Every year tourists from all over the world flock over to Thailand to experience its culture, taste the legendary street food, relax on the tropical beaches and, most travelers, visit at least 1 of the many gorgeous islands which offer something for every type of traveler.
You can reach the islands in the Gulf of Thailand from Bangkok via a direct flight to Koh Samui, [or with the convenient bus+ferry combo which is a lot cheaper] The tiny island Koh Tao famous for affordable scuba diving courses and Koh Phangan for its wild full moon party are just a 30 minute ferry away.
Many know Koh Phangan as a backpacker’s haven, famed for its wild parties, particularly the legendary monthly Full Moon Party. This reputation has led to the common assumption that Koh Phangan is merely a party island, overrun by young revelers, with all amenities geared toward hedonistic nightlife. However, this perception only scratches the surface of what Koh Phangan truly has to offer.
Before we get started, here are the most important things to get you started planning a trip to Koh Phangan including transport and a few suggestions for hotels in good locations.
Getting to Koh Phangan
Most tourists are coming from either Bangkok or Phuket. If this is your route, the fastest option would be to fly to Koh Samui and then take a 30 minute ferry to Koh Phangan. But flights are expensive so you may want to consider the bus+ferry combo options with departures from Bangkok, Phuket, Krabi and even Koh Lanta.
Check your route on the below options ⤵
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.
So what is Koh Phangan really like?
Beyond the postcard perfect beaches, charming seaside village and the laid back island vibe, the ambiance in Koh Phangan is truly polarizing.
On one hand you have the wild side of the island with massive parties like the Full Moon attracting backpackers and young travelers wanting a few crazy days fueled by cheap booze and weed.
But then there is also retreats, yoga centers, vegan bars and the ever growing spiritual community on the island. It’s remarkable how 2 contradicting vibes can be found on a relatively small island
Should I go to Koh Phangan on the Full Moon Party date?
The Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan happens once every month. It is the biggest event on the island and attracts hoards of tourists and backpackers wanting to experience the wild and crazy party scene in Hadd Rin beach.
A common misconception is that the whole island goes into total chaos on this day. But the truth is that the Full Moon Party is contained within Haad Rin. This beach town is located on the southern tip of Phangan. It is also rather isolated from all the other town where tourists stay.
So should you go to Koh Phangan on the Full Moon Party date? I would say that is entirely up to you. Just avoid staying in Haad Rin if you want any sort peace because it does get crazy down there. And also make sure to book →all your transport and →hotels in advance because you’ll have a hard time finding anything decent if you leave until the last minute. Also prices for hotels and hostels explode as the full moon party approaches.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan
While Koh Phangan is a relatively compact island it can still take over 30 minutes (or more) to get from 1 place to another. Therefore its important to correctly choose where you stay on the island.
Below is an overview for the different areas to stay in Koh Phangan ⤵
Haad-Rin
Compact – Bars – Restaurants – Lively – Beach – Chaos on Full Moon
Haad Rin is the most popular beach on Koh Phangan. Known for its stunning crystal-clear waters, it’s often considered the island’s finest beach. This area is also home to the monthly Full Moon Party, making it a lively spot. Despite being relatively small, it boasts plenty of restaurants and bars, all easily accessible on foot. If you’re seeking tranquility, it’s best to steer clear during Full Moon Party dates.
Thongsala
Main town – Port – Markets – Bars – Central
Thongsala is the port town on Koh Phangan and the island’s most developed area. However, that doesn’t mean it’s overcrowded or overly bustling. It’s also the arrival point for ferries and offers a variety of amenities, including restaurants, bars, trendy cafes, local food spots, and even a night market.
Sri Thanu
Cool town – Hip Town – Cafes – Market – Zen Beach – Retreats
Sri Thanu is the answer if you are looking for the coolest part of the island. There a nice combination of hip cafes, local eateries and western restaurants. Zen beach is a popular hangout where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets while sipping on a cheap (but good) cocktail from the laid back beach bar. On Friday’s there is an instrumental event spontaneous music with bongs and such.
Chaloklum
Peaceful – Isolated – Traditional Fishing Village – Gorgeous Beach
Up North Chaloklum is a traditional fishing village with a long pontoon in the middle of a nice beach. There’s a handful of restaurants most of which serve fish just brought in by the locals. It’s a great option if you want to go sort of off grid but still have a few dining options.
Thong Nai Pan
Resort Town – Nice Beach – Very Compact – Isolated
This part of the island is rather isolated and is where you’ll find exclusive resorts facing a gorgeous beach with minimal development. It’s is sort of a resort area with all restaurants and bars within a 5 minute walk. 5 minutes away, the town offers a few cheaper option.
The Bottom Line
The truth is that Koh Phangan is most often avoided because travelers and tourists don’t see beyond the full moon party which unfortunately has dampened the island’s reputation to just being a wild party island.
Wether you want to relax on tropical beaches, spend a few days at a retreat and find your inner Zen or want the complete opposite and prefer partying until sunrise, Koh Phangan should most definitely be on your list.
Quick Resources ⤵
Book your dream hotel and find the best deals in Thailand. Wether it’s the beach or the city, Agoda offers a wide range of hotels at the best prices all on an easy to use booking platform.
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.
Explore more of Thailand and be inspired with Viator. Book unique experiences and create lasting memories. Just enter the destination in the search and find the best tours either join in or private.
HEY, just so you know…
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