Koh Phangan (also spelt Ko Pha-Ngan) is Thailand’s 5th biggest island and one of the most beautiful and wild. Located 70 km from the mainland and just 12 km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui to transport visitors.
The island is renowned for its lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long, white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites. The main disembarkation points are Thongsala and Haad Rin, where you'll find plenty of ATM machines and banks. Koh Phangan’s main claim to fame is its legendary Full Moon Party, Black Moon Party with the Full Moon celebrations attracting between 10,000 and 30,000 revellers during New Year’s Eve.
What to see & do in Ko Pha-ngan
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Koh Pha Ngan things to do include wild beach parties, exploring serene natural spots, shopping at local markets, finding family fun and visiting ancient Buddhist temples. This spot is dotted with beaches, including Bottle Beach, Thong Nai Pan Beach, Haad Yao, Mae Haad Beach, Salad Beach and others. Among the most popular, however, is Haad Rin, with a wild party vibe. Outdoor adventures can be found at places like Namtok...
The best things to do in Koh Phangan will keep you busy during your holiday on this charming, barely developed island that lies some 12 km north of Koh Samui. The 125-sq-km island has all the assets of a tropical...
Food and dining in Koh Phangan are diverse and affordable, so you'll find plenty of excellent places to eat throughout your holiday. If there is one common denominator that runs throughout the island, it’s that each of its beaches has colourful and atmospheric restaurants. Beachside dining, whether local, Italian, Mexican, or even halal, is undeniably enhanced by cool breezes, sand between the toes, and stars twinkling above.
The Thai's love of...
Great restaurants in Koh Phangan offer an eclectic choice of dining options, satisfying all types of diners. These well-loved eateries have already made a name for themselves when it comes to delivering satisfying Thai and international dishes.
Koh Phangan’s dining scene...
Shopping in Koh Pha Ngan is focused largely on a wide range of independent boutique shops selling souvenirs, arts and crafts, beachwear, fashion and gifts. The town has a range of traditional bazaars and night markets to explore. The Thong Sala Fresh Market is an entire street dedicated to fresh produce and fish. The Sunday Walking Street market offers souvenirs, clothing, food and crafts.For local haute couture you can head...
The best places to go shopping in Koh Phangan make it easy to shop until you drop and find unique gifts and high-quality art to bring home. Great spots are found in neighbourhoods along the coastlines where there are retail...
The best places to go shopping in Haad Rin are mostly catered for the beach, so you'll find plenty of sarongs, hats, swimwear and T-shirts. There's a couple of businesses specialising in handmade jewellery and leatherwear, great for souvenirs for...
The highlight of nightlife in Koh Pha Ngan is the Full Moon Festivals held monthly at Haad Rin. This wild party, popular with the young backpacking crowd, goes from dusk till dawn and celebrates the lunar calendar. This party is so successful that other jungle parties have sprung up to supplement it, including Black Moon and Half Moon parties, so it seems there’s always an after-dark party.The Jelly Bar on...
These best things to do after dinner in Koh Phangan include top spots where you can go for a memorable night out on this small but popular island. Until the 1990s, the island was only visited by backpackers and young...
Our Koh Phangan Travel Essentials guide offers insight into everything you need for a satisfying holiday to this Surat Thani island in southern Thailand. You'll learn about the local climate, electricity, plug styles, emergency phone numbers and more, including the best way to get to the island and how to get around once you're there.
This island is home to plenty...
Haad Rin is the best-known town in Koh Phangan thanks to the monthly Full Moon Party. For dedicated partygoers, it’s probably the best town on the island, but for those seeking the ‘real’ Thailand, it can be a bit of...
23 Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan
10 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
10 Best Family Things to Do in Koh Phangan
15 Great Restaurants in Koh Phangan
5 Great Restaurants in Haad Rin
8 Great Restaurants in Thong Sala
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Koh Phangan
3 Best Places to Go Shopping in Haad Rin
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Koh Phangan
10 Best Bars, Live Music and Nightclubs in Koh Phangan
4 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Haad Rin
