A trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, Explore waterfalls, Moon parties, Challenge phangan, Relax at the yoga center, Thong Sala Night Market, Watch the sunset every day, Learn thai cooking, Motorbike exploring trip, Baan Thai Herbal Sauna and many more.
Among all the exploration and globetrotting, one must count Koh Phangan in, for the sky is the limit as far as things to do in Koh Phangan is concerned. Sitting in southeast Thailand is this beautiful island of riveting beaches and crystal blue waters, attracting a vast number of tourists every year. For starters, the serene beauty of Koh Phangan is sure to take you in awe of Mother Nature.
Not just nature, the island bursts of buoyant energy. The next question which pops up in every tourist’s mind is What to do in Koh Phangan? From basking in the glory of beach bungalows to strolling around the bustling markets to having the best nightlife, this little island is a treasure trove of adventures and culture to be unearthed by its travelers.
Your “Thai vacay” is surely incomplete without ticking the moon party off your bucket list or for that matter sinking into the peace and solitude of the quieter places here. Whether you wish to swap the boardroom for beaches, or you want to commute for adrenaline-fuelled activities in Koh Phangan, this town offers everything to revive you from the tired routine.
The golden beaches lined with turquoise water are ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. You can even go for a nature trip as there are seven waterfalls over here all relatively close to the main town. The trekking trails in the tallest mountain Khao Ra over here can take you into an expedition that you’ll never forget. So, get your backpacks on, and hop on into the marvelous world of Koh Phangan for the perfect dose of adventure and fun.
Last but not the least, you should definitely plan a visit to the Phaeng Noi Waterfall. It is inarguably one of the Top Places to Visit in Koh Phangan.
The gorgeous waterfall is within the region of Than Sadet National Park right in the middle of the island. This region itself is worth visiting, too, and is home to wonderful natural views. Many travelers and locals visit here for excursions. Plus, the waterfall view at the end is a worthy prize for these tourists.
The hike to the waterfall is refreshing for travelers and is relatively easy to complete. So, go here and enjoy stunning sights and relax during your vacation.
Location: Ban Tai, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Best Timing: December and March
One of the top Places to Visit in Koh Phangan is the C&M Study Center, a popular spot for the locals. However, that does not stop the tourists from enjoying a trip here, too. Indeed, you would find fun things to do, like take a cooking class.
The instructors specialize in local old-school Thai dishes. During this class, you would learn how to prepare them and the following tasting periods are fun, too. Plus, you can buy souvenirs from this center and get in touch with the local students. While this may be an unconventional tourist spot for most people, do give it at least one try.
Location: Ko Pha-ngan, Koh Pha-Ngan, 84/4 Moo. 8, SURAT THANI 84280, Thailand
Best Timing: 9 AM – 5 PM
In any list of Places to Visit in Koh Phangan, Mae Haad Beach is worth a mention. The beach is full of slightly coarse sand, so you can still walk around comfortably. This spot is generally very quiet and not full of too many people. So, if you want a relaxing time admiring the sea, this beach is a good choice.
There are food places and high-quality restaurants here, too. They serve traditional Thai food mainly with local ingredients and recipes. Besides that, you can rent sunbeds at the beach and sit there for the view.
To note, the water here is shallow, and you would have to pad carefully through it since sea urchins are common on this beach. Also, for the niche crowd interested in a nudist experience, you can go to the private nudist beach area as well.
Location: Ko Tao, Koh Phangan
Best Timing: December and March
In Koh Phangan, one of the top tourist places in Koh Phangan is the Amsterdam Bar and Café. This is present in the area of Pangam, a popular destination for locals and tourists here alike. To note, this is at a 1mile distance from Thongsala, which also brings in a satisfactory crowd.
Many of the visitors and locals who stay in Koh Phangan admire the relaxing atmosphere. To add to this stress-free environment, many people prefer visiting spa spots and saunas for an additional soothing experience. So, if that is something that you desire, Herbal Sauna Baan Tai is one of the worthiest Places to Visit in Koh Phangan.
At this spot, you can avail yourself of wonderful massaging sessions, under expert spa therapists. Plus, the steam sauna is infused with traditional herbal components like lemongrass. This is heated up with the help of logwood fire that naturally provides a steamy atmosphere.
Indeed, the benefits of the natural herbs are immense for all who attend this resort spot.
Location: Wat Pho Temple in Baan Tai village, Santhiya Resort & Spa
Best Timing: 3 PM – 6 PM every day.
For the water enthusiasts, one of the places to see in Koh Phangan is the Challenge Phangan Waterpark. The rides here are exciting and there is a fun and complex water obstacle course available, too.
Some of the fun things to do here are stepping stones, ziplining, rolling barrels, monkey bars, balance beams, big red balls, and an indoor playhouse. Not to mention, all of these with clear water all around, which further heightens the experience!
Another major fun part about this course is that you would have time constraints to complete the challenges. So, for the adventure enthusiast, this Wipeout-centric option easily makes this waterpark one of the must-go-to Places to Visit in Koh Phangan at least once.
Location: Shritanu
Best Timing: 10:00am - 6:00pm
This place is a great choice for many locals and travelers to go to when they reach Koh Phangan. Among the places to see in Koh Phangan, this is famous primarily for culinary tourism.
You would find many places and food stalls with authentic Thai recipes on the menu. The variety is high, not to mention the costs are comparatively on the cheaper side. Certainly, people have to shell out only 20-100 baht approximately!
Some of the must-try dishes you would find here are personalized Pad Thai, roasted chicken, pizza, noodles, and fish dry. Plus, you would also find other items like jewelry, shoes, clothes, accessories, and even souvenirs.
Location: Thongsala Road
Best Timing: 4 PM- 12 AM
1. A trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park: Located in the pristine Gulf of Thailand and 32 km from Phangan is the archipelago of as many as 42 islands. The view is nothing short of fantasy, as you step into the utopian world of coves, white sand beaches, and exotic flora and fauna of this national marine park.
With so many islands under its belt, it is a week’s task in itself to discover Ang Thong National Marine Park. Take day trips to some of its islands through the government’s tourist boats.
Location: Thongsala, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand
Timings: Open 24 hours
2. Explore waterfalls: Of the things to do in Koh Phangan, what you definitely need to do is explore the cascading beauty of timelessness. From the Phaeng Waterfall located in Thansadej National Park to Wang Sai in the north-west of this island, immerse yourself after hectic trekking into some of the most beautiful waterfalls all around Thailand.
And as you sit to cool off, marvel around at the lush greenery and the music of babbling sounds of water.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
3. Moon Parties: If you want to have a look at the most beautiful moon, Koh Phangan is the place to be. The place is known for its epic moon parties, giving you an experience like no other. Wait for the dusky sky to hit and there you will be surrounded by the cheer, laughter and energy of dancing parties.
The beach of Koh Phangan is a hub of all moon parties, with people pumped up to the tunes and soaked in festivities and celebrations. Half-moon parties have also become a thing in the middle of this island.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: 9 pm onwards
4. Challenge Phangan: If the question of what to do in Koh Phangan still persists, here is another thing you should consider doing the next time you visit. The tropical island of Koh Phangan is a host to The Challenge Phangan, with a wide variety of adventurous watercourses and obstacles to test one’s limit.
From the stepping stones to rolling stones, Challenge Phangan is the very own Takeshi’s Castle of Thailand! Winners and best performers in these challenges also make it to the leaders’ wall of fame.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: 10 am to 6 pm
5. Relax at the yoga center: The yoga centers at Koh Phangan are one of the quietest expeditions into the world of soul searching and a retreat from the frenzy and hustle-bustle of city life. Koh Phangan harbors some of the best Yoga Retreat centers.
Some of them include the Orion Healing center in Srithanu, Koh Phangan; Sunny Yoga in the hilltop of Koh Phangan and Jaran’s yoga classes. They are known to be the best meditation centers and deep practices. Head down to one of these to calm your nerves and get an enriching experience.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Timings: - Orion Healing Centre: 7:30 am to 11 pm
-Sunny Yoga Classes: 8 am to 5:30 pm
- Japan's Yoga Classes: 7:30 am to 8 pm
6. Thong Sala Night Market: Straight over the southeast corner of Koh Phangan island is the Thong Sala Pier, a host to the renowned Thong Sala Market. The place is one perfect food haven of the baht cuisine.
Also known as the Pantip Market, it is the perfect destination in Thailand to revel in the fresh and cheap Thai delicacies and scoop right in into the mouth-watering desserts. Get your shopping mode on at the famous Saturday Night street market with a collection of clothes and handicrafts.
Location: Amphoe Ko, Phangan Chang Wat, Surat Thani
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
7. Watch the sunset every day: Before discovering the full moon, catch a glimpse of the orange golden sky at some of the hotspots in Koh Phangan. Haad Son, with a stunning view of the sky and pearl-white beach, is the perfect place to enjoy that theatrical sunset experience.
One can also enjoy the scenic sunset view at Haad Saarikantang, immersing into the lines of the horizon. You can also explore the rustic location of Haad Rin Nai in Koh Phangan beside the seaside bar to let nature unravel above you.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: 6 pm onwards
8. Learn Thai Cooking: When in Thailand, learn to cook Thai Cuisines. Get yourself enrolled in the C & M Thai Culture, My Wok and Me, The Phangan Thai Cooking classes among a lot of others and get those basics right.
Take a ride to local markets and lay your hands on the best and fresh local produce the country has to offer. Bring out the master chef in you, as you dish out sumptuous veggie rolls, the finger-licking Thai curry all while navigating the roads of culinary expertise. Cooking is the ultimate solution to the question of what to do in Koi Phangan.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: - C & M Thai Culture: 9 am to 5 pm
My Wok and Me: 7 am to 5 pm
9. Eat Israeli Food: As different as it may sound, Koh Phangan has also boasted of some wonderful Middle Eastern restaurants cooking up Israeli food on an island. Mama’s Schnitzel in Haad Rin, Koh Phangan is world-famous and serves authentic Israeli cuisines like Chicken Schnitzel with delicious fried rice. When in Koh Phangan, you must check this out.
Location: Amphoe Ko, Phangan Chang Wat, Surat Thani
Timings: Open 24 hours
10. Motorbike exploring trip: Probably the best way to explore the island of Koh Phangan is to drive around in rented motorbikes. It is quick, efficient and gets you going places in and around hassle-free.
From trudging on to The Challenge with that dapper motor rider appeal to hit the beautiful sand terrains, motorbike riding is an experience in itself. However, pay heed to instructions for a safe ride.
11. Baan Thai Herbal Sauna: Sauna has been given a makeover, thanks to the sauna in a cozy garden, also known as the Baan Thai Herbal Sauna. The patio, showers are all located in a lush green setting giving you perfect hot steam for relaxing and unwinding after a hectic excursion. Booking a massage here in Koh Phangan is most definitely recommended.
Location: Baan Thai Road, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: 2 pm to 8 pm
12. Try Seafood: As the sun is to the sky, Seafood is to the island. Savor the best seafood available in Koh Phangan to get a flavor of the island. One can always head down to Beachlogue for cheaper and tasty options in the Thong Sala market or try out the many seafood delicacies at the Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar in Ban Tai. Spicy squids are to die for.
Location: Amphoe Ko, Phangan Chang Wat, Surat Thani
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
13. Get a massage: Have a relaxing holiday experience in Koh Phangan with several massage centers and saunas in and around the place. The Tanaporn Massage House in Thong Nai Pan Noi, Lek’s massage on Taladkao Road offers the best massage experience for a soothing body and mind.
Location: Ban Tai, Koh Phangan
Timings: 9 am to 9:30 pm
14. Explore the beaches: The beaches are the prized possessions of Koh Phangan island in Thailand, and one of the best things to do in Koh Phangan is to explore them as much as possible. From the beautiful Haad Rin beach to Haad Yao beaches, the wonderland of islands is just too irresistible.
Location: Koh Phangan district, Koh Phangan
Timings: Open 24 hours
15. A day trip to Koh Tao: In the Koh Phangan district of Thailand is the ever so beautiful Koh Tao. This is one of the best-known islands in the entire Gulf of Thailand. With wildlife, vegetation, and beaches aplenty, the fifth largest island in Thailand is a sure shot go-to for the perfect Thai experience.
Location: Surat Thani, Koh Phangan
Timings: Open 24 hours
Also Read: Places To Visit In Koh Phangan
Of all the things to do in Koh Phangan, adventure activities top the list. The adventure activities in Koh Phangan include diving, trekking, kayaking, snorkeling among others.
Go Diving:
Explore the deep blue world with the best diving experiences at The Dive Inn in Chaloklum Bay, Haad Yao Divers and Chaloklum diving in Chaloklum village. Come across the aquatic sightings of whales, fishes and marine flora at these calm dive locations as you wade your way through.
Location: Chalokum Bay, Surat Thani
Timings: 8 am to 9 pm
Trekking Trip:
Get set for beautiful trails into the expanse of Koh Phangan Island with some of the best trekking terrains. One such popular stretch is the hike to Bottle beach from Haad Khom in Chalokum. Quench your thirst with coconut water, en route this 45 to 50-minute journey.
Location: Chalokum Bay, Surat Thani
Timings: Open 24 hours
Kayaking:
When faced with what to do in Koh Phangan, think kayaking. Explore the calm waters of the west coast by renting out kayaks. Hit the beach anywhere in Koh Phangan when the sea is calm for a safe adventure experience.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: Open 24 hours
Snorkeling:
Haad Mae Haad is the most visited spot in Koh Phangan for the best snorkeling experience. Peep into nature beneath the water and go across those coral reefs with snorkeling under the sea.
Location: Mae Haad Beach, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: Open 24 hours
The island offers many locations and experiences for things to do at night in Koh Phangan…
Full moon parties and other moon parties:
The nightlife at Koh Phangan is incomplete without full moon and even half-moon parties. Hit any beach on this island for a neon, vibrant dancing party, under the shining moon, starting around 9 pm and lasting till morning.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: 9 pm onwards
Merkaba Beach Club:
Explore the groovy aura at the Merkaba Beach Club in Ban Tai. Party all night till the crack of dawn and soak into the best nightlife experience.
Location: Ban Tai, Koi Phangam District
Timings: 6 pm to late night
The Jam Bar:
Soak into live music at the Jam Bar. It opens anywhere between 7 to 8 pm and closes at 1 am. The bar only opens on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Location: Tambon Ko, Phangan
Timings: 8pm- 1am
Sandcastle Club:
The Sandcastle Club is a bar, club, and lounge where you can enjoy specialty drinks and inventive cocktails in a plush and elegant ambiance. This is an ideal spot where you can take chilling out with your friends to a whole new level. It is open every day from 6 pm onwards.
Location: Next to Fubar, Haad Rin Beach East
Timings: 6 pm onwards
Although average temperatures vary little across seasons, it totally depends upon the weather the person is comfortable in. Dry weather conditions prevail in the months of February and March while the weather is humid from June and July onwards.
January is usually considered the best time for traveling to Koh Phangan for the place is lit up with beautiful New Year and Christmas moon parties. It is also the peak season for visiting. Even July and August are considered to be peak months as rainfall brings about a fresh view of waterfalls and streams while trekking.
The months of May and April are generally the least crowded and inexpensive with warm temperatures.
1. By Air: In order to reach Koh Phangan by air, you can take a flight from Bangkok and then travel to Koh Samui or Surat Thani. Then you would need to hire a boat to cover the rest of the distance.
2. By Ferry: You can take a ferry or catamaran ride from Koh Samui to Haad Rin or Thong Sala pier to reach Koh Phangan. The ferry ride takes about 20-60 minutes and it is available for the whole day.
3. By Bus: In order to reach Koh Phangan by bus, you can reach Bangkok and then take government-run as well as private buses to reach your destination.
Read More: Resorts In Koh Phangan
1. Go Shopping at Thong Sala Night Market: If you're a foodie and wondering what to do in Koh phangan, then Thong Sala Night Market, also known as "Pantipmarket," is a place you shouldn't miss. You'll discover a wide variety of street cuisine at dirt-cheap pricing. From grilled fish and pork to crusty pizza, sushi to pad Thai, it's the ideal spot to sample Thailand's diverse street food culture.
2. Dancing all night at the Moon Parties: The moon phase celebrations, which take place every month on Koh Phangan, are the island's greatest claim to fame and one of the most sought after things to do in Koh Phangan. The Full Moon Party, held mostly on the east side of Haad Rin Beach, is one of Thailand's best parties, with people raging from twilight to morning with their toes in the sand.
Click Here To Book: Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Tickets
3. Get a Thai Massage: Wandering about what to do in Koh phangan, allow the skilled native masseuses to knead, twist, and massage the kinks out of your muscles, and you'll feel completely rejuvenated. Thai massage is a widely valued traditional technique in Thailand, and you should surely try one of the most popular things to do in Koh Phangan at least once when visiting the country.
1. Take a Day Trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park: Ang Thong National Marine Park is a nature lover's dream, featuring hiking paths, rock caverns, towering cliffs, palm forests, coral reefs, sandy beaches, and much more. As a result, if you're visiting Koh Phangan, it's a must-see destination where you can indulge in adventure filled hiking trails. You can also head out on a cave exploration tour with your loved ones. In order to get the best of the water, you can just dive deep and enjoy the breathtaking views of coral ridges.
Click Here To Book: Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour
2. Motorbike Exploration: Wandering about what to do in Koh phangan, rent a motorcycle to explore the island on your own time and have all the mobility you require. The west coast of the island is the most popular route for motorbike exploration. Before you ride the bike, make sure to take some pictures of it.
3. Experience A Fun day at Slip N Fly: Travelers, chillers, lovers, and party-goers are all targets for this place. So, Slip N Fly into the plunge pools, shoot basketballs and hoops, and play water volleyball, as the name implies. All while basking in the sun and socialising with friends on the island. While you are at Slip N Fly, you will get to enjoy thrilling sports with your loved ones and also indulge in some hiking tours along the coast.
1. Scuba Diving: Scuba diving is among the best things to do in Koh Phangan since the Gulf of Thailand is home to an abundance of beautiful marine life, featuring tropical fish, sea turtles, reefs, and more.
2. Kayaking: One of the nicest things to do in Koh Phangan is to cruise along the turquoise waves and take in all of the natural splendour. Because the waters are normally calm, kayaking from Wok Tum to Koh Ma is a popular activity on the island.
3. Go Snorkelling: If you're not ready to commit to scuba diving, snorkelling is a great way to see Koh Phangan's thriving underwater marine life. Snorkeling is inexpensive and simple, so everyone can do it, and Mae Haad Beach and Haad Son on the island's north shore are two of the greatest spots for it.
Check This Out: Nightlife In Koh Phangan
1. The Jam Bar: The Jam Bar in Koh Phangan is a cool venue made from wood, teak, and bamboo that is right on the beach of Hin Kong. This chilly venue has plenty of stringed instruments for improvised jamming sessions. The Jam Bar is also an excellent place to go for a sundowner, with reasonable food and drink prices.
2. Sandcastle Club: Sandcastle Nightclub is a renowned nightlife destination on Koh Phangan. Sandcastle Club, which works with local and international DJs that specialise in deep house and techno music, seems to have a new event every day.
3. Rasta Baby: Rasta Baby is a bar-restaurant franchise in southern Thailand that has Rastafarian flags in green, yellow, and red, as well as Bob Marley images and triad chords played just off the beat at a reasonable intensity.
4. Ku Club: It's a part of The Beach Village, which has a long list of foreign resident DJs who deliver a different type of music each night. The venue's tiny size offers it a great atmosphere. Ku Club is one of the most popular places to party in Koh Phangan, because of its delectable food and exquisite drinks, ping-pong tables, and low costs.
One of the best things to do in Koh Phangan is to have a trekking experience. Some of the trekking activities in Koh Phangan at some of the best hotspots include:
Kao Ra:
The medium to difficult training experience is one of the finest trekking activities in Koh Phangan. The 3-hour journey traverses the beautiful beaches, jungles, starting from and ending on the Khao Ra terrace. Put on the trekking shoes and bring along snacks for the perfect experience.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani
Timings: Open 24 hours
Phaeng Waterfall:
The jungle walk is a sight to a lot of waterfalls and small streams. Visit during the right season to catch hold of the cascading sounds of the tallest waterfalls in Thailand.
Location: Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani, Thailand
Timings: 8 am to 4 pm
Haad Rin to Haad Yuan: Get down to the peaceful beach on the east coast of Haad Yuan from Haad Rin either through a boat or jungle path. One of the common ways is to hire a speed boat from the busiest beach of Haad Rin.
Location: Koh Phangan district, Koh Phangan
Timings: Open 24 hours
1. Thong Sala: It is the best shopping hub there is in Koh Phangan. Bargain and buy souvenirs and handicraft items at the best prices.
Location: Amphoe Ko, Phangan Chang Wat, Surat Thani
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm
2. Haad Rin Beach: This is one of the busiest beaches in Koh Phangan. Head down to buy your favorite stuff from various roadside stalls the next time you visit this beach.
Location: Ban Tai, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani
Timings: Open 24 hours
3. Baan Tai Beach: With fashion boutiques, tattoo studios, 7 elevens and supermarkets selling local produce, Baan Tai beach is close to becoming one shopping haven here.
Location: Big C Supermarket, Baan Tai Beach
Timings: 4 pm to 10 pm on Monday, Wednesday and Friday
4. Haad Yao Beach: Head to crave near the Haad Yao Beach to shop for the best beach costumes, accessories and other paraphernalia.
Location: Srithanu, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani
Timings: 5 pm to 12 am
5. Thong Nai Pan Beach: Although not so famous, the markets here do offer beach toys, snacks, and other basic things.
Location: Thong Nai Pan Night Market, Thong Nai Pan Beach, Koh Phangan
Timings: 4 pm to 10 pm
6. Thong Sala Walking Street: Come be a part of the ultimate shopping spree at this Saturday market where thousands of Thai traders and local businesspeople set their stalls.
Location: Amphoe Ko, Phangan Chang Wat, Surat Thani
Timings: 6 am to 7 pm.