Travel in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a tropical island in the Gulf of Thailand, best known for its legendary Full Moon Party. But beyond the nightlife, it’s an island packed with white-sand beaches, waterfalls, and adventure around every corner.
We first considered Koh Phangan as just a party destination, planning to time our visit with the full moon. But the more we looked into it, the more we realized how much more there was to see.
So instead of chasing the party, we explored the island on our own terms—discovering hidden beaches, epic snorkeling spots, and lush jungle trails along the way.
How to Get to Koh Phangan
Getting to Koh Phangan takes a bit more effort than other destinations because the island has no airport.
Your only options are to take a ferry from Koh Samui, Surat Thani, or even Bangkok. Each option has different levels of cost and convenience.
Fastest Option (But Most Expensive): Koh Samui + Ferry
Flying into Koh Samui (USM) and taking a short 30-minute ferry to Thong Sala Pier is the fastest way to get to Koh Phangan. However, it is also the most expensive option because flights to Koh Samui tend to be pricey.
Flying in through Koh Samui is the best way to get to Koh Phangan if you don’t mind the cost and want the least hassle.
Cheapest (But Longest) Option: Bus + Ferry
The most cost-effective method to get to Koh Phangan is to ride a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and then catch a ferry to Koh Phangan. I don't recommend this method. The bus ride alone takes at least 7 hours, making it a grueling journey.
Best Balance of Cost & Convenience: Surat Thani + Ferry
In my opinion, the best way to get to Koh Phangan is by flying into Surat Thani and then taking a ferry. It’s a longer journey than flying into Koh Samui, but it’s significantly cheaper.
We rode the Seatran Ferry from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan and created a full guide on the process. You can check it out by clicking the link below:
Read our full blog post: How to Get from Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry: Complete Guide
Best Time to Visit Koh Phangan
The best time to visit Koh Phangan is during the dry season, which typically runs from late December to March. This is when the island sees the most sunshine, calm seas, and comfortable temperatures.
If you don’t mind hotter temperatures, the months of April to August can still be a good time to visit, but the humidity level is a bit higher during this time.
Koh Phangan's monsoon season hits between late September and early December. During this time the island experiences heavy rain, strong winds, and rough seas. Some boat services may be affected, and flooding can occur, making this the worst time to visit.
We visited Koh Phangan in February which is the driest month of the year. We had perfect weather—sunny skies, warm temperatures, and it didn't rain once during our entire stay.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
Although Koh Phangan is a small island, choosing where to stay isn’t straightforward, especially for first-time visitors. The island has several areas, each offering different experiences.
During our 10 days in Koh Phangan, we stayed in four different areas and covered all sides of the island. This gave us a solid understanding of what each location has to offer in terms of accommodation, atmosphere, and accessibility.
Here’s our take on the different areas to stay in Koh Phangan and what to expect from each one.
Haad Rin
Home to the infamous Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is the place for nightlife. The entire area revolves around the party scene, with bars, clubs, and hostels catering to those looking to drink and dance until sunrise.
If you're looking for a social, high-energy atmosphere, Haad Rin is the place to be. However, if you’re after pristine beaches, peaceful surroundings, or great food, you should look elsewhere.
Baan Tai / Thong Sala
Baan Tai and Thong Sala are centrally located to the rest of the island and are the most convenient base if you plan to explore Koh Phangan by motorbike.
While Baan Tai and Thong Sala don’t have much in terms of sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, markets, and essential services there. Thong Sala is also where the main ferry pier is located, making it a practical choice for getting on and off the island.
Thong Nai Pan
If you're looking for a quiet, upscale retreat with great food, Thong Nai Pan is the best area to stay. It's a peaceful place ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing beach vacation.
In our opinion, the quality of food options in Thong Nai Pan is noticeably better than in other parts of the island. It’s far from the party madness and has calm, scenic beaches and a laid-back vibe.
West Koh Phangan
The entire west coast of Koh Phangan has a free-spirited vibe. It's a popular gathering place for expats who live on the island.
Koh Phangan's west side is where you’ll find yoga retreats, meditation centers, and vegan cafes, making it the island’s hub for health and wellness. It also happens to have some of the most beautiful beaches, including Haad Yao, Salad Beach, and Secret Beach.
How to Get Around Koh Phangan
Motorbike Rental
If you prefer exploring the island with the most freedom, renting a motorbike is the best option. Motorbike rentals in Koh Phangan start at around 250 baht per day.
Several motorbike rental shops are located right next to the Thong Sala Pier. You can rent a motorbike right at the pier, use it throughout your stay, and then return it when leaving the island.
You can also rent a motorbike in any of the tourist areas of Koh Phangan. When we explored the island, we rented a motorbike near our accommodation and then returned it before heading to our next accommodation.
Songthaew
Songthaews are Thailand’s version of shared taxis, and they’re the most common form of public transport in Koh Phangan. They cover all the major tourist areas, so chances are you'll find one heading in your direction.
To catch a songthaew, wait by the roadside and flag one down when it passes. Tell the driver your destination, and they’ll quote you a price. Prices typically range from 100–400 baht per person, depending on the distance. Don't be afraid to haggle if you feel the price is too high.
What to Pack for Koh Phangan
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Koh Phangan.
- Crocs: During our time in Koh Phangan, we visited 15 beaches, and almost all of them had one thing in common: rocks in the water! I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when swimming.
- Sunscreen: We ran out of sunscreen while in Koh Phangan, so we went to the store to buy it and it was super expensive! Don't be like us. Bring plenty of sunscreen because you will need it!
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures in Koh Phangan, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Koh Phangan! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Koh Phangan Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Koh Phangan locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Koh Phangan locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Koh Phangan adventure.
