![20+ Things to Do in Koh Phangan that You Can’t Miss [UPDATED]](https://k7g2e5d2.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/anna-and-tom-cz-1.jpg "20+ Things to Do in Koh Phangan that You Can’t Miss [UPDATED]")
Looking for enjoyable issues to do in Koh Phangan? We bought you coated. We spent years dwelling on and off Thailand and have made quite a few journeys to Koh Phangan.
Although Koh Phangan is often related to continuous loopy events, what lots of people don’t know is that there’s an equally pretty quiet facet to the island that’s completely underrated.
When Tom and I first went to Koh Phangan, we purposely stayed away from the craziness of the complete moon events and opted to skip it altogether.
Instead, we spent our days exploring in our bike, discovering hidden seashores and viewpoints. We’ve lately up to date this text after spending one more few blissful seasons (we come again yearly) enjoyable in Koh Phangan.
So if you would like all of the insider scoop on the very best issues to do on Koh Phangan Island, carry on studying!
Highlights of Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Island Road Trip– Road Trip round the very best spots in Koh Phangan on a 4×4 truck taking you to discover mountain and jungle trails everywhere in the island!
- Discover Scuba Diving– This tour is ideal for newcomers who wish to expertise scuba diving. Get an introductory course in one in every of Koh Phangan’s dive greatest websites, Sail Rock.
- Speed Boat Tour to Koh Tao and Koh NangYuan– This tour takes you round two of the very best islands surrounding Koh Phangan for a enjoyable day trip at sea! Highly advisable.
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Things to Do in Koh Phangan
1. Go Diving
I do know that most individuals affiliate diving with Koh Phangan’s neighboring island, Koh Tao. However, what lots of people don’t notice is that a number of the dive websites which you can attain from Koh Tao are the identical websites your go to when in Koh Phangan.
Dive websites just like the Southwest Pinnacle and Sail Rock are midway within the center and are nice websites to discover. For these which might be simply seeking to go snorkeling, testing a number of the seashores in Haad Salad and Haad Ya.
In all honesty, Dive Sites in Thailand are all fairly wonderful however the ones close to Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are fairly noteworthy.
Scuba diving in Sail Rock is my absolute favourite and is a should for any underwater fans! If you’re an authorized diver, you possibly can guide this diving journey to Sail Rock right here.
For newbie divers who wish to do an introductory course whereas in Koh Phangan, you possibly can guide a discovery dive as an alternative.
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2. Visit Thong Sala Night Market
Thong Sala evening market is a well-liked vacation spot for vacationers and locals alike on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand. Located within the city of Thong Sala, the market is open each night and options quite a lot of stalls promoting a spread of products, together with handmade crafts, clothes, souvenirs, and native meals.
You can take pleasure in searching the stalls, sampling the native delicacies, and experiencing the vigorous ambiance of Thong Sala evening market in Koh Phangan.
The Thong Sala Night Market is a should do when you’re in Koh Phangan. Unlike most evening markets, the one in Thong Sala is stuffed with meals (dream come true for me!) The seafood choice is fairly good and the meals at all times come out so contemporary and scrumptious!
You will discover something from conventional Thai meals to sushi rolls, fried potatoes, and lots of extra. Don’t let the run-down car parking zone really feel throw you off! If you’re a bit apprehensive as to what to order, right here’s an article on the very best what to eat in Thailand.
A must-eats are:
- Pad Thai
- Mango Sticky Rice
- Massaman curry
- Grilled seafood (that are significantly good in Thong Sala!)
3. Go Boating in Koh Phangan
Set apart a day and do your self a favor and discover the various lovely seashores close to Koh Phangan.
There are additionally boat excursions which carry you to the onerous to succeed in locations like Thong Nai Pan, Bottle Beach, Ko Ma, and Ko Tae.
We rented a scooter and tried to succeed in Bottle Beach whose roads have been steep and nearly impassable. Although we succeeded, I’ll perpetually have that scar on my leg to do not forget that afternoon by.
Another enjoyable day trip whereas in Koh Phangan is visiting the close by islands of Koh Tao and Nang Yuan Island.
Koh Nang Yuan was one in every of our favourite spots in Thailand- the point of view is a should! I’ll share extra about this under!
4. Visit Ang Thong Marine Park
Visiting Ang Thong Marine Park is a must-do exercise when in Thailand! Located simply off the coast of Koh Samui, this lovely archipelago is made up of 42 islands, every with its personal distinctive appeal and wonder.
However, regardless of being nearer to Koh Samui, you may also simply go to this marine park from Koh Phangan.
The crystal clear waters are excellent for snorkelling, and the limestone cliffs and caves supply breathtaking views. There are additionally a number of seashores to select from, so you possibly can chill out and take in the solar.
The marine park is house to all kinds of marine life, together with vibrant fish and coral, making it a well-liked spot for diving.
Although we personally visited Ang Thong Marine Park from Koh Samui, from Koh Phangan, the marine park is barely a 45 minute speedboat trip making it very accessible.
For a singular expertise, you possibly can even keep in a single day in a bungalow close by (Ko Wua Talap) the place you possibly can lease kayaks (extra on this under!)
5. Kayak Around Ang Thong National Marine Park
If you favor a extra energetic method in the direction of exploring Ang Thong National Marine park, we suggest doing it by kayaks because it is among the greatest methods to see the place! You can simply row your means across the hundred of various islets amidst the emerald-colored waters.
As talked about above, you possibly can keep in a single day in one of many island “headquarters” and lease kayaks to discover the marine park.
Alternatively, ask across the many tour businesses whereas in Koh Phangan for kayaking choices within the Marine Park. In our opinion, you can’t go Koh Phangan with out going to Ang Thong Marine Park.
6. Rent a Motorbike and Explore Koh Phangan
Riding a bike in Koh Phangan might be an effective way to discover the island and see all that it has to supply.
Some of the must-see spots to go to whereas on a bike embrace Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai, two lovely seashores situated on the north-east coast of the island.
Another fashionable spot is Haad Rin Beach, house to the well-known Full Moon Party. Seeing it throughout the day presents one other perspective to this usually crowded seashore!
If you’re in search of gorgeous views, you should definitely head as much as the Bottle Beach Viewpoint, which presents panoramic views of the island and the encompassing space. After you park your bike, there’s a brief 15-20 minute uphill climb however belief me, the views are 100% price it!
Just be sure to put on footwear and convey some water!
Although we don’t suggest looking for Bottle Beach through bike (I’ve the battle scars to show it), we do suggest renting one and taking it across the island for a spin.
Riding bikes are the most affordable and greatest approach to see a spot! Koh Phangan itself could be very steep and hilly so skilled riders are advisable.
Another superior viewpoint in Koh Phangan is that this hill with a beautiful view of Haad Son.
If you’re coming from Ai Chao Phao, head in the direction of Haad Yao. Keep using down and shortly you may be rewarded with a powerful view of the island.
There are many extra great locations to discover on Koh Phangan, so you should definitely enable loads of time to see as a lot of the island as attainable whereas using your bike.
7. Hike to Bottle Beach
Instead of making an attempt to get to Bottle Beach by bike which turned out to be an absolute catastrophe for us, as an alternative we suggest mountaineering there as an alternative. Bottle seashore is among the BEST seashores in Koh Phangan.
The hike to Bottle Beach might be difficult however rewarding. Here are a couple of ideas that can assist you benefit from your go to.
Before you begin, it’s necessary that you’ve got snug footwear and breathable clothes, in addition to sufficient water and snacks for the journey.
As you make your means right down to Bottle Beach, the path will turn into rocky and at instances slender. Take issues slowly and watch your step. When you arrive, you’ll be rewarded with a pristine seashore surrounded by lush greenery. There are restricted services right here, so carry every part that you simply want for a day within the solar.
Look for the “Trek for Bottle Beach” start line on Google Maps which is situated close to Haad Khom Beach.
If you don’t fancy trekking, you may also decide to rent a water taxi to take you to this gorgeous place.
Because it isn’t simple to get to, this is among the quieter spots in Koh Phangan and is an absolute favourite of ours!
Editor’s be aware: To get across the islands, we’ve discovered the easiest way to guide tickets for buses and boats are by means of Bookaway or 12go web site.
8. Take a Cooking Class in Koh Phangan
Hi, I’m Anna and I really like Thai meals. In truth, I’m nearly obsessive about it. It is by far my favourite delicacies throughout the South East Asian area.
Since I adore it a lot, what higher approach to spend a few hours than by studying how one can prepare dinner (and eat) scrumptious Thai meals.
Koh Phangan is not any exception and has no scarcity of cooking faculties however faculties like Same Same in Haad Rin, C&M Study Center, in addition to Jang’s Thai cooking faculty come properly advisable.
If you wish to see all of the cooking courses out there in Thailand, take a look at the hyperlink under. Likened to be just like the Airbnb for cooking, we’ve used Cookly in so many various nations and love their platform.
9. Go Chasing Waterfalls
Contrary to what TLC informed you, do go chasing waterfalls when you’re in Koh Phangan (god, I hope you’ll bought that reference!)
There are about 7 completely different waterfalls in Koh Phangan, all comparatively near the principle cities. Please do be aware that numerous the waterfalls dry up throughout the wet season.
However, if you’re up for a nature journey, do take a look at Sramanora waterfalls, Phaeng, Thaan Prapaad, Thaan Sadet, Wangsai, Paradise and Thaan Prawes waterfalls.
Visiting these waterfalls whereas on Koh Phangan is an effective way to spend a couple of hours!
10. Visit Ko Nang Yuan Island
Although I briefly spoke about visiting this island earlier, it’s so lovely, it derserves its personal spot. If you like snorkeling and epic viewpoints, a visit to Nang Yuan Island is a MUST! Although very touristy, the snorkeling was wonderful with giant fish swimming within the close by reefs.
The viewpoint can be fairly iconic so that is thought of a must-do. You can both lease your personal long-tail boats and snorkels.
We suggest going EARLY to get a spot by the seashore and to take pleasure in it earlier than the crowds arrive. This speedboat tour from Koh Phangan takes you to each islands, permitting you to snorkel in varied spots alongside the way in which.
Koh Nang Yuan is situated very near Koh Tao so that you would possibly be capable of hit two birds with one stone relying on which tour you guide.
11. Go Trekking in Koh Phangan
If for some motive you might be uninterested in lounging round on the seashore, there are some nice trekking trails by the Eastern shoreline of the island.
You can head as much as the tallest mountain in Khao Ra or head into the Phaeng Waterfall National Park. If you determined to go up Khao Ra, on a very clear day, you possibly can even see the neighboring island of Koh Tao.
Insider Tip: Don’t neglect to carry snacks and water with you to maintain you hydrated throughout the trek For people who desire a information to accompany them, you possibly can simply discover guides by the National Park.
12. Attend a Yoga Class
It’s fairly ironic that after a loopy few days of binge consuming, individuals instantly search for some peace and quiet, opting to spend a few days meditating. Due to the hippie vibe that Koh Phangan has, there are a lot of yoga facilities and retreats occurring on the island.
Get your ohm on by attending a couple of yoga courses. Yoga Retreat is in Haad Salad comes properly advisable. If you’re in search of one thing extra intense, we’ve heard nice issues concerning the detox applications in The Sanctuary.
13. Watch the Sunset (Everyday)
Because I naturally gravitate in the direction of the solar, watching sunsets in several elements of the world is kind of like a pasttime of mine. So consider me once I say that Koh Phangan has no scarcity of lovely sunsets.
One of our favourite spots is by Amsterdam Bar by Ao Playlaaem. The view from the restaurant space is out of this world! Relax of their many ground cushions as you benefit from the colours of the sundown unfold in entrance of you.
14. Get a Thai Massage
It is my sincere perception that you simply can’t go to ANY Thai island with out getting a therapeutic massage.
Thai therapeutic massage is a standard type of bodywork that mixes components of yoga, shiatsu, and acupressure to advertise rest and alleviate stress.
There are many therapeutic massage outlets and spas situated all through the island that supply Thai therapeutic massage, and costs differ relying on the situation and size of the therapeutic massage.
While there are a plethora of seashore therapeutic massage companies, if you would like a correct one, a couple of extremely advisable ones are Revive Massage in addition to Pure Relax. Although the costs are a bit larger than the common seashore therapeutic massage, it is rather a lot price it!
15. Go to the Half Moon Party
If you wish to social gathering and dance the evening away however aren’t in Koh Phangan for the complete moon, don’t fret as you’ve got the Half Moon Party.
The Half Moon Party in Koh Phangan attracts guests from everywhere in the world and is held on the crescent-shaped Haad Rin Beach. Similar to the Full Moon Party, this occasion encompasses a lineup of worldwide DJs taking part in a spread of music, from techno and home to reggae and hip hop.
The social gathering normally begins round sundown and goes on till the early hours of the morning. In addition to the music, there are additionally fireplace exhibits and all types of leisure.
Although the Full Moon Parties are greater, the Half Moon Party is fairly enjoyable nonetheless!
16. Watch a Muay Thai Fight
Muay Thai, also referred to as Thai boxing, is a well-liked exercise in Koh Phangan, and there are a number of choices for these enthusiastic about studying or watching the game.
If you favor to observe a Muay Thai present, there are a number of stadiums on the island that host common fights.
One of the most well-liked stadiums in Koh Phangan is the Than Sadet Stadium, situated within the north of the island. Tickets can normally be bought on the stadium on the day of the occasion, or from any tour agency-just ask round!
If you fancy making an attempt it your self, there are a number of Muay Thai faculties on the island that supply courses. These faculties sometimes supply group courses in addition to non-public classes, and the instructors are normally skilled fighters who can offer you a strong introduction to this fashionable sport.
17. Kayak Around Koh Phangan
Another enjoyable factor to do round Koh Phangan is to kayak round! We love kayaking because it an exercise you are able to do fairly independently. The Western a part of Koh Phangan from Wok Tum to Koh Ma is alleged to have the calmest waters.
You can simply head to any seashore in Koh Phangan as most of them have kayak leases out there.
18. Visit a couple of Temples
Visiting temples in Koh Phangan is an effective way to study concerning the native tradition and see a number of the island’s most lovely landmarks.
Some of the must-see temples to go to embrace Wat Phu Khao Noi, an attractive white temple situated on a hill overlooking the island.
Another fashionable temple to go to is Wat Khao Tham, a temple inside a jungle! This is a good spot they usually additionally usually run meditation courses / retreats.
No matter which temple you select to go to, you should definitely gown modestly (cowl your shoulders with a sarong) and take away your footwear earlier than getting into the temple grounds.
19. Attend the Full Moon Party
No journey to Koh Phangan could be full with out attending the notorious Full Moon Party. It’s nearly a proper of passage and is extraordinarily fashionable amongst the vacationers.
As talked about, over time, they’ve expanded their repertoire and have began celebrating the half-moon social gathering, black moon social gathering, and so forth.
Nevertheless, it’s an unimaginable expertise must-do expertise in Koh Phangan that should be executed no less than as soon as. As a phrase of warning, simply have your wits with you when partying in Thailand (or wherever in Southeast Asia). Don’t settle for drinks from strangers and be sure to eliminate your beer bottles and buckets correctly!
We’ve seen so many “day-after-full-moon-party” images and it’s fairly grim seeing a lot litter throughout the gorgeous seashores!
20. Go Snorkeling in Koh Phangan
If you’re not a scuba diver however you continue to wish to benefit from the vibrant marine life in Koh Phangan, don’t fear! Rent a snorkel and fins and benefit from the colourful underwater world.
Since Koh Phangan island is situated within the Gulf of Thailand and is understood for its crystal clear waters, coral reefs, and numerous marine life. There are many spots across the island the place you possibly can go snorkeling, together with Haad Rin, Mae Haad Beach, and Chaloklum.
Haad Rin is house to the well-known Full Moon Party and has an attractive reef simply offshore. Mae Haad Beach is a well-liked spot for snorkeling and diving, with all kinds of colourful fish and coral to see. Chaloklum is a extra secluded space with a shallow reef that’s excellent for newbie snorkelers.
Transport: Koh Phangan to Other Islands
To get to the close by islands from Koh Phangan, click on right here to order tickets, see the timetable of ferries, and extra. Sometimes sure boat journeys get bought out which is why we suggest reserving transport forward of time.
We suggest utilizing Bookaway or 12Go web site to view bus, boat, and prepare schedules forward of time. We’ve used these web sites throughout Asia and it saves us the trouble of lining up in journey businesses or bus stations.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
Looking for the place to remain in Koh Phangan? Here are a couple of of our private suggestions on the very best locations to remain in Koh Phangan. Please take be aware that the island is HUGE!
There are completely different areas and seashores all through the entire island so don’t neglect to contemplate the situation fastidiously when selecting the place to remain.
If you wish to keep within the quieter facet of Koh Phangan however nonetheless attend the complete moon social gathering, you will have to make transportation preparations.
Best Hostel for the Full Moon Party: Our House Hostel
If you’ve come to Koh Phangan to partake within the debauchery, Our House Hostel is the place to remain. Although seemingly crowded, it’s the excellent place to satisfy individuals to social gathering with. They have 10,12, and 36-bed dorm rooms the place you might be assured to satisfy a enjoyable bunch to social gathering with.
This hostel in Koh Phangan gives free paint so you will get within the spirit of partying and is situated minutes away from the complete moon social gathering seashore in Haad Rin. (Prices begin at $6 an evening for a dorm mattress)
To evaluate costs and skim critiques, verify: Booking.com | Hostel World
Other Top Budget Hostels on Hostel World
Best Mid Range for Full Moon Party: Little Paradise
For people who actually wish to be proper in the midst of all of the motion in Koh Phangan with out having to remain in dorm rooms, this place is an effective alternative for you. The bungalows on high of the hill are a bit farther from the insanity however the climb up there may be fairly steep.
The rooms are clear and cozy and the situation is unbeatable. They even have a pool which is ideal for lounging about recovering from the evening earlier than.
To evaluate costs and skim critiques, verify: Booking.com
Splurge: Cocohut Village Beach Resort & Spa
This resort and spa is conveniently situated on the very tranquil Leela Beach, Koh Phangan. Guests are capable of take pleasure in many Thai and worldwide dishes on the onsite restaurant, earlier than heading to the bar for a nightcap.
Leela Beach is among the most lovely locations in all of Thailand and the resort makes certain that they plan many enjoyable actions for his or her company. The breakfast is noteworthy and the rooms are properly maintained, very spacious, and clear.
To evaluate costs and skim critiques, verify: Booking.com
Luxury: Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas
The fashionable villas at Kupu Kupu Phangan give company the proper place to unwind and chill out throughout their keep. There is a personal seashore for company in addition to a concierge to help with reserving excursions. Guests have loads of out of doors actions to take part in that embrace snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing.
The rooms are luxurious and the day beds alongside their pool and seashore are wonderful. Their breakfasts within the morning consists of a big selection and is certainly price each penny! They additionally present a free shuttle to city throughout the day, however belief me-you actually wouldn’t wish to depart this place!
To evaluate costs and skim critiques, verify: Booking.com
Click the yellow button under if you wish to learn the complete article on the place to remain in Koh Phangan with all our resort and hostel suggestions!
There you’ve got it, of us! While there are actually tons extra to do whereas in Koh Phangan, our suggestion is to discover it by yourself and discover your little slice of heaven the place you possibly can chill out and unwind.
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