Koh Phangan is a paradise on Earth. The turquoise water with its golden beach is rivaled by its lush jungle and towering palms. The Gulf of Thailand is the home to this beautiful island which is filled with warmth & energy. From enjoying the serenity of the secret beaches to walking down the streets packed with food stalls, there are endless things to do in Koh Phangan. Let’s get started.
1. Angthong National Marine Park
This national park offers both activity and adventure. It comprises huge green islands which looms dramatically over the clear water, steep limestone mountains some of them rising above 400 meters.
Wildlife animals who live here are long-tail monkeys, white-bellied sea eagles, sea turtles, pythons, little herons, hairy-nosed otters, pacific reef egrets. You can either swim or use a kayak to explore the area. It also provides the best opportunities for snorkeling and diving.
There are 42 islands discovered, it would take around a week to take a full tour. Visitors who have limited time often go to Mother island ( Koh Mae ). With an impressive beach and saltwater called Emerald lake it also provides a viewpoint where you can climb up through the staircases and take a full view from the top.
If you want to take a speedboat tour, it would cost you around 1800 Baht.
2. Spend an evening on Zen Beach
Catching sunset on the Zen Beach in Koh Phangan is one thing you will definitely want to do.This place will makes you forget everything, rhythmic drum beats, harps, sitars, guitars, vocal harmonics played by the group of people makes the atmosphere so soothing and calm.
With good vibes, people swimming in the water, children playing around, soft music, dancers, yogis meditating all these daily sunset gatherings creates such a beautiful atmosphere around making the evening memorable.
Also a great place for meeting people and making friends. You can meet musicians for music jams, partners for yoga, meditation, etc. Zen Beach is also known as Nude Beach but you will find it on the right corner of the beach. The best time to visit Zen Beach is around 5:30 pm.
3. Herbal Sauna Baan Thai
The Baan Tai Herbal Sauna offers you to relax completely after the all-night Full Moon Party. Sweat yourself and remove all the toxins from your body. The temperature is just perfect moreover you can come in and go out as many times as you want. If you want more pampering, they also provide massages. It is open from 2 pm to 9 pm, every day and it only costs 120 Baht.
Address: 100/4 M1, Baan Tai RD Koh Phangan Surat Thani 84280
4. Full Moon Party
The first thing which comes to people’s mind when they think about Koh Phangan is obviously the Full-Moon Party. Every month it is organized in the Haad Rin Beach and it is attended by nearly 30,000 people. Party-goers cover themselves in UV paint and drink their favorite alcohol from a huge bucket. The celebration starts from three days before the party, the first two days are extremely insane and the last day you can party until sunrise.
- Do wear your shoes while partying so that you will be saved from getting hurt.
- Avoid drugs because there are spy cops who can catch you buying or having drugs.
People Also Read: Full Moon Party Complete Guide
5. Half Moon Party
In case you have missed out on the Full-Moon Party, there is no need to dishearten yourself. You can attend a Half-Moon Party which is held in a huge and amazing open-air venue. It also has 3 music stages namely, hip-hop, house, and psytrance.
The Half Moon Party is organized by a private company called Half Moon Festival. Its been a while since they have organising this party. As it is conducted by a company so there are facilities like proper bathrooms and also provide security to their attendees. In addition to that, the maximum capacity is up to 4,000 people. It usually takes place in the forest of the Northern side of Baan Tai.
- Local transport – Motorbike or taxi
- They charge 1500 Baht at the door.
6. Thong Sala Night Market
Apart from its highly energetic environment, this market is ideal for you if you want to have pad Thai in steaming bowls, fresh Falafel complemented with hummus, Thai sausages, curries, etc are available. This is the one-stop place for best cheap food, from non-vegetarian food to vegan. You will find desert and shakes option too. Our recommendation is coconut pancakes and mango sticky rice.
The Thong Sala Market is known as Phantip Market and located in front of Thong Sala Pier. This is the main hub and port of an island, the market stretch from Thong Sala police station to Chinese walking street.
- Opening time – 4 pm to 11 pm every day.
- Price range from 10 Baht onwards
7. Thai Cooking Classes
Take Thai cooking classes and impress your friends the next time you host a dinner party. You get to learn about all the secret ingredients which they use and techniques of Thai cuisine. You can even eat everything that you have cooked.
There are plenty of options available online you can sign up from your phone the day before and it would cost you around 1500 Baht if you are taking a half-day class or just ask the local people there they will recommend you some decent one.
8. Don’t miss the Waterfalls
If you think the half/full Moon Party is the only massive attraction in Koh Phangan, then you are outright wrong. This tropical paradise is blessed with numerous and mesmerizing natural wonders which include waterfalls.
Tourists can experience the crystal clear water gushing down from the mountain tops and hills into cool pools. Most of these pools are surrounded by polished rocks and lush greenery.
Some of the must-visit waterfall of Koh Phangan are Paradise Waterfall, Than Sadet Waterfall, Sramanora Waterfall, Phaeng Waterfall, Wang Sai Waterfall, and the Than Prawet Waterfall. To reach some of them you may have to hike so bringing shoes and water are the most important tips.
If you are a nature admirer and looking forward to some breathtaking scenic beauty, then visiting these waterfalls would not disappoint you at all.
Check Out Here These are the must see Waterfalls in Koh Phangan
9. Challenge Waterpark
If you have heard of Wipeout then you can definitely relate to this place. Challenge Phangan is just like wipeout, it is a water-based obstacle course. Here, you can expect the ultimate fun as you faceplant, flip, and bounce into the water.
It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. The entry fee would cost you 500 Baht you’ll get all the day access. This place is located at Laemson Lake near Srithanu and Haad Chao Phao.
10. Day Trip To Koh Tao
Koh Tao, also known as the Turtle Island is an amazing place to roam around in a boat and admire the nature. Even though it is a quieter and smaller place than Koh Phangan, it surely would not disappoint you.
It is located at Koh Phangan’s Northern side. There are two options for the boat service. First is, you can book a private boat for yourself or the second option is that you can book from ferry operators at Thong Sala Pier. They take people in bulk. Our recommendation is the second option, it will be a hassle-free service, tour package includes food and entry fees of Koh Tao (before booking the tickets do check it because there are several operators).
They take you from speedboat and stops at several snorkeling sites in the deep blue water where you can enjoy marine life and coral reefs. Then followed by Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao, at this point you can snorkel around the island go to the famous viewpoint of Koh Nang Yuan.
11. Trekking to Khao Ra
In addition to visiting all the mesmerizing Beaches in Koh Phangan, you can even go for a hike to the Khao Ra. The entire trip takes an average time of about three hours but it can change slightly depending on your hiking skills and pace.
It’s quite easy to get this place just look for the Khao Ra Terrace signs and it’s pretty straight forward. There are signs along the way and it will cost you 20 Baht to start the trek. Do bring your shoes and lots of water.
13. Sunset at Amsterdam Bar
Amsterdam Bar is renowned for offering the best sunset viewpoint in Koh Phangan. It is the best place to enjoy the warm sunset with your friends and your family. The highlights of this place include comfortable ambiance, soft background music, friendly staff, delicious food which include Thai as well as Asian food and most importantly the people who make this place more happening.
You can always treat yourself to cocktails while you enjoy the beauty of the stunning sunset. The good energy and the reggae music would always give you a homely feeling and help you in making memories which you will never forget.
In Koh Phangan sunset time is around 6 pm so if you are looking to come to this place then you have to come a little earlier around 4 pm, yes 2 hours before sunset if you wished to get a table because this is the peak time of Amsterdam Bar when everybody heads towards bar for sunset.
Although there are other excellent places also for enjoying sunset like Sunset Walk at Baan Tai, Secret Mountain, Blue Rama, Zen beach and more.
People Read: 7 Best Sunset Viewpoints in Koh Phangan
13. Israeli food at Paprika
Paprika has the best Israeli food in case you are tired of having pad Thai and wish to try other cuisines. They serve fresh and delicious food which is also very affordable. If you are a Falafel fan then this is the spot for you. Along with Falafel, Mango shake is the best they serve. Their portion sizes are also generous.
They stay open every day from 11 am to 11 pm and it would cost you an average of 300 Baht with drinks and food included.
14. Mai Haad Beach
Mae Haad beach is one of the most famous beaches among all in Koh Phangan. This beach is located on the north side of the island. The small island called Koh Mah which is around a few meters away from Mae Haad is connected by a sandbar. It gets dry at low tide while two different water currents touch each other at high tide. During high tide, Mae Haad Beach gets more attractive.
The beach is best for snorkeling spot as it is surrounded by colorful coral reefs. You can even find fish swimming very close to the bay. There are many massage parlors and resorts where you can sit back and relax.
You will find other beaches like Haad Salad, Chakolum beach, Malibu beach near Mae Haad. If you have a motorbike then it would get easier to explore other nearby beaches.
15. Kayaking in Koh Phangan
For people who like to explore places all by themselves, they can get themselves a kayak and roam around the island or they can rent get another boat and explore along with their friends. But before you go for a boat trip, check out for the currents. Koh Ma to Wok Tum in the West Coast has calm water. You should also carry proper safety equipment with yourself like drinking water, first-aid kit, life jacket, and more. Hiring a kayak would cost you 150 Baht per hour.
16. Haad Salad Beach
Haad Salad beach is the most beautiful and peaceful beaches on the island. Not so busy place even in peak times. It also offers snorkeling 150 – 200 meters off the shore, It is quite a long way out though.
If you are looking to take some fun snaps on the beach then here you can find some quirky shaped palm trees as your picture partner.
Well, Haad Salad has a lot more than palm trees, the beach is lined up tree swings, restaurants, massage booths. For those who want to relax, Haad Salad Beach is the best spot to devote their afternoon with chilling breeze coming along, quiet atmosphere, soft sound of waves when touching the land.
People Also Read Top 10 Beaches In Koh Phangan that deserve your visit!
17. Sail Rock: Go diving!
No other dive site is as good as Sail Rock. You can take a boat ride to the Sail Rock from Koh Phangan. It takes only an hour and divers belonging to any level would feel comfortable diving there.
Star players of this dive site are whale sharks, barracuda, and manta rays. The best time to visit is from April to October. It would cost you 2,000 to 2,500 Baht. You can book it from any dive school situated on the island.
18. Explore through motorbike
If you can drive sensibly and safely, then hiring a motorbike would be the best experience. You can explore the place at your leisure. You might have to deposit your passport to hire a bike. It would cost you 150 Baht per day.
19. Snorkeling in Mae Haad Beach
When it comes to snorkeling, Mae Haad Beach is the best place to do it in Koh Phangan. The water is splendid over there and lucky snorkelers would even have the chance of admiring the exotic marine wildlife, rays, corals, and countless other tropical fishes.
The best time to visit is obviously during daylight hours.
You can hire snorkel gear on the island or even carry the one that you have. In case you are thinking of hiring, you would have to pay around 100 Baht per hour.
20. Ride an Elephant
The Thai people regard elephants as a holy creature and they worship them. Various souvenirs, temples, and artworks are decorated with elephant images on them. Tourists have the opportunity to explore the jungle terrain by booking an elephant trek. The elephants are unbelievably graceful and gentle to everyone.
Some of the most popular elephant camps in Koh Phangan are Phangan Safari at Ao Chaloklum, Maneerat Elephant at Haad Mae Haad, and Baan Tai Elephant Trekking. An average elephant safari would cost you near about 400 to 1000 Baht depending on the type of package that you are booking.
21. Relax at Yoga Center
Detoxing is one of the most famous things people do in Koh Phangan. The Yoga Retreat is the best place to do your Koh Phangan yoga. Located in the middle of a jungle, the retreats offered can take up to a month.
During the session, you would spend hours doing yoga, meditating, and feasting on lip-smacking vegan cuisine. You can also go for a drop-in yoga class in case you do not have enough time to opt for the full-blown one. Drop-in classes would cost you around 300 Baht.
The environment of the yoga center
Most of the yoga centers have individual and unique yoga halls that are beautifully complemented with a natural setting. The natural sounds and the beautiful ambiance would help you to connect to nature as well as with yourself while experienced and qualified teachers would guide your practice.
There is a wide range of yoga classes and yoga retreats. Members can either take yoga classes which can last up to a month or they can go for one-day classes just for the experience.
What will they teach you?
Some of the different types of yoga and other healing classes which are held are as follows,
- Reiki
- Chakra Balancing
- Sound Healing
- Jivamukti Yoga
- Acro Yoga
- Yin Yoga
- Kundalini Yoga
- Hatha Yoga
- Ashtanga Yoga
There are countless other adventurous things that you can do or participate in when you are visiting Koh Phangan. It is a unique and curious place where you can discover various things on your own or with your friends and family. Always remember to stay safe and enjoy your trip to the fullest.