With all the issues to do in Koh Phangan, it’s nothing in need of paradisiacal. Its golden seashores and turquoise water are rivaled in magnificence solely by its personal towering palms and plush jungle.
The island sits within the Gulf of Thailand and thrums with vitality 24/7. There are quite a few unimaginable locations to go to in Thailand, however be sure to put this island in your listing.
That is one among my favourite islands in Thailand, I had such an awesome expertise right here. From the bustling streets lined with meals stalls to the serenity of secret seashores, there may be an infinite listing of issues to do in Koh Phangan, however listed below are my prime 25.
1. Expertise The Full Moon Occasion
Okay, so my first one isn’t distinctive, however the remaining are!
Let’s begin with the obvious and fashionable factor to do in Koh Phangan. The bulk of people that go to Koh Phangan achieve this for the Full Moon Occasion. The celebration takes place on Haad Rin Seashore each month and brings in round 30,000 party-goers.
To get the total expertise, cowl your self in UV paint, drink alcohol from a bucket, and celebration till dawn. When you’re into events, that is undoubtedly one of many coolest issues to do in Thailand.
- The place: Haad Rin Seashore
- When: Each full moon
- How: Keep in one of many many lodging close to Haad Rin Seashore after which stroll to the celebration with the opposite neon ravers
- Price: The celebration is free so simply finances for nonetheless a lot alcohol and paint you need to purchase
2. Go Diving at Sail Rock
Sail Rock is certainly one of the best dive website within the Gulf of Thailand. The rock is about an hour’s boat trip from Koh Phangan and appropriate for divers of all ranges. Star gamers at this dive website embrace manta rays, barracuda, and whale sharks.
- The place: Sail Rock, located between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
- When: Yr-round however one of the best diving situations are from April – October
- How: Guide a diving tour from one of many respected dive faculties on the island. Click on right here for a newbie dive, and click on right here when you’re already licensed.
- Price: 2000 – 2500 Baht ($70-80USD)
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Bangkok – Prime 13 Superior Issues You Gained’t Need to Miss
3. Gorge on Thai Meals in The Thong Sala Evening Market
The vitality within the Thong Sala Evening Market alone makes it among the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan. However, that’s not why you go. From steaming bowls of pad thai to recent falafel slathered in hummus, the evening market is a foodie paradise. There are such a lot of unimaginable meals to strive in Thailand, with markets normally providing one of the best.
- The place: Thong Sala ($4 in a cab from Haad Rin)
- When: Each evening
- How: Simply rock up with an empty abdomen and order something that takes your fancy
- Price: 150 Baht ($5) for dinner and a beer
4. Hike Up Khao Ra (among the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan)
I guess you didn’t assume you’d be mountain climbing on this celebration island, did you? When you’ve executed your packing correctly and have what it’s essential hike in consolation, this journey is nicely value doing. The spherical journey up and down takes round 3 hours relying in your tempo and it’s a fairly simple climb – you don’t want a information.
Whereas the trail is well-maintained, it’s not marked very nicely. There are just a few intersections the place you’ll be uncertain of which method to go, however after about 100m, you’ll see an indication…you may need to backtrack a few instances. Click on right here for extra particulars.
- The place: Within the North of the island
- When: Both early within the morning or late within the afternoon to keep away from the noon warmth
- How: Begin at Khao Ra Retreat and Guesthouse and observe the trail from there
- Price: Free
5. Get Moist at Problem Phangan
Have you ever ever watched Complete Wipeout on TV and wished you possibly can do it? Effectively, since this is among the issues to do in Koh Phangan, you possibly can! This water-based impediment course is a lot enjoyable and can have you in stitches as you bounce, flip, and faceplant into the water. Seize some pals and luxuriate in. Click on right here to study extra.
- The place:90/22 Moo 1, Bantai, Koh Phangan
- When: Each day 10am – 6pm
- How: Hop in a cab, they’ll know the place to go
- Price: 500 Baht ($15)
6. Go To The Half Moon Occasion
When you aren’t going to be in Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Occasion however nonetheless need some UV rave motion, it will type you out. The Half Moon Occasion takes place in an enormous open-air venue and has three music phases: psytrance, home and hip-hop. The pageant doesn’t e-book massive names and has a most capability of round 4,000, making it far more low-key than the Full Moon Occasion.
- The place: Within the forest, north of Baan Tai
- When: One week earlier than and one week after the Full Moon Occasion (each half moon)
- How: Each taxi on the island will know find out how to get there
- Price: 1,500 Baht ($45) on the door
7. Get pleasure from The Sundown From Secret Mountain
Sitting atop a steep hill is Secret Mountain, a neighborhood restaurant with unparalleled views. Individuals have a tendency to move up right here within the late afternoon to eat and drink whereas they watch the solar set over the horizon. From method up there, you get panoramic vistas over the island and you may even see the Ang Thong Islands rising up out of the water. This is among the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan on the finish of the day.
- The place: 42/3 Baan Nai Suan, Moo 2. Click on right here for extra.
- When: Each day simply earlier than sundown
- How: Both drive to the highest of the hill or hike when you’re feeling energetic
- Price: 50 Baht ($1.50) to make use of the pool, 500 Baht ($15) for meals and drinks
8. Eat Some Israeli Meals at Paprika
Israeli meals may not be the very first thing you need to eat once you get to Thailand, however when you want a break from pad thai, Paprika has among the best culinary choices on the island. The meals is recent, scrumptious, and low-cost; and the portion sizes are greater than enough even for an enormous eater like myself.
- The place: Moo 6, Haad Rin
- When: Each day 11am-11pm
- How: Stroll there out of your lodging in Haad Rin or get a cab
- Price: 300 Baht ($10) for meals and drinks
9. Discover The Ang Thong Nationwide Park
If you need journey and exercise, put Ang Thong Nationwide Park on the prime of your listing of issues to do in Koh Phangan. The park includes enormous inexperienced islands that loom dramatically over the water. Housing secret caves that may be explored by kayak or just by swimming, the park makes for a severely cool expertise.
- The place: Within the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui
- When: Yr-round or April – October for one of the best climate situations
- How: Boat tour
- Price: 1800 Baht ($55) for a speedboat tour
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Chiang Mai – A Checklist of The Prime 17 Greatest, 21 superior issues to do in Chiang Rai and Issues To Do in Pai. When you’re heading to different islands, don’t miss the superior issues to do in Koh Lipe. There are such a lot of wonderful locations to go to in Thailand 😀
10. Kayak Round The Island
If you’re the form of one that likes to discover solo, versus in a tour group, then seize your self a kayak and begin paddling. Most seashores have kayaks for rent however discover out what the currents at that seashore are like earlier than you commit.
Wok Tum to Koh Ma alongside the west coast typically has calm water in addition to pristine hidden seashores to which you’ll be able to paddle. At all times heed the recommendation of locals earlier than setting off, and guarantee you have got correct security tools on board (life jacket, water, and so forth.)
- The place: Wherever, however Wok Tum to Koh Ma is an effective guess.
- When: Everytime you need
- How: Go to the seashore and rent a kayak
- Price: 150 Baht ($5) per hour
11. Trek to Bottle Seashore
Conde Nast Traveller known as this seashore one of the best in Koh Phangan and I’ve to say I agree. The trek by the jungle is difficult and you’ll severely remorse it when you don’t lather your self in bug spray beforehand, however it’ll all be value it once you get there.
Altogether, it’ll take you about an hour and a half to finish the trek from Coconut Seashore to Bottle Seashore. This was in all probability one among my favorite issues to do in Koh Phangan!
- The place: The island’s North Coast
- When: Yr-round however keep away from November as that is when the rain is heaviest
- How: Go to Chalok Lam after which keep it up to Coconut Seashore. From there simply observe the trail all the way in which to Bottle Seashore.
- Price: Free
☞ SEE ALSO: Backpacking Thailand – The Final Journey Information
12. Study How To Cook dinner Thai Meals
Need to impress your pals at your subsequent banquet? Study to make Thai meals. Significantly, it really works. Take a look at this highly-rated Thai cooking class run by a neighborhood lady. You’ll go to the natural farm and see the place all the components you’ll be cooking with come from, then learn to make conventional Thai dishes. Better of all, you get to eat every little thing you make on the finish.
- The place: Meet at Pantip Market, Thong Sala
- When: Test the schedule
- How: Test availability and join right here
- Price: $53 for a half-day class
13. Rent a Bike and Discover The Island
Most individuals who rent motorbikes on Koh Phangan will live on. Nevertheless, there are some who assume carrying a helmet is uncool and dashing round corners is enjoyable. These individuals get injured. Don’t be one among these individuals.
I’ve rented a bike many instances, at all times worn a helmet and pushed cautiously and by no means had any points. When you’re secure and also you drive sensibly, hiring a bike might be among the finest stuff you do in Koh Phangan. It offers you the liberty to discover at your leisure and cease everytime you see one thing attention-grabbing.
Talking of renting a bike, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a well-liked, stunning journey you gained’t need to miss.
One other enjoyable choice is to lease a bicycle and be a part of at the present time half-day journey with a information. Bikes, snacks, water and a information are included within the enjoyable day journey. Click on right here for particulars.
- The place: There are rental locations everywhere in the island
- When: Yr-round
- How: Hiring a bike is simple however you might want handy over your passport as a deposit (strive your finest to not do that). Be sure you take pictures of the bike earlier than you trip it in case they attempt to blame you for any dings the automobile already had. Don’t trip with out insurance coverage both. Click on right here to hitch a half-day biking journey.
- Price: 150 Baht/$5 per day for a bike.
14. Detox at The Yoga Retreat
After operating across the island, taking in all of the issues to do in Koh Phangan, a detox may be very a lot so as. The Yoga Retreat is hidden away within the jungle and presents retreats starting from per week to an entire month.
Throughout your retreat, you’ll spend hours meditating, doing yoga, and feasting on vegan delicacies. When you don’t have time for a full-blown retreat, the Yoga Retreat additionally presents drop-in yoga courses.
- The place: Within the jungle, ten minutes from Haad Salad Seashore
- When: Each day
- How: Taxis are the best choice
- Price: 300 Baht/ $9 for a drop in school
☞ SEE ALSO: Prime 10 Meals To Strive in Thailand
15. Chill out in The Baan Tai Natural Sauna
When you went a bit too arduous on the Full Moon Occasion, you will get all of these toxins out of your physique by sweating for an hour or two within the natural sauna. Additionally they do massages right here if you need a bit of additional pampering.
Whereas most assume the one issues to do in Koh Phangan contain partying to some extent, Koh Phangan additionally presents tons of the way to calm down and is definitely a preferred place for retreats.
- The place: Wat Pho Temple, Baan Tai
- When: Each day from 2pm-9pm
- How: Taxi
- Price: 100 Baht/ $3
16. Feast On Seafood at Milky Bay
The place higher to feast on seafood than on a tropical island? Located on the sting of a white sand seashore and boasting a pool looking over the ocean, that is the very definition of meals with a view. Milky Bay is ideal for peaceable eating within the superb sunshine, and is among the finest eating places on the island.
- The place: Baan Tai
- When: Each day
- How: Taxi
- Price: 500 Baht/$15 for meals and a drink
17. Get a Therapeutic massage
What higher method to nurse your post-Full Moon Occasion hangover than by being kneaded like dough by a deceptively robust Thai lady? Put together your self, these massages are hardcore and at factors, you’re feeling such as you’re being folded up like origami.
However, the ache is value it for the sunshine and limber feeling you get afterward. I at all times get a therapeutic massage when in Koh Phangan, it’s a must-do.
This isn’t simply one of many prime issues to do in Koh Phangan, it’s among the finest issues to do in Thailand on the whole! Don’t depart with out getting one.
- The place: Everywhere in the island
- When: Anytime
- How: No have to e-book for many locations, simply stroll in
- Price: 300-1500 Baht/$10-45 for an hour relying on the standard of the institution (avenue masseurs will cost quite a bit lower than these in correct salons)
☞ See Additionally: Ayutthaya Historic Park – The Final Journey Information
18. Meditate With Phra Olarn
Experiencing mindfulness and connecting with your self on a deeper stage can actually make a distinction to the state of your psychological well being. Phra Olarn makes use of particular respiration methods and strolling meditation to boost wellness and peace of thoughts. Whether or not you’ve meditated earlier than or not, that is undoubtedly value attempting out.
- The place: Wat Samai Kongkha
- When: Each day
- How: Taxi or stroll from Salad Seashore
- Price: 30,000 Baht/$930 for a 7 day mindfulness retreat
19. Sunbathe On Thong Nai Pan Seashore
Thong Nai Pan is precisely what you’d anticipate a seashore on a Thai island to appear like. Pearly white sand, lush, swaying palms, and turquoise water that glimmers beneath infinite sunshine. Seize your self an ice-cold drink and whereas away the hours as you get your tan on.
- The place: On the Northeast Coast
- When: Each day
- How: Keep in Panburi Village and go from there
- Price: Free
20. Snorkel At Mae Haad Seashore
Snorkelling is unquestionably one among my favorite issues to do in Koh Phangan. There’s quite a bit happening within the water across the island and fortunate snorkellers can have the prospect to admire tropical fish, coral, rays and different marine wildlife.
- The place: North Coast
- When: Throughout sunlight hours, day-after-day
- How: Both convey your individual snorkel gear or rent it on the island
- Price: 100 baht/$3 per hour
21. Take a Day Journey To Koh Tao
Assume you’ve executed all of the issues to do in Koh Phangan? Hop in a ship and head off to neighbouring Koh Tao (Turtle Island). Though it could be smaller and quieter than Koh Phangan, there are quite a few issues to do in Koh Tao to maintain you busy…it’s additionally an awesome spot for chilling out.
Koh Tao presents some world-class scuba diving, and reasonably priced PADI certifications. When you’re into diving, a go to right here is among the finest issues to do in Koh Phangan.
- The place: North of Koh Phangan
- When: Yr-round
- How: There are boats that depart often all through the day from Haad Rin and Thong Sala piers
- Price: 400 Baht/ $12
22. See The Waterfalls
Uninterested in the attractive sea? Koh Phangan is dwelling to quite a few cascading waterfalls, however be sure to take a look at Paradise Falls, Phaeng Falls, and Than Sadet, which is a vital website for Thai individuals because of the inscriptions left on the rocks by King Rama VI.
23. Strive Kitesurfing
When you’ve ever wished to offer kitesurfing a go, Koh Phangan is a superb place to strive it out. AccroKite Koh Phangan is affiliated with IKO (Worldwide Kitesurf Group), so you’re in good palms!
Throughout the 3-hour expertise, you’ll study concept on the seashore, focus on the wind, security, find out how to arrange the kite, and find out how to fly. Then, you’ll enter the water and learn to handle the kite.
Apart from having a very good time and studying one thing new, included within the day are tools, an IKO skilled teacher, and an IKO license on the finish. Click on right here for extra particulars.
24. ATV Across the Island
Koh Phangan is a jungly, mountainous island, which makes exploring by ATV all of the extra enjoyable! This can be a distinctive factor to do in Koh Phangan and an effective way to discover the island.
The adventurous tour is enjoyable for all ranges. Rip round off-track dust tracks, pull as much as wonderful lookout factors to see the ocean, and benefit from the lush jungle. Included within the journey is a information, tools, water, and insurance coverage. Click on right here for particulars.
25. Full-Day Highway Journey Journey
A good way to see the entire island and discover the gorgeous nature (seashores, jungle, mountains), is by becoming a member of a day journey.
On this group tour, you’ll take a look at one of the best seashores on the island, pure swimming swimming pools and waterfalls, go snorkeling, and have sundowners at a seashore bar. Roundtrip transfers between Haadrin and Thong Sala are included. Discover out extra about this budget-friendly exercise in Koh Phangan, right here.
When you’d relatively take pleasure in a day on the island with your individual group of pals, you and your accomplice, or just by your self, you possibly can take a look at this non-public tour as an alternative. You possibly can customise your itinerary and have a driver and an air-conditioned automobile at your disposal all day! Click on right here for particulars.
The place to Keep in Koh Phangan
Listed here are some prime inns, hostels & B&B’s in Koh Phangan.
Finances
So Good Haad Rin Hostel – rated “Excellent” 9.1/10. This is among the highest-rated hostels on your entire island. Individuals love this place. It’s all dorm room lodging however they’ve feminine and coed dorms they usually’re all tremendous clear and cozy. The place additionally has a enjoyable vibe to it. Click on right here for particulars.
Coral Bungalows – rated “Good” 7.2/10. The finances bungalows are round $10 per evening they usually harken again to Thailand of previous. Fundamental cozy mattress with a pleasant window, near the seashore. There’s additionally an onsite pool. What extra are you able to ask for? Click on right here for particulars.
Alcove Bungalow – rated “Excellent” 9.1/10. This property is positioned on the west coast of Koh Phangan. Though it’s in a bit extra secluded space, there are bicycles and motorbikes for lease, day journeys might be organized, and also you’ll discover water sports activities like snorkeling and SUP. There’s additionally an onsite restaurant serving Thai and French delicacies. The bungalows listed below are tastefully embellished and provide air-conditioning and ensuite bogs. Click on right here to study extra and e-book this lodging.
Midrange
Castaway Seashore Bungalows – rated “Excellent” 9.4/10. When you’re on the lookout for a chilled-out place to remain, which is positioned proper on the sand, then take a look at these seashore bungalows! The picket bungalows provide wonderful views, a 4-poster mattress, a fridge, a balcony and a hammock. Subsequent door you’ll discover a funky seashore bar – nice for assembly different vacationers. Click on right here to study extra and e-book this bungalow.
Le Divine Comedie Seashore Resort – rated “Very Good” 8.5/10. Situated simply 8 kilometers from Haad Rin Seashore, this property presents reasonably priced luxurious. There’s an outside infinity pool and an onsite restaurant serving up Thai and Burmese meals. Every of the rooms are uniquely designed and presents non-public balconies, air-conditioning and a minibar. Click on right here to study extra and e-book this lodging.
Prime Finish
Panviman Koh Phangan – rated “Fabulous” 8.7/10. This place is one thing out of a dream! For round $100/evening, you possibly can take pleasure in this luxury retreat overlooking Thong Nai Pan. There’s a spa, infinity pool and a pair of beachfront eating places. The trendy, superior double rooms provide a sea view, non-public balcony, air-conditioning and far more. Click on right here to study extra and e-book this lodging.
Prepared for Koh Phangan?
Touching down in Thailand for the primary time is an expertise not like another. From the second you permit the airport in Bangkok, you’re swept up in a cacophony of colour and noise. It’s thrilling and new but in addition slightly overwhelming. Koh Phangan presents some respite from the 24/7 chaos of the capital.
Koh Phangan could also be buzzing with vitality, however it additionally has peaceable enclaves the place you possibly can escape the world for a second. It presents a combination of pure magnificence and journey alternatives and combines serenity with adrenaline. It’s a curious and distinctive place that you just’ll simply have to find for your self to actually perceive.
Some photos on this put up are courtesy of Shutterstock. Test them out for royalty-free photos and movies.
Goats On The Highway Really useful Sources For Koh Phangan, Thailand
✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Koh Phangan. It’s necessary to be sure to have satisfactory journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in outside actions resembling snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountain climbing, and so forth.. World Nomads covers nearly all adventurous actions that you can imagine. Click on right here to get a free quote and study extra about this fashionable journey insurance coverage.
✓ We suggest buying eco-friendly merchandise in your keep in Koh Phangan. We’re personally attempting to scale back the quantity of single-use plastic that we use, and encourage you to do the identical throughout your travels.
To keep away from buying plastic water bottles whereas in Koh Phangan, take into account shopping for a water bottle with a built-in filter resembling LifeStraw or GrayL, or get your self a Steri-Pen. By way of utensils, this bamboo set is nice for picnics on the seashore, whereas these glass or steel straws are good for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, convey your individual.
✓ There are quite a few reasonably priced locations to remain in Koh Phangan. Goats On The Highway makes use of and recommends Reserving.com attributable to their glorious costs, and cancellation choices. We additionally incessantly use Airbnb once we need to e-book a short-term residence. Click on right here to seek for lodging in Koh Phangan on Reserving.com.
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