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 power 24/7. There are quite a few unimaginable locations to go to in Thailand, however ensure you put this island in your record.
That is one among my favourite islands in Thailand, I had such an excellent expertise right here. From the bustling streets lined with meals stalls to the serenity of secret seashores, there may be an countless record of issues to do in Koh Phangan, however listed here are my prime 25.
1. Expertise The Full Moon Celebration
Okay, so my first one isn’t distinctive, however the remainder are!
Let’s begin with the obvious and widespread factor to do in Koh Phangan. The bulk of people that go to Koh Phangan achieve this for the Full Moon Celebration. The get together takes place on Haad Rin Seashore each month and brings in round 30,000 party-goers.
To get the complete expertise, cowl your self in UV paint, drink alcohol from a bucket, and get together till dawn. Should you’re into events, that is positively 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 get together with the opposite neon ravers
- Price: The get together is free so simply funds for nevertheless a lot alcohol and paint you wish to purchase
2. Go Diving at Sail Rock
Sail Rock is certainly the perfect dive web site within the Gulf of Thailand. The rock is about an hour’s boat journey from Koh Phangan and appropriate for divers of all ranges. Star gamers at this dive web site embrace manta rays, barracuda, and whale sharks.
- The place: Sail Rock, located between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
- When: 12 months-round however the perfect diving situations are from April – October
- How: Guide a diving tour from one of many respected dive colleges on the island. Click on right here for a newbie dive, and click on right here if you happen to’re already licensed.
- Price: 2000 – 2500 Baht ($70-80USD)
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Bangkok – Prime 13 Superior Issues You Received’t Wish to Miss
3. Gorge on Thai Meals in The Thong Sala Night time Market
The power within the Thong Sala Night time 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 contemporary falafel slathered in hummus, the night time market is a foodie paradise. There are such a lot of unimaginable meals to strive in Thailand, with markets often providing the perfect.
- The place: Thong Sala ($4 in a cab from Haad Rin)
- When: Each night time
- 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 wager you didn’t assume you’d be mountain climbing on this get together island, did you? Should you’ve executed your packing correctly and have what you could hike in consolation, this journey is properly price doing. The spherical journey up and down takes round 3 hours relying in your tempo and it’s a fairly straightforward climb – you don’t want a information.
Whereas the trail is well-maintained, it’s not marked very properly. There are a number of intersections the place you’ll be not sure of which strategy 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 Whole Wipeout on TV and wished you can do it? Nicely, since this is without doubt one of the issues to do in Koh Phangan, you may! 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 associates and revel in. Click on right here to study extra.
- The place:90/22 Moo 1, Bantai, Koh Phangan
- When: Daily 10am – 6pm
- How: Hop in a cab, they’ll know the place to go
- Price: 500 Baht ($15)
6. Go To The Half Moon Celebration
Should you aren’t going to be in Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Celebration however nonetheless need some UV rave motion, it will kind you out. The Half Moon Celebration takes place in an enormous open-air venue and has three music phases: psytrance, home and hip-hop. The competition doesn’t e-book large names and has a most capability of round 4,000, making it way more low-key than the Full Moon Celebration.
- The place: Within the forest, north of Baan Tai
- When: One week earlier than and one week after the Full Moon Celebration (each half moon)
- How: Each taxi on the island will know learn 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, an area restaurant with unparalleled views. Folks have a tendency to go up right here within the late afternoon to eat and drink whereas they watch the solar set over the horizon. From means 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 without doubt one of the greatest 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: Daily simply earlier than sundown
- How: Both drive to the highest of the hill or hike if you happen to’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 wish to eat whenever you get to Thailand, however if you happen to want a break from pad thai, Paprika has a number of the most interesting culinary choices on the island. The meals is contemporary, 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: Daily 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’d like journey and exercise, put Ang Thong Nationwide Park on the prime of your record of issues to do in Koh Phangan. The park contains large 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: 12 months-round or April – October for the perfect climate situations
- How: Boat tour
- Price: 1800 Baht ($55) for a speedboat tour
☞ SEE ALSO: Issues To Do in Chiang Mai – A Record of The Prime 17 Finest, 21 superior issues to do in Chiang Rai and Issues To Do in Pai. Should you’re heading to different islands, don’t miss the superior issues to do in Koh Lipe. There are such a lot of superb locations to go to in Thailand 😀
10. Kayak Round The Island
If you’re the sort of one who 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 seaside 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 will have correct security tools on board (life jacket, water, and so on.)
- The place: Anyplace, however Wok Tum to Koh Ma is an effective wager.
- When: Everytime you need
- How: Go to the seaside and rent a kayak
- Price: 150 Baht ($5) per hour
11. Trek to Bottle Seashore
Conde Nast Traveller referred to as this seaside the perfect in Koh Phangan and I’ve to say I agree. The trek by means of the jungle is difficult and you’ll severely remorse it if you happen to don’t lather your self in bug spray beforehand, however it can all be price it whenever you get there.
Altogether, it can 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: 12 months-round however keep away from November as that is when the rain is heaviest
- How: Go to Chalok Lam after which stick with it to Coconut Seashore. From there simply observe the trail all the best way to Bottle Seashore.
- Price: Free
☞ SEE ALSO: Backpacking Thailand – The Final Journey Information
12. Be taught How To Prepare dinner Thai Meals
Wish to impress your mates at your subsequent banquet? Be taught to make Thai meals. Critically, it really works. Take a look at this highly-rated Thai cooking class run by an area lady. You’ll go to the natural farm and see the place all the elements you’ll be cooking with come from, then discover ways to make conventional Thai dishes. Better of all, you get to eat every thing you make on the finish.
- The place: Meet at Pantip Market, Thong Sala
- When: Verify the schedule
- How: Verify availability and enroll 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 continue to exist. Nevertheless, there are some who assume sporting a helmet is uncool and dashing round corners is enjoyable. These folks get injured. Don’t be one among these folks.
I’ve rented a bike many instances, all the time worn a helmet and pushed cautiously and by no means had any points. Should you’re secure and also you drive sensibly, hiring a bike can be among the finest belongings you do in Koh Phangan. It provides 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 wish 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: 12 months-round
- How: Hiring a bike is straightforward however chances are you’ll want at hand over your passport as a deposit (strive your greatest to not do that). Be sure to take pictures of the bike earlier than you journey it in case they attempt to blame you for any dings the car already had. Don’t journey 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 working across the island, taking in all of the issues to do in Koh Phangan, a detox could be very a lot so as. The Yoga Retreat is hidden away within the jungle and gives retreats starting from every week to a complete month.
Throughout your retreat, you’ll spend hours meditating, doing yoga, and feasting on vegan delicacies. Should you don’t have time for a full-blown retreat, the Yoga Retreat additionally gives drop-in yoga courses.
- The place: Within the jungle, ten minutes from Haad Salad Seashore
- When: Daily
- How: Taxis are your best choice
- Price: 300 Baht/ $9 for a drop at school
☞ SEE ALSO: Prime 10 Meals To Attempt in Thailand
15. Chill out in The Baan Tai Natural Sauna
Should you went a bit too onerous on the Full Moon Celebration, you may 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 a point, Koh Phangan additionally gives tons of the way to loosen up and is definitely a well-liked place for retreats.
- The place: Wat Pho Temple, Baan Tai
- When: Daily 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 seaside and boasting a pool searching over the ocean, that is the very definition of meals with a view. Milky Bay is ideal for peaceable eating within the wonderful sunshine, and is without doubt one of the greatest eating places on the island.
- The place: Baan Tai
- When: Daily
- How: Taxi
- Price: 500 Baht/$15 for meals and a drink
17. Get a Therapeutic massage
What higher strategy to nurse your post-Full Moon Celebration 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 price it for the sunshine and limber feeling you get afterward. I all the time 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 respiratory methods and strolling meditation to boost wellness and peace of thoughts. Whether or not you’ve meditated earlier than or not, that is positively price attempting out.
- The place: Wat Samai Kongkha
- When: Daily
- 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 strictly what you’ll anticipate a seaside on a Thai island to appear like. Pearly white sand, lush, swaying palms, and turquoise water that glimmers below countless 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: Daily
- 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 occurring 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 daylight, daily
- 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
Suppose 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 might 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 excellent spot for chilling out.
Koh Tao gives some world-class scuba diving, and inexpensive PADI certifications. Should you’re into diving, a go to right here is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Koh Phangan.
- The place: North of Koh Phangan
- When: 12 months-round
- How: There are boats that depart commonly all through the day from Haad Rin and Thong Sala piers
- Price: 400 Baht/ $12
22. See The Waterfalls
Bored with the beautiful sea? Koh Phangan is house to quite a few cascading waterfalls, however ensure you try Paradise Falls, Phaeng Falls, and Than Sadet, which is a crucial web site for Thai folks as a result of inscriptions left on the rocks by King Rama VI.
23. Attempt Kitesurfing
Should you’ve ever needed 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 realize you’re in good fingers!
In the course of the 3-hour expertise, you’ll study idea on the seaside, talk about the wind, security, learn how to arrange the kite, and learn how to fly. Then, you’ll enter the water and discover ways to handle the kite.
In addition to 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! It is 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 grime tracks, pull as much as superb 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
An effective way to see the entire island and discover the attractive nature (seashores, jungle, mountains), is by becoming a member of a day journey.
On this group tour, you’ll try the perfect seashores on the island, pure swimming swimming pools and waterfalls, go snorkeling, and have sundowners at a seaside bar. Roundtrip transfers between Haadrin and Thong Sala are included. Discover out extra about this budget-friendly exercise in Koh Phangan, right here.
Should you’d slightly get pleasure from a day on the island with your individual group of associates, you and your accomplice, or just by your self, you may try this non-public tour as an alternative. You may customise your itinerary and have a driver and an air-conditioned car at your disposal all day! Click on right here for particulars.
The place to Keep in Koh Phangan
Listed here are some prime lodges, hostels & B&B’s in Koh Phangan.
Price range
So Good Haad Rin Hostel – rated “Excellent” 9.1/10. This is without doubt one of the highest-rated hostels on your complete island. Folks 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 funds bungalows are round $10 per night time they usually harken again to Thailand of previous. Primary comfortable mattress with a pleasant window, near the seaside. 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 could 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 here are tastefully embellished and provide air-conditioning and ensuite loos. Click on right here to study extra and e-book this lodging.
Midrange
Castaway Seashore Bungalows – rated “Excellent” 9.4/10. Should you’re in search of a chilled-out place to remain, which is positioned proper on the sand, then try these seaside bungalows! The picket bungalows provide superb views, a 4-poster mattress, a fridge, a balcony and a hammock. Subsequent door you’ll discover a funky seaside 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 gives inexpensive luxurious. There’s an out of doors infinity pool and an onsite restaurant serving up Thai and Burmese meals. Every of the rooms are uniquely designed and gives 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/night time, you may get pleasure from 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 way 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 in contrast to another. From the second you allow the airport in Bangkok, you might be swept up in a cacophony of coloration and noise. It’s thrilling and new but additionally somewhat overwhelming. Koh Phangan gives some respite from the 24/7 chaos of the capital.
Koh Phangan could also be buzzing with power, but it surely additionally has peaceable enclaves the place you may escape the world for a second. It gives a mix 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 really perceive.
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Goats On The Highway Really helpful Assets For Koh Phangan, Thailand
✓ There are such a lot of adventurous issues to do in Koh Phangan. It’s essential to ensure you have sufficient journey insurance coverage earlier than embarking on any journey, however particularly one the place you’ll be partaking in out of doors actions equivalent to snorkelling, diving, kayaking, mountain climbing, and so on.. 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 widespread journey insurance coverage.
✓ We suggest buying eco-friendly merchandise to your keep in Koh Phangan. We’re personally attempting to cut 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, think about shopping for a water bottle with a built-in filter equivalent to LifeStraw or GrayL, or get your self a Steri-Pen. When it comes to utensils, this bamboo set is nice for picnics on the seaside, whereas these glass or steel straws are excellent for cocktails, fruit juices or a glass of water. Say no to straws and plastic utensils, convey your individual.
✓ There are quite a few inexpensive locations to remain in Koh Phangan. Goats On The Highway makes use of and recommends Reserving.com resulting from their wonderful costs, and cancellation choices. We additionally continuously use Airbnb once we wish to e-book a short-term house. Click on right here to seek for lodging in Koh Phangan on Reserving.com.
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