Thailand has long been a number one destination for honeymooners and romantic escapes. With tropical islands like Koh Samui and Phuket topping the list for their luxurious oceanfront resorts at affordable prices.
An island in the Gulf of Thailand, neighboring the more popular Koh Samui, is often dismissed as a romantic destination. In fact, most tourists know this island as a backpacker’s haven thanks to its wild party scene.
Koh Phangan is a short 30-minute speedboat ride from Koh Samui. For over 40 years, Koh Phangan has been hosting the Full Moon Party, a massive beach party that happens every month around the full moon dates and attracts over 30,000 partygoers.
While the party scene in Koh Phangan is still going strong, many tourists with no interest in partying are choosing this overlooked destination over more popular islands. Why? Because Koh Phangan is still an underdeveloped island where the island vibe hasn’t been lost, and where nature remains largely unspoiled. For couples seeking a more intimate and authentic experience, a honeymoon in Koh Phangan offers a unique blend of tranquility and adventure that is becoming increasingly rare in more commercialized destinations.
The Beauty of Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan was a bit different than it is today when I visited back in 2019. The island was much more laid back and there wasn’t as many higher end accommodation options as there is today.
By no means has the island been ruined by development. But today there is a wider selection of nicer and fancier option. From beautiful beachfront resorts or villas for a more intimate experience. The island is offering broader selection to those you want to really experience the island vibe.
The coastline is dotted with gorgeous beaches spilling into crystal clear water. Some are secluded coves that can only be reached via a long-tail boat ride or an exhaustive hike through the jungle. While others are known for the everchanging hue in the sky at sunset such as the famous Zen beach in Srithanu.
In short, Koh Phangan boasts a broad appeal and caters various tastes and budgets. So wether you want a tranquil and peaceful honeymoon experience, something a bit more lively or a bit of both, you won’t be disappointed.
Before we get started, I have included a quick overview about how to get to Koh Phangan and 3 of my favorite hotels on the island.
How do you get to Koh Phangan?
The fastest and easiest way to get to Koh Phangan is to fly to the nearby Koh Samui and then take a speedboat to Koh Phangan. However, flights can be extremely expensive due to the airline having a monopoly because they also own the airport on Samui. Therefore I always suggest to consider the all-inclusive bus+ferry combo tickets which cover all costs and offer a seamless connection from bus to boat. There is departures from all major destination. Check the routes below ⤵
→Bangkok to Koh Phangan
→Phuket to Koh Phangan
→Krabi to Koh Phangan
TOP 3 Hotels in Koh Phangan
- Explorar Koh Phangan: My number 1 recommendation for anyone that wants a luxury place to crash after the full moon party.
- Lime N Soda: Located in the port town of Thongsala, staying here puts you in a convenient central location.
- Beyond the Blue Horizon Boutique Bungalows: The best place to stay in the coolest part of the island (Srithanu) close to Zen Beach and loads of cafes and restaurants.
How to spend a Honeymoon in Koh Phangan
1. Secluded Luxury: Best Resorts for Couples
Over the last few years the main focus in Koh Phangan has been to attract more quality tourists over the backpackers just coming to party. As such, and with couples in mind, a number of luxury accommodations have sprung up along with gorgeous cliffside villas complete with infinity pools and unobstructed seaviews.
- Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa: This eco-luxury resort is perched on a hillside overlooking the sea. With traditional Thai architecture, private pools, and an emphasis on sustainability, it’s a dreamy spot for a romantic getaway.
- Baan Kiao: Nestled in a lush garden setting near Haad Yao Beach, this charming resort offers cozy bungalows with private terraces, perfect for a serene tropical escape.
- Villa Cha Cha Salad Beach: Set along the tranquil shores of Salad Beach, this rustic beachfront resort offers charming villas with direct beach access, ideal for a laid-back romantic retreat.
- Infinity Villa: Perched on a scenic hillside, these modern villas feature private infinity pools and panoramic ocean views, offering a luxurious and intimate escape amidst nature.
- Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane: This upscale beachfront resort blends elegance with relaxation, featuring luxurious villas, a world-class L’Occitane spa, and stunning sunset views, perfect for a romantic getaway.
- Castaway Beach Bungalows: These rustic, bohemian bungalows are set on Hin Kong road that leads from Thonsala to Sri Thanu, offering a simple yet enchanting retreat for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
- Varivana Resort Koh Phangan: A contemporary hillside resort offering stylish accommodations with panoramic ocean views, providing a serene and luxurious setting for a peaceful escape.
- The Cabin Beach Resort: This stylish beachfront resort offers modern villas with breathtaking sea views. Close enough to Haad Rin for easy access to its vibrant nightlife, yet far enough to enjoy peaceful seclusion, it’s the perfect blend of excitement and tranquility.
2. Romantic Dining Experiences
Dining on Koh Phangan can be an intimate and memorable experience, with many restaurants offering candlelit dinners on the beach or gourmet meals in serene settings.
- CATCH Restaurant & GastroBar: With a beautiful artistic layout and a tempting menu of fusion dishes from quick bites to more elaborate meals, this place has to be high on your list of fancy places to eat in Koh Phangan.
- Senses Koh Phangan: Perched on a hillside, Senses offers a fine dining experience with panoramic views of the ocean, combining gourmet cuisine with an intimate, romantic atmosphere.
- Frangipani Restaurant Koh Phangan: Nestled in a tropical garden, this charming restaurant offers a serene setting for a romantic meal, with a menu that blends Thai flavors with international influences.
- Peppercorn: Tucked away in the lush jungle, this cozy steakhouse offers a rustic yet intimate dining experience, perfect for couples looking to enjoy high-quality meats and a warm, romantic ambiance.
- The Bistro at the Beach – Anantara Koh Phangan: Located right on the beach, this elegant bistro offers gourmet dining with the sound of the waves and stunning sea views, creating a perfect setting for a romantic evening.
3. Sunset Spots: The Magic Hour
Koh Phangan offers some breathtaking sunsets from various places including beaches and viewpoints. Ending the day with your loved one, maybe sipping a refreshing cocktail while the sun dips into the ocean and the colors in the sky constantly evolve is the quintessential romantic activity.
But what are the best sunset spots in Koh Phangan?
- Secret Beach (Haad Son): Tucked away on the island’s west coast, Secret Beach sits at the end of steep road. There’s a couple of beach restaurants with candle lit tables. Perfect to end the day with a nice meal.
- Amsterdam Bar: In contrast, this bar is perched on a hill and offers panoramic views of the sunset with a chilled-out vibe.
- 420 Bar: Located in Haad Yao, 420 Bar puts you in the front row seat for breathtaking sunsets looking over the tiny Koh Ma island that is connected to Koh Phangan via a tiny sandbar during low tide. They offer good cocktails and food.
- Zen Beach: By far, the most famous sunset beach in Koh Phangan has to be Zen Beach thanks to its dramatic sunsets of ever evolving hues in the sky. And if you happen to be here on a Friday you’ll get to experience the spontaneous drum session using various instruments to create tribal-like music.
4. Spa and Wellness: Rejuvenate Together
Regardless of the destination, wether it be Koh Phangan or anywhere else, a honeymoon is not complete without a day (or at least a a couples session) at the spa. Koh Phangan is well versed when it comes to wellness centers. Below are a few suggestions so you can spend a day with your loved one and bond while getting pampered. Just a heads up, if you know your travel dates always book your spa session in advance.
- Anantara Spa: Known for its luxurious treatments, this spa offers couples’ massages in a tranquil setting. Choose from a variety of therapies designed to relax both body and mind.
- Pure Relax Spa: Located in Thong Sala, Pure Relax Spa is a popular choice for its high-quality treatments at reasonable prices. They offer a range of massages, including a special couples package.
- Santhiya Ayurvana Spa: This spa focuses on traditional Thai and Ayurvedic treatments. Their couples’ packages include massages, facials, and herbal baths, all set in a peaceful, natural environment. →or book your stay here
- Santhiya Ayurvana Spa: This spa focuses on traditional Thai and Ayurvedic treatments. Their couples’ packages include massages, facials, and herbal baths, all set in a peaceful, natural environment. →or book your stay here
- Sunset Hill Ice Bath: Ok I have to admit this isn’t for everyone and is far from a relaxing session. But if you’re an adventurous couple always looking for something new, doing an ice bath is the answer. Sunset hill is the most famous in Koh Phangan due to Wim Hof aka the ice man hosting a retreat.
5. Adventurous Escapes: Exploring Together
Just because its your honeymoon it doesn’t mean locking yourself in your nice hotel room doing you know what. Koh Phangan is a fun island and offers various activities from hikes to boat rides, adventurous ATV tours through the lush jungle and much.
Be sure to create long lasting memories during your honeymoon in Koh Phangan. There is no better way to do so than doing something crazy or fun or adventurous or even better, all of them combined!
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: Explore Ang-Thong National Marine Park on a small speed boat from Koh Phangan, allowing you to access secluded swimming and snorkeling spots that larger boats can’t reach. Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, or relaxing on the beach, with all equipment provided. Disembark directly onto the sand and savor a delicious included lunch. This convenient day tour offers the perfect mix of activity and relaxation, making it a fun experience for the whole family. →Book a Tour
- Jungle Safari ATV Tour: Experience Koh Phangan’s countryside on a guided ATV adventure. After a safety briefing, ride through forests, plantations, and farms to a stunning mountain overlook. Suitable for all skill levels, with multiple tour times and convenient pickup available. Includes ATV, safety gear, water, and insurance. →Book a Tour
- Koh Phangan Private Tour: Or maybe you want to explore Koh Phangan at your own pace and prefer something more intimate? My suggestion would be to rent a scooter and explore the island. But if you’re not comfortable on your own 2 wheels, or prefer moving around in the comfort of an air conditioned car, then definitely consider a day tour. →Book a Tour
- Kiteboarding: Maybe it’s not something everyone would imagine doing on their honeymoon but if you’re a thrill-seeker and up for an exciting experience, then hopping onto a board and being dragged and lifted into the air will surely get your adrenaline pumping!! →Book it and get certified
6. Unique Experiences: Making Memories
To make your honeymoon truly unforgettable, consider some unique experiences that you can only find on Koh Phangan.
- Join a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Thai dishes together. Many local cooking schools offer classes where you can learn to prepare a full meal, which you can later recreate at home.
- Calamari Fishing at night: This is truly an authentic and unforgettable experience. You’ll get to board a local boat with fishermen setting out with green lanterns for calamari. If you love fishing this should not be missed. To book a tour just head down to Chaloklum, the main fishing town in Phangan. At the pier there is a sign for booking. No online booking available.
- Private Longtail Boat Tour: Hire a traditional longtail boat for a private tour around the island. Visit hidden beaches, snorkel in secluded bays, and enjoy a picnic on a deserted shore.
Final Thoughts
Koh Phangan is more than just a party destination—it’s a versatile and beautiful island that offers something for every type of honeymooner. Whether you’re seeking luxury, adventure, or simply some time alone together in a stunning natural setting, Koh Phangan can provide the perfect romantic escape.
Quick Resources ⤵
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Plan transport with ease on the 12Go platform. Just enter origin and destination. Bus+ferry combo tickets are also an available hassle free option to reach the famous islands.
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