Koh Phangan, a popular island in southeast Thailand (notorious for its monthly Full Moon Party) has much more to it than what you might know! On the other end, there is a quieter side to this island that not many know about and is massively underrated. Which is how there are endless things to do in Koh Phangan that it proudly boasts of. After the frenzy of the parties end, one can spend days on a motorbike exploring quieter ends of hidden beaches and stunning viewpoints.
Most Exciting Things To Do In Koh Phangan
Here are 10 amazing things to do in here for the beach lovers, party maniacs, water sports enthusiasts, and the adrenaline junkies visiting Thailand:
1. Sail Rock: Go diving and snorkeling
While Koh Phangan’s neighbor, Koh Tao is relatively more famous for diving; many don’t realise that the diving sites that are connected to these islands are literally the same! Two of the most popular and recommended sites are the Southwest Pinnacle and Sail Rock, which lie midway in these two islands and are amazing to explore! In case you only want to go snorkeling and diving is not your cup of tea, you can head to the beaches in Haad Salad and Haad Yao. Snorkeling and diving remain one of the top things to do in koh phangan.
Must Read: Koh Phangan Island: Enjoy The Full Moon Party On The Beach & Turn Into A Party Wolf
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2. Ang Thong National Marine Park: Take a boat trip
We would recommend you to leave aside a day during your time in Koh Phangan for some boat exploring! Get on a boat and explore the many beautiful beaches near Koh Phangan. In fact, you can even include the popular Ang Thong National Marine Park for some typical ‘Koh Phangan activities’ such as swimming and snorkeling. Elevate your day to the next level and include overnight camping in your boating trip for some marginal fee hike. Many boat tours also take you to the difficult to reach places such as Thong Nai Pan, Bottle Beach, Koh Ma and Ko Tae.
3. Chase Waterfalls: Take a dip
“Don’t go chasing waterfalls, Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you’re used to” are words by TLC in what is a wonderful song but we would recommend the contrary for when you are in Koh Phangan! There are 7 waterfalls in Koh Phangan that are so beautiful that they teleport you to the heavens! Check out the Sramanora waterfalls, Phaeng, Thaan Prapaad, Thaan Sadet, Wangsai, Paradise and Thaan Prawes waterfalls which are the best things to do in koh phangan thailand. Please keep it in mind that many waterfalls tend to dry up during rains and hence, plan your trip accordingly!
Suggested Read: 7 Best Koh Samui Travel Tips For A Hassle-Free And A Perfect Island Vacation!
4. Khao Ra: Embark on a trekking trip
When the time comes that you want to take a break from lounging on the beach (We hope that never happens), you can partake in many trekking trails that lie on the Eastern coastline of this island. Make your way to the tallest mountain in Khao Ra or head to the Phaeng Waterfall National Park. Don’t go wandering on these trails alone if you feel like you don’t have sufficient experience. Also, make sure you carry enough snacks and water with you to keep you replenished throughout what will be one of the most interesting things to do in Koh Phangan.
5. Haad Rin Beach: Dance at the Moon parties
If you are thinking what to do in Koh Phangan at night, fret not because Koh Phangan nightlife is interesting enough to keep you occupied till the sun rises! Koh Phangan rose to fame only because of its moon parties: Full Moon Party, Half Moon Party, and now Black Moon Party which set the island on fire each month and drives Thailand tourism like crazy! The Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan will be one of the best party experiences that you can come across in your lifetime!
Location: Haad Rin Beach
Suggested Read: 10 Best Beaches In Koh Tao That Are Worth Exploring On Your Next Thailand Trip
6. Challenge Phangan: Enjoy the rides
Visiting this water park located at the Sweet Water lake, between Sri Thanu and CHao Phao on the west coast of the island is one of the top 10 things to do in Koh Phangan. Head there for an extremely fun and exhilarating water obstacle course which you are supposed to finish in a short time! The many features of this course are rolling barrels, monkey bars, rope swing, stepping stones, climbing mountain, balance beams, swinging shapes, and much more. Find time for a drink and a good meal in between your rides and go crazy!
Location: 84/32 Moo 8 Srithanu Ko Phangan Chang Wat Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Timings: 10:00 – 18:00
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7. Sri Thanu: Relax at a yoga centre
Apart from partying and beach-ing, ‘Ohm’-ing is another popular trend that has emerged in Koh Phangan in recent times. Yoga has its origins in Indian culture and brings together physical and spiritual exercises that have a positive impact on our minds and bodies. There are many great yoga centres to choose from in Koh Phangan such as Orion Healing Centre in Sri Thanu, Agama Yoga Retreat also in Sri Thanu, and Blooming Lotus Yoga just northeast of Haad Rin. One has the option to choose from a single session or a retreat that goes on for one or more days.
Suggested Read: 7 Best Places That’ll Guide You Where To Eat In Koh Tao On Your Next Thai Sojourn
8. Thong Sala Night Market: Shop till you drop
Also known as the Panthip Market locally, this night market is a gem in the Koh Phangan shopping scene. If you are a shopaholic, we strongly advise you to not miss this place! It is situated in a parking lot in front of a 7-Eleven in the centre of Thong Sala and you can find street food sold here at rock-bottom prices. Whether you fill your stomach with some grilled fish, a cheesy pizza, sushi to pad Thai, it is a great place to explore the culinary world of Koh Phangan.
Location: Thongsala Road, Koh Phangan
Timings: 16:00 till late.
9. Ao Playlaaem: Watch the sunset, everyday!
People who love the sunset might be as big a majority as those who love pizza! One of the best things to do in Koh Phangan when raining is to simply plop on a beach bed and enjoy the colours in the sky while hoping that a rainbow emerges out of somewhere! There is no dearth of beautiful sunsets in Koh Phangan and one of the most popular spots is Amsterdam Bar by Ao Playlaaem, which offers a stunning view!
Suggested Read: Koh Tao Nightlife: 8 Buzzing Places To Party All Night Long
10. Thong Sala: Learn Thai cooking
Apart from Thai beaches and parties, Thai cuisine is equally known around the world, and for all the right reasons! There are many options of cooking schools to choose from in Koh Phangan such as C&M Culture Centre in Sri Thanu, The Phangan Cooking Class in Thong Sala, and My Wok and Me also in Thong Sala.
Wondering how to plan your getaway and what things to do in Koh Phangan? Count on Travel Triangle to arrange a hassle-free Thailand holiday, so you can make the most of it!
Further Read: The Complete Koh Samui Honeymoon Guide For A Sizzling Vacation
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A writer by choice, a photographer by passion, a seasonal sailor preferably monsoons and a pilot when the wind is just right! When not in the city, I’m often found chasing sunrises in the mountains or sunsets at the beaches!
