Koh Phangan Thailand Top Things To Do (excluding the Full Moon Party)

Want to know what to do in Koh Phangan?

The first thing that comes to mind when anyone mentions Koh Phangan is “ok, the full moon party island”. While this is true, it isn’t the overview of such an amazing island.

Koh Phangan sit in the middle of neighboring islands Koh Tao and Koh Samui. It is the middle sized island out the trio and has loads of things to do despite many travelers and backpackers only experiencing the full moon party.

“Unfortunately many backpackers don’t even manage to experience the full moon party let alone know what Koh Phangan really offers as many are already hammered half way through the night. Don’t be one of them”

This guide covers all the things to do in Koh Phangan. At least let’s say this guide covers the tourist spots and activities that are worthwhile doing in Koh Phangan.

Just in case you want to know more about the full party, you can always →click here.

Things to do in Koh Phangan

Gorgeous tropical beaches (with palm trees for some shade), amazing sunsets, sweeping viewpoints, a laid back vibe, great food, affordability and a decent nightlife scene. While it’s a lot to ask for, Koh Phangan truly has it all. Regardless of your travel style, the things to do in Koh Phangan are appealing for anyone that wants to visit an amazing tropical island in Thailand.

1. Koh Phangan’s Beaches

Mae Haad Beach

Great for swimming, snorkeling and sunsets, this beach really has it all. An island close to the bay is reached by walking along a narrow sand bar that forms during low tide.

The reef just a few meters from the shore offers a good snorkeling experience with its underwater life and colourful coral reef. Also with the sun descending from beside the little island the views from here are spectacular.

Haad Rin Beach

While mostly know for it’s monthly chaos during the full moon party dates, Haad Rin is (in our opinion) the most gorgeous beach in Koh Phangan. It’s every you’d expect from tropical paradise. A beach with powdery white sand spilling into the clearest water and lush greenery framing the bay on each ends. Although the full moon party is held here every 4 weeks, the beach is well maintained and cleaned regularly.

Bottle beach

If you manage to reach bottle beach, it’s going to be the most rewarding thing once you finally reach it. The name bottle beach refers to the path that leads to this secluded bay. There’s a path through the jungle and the marking are made with bottles attached to trees by a chord. If you want to reach this bay you’ll need to follow that path.

This trek through the jungle is apparently a highlight of getting here. Because it’s so hot and humid walking through the jungle everyone is so happy once they spot the beach. We heard so much about this trail that we almost knew what to expect. So we decided to get here by scooter. Very, very bad decision!!

There is no actual road to get here, hence the trail through the jungle. However, there is a steep, sandy road with ruts all the way down where the rain flows through. Getting down here with a dirt bike is dangerous, let alone using a banged up scooter with tiny wheels and 2 dumb tourists at the wheel.

Bottle beach itself is gorgeous and extremely rewarding to take a dip in the cool clear water after a tiring ride or trek to get here. There’s also big trees providing much needed shade. Make sure to pack cold water with you as there may be nowehere to buy any here.

2. Koh Phangan’s Views

Zen beach

Zen beach is one of the best beaches to enjoy a great sunset with a lively vibe. Every evening just before sunset the beach shifts from a tranquil spot for meditating to a more lively atmosphere. Expats and foreigners alike join in, all playing different instruments and practicing all kinds of skills and hobbies.

420 bar

This bar is close to Mae Haad beach, actually above the hills of the beach. 420 bar is a laid back lounge overlooking the ocean and the small Ko Ma island. Arriving well before sunset is the best option for getting a good spot on the deck area. From here you get one of the best sunset spots in Koh Phangan.

Explore Koh Phangan lesser known spots

As most other trips, while on Koh Phangan we had left a free day which we hadn’t planned. With a bit of creativeness these days usually end up some of the best. This day was spent just exploring the island and stopping at various places for a drink, food, a swim or to soak in a beautiful view.

Although Koh Phangan isn’t such a big island, the beautiful landscapes and scenery along with the different lifestyles are all unique in their own way. The mountainous parts of the island are cooler than the lower areas and offer some good views of the ocean and nearby islands. Riding along the lush green jungle and beautiful landscape can be an activity in itself. 

Koh Phangan Waterfalls

Waterfalls are found all around the island. Some of them are easy to reach by scooter, others a little harder to reach and others might not be found.

One of the waterfalls we tried to hike to was Than Sadet. Unfortunately we didn’t manage to see the fall as the path isn’t clear so we opted to head back before getting lost in the humid jungle with just a bottle of water. 

Wang Sai and Phaeng are the best waterfalls on Koh Phangan. Unless you visit during or a couple of months after the rainy season the waterfalls might be dried out.

Koh Phangan Temples

Koh Phangan has some Buddhist temples and a Chinese temple which can be explored whilst touring the island. We had visited Wat Phu Khao Noi which is an old Buddhist temple in a natural quiet setting atop a mountain.

Yang Na Yai Tree

Yang Na Yai tree is the largest tree in all of Thailand. This tree is found by doing a short detour on the way to Haad Rin beach.  The tree is huge and is really a sight to see especially the gigantic branches beneath which have fallen off over time.

Take a tour to Mu Koh Angthong National Park

Lush forestry on the limestone cliffs jutting out of the turquoise waters beneath looks like something you would see on a TV documentary. Although this park is not in Koh Phangan, it is very close by. Tours operate regularly but for the best experience a private tour would be best option. 

Personally we didn’t do this attraction but we would surely recommend it. We usually prefer to do tours either in a small group or privately.  This allows the boat driver to choose different time frames than the bigger tours which tend to use the same routes and same time frame therefore each spot is usually crowded and the experience is significantly decreased.

Take a Yoga class

An ever increasing Yoga practice in Koh Phangan which over the years has become part of the island’s culture attracts many travelers from all over the world. To really get into Koh Phangan spiritual vibe, head to the west coast where many yoga and healing centres are found. Zen Beach is also on this side of the island.

Tip: We were told by our host that Samma Karuna holds free yoga classes. If interested checkout the schedule with Samma Karuna directly.

Indulge in some great food

Thongsala night market / Phanthip food market

Yet again the food is on the list and with good reason. The market in Thongsala offers some mouthwatering Thai dishes and cheap eats, one of which is the meats cooked in an Indian style clay oven and which is a must try.

Other food not so common in the Thai market but which you will find here are Italian style pasta, Mexican food, Brazilian food and an Italian panini bar. Smoothies and sweet dishes such as the yummy mango rice are also found here.

Outlaws Saloon

Arguably the best steakhouse on the island. Outlaws Saloon offers a good selection of meat cuts and burgers. As the name suggests this restaurant has a cozy western pub style which gives a nice welcoming touch. Events here such as the Friday live band and the delicious Sunday roast are a hit among many.

Anutta (by James)

This traditional Thai restaurant is one of Koh Phangan’s lesser known eateries. We visited Anutta a few times while in Koh Phangan and the food was always very good and tasty. As this restaurant isn’t around the touristy area’s prices are on the low side.

Tip: Restaurants advertising a 50 Baht meal are found throughout Koh Phangan. Our experience in these eateries wasn’t good. With 50 Baht you get a tiny portion that has little to no meat and is also tasteless. Rice is also charged extra for 30 Baht.

Where to stay in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a large/ish island and there is various areas to stay around the island. While Haad Rin is arguably the most famous area in Koh Phangan because the full moon party is held every month, it is sort away from everything else.

Below is an overview for the 3 best areas to stay on Koh Phangan along with a few hotel suggestions for any budget. →or click here for a full where to stay in Koh Phangan Guide

Getting around Koh Phangan

Songthaews are found along the streets of Thongsala and travel all over the island. Longer distance fares are expensive and go up to around 300 Baht during the day and at night maybe more. Another thing to keep in mind is that songthaews usually leave once the van is full which may take some time.  

Scooters are the cheapest option to get around. Roads are good enough but be aware of the occasional pot and sand on corners. Something to be aware of is the bugs flying around at night which can blind you for a couple of seconds and be a big risk while driving.