Koh Phanngan is a beautiful island, known for its vibrant party scene, beautiful beaches, and lush jungles. It is located in the southern region of Thailand, close to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
In this article, I will cover the best things to do and see in Koh Phangan. These include the best beaches, viewpoints, hiking routes, waterfalls, party places, night markets, and yoga and wellness retreats.
Koh Phangan is best known for its vibrant nightlife and legendary party scene. The island’s vibrant party scene has something for everyone, from the high-energy Full Moon Parties to lively night markets, and more relaxed, beachside lounges.
If you’re not into the party scene, no worries! The island offers plenty of natural attractions and outdoor activities to explore, as well as yoga and wellness retreats.
With 18 km long and 12 km wide at its widest point, Koh Phangan is dotted with lots of beautiful beaches from north to south, west to east. Most popular beaches are Haad Rin, Zen Beach, Srithanu Beach, Thong Nai Pan Beach, Bottle Beach, and Baan Tai Beach.
In addition to the beaches, you will have lush jungle to explore with lots of hiking routes and scenic viewpoints. I recommend Khao Raa, Bottle Beach, and Haad Yuan Viewpoints. If you love hiking, you must check these trails.
Then there are waterfalls. Most waterfalls are easily accessible within a short hike. Popular ones are Phaeng Noi, Than Sadet, and Khao Raa Waterfall.
You can check these articles to more detail of My itineraries and how I get around the island:
- Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
- My 3-5 Days In Koh Phangan Itinerary
- How to get to Koh Phangan & Get Around
I stayed in Thong Sala, and explored the island on a rental motorbike. The roads are generally well-paved, but there are sands on the road and potholes. Some parts of the island is hilly with lots of turns such as the road near Haad Rin, and the road to Bottle Beach Viewpoint.
If you don’t drive you can get around by organising tours, hiring a private driver, or using songthaews pickup trucks. Grab, Bolt, InDrive are not operated on the island. There are many tours that take you to the most popular attractions on the island within one full day.
Here are the top attractions and activities in Koh Phangan:
30 Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan
Beaches
Koh Phangan has lots of beautiful beaches with soft sand, crystal clear water, and beautiful sunset views. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant party or relaxed, secluded beaches, Koh Phangan has it all.
#1. Zen Beach
Zen Beach is a beautiful hippie beach located on the north west coast of Koh Phangan. The beach is known for its powdery white sand and crystal clear water. There are just a couple of accommodations on the beach, creating a laid-back atmosphere.
The southern part of the beach is home to a beach bar and massage shop. It is packed with people in the late afternoon watching sunset and listening to live music. There is the Drum Circle on Friday evening. The northern end is the quieter section of the beach, and you can see people nude here.
Access to Zen Beach is easy with a scooter. You can easily follow Google Maps directions by putting “Zen Beach” in the destination. Last time I visited, the last part to go to the beach was the narrow dirt road with a lot of big potholes. Be cautious and drive slowly, especially after the heavy rain.
#2. Srithanu Beach
Srithanu Beach is a beautiful beach located right next to Zen Beach. You can walk between the two beaches at low tide. The beach has coarse sand and clean water. Lots of people gather at the beach at sunset, chilling, and doing yoga.
The area around Srithanu Beach is home to two yoga centers, shops, cafés, 7-Eleven and FamilyMart. You can reach the beach by walking or driving a scooter.
If you come with a scooter, I recommend following the road to Zen Beach or putting “Flamingo Beach Bar & Restaurant” on Google Maps. Some other people said, you can get to the beach though Phangan Cove or Nice Sea Resort. If you put “Srithanu Beach” on Google Maps and follow its direction, you’ll pass a private property and they will charge 20 baht to go to the beach.
#3. Haad Rin Beach
Haad Rin is a popular beach located on the southern part of Koh Phangan. There are two beaches in this area, Haad Rin Nok on the east coast and Haad Rin Nai on the west coast.
Haad Rin Nok is best known for being the location of the Full Moon Party. The beach has fine white sand and clean water, ideal for swimming and sunbathing. It is lined with beach facilities such as bed chairs, umbrellas, restaurants, and bars.
Haad Rin Beach is easily accessible by scooter. The road to the beach is packed with souvenir shops, weed shops, pharmacies, restaurants, and cafes. You can use toilets for 20 baht.
From the main Haad Rin Beach, you can check out Rin Nai Beach. It is a small beach located just a few minutes drive from Haad Rin Beach through the village. This beach has fine white sand, crystal blue water. You can access Rin Nai through a resort for free.
#4. Mae Haad Beach
This is a quiet beach location on the northern coast of Koh Phangan, close to Koh Ma. The beach has golden sand and clean calm water, ideal for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling. There are several resorts located on the beach.
At low tide, you can walk on the long sandbank to reach a small island called Koh Ma. This is a beautiful spot to visit at sunset.
Mae Haad Beach is easily accessible by scooter. You can park your scooter on the paved road right next to the beach. Nearby, you can check out the 420 Club Phangan for stunning views of the ocean and Koh Ma. The road to the bar is very steep and winding, so exercise caution.
#5. Chaloklum Beach
Chaloklum Beach is a long crescent-shaped beach on the northern coast of Koh Phangan. The beach has a relaxing atmosphere with white fine sand, crystal azure water, and lots of shades. It is a great place to chill, and swim. There are many restaurants and cafes on the beach.
You can get to Chaloklum Beach by scooter and songthaews. Finding a public path to this beach is quite difficult for me as a first-time visitor. There was a long stretch that was blocked by private property. I had to drive around to find a way to the beach through a beach cafe.
When visiting Chaloklum Beach, you can take a look at a Chaloklum Temple inside the village center. You can drive through this temple.
#6. Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach
This is a peaceful beach situated on the north east coast of Koh Phangan. The beach has golden sand, clean water, and a quiet atmosphere, ideal for relaxing.
The beach is easily accessible by scooter. You can easily find free parking. The main village is packed with tourist amenities such as restaurants, bars, massage shops, souvenir shops, and convenience stores.
#7. Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach
This is a quiet beach located on the north east coast of Koh Phangan, south of Thong Nai Pan Noi. The beach has fine sand, clean water, and a laid-back atmosphere. There are just a few big resorts on the shores, as well as restaurants, beach bars, and sun loungers belonging to the resorts.
I visited Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach late December. There was lots of trash on the beach after the heavy rains and strong waves. The staff at resorts were working hard to keep it clean.
Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach is easily accessible by scooter. There are many signs that say “way to the beach” in the area around the Beach. You can get to the beach for free through a resort.
See more: Is it better in Thong Nai Pan Noi or Yai?
#8. Baan Tai Beach
This is a very long beach located on the west coast of Koh Phangan, close to the party area of Haad Rin. The beach has fine sand and a quiet atmosphere, great place for chill, swim, and kite boarding.
If you want good value for money accommodation and are close to the action of Haad Rin, Baan Tai Beach is a very good place to stay. The beachfront is lined with resorts and the main road running parallel with the beach offers plenty of tourist amenities.
#9. Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is a small tranquil beach located on the north coast of Koh Phangan. There are just a couple of resorts on the beach, creating a more secluded atmosphere. There is a beach bar/restaurant on the beach with bed chairs and tables.
Bottle Beach is easily accessible by long tail boat from Chalokum. There is a pier in the middle of the beach. You can access it by a combination of driving and walking. I recommend parking the scooter at the parking area near the trail to Bootle Beach Viewpoint then walk down for 40 minutes.
I don’t recommend driving all the way down to Bootle Beach because the road is a dirt road with steep and winding parts. From the parking area, you can call a taxi to go down for 100 baht. The taxi number can be found easily on the signs around the parking slot.
There is also a trail to go down to the beach from Bootle Beach Viewpoint. It is around 30 minute hike down. But I recommend avoiding taking it after the heavy rain. The trail at the bottom of the mountain will become a stream and your shoes will be soaked in water.
#10. Haad Yao Beach
Haad Yao is a quiet beach on the north west coast of Phangan and easily accessible by a scooter. I parked my motorbike on the side of the road, and walked to the beach through a resort.
The beach has lots of people at sunset, swimming, sunbathing, and taking a walk along the beach. It does not feel crowded like Zen Beach or Haad Rin Beach at sunset.
Waterfalls
Koh Phangan has several beautiful waterfalls, which is a perfect place for hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing in nature. Some of the most popular ones include Phaeng Noi, Than Sadet, and Khao Raa Waterfall.
The best season to visit waterfalls is the rainy season from May to October. I visited Koh Phangan late December and there was still lots of water and strong streams at all of these waterfalls.
#11. Phaeng Noi Waterfall
Phaeng Noi Waterfall is one of the must-see waterfalls in Koh Phangan. It is located in the central area of the island, within a few minutes drive from the main town.
The waterfall is located within a jungle setting, surrounded by lush greenery, which creates a peaceful and scenic retreat into nature.
The entrance to Phaeng Noi Waterfall is 100 baht. You can easily access the waterfall by scooter. There is plenty of parking. From the parking area, you can walk for 5-10 minutes to reach the waterfall and the pool areas for swimming.
You can hike to Dom Sila Viewpoint in about 20 minutes via stairs and an ascending trail. There are ropes along the way to support the hike. From the viewpoint, you can walk down to the parking area, or continue the big loop into the jungle.
#12. Than Sadet Waterfalls
The Than Sadet Waterfall is a popular waterfall on Koh Phangan, on the eastern part of the island. The road around the waterfall is quite hilly and winding. It is easily accessible by scooter and car from the main road.
You can park your vehicle at the Blind Guy Food and Drink Shop and walk to the waterfall. I visited in late December and there was lots of water at the pool.
When I visited around 2.30pm, there were just a few people there, sitting on the rocks and chilling. I didn’t see anyone swim here. You can buy snacks or drinks at the shop of the Blind guy to support him.
From the Blind Guy Shop, you can drive down toward Haad Sadet Beach, you will see a collection of other waterfalls for swimming. Pho Dang Waterfall, for example, is a very nice place for swimming and clicking between the big rocks.
If you want to go to Haad Sadet Beach, you need to pay at the ticket control area. It is 100 baht for foreign tourists. I skipped the beach.
#13. Khao Raa Waterfall
Khao Raa Waterfall is a small waterfall that is worth a look when you take the hike to Khao Raa Viewpoint. It is just a 5 minute walk from the ticket area.
I paid 40 baht to access the hiking trail to Khao Raa Viewpoint, and on the way down, I bought some coconut water to bring to the waterfall to chill. It has human-made and natural pools in the middle of the forest. It is a peaceful place for nature lovers.
Viewpoints and Hiking
Koh Phangan is not only famous for its beaches and nightlife, but also for its beautiful viewpoints and hiking trails that offer incredible views of the island’s natural beauty.
#14. Khao Raa Viewpoint
Khao Raa Viewpoint is one of the best places to hike in Koh Phangan. If you are fit and love hiking, you must check out this one. The view from the top is not breathtaking as other viewpoints on the island, but the journey is great and makes you sweat a lot.
It is a circular trail and took me more than 3 hours to do the loop. There are some signs and ribbons along the way to show you the direction. I recommend downloading the Map.me app for easier navigation.
The second half of the trail is not frequently used so the trail is not clearly seen sometimes, but look for blue dots on the rocks and trees for directions. The water pipe is also a good reference to follow.
Some parts of the trail are very steep, and become stream after heavy rain. Sometimes, you need to cross a small stream. There is no rope along the way, but you have the support of the tree roots.
I reached the starting point of the trail by driving to KhaoRaaTerrace. I paid 40 baht for the entrance. You can buy snacks and drinks at the entrance. There is a toilet there too.
#15. Bottle Beach Viewpoint
Bottle Beach Viewpoint is one of the most popular viewpoints in Koh Phangan. It has sweeping views of Bottle Beach below and the lush jungle.
You can reach Bottle Beach Viewpoint by scooter or car. Put “Bottle Beach Scooter Parking” on the map and follow its direction. The parking area is free, from there you can walk for 20-30 minutes to reach the viewpoint.
The walk was easy into the jungle, except the last part, when you have to climb on the boulders. I recommend following the trail on the left of the big rocks and holding on to the trees to reach the viewpoint. If you are afraid of heights, you should avoid this.
From the viewpoint, you can hike down to the Bottle Beach within around 30 minutes. Otherwise, go back to the same trail to the parking area, and call the 4-wheel truck to take you down. If you don’t want to pay 100 baht to taxi, you can walk down, but don’t drive. The road is in a very bad condition.
#16. Haad Yuan Viewpoint and Beach
The trail between Haad Rin Beach and Haad Yuan Beach passing the Haad Yuan Viewpoint is one of my favorite hiking routes in Koh Phangan. It is a steep route, so make sure you’re physically fit to do it. It took me 4.5 hours to do the round trip with some breaks at the viewpoint and at Haad Yuan Beach.
The starting point of the trail at Haad Rin can be a bit difficult to find at first, but once you locate it, the trail becomes easier to follow. I recommend looking for the starting point somewhere near Ban Naa Rak, close to the red and white traffic bar. It is in the middle of two local houses.
Google Map did not help with the trail, but Map.me gave me direction. You can download the app for offline use beforehand. It took me one hour to get to the top. From there, I walk for another hour to get down to Haad Yuan Beach. The trail was well-marked with yellow ribbons.
Haad Yuan Beach is quiet with golden sand and strong waves. There are just a few resorts, beach bars, and a convenience store/boat shop on the beach shore. You can take a walk on the wooden bridge at the south side of the beach.
I asked the boat operator for the boat to get back to Haad Rin. They told me 300 baht and I had to wait until there were enough people. I didn’t know how long I had to wait, so I walked back to Haad Rin. The walk straight from Haad Yuan to Haad Rin was around 1.5 hours.
#17. Dom Sila Viewpoint
This is a nice and easy viewpoint to explore when visiting Phaeng Noi Waterfall. It is just a 30 minute walk from the parking area. You pay a 100 baht ticket to access both the waterfalls and the viewpoint.
It is still a moderate hike with steep stairs and an ascending trail, but easier and shorter than the hike at Khao Ra and Haad Rin Viewpoint. After the hike, you can deep in the pool in the middle of the forest.
Nightlife and Parties
Koh Phangan is world-renowned for its epic nightlife and party scene. The island’s nightlife is diverse and caters to all kinds of party-goers. Whether you’re into EDM, reggae, or just want to enjoy a few drinks on the beach, Koh Phangan has something for everyone.
#18. Full Moon Party (Haad Rin)
This is the most iconic event on Koh Phangan, attracting thousands of people from all over the world. This massive beach party is held on Haad Rin on the night of every full moon. You can enjoy electronic dance music, fire shows, neon body paint, and a wild, carefree atmosphere.
#19. Other Parties (Half Moon Party, Jungle Experience, Waterfall Party,…)
In addition to the Full Moon party, the island has many other parties all year around. The Half Moon Party is also a monthly event, Jungle Experience is held one day before the Full Moon party, and Waterfall Party is held two days before and after the Full Moon party.
#20. Bar Hopping (Beach bars, sunset bars….)
In addition to the wild parties, Koh Phangan has many bars and clubs scattered around the island. Some popular bars to check out are Amsterdam Bar, Three Sixty Bar, or Grasshopper Beach Bar.
Night markets
There are several night markets in Koh Phangan to try local food and do some shopping. Most of them are located on Thong Sala, the main town of the island.
#21. Phangan Food Court
This is a daily night market located on the main road in Thong Sala. The market has many food stalls serving both Thai and international dishes. There are Vietnamese Pho and Banh My, pizza, Mexican food, and lots of vegetarian options.
The market has tables and chairs to sit and eat. The food, in my opinion, is good, but the price is more expensive than other parts of Thailand. It’s a great place to have dinner, even on a rainy day, because it’s fully covered.
In front of the food court, you can shop for clothes, sunglasses, bags, and all kinds of souvenirs. There are also many restaurants, shops, and convenience stores near the food court.
#22. Pantip Night Market
Pantip Night Market is a daily night market in central Thong Sala. It is bigger than Phangan food court and offers both indoor and outdoor food stalls. The food here seems to be cheaper than in the Phangan Food Court.
In addition to a variety of dishes, there are many other stalls selling handicraft items, jewelries, and souvenirs. Opposite the market is the Soi Krung Thai Walking Street, where you can find more restaurants, weed shops, and bars to enjoy the nightlife.
#23. Saturday Walking Street Market
This is a popular market in Thong sala that is held every Saturday night on the main street near Thong Sala Pier. The market has a wide range of street food at reasonable prices. It is cheaper than in Phangan Food Court and Pantip Market.
I visited the market on a rainy night. There were still some food and drink shops open, but I think there were fewer than usual.
#24. Night Market, Cafe ‘Vintage
This is a night market located in Baan Tai, South Koh Phangan. It is a small indoor area with a wide range of restaurants and bars serving Thai and international dishes. The price is quite high and I believe it caters for foreign tourists.
The vibe of this market is chill with live music. It is located right on the main road, and easily accessible by scooter. If you are staying nearby, it is worth checking out.
Island Hopping and Boat trips
As with many islands in Thailand, you can easily book island hopping tours and boat trips from Koh Phangan. Some popular tours worth checking out are those to Ang Thong National Marine Park and Koh Nang Yuan Island.
#25. Ang Thong National Marine Park
This is a popular island located just around 30 km southwest of Koh Phangan. The island is known for its vibrant coral reefs, making it a great place for Snorkeling and swimming. You can also kayak and hike to its viewpoint to enjoy the views of the ocean.
This tour is easily bookable online, and via local travel agencies. You can ask your accommodation to organise the trip for you.
#26. Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Island
These two beautiful islands are located next to each other and are known for their pristine beaches, as well as excellent snorkeling and diving spots. You can take a full day trip from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan Island.
The speed boat ride is around 1 hour. You will visit famous spots for swimming and snorkeling such as Shark Bay, Hin Wong, Mango Bay, and Koh Nang Yuan.
#27. Yoga and Wellness Retreats
If you are into yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats, Koh Phangan is a budget-friendly place to look at. The island has a serene atmosphere and lush landscapes, making it a great place to promote physical and mental health.
Some popular retreats include The Yoga Retreat, Orion Healing Centre, and Ananda Yoga & Detox Center. Most retreats offer flexible durations ranging from 3 to 22 days, with options for both beginners and experienced practitioners.
Temples and Cultural Attractions
Koh Phangan has some small temples to explore. I recommend looking at Wat Phu Khao Noi, Chaloklum Temple, and Kuan Yin Chinese Temple.
#28. Wat Phu Khao Noi
Wat Phu Khao Noi is a small Buddhist temple located in the central west coast of Koh Phangan, between Thongsala and Hin Kong Beach. The temple has a serene atmosphere with numerous old Buddha statues on its ground. It is easily accessible by scooter and is free to enter.
#29. Chaloklum Temple
Chaloklum Temple is a small temple located close to Chaloklum Beach. The temple has beautiful architecture and is free to explore. I recommend paying a short visit to Chaloklum Temple if you are visiting or staying in Chaloklum Beach. It is easily accessible by a scooter and by walking.
#30. Kuan Yin Temple (Chinese Temple)
This is a colorful Chinese Temple, located on the main road from Phaeng Noi Waterfall to Chaloklum Beach. The temple has colorful halls with Chinese architecture and views of the ocean. The entrance fee is 40 baht. You can have a quick stop at the temple when visiting Chaloklum Beach.
See more:
These are my list of the 30 top things to do and see in Koh Phangan. In my list above, I recommend the best beaches, most popular waterfalls, top nightlife destinations, best cultural attractions and wellness centers. I hope you find this article helpful and have a great time in Phangan.