Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan made have found international fame for its full moon parties – but there’s plenty more to it than sickly sweet concoctions served in buckets. Put the glow sticks aside and strike out to quieter, less explored parts of the island. Explore shimmering waters by kayak, snorkel among its vibrant coral reef and seek out its secret beaches (they do exist!) before witnessing one of the best sunsets you’ll ever see. On Koh Phangan, the seafood is delicious, the people are friendly and the water is warm. Island paradise awaits…if you know where to look.
Why visit Koh Phangan?
Most travellers head to this island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand with three words in mind: Full. Moon. Party.
And, although these all-night affairs of thumping techno beats, neon facepaint and sweaty, dancing bodies are certainly wild – and very fun, if you’re looking for a party – they’re not for everyone.
Fortunately, Koh Phangan has plenty to offer people looking for a relaxing holiday, or an outdoorsy one, too. Itisn’t just for young backpackers: it has something for everyone, and is a particularly great destination for families, especially if you time your trip accordingly.
Our local travel team know the island inside out – and we can help you discover the best caves, waterfalls and beaches, the most scenic and fresh seafood spots and the many activities to enjoy both on the land, and on/under the water.
WIth a customisable Koh Phangan tour, you can avoid the busier parts and experience this glorious island at its very best.
Best things to do in Koh Phangan
If you’re coming either side of the full moon, you’ll find that Koh Phangan can actually be pretty laid-back – especially if you avoid the southern part of the island. However, if you still find yourself surrounded by party goers, fear not – there’s plenty of other activities on offer, and a chance to get away from it all.
From kayak and boat tours around the island, to Thai cooking classes to hanging out on serene Haad Khom beach, plus a large number of yoga retreats, spiritual workshops and healing circles, your trip to Koh Phangan can be as relaxed as you want it to be.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan
As the southern end of the island (including Thong Sala and Haad Rin) includes the most backpacker hostels, bars and crowds, those seeking peace might prefer to stay in the northern part. Quiet, beautiful and laidback, you don’t have to see the busy side of Koh Phangan at all…if that’s what you want! Just beautiful beaches, lush jungle and dusty cycling trails to while away your time in peace.
On the east coast, the small town of Buri Rasa is hope to the luxurious Buri Rasa resort, plus a few other lovely resorts and restaurants that make it a popular choice for couples and families. All the way up north, Chaloklum includes a quiet, pretty beach and nice restaurants too – it’s around 30 minutes from Thong Sala by scooter.
Once we get to know you and your preferences, our local travel team can assist you with finding the best area to stay, plus Koh Phangan accommodation that matches your budget and your tastes. Whether it’s a cute, 3-star family homestay or a 4.5 star beach resort, we’ll help you find the ideal base for your trip.
How to get to Koh Phangan
The best way to reach the island is to fly into Koh Samui airport (USM) from Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai, then take either the ferry (45 minutes) or a speedboat (20 minutes).
Once you land on Koh Samui, you’ll need to get a bus or a private car to the ferry pier, which takes around half an hour. There are also ferry routes connecting Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, and to Don Sak on the mainland.
Our travel team can arrange all transfers to Koh Phangan, with reputable boat operators, to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Why visit Koh Phangan?
Most travellers head to this island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand with three words in mind: Full. Moon. Party.
And, although these all-night affairs of thumping techno beats, neon facepaint and sweaty, dancing bodies are certainly wild – and very fun, if you’re looking for a party – they’re not for everyone.
Fortunately, Koh Phangan has plenty to offer people looking for a relaxing holiday, or an outdoorsy one, too. It isn’t just for young backpackers: it has something for everyone, and is a particularly great destination for families, especially if you time your trip accordingly.
Our local travel team know the island inside out – and we can help you discover the best caves, waterfalls and beaches, the most scenic and fresh seafood spots and the many activities to enjoy both on the land, and on/under the water.
WIth a customisable Koh Phangan tour, you can avoid the busier parts and experience this glorious island at its very best.
Best things to do in Koh Phangan
If you’re coming either side of the full moon, you’ll find that Koh Phangan can actually be pretty laid-back – especially if you avoid the southern part of the island. However, if you still find yourself surrounded by party goers, fear not – there’s plenty of other activities on offer, and a chance to get away from it all.
From kayak and boat tours around the island, to Thai cooking classes to hanging out on serene Haad Khom beach, plus a large number of yoga retreats, spiritual workshops and healing circles, your trip to Koh Phangan can be as relaxed as you want it to be.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan
As the southern end of the island (including Thong Sala and Haad Rin) includes the most backpacker hostels, bars and crowds, those seeking peace might prefer to stay in the northern part. Quiet, beautiful and laidback, you don’t have to see the busy side of Koh Phangan at all…if that’s what you want! Just beautiful beaches, lush jungle and dusty cycling trails to while away your time in peace.
On the east coast, the small town of Buri Rasa is hope to the luxurious Buri Rasa resort, plus a few other lovely resorts and restaurants that make it a popular choice for couples and families. All the way up north, Chaloklum includes a quiet, pretty beach and nice restaurants too – it’s around 30 minutes from Thong Sala by scooter.
Once we get to know you and your preferences, our local travel team can assist you with finding the best area to stay, plus Koh Phangan accommodation that matches your budget and your tastes. Whether it’s a cute, 3-star family homestay or a 4.5 star beach resort, we’ll help you find the ideal base for your trip
How to get to Koh Phangan
The best way to reach the island is to fly into Koh Samui airport (USM) from Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai, then take either the ferry (45 minutes) or a speedboat (20 minutes).
Once you land on Koh Samui, you’ll need to get a bus or a private car to the ferry pier, which takes around half an hour. There are also ferry routes connecting Koh Phangan to Koh Tao, and to Don Sak on the mainland.
Our travel team can arrange all transfers to Koh Phangan, with reputable boat operators, to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Ready to party…or not?!
Whatever kind of vacation you’re after: action and adventure, quiet beach retreat or party central, we can help you to plan the perfect trip to Koh Phangan island. We can advise you on the best areas to stay, how to get to and from the famous Night Market, the top resorts and hotels, and the boat tours available to explore this beautiful place.
Getting to any island involves a little extra planning – but don’t worry, we can arrange each step of the journey for you, so you can focus on that holiday feeling instead!
Remember, all of our trips are 100% customisable…so if at any point, your plans change, our travel team is just a phone call away.
Travel Tips
- To avoid the hoardes of backpackers, time your visit for 2 weeks after the full moon party.
- Book your onward ticket to another island in advance – as seats can fill up.
- For a more chilled-out way to meet other travellers, head to Zen Beach for sunset: it’s a popular meeting spot for yogis, musicians and dancers.
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