Koh Phangan is a popular island on the east coast of Thailand; in the district of Surat Thani. A quick ferry ride from the mainland gets you to this paradise of crystal clear water, white sands, rolling green hills, small fishing villages, and lively night life. Famed for it’s monthly Full Moon Party on the south shore beach of Haad Rin, Koh Phangan offers many other experiences. Here are five great ideas to get you exploring the island on your visit!
Rent a Motorbike
Cruising around Koh Phangan on a motorbike is an adventure all in itself. Rent a bike from a hostel, hotel, bed and breakfast or one of the many shops around the island. But make sure you have some experience before starting up your engine. Koh Phangan has many hills and steep roads to navigate. Cruise into the center of the island and check out a waterfall, or find yourself a white sand beach and relax the day away.
Head to the North Shore
Most tourists think the action is all on the south shore, where the Full Moon Party goes down and where the pier is located. But if you’re looking for remote beaches, authentic fishing towns, and pristine wildlife, head to the north shore of the island. Things are much slower up here. Find yourself a hidden beach and soak in the day dream with some locals.
Take a Trip to Koh Tao
One of the greatest aspects of Koh Phangan is how close it is to other islands. An hour ferry ride gets you to Ko Tao or Koh Samui, making both islands great destinations for a day trip. Ko Tao is a small island just to the north of Koh Phangan. There you can kayak, snorkel, or scuba dive with some of the most pristine marine life in all of Thailand.
Trek to Bottle Beach
There are some great hiking trails on Koh Phangan. One of our favorite trails on the north shore leads you from one secluded beach to the next. Start at either Head Khom or Bottle Beach and make your way through the jungle. From the top of the trail you can view the rolling hills of the north shore, watch monkeys jumping from trees, and enjoy the peace and quiet of some solitude. Make sure you wear appropriate hiking shoes, as this hike has some scrambling sections and plenty of terrain for working up a sweat. On completion, order a Chang beer at a beach side bar and enjoy the fruits of your hard work! After, grab a longboat back to your original beach!
Visit the Town of Sri Thanu
If you’re interested in yoga, meditation, or other conscious practices, Sri Thanu is a must stop destination. This spiritually inclined town is a hub for many conscious-minded travelers. Although it is not the most authentic Thai town on the island, it does offer great restaurants, cafes, yoga studios, and meditation retreats. Cruise over to this town and take a yoga class, or join a meditation retreat for a few days to tune in and drop out. There are also some great boutique shops along the main road. Pick-up a handcrafted necklace to go along with your Charming Shark piece!
Koh Phangan is plentiful with experiences for every type of person. Wether you’re interested in picturesque beaches, untamed wildlife, relaxing retreats, or world famous nightlife, this popular Thai island offers something for everyone.
Written By: AJ Letterel
