect little spot.

You can even climb the cliffs or walk around them in the water, and there will be two more small beaches with only a few people – those people might be naked though, as the extra hidden beaches are considered non-official nudist beaches .

Read more about where to stay near Secret Beach here or search for the best value accommodation here (adlink) .

It’s easy to enjoy your vacation on Haad Yao Beach.

As with most places on the island, it’s a chill place to hang out.

The massage ladies wave and smile, a few children run around, the dogs are playing and people seem genuinely happy.

There are lots of restaurants and bars with just enough space between them to make the beach seem pristine and developed at the same time.

At low tide, the water level gets really low. Haad Yao Beach is calmer at its northern end.

Read more about where to stay near Haad Yao Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Haad Yao Beach here (adlink) .

This beach is very small, but you won’t be sharing it with more than a few other people from the Sense Asia Beach Resort .

You can stroll along a paved boardwalk, but not much happens here. And that’s the point.

Haad Gruad Beach seemed popular with the dedicated yoga crowd, and we also spotted a few people donning their birthday suits.

We went there just before sunset and the vibe was very chill .

There’s a small restaurant or two and a huge swing.

Read more about where to stay near Haad Gruad Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Haad Gruad Beach here (adlink) .

This northwestern beach is quite long and there are lots of restaurants where you can dine looking at the ocean, admiring the sunset.

Salad Beach will appeal to most people looking for a beach in Thailand.

It’s relaxed , not too crowded and has just enough options to keep you occupied.

The beach is nicely sheltered on both its southern and northern ends.

Read more about where to stay near Haad Salad Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Haad Salad Beach here (adlink) .

Mae Haad Beach is definitely one of Koh Phangan’s more unique beaches.

At low tide, you can walk along the sandbar to the nearby small island of Ko Ma .

The beach itself is long, wide and all in all a very attractive place to worship the sun and the gentle waves.

Read more about where to stay near here or search for the best value accommodation near Mae Haad Beach here (adlink) .

Stretching westward from Chaloklum Bay, Malibu Beach was one of our favourite beaches in Koh Phangan.

The cute looking round trees are a fun addition, but the real star of Malibu Beach is the fine-as-powder sand and incredibly clear water.

There’s also a swing for your ‘gram.

Read more about where to stay near Malibu Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Malibu Beach here (adlink) .

Chaloklum Beach in the north is primarily a fishing village.

The main village of Chaloklum is located in the middle of the beach and here there’s a local vibe and you can see lots of fishermen with longtail boats .

To avoid the boats, you can swim at the western and eastern ends of the bay. The sand is white, there are plenty of palm trees and it’s pretty quiet.

All the way to the left, you will find the gorgeous Malibu Beach.

Read more about where to stay near Chaloklum Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Chaloklum Beach here (adlink) .

Bottle Beach can only be reached by boat or by trekking through the jungle, and herein lies some of its appeal.

The reward for getting to this hard-to-reach beach is a pristine stretch of sand with incredible water.

The Thong Nai Pan Beach is divided into two; Thong Nai Pan Noi (north) and Thong Nai Pan Yai (south). You can find them in the northeastern part of Koh Phangan.

Even though it’s a remote part of the island, shops and many great restaurants are available.

We stayed a few days with Buri Rasa Village at Thong Nai Pan Noi and enjoyed the laid back vibe.

Read more about where to stay near Thong Nai Pan Beach here or search for the best value accommodation near Thong Nai Pan Beach here (adlink) .

The east side of Koh Phangan is not as developed as the rest of the island.

However, if you go there you can find some beautiful beaches like Haad Than Sadet Beach (close to Than Sadet Waterfall), Haad Thong Reng , Hat Nam Tok , Hat Yang , Haad Why Nam Beach and Haad Yuan Beach .

There are also a few beaches named the same as on the westside: Hat Yao (east) and Haad Thien (east).

Search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan’s northeast here (adlink) .

As previously mentioned, Haad Rin Beach is where the Full Moon Party happens.

If you want to party, this is the place for you.

When we visited this time, we didn’t go to Haad Rin but the beach looks really pretty during the day and when it’s not a full moon.

Leela Beach in the south is worth a visit as well if you are in that area.

If you want to learn more about Haad Rin and Leela Beach, Places of Juma has a great article with the top 12 beaches in Koh Phangan .

Search for the best value accommodation near Haad Rin Beach here (adlink) .

What to do in Koh Phangan

Even if you aren’t the beachgoing type, you have to head to Koh Phangan’s beaches to experience their peacefulness.

Their tranquillity isn’t unmatched in Thailand, but the sense of community, especially on the west coast, is pretty unique.

And the water is beautiful.

There are about 20 temples in Koh Phangan.

Though not as grandiose as the temples in Koh Samui (or in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or other bigger cities), they’re still deeply spiritual places filled with that special religious atmosphere.

Check out Wat Phu Khao Noi , Wat Khao Tam and Wat Pho in the southwest or the Chinese Temple in the northwest.

The temples are free to visit but remember to dress respectfully, i.e. covering your shoulders, chest and knees.

First and foremost: like everywhere else, waterfalls depend on water flow.

If you’re visiting Koh Phangan in the dry season (roughly from December to March) or it simply hasn’t rained much, water won’t be gushing out the falls.

As we were in Koh Phangan in the dry season, we only visited two waterfalls.

There are quite a few more if you’re in the mood for chasing them.

Paradise waterfall

Paradise waterfall is in the northern part of Koh Phangan close to Chaloklum Bay.

The road leading to the falls is short from the main road but steep in sections and bumpy.

Though not material for a documentary on dangerous roads, be careful.

There’s a rope swing plunging you into the water and an option to hike up the falls to get a great view.

The price is 20 baht per person (~ less than 1 USD / 1 EUR), including a water bottle.

Great plastic karma to you if you say no thanks and bring your own water instead. The price is the same though.

Phaeng waterfall

Part of the Thansadej National Park , Phaeng waterfall is a very accessible waterfall in Koh Phangan.

The park is actually home to several different waterfalls, with the two closest to the entrance being Phaeng Noi Waterfall and Phaeng Yai Waterfall .

They run off into pools suitable for swimming.

There are options for both a short and a long hiking route in the park. We just went to the Dom Sila viewpoint .

Flip flops won’t kill you but wearing sturdy shoes will make the trek much more enjoyable.

The ground is basically roots and stones and can potentially become very slippery.

The entrance is free but you have to pay for parking which is around 20 baht for scooters (~ less than 1 USD / 1 EUR) and 50 baht for cars (~ 1.6 USD / 1.4 EUR).

Being a mountainous island , Koh Phangan has some pleasing viewpoints scattered around its hillsides.

Whenever the road gets steep, follow it to its steepest point and you’ll probably get a pretty good view.

One of the more famous ones is the Dom Sila viewpoint located inside the Thansadej National Park.

Not so much into hiking? It’s possible to drive all the way to Secret Mountain .

Alex found a cool and probably very seldom visited viewpoint on one of his runs.

Start at Diamond Muay Thai just north of Thong Sala and continue past the small lakes.

Go right and from there take the steepest road. Once at the top, you’ll have a great view over the southwest of Koh Phangan.

If you love yoga , you will love Koh Phangan.

Even better if you love people who love yoga. Because there are a lot of those people on the island!

You can find several yoga studios, yoga teacher courses and other activities related to a holistic health approach scattered around, though mainly close to Sri Thanu on the west coast.

If yoga is the spiritual gateway “drug”, Koh Phangan is the vortex you might end up in.

Apart from yoga, there are also a lot of other courses offered.

We are going to mention a few: tantric communication, breath of love intensive, Ayurveda juice detox, inner dance, dragon magick, shiatsu massage, aquatic therapy training, blue lotus initiation, crystal vocal alchemy and mandala art expression.

Yeah, we are just listing a bunch of courses we saw on flyers around the island and we don’t know what half of them mean, but it sounds really cool!

You can even learn to become a rebirthing breathwork facilitator.

Okay, we will stop now…

…But not before letting you know that there even is a resort offering a full fruitarian experience .

Luckily there are lots of other ways to stay active in Koh Phangan if meditation music makes you yawn.

Get buff at Evolve in Sri Thanu where you’ll find free weights, gymnastic rings and boxing bags. There are day passes as well as cheaper prices for memberships.

You can also opt to join the locals in the national sport Thai boxing (Muay Thai) at one of the dedicated gyms.

If you want some scenery to go along with your workout, rent a mountain bike and explore the steep dirt roads.

Being an island, there are also lots of wind and water sports available including kite surfing and kayaking .

Dogs can, unfortunately, be a nuisance on some of the smaller roads if you’re running , but stick to the main roads and go in the early morning and you’ll have no problem getting a runner’s high.

The main roads in the northwest and the northeast are especially great for adding some vertical to your routine.

There are a few reefs around the island, most notably at Koh Ma in the northwest and at Koh Tae Tok in the southwest.

The neighbouring island, Koh Tao, is more famous for its diving sites but from Koh Phangan, you can easily reach many of the same sites.

Sail Rock is about an hour’s boat ride from Koh Phangan and here you can meet manta rays, barracudas and sometimes even whale sharks.

Southwest Pinnacles and Koh Nang Yuan are also popular choices.

There are several dive schools in Koh Phangan more than willing to take you out into the Gulf of Thailand.

The archipelago southwest of Koh Phangan consists of 42 smaller islands in different shapes and sizes, famous for their untouched beauty.

The main island Ko Wua Talap contains the national park’s headquarters, a cave, a stunning beach as well as the main draw for most visitors to Ang Thong; the view dubbed the viewpoint of viewpoints – also called the most beautiful sight in Thailand.

So far, we have to agree.

On the other islands, it’s possible to visit an emerald lake , hike to other viewpoints, chill out on the secluded beaches or snorkel in the waters.

There’s an entrance fee of 300 baht per person (~ 9.4 USD / 8.3 EUR) which is sometimes included in the price.

Kayaking, snorkel gear, food and drinks are sometimes included as well, but not always – so make sure to double check with your travel agent.

We booked one of the few bungalows in the national park to be able to spend more time soaking in the beauty of this place.

Ang Thong Marine National Park is usually closed in November and December due to rough ocean conditions.

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If you love Thai food you can learn how to cook delicious meals yourself by signing up for a cooking class.

They’re great fun and you’ll usually walk away with the exact recipes and new knowledge of the cooking concepts.

Sometimes, you’ll also visit a local market to buy fresh produce before getting into the kitchen.

Expect to pay around 1,500 baht (~ 47 USD / 42 EUR) for a three-meal course.

We didn’t try it, but the school by the lake in Sri Thanu is supposed to be pretty good.

Getting a massage is one of our favourite activities in Thailand!

Thai massages are so hardcore but so amazing.

And the prices are more than fair .

Usually, an hour of Thai massage will cost you 300 baht (~ 9.4 USD / 8.3 EUR).

The massage parlours also offer oil massages, deep tissue massages (not for the faint of heart), Swedish massages as well as other types of beauty treatments.

As previously mentioned, you will have lots of opportunities to party hard in Koh Phangan.

The biggest ball is without a doubt the famous Full Moon Party .

Once a month, everything neon clashes at Haad Rin on the southeast of the island for the legendary party, attended by thousands of people.

If you don’t like crowds , this is not the party for you.

Walking through the narrow streets leading down to the beach, you practically get buckets of alcohol thrown at you for a few hundred baht.

With sand under your feet, it’s all about stumbling your way to a scene where you can dance until the sun rises.

Naturally, every bed gets booked up around the full moon in Koh Phangan, so if you plan to attend, it’s wise to secure your accommodation well in advance.

It almost goes without saying, but if you attend the Full Moon Party you have to be extremely aware to hold on to your belongings, keep your drink from getting spiked and worse.

The atmosphere is fun, but there’s unfortunately also a dark side to the festivities.

Be careful and have a good time, but remember moderation!

There are also parties twice monthly at the half moons as well as one at the black moon .

What not to do in Koh Phangan

Or should we say animal exploitation ?

Please, avoid riding elephants , taking selfies with tigers or watching dolphin shows.

There are so many reasons you shouldn’t support this kind of cruelty.

Read all about it in our detailed guide Be a responsible tourist in Thailand: 10 things you need to know .

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

Whether you want to rough it and stay in a wooden bungalow without electricity or a luxurious resort , Koh Phangan will offer a suitable place to rest your head.

Compared to Koh Samui, the top resorts aren’t as high-end, and there aren’t any condo-type places, but the options are still pretty good.

Be sure to book well in advance as the best hotels and guesthouses in Koh Phangan tend to fill fast.

If all you want from a trip to Koh Phangan is yoga , vegan food and beautiful beaches , staying in or near Sri Thanu is a no-brainer.

The western beaches are generally gorgeous, the food here is super health-oriented and there are so many yoga schools offering everything from daily sessions to month-long teacher courses.

Sri Thanu is where most digital nomads and expats tend to stay in Koh Phangan.

The “city” itself can easily be walked, but having your own scooter is advisable for exploring the nearby beaches and areas. Unless you really like hills…

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations in Sri Thanu or search for the best value accommodation in Sri Thanu here (adlink) .

Beyond The Blue Horizon Villa Resort

With just 9 villas, Beyond The Blue Horizon is one of the more intimate villa resorts near Sri Thanu.

The pool overlooks the beautiful beach , as do some of the rooms, and they all include a balcony/patio, free wifi, air conditioning and a private bathroom.

It’s located right next to a yoga studio, and the delicious eateries of Sri Thanu are just minutes away.

Check prices and availability at Beyond The Blue Horizon Villa Resort (adlink) .

Loyfa Natural Resort

With the heart of Sri Thanu in walking distance , you’ll love the location of Loyfa Resort if you appreciate a wide array of healthy dining options.

The resort itself is situated by a private beach with sunset views and also has two pools .

Each room features a balcony (some with sea views ), free wifi, air condition and a private bathroom.

If you wanna go fancy without totally breaking the bank, consider booking the romantic pool villa .

By the way, rumour says that the breakfast includes vegan pancakes…

Check prices and availability at Loyfa Natural Resort (adlink) .

Benjamin Hut

Benjamin Hut looks like a promising place if you’re looking for a cheap double bed to sleep in near Sri Thanu.

There’s a pool and the ocean (and sunset) is mere steps away.

Each guestroom comes with a small balcony , air conditioning and a private bathroom.

Check prices and availability at Benjamin Hut (adlink) .

Staying north of Sri Thanu on the west coast of Koh Phangan is very popular for both families and independent travellers .

The beaches are nice for tanning and relaxing and there are plenty of good-value accommodations and Thai restaurants.

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan’s northwest here (adlink) .

Haad Yao Bay View Resort

We spent the majority of our time in Koh Phangan at Haad Yao Bay View Resort and ended up really liking it.

It’s a huge hotel with almost 200 rooms, so you’ll be disappointed if you’re looking for very personalized service.

What we got instead was a low-priced room with a desk , wifi (we asked specifically for a room close to a router as some of them might have weaker connections), air condition and a private bathroom.

We opted out of the breakfast and instead drove around the west coast for morning adventures followed by café and restaurant meals.

Haad Yao Bay View Resort is located in the northernmost part of Haad Yao Beach and you’ll be just steps away from the ocean. The hotel also has a pool , which we didn’t use, but it looked nice.

Check prices and availability at Haad Yao Bay View Resort (adlink) .

Cookies Salad Resort

The 3-starred beachfront resort Cookies Salad overlooks Haad Salad Beach from its southern end.

All the rooms feature ocean views as well as air conditioning and private bathrooms.

There’s a pool, and people seem to really like staying here with friendly staff and good food from the restaurant.

Check prices and availability at Cookies Salad Resort (adlink) .

Thong Sala is a very convenient place to stay in Koh Phangan as it’s pretty much in the middle of everything (you can’t stay at the geographic middle of Koh Phangan as it’s jungle-clad).

This also means that you have to drive to get to most activities and beaches, but as the island isn’t too big, this might not be an issue.

Thong Sala Pier is where the ferries arrive and depart to the mainland as well as to Koh Tao and Koh Samui.

The food options are great , and if you want to be able to walk from place to place, wheels aren’t needed here.

The average price for sleeping in Thong Sala is cheaper than the rest of the island, which could be the main argument for staying here.

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Thong Sala here (adlink) .

Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane

If you want a 5-star luxurious, romantic stay on Phangan staying between Thong Sala and Sri Thanu, this is probably your best bet.

The beach isn’t the island’s best, but with the resort’s pool plus either a room overlooking the ocean (and sunset !) or a room with a private plunge pool , you’ll manage.

Check prices and availability at Kupu Kupu (adlink) .

Haad Rin is the main tourist town of Koh Phangan and where you’ll find the best nightlife.

It’s also where the monthly Full Moon Party is held, so book in advance if you want to stay here in the week leading up to the event!

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Haad Rin here (adlink) .

Richmond Guesthouse

Richmond Guesthouse isn’t the most classy hotel in town, but it just might be the best value place to sleep in Haad Rin.

The rooms look rather basic, but there’s free wifi, air condition and a private bathroom – all within walking distance of the beach.

Check prices and availability at Richmond Guesthouse (adlink) .

Palita Lodge

If you’re looking for a comfortable place to stay close to the Full Moon Party where you’ll actually be able to sleep , consider Palita Lodge at the northern part of Haad Rin.

As there are no DJs in front during the party, it’s definitely one of the lesser noisy places to stay, yet you’ll still be in walking distance to the action.

The rooms look nice, as does the garden, and there’s a pool for you to plunge in.

Check prices and availability at Palita Lodge (adlink) .

When we arrived at Koh Phangan, we stayed in the northeast for a few nights.

This is the most remote part of Koh Phangan, and though there are plenty of restaurants to try, you’ll have to drive to Thong Sala and onwards from there to explore the rest of the island.

If you are simply looking for a chilled vacation in Koh Phangan, this is perfect. If you want to see the whole island in a few days, perhaps it’s less suitable… Though the distances aren’t far by international standards – the longest trip in Koh Phangan isn’t more than an hour or an hour and a half of driving.

Scroll down for specific hotel recommendations or search for the best value accommodation in Koh Phangan’s northeast here (adlink) .

Buri Rasa Village

Buri Rasa Village in Koh Phangan is a great choice for any holidaymaker; young, old or in-between, looking for a relaxing tropical vacation on one of Thailand’s most unique islands.

If you’re looking to unwind and have fun , the natural splendour of the northeastern part of Koh Phangan and the charming setting of Buri Rasa Village offers you the perfect place in which to do so.

You can see lots of pictures and read more about Buri Rasa Village in our review or you can check prices and availability here (adlink) .

Anantara Rasananda

Though comfort beyond what Buri Rasa offers is probably overkill for most travellers, nearby Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas offers a truly luxurious resort experience (for more than double the price, as well).

Reviewers are raving about their experiences here, especially praising the quality of the service and the beautiful rooms.

Check prices and availability at Anantara Rasananda (adlink) .

Suan Sawan Ocean View

If you’re on a smaller budget and still want to stay comfortably in the northeast of Koh Phangan, Suan Sawan Ocean View looks like a solid bet.

It’s not located directly on the beach, but it has a pool and the beach is only a few minutes of walking away.

The sea view rooms have balconies, air condition and private bathrooms, making Suan Sawan Ocean View seem like great value for money .

Check prices and availability at Suan Sawan Ocean View (adlink) .

Where to eat in Koh Phangan

We have rarely eaten as diversely and as well as we did while visiting Koh Phangan.

The restaurant and café scene is bursting with creativity and there’s a lot of soul being put into the food on the island.

If you have dietary restrictions of any kind, you won’t have any problem finding suitable foods.

As vegans, we found that we could eat almost any kind of food we wanted to in a vegan version – all the way from shawarma and Indian foods to pizza and burgers.

There are also a lot of great cafés in Koh Phangan offering organic coffee, smoothie bowls, delectable desserts and nice work environments.

Of course, you won’t have any problem finding delicious Thai food. Also in organic and vegan versions.

Happy eating!

Being the biggest city in Koh Phangan it makes sense that you’ll find many of the island’s best places to have a bite in Thong Sala.

The Pantip Market is a no-brainer if you want to snack the night away and sample all kinds of known and unknown foods – including organic Thai food at Soul Organics .

Pizza Luna , located inside the food market just east of Thong Sala, serves the best pizzas on the island.

Sri Thanu is the epicentre of spiritualism and health in Koh Phangan so this is naturally where you’ll find the highest concentration of restaurants and cafés focusing on whole foods and their healing powers.

Just walking down the main street, you’re spoilt for choice.

Get your favourite foods in vegan versions at Eat.co and at Karma Kafe , go for a Middle Eastern feast at Taboon or head just south of town to dine at Chana Masala where you can munch on dosas and other tasty Indian foods or visit a bit further south Pure Vegan Heaven that .

If you rent your own wheels (this is definitely the best way to explore the island), driving from restaurant to restaurant is a great way to spend the day in Koh Phangan.

Walu Bowls is where to go for perfect açai bowls and a nice cup of coffee to start the day right.

At Organic Vegetarian Food by Mrs Pong, you might have to be patient as Mrs Pong is working solo in the kitchen, but the Thai food coming out of there is so worth it.

If you’re up near the northwest of the island, stop by at Ying Ying’s Kitchen for home cooked rice dishes, noodles and Thai curries.

We got the best cups of coffee at Bubba’s Roastery in Haad Yao.

During our stay in Koh Phangan, we ate 100% vegan fare with delight.

It’s probably one of the easiest places to get vegan food in Southeast Asia.

Koh Phangan is home to astonishingly many vegan-friendly places!

We have written a detailed vegan guide to Koh Phangan with the best restaurants and cafés .

Check out the Koh Phangan map on Happycow for an updated overview of all the animal-friendly places to eat on the island or find some great vegan recipes you can cook yourself .

As in Koh Samui, you will find a Big C , a Tesco Lotus and a Makro in Koh Phangan.

They’re smaller and stock a less diverse range of products than their Samui namesakes, but all offer most anything you’ll realistically need while staying on the island.

In the afternoons, there’s usually a local market in front of Big C where you can shop for low-quality clothes as well as Thai food.

There are lots of 7/11 and Family Mart shops on the island. They’re both open 24 hours a day and are quite well stocked when it comes to snacks and daily necessities.

The strong air conditioning inside them can be a lifesaver in the heat and their prices aren’t outrageous.

For the freshest and cheapest fruits and vegetables in Koh Phangan, you have to visit the local fruit stalls.

They draw you in with their rainbow displays and keep you coming back because everything is so fresh and embarrassingly cheap.

In many of the fruit stalls, it’s also possible to order fruit shakes and fruit platters .

How to get around Koh Phangan

Unfortunately, Koh Phangan hasn’t really prioritized public transportation on the island.

Almost everyone has their own motorbike or car .

It’s possible to rent your own vehicle during your stay in Koh Phangan. Prices vary depending on the model and the place you rent it from.

Apparently, some motorbike shops scam tourists so it’s advisable to check out reviews of the place before you rent the vehicle.

We rented a Honda Click motorbike from Budget Two in Thong Sala at the pier and we can recommend this shop. It was very professional and our motorbike was new and worked perfectly.

Go for a new model with good brakes . Compared to the rest of Southeast Asia, the roads are new and in relatively nice condition in Koh Phangan, but beware that many of them are very curvy and hilly.

Normally, a motorbike costs 250 baht per day (~ 7.8 USD / 7 EUR) but as we rented ours for 9 days, we got it for 200 baht per day (~ 6.3 USD / 5.6 EUR).

You can probably get an even better price if you rent it for longer or bargain harder.

It’s very important to insist on getting a helmet and then to always wear it while driving.

We saw a lot of “ veeeery cool people” not wearing helmets and some even listened to music while driving. Be careful on the roads.

If driving yourself isn’t your prefered mode of transportation, you can also grab a yellow and red taxi or find a seat in an open taxi called songthaew .

The latter is usually the cheapest option, although prices can vary greatly depending on your bargaining skills, the time of day and even the mood of the driver.

How to get to Koh Phangan

As Koh Samui is the best-connected island of Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, many people opt to travel to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui by boat.

Every day, at least three ferries leave from Big Buddha Pier on Koh Samui’s north coast and arrive at the pier in Haad Rin (making it especially convenient for the partygoers).

There are also ferries from Bangrak Pier, Maenam Pier, Lipa Noi Pier and Nathon Pier that instead arrive in Phangan’s main city, Thong Sala .

The boats start running in the morning and keep on making the crossing until it’s almost midnight.

The price for a ferry from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan should be between 300 and 600 baht (between ~ 9.4 USD / 8.5 EUR and ~ 18.8 USD / 17 EUR) depending on the speed of travel and comfort level.

The trip takes between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours.

Koh Tao is further away from Koh Phangan than Koh Samui is, so from here the trip takes from 1 to 2 hours.

There are about 6 ferries doing the trip each day with prices hovering around 500 baht (~ 15.7 USD / 14.1 EUR).

From the Thai mainland, the best way to get to Koh Phangan is by taking a ferry from Surat Thani Pier or Donsak Pier .

To get there from Bangkok , a good choice is to take the sleeper train from Hua Lamphong Station or one of the many buses leaving early in the morning.

Combined bus + ferry tickets are easy to buy from tour operators.

The boats arrive in Koh Phangan between 2 hours and 30 minutes and 6 hours after departing – depending on from where you leave, the boat’s speed and whether or not it stops in Koh Samui before reaching Koh Phangan.

From Surat Thani Town , expect to pay around 350 baht (~ 11 USD / 9.9 EUR) for a 4-hour trip.

Schedules change frequently and vary with the seasons, so be sure to make arrangements prior to travelling if you want to lock down your itinerary.

If you have more leeway, it’s possible to simply arrive on the pier and ask about the next crossing.

The first boat to Koh Phangan usually leaves around 7 am and the last in the afternoon.

If you’re late to the party (both figuratively and literally), consider catching a ferry to Koh Samui and then connect onwards from there.

Tip: Full Moon Party coming up? The ferries and boats will be full of partygoers travelling to Koh Phangan, so make sure to book in advance.

When to visit Koh Phangan

When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan?

Koh Phangan is an all-year-round holiday spot .

The weather is really pleasant most of the time and there are lots of things to do in any kind of weather.

Throughout the year, the average temperature is about 28°C (82ºF).

Generally, there are three seasons in Koh Phangan: the dry season, the hot season and the rainy season.

There’s always a chance it’s gonna rain , but October and November are the wettest months.

February and March are the sunniest and driest months in Koh Phangan.

As with any other place, the weather can change from year to year.

In the dry season, the weather in Koh Phangan is amazing.

Peak season is from mid-December to mid-February .

If you’re planning your vacation during these months it’s recommended to book in advance .

There will always be available accommodation in Koh Phangan, but the best hotels, bungalows and villas might be fully booked.

We visited from March 2 to March 15 in 2019 and the weather was perfect.

The sun is very strong , especially from around 11 am to 3 pm. We recommend that you eat lunch, take a nap or at least stay in the shade at this time.

In the hot season, you can expect hot daytime sunshine followed by cooling afternoon rain showers.

Because of the holidays, July and August are popular months to visit Koh Phangan.

The region is one of the drier ones in Thailand during the summer months.

It rains quite a lot from July to December with October and November being the rainiest months .

Like in most other tropical places, it’s usually heavy rain for a short amount of time.

You will also have many hours of dry and sunny weather even if it’s rainy season.

As always, there are pros and cons to visiting Koh Phangan during the low season.

It’s much less crowded and you can be lucky to find great deals on accommodation .

The landscape will be greener and the waterfalls will flow freely .

You’ll have to deal with the showers, though.

• One of our top tips for a more sustainable stay in Koh Phangan is to fill water into larger containers from one of the “water machines” set up around the island. The water is priced at just 1 baht per litre. It’s totally safe to drink and can heavily reduce the number of plastic bottles you end up using on your trip.
• The electrical outlets in Koh Phangan generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
• How long to stay in Koh Phangan is a difficult question to answer – you can see the highlights in a few adventure-filled days or spend weeks eating your way through all of the delicious food and exploring the nooks and crannies of the island.
• Koh Phangan vs Koh Samui vs Koh Tao … If you have the time, why choose? Each island offers something unique and is just a short ferry ride away. Quickly summarized, Koh Phangan has unique parties and more of an undiscovered vibe + a big yoga community, Koh Samui offers the best value accommodation and has something for everyone and Koh Tao is much smaller and famous for its diving schools.
• Beachwear belongs on the beach . Though the Thai inhabitants of Koh Phangan are used to tourists, it’s considered inappropriate to wear beachwear anywhere else.
• Be sure to book your accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling in the high season (July, August and December to March) or around the full moon . There will always be beds available, but many of the best hotels and resorts get fully booked months ahead.
• Koh Phangan is beautiful . Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content .
• Wifi in Koh Phangan is everywhere in hotels and cafés. It’s usually fast enough. If you need to stay connected while on the road, consider buying a local SIM card with data. It’s rather cheap and the process is simple.
• Koh Phangan is super family-friendly . Thai people love children, and lazing around is hassle-free on the island.
• The sun is strong . Remember your sun protection!
• Credit cards are mostly used at upscale places, so you’ll need to carry cash for most restaurants, shops and services.
• You’ll seldom be far away from an ATM and/or a place to exchange money . Usually, it’s cheapest to withdraw money in baht. Because of fees, try to limit your amount of withdrawals and go for your daily max each time.
• With a few well-respected hospitals, clinics and dentists on the island, help is never too far away should you have any medical issues while visiting Koh Phangan. For really serious stuff, Koh Samui or Surat Thani have better facilities.

Thanks for reading

Thanks for getting all the way to the end!

We hope our guide to Koh Phangan has been useful.

If you’ve visited Koh Phangan, it would be awesome to hear your best tips in the comments.

If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to help.

Currently planning a trip? Check out our article Hand Luggage Only: Our Packing List for Travelling in Southeast Asia for Several Months for what to pack when travelling to Koh Phangan.

Pin for later:

Our favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for cheap hotels.
• Momondo for the best flight deals.
• SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

• Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
• Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
• See all of our camera gear here .
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2 thoughts on “ A Complete Travel Guide to Koh Phangan: 24 Best Beaches & Things To Do ”

Hi, after reading your blog, I felt like I have to visit this place. Me and my wife have planned to visit koh phangan in Feb 2023, although we have decided to skip the full moon party. Thanks for such detailed virtual tour of the place.

Hi Niraj, we’re happy to hear that you found our travel guide useful! We truly hope you will have an awesome time in Koh Phangan in February 🙂

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Best Time To Visit Koh Phangan

Finding out the best time to visit Koh Phangan is important because the weather can make or break your trip.

Generally speaking, it enjoys hot and tropical weather all year round. However, it’s also prone to monsoon seasons.

Best Time To Visit Koh Phangan, Month For Weather & Less Rain, Thailand

March to June is the hottest season, and perhaps the best time to visit Koh Phangan. Expect full-on hot tropical weather during these months, but for those coming from cold countries, the warm weather will be welcome and tempt you to go for a swim even more. If you want to get a tan or intend to spend a lot of time exploring, swimming, diving, or snorkelling, this is a great time to book your trip. Just make sure to be prepared for the heat; stay hydrated and wear sun protection.

From around July to September is the pre-monsoon season; this is when the weather is still hot, but there are higher chances of rain. During these months, Koh Phangan tends to be quieter, although lower temperatures make it more refreshing.

October and November are the island’s monsoon season. Although it won’t be raining every single day, these months see significantly more rain than the rest of the year. When it isn’t raining, the weather is usually warm enough for visitors to still enjoy a lot of outdoor activities . It’s not uncommon for there to be several hot days from October to November, but be prepared for a few days of rain.

If you aren’t interested in partying or prefer to stay away from the crowds, avoid visiting Koh Phangan during the weeks of the Full Moon or Half Moon parties . During these times, hotels tend to increase their prices, and it will also mean that you will be sharing the island with thousands of other travellers.

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What is the best time of year to visit koh phangan.

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If you’re planning a trip to Koh Phangan, we strongly recommend that you consider when you visit. After all, booking a holiday to a tropical paradise and then being rained out for an entire week is no one’s idea of fun.

It is also important to recognize that the seasons in Koh Phangan have changed. So, if you are relying on the internet to help you work out the best time of year to visit Koh Phangan, you are likely to find a lot of old and outdated information.

This is a helpful and up-to-date guide on the latest seasons and weather patterns in Koh Phangan to help you decide on the best time of year to visit. If you’re planning to visit Koh Samui or Koh Tao, the advice in this article also applies to these islands as well. The weather conditions and climate in both of these islands tend to be very similar to Koh Phangan.

Planning a trip to Koh Phangan? Don’t miss this guide to the best areas to stay in Koh Phangan

How do you get around in Koh Phangan? Don’t miss our full guide to transport in Koh Phangan

What is the climate like in Koh Phangan?

The climate in Koh Phangan is a hot tropical climate. In the past, there was a distinctive monsoon season in Koh Phangan. However, the seasons are now less pronounced and a lot more mixed up. On dry, clear days, it can get extremely hot in Koh Phangan, with daytime temperatures reaching 40°C, and this can happen throughout the year. During the night, temperatures can drop as low as 20°C. It is often too hot to sleep without a fan or air conditioning at night. Most days in Koh Phangan are very humid. This leads to it feeling very clammy and stuffy, and it can make it very difficult to cool down without air conditioning.

What are the peak tourist seasons in Koh Phangan?

There are two peak tourist seasons per year in Koh Phangan. The first peak of the year starts during the Christmas holidays when there is an influx of tourists from the northern hemisphere, and the peak season runs from January to March. Koh Phangan is very busy from January to March, and we recommend booking your boat a couple of days early and also making sure you book your accommodation a month or two in advance. This is particularly true around the time of the full moon party. 

If you’re planning to do diving or snorkeling in Koh Phangan, the water is typically clearer and calmer from January to March, and there is a lower risk of encountering dangerous jellyfish. It is also important to be aware that there are dangerous jellyfish encounters in Koh Phangan throughout the year, but the chance is higher during rainy and cool periods.

The second peak tourist season starts in July and runs until September. This coincides with the summer holidays in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere. From July to September, Koh Phangan is fairly busy, and we also recommend booking boats and accommodation in advance if you’re planning to visit in these months.

When is the rainy season in Koh Phangan?

Here is a chart showing the average rainfall each month in Koh Samui. The data is from Weather and Climate.com . Notice rainfall throughout the year with the peak between October and December.

In the past, Koh Phangan had very definite and pronounced seasons with a hot dry season and a hot wet season. The wet season was in November and December. In these months, the weather was consistently rainy for long periods of time. However, in the past decade, the climate in Koh Phangan has changed. The main difference is that the seasons are now more mixed, so you can experience rainy days at any time of the year. However, the chance is still higher in October – December. If you’re planning to visit Koh Phangan for snorkeling or diving, September to December are the worst months. Rainy days are regular, the sea is often rough, and the visibility tends to be very limited in these months. From September to December, tourism also dips on the island, so it is less likely to be crowded and booked out during these months.

What is it like to visit Koh Phangan during the rainy season?

October – December are the most likely months to be rainy in Koh Phangan. During these months, you can experience extended periods of rainy weather where it rains most of the day for a week or two running, so there is a chance of your holiday being rained out if you visit during these months. However, you do also get some very nice dry days during October, November and December in Koh Phangan. The increased cloud coverage in these months means that the sunsets are often more impressive and colorful. The increased cloud cover can also provide some protection from the intense tropical sun, so this is also a bonus.

During the rainy months, showers may also be fairly sporadic and not last the entire day. For example, it may rain for an hour or two in the morning and then be dry for the rest of the day, or you may have a dry and sunny morning and then an afternoon storm may roll in.

Example of a rainy day in Koh Phangan

Here are two pictures of Koh Phangan in October (the rainiest month). The first pictures shows an intense storm at 8am. The second pictures shows clear blue skies at 11am. This perfectly illustrates an average day in the rainy season in Koh Phangan…

The rainstorms in Koh Phangan can be very impressive with extremely intense and fast rainfall accompanied by dramatic thunder and lightning. It is still possible to have a very beautiful and enjoyable time in Koh Phangan during the rainiest months of October, November and December, and if you’re lucky, you may get plenty of sunshine as well as the occasional storm. If you are visiting Koh Phangan for diving or snorkeling, we recommend waiting until January to April.

Mosquitos are a little worse during periods of rainy weather so remember to wear mosquito repellant. You can buy mosquito repellant at Seven Eleven stores on the island. 

TOP TIP: Take care if you’re using a motorbike in Koh Phangan. The roads can be slippery in the wet season. In the dry season watch out for sand on the roads. This can also be slippery and dangerous. 

Summary: What is the best time of year to visit Koh Phangan?

Seasonal patterns in Koh Phangan are now a lot more mixed and less predictable than they were in the past. It is possible to have rainy days throughout the year and that can also be longer wet periods (lasting several weeks) at any time of the year. The chance of rainfall is highest in October, November and December. It is still possible to visit during these months; rainstorms are often short and intense, accompanied by sunny spells. If you are hoping to avoid the crowds, we recommend visiting between September and December. If you are planning to go snorkeling or diving, we recommend visiting between January and April.

You may also be planning to visit Koh Phangan for the full moon party. This occurs every month throughout the year, and there is also a very big party at New Year’s. The island is generally more busy close to the full moon party time.

If you are visiting during one of the peak tourist seasons, either January to March or from July to September, we recommend booking your accommodation a few months in advance if possible. If you are unsure of your travel date, you can book something with a free cancellation policy. It is also worth booking your boat a day or two in advance if possible, although this is not essential. Boats run throughout the year, and there is generally plenty of space.

Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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The Ultimate Koh Phangan, Thailand Travel Guide

• Last Updated On: April 4, 2024

Koh Phangan is my favorite island in the Gulf of Thailand. It’s famous for the full moon party which was one of the first things I learned about Thailand (sadly enough) but it offers so much more. The full moon party is only in the very south of the island and occurs once a month. The rest of the time, there are ton of amazing beaches, fantastic hiking, and delicious food to eat. Koh Phangan has also become a digital nomad hotspot in recent years attracting a lot of long term stay people.

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I really liked Koh Phangan and found it to be much more beautiful and relaxing than their western counterparts in Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. I spent a week in the island on my trip around Thailand and can definitely recommend visiting!

How to get to Koh Phangan

Getting to Koh Phangan can be a bit of a mission. While the journey is quite frequent and easy to book, it just takes a long time to reach Koh Phangan.

By Ferry from Surat Thani

The first method is to fly into Surat Thani airport and take the bus to the ferry terminal. Alternatively, and possibly more conveniently, you can contact car rental Surat Thani , rent one of their reliable vehicles, and take it on the ferry for added freedom and flexibility. There are multiple daily flights to Surat Thani from hotspots like Bangkok or Chiang Mai for very cheap on AirAsia. Conversely, you can also take a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani but this will take 11-12 hours so I don’t recommend this method.

From Surat Thani, you will then take a shuttle transfer to the ferry terminal at Donsak Pier which is about 2 hours away. From the pier, you will then board your ferry which is another 2.5 hour journey. All in all, you can budget about 5 hours from landing at the airport to arriving in the Thong Sala pier of Koh Phangan.

The price for this transfer varies depending on the ferry company you book. You can prebook this transfer online or purchase the tickets directly at the airport where you will find numerous stands for companies selling the transfer. I paid 500 THB for the shuttle and the ferry and prebooked the Koh Phangan transfer on Bookaway . The ferries stop running around 18h so make sure you plan accordingly, otherwise you might have to stay the night in Surat Thani.

By ferry from Koh Samui

The easiest way to get to Koh Phangan is by flying into the island of Koh Samui. Koh Samui is the bigger brother island of Koh Phangan is located just 1h by ferry south. From the airport, it’s a short 10 minute drive to the pier where you have multiple ferry companies running the trip between the two islands.

I took this journey on my way out of Koh Phangan because I didn’t want to repeat the same journey from Surat Thani so I booked flights out of Koh Samui. I paid another 500 THB for this trip which includes the ferry to Koh Samui and the shuttle transfer to the airport.

During high season, I would highly recommend booking these ferries in advance because there’s nothing worse than showing up and being told the ferries are booked for the day!

Best time of year to visit Koh Phangan

The islands in the south enjoy split seasons depending which side of the country you’re on. The Andaman sea to Thailand’s east enjoys the opposite season as the Gulf of Thailand. The best times to visit the Andaman sea (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan islands, Krabi) are between November and April. Conversely, the best time to visit the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao) is April to October.

I visited Koh Phangan in the off season months in December but the weather was almost perfect the entire time. Conversely, I’ve had friends that have visited in June and were greeted to torrential down pours day in and day out. While there are “seasons” to visiting Koh Phangan and the Gulf of Thailand, it’s the tropics so you can never have anything guaranteed!

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

There are numerous resorts, private rooms, budget accommodation, bungalows and houses on Koh Phangan. We have stayed in several accommodations as we have also been to the island several times. On average we paid €15-20 per night for both of us for a beachfront bungalow with fan and basic bathroom. 

You can get a bed in a hostel for as little as €5 per night. But you can also rent a villa with a pool or stay in one of the luxurious resorts. On Koh Phangan you will find the right accommodation for every budget.

Our accommodations:

• Coco Garden Resort
• The Beach Village
• Milky Bay Resort
• V View Beach Resort

Special accommodations on Koh Phangan:

• Silan Residence Koh Phangan
• The Coast Resort Koh Phangan
• Panviman Koh Phangan
• Zama resort
• The Great Escape Chalets
• Green Papaya Resort

How to get around Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a relatively large island that is mostly unconnected with each other by public transport. There aren’t many options to speak of from what I gathered and the only mode of transport around the island is by scooter, songthaew (local shared taxis) or by private taxi.

The local songthaew taxis leave at designated times throughout the day but mostly connect the main towns of Koh Phangan. Taxis are reasonably priced but you can’t use Grab or any ride hailing apps on the island making them unreliable.

The best method of getting around Koh Phangan is definitely by scooter. You can rent scooters on Koh Phangan pretty much anywhere. The prices will vary depending on the time of year but you can expect to pay between 150 and 250 THB for a basic 125 cc scooter.

Koh Phangan has wide paved roads that make scooter riding very easy and enjoyable. There is hardly any traffic on this island (except during peak times) so you don’t need to deal with the craziness like in Bali, Indonesia for example.

Full Moon Party of Koh Phangan

The Full moon party is famous around the world for being one of the craziest and epic parties in Thailand. This is literally the first thing I knew about Thailand just from word of mouth. It happens on the night of the full moon so almost every month. It is located on Haad Rin Beach which is actually quite beautiful. It is turned into a huge outdoor beach party on the eve of the full moon.

Bars are full of party goers of all ages (mostly younger let’s be honest), sand buckets filled with liquor and mix, and Singha beers on free flow. The party goes to the early morning hours of the day and you can expect to see thousands of people on the beach.

At the party there is mostly electronic music on the ears. Every now and then even internationally known DJ’s come to the island. The party then goes on until sunrise the next day. The  Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan  usually takes place exactly on the full moon day of the month. From time to time the party is also postponed because of religious days. Book your accommodation accordingly in advance. Depending on the time of year, it can get pretty crowded on the island.

I visited in December 2021 during COVID and this party is of course not happening until further notice!

Best Beaches in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is spoiled with incredible beaches all over the island. I would say the beaches in Koh Phangan are nicer than the ones in Phuket. Perhaps it’s not as beautiful as a Koh Phi Phi Leh but for how easy it is to get to, Koh Phangan offers some of the better beaches in Thailand.

I explored the beautiful  Chaloklum Beach  and the somewhat hidden  Bootle Beach.  You can reach it by boat or by scooter on very rough gravel roads (at least that’s how it was back then). We didn’t find the beach that beautiful, there are really nicer beaches. We wouldn’t take the horror path through the jungle again. But this beach also has its beautiful corners.

South of Koh Phangan

In the very south and south-east of the island is the gorgeous  Leela Beach  and  Haad Rin Beach  . The sand at Leela Beach is incredibly white, the water crystal clear and turquoise. You’ll be amazed! In the east of the island is  Than Sadet Beach  . This one is a little gem. The palm trees reach for the sky, the restaurant is cozy and the accommodations are original. The rocks on the left and right as well as the wooden bridge, which leads you over the small arm of the river, are particularly beautiful

Northwest of Koh Phangan beaches

I found the beaches in the northwest of Koh Phangan to be the most beautiful. These all had wide sandy beaches with beautiful palm trees, cliffs, and crystal clear water. During high season however, you can expect these beaches to get quite busy which might make it less enjoyable.

One of my favorite spots is the so-called  “Secret Beach”  . It is by no means “secret” but simply stunningly beautiful. We particularly liked the rocks in the water, the clear sea, the colors and the peace and quiet.  Haad Salad is also a beautiful beach right next to the What’s Cup cafe.

Bottle Beach Viewpoint

For the best views of Koh Phangan with an added hike, visit the Bottle Beach Viewpoint in Koh Phangan’s north. You can drive close to the entrance point with a scooter and then walk another 20 minutes through the bush to the viewpoint. From the viewpoint, you have a stunning view of Bottle Beach and the Gulf of Thailand!

I found the two  beaches Thong Nai Pan Yai & Thong Nai Pan Noi  very beautiful. These are located in the east of the island and are easily accessible by road. On Noi Beach you will find almost only luxury resorts, while on Yai Beach there are nice and cheaper accommodations. The beaches are beautiful and certainly worth a visit!

Haad Sadet is another very off the beaten path beach on Koh Phangan’s east coast. This beach is very remote so you won’t find the typical crowds here. It is located in the Namtok Than Sadet National Park and you’ll have to pay an entrance fee to enter this park.

The beach itself is quite pretty but it’s probably not as beautiful as the beaches on the west coast. There are some bungalows where you can stay as well as a nudist beach nearby.

Silver Cliff Restaurant viewpoint

My favorite part of this beach is the restaurant on the clifftop. It’s a short walk from the beach but the views here are incredible. I had lunch and coconuts here and it was absolutely stunning.

Best Cafes in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan has seen a huge influx of high quality cafes in recent years. There are now plenty of beautiful, trendy, and digital nomad friendly cafes located all throughout the island. Of course, Koh Phangan’s cafe selection still pales in comparison to Bali’s cafes but you won’t leave disappointed!

Bubba’s Coffee

Bubba’s coffee is one of the most well known cafes on the island. They serve amazing brunch style food from all over the world as well as make delicious coffee. They have multiple locations on the island but you can expect the same quality everywhere. I came here numerous times for their breakfast items as there isn’t much local Thai dishes to speak of on the island.

You can expect a large crowd at this cafe as it is very popular with tourists and digital nomads alike.

Orion cafe located in the northwest of the island is the perfect place to relax and chill by the beach. It’s located literally in front of the beach and is a very popular spot with the digital nomads. There is ample seating and plush couches for those looking for a comfortable spot to work.

What’s cup is probably my favorite cafe on the island. Located in the northwest of Koh Phangan near to Haad Salat beach, this cafe is the ultimate spot to have coffee and brunch food with a view. Literally, look at this photo below and tell me that you can’t find the meaning of life with this view!

This place gets very busy in the late mornings so make sure to come early for the best tables. The food is also remarkably tasty which makes the view even better. I loved working from here as it was a chilled place after the morning rush and the views were spectacular.

What to eat in Koh Phangan

As with anywhere in Thailand, you’re never far away from amazing delicious food and of course this is the case in Koh Phangan as well. As it is a large island, you’ll find all the Thai classics as well as numerous western style restaurants to mix it up. These are some of the highlights of the restaurants I visited but there are countless more that I didn’t have time to visit!

Phantip Night Market in city center

You can’t go wrong with street markets in Thailand. Literally never.

Phantip night market is the main night market in Koh Phangan. There are a few smaller ones located outside of the main town but definitely stick with this one.

As with any night market, you can expect to find all the delicious options here from cooked food like Pad Thai, Pad see ew, Pad Gra Prao, green curry etc. to street dishes like satays, Thai pancakes, mango sticky rice, fried chicken, and much more.

Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar

This was probably my favorite restaurant on the entire island. It’s a slightly more upscale seafood restaurant located on the beach south of the city center. This restaurant has a beautiful beach in front with numerous Thai style long boats laid out on the beach for tables and lounge seating.

The food itself is absolutely fantastic with some of the strongest and tastiest curries I’ve had in Thailand. Make sure to get the mix seafood curry which was probably one of the best things I’ve eaten all over Thailand. The restaurant also serves fantastic cocktails which is hard to find. Prices are on the higher side but is to be expected with this type of setting.

Make sure to make a reservation before hand!

Siri’s Island Cafe

Located just north of the Thong Sala city center, Siri’s island cafe is the spot to go for delicious Khao Soi. I lived off of Khao Soi in northern Thailand and was really craving these delicious noodles as soon as I had left. Siri is one of the only places on the island that served this delicious noodle soup. The owner was also very friendly.

For delicious Thai food that we all know, visit Pum Pui in the northwest of the island. This restaurant serves all the classics but is one of the best places to do it.

Bann Boontom Somtum & Gallery

Possibly the best authentic Thai restaurant on the island! This place specializes in northeastern isaan cuisine, but has its own unique style. This is really different from most Thai restaurants on the island directed at foreigners and tourists. This was the real deal spicy and delicious Thai flavor that I had not tasted previously.

Make sure to try the various Larb dishes as well as the fried pork!

Visit Koh Tao Island

If you have a few more days, I’d also recommend visiting the island of Koh Tao. It’s world famous for its diving although the corals have seen better days with the onset of climate change. Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Koh Tao was known as an absolute factory for open water courses. It was packed with dive schools and the dive and party lifestyle was the way here. It was so overpacked with diving that almost a third of all open water certifications in the world were done in Koh Tao. That is absolutely insane.

The island is much smaller than Koh Phangan and many people prefer this vibe. Koh Tao can be reached by ferry from Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani. The quickest way to reach Koh Tao from Bangkok is to fly to Koh Samui and take the ferry to Koh Tao.

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What is the best time to visit Koh Phangan A seasonal guide to planning a perfect trip!

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Koh Phangan is a popular island located in southeast Thailand, notoriously known for its monthly Full Moon Parties, the wildest and grandest parties in the world. With their grand-scale carvinal-like festival, incredible white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, a wide array of eatery places and shopping centers, and the scenic beauty makes this island a popular place for a visit, receiving a large influx of visitors every month.

Hence, the general question arises: What is the best time to visit Koh Phangan, considering the fact there is a monthly Full Moon Party that brings a large crowd every time! But hey, don't worry; to facilitate you as best as we can, we have curated a seasonal guide to help you in your Koh Phangan trip planning.

Koh Phangan Thailand

Planning a Koh Phangan Trip: Seasonal guide

Before we begin, a disclaimer, that unlike many countries, especially the western and European ones, Thailand doesn't have a very noticeable season change, meaning that you won't be getting the four distinctive seasons with drastic shifts in temperature.

Because Thailand is a tropical country, generally, it is hot throughout the year, and their seasonal pattern can be categorized as 'Cool season' (which honestly is nothing compared to other countries), 'Hot Season', and 'Rainy Season.' So with that said, without any further ado, let's begin!

THE 'COOL' SEASON (December to February)

As mentioned earlier, being a tropical island, Thailand doesn't have very cold weather, but these few months surely are cooler than the others with occasional showers, making it the best time to visit Koh Phangan, especially for those who don't like humidity or warm weather.

However, as many people want to enjoy Thailand's prosperity without experiencing the hot climate, this season is very popular and receives many visitors. Therefore accommodations, transportations, and other recreational activities are booked in advance, and for those who are not, their prices increase drastically.

But there is a way around it; if you want to enjoy the island in its truest nature with relatively low-priced recreational activities, plan your trip ideally after the 'Full Moon Party' it is not only less crowded but much quieter and peaceful.

Beach before the Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan

THE 'HOT' SEASON (March to June)

The hot season is at times the toughest, with a temperature rising over 32 degrees Celcius and the humidity that follows may discourage many from planning a trip. But surprisingly enough, it is the best time to visit Koh Phangan as the prices of everything are very low, purely because the influx of visitors is relatively very, very low.

Which means you can get every incredible thing, from accommodations to shopping to food to other recreational activities, at a great price point. And don't you worry about the heat, the air-conditioned facilities make everything worth it, whether it is swimming in pools or having a splurge day. And not to mention the nights are pretty better, in fact, lovely at times.

Hotel with a Pool on Koh Phangan

(July to September)

These months are pre-monsoon seasons and quite fun, to say the least; the crowd starts to build up as these months are relatively mild in terms of temperature with a good amount of downpour, making everything more alive and vibrant.

This is actually the best time to visit Koh Phangan; not only is it a great combination of tropical heat and cool showers, but the island is still comparatively quieter and relatively cheap.

THE 'RAINY' SEASON (October to November)

Monsoon Season, the most popular season in Koh Phangan, in fact, all of Thailand, which brings prosperity to the country in terms of nature's abundance and economic opulence.

Beautiful Waterfall at Rainy Season

Though it doesn't rain every day but it does rain more frequently and more during these months in Koh Phangan. The temperature will still feel slightly warm but paired with cool showers and a cool breeze at night, it honestly makes every activity feel much better, whether it is swimming in the seas, playing on the beach, or just have a dine-out.

Rainstorms can also be witnessed, but unlike the common misconception, rainstorms here are beautiful and exceptionally amazing, especially God's thunder and the natural lightning show that follows.

Monsoon is the season many people generally consider to be the best time to visit Koh Phangan; it is part hot, part dry, part humid, and part rainy but definitely full of fun. If you want to witness Koh Phangan at its best, this is the season to plan your trip for; at times, the rain doesn't stop during this season, and honestly, you shouldn't either because of the fun Koh Phangan is not restricted to outdoors only! 

• History of the Island
• Cultural attractions
• Climate and weather
• Full Moon Party
• Nightlife Spots
• Water Activities
• Land Activities
• Temples and Spiritual Activities
• Luxury Villas & Resorts
• Haad Rin Area Hotels
• Top 5 Full Moon Party Hostels
• Top 10 Thong Sala & Baan Tai Hotels
• Top 10 Sri Thanu & West Coast Hotels
• Top 7 Chaloklum Hotels
• Top Thong Nai Pai Noi & Than Sadet
• The Best Breakfasts
• The Best International Cuisine

Climate and weather in koh phangan

Learn about the best time to visit, average temperatures and rainfall, and what to expect during each season.

The best time to visit Koh Phangan Island is during the dry season, which runs from the second part of December to April. The weather is sunny and warm, with low humidity and little rainfall. Also, July and August are good months to visit as the weather is generally pleasant. It is advisable to avoid visiting Koh Phangan Island during September to December due to heavy rainfall.

Koh Phangan Island, located in the Gulf of Thailand, is known for its beautiful beaches, lush greenery, and stunning sunsets. Like many tropical destinations, Koh Phangan has a warm and humid climate throughout the year, with two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Let’s take a closer look at the climate and weather patterns in Koh Phangan.

Temperature and Precipitation by Months

Climate Graph of Koh Phangan

Water Temperature by Months

The dry season in Koh Phangan typically runs from December to April. During this time, the island experiences lower humidity levels and less rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit for those who prefer drier weather. The average temperature during this season ranges from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius (77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit), with plenty of sunshine and blue skies.

March to June is also considered a dry season, but temperatures can be hotter and more humid than the earlier part of the dry season. Temperatures can reach up to 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit) during this time, with little to no rain.

The weather in Koh Phangan during May and June of 2022 was quite hot, with temperatures averaging around 30-33°C. However, visitors in July and August were treated to ideal weather conditions with warm temperatures, low humidity, and little rainfall. These months are generally considered good times to visit the island, as they offer great opportunities to explore the beaches and other attractions without being hindered by heavy rainfall or excessive heat. Whether you’re planning to go snorkeling, diving, or simply relaxing on the beach, the pleasant weather conditions from December to April, and July – August provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable vacation on Koh Phangan Island.

Rainy Season

The rainy season in Koh Phangan runs from the second part of September to the first part of December, with October and November being the wettest months. During this time, the island experiences higher humidity levels and more rainfall, often in the form of short, heavy downpours. Despite the rainfall, temperatures remain warm, ranging from 25 to 31 degrees Celsius (77 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit).

It’s important to note that while the rainy season can be unpredictable, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it will rain every day. Visitors to Koh Phangan during this time can still enjoy the island’s activities, as the rain usually comes in short bursts and the sun often returns soon after.

Tropical Storms

Koh Phangan, like other parts of Thailand, can also be affected by tropical storms during the rainy season. These storms can bring heavy rain and strong winds to the island, which may result in some disruptions to travel and outdoor activities. However, the island is generally well-prepared for these events, and visitors are advised to stay informed and follow any instructions from local authorities.

21 BEST Things to Do in Koh Phangan [2024 Travel Guide]

• Last Updated: April 2, 2024

An epic list of all the best things to do in Koh Phangan, Thailand. Yes, there’s more to the island than just the Full Moon Party! 

Koh Phangan is a relatively small island in the Gulf of Thailand nestled in between Koh Tao and Koh Samui . 

Yet it has everything you could wish for in a tropical island paradise: towering palm trees, white-sand beaches, coral reefs with exotic fish, and lush jungles filled with waterfalls all framed by the idyllic turquoise ocean. 

But when most travellers think of Koh Phangan, they think of wild parties, neon paint and buckets full of alcohol. 

Koh Phangan is home to the famous Full Moon Party. Travellers from all over the globe flock to this island to dance the night away with other tourists. 

If you are a true party animal, you may just have the best night of your life at the Full Moon Party. 

This beach party is absolutely epic and so much fun, but many people focus on this party scene too much and overlook all the other amazing parts of Koh Phangan. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alesha & Jarryd – TRAVEL (@nomadasaurus)

Table of Contents

1. Hike to Bottle Beach

2. stay at indigo coral house and learn about their amazing sustainability and refugee projects, 3. get a thai massage, 4. take a day trip to ang thong national marine park, 5. visit koh ma, 6. hike khao ra mountain, 7. watch the sunset from a rooftop bar, 8. go scuba diving, 9. chill out on thong nai pan beach, 10. visit thong sala’s street markets, 11. watch a movie at an outdoor cinema, 12. seek out some waterfalls, 13. go sea kayaking, 14. take a road trip around the island, 15. dance the night away at the full moon party, 16. or party at the half moon party, 17. enjoy the scenery from the haad rin viewpoint, 18. go snorkelling, 19. visit the temples, 20. watch a muay thai boxing match, 21. rent a motorbike, budget: bodega hostel, mid range: samutra residences, luxury: panviman resort koh phangan, budget – moonsoon’s restaurant, mid-range – restaurant sunshine, luxury – milky bay restaurant, the best things to do in koh phangan.

With this list of the best things to do in Koh Phangan, I hope to shed some light on the other fun activities and natural attractions of the island. 

So even if you don’t drink and don’t like partying, you can still have an incredible time when you explore the island. 

You can snorkel, hike, kayak, scuba dive, and enjoy all the best parts of Thai culture like eating street food, exploring temples, and getting a Thai massage. 

So whether you are interested in the Full Moon Party or not, the beauty around Koh Phangan should not be missed on a trip to Thailand!

With a reputation as one of the best beaches and a top Koh Phangan attraction, Bottle Beach is a true gem of Thailand’s gulf. 

Located in the north of the island, the beach is pretty hard to get to but the one-hour trek through the jungle is a fun adventure. 

Wear good walking shoes and plenty of bug spray, and you’ll feel like you really earned your relaxing beach day once you arrive on the white sands of Bottle Beach. 

The hike begins at Coconut Beach on the north of Koh Phangan and is completely free!

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Thailand with our comprehensive travel guide!

There are so many incredible sustainability and conservation initiatives happening in Thailand right now , and one of the main focuses of my most recent trip to the Land of Smiles was to learn about some of them.

Koh Phangan has always been a hub for alternative thinking and eco-conscious travellers, and I was lucky enough to spend the day at place called Indigo Coral House to discover how they are giving back to their community.

Run by the passionate duo Fatimah and Matteo, the accommodations, living areas and workshops at Indigo Coral House have been built using sustainable bamboo, and the construction methods have been refined to minimise the amount of non-renewable resources needed.

Their goal is to show local builders that bamboo is not only a fantastic construction material, but can be used to make funky, high-quality and beautiful designs too.

That’s not all they do at Indigo Coral House though. It has also become a haven for Burmese refugees who flee over the border to escape the current turmoil.

Not only do Fatimah and Matteo offer a safe space for them to live, but they teach them art techniques such as leaf printing and weaving so they can create their own pieces and sell them at the markets to make an income.

I had the most amazing day at Indigo Coral House and felt so welcome by everybody who calls the place home.

A special thank you to Soemoechit who taught me leaf printing, Phyu Phyu Moe who cooked up the most delectable Burmese vegetarian lunch for me, and of course Fatimah and Matteo who took time out of their day to show me all that they are doing.

You can visit Indigo Coral House yourself to do art and bamboo building workshops, leaf printing, learn how to compost or just stay in some of the stunning bamboo bungalows and villas. Highly recommend if you’re coming to Koh Phangan!

• Location : 8/65 moo 8 Koh Phangan Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
• WhatsApp: +44 793 165 0719

After spending a big day hiking around, diving and swimming, you might want to treat your body to a Thai massage. 

Let the experienced local masseuses knead, twist, and smooth the kinks out of your muscles and you’ll feel so refreshed afterward. 

Thai massage is a highly revered traditional practice in the country, so you should definitely experience it at least once while travelling through Thailand. 

This is a great way to relax when you visit Koh Phangan.

READ MORE: Extend your Thai adventures by jumping on the ferry and checking out what to do on Koh Tao !

This protected archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand is a stunning oasis of natural beauty. 

Filled with hiking trails, limestone caves, towering cliffs, palm forests, coral reefs, sandy beaches, and much more, Ang Thong National Marine Park is a nature-lovers paradise. 

You can only enter the marine park via a government-approved tour boat.

Luckily there are plenty of great tour companies that offer day trips from Koh Phangan to Ang Thong . 

A trip to Koh Ma should definitely be on your list of Koh Phangan sightseeing. 

This tiny island is actually separate from Koh Phangan, but is connected to the main island by a sand bar that is visible at low tide. 

So head to the northwest of the island at low tide and you can walk along the sand bar to Koh Ma. 

You can also enjoy sunbathing on the sand bar and swimming in the ocean to escape the heat. 

This 627-meter high mountain is one of the best Koh Phangan attractions. 

Hiking to the top will provide you with some amazing views, and the whole journey takes about 2-3 hours round trip. 

You can hike the trail in sturdy sneakers or hiking boots, and be sure to pack lots of water and sunscreen. 

To avoid the mid-day heat, try to hike in the early morning or late afternoon. 

Khao Ra is located near the north of the island and the hike is free. 

READ MORE: Plan your best trip with these Thailand itineraries .

There’s something absolutely magical about watching the sunset from a tropical island. 

Even better is watching an island sunset up high at a rooftop bar so you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view. 

Koh Phangan has lots of rooftop bars and restaurants that make great vantage points for sunset. Here are a few of the best 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

Scuba diving is definitely one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan, and the last time we visited proved exactly why!

The Gulf of Thailand is packed with gorgeous marine life, including tropical fish, manta rays, coral reefs, and more. 

Among the best diving spots near the island are Samran Pinnacle, Hin Yippon, Koh Ma, and Ang Thong National Marine Park . 

Sail Rock is arguably the best dive site in the entire Gulf of Thailand, so this is a great place to go and explore the waters.

The island has a few dive schools that can hook you up with gear or help you get your divers certification.

Personally however we recommend the absolute legends at H2O Diving in Thong Nai Pan.

Run by the incredible couple Alis and Lee, these guys are a PADI 5-Star Center and have been operating since 2003.

They use a modern and comfortable speed boat to get out to the dive sites, and this means they can actually time their trips to avoid when all the other companies go out.

For example, Sail Rock is quite far from Koh Phangan meaning all the local companies go out in the morning. For H2O however, they go out after lunch.

When I went out for my two dives with Lee, we were the only dive boat there. A pretty magical experience (check out my video below of what it was like) .

The gear they use is new and well-maintained, the staff friendly and the service they provide is some of the most professional I’ve experienced from diving in over a dozen countries.

I highly, HIGHLY recommend scuba diving with Lee, Alis and the team at H2O if going out in Koh Phangan.

Of all the Koh Phangan attractions, the beaches are undoubtedly one of the best reasons to visit/

People travel from far and wide to stretch out on the velvety white sand and swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Thai islands, so make sure you squeeze plenty of beach days into your Thailand itinerary. 

While visiting Koh Phangan, head to Thong Nai Pan for the ultimate beach day. 

Soak in the sun or lie in the shade under a coconut palm. Splash in the water and collect seashells.

Take plenty of photos because this beach on Koh Phangan’s northeast coast is truly beautiful. 

As the main hub of Koh Phangan, Thong Sala is a bustling town with plenty of fun things to do. 

The street markets are the town’s best attraction; tourists and locals both come together in the evenings to browse through the local goods and gorge on some delicious Thai food. 

The Phantip Night Market opens every evening and has some of the best street food on the island. 

Every Saturday, the main street of Thong Sala turns into a Walking Street Market , also known as the Thong Sala Night Market.

At Thong Sala Night Market, the streets become pedestrian-only as local vendors fill the road with their own stalls selling souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and other homemade goods. There is also plenty of Thai food to eat!

For a fun night in Koh Phangan, head to the Moonlight Cinema .

Located near the night market in Thong Sala, this open-air movie theater is full of comfy pillows and plays a wide variety of new and old films. 

You can buy snacks and drinks at the theater as well. It’s a highlight of many who visit Koh Phangan!

• Location : 46 Moo 1, Chaloklum Rd. Thong Sala, Ko Phangan
• Hours : 3 pm to 1 am (opens at 1 pm on weekends)

In addition to all the ocean scenery and white-sand beaches, some of the best things to see in Koh Phangan lie inland within the lush jungle. 

The island is home to lots of waterfalls where you can go have a picnic, take photos, and swim in the fresh flowing water. 

Phaeng Waterfall , Than Sadet Waterfall , and Paradise Waterfall are three of the most picturesque falls on the island. 

If you just hop in a taxi or songtaew and tell the driver the name of the waterfall you want to visit, they’ll know where to go.

READ MORE: Thinking of visiting other places in Thailand? Our new blog post will tell you the best spots to go!

Cruising through the turquoise waters and soaking in all the natural beauty is one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan. 

Many of the island’s beaches have kayak rentals available, with the average price being about 150 Baht per hour.  

Make sure you are reasonably fit and aware of the ocean currents before setting out on the water and don’t kayak alone. 

A popular place to kayak on the island is from Wok Tum to Koh Ma because the waters are generally calm here. 

If you want to see a lot of the island in a short amount of time, your best bet is to book a sightseeing tour. 

There are a few tourism companies that offer either ATV or road trip adventures around the island , which is great if you don’t have your own form of transport. 

Your tour will take you to all the best spots on the island, including beaches, waterfalls, rooftop bars, and other amazing places that you might not be able to see on your own. 

For any party animals out there looking for a classic Thailand backpacker experience, add the Full Moon Party to your bucket list. 

Some travelers come to Koh Phangan solely for the Full Moon Party, as it is a famous phenomenon among young travelers. 

This party includes lots of neon body paint, lots of cheap mixed drinks in plastic buckets, and lots of loud music, flashing lights, and dancing. 

It’s one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan if you like to party.

The party is held every full moon on Haad Rin Beach. There is a Sunrise and Sunset Beach on Haad Rin Beach, and the party is on Sunrise Beach.

Just keep in mind that lots of accommodations completely book up for the party, so book your bed as far in advance as you can!

If you love the idea of the Full Moon Party, but you won’t be in Koh Phangan during the actual full moon, have no fear!

The island also hosts a Half Moon Party at, you guessed it, every half-moon. 

That means this party happens twice a month rather than just once, and it isn’t as famous but it is still super fun. 

The Half Moon Party happens in the jungle instead of on the beach, and there are tons of different stages and dance floors bumping different types of music. 

For a panoramic view on the south of the island, head to the Haad Rin Viewpoint. 

The climb to the top only takes about 15 minutes, but in the humid, tropical heat it can be quite tiring so pack plenty of water. 

The trail starts behind the Fairyland Resort on the southern tip of the island. From the top, you can enjoy views of the nearby beaches and you can even see Koh Samui in the distance. 

READ MORE: Make the most of your trip to Thailand with these travel tips

If you’re not ready to commit to scuba diving, you can still explore Koh Phangan’s flourishing underwater marine life by snorkelling. 

Snorkelling is cheap and easy, so anyone can do it. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent a snorkel, mask, and flippers for roughly 100 Baht per hour. 

One of the island’s best locations for snorkelling is Mae Haad Beach and Haad Son along the north coast. 

With so much natural beauty to see and partying to be done, it can be easy to forget about all the stunning temples on Koh Phangan!

But the temples are amazing representations of Thai culture and Buddhist architecture, so you should definitely try to see plenty of them. 

Some of the island’s most beautiful temples are Wat Nok , Wat Khao Tham , and Wat Pho (not to be confused with the famous Wat Pho in Bangkok ).

If you haven’t yet been to see a Muay Thai Boxing Match in Thailand, now is your chance!

This fast-paced, mesmerizing sport is super popular in Thailand, and watching a match is a great way for tourists to catch a glimpse of the local Thai culture. 

Koh Phangan is home to 7 Muay Thai Boxing stadiums that host matches every evening. Some of them even have training classes so you can learn the basics of the sport for yourself! 

To explore Koh Phangan on your own schedule, rent a motorbike and enjoy all the mobility you need. 

Before renting a motorbike, make sure you have travel insurance and a copy of your passport to give the rental company. 

Also take lots of photos of the bike before you ride it, so the company can’t blame any scratches or dings on you. 

There are lots of motorbike rental companies around Ko Pha Ngan, and the average cost is around 150 Baht per day.  

The most popular route to explore by motorbike is the west coast of the island. 

Koh Phangan Travel Guide

After taking note of all the best things to do in Koh Phangan, here are some recommendations for where to stay and what to eat. 

Accommodation in Koh Phangan

Whether you’re a budget backpacker who just wants to party, or an upscale traveller looking for the best quality beach resorts, Koh Phangan has it all. 

This hostel is loud, wild, crazy, and perfect for social butterflies and partiers in Koh Phangan. 

It has over 1,000 great reviews on Hostelworld , and it is the best place to stay on the island for the moon parties and just for making friends and taking part in lots of fun, social activities. 

Keep in mind that prices rise during the Full Moon Party, but the hostel is still cheaper than a hotel on Koh Pha Ngan. 

If you want a quieter atmosphere, there are plenty of other hostels on Hostelworld that aren’t party hostels, just do a bit of browsing. 

This new and affordable resort in Koh Phangan is perfect for those who want to experience a bit of luxury on Koh Pha Ngan without spending a ton of money. 

With a super friendly staff, new rooms and private bungalows, a beautiful garden and private pool, and located in a quiet area, this place exudes an aura of comfort and relaxation. 

On my last visit to the island I had the chance to stay in the best luxury resort on Koh Phangan!

Tucked away at the quiet end of Koh Pha Ngan on Thong Nai Pan Beach, and a world away from the hectic Full Moon Party, Panviman Resort is beautiful accommodation is built up on a headland surrounded by jungle with amazing views over the Gulf of Thailand.

The food is next level, they have live music most nights in either their beachside or cliffside restaurant, the hotel staff can organise any tour or activity you want and they even do a floating breakfast!

Want to know the best part? Rooms start at just $110 a night! Proof that you don’t need to kill the budget to enjoy a little bit of luxury in Thailand.

If you’re planning a trip to this part of the country definitely check out Koh Phangan and Panviman Resorts.

What to Eat in Koh Phangan

Don’t miss these amazing restaurants in Koh Phangan for your next visit!

Located on the east coast of Koh Pha Ngan near Bottle Beach, Moonsoon’s Restaurant is a super laid-back local restaurant with delicious, cheap local food.

They have local and western food, all at cheap prices. People also rave about the friendly, English-speaking staff.

Restaurant Sunshine on the west coast of Koh Pha Ngan is a relaxed eatery serving all the classic Thai dishes.

It is moderately priced, the portion sizes are hefty, and the atmosphere is welcoming.

Located on a pristine beach and stocked with fresh and delicious seafood, Milky Bay Restaurant is one of the top-rated places to eat on Koh Phangan. 

The menu is extensive, so you can eat classic Thai food, pizza and pasta, or freshly-caught fish. 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Gabby Boucher

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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15 Best Things To Do In Koh Phangan, Thailand

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 7 March, 2024

Surrounded by lush tropical jungle and breathtaking white sand beaches, Koh Phangan is Thailand’s fifth biggest island and an awesome area to visit. Koh Phangan is a true paradise, and we’ve got the inside scoop.

The island is most known for throwing its many Full Moon Parties, but there is plenty more to explore on the island. Adventures on the island range from diving and hiking to boating excursions and immersing in the culture. We’ve rounded up the top things to do in Koh Phangan to help you plan your next trip!

Top Koh Phangan Attractions

1. Ang Thong Marine Park

The unspoiled archipelago of Ang Thong Marine Park is the perfect setting for an outdoor adventure in Thailand. It consists of 42 small islands, and you could easily spend several days here admiring the tropical scenery and cruising through the open waters.

Day trips to Ang Thong Marine Park are one of the top things to do in Koh Phangan, click here to see all tour options . During your visit, you can join a boat tour, which will take you around the islands for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. You can also rent kayaks and do your own self-guided tour.

It would take weeks to visit every island in the park. However, you can make the most of your visit with stops at tourist favorites like Koh Wua Ta Lap, Koh Mae, Koh Sam Sao, and Koh Paluay.

Beyond Bangkok: Best Places to Visit in Thailand

2. Rent a Car or Motorbike to Explore the Island

With white-sand beaches and emerald blue waters, Koh Phangan draws in visitors from around the world. One of the best ways to see the island’s most intriguing sights is to rent a car or motorbike. This way, you can take your time and explore the beaches, mountains, and jungles at your leisure.

Explore the best beaches in Koh Phangan for a day of sunbathing. Head to Haad Nam Tok, otherwise known as Waterfall Beach. If you are looking for activities like jet skiing and volleyball, then go to Haad Rin, one of the most bustling parts of the island.

With a car or motorbike, you can also drive to Koh Phangan’s most scenic viewpoints. Khao Ra is the tallest point on Koh Phangan and offers sweeping views of the lush green forests. Haad Rin and Haad Yao are also known for dramatic viewpoints.

How much is a motorbike rental in Koh Phangan? –  250+ baht ($8 USD)

How much is a rental car in Koh Phangan? – 1,500+ ($50 USD+)

Most motorbike and car rental places require a deposit, this is typically your passport OR a set amount of money around 5,000 baht. We choose the cash option, as handing over a passport is a big no-no to us.

We opted for a car due to how much camera gear we had, we couldn’t risk being on a bike. A car was just easier and safer for us. We rented our car with Janny Car Rental, they picked us up at the ferry and brought us to their shop where we picked up our car. We booked online with them in advance and would rent with them again. All communication was done via email.

Related Article: Thailand Tips All Visitors Should Know

3. Chase Waterfalls

For something more adventurous, hike inland to visit some of Koh Phangan’s famous waterfalls.

Phaeng Waterfall is the tallest and most impressive waterfall on the entire island. However, it’s only worth visiting during the wet season, when the waterfall is in full force. If you come during the summer, you might see nothing but a few dried rocks!

Paradise Waterfall is another popular spot for tourists and locals alike. It can be reached without hiking, which makes it easy if you’ve rented a car. You can visit Paradise Waterfall year-round; its shimmering emerald pool is always full of swimmers.

For something unique, visit the Sramanora Waterfall. During the day, the waterfall is the perfect area for hikers and swimmers. Once the sun sets, Sramanora turns into a jungle nightclub! Throughout the year, people flock to Sramanora Waterfall for live music, fire dancers, and free-flowing alcohol buckets. The jungle setting makes these waterfall parties one of the coolest things to do in Koh Phangan.

4. Watch the Sunset

What better way to relax than drinking a tropical cocktail while the sun sets on Koh Phangan? We recommend grabbing a couple of friends and finding your favorite beach bar to soak in the beautiful scenery around you.

In Koh Phangan, there are a few beach bars that are known for having unparalleled views during sunset. If you’re on the eastern side of the island, head to 2C Bar Sunset and Restaurant. With trendy cocktails and a picture-perfect beachside location, you could easily spend the entire night relaxing in this lively bar.

The previous Three Sixty Bar is now called 420 Club Phangan and is another option for people on the northern side of Koh Phangan. This cliffside bar overlooks the ocean and surrounding beaches, offering a tranquil escape to watch the world-renowned sunsets. They also serve a variety of refreshing, blended cocktails made with fresh fruit from the island.

• 2c Bar Sunset and Restaurant
• 420 Club Phangan

Related Article: Koh Lipe The Maldives of Thailand

5. Koh Phangan Full Moon Party in Thailand

You can’t visit Koh Phangan without attending one of their world-famous Full Moon parties! Roughly once a month, Haad Rin beach turns into one of the most lively and boisterous parties in all of Thailand.

Thousands of visitors from all over the world come to Koh Phangan’s Full Moon parties to drink, dance, and have fun until the early hours of the morning. Often wearing neon clothes and covered head to toe in vibrant body paint, partygoers hop from beach bar to beach bar.

Whether you’re coming to dance to techno and trance or to be mesmerized by a live fire show, there’s always something entertaining on the beaches of Haad Rin.

• Once a month, starting at 10 p.m.

Please make sure to place your garbage in the trash. It’s sad to see how much garbage is left on the beach after the full moon party in Koh Phangan. If you have the time, join the volunteer residents the next morning to clean up the beach. It’s a great thing to help clean up the day after the party, the amount of cups/straws/garbage that goes out to sea is sickening.

6. Visit Koh Phangan’s Beaches

The island of Koh Phangan is filled with tropical beaches around every corner. Although it shouldn’t be challenging to find a relaxing spot for the day, some beaches are quieter than others. If you have a car or motorbike, you can easily spend your day hopping from one beach to another.

The hidden beach of Chao Phao is a great place to escape the crowds of partygoers and tourists. It’s also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving, as the calm reefs are filled with colorful corals and schools of fish.

Another one of our favorites is Chalok Lum Beach , located on the northern side of the island. This tranquil fishing village is never overcrowded and is full of bobbing longtail boats, making it ideal for peace and quiet.

If you want to be near a few restaurants and resorts, Baan Thai Beach is for you. Lined with swaying palm trees and beach bars, Baan Thai Beach is one of the best spots to watch the sunset.

7. Take a Boat Trip to Bottle Beach

Although many people consider Bottle Beach one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan, its remote location can make it challenging to get to. The steep roads are not very safe, which means you shouldn’t try driving a car or motorbike to Bottle Beach.

The easiest and safest option is to take a boat taxi from Chalok Lum Beach. At just 150 baht per person, the boat offers impressive views during the short 15-30 minute trip to the beach.

In our opinion, the journey to Bottle Beach is well worth the effort. It’s clean, secluded, and much more laid back compared to other touristy beaches on Koh Phangan . You can scuba dive in the crystal waters, kayak around the neighboring islands, or unwind with a beachside Thai massage.

Although Bottle Beach can be tricky to get to, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most beautiful seaside hangouts in Koh Phangan!

8. Take a Cooking Class

Although you could spend your entire vacation eating in Thai restaurants, why not learn from the locals? Thai cuisine is known for its fresh and spicy ingredients, and on Koh Phangan, you’ll have a wide range of cooking classes to choose from.

Try your hand at making Pad Thai, a famous dish made from rice noodles and peanuts. You can also find a class to teach you how to make soups like Tom Khai Gai or Tom Yum Goong.

• The Phangan Thai Cooking Class
• C&M Learn Thai Culture

9. Hike Up Khao Ra

Towering 627 meters above sea level, Khao Ra is Koh Phangan’s highest peak. If you want to see one of the best spots on the island, a scenic three-hour hike to the top will reward you with dramatic views of the beaches and coastlines.

Starting at Khao Ra Terrace, you’ll wind your way through the lush jungle as you make your way up the mountain. Generally speaking, the trail is for medium to advanced hikers, as some parts can be steep and require you to use the trees and branches for support. Heading back down the mountain can also be tricky. If it recently rained, the dirt path may be muddy and slippery, making the decline extremely difficult.

We recommend only hiking up Khao Ra on a clear day. That way, you’ll have a full view of the entire island below you. Otherwise, you might not be able to see much if the weather is foggy or overcast.

10. Island Hop with a Boat Tour

Although you could spend days or weeks relaxing on Koh Phangan, you might want to explore some of the neighboring islands. The best way to island-hop your way around is by boat. Island hopping in Thailand is one of our favorite things to do.

There are several options for boat rentals, including private and guided tours. Explore some of the remote islands in Ang Thong Marine Park, or spend the day relaxing on the beaches of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. You can also venture 15km south of Koh Phangan to visit the beautiful island of Koh Samui, one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.

However, you don’t have to leave Koh Phangan to enjoy a boat tour. There are several companies that offer boat trips to some of the island’s hardest to reach hidden locations.

11. Dive Sail Rock

Easily considered one of the best dive spots in Koh Phangan, Sail Rock is brimming with spectacular marine life. Named after the giant rock peeking out of the ocean, Sail Rock is the perfect location for both beginner and experienced divers.

Beneath the waves, you’ll find many different types of corals, including cup corals and giant black corals. You’ll also be surrounded by schools of barracudas, snappers, and groupers. If you’re lucky, you might have the opportunity to glimpse a few sea turtles and scorpionfish too.

There are several tour companies that offer daily diving trips to Sail Rock. We recommend Sail Rock Divers for PADI courses and fun dives.

12. Dinner on Thong Nai Pan Beach

During your visit to Koh Phangan, you’ll undoubtedly have your fair share of amazing meals. However, there’s nothing more authentic than sitting in a beachside restaurant with plates of fresh seafood and local ingredients.

Baan Tapannoi Restaurant is located right on the shores of Thong Nai Pan Beach. This no-frills dining establishment has an outdoor BBQ, where you can enjoy grilled fish and other seafood cooked right in front of you. They also serve a variety of other classic Thai dishes, like curry, pad thai, and spring rolls.

However, it’s the atmosphere that makes Baan Tapannoi Restaurant worth visiting. The whole place is rustic and chic, and the trees are decorated with colorful hanging lanterns. Best of all, you can sit with your feet in the sand while you enjoy your mouthwatering meal.

We ate several meals here as it was really good and a quick walk from our hotel Santhiya Resort .

13. Thong Sala Night Market

Immerse yourself in a world of mouthwatering foods at Thong Sala Night Market. Located directly in front of Thong Sala Pier, this nightly market whips up some of the best snacks and meals in Koh Phangan.

The variety of available dishes is almost overwhelming. You’ll find everything from fried meat skewers and coconut shakes to vegan burritos and crispy spring rolls. Best of all, the food is really cheap, so you can try as many items as you’d like. Most dishes are between 20 – 100 baht.

As long as you come hungry, you’ll have no problem finding something to satisfy your tastebuds at Thong Sala Night Market. Make sure to read our what to eat in Thailand article .

Make sure to read our street food safety guide . You don’t want to get sick on your holiday.

Related Thailand Travel Guides

• Top 21 Romantic Thailand Honeymoon Destinations for Exotic Trip
• Ultimate Thailand Island Hopping Guide
• 12 Exotic Best Beaches in Thailand
• Koh Adang Thailand Guide
• 10 Things to do in Koh Lanta, Thailand 

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Best Time To Visit Koh Phangan

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What is the best time to visit koh phangan.

The best time to visit Koh Pha Ngan is from December and March as the humid season has started disappearing with monsoon still far away.  December and January are the most crowded months as everyone is eager for the famous parties. Even though the prices go high and it gets super packed everywhere, a lot of travellers still wish to visit during this time due to the stunning night life of Koh Pha Ngan.

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Things to do on Koh Phangan

This Thai island has shrugged off its backpacker reputation, and there are now so many incredible things to do on Koh Phangan.

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: November 27, 2023

The best things to do on Koh Phangan

There's a lot more to this Thai island than just its famous Full Moon Party and reputation as a backpacker haven.

The beautiful coastline, the dense jungle, and the authentic cultural experiences offer just a taste of the things you can do on Koh Phangan.

Haad Chao Phao

Bottle beach, thong nai pan, ang thong national marine park, than sadet national park, paradise waterfall, jungle safari, thong sala night markets, cooking class, bicycle tour, wat samai kongka, wat phu khao noi, wat ruese pa saeng tham, challenge phangan, full moon party.

I’ve visited Koh Phangan a few times over the years, always drawn back to the lush jungle and golden sands of the tropical paradise in the middle of the Gulf of Thailand.

The earlier trips were in what can be described as my ‘backpacker days’, when I thought the only things to do on Koh Phangan were partying and sleeping off the partying.

Back then, I would spend the day swimming and chatting to other young travellers. In the late afternoon, we would drink beers on the beach while someone would play guitar (I still, even now, remember one guy singing the same Pink Floyd song for an hour). And in the evenings, we would drink some more as the sand became a dance floor and fire-twirlers seemed to emerge from the surrounding jungle.

But I’m older now. And not quite as foolish (or foolhardy, perhaps). On my latest visit to Koh Phangan, I’ve explored beyond the small beach pocket of Haad Rin where much of the youthful hedonism is concentrated, and discovered there are so many more things to do on Koh Phangan than the parties.

To help you get your bearings, the backpacker area of Haad Rin is at the southeastern tip of Koh Phangan.

The main town of Thong Sala (where the ferry arrives) is on the southwestern corner.

Most of the beaches and popular accommodation options are stretched along the western coast.

The eastern side of the island (more than half of the total land area) is jungle protected by national parks, and is relatively inaccessible.

There’s the gorgeous coastline for starters – and it’s certainly a highlight, with some of the best beaches in Thailand. But head inland and you’ll also find lush jungle with walking trails and waterfalls.

Other than the main town of Thong Sala (and Haad Rin, to a certain extent), the rest of Koh Phangan’s communities tend to be small villages and they offer authentic ways to explore the island, through the local food stalls particularly, but also at the temples.

Compared to somewhere like Koh Samui, which has become quite developed and touristy, Koh Phangan is still laid back. Sure, you’ll find some hippies in happy pants here, but the vibe is mainly relaxed just because most visitors take it slowly, with little traffic and no need to rush anywhere.

You will find cool cafes (could you even call them hipster?), some fun bars, and some new restaurants. But you’re also going to find it just as easy to grab a noodle soup from a street stall, or sit on the beach with a beer from the 7-11.

Is it worth visiting Koh Phangan?

It is definitely worth visiting Koh Phangan, which has developed a reputation as one of the most relaxed tourist islands in Thailand. For travellers looking for the ultimate tropical escape, Koh Phangan offers beautiful beaches, authentic local culture, and wonderful accommodation options.

What is Koh Phangan known for?

Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party, the huge celebration that takes place on Haad Rin Beach each month. But although Koh Phangan has a reputation as a backpacker party island, it’s also gaining a reputation as a new tourist hotspot where visitors can escape the crowds of Koh Samui and Phuket.

How many days do you need on Koh Phangan?

You can spend as long as you want on Koh Phangan, and many people stay for weeks once they’ve relaxed into the tropical vibe here. For most visitors, though, I would recommend an absolute minimum of three days on Koh Phangan to start enjoying the atmosphere, while a week is probably the average stay.

If you’ve been to Koh Phangan before but not for a few years, you’ll find a slightly different island, with a lot more to do than just its old party reputation.

And if you’ve been to Koh Samui, you’ll find that there are a lot of different things to do on Koh Phangan, even though it may share many of the same tropical attributes.

With stunning water, jungle treks, fascinating heritage, and local food – here are my top tips for what to do on Koh Phangan.

There are at least 30 beaches on Koh Phangan, with soft sandy strips perfect for sunbaking and warm clear waters for swimming. You really can’t go wrong with any of them (even the ones around the main town of Thong Sala), and most people will visit a few different spots during their time on the island.

To help you choose where to head for your swims, here are a few of the best beaches on Koh Phangan.

As one of the most famous beaches on Koh Phangan, it would be remiss if I didn’t mention Haad Rin. But, to be honest, most visitors won’t want to visit it these days.

Haad Rin is where the Full Moon Party (and other beach parties) are held, and it’s the focal point of the backpacker crowd. The beach itself is generally very clean and the water is lovely for a swim, but the neighbourhood is much busier than other parts of the island.

Just a couple of hundreds metres across the peninsula, you’ll also find Rin Nai Beach, which is slightly smaller and can be much quieter. It gets beautiful sunset views and is lovely in the later afternoon.

On the west of the island, the beach at Haad Chao Phao (Chao Phao Beach) captures the essence of these coastal communities, with palm trees hanging over the sand, congruous bungalows between them, and a few little shops and restaurants a block back.

The nearby Zen Beach is the centre of the island’s yoga scene and that vibe flows over to Haad Chao Phao, which is very chilled. This is a great beach if you’re looking for somewhere quiet to hang out – but still easy to access.

The beaches along this stretch are also some of the best options when you’re considering where to stay on Koh Phangan .

The roads into Haad Salad (Salad Beach) are steep, and I wonder how many people decide not to visit because they don’t want to go back up on their scooter? Perhaps that’s one of the reasons that this beach feels quieter than it should.

I say that because Haad Salad has quite a bit happening for such a small strip of sand. As well as a few resorts, there’s a small collection of bars and restaurants that give a bit more life to the beach than some of the nearby ones.

With a large dramatic jungle headland to its north, the scenery here is also spectacular and it’s a lovely beach for a swim or a day on the sand.

At the northwestern tip of the island, Mae Haad Beach is one of the most popular on Koh Phangan for one main reason – the small island of Koh Ma that is just off the coast.

When the tide is low, a strip of sand appears that you can walk across to reach the island. Although even when the tide is up, you may still be able to easily swim across to the island (it’s only about 100 metres away).

Mae Haad is where you find some of the island’s biggest resorts (although they need a bit of a facelift). For this reason, it’s popular with families because there are lots of facilities here.

Bottle Beach is one of the nicest beaches in Koh Phangan – but also one of the hardest to get to (which is a large part of the appeal). A small arc of white sand surrounded by jungle awaits you, with some boutique accommodation where you can grab something to eat and drink.

Getting to Bottle Beach by scooter is possible, but quite tricky on the unsealed roads. Most people either get a boat transfer from Chalok Lam Beach, or hike through the jungle from Haad Khom, with different trails ranging from about two kilometres to three kilometres (one way).

The last beach I want to mention is Thong Nai Pan Noi, which is easier to access than Bottle Beach (it has sealed roads all the way) but can feel just as secluded. That’s because it is tucked away on the east coast, surrounded by national parks, far from most of the other development on the island.

There are actually two beaches right next to each other here at Thong Nai Pan, as well as towns around each of them, with lots of places to stay and eat. Although it makes for a fun day trip, this is also a great place to base yourself for some really relaxing off-grid time.

On the water

From the beaches, you’ll be able to swim to your heart’s content. But there’s more to the water than just the beach.

The gorgeous warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand have plenty to offer and here’s what you can do from Koh Phangan to make the most of it.

The waters around the coast of Koh Phangan are generally very calm, so it’s a beautiful spot to head out on a kayak. Depending on which beach you start from, you should be able to go around some of the rocky headlands, along the jungle coast, to explore some hard to reach spots.

There are lots of places that rent kayaks, and you’ll find options at most of the main beaches. If you can’t see somewhere when you arrive, just ask at one of the accommodations.

The islands here attract divers from across the region and there are some great dive sites around Koh Phangan. Probably the most famous of them all is Sail Rock, which many people say is the best in the whole Gulf of Thailand.

Whether you’ve never dived before or you’re an expert, it doesn’t matter – there are schools and trips to cater for everyone (and Koh Phangan is a great place to get your PADI certification – although it’s also one of the main things to do on Koh Tao , which is better known for diving).

Have a look at this diving trip for beginners that heads out to Sail Rock. If you’re more experienced, then this diving trip to Sail Rock may be a better fit for you.

The Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the natural wonders of Thailand and heading out there for a day is one of the best things you can do from Koh Phangan.

The archipelago of 42 small islands rises up from the deep blue waters, little pockets of limestone mountains and thick jungle. Other than two small villages, the islands are uninhabited. Some of them have caves, inland lakes, and even sinkholes. Most of them have beautiful beaches.

There are a few companies that do speedboat trips out to the marine park from Koh Phangan. I would recommend this tour to Ang Thong , which includes the use of kayaks, snorkelling equipment, and lunch.

About 35 kilometres north of Koh Phangan is Koh Tao , the third of the large islands in this string of popular tourist destinations. People with plenty of time on their hands might stay at all three, while other travellers just choose their favourite.

If you’ve just based yourself on Koh Phangan, then you might like to take a day trip to Koh Tao by speedboat. It has some of the best snorkelling and diving in the area, plus the island itself is really pretty.

A highlight of this speedboat tour to Koh Tao is that it includes a visit to Koh Nang Yuan, a picturesque island just off the coast with amazing beaches and incredible viewpoints (which are very insta-popular!).

The coast is often the focus for visitors to the island, but don’t forget that most of Koh Phangan is actually jungle. Diving into the dense and humid interior opens up some fantastic adventures.

A great way to explore the mountains of Koh Phangan is at the headquarters of Than Sadet National Park, which is easy to reach by road, but then has a series of walking trails that make you feel instantly like you’re in the remote jungle.

The nature trail here is a loop track that takes about an hour to walk (although it’s longer if you stop along the way). It leads through tall tree and gnarled vines, with ferns and even orchids at ground level.

The highlights of the walk are the waterfalls, with the most famous being the Phaeng Noi Waterfall, which is particularly impressive during the wet season.

The highest mountain on Koh Phangan is Khao Ra and, although it’s technically in Than Sadet National Park, it’s not connected to the trails I’ve just mentioned that are around the headquarters.

To get to Khao Ra, you need to start at a trail a bit further north. The whole walk to the summit and back will take between two and three hours and isn’t particularly difficult (the peak is only 627 metres high). The hardest thing are the mosquitos (so make sure you bring repellent!).

The view from the top is sweeping and it gives you a great perspective of the island. With the humidity in the jungle, you’ll also sweat out all those beers you’ve been enjoying!

If you don’t like the sound of all this walking and humidity, then an easy spot to visit is Paradise Waterfall, in the north of the island, close to Chaloklum Beach.

The waterfall itself is beautiful, tumbling down between a series of boulders, and into a large waterhole. It’s the perfect size (and temperature) for swimming, and makes for a refreshing break in the middle of the day.

There is a small hike you can take up to the top of the waterfall, but otherwise you can drive up to a carpark just a short stroll away from the waterhole. An enterprising local has set up a ticket booth, charging 30 baht (US$0.90) for entry, but that includes a cold drink.

Much of the jungle is hard to access on your own, particularly if you don’t have the right kind of vehicle, so one of the best ways to explore this part of Koh Phangan is on a safari tour.

There are a couple of options that will take you off-road, through the lush landscapes to epic viewpoints, and along remote dirt tracks.

There’s this ATV jungle safari where you’ll be able to drive the four-wheelers yourself, or head out on the back of a truck with this jungle day tour that will show you all around the island.

Cultural experiences

The natural attractions of Koh Phangan get a lot of the attention (and fair enough too), but it’s important not to forget the cultural side of the island.

Compared to Koh Samui (which is quite developed) and Koh Tao (which has such an emphasis on tourism), Koh Phangan has some of the most authentic examples of local life here in the Gulf of Thailand.

Markets are such an important part of daily life in Thailand, where locals traditionally come for everything they need, from food to everyday household items. You will see smaller markets in the communities across the island, but the two night markets in the main town of Thong Sala are particularly interesting for visitors.

The first worth mentioning is the Phantip Night Market, which is open every evening and has a large section dedicated to hot food. The small stalls sell all sorts of food, like grilled meats, noodles, and seafood – while larger more permanent shopfronts serve meals on plates. It’s a great spot to pop into for a cheap and local meal.

The other interesting event is the Saturday Night Walking Street Market, which stretches out along the waterfront street near the pier. It also has food, but there are all sort of other things for sale, including clothes, gifts, and local products. There’s a great vibe here and it’s a fun place to hang out.

So, you can buy a full meal at the markets, but what’s the fun in that, right? Another approach is to just buy the ingredients and then cook them all up yourself.

To learn how to do some authentic Thai cooking, there are some great cooking classes in Koh Phangan that you can join. As well as focusing on the special local products, you’ll get an understanding of the basic flavour profiles of Thai food, and come away with some recipes that you can even replicate at home.

You may see a few places offering cooking classes around the island – for one of the top schools, have a look at what’s available at the C&M Culture Centre .

Is it the relaxing atmosphere of Koh Phangan that attracts the yoga crowd, or is it their presence that helps make the island feel so chilled? Either way, yoga is a big activity along the west coast and there are some great studios here.

One of the oldest and still one of the best known is the Yoga Retreat , near Haad Salad. For something a bit more modern (and on-trend), there’s the Wonderland Healing Centre . And if you’re looking for a luxurious and remote yoga holiday, The Sanctuary is on a remote jungle beach that will take you away from the real world for a while.

Some of the best local cultural experiences I’ve had on Koh Phangan have been when I’m just exploring the roads that lead between the communities. It’s here that you’ll pop into small shops, grab fruit from the street stalls, and see all sorts of interesting daily life taking place.

One way to see all of this – but with an expert local guide – is with this bicycle tour of Koh Phangan . You’ll stay on relatively flat ground (phew, no hills!) and be led through local farms, temples, markets, and other sites. You’ll even get to taste local snacks along the way.

I think this is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in some of the local culture in Koh Phangan, and the things you learn will likely improve your whole time here.

Although you’ll find cultural experiences in Koh Phangan just by exploring the streets, some of the particular sites that are worth looking out for are the island’s temples. These colourful (sometimes garish) complexes are a fascinating insight into a slice of local life, and you’re always welcome to pop in and have a look around.

Here are a few particular temples on Koh Phangan that I think are worth visiting.

Of all the island’s temples, Wat Samai Kongka is certainly the most memorable. It’s famous for its garden sculptures that depict the torture of people in Buddhist hell, including being boiled alive in a pot and all kinds of unpleasant pokings.

Other than those gruesome images, the complex at Wat Samai Kongka is quite large and there are often events held here, including meditation sessions that you are able to join.

Set back from the main road and at the top of a small hill, Wat Phu Khao Noi is the oldest temple on Koh Phangan and is said to have been founded in the 15th century.

The main pagoda building is a ten-metre-high white tower surrounded by eight smaller pagodas that each have their own design. Around it, in the tranquil environment, are some more modern buildings that have interesting artefacts on display.

Although it is alongside the main road that connects the north and south of the island, Wat Ruese Pa Saeng Tham feels like it could be in the middle of the jungle, with the lush greenery surrounding the site.

A large courtyard filled with interesting statues is a highlight of the complex, as is the small carved Chinese shrine. Climb up the stairs of the main building for views out across the island’s jungle.

Wat Pho Temple

Not to be confused with Bangkok’s Wat Pho of the same name, the Wat Pho on Koh Phangan is not the most impressive looking temple on the island – but it is popular because of the Baan Tai Herbal Sauna on the site. (It’s location between Haad Rin and the Thong Sala Pier doesn’t hurt either.)

The herbal sauna is not a luxurious spa and it was originally established for monks. The concept is that steam mixed with a blend of herbs fills the sauna and helps detoxify you (perhaps useful after a Full Moon Party?).

Go a bit crazy

You’re on holiday, right? And it doesn’t have to be all local culture and beaches. Sometimes you just want to do something fun – and Koh Phangan’s background as a backpacker island means there are a few great options.

Sadly, it looks like Challenge Phangan has permanently closed, but I’ve left the information here, in case something changes.

If you fancy yourself a ninja warrior (of the television variety), then try to complete the obstacle course at Challenge Phangan . With inflatable stepping stones, ladders, swinging bags, flying foxes, and much more – it’s a great way to spend a few hours trying to improve your time along the course.

Unfortunately Challenge Phangan is still closed from the pandemic and I don’t know when it’s going to reopen – but hopefully it comes back soon, because it’s a lot of fun.

A bit of a backpacker institution on Koh Phangan, Slip n Fly may look like a waterpark, but there’s much more to it than that.

The main attraction at Slip n Fly is the twin waterslides that finish in a large pool where you can hang out. But perhaps the real reason lots of people come here is for the music and drinks. The venue turns into a party pretty quickly and is often an unofficial meeting place during the Full Moon Party period.

Slip n Fly is also still closed from the pandemic (and looks like it needs a bit of work to get it running again) but the plan is still to reopen, apparently.

The main paintball venue on Koh Phangan is running post-pandemic, though, and it’s a fun way to see the island’s jungle… while shooting your friends in the back!

The game zone at Paintball Battle Koh Phangan has bunkers, trenches, obstacles, and all sort of other cool constructions amongst the trees. There are a few different scenarios you can choose from for different styles of play – which also means you can do it more than once.

And then, of course, there’s the Full Moon Party – which may need no introduction. It’s been going for almost 40 years and what began as a word-of-mouth backpacker party has now become a large event each month with plenty of businesses offering packages and transfers from Koh Samui.

The focus is Haad Rin Beach, although other parts of the island also have events during the festival period (particularly at bars in Thong Sala). And although the party has a reputation these days for drugs, alcohol, and petty crime, it’s generally a very friendly event.

Because of the success of the Full Moon Party, there are lots of other parties in Koh Phangan during other parts of the month, including Half Moon and Black Moon parties. They can sometimes be a better choice for travellers because they’re just as fun but don’t have some of the logistical issues.

Where is Koh Phangan?

Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 400 kilometres south of Bangkok. It’s about 50 kilometres from the mainland, and about 10 kilometres from the nearby island of Koh Samui. The closest main city on the mainland is Surat Thani, about 100 kilometres away.

How do you get to Koh Phangan?

There is no airport on Koh Phangan so the only way to arrive is by boat. Most visitors get to Koh Phangan with either a direct ferry from the mainland, or by getting a flight to Koh Samui and catching a ferry from there.

When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan?

The best time of year to visit Koh Phangan is from December to March, which is considered to be the dry season. From April to June/July gets very hot – but perhaps that’s not so bad if you’re going to spend your whole time in the water. September to November is officially the wet season, which can make long days on the beach a bit tricky, but it is less crowded and things like accommodation can be much cheaper.

I’ve spent a lot of time on the Thai islands over the years – during various trips since I was a youngster, and Koh Phangan has always been my favourite of them all.

There are also lots of things to do on Koh Samui and lots of things to do on Koh Tao , but I feel like Koh Phangan has the perfect blend of nature and culture with that relaxed escape atmosphere. If you also find the perfect place to stay, it’ll make for a wonderful time.

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION ON KOH PHANGAN

The beautiful beaches offer a range of accommodation from backpacker parties to exclusive luxury resorts. Have a look at my detailed story about where to stay on Koh Phangan , or check out the highlights below.

It’s not the cheapest, but So Good Haad Rin is certainly the nicest hostel, with modern rooms and an amazing location on the beach.

Right on the sand, Tiki Beach has a fun vibe with cheap rooms around a central pool and bar that has just the right amount of party.

As quite a large property at Haad Yao, Amara Beach Resort has lots of facilities in a perfect location.

Possibly the best property on the whole island, Anantara Rasananda Villas is the epitome of barefoot luxury, right on the beautiful beach.

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2 thoughts on “Things to do on Koh Phangan”

nice info, thanks!

Very interesting reading, staying for 5 days and already booked Amara Beach Resort,

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How To Get To Koh Phangan: The Quick and No-Fuss Guide!

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Home » How To Get To Koh Phangan: The Quick and No-Fuss Guide!

In the biting summer heat, a cool dip in the turquoise waters of Koh Phangan will drive all your fatigue away. 

If your kids are all up for adventure and can handle the wild, then Koh Phangan is the treasure island worth exploring. From scenic beauty to ancient serenity, you will find everything in this jewel of the Thai Gulf. 

The island is connected to the mainland via ferries, and thus to reach the place, hopping on a ferry is necessary.

So without further delay, let’s start our journey to Koh Phangan!

In this guide, you can find out how to:

• Get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
• Get from Phuket to Koh Phangan
• Get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan
• Get from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Bangkok

If you’re done exploring the wonders of the Thai capital city, then it’s time to head south now! Koh Phangan is located at a distance of around 770 km from Bangkok . But this distance can be conveniently shortened if you fly to destinations close to Koh Phangan.

To reach Koh Phangan, you can travel by land or air (though a ferry ride is a must in all cases). Based on your convenience, you can choose either of the options. 

Now let’s get you to Koh Phangan from Bangkok!

1. By Air + Ferry

If money is not a question to you and you wish to get to the island as quickly as possible, then traveling by air is the most convenient option. However, you need to know that Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport. 

Thus, to reach Koh Phangan by air, you must book a flight to Surat Thani or Koh Samui to reach the island sooner.

1a) Fly to Surat Thani + Ferry to Koh Phangan

Surat Thani is located on the western shores of the Gulf of Thailand and lies close to Koh Phangan. You can board a flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Click here to book your ticket from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

Next, you will have to grab a transfer from the airport to Donsak where you will have to catch a ferry.

The ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan will only take 2 hours. However, you need to allow around 3 hours and 15 min for the whole journey from the airport to the island.

Click here to book your airport transfer plus ferry combo ticket.

1b) Fly to Koh Samui + Ferry to Koh Phangan

Koh Samui is the neighboring island of Koh Phangan and offers the fastest route to your travel destination. Your entire journey will only take a couple of hours as Koh Samui airport is the nearest airport to Koh Phangan.

Traveling via Koh Samui can push your budget a bit higher, but when have convenience and effectiveness been affordable?

So if money isn’t a problem, board a 1-hour flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui and hop on a 30-minute ferry to Koh Phangan.

Click here to book your air ticket from Bangkok to Koh Samui.

Click here to book your ferry ticket.

2. By Land (Bus/Train) + Ferry

Another way to reach Koh Phangan from Bangkok is via bus or train.

Traveling by land is the most affordable and economical for travelers looking for budgeted traveling options. If you’re one of them, here’s how to reach Koh Phangan by land without straining your pocket.

2a) Bus + Ferry

A night’s travel by bus will make your Koh Phangan journey more memorable. It takes about 10-18 hours to reach Koh Phangan if traveling by bus. 

Although a bit uncomfortable, the long journey will end sooner than you think. Countless private and public buses are available, dropping you directly at Donsak, Surat Thani.

From Donsak, your Koh Phangan journey will end at Thong Sala Pier via ferry. 

We recommend grabbing a combo ticket for both your bus and ferry.

Click here to grab your combo bus and ferry ticket.

A train journey is another option to shorten the distance between Bangkok and Koh Phangan. Although most of the journey is on land, the remaining distance is covered by ferries.

To make the most of your budgeted vacation, board a train from Bang Sue Junction at night and relax at Chumphon.

From Chumphon, continue to Tung Makham via taxi and board a ferry from Tung Makham to Thong Sala Pier. The whole journey can take about 11 hours. 

If you’re traveling with family, booking a train ticket with lower berths is recommended beforehand. Lower berths provide more in terms of comfort.

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Phuket

The journey from Thailand’s largest island to the famous party island doesn’t have to be torturous.

There is a list of options if you want to travel from Phuket to Koh Phangan. Traveling by air is faster and more convenient if you don’t want your quality vacation time wasted on commuting. 

However, traveling by bus is best if you are on a budget.  

Here’s how you can reach Koh Phangan from Phuket.

As Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport, you’ll need to fly to Koh Samui first. You must catch a ferry or speedboat from Koh Samui to reach Koh Phangan.

There are many departures from Phuket airport to Koh Samui; you can board a flight that suits you. After reaching Koh Samui, take a short ride to Bangrak Pier to board a ferry to reach Koh Samui.

Keep in mind that you should probably give yourself some additional time between the flight and the ferry – just in case of a flight delay.

Click here to book your flight ticket from Phuket to Koh Samui.

The ferry will drop you at Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan, and you’ve reached your destination!  

Click here to purchase your ferry ticket.

2. By Land (Bus/Minivan) + Ferry

Traveling through the mainland by bus or minivan is perfect if you are on a budget.

To start, you can board a bus from Phuket Airport or Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Surat Thani. From Surat Thani, ride a taxi to Donsak Pier and then board a ferry to Thong Sala Koh Phangan.

Depending on the weather and other factors, the journey will take about 10 hours or more. This option isn’t for you if you’re an impatient traveler who despises long travel hours. 

Fortunately, you can make this journey easy by purchasing a combo ticket for both the bus and van.

Click here to grab your combo ticket.

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Koh Samui

Traveling from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan is like going to your neighbor’s house down the street. The 30-minute journey is like hopping between islands, and the cherry on top? The closest ferry port is only 15 min away from the airport.

The Bangrak Pier is close to the airport, and from there, you can board a ferry to Thong Sala Koh Phangan.

How To Get To Koh Phangan From Surat Thani

You can easily reach Koh Phangan from the western shores of Surat Thani by boarding a ferry. There are numerous options, from fastest to cheapest, and you can choose whichever suits you best.

The fastest way to reach Koh Phangan from Surat Thani is by boarding a ferry from Tapee pier Lomprayah. The journey will take less than 3 hours if you choose this route.

For a cheaper alternative, you have to travel via bus for an hour first to reach the Donsak terminal and later board a ferry to Thong Sala pier. The whole journey via this route will take about 4 hours. Based on your convenience, you can choose either of the options.

Use this search function to find the best option for you:

Here in this article, we have highlighted all the convenient options for you to reach Koh Phangan. You can opt for any of these based on your budget and convenience. 

As there are many transfers to Koh Phangan (especially if you’re traveling by bus or train), don’t forget to book combo tickets. There are many options that you can choose from which will make your Koh Phangan journey smooth and fun.

So, book your tickets today and have a blast at Koh Phangan!

Ready to start planning your trip? We have loads of helpful blog posts on our Thailand travel blog hub.

You might also want to know if should you choose Koh Phangan or Koh Samui for your next visit, and why.

Jolene Ejmont

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3 replies to this topic

You should allow 1.5 hours to reach the airport from where the Lomprayah craft docks. So, an earlier sailing is highly advisable.

Thank you for your response. 11.30 is the time the service is due to arrive at the airport if you get a combined boat and bus ticket (sorry I didn’t make that very clear). I believe it is scheduled to arrive at Taipee pier at 10am. So technically should be plenty of time, I was just wondering about how reliable it is. Thanks

Hi Caroline,

In the past it proved to be reliable for us but delays can happen. If you are at all concerned I would take an early morning ferry from Koh Phangan to the mainland, of what I remember it takes 2.5 hours.

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Passing Thru Travel

10 Yoga and Wellness Retreats Worldwide 2024 – Finding Peace and Health on Your Travels

Posted: February 14, 2024 | Last updated: February 14, 2024

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is a top destination for yoga and wellness, with its serene landscapes and spiritual atmosphere. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to September. Ubud, known as the cultural heart of Bali, offers a plethora of yoga retreats nestled among lush rice terraces and rainforests. These retreats often include meditation sessions, holistic healing practices, and organic food.

COMO Shambhala Estate Retreat Highlight:

Nestled amidst lush jungles, COMO Shambhala offers a holistic wellness experience with a focus on healthy living, including yoga, meditation, and Ayurvedic therapies.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the local culture by attending a Balinese healing ceremony.

Travel Details: Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport and take a taxi or shuttle to Ubud.

Rishikesh, India

Visit Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga, between March and April or September to October for ideal weather. This sacred city on the banks of the Ganges River is dotted with ashrams, offering immersive yoga experiences. Retreats here often combine yoga with Ayurvedic treatments and spiritual teachings.

Parmarth Niketan Retreat Highlight:

Located on the banks of the Ganges, Parmarth Niketan is one of the largest ashrams in Rishikesh, offering traditional yoga practices, spiritual classes, and the opportunity to partake in the Ganga Aarti ceremony.

Insider’s Tip: Attend the Ganga Aarti, a spiritual river worship ceremony, for a unique cultural experience.

Travel Details: Fly to Dehradun Airport and take a taxi or bus to Rishikesh.

Sedona, Arizona, USA

Best visited in the spring or fall, Sedona’s red rock landscapes provide a stunning backdrop for yoga and wellness retreats. The area is known for its energy vortexes, which are said to be conducive to healing and meditation. Retreats here often include outdoor yoga sessions, mindful hiking, and spa treatments.

Sedona Mago Retreat Highlight:

Surrounded by Sedona’s stunning red rock formations, this retreat offers healing Tao meditation, yoga, and personal transformation programs.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the numerous hiking trails for breathtaking views and serene meditation spots.

Travel Details: Fly into Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and rent a car for the scenic drive to Sedona.

With its rich biodiversity and tranquil beaches, Costa Rica is ideal for yoga retreats, especially from December to April. The Nicoya Peninsula, a Blue Zone, is renowned for its wellness-focused lifestyle. Retreats here blend yoga with nature activities like surfing and jungle hikes.

Blue Spirit Retreat Highlight:

Located in Nosara, Blue Spirit offers a variety of yoga and meditation retreats in a serene setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean and a three-mile white sand beach.

Insider’s Tip: Visit a local coffee plantation to learn about sustainable living practices.

Travel Details: Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport and take a local flight or drive to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Tuscany, Italy

Tuscany is best visited in the spring or early fall. The region’s rolling hills and vineyards provide a peaceful setting for yoga retreats, often held in restored farmhouses or villas. These retreats typically combine yoga with other wellness activities like wine tasting and cooking classes featuring local organic produce.

Ebbio Retreat Highlight:

Housed in a restored 13th-century farmhouse, Ebbio offers yoga retreats in the heart of the Tuscan countryside, complete with organic farming practices and nature walks.

Insider’s Tip: Take a day trip to a nearby hot spring for a relaxing soak.

Travel Details: Fly into Florence or Pisa airports, with car rentals available for countryside exploration.

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Travel to Koh Phangan between December and March for the best weather. This island is a haven for wellness enthusiasts. It is known for its yoga retreats that often include detox programs, Thai massage, and meditation on serene beaches.

Samma Karuna Retreat Highlight:

This awakening and healing school, set along the beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan, offers yoga retreats focusing on self-discovery, mindfulness, and community living.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the island’s night markets for local crafts and street food.

Travel Details: Fly to Koh Samui Airport and take a ferry to Koh Phangan.

The French Alps

Summer (June to August) is the best time to visit the French Alps for yoga retreats. Amidst towering mountains and alpine meadows, these retreats combine yoga with outdoor activities like hiking and mindfulness in nature.

Chalet Rosière Retreat Highlight:

A boutique chalet offering a unique blend of yoga and skiing or hiking, set against the backdrop of the stunning French Alps, providing a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Insider’s Tip: Participate in an alpine plant identification walk for a unique nature experience.

Travel Details: Fly into Geneva or Lyon airports, with transfer options to the Alps.

Maui, Hawaii, USA

Maui is a year-round destination, but April to May and September to November offer the best weather for yoga retreats. The island’s diverse landscapes provide a perfect setting for wellness retreats, often including beach yoga, Hawaiian healing practices, and organic meals.

Lumeria Maui Retreat Highlight:

Lumeria Maui is an educational retreat center offering yoga, meditation, and horticulture classes, set in a stunning historic estate surrounded by tropical gardens.

Insider’s Tip: Attend a traditional Hawaiian luau to experience local culture and cuisine.

Travel Details: Fly into Kahului Airport, with car rentals recommended for island exploration.

Ibiza, Spain

Ibiza, known for its clear blue waters and vibrant nightlife, is also a wellness retreat haven. The best time to visit is May to October. Retreats on this Mediterranean island often focus on holistic wellness, combining yoga with activities like paddle boarding and mindful eating.

Ibiza Retreats Retreat Highlight: Ibiza Retreats focuses on personalized yoga experiences, combining them with wellness coaching and mindfulness practices in the tranquil and beautiful setting of Ibiza.

Insider’s Tip: Take a boat trip to the nearby island of Formentera for pristine beaches and clear waters.

Travel Details: Fly into Ibiza Airport, with taxis and buses available for island travel.

British Columbia, Canada

Visit British Columbia during the summer for yoga retreats amidst its stunning natural landscapes. Retreats are often held in remote locations, offering immersive experiences in nature with activities like forest yoga, mountain hikes, and wellness workshops.

Hollyhock Retreat Center Retreat Highlight:

Situated on Cortes Island, Hollyhock offers a range of retreats focusing on personal growth and wellness, set in a beautiful, rustic environment with access to ocean and forest.

Insider’s Tip: Explore the local farmers’ markets for fresh, regional produce.

Travel Details: Fly into Vancouver International Airport, with options for domestic flights or scenic drives to retreat locations.

The Bottom Line

Each destination offers a unique setting for yoga and wellness retreats, allowing you to find peace, rejuvenation, and health on your travels. Whether you’re nestled in the sacred mountains of India, basking in the tropical beauty of Costa Rica, or finding serenity in the rolling hills of Tuscany, these retreats provide an opportunity to disconnect from the hustle of daily life and reconnect with yourself in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. Consider the local climate and cultural events to ensure the most enriching experience when planning your trip.

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The post 10 Yoga and Wellness Retreats Worldwide 2024 – Finding Peace and Health on Your Travels republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Mizuno555.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Experiencing the ‘wellness’ culture in Koh Phangan Island, Thailand

Brand td speaks with eddy kukarja, producer, stayfly studio co., ltd. koh phangan island.

Koh Phangan Island is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist spots, the island is well known for scuba diving and snorkeling. Yet another boisterous night-long celebration, the Full Moon Party, which is tied to the lunar calendar, draws revelers to its southeastern peninsula. The island offers a plethora of opportunities for wellness, meditation and yoga.

Gary Marshall CEO, Brand TD by Travel Daily Media talks to  Eddy Kukarja, Producer, Stayfly Studio Co., Ltd.,    Koh Phangan Island  about the wellness and wellbeing Industry on Koh Phangan Island.

Brand TD by Travel Daily Media (Brand TD). How does the unique environment of Koh Phangan Island contribute to the overall wellness and well-being of its residents?

Koh Phangan is a very unique island, apart from all the parties in the East, on the other side of the island is known to be one of the world’s top destination for learning Yoga, meditation, Sound healing, and is home to international conscious communities with diverse alternative healthy lifestyles. People come across the world to begin their healing journey here on Koh Phangan. With the rich culture, it is home to many talented artists and musicians traveling in from all over the world to compose and perform world, classical, jazz, medicine, and healing music. Not to forget the wide selections of local fruits and vegetables in weekly markets and regular stalls in community areas. Music and Food are universal language in integrating wellness with everyday living, it transcends all cultural barriers.

And let’s not forget the main reason why we’re here, and that is the natural setting of Koh Phangan. The national park covers a portion of the island, guaranteeing that no matter how rapid the development goes, we will always have waterfalls to swim and deep jungles to hike through.

This answer could be summed up by the 3 pillars of Awakenest (an annual wellness festival on Koh Phangan). These are Yourself, Your Community, Your Environment. When you are grounded enough within yourself, you would automatically want to serve your community, and give back to your environment. Koh Phangan has a lot to offer when it comes to wellness and sustainability activities.

Brand TD: The Full Moon Party is a well known and significant event, attracting many overseas visitors; however, what wellness initiatives or programs are currently in place on Koh Phangan Island to support the community’s mental and physical health?

The Yoga culture is prevalent on the spiritual side of the island, leading to daily practices and rituals that promotes wellness in its most basic level. Sound healing, medicine music concerts, Kirtan chants, Cacao ceremonies, Ecstatic Dance, happens almost everyday on this island providing therapeutic benefits. These activities welcomes everybody to join, which includes local islanders, local expats, tourists, and anybody interested. The local landlords are aware and supportive to the yoga culture on the island.

Brand TD: Can you tell us about curating the wellness festival program to find a balance between spiritual practices and making events accessible to all community members.

At Awakenest, we aim to create a comfortable environment for everyone. It is not a spirit festival, where the target market are people on a similar phase in life. At our wellness festival, we blend all culture, nationality, age, career status, in order for us to fully understand what our purpose really is as a human being, taking away all the knowledge that separates us from one another. We promote enlightenment in a way that wisdom is shared among each other. We promote a healthy lifestyle, and that includes Yoga, meditation, healthy eating, forum and talks on wellness and sustainability, music and sound appreciation, conscious dances, family activities, wellness workshops, while producing zero-waste. Our content are diverse, and in overall a good balance to both Thais and expats.

We involve Thai traditions to our events by incorporating Thai traditional musicians and instruments to collaborate with World musicians, as well as including traditional dances from local schools, aiming to unite everyone on this island. It will take a couple more events for the full integration with local islanders to fully emerge, so we will keep doing more events. There are also local festivals like Chak Phra, a Buddhist celebration with merit making, that is held on Koh Phangan, receiving great attention from travelers.

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ferry from Koh phangan to Surat Thani - Thailand Forum

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3 replies to this topic

You should allow 1.5 hours to reach the airport from where the Lomprayah craft docks. So, an earlier sailing is highly advisable.

Thank you for your response. 11.30 is the time the service is due to arrive at the airport if you get a combined boat and bus ticket (sorry I didn’t make that very clear). I believe it is scheduled to arrive at Taipee pier at 10am. So technically should be plenty of time, I was just wondering about how reliable it is. Thanks

Hi Caroline,

In the past it proved to be reliable for us but delays can happen. If you are at all concerned I would take an early morning ferry from Koh Phangan to the mainland, of what I remember it takes 2.5 hours.

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Adventures & Activities Chiang Rai

Top 5 Best Ethical Elephant Sanctuaries In Chiang Mai, Thailand

Jordan Walsh

May 6, 2024

Have you ever dreamed of walking alongside the earth’s giants, feeling the gentle touch of an elephant’s trunk, and looking into their wise, knowing eyes? 

Table of Contents

These encounters deeply connect us to nature and arouse our souls. And for a digital nomad traveling to Chiang Mai, this is a must-try experience!

Nevertheless, how can we ensure that our interactions promote the best welfare of these fantastic animals?

I remember my first time seeing these majestic animals in Thailand. Back then, responsible tourism was still unheard of. I witnessed the elephants chained, forced to bow, and carry those tourists on their backs from morning to late afternoon. 

It was heartbreaking!

Key Highlights Chiang Mai’s ethical elephant sanctuaries are committed to giving elephants a humane, natural habitat free from exploitation, emphasizing their freedom, well-being, and health. These sanctuaries are unique in combining educational initiatives with ethical tourism, allowing guests and digital nomads to interact politely with these magnificent creatures while learning about elephant conservation. Experiences like feeding, bathing, and walking with elephants are available at sanctuaries like Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary, BEES—Burm, and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. These sanctuaries protect the dignity and well-being of the elephants while facilitating a close relationship with the natural world. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary’s immersive cultural experience, Patara Elephant Farm’s all-encompassing conservation approach, and Elephant Nature Park’s “Saddle Off!” program showcase the variety of moral approaches to elephant care and conservation. In addition to giving elephants a place to live, these sanctuaries are essential in spreading awareness among the general public about the value of conservation, humane treatment, and the difficulties elephants encounter in Thailand and elsewhere. Chiang Mai’s ethical elephant sanctuaries are a ray of hope for elephant conservation. By providing a model for sustainable tourism, they ensure that people and elephants live in harmony while also respecting and preserving Thailand’s natural and cultural heritage. These sanctuaries, through their commitment to moral behavior, encourage a global movement toward more conscientious relationships with the magnificent species of our earth.

Best Elephant Sanctuaries In Chiang Mai

As people become more conscious of elephant tourism’s moral issues, more discriminating tourists are looking for sanctuaries that prioritize the well-being, freedom, and health of these magnificent animals. 

A few sanctuaries in Chiang Mai stand out for their dedication to conservation, rehabilitation, and ethical treatment.

Join us as we shed light on these havens by providing insights into their practices, ideologies, and experiences.

1. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Chiang Mai

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with elephants. 

Nomads and visitors can dress in traditional Karen tribe attire and fully immerse themselves in the native way of life as their tour begins. This will establish the tone for an engaging day spent with the cherished elephants at the sanctuary.

The opportunity to personally prepare and feed the gentle giants, the elephants, was one of my favorite highlights. It’s a unique chance to get to know these fantastic animals personally and discover more about their eating requirements and lifestyle.

Throughout the day, guests are encouraged to play, interact, and photograph the elephants. In doing so, they not only create lasting memories but also gain insight into the rescue stories of these remarkable animals. 

The stories provide insight into the elephants’ difficulties and offer suggestions for shielding them from cruel treatment.

Elephant mud spas are one of the sanctuary’s unique offerings for visitors looking for excitement and adventure. Yes, prepare to get dirty and bring extra clothes.

After engaging in some lighthearted playtime in the mud, visitors can help give the elephants a bath in the river, which will leave them feeling clean and rejuvenated.

You can participate in the One Day Walk program if you’re itching for even more time with these fantastic animals. You can visit additional camps and get to know more elephants during this extended vacation, which offers many chances for learning and bonding.

A hearty meal is served as the day ends to ensure everyone is well-fed and content. 

When it’s time to depart, you may relax knowing that your experience was morally and safely done while also improving the well-being of these elephants.

Your journey back to your hotel is comfortable and secure, leaving you with a sense of fulfillment, having positively impacted the lives of these remarkable animals.

119/10 Tha Phae Road, Chang Khlan Sub-district, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

+66 53 273 415

https://elephantjunglesanctuary.com/

2. BEES – Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary

The BEES elephant sanctuary is located in Maechaem, 134 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai. It was founded in 2011 by Burm Pornchai Rinkaew and Emily Rose McWilliam, who were disturbed to see the pitiful conditions of elephants involved in tourist rides. 

It is undoubtedly the most ethical sanctuary. Its primary focus is to ensure a natural habitat for the elephants where they can forage, dust, bathe, roam, explore, and socialize. 

I love how BEES’s practices are deeply rooted in sustainability. The sanctuary supports local farmers by buying their produce to feed the elephants. Thus, benefiting not only the elephants but also the farmers and the community in general.

Currently, it provides full-time employment to 5 locals and part-time income opportunities to various others. 

The sanctuary offers a picturesque view of the lush green forest, rivers, and lofty Doi Inthanon Mountain.

34 M1, Ban Thung Yaw, Tambon Chang Keung Chiang Mai

+66 (0)8619 72519

https://bees-elesanctuary.org/

3. Happy Elephant Home Sanctuary

The Happy Elephant Home is located in the Mae Taeng district, one hour from Chiang Mai. Nearly all the elephants in this sanctuary were rescued from logging or performing operations, where they lived the hard days as captive elephants. 

The rescued animals enjoy swimming and mud-bathing in their natural habitat. Since there are no barricades or fences, visitors must wear special dresses to make the elephants feel like they are part of their team and ensure their safety. 

The dress is similar to what the Karen Hill tribe people wear and prevents your dress from getting soiled or wet.

Still,I recommend you bring extra clothes to change into. After all, it wouldn’t be as much fun if you didn’t get all muddy and cozy with the elephants.

74/1 Kuet Chang, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, 50150

+66 87 577 8885

https://www.happyelephanthome.com/

4. Patara Elephant Farm

The Patara Elephant Farm is located 45 minutes south of Chiang Mai. It is a health-recovery and reproduction-management farm that focuses primarily on elephant welfare. 

The farm’s conservation philosophy is that extinctions are forever, so they try to mitigate them by ethically breeding elephants. Broadly, they try to achieve the goal of elephant conservation through four focus points: rescue, recovery, reproduction, and re-introduction. 

Patara aims to educate people about elephants’ needs so they can better understand how to promote their welfare. I am all ears for this!

One of their most popular programs is ‘Elephant Owner for a Day,’ where each guest is given an elephant to take care of for a half-day or a full day to give them hands-on experience with elephants.

Meanwhile, the Elephant Day Care program exclusively cares for non-working pregnant and baby elephants.

T.Baan Pong A.Hang Dong, Chiang Mai, Thailand

(+66) 824939644 T. (+66) 819922551

https://www.pataraelephantfarm.com/

5. Elephant Nature Park

Elephant Nature Park is situated around 60 kilometers from Chiang Mai. It is one of the most ethical rescue and rehabilitation centers in Northern Thailand. 

It was founded by Lek Chailert, widely known for her elephant conservation work. She has won multiple awards and has been named one of “Asia’s Heroes.” 

The sanctuary offers a unique ‘Saddle Off!’ program whose primary goal is to improve the safety and quality of life of the elephants that have previously been mistreated. 

The program involves educating the elephant owners on how to properly care for the elephants while bringing income to the families without resorting to elephant riding or cruel circus training. 

It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to enjoy an ethical elephant experience. It has a whopping 5/5 rating on Trip Advisor, with positive responses from over 1000 visitors.

1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

+66 (0) 53 272855

https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/

Final Thoughts Elephant Sanctuaries In Chiang Mai

In exploring the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai , we delve into spaces that respect and honor the natural behaviors and habitats of elephants, ensuring their well-being is at the forefront of operations. 

Sanctuaries like Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and BEES- Burm and Emily’s Elephant Sanctuary have set high ethical standards by providing environments where elephants can forage, dust bathe, roam, and socialize, essentially living as they would in the wild. 

These sanctuaries rehabilitate and care for elephants and educate visitors and digital nomads like us on the importance of ethical treatment and proper conservation, making every encounter with these majestic creatures meaningful and respectful.

So, what are the most ethical elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai?

When identifying the best elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai, the focus is on those that offer immersive, ethical experiences that contribute positively to the lives of elephants and their surrounding communities. 

Elephant Nature Park stands out for its ‘Saddle Off!’ program, emphasizing the health and recovery of elephants previously subjected to mistreatment. Similarly, Patara Elephant Farm’s approach to elephant conservation through rescue, recovery, reproduction, and re-introduction provides a comprehensive model for ethical elephant care. 

By supporting these ethical sanctuaries, nomads and visitors contribute to a broader movement towards the promotion of sustainable and humane animal tourism, fostering a future where elephants can live and thrive in their natural habitats, free from exploitation.

Ethical elephant sanctuaries usually prohibit activities that include harsh training and allow the elephants to live in their natural habitat. You can choose those who are transparent about their service and have experienced mahouts. These sanctuaries usually don’t allow riding the animals.

Most elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai let you feed, bathe, and enjoy roaming with the elephants. Some even teach you to make herbal medicines for animals.

Elephants are naturally wild animals, and taming them for human riding is a harsh and abusive procedure. For training, elephants are snatched from their mothers at a very early age.

Elephants usually swish their tails from side to side when they are happy. They sometimes even put their trunk around a person’s neck to show affection.

It would help if you ideally carried a hat, sunscreen, camera, bathing suit, and towel.

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The Best Hotels and Resorts in Koh Samui, Thailand

By Hannah Summers

From safari-style tents to private island villas and life-altering wellness retreats to splash parks and ball pits, the small Andaman island of Koh Samui in Thailand has it all when it comes to hotels. The island’s first five-star hotel opened here back in the mid-1980s, followed by a slow trickle of new openings to what exists today: Thailand’s most luxurious island, but also somewhere with hotels for virtually every type of traveler. And where there’s a beach, there’s now a palace to sleep—and drink and eat—right next to it.

Many of Samui’s most luxe places sit in the northeast corner, some with their own bays—some even on their own islands. And although it’s one of Thailand’s livelier destinations—with its bars, markets, massage parlors, and impressive restaurant scene, you will still find serene stays. It’s also the starting point for hops over to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Tao—but with Koh Samui hotels this good, you may not see the need to leave.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Arrow

It’s the island’s priciest place to stay (just shy of $1,250 a night in the low season, and double that in high), but it is also the very best. A stay at Four Seasons Samui is like stepping into the White Lotus life—part of the reason why season three of the hit HBO series was reportedly filmed here. It’s easy to see why it was chosen—it’s serene and seriously photogenic, with 78 residences and villas cut into a steep jungly hillside (and former coconut plantation). Architect and interior designer Bill Bensley can take full credit for the stylish and luxe feel, from the jazzy artwork to the very cool Coco Rum pool bar, where striped sofas line a palm-dotted pool with sea views beyond.

Koh Thai, the open-air restaurant, has food as good as the views (handily, you don’t have to stay to eat here). It’s the same spot for breakfast, where an incredible French pastry chef prepares the most delicious matcha madeleines, vanilla brioche, and chocolate financiers—every morning is a surprise. There’s a spa, naturally, with treatments using Thai herbal products, a breezy outdoor yoga pavilion, and a small kid’s club in a treehouse. Snorkel offshore, laze on a lounger the size of a super-king bed on the beach, or sip spirits in the rum vault (one of the many drinking spots) before a lantern-lit meal on the beach.

Six Senses Samui Arrow

One of the most sustainable stays on Samui is on a sloping jungle-clad headland on the island’s northeastern tip. The bamboo walls and high thatched roofs of 66 multi-level villas (most with private pools) give the feeling of staying in a luxe treehouse.

The vibe is chic, yet fun: natural wood tones are combined with pops of color from the neon-green and sherbet-yellow cushions and loungers, and staff stroll around in millennial pink and dusty rose linen two pieces. The first is quiet (one of the island’s best and biggest infinity pools), the other buzzier and next to the beach, on a cove shared with neighboring hotels—one of the only clues that you’re on a popular island rather than a remote hideaway. Mornings start with a shot of ‘rocket fuel’ (cider vinegar and citrus) at breakfast, and there’s an excellent menu of mocktails, free ice cream, and several scenic restaurant options, where fragrant curries are served up next to sunset views (although the best views at sunset are from the spa). Little and large guests love the on-site farm, where they can pet and feed a herd of well-preened goats.

Anantara Lawana

Couples and families mingle happily together at Anantara Lawana, a resort-style hotel located close to the nightlife of Chaweng on Samui’s east coast. Sociable types should go for one of the standard bedrooms, located in the soft gray two-story Thai-style houses. For sunshine? You’ll need to head to the buzzy pool or beach, a great spot for a paddle at low tide or a proper swim at high tide, when colorful long-tail boats bob on the water just along the shore.

Those seeking quiet may prefer the private pool villas—with their tiled floors and traditional dark wooden furniture, including four poster beds, they feel very grown up. The spa is another sanctuary in the hotel, where discreet therapists deliver back-crunching bamboo massages and Ayurvedic Shirodhara therapy. Crab Shack is your sand-between-the-toes sunset cocktail spot, while Tree Tops, built in a treehouse-style wooden structure wrapped around a century-old tree, is the hotel’s romantic dining option (book early to catch the sunset here). The kids club is a hive of activity, with wooden tractors and play kitchens.

Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui

There are plenty of lovely beaches on Samui, but Tongsai Bay? This curve of golden sand, with its gently tumbling turquoise waves, feels impossible to beat—and, unless you’re willing to paddle in by kayak, it’s only accessible to Garrya guests. The hotel that opened here back in the mid-80s was the first five-star resort on the island and has been welcoming loyal guests, some of them as many as 20 times, since.

A recent rebrand to a Garrya resort has kept some of the much-loved elements of the hotel, like outdoor bathtubs, and refreshed others: high-ceilinged rooms are simple yet luxurious, with calming beige and burnt orange palette and varnished wooden floors. There’s a spa, breezy outdoor massage cabanas set inches from the waves, and three restaurants, including beachside dining at Fish Tales (don’t miss the vegan chocolate ice cream), and Evo, where much of the food is made with produce taken from the hotel’s garden. Then there are decisions to make—the half-moon adults-only pool, the curvy beach-level pool, or a spot on the beach itself.

Shannon McMahon

Chris Schalkx

Mark Ellwood

Alex Erdekian

Ritz Carlton Koh Samui

This sprawling hotel, built across 58 hilly acres on a former coconut plantation, works hard to impress—and delivers. Kids will be overjoyed at the island’s best kids club: a huge light-filled space of ball pits, slides, and toys, with an outdoor crazy golf course and playground. For adults there’s the Spa Village, which is indeed a village—with eight standalone treatment rooms (try the pre-spa Songkran Spa Ritual) and a large barely-used adult-only pool dotted with cabanas.

The View serves up some of the island’s highest sea views alongside creative tasting menus, while Baan Talta is modeled on a Thai street food market, but there are several more options should you dine here each night. A Muay Thai boxing ring, basketball, and tennis courts are great if you get restless, while a beautiful beach of cream-colored sand and a large curvy pool if you long to just laze. There are 175 bedrooms, suites, and villas, but oceanfront pool villas have the real wow factor: outdoor decks and infinity pools, you can gaze over the edge and see nothing but turquoise water and hear nothing but the waves meeting the rocks below.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary & Holistic Spa Arrow

To call Kamalaya a hotel wouldn’t be doing it justice: yes, there are hotel rooms and villas dotted across this bougainvillea-draped hillside on the island’s quieter south coast, but at the heart of this sanctuary is a focus on wellness, both physical and mental. Most guests here book in on dedicated programs, whether it’s detoxes and cleanses or programs such as Embracing Change, in which you’ll spend time with Life Enhancement Mentors, unravelling past trauma with talk therapy and meditation. Treatments—many of them Ayurvedic—are all tailored to your specific issues, with acupuncture and heavenly massages. The site is built around a 300-year-old mediation cave, which you can still use today, plus there’s walking meditation, yoga, and a peaceful stretch of sand for late-afternoon siestas. Solo travelers here may like the communal dining, where everyone from opera singers to burnt out CEOs gather to knock back green juices at breakfast and feast on sugar-free curries in the evening, but you’d also feel entirely comfortable dining solo, reading a book over meals, or simply gazing out at the water.

One of Samui’s best—and most luxurious—places to bed down isn’t actually on Samui, but even better: a private island around 100 yards offshore (you’ll be whisked there and back in a small speedboat or glorified tractor depending on the tide levels). Here, you’ll find 24 villas, from Ocean Cottages to two-bed family villas, all with private pools where you can snooze to the sound of birdsong and gently lapping waves.

All other spaces are pure bliss, too: like the breakfast terrace views and the peaceful, sun-soaked adjoining room, not just because of its pretty canary yellow cushions and bamboo-style chairs, but for its spread of pastries, baked in house; or Hue restaurant, where you can gaze out past the pin-stripe loungers, pool, and palms to the shimmering sea beyond. Long Dtai, overseen by Michelin-recognized chef David Thompson, is worth a visit even if you can’t stay here: not just for the panoramic views over the turquoise Andaman, which are arguably some of the best restaurant views on the island, but for the menu: the Southern egg curry being a highlight. Despite being one of the Samui’s most expensive stays, it’s also one of the most relaxed: where retired business owners wander the same winding paths around the small island as young honeymooners .

Twenty-three contemporary villas, cut into a meticulously landscaped flower-filled slope on the north-east of the island, every one staggeringly luxurious and big on views: strictly speaking Samujana isn’t a hotel, but it operates very much like one, with added privacy and space, making it particularly popular with large groups of family and friends.

Unlike a lot of villa stays, you won’t need to lift a finger: breakfast is provided in the villa every morning, rooms are made up and turned down, and there are team members on hand to rustle up meals. It’s hard to choose the best: perhaps it’s villa 12, with its own boxing gym, basketball court, games room, and cinema room, or maybe the ludicrously photogenic villa 30, with 360-degree views and the country's best infinity pool—a serious accolade when the competition is fierce. Others, with their sun-flooded, open-plan, open-air communal areas, large pools, and calm-inducing minimalist styling are so lovely that you could happily lose a week or two here, never venturing out at all.

Kimpton Kitalay

Choeng Mon beach, with its fire shows, jet skis, and beach bars, sets the tone for Kimpton Kitalay , a buzzy hotel in Samui’s north. It’s built in the style of a fisherman’s village, with six low-rise blocks of rooms wrapped in dark wood. You can bed down in two-bed villas, but entry level rooms are large and stylish, with Victorian-style tiles, curvy freestanding bathtubs, and jazzy blue rugs.

The main pool is a sociable spot, as is the splash park and kids club, but there’s always a quieter place to escape to—especially if you opt for a swim up suite on the ‘quiet’ side, or book time in the spa. There are four restaurants and bars, and if you tire of Thai food, Fish House serves excellent steak and huge sides, plus fresh-off-the-boat fish. You may spot one or two dogs strolling the grounds: the hotel works with a local rescue dog charity, and dogs that are up for adoption visit every fortnight to meet guests.

Silavadee Resort

Young honeymooning couples and equally loved-up retirees happily mingle at Silavadee, a boutique resort built across a hillside on a quiet peninsula on the east coast of Samui. Although the entry-level rooms are pretty, with their outdoor hot tubs and airy interiors, if you’re staying here it should be an Ocean Front Pool Villa. Our pick? Number three: With its separate living room, freestanding bathtub, huge bedroom, and even bigger pool, you could happily spend your entire stay in the privacy of your villa, floating in your pool or gazing out at miles and miles of empty sea. There’s a simple spa where efficient therapists expertly deliver tension-relieving Thai massages, and the two open-air dining spots are both romantic and well-priced (the wine pairings, in particular, are generous and a steal). Lively Lamai beach is a short scooter ride away, or if that’s too taxing, you’ll find some of the best snorkeling on the island right off the hotel’s quiet curve of beach—handily, for guests, it’s a small cove that’s near impossible for anyone else on the island to access.

Travelers gather for days to months to work from their laptops, live well, and eat well at Kapuhala, a boutique hotel that has the relaxed vibe of an Airbnb . Food is central to a stay here—a small but perfect menu of Sicilian plant-based recipes (Kapuhala’s second outpost is on the Italian island), features delicious spaghetti soy ragu and light arancini, all topped with pipettes of extra virgin olive oil, with the olives plucked and pressed at their Sicily property. Breakfast, meanwhile, is a feast of fruit and freshly baked muffins and strong Italian coffee.

You can venture high up the hill in Chaweng Noi on a moped for a meal, but then you’d miss what makes this place so special: easing into your day in the open air restaurant space, with its swaying rattan lamps and hessian bean bags, getting to know the friendly team and feeling inspired by the island’s remote working views across the infinity pool and over the sea below. Choose from four simple light-filled ‘ tiny houses ’ or one of five large safari-style tents, where the sides fold up so the breeze can flow in while you gaze out.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .