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Latest update: 8 July 2023
Such a small island, so much to do. You won’t get bored in Koh Phangan in Thailand. I have selected 22 tips for activities and sights in Koh Phangan for you. Enjoy!
Tip 1: Rent a scooter
A scooter is the ideal means of transport to see the sights of Koh Phangan. If you drive carefully, the roads are definitely more than manageable, and most places have little traffic. Count on about 250 to 350 Baht per day, depending on where you rent and your requirements for a scooter. Every rental company will take your passport or money as a deposit – usually about 5000 Baht. You get a helmet, and please wear it! Some roads on Koh Phangan can be treacherous: many scooters skid on sandy stretches. I’ve been on Koh Phangan for over a month and have seen quite a few people overestimating their driving skills. So a helmet may not be fashionable, but a huge abrasion isn’t either.
Tip 2: Enjoy the sunset and music at Zen Beach
Late in the afternoon, it starts to get crowded on Zen Beach. Everyone wants front-row seats for the sunset. Around that time, drummers, dancers, jugglers, acrobats, and other artists gather on this beach to welcome and celebrate the evening together. It can get quite busy, especially on weekends, but the atmosphere is always pleasant. Families, couples, and groups of friends all gather here.
Zen Beach on Google Maps.
Tip 3: Do the Haad Rin – Haad Yuan Trek
Feel like getting active? Then hike from Haad Rin to Haad Yuan through the jungle. It is a tough trip of about 1.5 to 2 hours. The trail is challenging because you climb a lot, and the path is often densely bushy. It is beautifully green, you will encounter birds and maybe even snakes (!!) and for sure some breathtaking views. The final destination is Haad Yuan beach, a spot to recover. Luckily, you can return by boat.
Tip! Read all about the hike from Haad Rin to Haad Yuan.
Tip 4: Visit the best beaches of Koh Phangan
In Koh Phangan, you’ll find a surplus of beautiful beaches. Jump on your scooter and find the best spots. Zen Beach is gorgeous, and Secret Beach (Haad Son) is lovely and small – but certainly not a secret. A steep path down leads you to Secret Beach. It is too steep for me, so I prefer to park my scooter at the top of the road and continue walking. There are some small bars on the beach, and you can get a massage or chill out at Koh Raham. Koh Raham is a beach bar on the rocks. At the back of the bar, you can go into the water for a swim, snorkel, chill in the hammock, and enjoy the view while slurping a fresh coconut. Life’s good.
Google Maps location Koh Raham
Haad Salad is also a popular beach choice. This is a longer stretch of beach with more choices of restaurants and bars. And a little more north is Haad Khom (Coral Bay). Because this beach is a bit too far away for some people, it is usually nice and quiet here. Bonus point: they have a pig at the Coral Bay Bar. Cute! This is also where you start the trek to Bottle Beach from Haad Khom, if you’re up for it. Like the Haad Rin – Haad Yuan trek, this hike is known to be tough.
Google Maps location Coral Bay Bar
Tip 5: Stop for coffee at Bubba’s
Think of Bubba’s if you are looking for a nice coffee bar, extensive breakfast, or good lunch during your scooter road trip. There is one in Baan Taai (more south) and one in Haad Yao (northwest). It is a wonderful oasis of peace and cooling air conditioning. Bubba’s serves home-roasted coffee and a wide selection of healthy dishes.
Bubbas in Baan Taai on Google Maps.
Bubbas in Haad Yao on Google Maps.
Tip! Looking for vegetarian or vegan restaurants? This is the blog for you!
Tip 6: Visit the Night Market in Thong Sala
Thong Sala is the ‘capital’ of Koh Phangan. It is where most people arrive by boat. It has a night market basically every evening, try Phantip for example. Phantip is a food market, perhaps best described as a parking lot with all kinds of small food stalls already in the early afternoon.
Another market is the Jengor Fresh Market. It’s an indoor market that is open all day and evening. This market is more like a food court. And just like at Phantip: the food is very friendly priced. For a cheap meal, these two markets are perfect.
On Saturday evening, there is a special Night Market on the Chinese Walking Street (Talad Kao Market). The street is cordoned off between 5 and 10 pm, and the traffic gives way to many stalls. The night market has food and drinks, clothes, and souvenirs, and it is bustling. Although I like walking around a bit, I don’t buy anything. There are too many people for me, and it’s mostly junk that I never use anyway. But it’s a good pastime for a few hours.
Phantip on Google Maps.
Jengor Fresh Market on Google Maps.
Night Market on Google Maps.
Tip 7: Feel small at Thailand’s biggest tree
Whether or not it’s entirely true remains to be seen. But the Yang Na Yai tree is said to be the largest in Thailand. This tree is no less than 53 (or 54) meters! The tree is over 400 years old and can be visited for free. It stands on the roadside, and you can recognize it by the fence and the colorful ribbons and flowers around the tree. And the height, obviously.
Yang Na Yai tree on Google Maps.
Tip 8: Chill out at Infinity Beach Club
The Infinity Beach Club in Baan Tai is a perfect spot to chill out on sunbeds and dip in the pool or the sea. Do not expect a super luxurious beach club, but just a great place to spend a few hours. If you buy a drink, you can use the facilities. The pool is lovely; if you want, the service staff will bring your glass to the pool’s edge. DJs regularly play from the DJ booth at the pool.
Infinity Beach Club on Google Maps.
Tip 9: Visit the real Wangsai waterfall
Oefff that Thai signage… So I thought I was at the Wangsai waterfall, and to be honest, it was a bit disappointing. It looked promising on Google, but, in reality, it was a small water hole you couldn’t swim in. Apparently, I was the wrong one. Near The Heaven Bar, I ended up with a Thai lady who asked a few Bahts for a water bottle and entrance to her waterfall. I took the picture, my friend and I complained to each other, thanked the lady, and back in our apartment, we couldn’t even find ‘our’ waterfall on Google Maps. I have no clue where I was. Check this blog for what the Wangsai waterfall should look like.
Wangsai waterval on Google Maps.
Tip 10: Get a Thai massage
Did your holiday in Thailand even happen if you didn’t get a massage? Thai massages are dirt cheap and available everywhere. Massages are often the most affordable on the beach; expect 250 to 350 Baht for a one-hour Thai massage. You usually pay a little more in a massage salon, 300 to 450 Baht, depending on how fancy the place is. Most massage salons are very simple. Imagine a couple of almost connected beds, limited privacy, and silently chatting Thai ladies. The main advantage of a massage salon is that there is no sand everywhere and some air conditioning or ventilation. But yes, the beach is very idyllic. So do both!
Tip 11: Amsterdam Bar Koh Phangan with sunset
When I tell someone on Koh Phangan that I want to see the sunset at the Amsterdam Bar, I get a smile, a nod, and a raised eyebrow in response. This is because the Amsterdam Bar has the reputation of an open-air coffee shop. And that’s true. Everyone is smoking a joint, it seems like; you can even order them here. But you don’t have to if you don’t feel like it.
A steep flight of stairs leads to the bar, restaurant, and pool from the car/scooter park. The pool is quite small and not necessarily clean; it’s there for the visual aspect and not to be used much. The Amsterdam Bar is almost deserted around four o’clock but quickly fills up for sunset. The sunset views are magnificent.
Amsterdam Bar on Google Maps.
Tip 12: Snorkeling on Koh Phangan
There are many places to snorkel in Koh Phangan. You can, of course, also do a tour to go to more distant locations, but you can walk into the water and start snorkeling in many places, for example, at Haad Khom (the beach with the pig), Haad Salad, or Secret Beach, where you can splash into the water at Koh Raham. If you have you have a snorkel, bring it. The Decathlon snorkel mask is excellent!
Tip 13: Learn or watch Thai boxing (muay Thai).
The Thai love muay Thai: Thai boxing. There are regular muay Thai competitions on the island even. So check with your accommodation if they know when there will be another match. And look around you on the street: if there is a match or tournament, there are posters everywhere to announce it.
You can also take lessons in muay Thai. A good school in Koh Phangan is Diamond Muay Thai. You can book single lessons (private and group lessons) or stay internally and train for a week or more.
Diamond Muay Thai on Google Maps.
Tip 14: Chinese temple Guan Yin & Wat Paa Sang Tham
At the Chinese Temple and Wat Paa Sang Tham, you get two for the price of one. I start at the Chinese temple, pay 40 Baht for entrance, and get gifted a banana. The Chinese temple Guan Yin is the largest temple in Koh Phangan. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Guan Yin, said to be Buddha’s female reincarnation.
Guan Yin is beautifully situated between the mountains. It is well maintained and not that old at all: it was built in 1992. There are several buildings in the complex, and it is wonderfully quiet. The colorful Chinese decorations are very photogenic.
A little further down the road is Wat Pha Sang Tham. This temple is typical Thai. So many golden Buddhas, elephants, and shrines. It also has some Chinese influence, but less than Guan Yin.
Wat Pha Sang Tham on Google Maps.
Tip 15: Visit the Phaeng waterfall
The Phaeng waterfall is probably the most famous waterfall in Koh Phangan. The entrance is free, but parking costs 20 Baht. The ‘park’ actually consists of two waterfalls: the Phaeng waterfall and the Phaeng Noi waterfall. If you walk past the office and the free toilets, you first come to the basin of the Phaeng waterfall. In fact, that’s the highlight. Maybe you prefer to climb to the rest of the waterfall and Phaeng Noi first?
Make note: In the dry months, the waterfall can fall dry.
A ‘nature trail’ is indicated with signs. The path takes you up along the waterfall. Initially, it is easily accessible via a staircase, but the further you get, the more intense the climb. The stairs also disappear. I can’t reach Phaeng Noi’s top on my flip-flops. It’s too slippery for me, and I feel that the view and the waterfall don’t change that much anymore anyway. Along the way, there are several spots to rest and sit in the water. Bring plenty of water and maybe some snacks if you want to stay a little longer.
Phaeng waterfall on Google Maps.
Tip 16: Exercise at Evolve Gym
Evolve is on the main road on the west side of the island. Evolve is an open-air sports club where you can go from early morning until late at night. Arrive at 7 in the morning, you’re the first and only one in the gym. You can work out yourself, get muay Thai lessons and join a yoga class (although I would go to a yoga school for that). A day pass costs 150 Baht, and a week’s access costs 500 Baht. It is an immaculate, clean gym, and they like to keep it that way. You get a towel to wipe up your sweat upon entry. When you leave, you can buy a good protein shake. Lockers are free.
Evolve Gym on Google Maps.
Tip 17: Party on Koh Phangan
When you think of Thailand, you think of Full Moon Parties. The one and only is on Koh Phangan, on Haad Rin beach. Thousands of revelers gather here at full moon to let loose. Buckets, fire eaters, neon paint… All the trimmings. Because of the enormous success and because the moon is only full once a month, the party is repeated when it is half moon. You guessed it: the Half Moon Party. Other popular parties are the Jungle Party and Waterfall Party. Check out Koh Phangan’s party calendar here.
Tip 18: Admire Wat Maduea Wan
For me, the highlight of the Buddhist temple Wat Maduea Wan is the long staircase to the temple on the mountain. There are also some temple buildings below, but the one on top of the hill is what matters. You can give the monks residing here a small donation if you like. The staircase is quite long, so you will definitely get out of breath.
Wat Maduea Wan on Google Maps.
Tip 19: Play in the Paradise waterfall
The Paradise waterfall is easily accessible. The road leading up to it is a challenge with the scooter, but once you have parked, you are there in no time. No endless scrambling at this waterfall. The entrance is 10 Baht per person and includes a bottle of water. The family who lives here also has an infinite supply of cheap books, so if you’re looking for something to read… I actually think this is the best waterfall on the island; more fun than Phaeng. Local children and tourists jump into the water via a rope. Then, on the left side of the basin, you can climb up a bit for more peace. The Paradise waterfall is at its busiest in the late afternoon.
Paradise waterfall on Google Maps.
Tip 20: Spiritual Koh Phangan
Looking for yourself or spirituality? Koh Phangan is the perfect spot. The contrast between Haad Rin (party vibe) and Sri Thanu (spiritual epicenter) couldn’t have been bigger. In Sri Thanu, you will find all that is spiritual. Sound healings, ecstatic dance, bajans, Ayurveda, fire pujas, kirtans, and more. Please read all about it in my blog about hippie vibes in Koh Phangan. Popular providers are Orion and Pyramid. They organize sessions almost daily, often, there is no need to reserve and you pay in cash.
Tip 21: Join a tour
From Koh Phangan it’s easy to join a tour to other islands, such as Koh Tao. Enjoy a day of snorkeling and island hopping. You can easily arrange such tours on the island. If you want more certainty, you can book a tour online.
Tip 22: Join a yoga course or go on a yoga retreat
There are a lot of yoga retreats in Koh Phangan. If that sounds like something you might like, check out Book Yoga Retreats for many options. You will also find yoga courses…
Suppose you consider becoming a yoga teacher or simply want to know much more about yoga. In that case, I highly recommend a Yoga Teacher Training in Koh Phangan. Such training is much more affordable in Thailand than in the Netherlands, and let’s face it: the environment is priceless.
►► Living in a yoga bubble on Koh Phangan – about how I experienced my yoga training
►► Yoga Teacher Training in Thailand, what can you expect? – the practical side
Transport in Koh Phangan
In Koh Phangan, renting a scooter is easy (see tip 1). The roads are not made for walking: there is no designated space for pedestrians, and in the evening, it is too dark for anyone to see you walking. A few people cycle, but I don’t recommend that either. The roads are hilly, so cycling is tough. There are many songthaews (shared taxis) driving around during the day. You just stop it and tell the driver where you want to go. Agree on the price immediately; otherwise, you may face a nasty surprise.
You can only reach some spots on the island by long tail boat or via a long, tiring hike. Beaches on the east coast and Bottle Beach are better reached by boat. Negotiating with the captain is a must because they otherwise charge the top price.
Transfer to Koh Phangan
From Bangkok, there are several ways to get to Koh Phangan. Bus, train, boat, and plane: it’s all possible. You can read exactly how to get to Koh Phangan in the blog about transport between Bangkok and Koh Phangan. Or book directly through 12Go Asia:
Stay in Koh Phangan
Are you looking for unique accommodation in Koh Phangan? Then check out Retro Mountain Koh Phangan. A small-scale accommodation in the middle of the mountains. Owners Carlos and Isabel have created a small holiday paradise at their house, entirely by themselves. In 2019 there are three accommodations at Retro Mountain: a lodge and two tents. The tents are very luxuriously furnished; now this is what you call glamping. I stay at the Retro Mountain Lodge. The lodge has a stylishly furnished bedroom, a huge balcony (partly covered), and a bathroom. The lodge and nature become one. Huge rocks form the bathroom walls, and a tree grows through the balcony. The lodge’s interior is, of course, retro and full of fun details. The owners also serve breakfast and dinner upon request. Below is an overdose of photos.
Do you want to book Retro Mountain? It has now become a somewhat larger ‘resort’. Check the website to see if it’s right for you. And otherwise, Booking.com has plenty of options.
Booking.com
More Thailand inspiration
Useful links for your Thailand trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorite: Booking.com. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Another good option is WithLocals. There are ‘free’ walking tours available at Freetour.com and GuruWalk, and for bike tours, try Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. At Tiqets, you’ll find tickets for museums and attractions – and get a 5% discount with coupon code KIMOPREIS22.
- Car rental. My go-to car rental companies are EasyTerra and Sunny Cars as they have all-inclusive / worry-free offers. Compare even more prices at Discover Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Definitely check out Momondo, Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Money. Your debit and credit cards may not get accepted everywhere. You could opt for a Revolut card as an additional card when you travel.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? For the Dutch readers, please check out these organizations: ANWB vakanties, Sawadee, Tui, Corendon, Shoestring, and Vakantie Discounter. You can also try D-reizen.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train, bus, and boat. Reserve buses, trains, and boats via Busbud, 12Go (personal favorite in Thailand), or Omio.
- Travel gear. Buy your gear at Bever or Decathlon, or simply at Bol.com.
- Travel guides. Excited about your upcoming Thailand trip? I understand! To add to your anticipation, you can order a travel guide, for example at Bol.com or Amazon.
- Yoga retreat. Or, go on a yoga retreat in Thailand.
Some of the links on this site are affiliate links. If you buy something through these links, I might receive a small commission.
First published: May 2019. The article has been updated since.
