Koh Phangan is one of Thailand’s original bohemian islands filled with beautiful beaches, bamboo bars, bungalows, viewpoints and dusty roads. Discover the best things to do in this curated guide for your next tropical island getaway to Koh Phangan!
In this blog post, we cover 9 wonderful things to experience in Koh Phangan, an island I’ve travelled to several times since 2006. While it’s definitely seen some changes over the years – gone are the potholed roads, £4 beach huts and hippies, it’s nothing like on the scale of neighbouring Koh Samui. Koh Phangan has remained a rustic tropical little paradise away from the mainstream.
You can trust that after all of these visits, I know exactly where to have the best and most authentic experiences in Koh Phangan Island!
Why visit koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan along the eastern edge of Thailand is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere, visitors flock to this island to get away from it all. No huge resorts are spoiling the beaches or modern international restaurants. In Koh Phangan you’ll find a slow pace with cool beach shack bars, reggae, sunset rituals, stunning viewpoints, retreats, hidden beaches and those intimate bohemian parties you were hoping to discover on your island adventure!
BEST EXPERIENCES & THINGS TO DO IN KOH PHANGAN ISLAND
1. Koh Phangan’s beautiful beaches
Koh Phangan is home to beautiful natural beach coves with clear blue shallow waters and dense palm tree backdrops – you get all the tropical island feels here! Spend your days hopping from one beach to the next, that really is the very best thing to do in Koh Phangan!
Relax in the low-key areas of Haad Yao and Haad Salad, explore the sand bar of Koh Mae, go for seclusion and swings at Leela Beach and lastly, enjoy ending the day with a vibey sunset ritual at Secret Beach, it’s a must-do.
Favourite beaches on Koh Phangan Island:
- Leela Beach (secluded beach, rope swings)
- Haad Salad Beach (relaxed, few beach cafe-bars)
- Haad Yao Beach (chilled, viewpoint, few beach bars)
- Koh Mae Beach (quiet, scenic, sand bar walk, hippy bar)
- Secret Beach (sunsets, low-key, hammocks & swings)
2. Find your zen at a yoga retreat
Koh Phangan wouldn’t be a true bohemian island without yoga and a good detox, luckily you can find plenty of both! Orion Healing Centre is one of the most accessible yoga spaces overlooking the sea at Srithanu, you can join a class or relax in the chill-out zone with a fresh juice from the healthy café, I dropped in a few times and it was always worthwhile!
Looking for a true yoga retreat?
The Sanctuary, situated in the hidden bay of Haad Tien, is the oldest and most well-known retreat on Koh Phangan Island. It’s been a fixture for years before the full-moon party turned commercial. If you want a true experience from a bygone era, book a few nights here or join a programme. You’ll be in the company of yogis, musicians and artists, there’s a real hippy vibe and a friendly atmosphere.
3. Koh Nang Yuan Islands by boat
Koh Nang Yuan National Park is definitely one of the best things to experience from Koh Phangan Island, it’s beautiful and the viewpoint is pretty epic. If you love nature, crystal clear blue sea, swimming and snorkelling then this relaxing day trip is a must!
At Nang Yuan, there are three tiny islands connected by a white sand bar, one with a hiking viewpoint – a must, there’s also a little cabin with kayaks to rent and one restaurant. An unforgettable way to experience Nang Yuan on this highly-rated speed boat tour, which includes snorkelling to Koh Tao.
Book: Koh Tao & Koh Nang Yuang Day Trip
4. Dance at a bohemian party
Koh Phangan started attracting free-spirited party people more than 40 years ago and thousands of visitors still flock to the world-famous monthly full moon, located in Haad Rin. It’s by far the island’s biggest and most organised (and commercialised) beach party, but to experience the better bohemia side of the island, you’ll want to visit the quieter beaches of Haad Yao and Secret Beach.
Seaboard bungalows on the beautiful beach cove of Haad Yao host one of the best nights, starting in the mid-afternoons on Wednesdays. The atmosphere is magical; lanterns, rugs, a bamboo bar and a techno DJ right on the sand, it’s a whole vibe.
5. Spend the day at Bottle Beach
The elusive Bottle Beach is one the top attractions on Koh Phangan, a sleepy unspoilt beach surrounded by jungle at the “sunrise” Northern side of the island. It’s harder to get to, but not impossible, you can opt to trek from Coconut Beach (about an hour) or hire a long tail boat from Chaloklum Pier, either way, this beach has consistently been voted Koh Phangan Island’s best beach and all good things are harder to find.
Tip! If you fancy another adventure, you can also trek to the viewpoint of Bottle beach, located 30 minutes behind the “Bottle beach 2” restaurant.
6. Stay in a dreamy beach bungalow
The Koh Phangan allure comes from the tropical landscape, epic scenery and beautiful beaches, where nothing really beats the sea views in the morning or the sand between your toes. Staying in beachfront accommodation will elevate your trip to Koh Phangan, there’s plenty to choose from and even the 4 or 5 star options are very reasonably priced! I’ve listed the best of the best at the end of this post, but imagine relaxing in that hammock (pictured above) with your morning coffee?
Explore: Beach front accommodation
7. Seek out the best viewpoints
Some of my favourite lazy afternoons involve finding a nice spot with a stunning panorama of the jungles and islands in the distance. Haad Rin Viewpoint (North) offers a great view, simply follow the trail behind Fairyland Resort, it’s one of the best free things to do in Koh Phangan. Or for a view with facilities head to Secret Mountain Viewpoint, not much of a secret, but the vistas are fabulous and there’s a local restaurant and plenty of seating areas to relax, it’s also a haunt for sunset seekers!
Best viewpoints on Koh Phangan Island:
- Bottle Beach Viewpoint
- Haad Rin Rock Viewpoint
- Haad Rin Viewpoint (North)
- Secret Mountain Viewpoint
- 420 Club Koh Phangan
8. Explore Ang Thong Marine Park
Exploring Ang Thong Marine Park is an absolute must during your time in Thailand! Situated conveniently between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, this stunning collection of 42 islands offers dramatic and beautiful scenery, hidden caves, pristine white sand, emerald-coloured waters and unspoilt nature. It’s one of the best things to do in the area – and the country, check out this full-day tour from Koh Phangan including speed boat, kayak and lunch!
Book: Ang Thong with Kayak and Lunch
Explore Highly Recommended Day Excursions
9. Watch the sunsets from epic locations
Sunsets are quite amazing on Koh Phangan, it’s my favourite part of the day and one of the best things to do on the island! It’s where everyone seems to come together and rejoice under the pink skies, the best places to experience the sunset is either at the beach or a roof top bar.
The best choices are Secret Beach, which offers a little bar with happy hour, hammocks (at Raham) and a cool ambience – or Zen Beach, a hidden gem for artists and musicians alike to show off their talents. A hippy vibe for sure and it does get interesting. For toasting the sunset with an epic vista head to Secret Mountain or 420 Club.
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH PHANGAN
Koh Phangan is a large island with many beautiful beaches and accommodation options to make your experience even more special. My favourite spot is the western sunset side of the island – Haad Yao and Haad Salad in particular. Attractive low-key white sand beach coves with good amenities on the beach and things to do nearby!
Best Hotels In Koh Phangan
Nibbana Bungalows
Pretty wooden bungalows situated in peaceful Hinkong area. The interiors are stylish and there’s private decking, hammocks and sun loungers on the lawn over-looking the beach.
High Life Bungalows
Panoramic bungalows above Haad Yao beach with an atmosphere restaurant, views and pool area. I’ve stayed here a few times, it’s a great spot, nice beach front places to hang out!
Silan Residence
Fantastic up-market one-bedroomed bungalows in quiet Chaloklum with a nice beach, garden area and pool.
Sarikantag Resort and Spa
A hidden gem, with private area on Seekantang Beach (5 minute walk from Haad Rin), gardens and pool. The rooms are modern and beautifully decorated with nice balconies and hammocks.
Princess Paradise
One of the few small up-market resorts on the island located in Haad Rin. This beach front property has a pool, restaurant, bar, beautiful cheerful rooms and private sunbeds.
Check out more amazing accommodation options in Koh Phangan Island
KOH PHANGAN TRAVEL TIPS
Here are a few tips worth knowing to help you plan all your activities in Koh Phangan!
Book early: Excursions and hotels fill up fast, book in advance for the best options and availability especially in the peak season months December until February.
Bring cash: Bring plenty of cash and smaller notes to Koh Phangan Island, the day to day costs are very low and cash points can only be found in the main town of Surat Thani.
Re-usable water bottle: Pack a reusable water bottle in your suitcase, tap water is not drinkable and small plastic bottles cause terrible pollution on Thailand’s islands.
High Speed Ferry: If you’re travelling to Koh Phangan Island to and from Koh Samui, book the high speed ferry in advance HERE
How to get around Koh Phangan Island?
Koh Phangan is a surprisingly large and hilly island, the sunset side of the island is easily accessible by public transport – the Songthaew taxi (mini pick-up trucks) that travels up and down the main coastal road. To grab one, just flag it down in the direction you are headed, the fees are fixed.
Long tail boats are a nice way to beach hop, and see the nearby islands and more remote beaches like Bottle Beach at the Sunrise side of the island. Lastly, the common mode of transport are motorbikes, you can use ‘bike taxis’ to travel short distances around the island and hire one yourself if you have experience, they are cheaper per day than the traditional Songthaew taxi.
When to visit Koh Phangan Island?
Koh Phangan is on the Gulf coast of Thailand it’s hot all year round with warm sea and doesn’t suffer as badly as Koh Samui in the rainy season October – December. The best months are between January and April when it’s hot and dry and the peak most expensive time to visit is December and January!
Note: The full moon party brings thousands more visitors to the island at the end of every month, check the dates and avoid making too many plans – prices are higher, everywhere is busy and availability is low, book in advance if you’re travelling at this time.
Plan the rest of your trip to Koh Phangan Island!
Here’s my go to list of resources for booking flights, accommodation, tours and more:
- Booking.com: For the best accommodation rates
- Trip Advisor: Check out the latest reviews & trips
- Get Your Guide: For incredible day trips
- Viator: For unique experiences
- Skyscanner: Find the best flight deals
LIKED THIS POST? PIN IT!
Best Things To Do In Koh Phangan Island | Pin For Later
This post contains affiliate links and I earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the link. This is at no extra cost to you and it allows the site to keep running. *Hotel images supplied by booking.com