Koh Phangan is our favorite island in Thailand. Close your eyes and imagine an island with dozens of white beaches crowded with palm trees and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. There’s a laid-back vibe, and there’s always something happening. Winding roads through the jungle connect one beautiful spot to another. Behind every corner, you’ll find a different beach, viewpoint, or charming lunch spot. Welcome to Koh Phangan! We’ve visited this tropical paradise four times in recent years, and in this article, we’ll share our best tips for Koh Phangan, including things to do, the most beautiful beaches, great places to stay, and the best restaurants.

Koh Phangan is more than just a party island

Koh Phangan may have the reputation of being a party island for backpackers, but it is so much more than that. The party scene is concentrated in a small part of the island, making it easy to avoid if you’re not in a party mood. If you’re looking for great parties, the best area to stay is near the backpackers’ village of Haad Rin in the southernmost part of Koh Phangan. If you prefer tranquility, you can find it in every other part of Koh Phangan!

How to get to Koh Phangan

Most people travel from Bangkok, Koh Tao, or Surat Thani Airport to Koh Phangan. Below, you’ll find information on how to travel from these destinations to Koh Phangan.

What to do on Koh Phangan?

We recommend staying on Koh Phangan for about four days so you have enough time to explore the island. Here are some tips for activities you shouldn’t miss on Koh Phangan.

Dining at the Pantip Night Food Market

In the town of Thong Sala, where you arrive by ferry, there’s a lively night market every evening. A must-visit for any foodie is the Pantip Night Food Market. This market consists of numerous food stalls where various delicacies are prepared. There’s a covered terrace with tables and chairs, and you can create your own dinner by buying different snacks from various stalls. Recommended items include tempura shrimp, grilled corn on the cob, spring rolls, and of course, mango sticky rice, a popular Thai dessert. Enjoy your meal!

Island Hopping at Ang Thong National Marine Park

From Koh Phangan, you can take an amazing day tour to Ang Thong National Marine Park. This is an archipelago of 42 large and small islands, most of which are uninhabited. You’ll visit the most beautiful islands by boat and make stops to climb impressive viewpoints at an elevation of 500 meters (1640 feet) or snorkel for an hour.

Ultimate Relaxation at Amsterdam Bar on Koh Phangan

At Amsterdam Bar, you can enjoy laid-back reggae music, delicious fruit or oreo shakes, and beautiful sunsets. You’ll have a view of the sea, and on clear days, you can even see the islands of Ang Thong National Marine Park. There’s also a swimming pool, but unfortunately, the water isn’t always refreshing. Arrive approximately one to two hours before sunset so you can grab a spot on one of the cushions before it gets crowded. By the way, this bar is named Amsterdam Bar for a reason. (420)

Walking on Water from Koh Phangan to Koh Mae

Koh Mae is a small island located on the west coast of Koh Phangan, and it is connected to Koh Phangan by a pristine white sandbank. During low tide, you can walk across this sandbank from Koh Phangan to Koh Mae. The island has a beautiful stretch of beach, and you can find a few abandoned buildings there. Moreover, it is one of the best snorkeling spots, so put on your swimming trunks and don’t forget your snorkel.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking on Koh Phangan

Hop on a sup or into a kayak and explore the beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan. The water here is often calm and crystal clear, making it the perfect conditions for paddling. At Sea Clear Koh Phangan, you can rent transparent SUP boards and kayaks.

Party until Sunrise on Koh Phangan

On Koh Phangan, you can find a party almost every evening. Of course, the Full Moon Party is the biggest event. Every month during the full moon, around 20,000 people gather at Haad Rin Beach for a massive party that lasts until sunrise. In addition to the Full Moon Party, there are many other parties such as the Half Moon Party and the Black Moon Party.

Explore Koh Phangan with a Scooter

Koh Phangan is a perfect island for cruising around on a scooter. The roads are good, and a scooter gives you the freedom to go wherever you want. Explore the most beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan. A fun trip is the route to Haad Than Sadet. This is a nice route through the mountains and green jungle. You’ll find plenty of beautiful beaches on the west coast, so that’s definitely a recommendation too. Beforehand, download the Koh Phangan map on Google Maps using Wi-Fi, so you can navigate offline. Below you’ll find our favorite beaches on Koh Phangan that are great to scooter to.

The Most Beautiful Beaches of Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan has dozens of beaches, making it difficult to choose. We have visited many of them, and the following beaches are our favorites.

Walk on the Hin Kong Sandbank

Just off the coast of Koh Phangan, you’ll find the Hin Kong Sandbank. During low tide, a large sandbank emerges in the water, providing the perfect spot to take beautiful photos or stroll with your feet in the warm water.

Haad Mae

This is the beach located next to Koh Mae and might be our favorite beach on Koh Phangan. If you walk to the left (away from Koh Mae), you’ll likely have the beach all to yourself. Moreover, the snorkeling here is excellent, making it an ideal place to relax for an afternoon.

Haad Son (Secret Beach)

Haad Son is also known as “Secret Beach,” although it hasn’t remained a secret for years. Nonetheless, it is still a lovely beach where you can enjoy swimming. To the left of Haad Son, you’ll see some rocks and a few small beaches hidden behind them, which are still relatively secret. So, head in that direction and try to find a private little beach!

Leela Beach

If you’re staying near Haad Rin and want to escape the crowds for a while, just around the corner within walking distance is Leela Beach, a charming little beach where it’s often nice and peaceful. This is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan!

Best Restaurants on Koh Phangan

It’s difficult to choose where to eat on Koh Phangan because there are so many good restaurants. Whether you want local or Western cuisine, there’s something for everyone.

The Fat Cat – This is our favorite breakfast spot in Thong Sala. This restaurant is run by a Portuguese couple, and there’s an incredible variety of choices.
Pura Vida – You can also have a great breakfast and lunch at Pura Vida. They serve delicious sandwiches, tasty smoothies, and don’t forget to order a nice cup of coffee.
Ying Ying’s Kitchen – Craving delicious Thai food? Ying Ying’s Kitchen is highly recommended! The owner is very friendly, the food is delightful, and it’s also very affordable.
Eat.Co – For delicious vegan food, head to Eat.Co. They have a menu filled with super healthy and tasty dishes.

Transportation on Koh Phangan

On Koh Phangan, you basically have two ways to explore the island. The most enjoyable way is to rent a scooter and tour around freely. If you don’t have experience riding a scooter, you can always flag down a songthaew on the road. A songthaew is a shared taxi with two benches in the back. They operate all over Koh Phangan.

Where to Stay on Koh Phangan?

If you’re visiting Koh Phangan for the parties, Haad Rin is the place to be. This backpacker village is located on the beach where the Full Moon Party takes place every month. There are many affordable hostels, bars, and restaurants. There’s always something fun happening here in the evenings. If you prefer a quieter side of Koh Phangan, we recommend staying in the western part. From here, you can easily take a trip to Haad Rin for an evening. The ferry arrives in Thong Sala, and to the west of it, you’ll find plenty of beautiful hotels and beaches. We personally prefer to stay not too far from Thong Sala as there are many good restaurants in that area.

Our Favorite Places to stay on Koh Phangan

Imagine waking up and taking a dive into the sea right away. Sounds delightful, doesn’t it? We have searched for the most beautiful hotels on Koh Phangan, all of which are located directly on the beach.

Angkana Hotel Bungalows is situated in the west of Koh Phangan, a short distance from the village of Thong Sala. Book a beachfront bungalow here and you can enjoy a breathtaking view. Especially during sunset, it’s magical. Each bungalow has a veranda with a hammock where you can relax to the fullest. Sarikantang Resort & Spa is located on one of the most beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan, called Leela Beach. It’s a charming little beach with crystal-clear water and often nice and peaceful. In the resort, you can enjoy tranquility and luxury. You can fully relax in the spa, take a dip in one of the swimming pools, and for fitness enthusiasts, there’s also a gym. House of Sanskara is the perfect hotel if you’re on a smaller budget. The location is ideal as it is situated at the far end of Haad Rin Beach, away from the crowds. Besides the great location, the staff is incredibly kind. They will do everything to ensure you have a pleasant stay.

Angkana Hotel Bungalows More Information

Sarikantang Resort & Spa More Information

House of Sanskara More Information