Koh Phangan Island in Thailand – what to see, where to relax and stay, how to get there, the best beaches, and scenic viewpoints.
Koh Phangan in Thailand is one of the coolest places for a beach holiday. The island has long been popular among backpackers, yoga enthusiasts, raw foodists, vegans, and other free spirits. There is no mass tourism here, as there are no conditions for building large chain hotels.
However, there are plenty of wonderful beaches, including secluded and hard-to-reach ones. There are picturesque temples, dense jungles, and stunning viewpoints. You could spend a couple of weeks on Phangan exploring all the sights without exaggeration. The logistics are well-developed, as everywhere in Thailand, so if you’re looking for something different from Bangkok, Phuket, Chang, or Samui, feel free to book accommodation and enjoy your vacation.
By the way, despite its free-spirited vibe, Koh Phangan offers many comfortable and even luxurious hotels, as well as budget accommodation.
In this guide, I’ll cover everything step by step – the best attractions, where to stay, the best beaches, and activities on one of the most beautiful islands in Thailand. I’m not exaggerating – Koh Phangan is in my personal top 5 places to visit in this country.
Note! The best time to visit Koh Phangan is January, February, and March. Besides the great sunny weather without unbearable heat (around 30°C), from January to March, the sea is deep turquoise and incredibly clear. The weather is also good from April to August. It’s not recommended to visit in the fall due to rain and murky water.
For a stay on Phangan, I recommend the charming Castaway Beach Bungalows. If your holiday is for a special occasion, consider the wonderful Buri Rasa Koh Phangan hotel.
Koh Phangan is famous for its tropical white-sand beaches, some of which resemble those in Seychelles. I’ll show you the best beaches for a perfect getaway.
How to get from Bangkok to Phangan? There are several options, which you can easily choose and book online at 12goasia.
General Information About Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 65 kilometers from the mainland, between Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Phangan is part of the Samui archipelago, which includes 60 other islands. The famous Ao Thong Marine National Park is also in this region.
Phangan is a small island with an area of 125 sq km. The island’s main feature is its numerous postcard-worthy beaches, many of which are practically deserted at any time of the year. Because of this seclusion, the island has a hermit-like atmosphere, which becomes more apparent the further you move away from the most popular beach and the island’s capital.
There is no airport. The nearest airport is on Koh Samui.
The capital of the island is the village of Thong Sala, where the ferry pier is located. You will arrive here. The main attraction in the capital is the night market, which I recommend visiting at least once.
The most popular beach is Haad Rin. This is where most travelers stay, and the beach is worth it. It is world-famous for the Full Moon Party, which takes place every month during the full moon.
During the Full Moon Party, the island is filled with people from all walks of life, and the atmosphere changes from peaceful to festive. However, this mostly applies to Haad Rin Beach, while other parts of Phangan remain calm.
Phangan is not a big island, so it’s best to rent a scooter and explore it. The central part of the island is covered with jungles, secret waterfalls, mystical temples, and scenic viewpoints on the cliffs. The coastline is dotted with beautiful beaches. Driving on Phangan is not difficult, but keep in mind that there are many ups and downs, so stay alert.
What to See and Do on Koh Phangan
Besides the famous Full Moon Party, the island offers plenty of activities and attractions. There are many viewpoints and secret postcard-worthy beaches.
Below are some of the coolest viewpoints, best beaches, and natural attractions.
Haad Rin Beach
The most famous and popular beach, and the perfect starting point for your island exploration. Located in the south of the island, it’s best known for hosting the monthly Full Moon Party, an epic event that lasts from early evening until sunrise. By 10 a.m., the party is gone without a trace. I’ve seen it myself as we stayed there for the last day of our trip and happened to be there for the party.
In reality, the beach is noisy only on the party day, but otherwise, it’s a quiet and peaceful place. Haad Rin is rightly considered one of the best beaches on Koh Phangan. It’s a beautiful spot with white sand, a bay with an easy entry into the water, and accommodation for every budget. There’s also a village nearby with cafes and shops.
One of the benefits of Haad Rin is that it’s easy to walk to many beaches or take a songthaew (local taxi). If you rent a scooter, you can explore the whole island. Many beaches can also be reached from Haad Rin by water taxi.
Leela Beach
A very beautiful and quiet spot, just a 15-minute walk from the famous Haad Rin Beach. Many call it a dream beach for its fine white sand and almost absolute peace and quiet, with swings on the beach and lovely hotels and bungalows.
The beach is great for both families with children and couples. It was a bit too quiet for us, so we preferred Haad Rin, but we would occasionally visit Leela Beach for a swing ride or a walk.
I recommend the beautiful Cabin Beach Resort on this beach. Right on the beach, first line, with a pool by the sea.
Haad Yuan Beach
Haad Yuan is a great beach on the southwest of the island. You can reach it by boat from Haad Rin Beach. You can come here for a day trip or spend several days. It’s a beautiful and self-sufficient place. The huge boulders on the shore and tall palm trees add uniqueness to the spot. The accommodation consists of simple bungalows along the beach.
Phaeng Waterfall
Phaeng Waterfall is the largest and most beautiful waterfall on Koh Phangan. It is located in the Than Sadet National Park in the central part of the island.
It’s easy to get there by car or scooter, and there is parking near the waterfall. You leave the vehicle and walk a short, easy path to the waterfall. The spot is very photogenic, and you can swim in the waterfall.
Entrance is free.
Koh Ma Viewpoint (420 Club Phangan)
Koh Phangan has many viewpoints. Koh Ma is a small island connected to the main island by a sandbar. It’s one of Koh Phangan’s landmarks. The Koh Ma viewpoint is located on a hill with a stunning view of the Koh Ma Peninsula. The view is excellent, and there’s also a bar-restaurant called 420 Club Phangan where you can relax.
In my opinion, this is the best viewpoint on the island. Highly recommended. If you’re staying at Haad Rin, it’s a bit far by local standards, on the opposite side of the island. If you don’t have a scooter, you can take a taxi or a local songthaew.
Haad Salad Beach
Haad Salad Beach is located near the Koh Ma Peninsula and is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the western part of Phangan. It’s a true dream beach and a great place to stay. Many people choose to stay here for their entire vacation.
Haad Salad has an ideal entry into the water, with fine white sand, palm trees overhead, and cozy beach bars.
Haad Salad is a popular vacation spot, and if you plan to stay here, choose Salad Hut – authentic, comfortable wooden huts with hammocks by the sea.
Koh Raham
This small peninsula belongs to the Koh Raham Beach Club. It’s a unique and atmospheric place worth visiting if you’re exploring the island. There are lots of cool details – hammocks and swings over the water, a beautiful beach, and excellent snorkeling. If you stay until the evening, you can enjoy the sunset and a cocktail at the local bar.
The food here is average, but the service and atmosphere are great. It can get a bit crowded with tourists, but the place is popular, so it’s to be expected.
Next to the beach club is Secret Beach, easy to find on Google Maps. Although it’s not much of a secret anymore, it’s a beautiful beach – perfect for swimming with a soft sandy entrance.
Chinese Guan Yin Temple
The Chinese Guan Yin Temple is both a beautiful attraction and a viewpoint. From the temple grounds, there’s a fantastic view of the island. Even if you’ve already seen many temples in Thailand, I recommend climbing up here. The temple’s location is also very picturesque.
For reference, Koh Phangan has more than two dozen temples, but this one is a must-visit. Next, we’ll head to the waterfalls.
Than Sadet Waterfall
Than Sadet Waterfall is a true natural attraction located in a national park of the same name. The waterfall is hidden deep in the jungle, and it’s said that even the kings of Thailand have visited it. Along the path to the waterfall, there are several natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip. By the way, Thai people love swimming in waterfalls just as much as tourists.
Be sure to bring mosquito spray and wear comfortable shoes. The entrance fee is 100 baht, though some people sneak in to avoid the checkpoint and save money.
Thong Nai Pan Yai Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located near a beach of the same name in a beautiful bay. We stayed here for three nights, so we had the chance to explore the local jungles, beaches, and viewpoints. There is also a nearby waterfall, which is worth visiting if you’re staying in the area.
The viewpoint is on the northeastern side of Koh Phangan, near the Thong Nai Pan Resort. The entire coastline is visible from here, and you can relax in a bar with a view of the dreamlike beach, jungle, and mountains.
There are actually two bays here – Thong Nai Pan Yai (Big Bay) and Thong Nai Pan Noi (Small Bay). There are many resorts with pools near the water and excellent beaches. I can recommend the luxurious Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Spa or the budget-friendly Phuwadee Resort, which costs around 250 euros per week, with a pool, balcony, breakfast, and Thai hospitality.
Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is another postcard-perfect spot and one of Koh Phangan’s iconic attractions. It’s a beautiful beach with large boulders like those in the Seychelles, a smooth entry into the water over white sand, plenty of shaded areas, and cozy cafes on the beach.
However, there’s one “problem” – while there is a road to the beach, it’s in terrible condition and difficult to traverse. You can try to ride a scooter, but it’s tough. It’s better to rent a jeep, but the easiest way to get there is by boat from Chaloklum village or Haad Rin Beach. You’ll enjoy both the boat trip and the beach. The boat will wait for you as long as you arrange.
Most people visit Bottle Beach for a day trip, but some stay longer – there are a few nice bungalows scattered along the shore. The jungle forms a beautiful backdrop, and from time to time, you can spot monkeys in the trees.
There is a trail from the beach leading up to the Bottle Beach Viewpoint. It’s not a short hike – it takes about 45 minutes to reach the top.
Wat Paa Sang Tham Temple Complex
Wat Paa Sang Tham Temple is located in the central part of the island, and it’s another interesting attraction on Koh Phangan.
The temple is full of thoughtful details and pleasant, eye-catching elements. Its centerpiece is a golden rock hidden a bit in the jungle. The atmosphere is slightly mystical.
Entrance is free, but you can leave a symbolic donation.
Haad Sadet Beach and Silver Cliff Resort Viewpoint
These attractions are on the east coast, the most untouched part of the island. Haad Sadet Beach has tall palm trees with jungles behind it, and the atmosphere is extremely peaceful. If you value solitude, this is the perfect place for you. The sand here is coarse and yellow, with many granite rocks. As you can tell, this area is not touristy, which makes it ideal for a meditative getaway.
There are no large hotels here, just small bungalows and family-run resorts.
From the restaurant at Silver Cliff Resort, as well as Plaa’s Thansadet Resort, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the area and sip something relaxing.
Full Moon Party
You can’t talk about Koh Phangan without mentioning the famous Full Moon Party. Thanks to this party, Koh Phangan has become world-renowned, without exaggeration.
During the party, the island gets especially crowded. We stayed on the island unintentionally because we missed the ferry the day before the party and had to stay. Due to the upcoming event, there were no rooms available anywhere, not even hammock spaces at the resorts – everything was fully booked. In the end, we barely managed to find a dreadful hostel for $50 and spent the night there. This was a huge contrast to the $25 we had previously paid for an excellent resort in Haad Rin.
But the event is truly legendary, so we don’t regret the experience.
Apart from the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan also hosts other parties like the Waterfall Party and the Eden Party at Haad Yuan Beach.
Keep in mind that during the Full Moon Party, accommodation in Haad Rin sells out very quickly, as do ferry tickets. Plan accordingly.
What’s Interesting Near Koh Phangan
There are several interesting places near Koh Phangan. Here are some of the main ones:
Koh Samui Island (Koh Samui)
A large island with its own airport and ferry pier. It’s a self-sufficient holiday destination, but be aware that many organized tourists visit here, so the atmosphere is different from Phangan. Nonetheless, Koh Samui is an incredibly beautiful island and worth visiting for at least 2–5 days.
Ang Thong Marine National Park
Ang Thong Marine National Park is another popular excursion destination from Koh Phangan.
The marine park consists of 42 islands, and if you take a boat tour, you can see the highlights in one trip. You can rent a boat for yourself or join a group tour. The marine park is amazing, and I highly recommend visiting.
There are many coral reefs in the marine park, and you can snorkel there. On the main island of the archipelago, Koh Wua Ta Lap, there’s a famous viewpoint that offers stunning views of the entire archipelago.
Snorkeling and Diving
Around Koh Phangan, there are many fantastic spots for diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs here are mesmerizing, comparable to those in the Philippines, based on our experience.
The best snorkeling spots are near Koh Ma Island, on the beaches of Haad Tien, Haad Yao, Haad Salad, and Secret Beach. We didn’t try diving, but people say the best place for scuba diving is Sail Rock (Hin Bai).
There are several diving schools on the island where you can rent equipment and hire an instructor.
How to Get to Koh Phangan
There are several ways to get to Koh Phangan:
- By Air: Koh Phangan doesn’t have its own airport. The nearest airports are on the neighboring island of Koh Samui or on the mainland in Surat Thani. I recommend flying to Surat Thani and then taking a ferry to the island.
- By Bus and Ferry: You can buy a combined bus and ferry ticket in many tourist spots in Thailand. Tickets are also available online at 12go.
- By Train and Ferry: You can take an overnight train from Bangkok to Surat Thani. From the station, take a minibus to the Surat Thani port, and from there, a ferry to Koh Phangan.
If you want a smooth and budget-friendly option, I recommend flying to Surat Thani and taking a ferry, or taking a bus from Bangkok or any major tourist city and then a ferry. You can buy tickets online at 12go.
Where to Stay on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has a wide variety of accommodation options on all the beaches, suitable for any type of traveler. There are options for every budget, from backpackers and young couples to families or those looking for luxury resorts.
Here are a few recommended options:
- Buri Rasa Village Phangan – A comfortable beachfront hotel with cozy bungalows, delicious breakfasts, and excellent value for money.
- Castaway Beach Bungalows – Wooden bungalows right by the sea. You get free stunning sunsets every evening and a unique, laid-back atmosphere.
- So Good Haad Rin Hostel – A quiet hostel for backpackers in the south of Koh Phangan. The pros are the price, the family-like atmosphere, and the cozy vibe.
- Kiri Tawan – A beautiful jungle resort with charming bungalows in a scenic natural setting.
Where to Buy Plane Tickets
I recommend using Aviasales – I’ve been using them for a long time. They are based in Phuket, Thailand, and have proven to be reliable. Advantages include a convenient search engine, the best prices, and dependable service.
Travel Insurance for Thailand
I strongly recommend buying travel insurance – it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind, saving time, money, and hassle in case of any unexpected situations. We purchase ours online at Hotline Finance.
Car Rental
On Koh Phangan, a scooter is usually enough, but if you’re traveling around Phuket, central Thailand, or the north, it’s worth renting a car. I’ve found the best rental deals on this site and always rent from them.
