Koh Phangan is a popular destination for backpackers, hippies and partygoers. It’s famous for its full moon parties that take place on Haad Rin Beach in the southernmost part of the island.

Apart from the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan has a lot more to offer! Below are the best things to do during your stay.

Getting to Koh Phangan

Depending on where you are travelling from, you have several options for getting to Koh Phangan (flight, bus, train) 12go.Asia is the most user-friendly and convenient website for booking transfers. It also has the lowest prices. If you are travelling from Koh Samui or Koh Tao there are many ferries to Koh Phangan throughout the day.

Getting around Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is not a small island and you will not be able to get around on foot. Places are quite far away from each other. 

The easiest and cheapest way to get around is by scooter. Ton Big Rent is a dependable and reasonably priced scooter rental company (within walking distance from the boat harbour). A scooter will cost around 200-250 Baht per day to rent.

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

If you are visiting Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party, you will want to stay near Haad Rin Beach, but all of these hotels fill up quickly, so make your reservations early.

No matter where you are on the island, most hotels offer shuttle bus services to and from the Full Moon Party for an additional fee.

Best Things to Do on Koh Phangan

1. Than Sadet National Park 

Than Sadet National Park consists of a river forming a series of waterfalls and a quiet beautiful beach. 

To the right of Haad Than Sadet Beach is a fun wooden walkway and to the left of the beach climbing through and over the rocks leads you out to a beautiful viewpoint of the beach.  The Than Sadet National Park Entrance Fee is 100 Baht per person.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

2. Sunset Drinks at Tomorrow X High Life Villas

Tomorrow X High Life Villas Restaurant is the ideal spot for a drink and a sunset view. An infinity pool overlooks the ocean and valley below the bar/restaurant.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

3. Full Moon Party

The Full Moon Party is an experience you'll never forget. This once-a-month event takes place on Haad Rin Beach, and it's one of the most popular parties in Thailand. For the Full Moon Party Schedule visit: https://fullmoonparty-thailand.com/schedules/  

It begins around 7 p.m. and continues until sunrise. It's best to arrive between 9 and 10 p.m., but midnight is the peak time!

Tickets can be purchased at the gate for 200 Baht per person, and many people who attend cover themselves in neon paint before entering the party grounds. There are numerous stalls near Haad Rin Beach with Thai locals waiting to paint you—it's a great way to get into the spirit of things!

Photo by: Full Moon Party Koh Phangan

4. Koh Raham

This beachfront restaurant has a laid-back vibe that's ideal for enjoying delicious food while soaking up the rays.

Koh Raham, which has a breathtaking view of the ocean, serves Thai, seafood, and western dishes, as well as delicious cocktails. The decor of the restaurant includes fishing nets, ropes, and buoys, which add to the fun atmosphere.

With hammocks directly over the water, this is the ideal place to relax and unwind.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

5. Secret Beach

Right next door to Koh Raham and one of the beaches the restaurant overlooks is Secret Beach. It’s the perfect sandy beach ideal for swimming, relaxing and snorkelling. 

Other beaches worth visiting are Zen Beach, Haad Chao Phao, Koh Ma and Mae Haad Beach.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

6. Snorkelling

Koh Phangan has amazing snorkelling and diving spots. The coral reefs around the island are incredible.

The best spots for snorkelling are Koh Ma, Haad Tien, Haad Yao, Haad Salad and Secret Beach. 

Photo by: Dream Yacht Global

7. Bottle Beach Viewpoint

Bottle Beach Viewpoint provides a grand wide-open view of the ocean and surrounding valley. 

It takes 15-20 minutes to hike to this viewpoint but not a hard hike. In the end, you will have to scramble through and over some big rocks. 

Take caution at the viewpoint because there are no railings to prevent you from falling down the mountain if you take the wrong step. There are monkeys in the area, so keep an eye on your belongings.

Photo by: alikainwanderlust

8. Thong Nai Pan Town

Thong Nai Pan is a cute quaint town near the beach. There are many shops, restaurants, bars and massage places. That’s Amore has the best Italian food on the island!

Photo by: That’s Amore Koh Phangan

9. Ang Thong National Marine Park

A day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the most popular excursions when visiting Koh Phangan or Koh Samui. The National Park is made up of 42 islands and islets, and the most beautiful parts can be seen on a day tour.

You can either book a tour in advance or when you arrive on the island. Koh Samui Tours is a fantastic company to book with. A day trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park costs 1,250 Baht per person with this company. If you would like to kayak around to Koh Mae Koh (where the Emerald Lagoon is) it’s an extra 550 Baht per person.

The National Park Fee is 300 Baht per person and is often not included in the tour price. The tour cost includes light breakfast, lunch, snorkelling equipment and pick-up and return hotel transfers.

You can snorkel, relax on the white sandy beach, explore a stalagmite cave, or hike to the most beautiful viewpoint in the Gulf of Thailand during one of the stops at Koh Wua Ta Lap. It takes about half an hour to get to the viewpoint, with many viewpoints/stops along the way. Make sure you bring plenty of water. The hike is not easy because there are many large steep steps and the heat makes it difficult, but it is well worth it!

Photo by: alikawanderlust

10. Chakloklum Pier Night Market

The best food night market in Koh Phangan is Chakloklum Pier Market and it’s open every Sunday night. 

If you don't happen to be in Koh Phangan on a Sunday night, Phantip Night Market is open every night of the week.

Photo by: koltast

Many visitors are unaware of the island's attractions because they only come to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party, but as you can see, there are plenty of reasons to stay for a few days and explore this incredible island.

PS: cover photo by ??????