16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan: Complete Travel Guide

Let’s be real. Most people go to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party. And honestly, that was our plan too—at first.

But as we looked deeper into what the island had to offer, we realized there was so much more than just the party scene.

So instead of timing our visit with the full moon, we skipped the crowds and explored the island on our own terms. We found white sand beaches, waterfalls, and adventure waiting around every corner.

After spending 10 days in Koh Phangan, we put together this guide to share our favorite things to do in Koh Phangan to make your trip there unforgettable.

16 Things to Do in Koh Phangan

Chill at the Beach

Though Koh Phangan is a small island, we were shocked to find out how many beaches are there. We visited 15 of the best beaches on the island, and that’s not even all of them!

Most beaches on Koh Phangan have calm water and are great for swimming. And if the weather isn’t so good on one side of the island, you can go to another side in search of better beach weather.

Out of all the beaches we visited on Koh Phangan, our favorites were:

• Thong Nai Pan Yai: Our favorite beach on Koh Phangan’s north side. It is extremely long and has tons of space so you can carve out your own area away from other people. Also has tons of beach bungalows that you can stay at, and at night walk the beach to find an amazing beach barbecue.
• Salad Beach: One of the island’s picture-perfect beaches. An extremely long white sand beach with calm shallow water that’s perfect for a swim. Also easily accessible and convenient to get to.
• Bottle Beach: One of our favorites for swimming. It’s quite an adventure to get to, which makes it one of the less populated beaches on the island.
• Rin Nai: While not the best for swimming, Rin Nai is awesome for relaxing and getting away from the party atmosphere in the Haad Rin area. Rin Nai is somewhat secluded and has plenty of shade along the beach.

Bizarre Bazaar

Haad Yao is famous for its Bizarre Bazaar. It’s a market held at Seaboard Bungalows every Wednesday evening.

So what’s this Bizarre Bazaar you might ask?

It’s basically as if Burning Man had a market. Vendors from the island’s free spirit community gather at the Bizarre Bazaar to sell their goods.

Upon walking in, we were met with all sorts of booths selling everything from handmade jewelry to homegrown plants to homebrewed drinks.

We visited the bazaar on a Wednesday evening and the atmosphere was fun and lively. After browsing the stalls, we spent the rest of our time at the bazaar’s dance floor dancing to house and techno music on the bazaar’s dance floor.

Kuan Yin Chinese Temple

Thailand has many temples and Koh Phangan wouldn’t be complete without a few of its own.

We visited a few temples on the island, but the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple was our favorite one.

The temple complex is painted bright teal and orange and sits on three levels, giving it a vertical atmosphere. The views from the upper areas are gorgeous, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Koh Tao!

The Kuan Yin Temple sits in the central mountains of Koh Phangan. It’s a colorful temple that contrasts against the lush greenery of the island. It’s a very picturesque place.

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Pho Darng Waterfall

Pho Darng (also called Phu Dang) Waterfall is one of a few waterfalls in Koh Phangan. It’s a unique spot because rather than a single large cascade, the waterfall is made up of several cascades that flow through a rocky basin.

The waterfall has all these little nooks and crannies with water flowing through them. Kind of like jets from a hot tub. At one point, a woman walked by us and went right into one of them. It seemed like she knew exactly where her favorite spot was.

One of the best things about Pho Darng Waterfall is that it’s completely free to visit. There’s even a convenient paved parking lot just across the road from the entrance, making it one of the most hassle-free spots on the island.

Wat Maduea Wan

Wat Maduea Wan is best known for its serpent stairs, a red-and-white painted staircase guarded by golden serpents. Each serpent has five heads that seem to roar toward the sky. It’s a unique sight and I’m surprised it’s not more popular.

When we first arrived at the temple, we weren’t sure if we were in the right place. We saw the huge main temple and parked our motorbike next to it under a tree. After looking around for a few moments, we spotted the serpent staircase off to the side of the temple.

The bodies of the serpents are shaped like waves and follow the staircase up the hill. Every one of their scales is inlaid with shiny green glass that sparkles as you move.

Lounge with a View

Koh Phangan is a mountainous island so that means it has its fair share of epic viewpoints. In many of these areas, little lounges have popped up to serve refreshments for those looking to have a drink or meal with their view.

Most of these spots are popular for sunset and early evenings, sort of like a pre-game to eat and drink before heading out to other parties around the island.

Here is a list of lounges in Koh Phangan:

• 420 Club Phangan
• 2C Bar
• Amsterdam Bar
• Apichada view point
• Top Rock
• The Wave
• The Heaven Bar

Paradise Waterfall

Paradise Waterfall might just be one of the best spots to cool off on Koh Phangan. It’s got a little trail running up alongside the falls, leading to its upper levels where water flows down the mountainside through a rocky ravine.

The pools at the base of the waterfall are clean, refreshing, and perfect for a swim. When we were there, plenty of people were splashing around and having a great time.

Besides swimming, you can hike the trail to explore the upper reaches of the falls and sit in the river, letting the cool cascade wash over you while you take in the scenery.

Haad Yuan Hike

Right around the coast from Koh Phangan’s infamous full moon party beach lies Haad Yuan – a “secret” beach that’s a lot more laid back. It’s chill atmosphere mainly stems from the fact that it’s extremely tough to get to.

We visited Haad Yuan as a day hike from Haad Rin, but the trail was steep. It goes over a mountain and through a forest. Along the way is a viewpoint where we saw Haad Yuan and the coastline of this remote area of Koh Phangan.

There are a few bungalows on Haad Yuan, a small store, and not much else. The beach was extremely uncrowded and it truly is a place to get away from it all.

One of the more infamous aspects of Haad Yuan is that it’s the location of Eden Bar. Every Saturday night, the beach buzzes with partiers when Eden Bar opens up and throws an underground dance music party until Sunday morning.

Wat Khao Tham

Wat Khao Tham is best known for its meditation retreats. But we visited for a different reason. Behind the temple is an overlook with sweeping views of Koh Phangan’s coastline.

And while the scenery alone made the trip there worthwhile, the real surprise was waiting in the treetops above us.

When we looked up, we spotted two playful monkeys, colorful birds, and even a rare giant black squirrel. It’s something you don’t see every day!

And if that wasn’t enough, the temple also has a friendly resident dog. If you decide to visit, keep your eyes open because you never know what you might find.

Fish BBQ Dinner at Thong Nai Pan

Every evening, the beachside restaurants at Thong Nai Pan Yai transform into open-air seafood grills, offering fresh fish BBQ dinners right there on the beach.

We stumbled upon the fish BBQs one night during a beach stroll when we found the air filled with the smells of grilled seafood. We’re not ones who like to be left out. So on our last night in Thong Nai Pan, we decided to join in.

After looking at the fresh catches of the day, we ordered a red snapper at Nice Beach Restaurant and watched the chef prepare and grill our fish right in front of us. Being right on the beach made our dinner even more lovely and our meal was absolutely delicious.

Wat Phu Khao Noi

Wat Phu Khao Noi is the oldest temple in Koh Phangan, yet it remains one of the island’s lesser-known spots.

The temple’s central pagoda is surrounded by eight smaller pagodas. Each smaller pagoda differs slightly from the others with its own unique style.

The temple is located on a steep hilltop, so it’s best reached by motorbike. Mornings tend to be busier with monks performing their rituals, while afternoons are quieter.

The highlight of our visit was the green and gold shrine within the complex. As we walked up to it, its exterior shimmered in the sunlight.

Bottle Beach Viewpoint

Bottle Beach viewpoint is arguably the best view in Koh Phangan. It sits atop a massive rock that peeks out from the canopy and looks over Bottle Beach and the valley below.

Once you climb up onto the rocks, you’ll catch a glimpse of the panoramic views below. Beyond the sheer drops on either side, you’ll see down to Bottle Beach.

Most people hike up to the viewpoint from Bottle Beach, but there’s a much quicker way to get there from the road, with barely any uphill hiking involved.

That’s what we did, and we put together a guide to Bottle Beach Viewpoint to share all the details about the best way to get there and what to expect along the way. You can check it out by clicking the link below.

Bottle Beach

Bottle Beach is easily one of the best beaches in Koh Phangan, but getting there is an adventure.

You can’t just ride a motorbike down to Bottle Beach because the road is completely rutted out. Your best options are to either take a 4WD songthaew or hire a boat from Chaloklum.

But once you get to Bottle Beach, it’s totally worth it. In my opinion, it is the best beach for swimming in Koh Phangan. The water is the perfect depth and it also has some of the nicest sand of any beach we visited in Koh Phangan. Without all the rocks and coral pieces, It’s truly a white sandy beach.

Koh Raham

Koh Phangan has many scenic restaurants, but none are quite like Koh Raham.

Nestled along the rocky coastline next to Secret Beach, the restaurant is made of wooden decks and walkways sprawling over the sea.

But what makes Koh Raham truly unique is that the entire restaurant uses sea debris as decoration.

As we walked through the entryway, we were greeted by an artsy mix of nets, ropes, and colorful fishing floats hanging from the canopy. It gives the place a real laid-back bohemian vibe.

While the prices at Koh Raham are noticeably higher than most other restaurants on the island, in my opinion, its setting makes it worth it. Especially if you’re looking for a scenic, Instagram-worthy spot.

Leela Beach Lighthouse

While Haad Rin is famous for its wild Full Moon Parties, there are a few lesser-known spots to explore. One of them is the Lighthouse at Leela Beach.

We stumbled upon the Lighthouse by accident while following a wooden boardwalk along the left end of Leela Beach. The path wound over the rocky shore and eventually led us to a lighthouse — seemingly abandoned on the coastline.

At first, it looked like just another forgotten structure, but little did we know that this spot is actually a well-known landmark among locals.

Every Tuesday night, Lighthouse Bungalows hosts a weekly party, transforming the area into a dance floor. Koh Phangan has a way of turning even the most unexpected places into party spots.

Yang Na Yai Tree

Among all the roadside stops in Koh Phangan, a tree might be the last thing you’d expect to catch your attention. Yet, the Yang Na Yai Tree does just that, as its often a stop for travelers cruising around the island.

During our stay at Yangyai Garden Lodge, we passed this tree every day. It’s massive and looks completely out of place standing right beside one of the island’s main roads. So on our last day, we finally pulled over to check it out.

I tried capturing the tree’s full scale in a photo, but even with my widest wide-angle lens, it was nearly impossible to fit the entire tree into the frame. It’s that big.

Some people claim it’s the biggest tree in Thailand, but that’s not actually true. It’s not even the biggest in Koh Phangan.

But what makes it special is its accessibility. It’s not located deep in the middle of some forest. Instead, it stands right by the road, making it an easy stop for anyone exploring the island.

Drum Circle at Zen Beach

Zen Beach is the heart of Koh Phangan’s free-spirited culture. The beach is the gathering place for everything from sunset yoga sessions to DJ dance parties. But nothing embodies its bohemian vibe quite like the Friday evening drum circle.

This isn’t an official event — there’s no schedule and no organizers. Just an organic gathering that has become a tradition over time.

As the sun begins to set, travelers, locals, and expats come together for an evening of rhythmic drumming and ecstatic dance.

When we arrived one Friday afternoon, we found a circle of people playing instruments while others danced barefoot in the sand, completely immersed in the music. The energy was infectious, and for a moment, it felt like the whole island had come together to celebrate.

Where to Party in Koh Phangan

The parties in Koh Phangan depend on what day of the week or time of the month it is.

Check out the Koh Phangan Events Calendar to see what’s going on around the island during your time there. Then you can work a party (or three) into your schedule.

Where to Eat in Koh Phangan

• Koh Raham
• Phangan Food Court
• Pantip Market
• Fish BBQ at Thong Nai Pan Yai Nice Beach Restaurant
• Mama’s Thai
• Black Slow Coffee
• Pure Vegan
• 420 Club
• Castaway Beach Bar
• What’s Cup

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.

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 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:

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.

1. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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!
4. 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.

Are You Following Our Koh Phangan Blog Series?

We spent 10 days in Koh Phangan and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, temples, and hikes. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.

• Our Ultimate Guide to Koh Phangan: 16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan
• Our Koh Phangan accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
• Our Koh Phangan Beach Guide: The 15 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
• How to plan your trip to Koh Phangan: 3 Days in Koh Phangan: The Perfect Koh Phangan Itinerary
• The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is Koh Phangan’s most epic vantage point
• We did the Haad Rin to Haad Yuan Hike over a mountain to a secluded beach
• Our favorite temple in Koh Phangan is the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple
• Our favorite waterfall in Koh Phangan: Pho Darng Waterfall
• How to get to Koh Phangan: Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry

We hope you enjoyed our guide to things to do in Koh Phangan. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions! 🐸