What to Do in Koh Phangan – For Partiers or Luxury Loungers
Koh Phangan is famous for its monthly full moon party, but this small island in the Gulf of Thailand also has lots to offer for those seeking a more relaxing vacation. Read on to learn what to do in Koh Phangan on your upcoming trip, whether you're a partier or a luxury lounger.
Koh Phangan (or Ko Pha Ngan) is a small island off the east coast of Thailand that’s famous for its monthly Full Moon Party. Just a stone’s throw from more resort-dominant Koh Samui, Koh Phangan offers a more casual, unstructured vibe that’s popular among backpackers. And while it’s great for party-loving youths, Koh Phangan isn’t just for budget travelers. You can also find rest, relaxation, and luxury – it just depends on where you stay and the type of activities you book. Â
You can think of Koh Phangan as a tale of two islands – the grittier, no-rules and no-adults southern half of the island where the partiers thrive, and the more upscale, relaxing beach haven in the northern half of the island where couples and families can find their zen. Whether you’re here for the parties or a luxurious retreat, we’ve got a full roster of what to do in Koh Phangan to make the most of your trip.  In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about Koh Phangan: how to get there, the top attractions, and where to stay – the most important key to enjoying your visit here.Â
Just looking for a quick-hitter of the top beaches in Koh Phangan? Check out our power rankings here.
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Why Visit Koh Phangan?
There are two main reasons to visit Koh Phangan, depending on the type of vacation you’re angling to have:
- You like to relax on gorgeous beaches without breaking the bank. Though only 125 sq km (48 sq mi), Koh Phangan boasts over 20 beautiful white-sand beaches (learn more below). The beaches here are clean and picturesque, with crystal clear turquoise water. They frequently feature a full bar and restaurant, gift shops, and massage stands for a full-service experience, and they’re not too crowded, even during peak season. And with many luxury hotels available for under $200 or even $100 a night, you can vacation like royalty for a fraction of the cost of nearby Koh Samui or somewhere like Bali or the Maldives.
- You like to party. Yes, Koh Phangan is famous for the Full Moon Party, but that festival is just the start. Due to its increasing popularity over the years – and all the tourism and $$ it’s brought to the island – event promoters on Koh Phangan have built out a whole slate of pre- and post-parties, along with a half-moon party and pre- and post-parties for that. Truthfully, you can find a blow-out party almost every day of the month somewhere on the island. Learn more about this below.
How Many Days to Stay?
We recommend at least three full days in Koh Phangan. If you’re interested in hitting more than one party, checking out the beaches on the east side of the island, or adding in a day trip to Koh Tao, Nang Yuan Island or Ang Thong National Marine Park though, you should extend your trip to four or five days. Keep in mind that travel to and from the island can be quite lengthy, so three to five full days may mean more than two to four nights, as you likely won’t arrive on your first day until well into the afternoon or evening.
Recommended Itineraries
For three days in Koh Phangan, we recommend following one of these two high-level itineraries, depending on your vacation style:
The Partier
*Day 1 – The Jungle Experience:
- Arrive the day before the Full Moon Party and attend the popular Jungle Experience event. It’s held at a separate, more lush beach and will offer a totally different party experience.
- Before the party, hit up the Thong Sala night market to get a cheap outfit for tonight and tomorrow you wouldn’t mind getting ruined.
- If you’ve got extra time, stop by the beach for a little R&R or grab a nap at your hostel before making friends over pre-party shots and grabbing the hostel’s taxi to the event around midnight.
Day 2 – The Full Moon Party:
- Sleep in as late as you can and then go to brunch at Hundred Islands Coffee Bar to refuel. Spend the afternoon at the hostel pool or a nearby beach, and then snag a hearty dinner and a quick nap.
- Head to the hostel bar for pre-party shots and body painting before taking the hostel’s taxi to the Full Moon Party around midnight.
*Day 3 – Motorbike Tour:
- After crawling out of bed, wrap up your trip with a tour of the island by motorbike. Rent one from your hostel or a nearby shop and make sure to hit some of the island’s top beaches and Kuan Yin Temple for a little culture.
- Finish your day at 420 Club Phangan for incredible panoramic views of the island as the sun sets.
The Luxury Lounger
*Day 1 – Motorbike Tour:
- Start your trip with a motorbike tour of the island. Rent one from your hotel and stop by some of the island’s best beaches to learn where you want to spend more time. Head up to Kuan Yin Temple for a little culture, and finish at 420 Club Phangan for sweeping panoramic views of the island.
- Settle into your hotel and enjoy a cocktail by the pool as you relax to the sounds of the ocean.
Day 2 – West Coast Beaches:
- Enjoy a slow morning at your hotel with breakfast by the pool. Don’t let those chaise lounges go to waste!
- When you’re ready, scooter to your favorite beach from yesterday. If you can’t decide, we recommend Secret Beach. Enjoy a fresh coconut or cocktail, and make sure to take advantage of the massage hut on the beach.
- Head to Sabaii Bay Beach Club for the island’s best sunset while enjoying dinner on the beach.
*Day 3 – East Coast Beaches:
- If you’re feeling adventurous, take your scooter to enjoy some of the more secluded, romantic beaches on the east side of the island.  Thong Nai Pan and Thong Nai Pan Yai are highly rated options, but if you really want an intimate experience, journey to Bottle Beach, which is only accessible by boat (grab a water taxi here).
- Not so adventurous? Nothing wrong with another dip in the pool, lounge at the beach, and stunning sunset from your villa’s terrace.
How to Get There
Now for the tricky part. To be frank, getting to Koh Phangan isn’t easy. But with more difficult logistics come less crowds, so it’s not all bad.
The only way to get to Koh Phangan is via ferry, as it doesn’t have its own airport. You can catch a ferry from either Surat Thani (on the mainland) or Koh Samui (which has its own airport), and the cost and length of your journey will vary significantly depending on which option you choose. In short, the more you spend, the faster you’ll get there. So, which option is best for you and your budget? Let’s discuss your options below.
Note: As most flights to either Surat Thani or Koh Samui originate in Bangkok, we’ll discuss logistics assuming this as your starting point. All prices below are per person.
Fastest, Most Expensive
Your fastest option is to fly from Bangkok to Koh Samui airport (~1hr 15min), take a shuttle from the airport to the seaport, and then take a ferry to Koh Phangan’s Thong Sala pier (~1 hr combined). Depending on how far out you book, round trip tickets from Bangkok to Koh Samui can run you anywhere from $130 to $330, and on average will cost roughly $115 to $250 more than tickets to Surat Thani. You’ll save a few bucks on your shuttle+ferry tickets though, as those will only cost you about $30 round trip.Â
Total travel time: 2hr 15min
Total cost: $160+ round trip, more commonly $300+ round trip
Pro tip: Whether coming from Surat Thani or Koh Samui, we highly recommend purchasing your shuttle and ferry tickets together on 12Go.Asia. 12Go will guarantee your transfers, so you don’t need to stress if there are delays with your bus or ferry. We found their service professional and super easy, and it took a lot of pressure off of figuring out the logistics.
Middle of the Road
Your mid-range option is to fly from Bangkok to Surat Thani airport (~1hr 15min), take a shuttle from the airport to the seaport, and then take a ferry to Koh Phangan’s Thong Sala pier (~4hr 30min to 5hr 30min combined, though faster ferries are available at a higher cost). Round trip tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani can be as cheap as $33 or up to $130, depending on how far out you’re booking and whether your trip coincides with the Full Moon Party. Shuttle+ferry tickets will cost you slightly more due to the increased distance, but are still very affordable at ~$35.
Total travel time:Â 5hr 45min to 6hr 45min
Total cost:Â $70+ round trip, more commonly $90+ round trip
Slowest, Cheapest
If you’re really looking to save some money, you can opt for an overnight bus ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani seaport and then a ferry to Koh Phangan’s Thong Sala pier from there. You can book this as a combo ticket on 12Go to ensure there’s no issue with your connection if the bus encounters any difficulty along the way. It won’t be the most comfortable trip, but it can come in handy if your budget is tight, especially if you’re booking last minute and flight prices are high. Long-haul buses typically have air conditioning and bathrooms on board.
Total travel time:Â 15hr 30min
Total cost: $60+ round trip
Heads Up - Getting Around the Island
One of the toughest parts about visiting Koh Phangan is that there is very little infrastructure. Public transit is essentially nonexistent, there’s no Grab or other ride share services, and even getting a taxi is hard to do without the support of your hotel or hostel. On the bright side, renting a scooter is incredibly easy and affordable, and actually one of the best ways to spend your day in Koh Phangan. We’ll discuss more on this below.
Don't Forget - Complete TDAC Before Arrival
The TM6 immigration form is back – now in digital format. If you traveled to Thailand prior to April 2024, you would have received a paper form TM6 on your flight to complete prior to arrival. Thailand paused this program temporarily to work on a new, digital solution in order to speed up the immigrations process. This new system is called the Thailand Digital Arrival Card, or TDAC. Effective May 1, 2025, you’ll need to complete the TM6 form on TDAC prior to arrival. This form is free and should take less than five minutes to complete. Learn more about TDAC here, and fill out your application here.
Where to Stay
Now for your most important choice – where to stay. During our trip to Koh Phangan, we stayed at both a hostel in the party-heavy southern half of the island and a more luxurious resort in the peaceful and luxurious northern half of the island. We learned that where you stay will have a huge impact on how much you enjoy your time on the island. The key is considering what type of vacation you’re looking for on Koh Phangan and booking your lodging accordingly.
Regardless of whether you’re staying in a hotel or hostel, be aware that room rates during the week of the Full Moon Party are much higher than you’ll see during other times of the month. We were especially surprised by the hostel rates, which cost us $68 per night for a bunk in a mixed dorm at The Wanderlust Hostel. Granted, we booked our beds only two weeks out from the event, so make sure to book as far in advance as possible to lessen the impact. During this same period, our villa at Beyond the Blue Horizon cost $175 per night.
I'm Here to Relax in Luxury...
If you’re coming to Koh Phangan to relax and soak in a little luxury, choose a spot north of the pier along the western coast of the island. We stayed at Beyond the Blue Horizon and had an amazing experience. The service levels were exceptional and our private villa had an unimpeded view of the ocean through a full-wall, floor-to-ceiling glass sliding door. Beyond the Blue Horizon has a gorgeous infinity pool, amazing on-site restaurant, and a full a-la-carte breakfast included in the room rate.
If you’re traveling with little ones, check out highly-rated Wang Sai Resort on kid-friendly Mae Haad beach, nearest to popular snorkeling spot Koh Ma. Or, for a taste of the best Koh Phangan has to offer, try the stunning Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa, featuring private pools on the terrace of every villa.  Note that there are some lovely and romantic resorts on the more secluded eastern side of the island as well, but we recommend the western side for both convenience and the unbeatable sunsets.
I'm Here to Party...
If you’re coming to Koh Phangan to party, then you will absolutely want to stay in a hostel. Hostels will provide a clear schedule of the upcoming parties, help to arrange transport, provide you with a community to attend the party with, and even provide fun extras like free body paint or pre-party shots. We stayed at Wanderlust Hostel, which was a solid home base for the Full Moon Party. Be aware that this hostel is very green-friendly, if you catch my drift, and also provides NO shower amenities, so make sure to stop by 7-11 to grab some shampoo and soap before heading in to wash all that body paint off. If you’d like something closer to the party, try super popular options Hideout Hostel or MBar Hostel in Haad Rin.
What to Do in Koh Phangan
Now that we’ve got all the logistics in hand, let’s dive into the best of what to do in Koh Phangan:
Relax on Koh Phangan's Beaches
Top of the list has to be enjoying several of Koh Phangan’s gorgeous beaches. Nearly all of Koh Phangan’s roughly 40 km (25 mi) of coastline is made up of beautiful white-sand beaches decorated with lush greenery and picturesque rock formations. We wrote a whole post detailing our favorite beaches here, but our top recommendation is Secret Beach, which offered the perfect balance of crowd, amenities, and beauty. Â
Koh Phangan’s beaches are most easily accessible by motorbike (more on renting these below), but it’s likely one or two are within walking distance of your hotel or hostel, so don’t let a scooter rental stop you if that’s not your speed or they’re all sold out! The exception to this rule is Bottle Beach, which is only accessible by hike or boat – you can grab a water taxi on Chaloklum Beach. Make sure to enjoy a sunset or two from one of the beaches on the western side of the island! We recommend Sabaii Bay Beach Club on Tong Sala beach for a spectacular sunset you won’t soon forget.
Koh Phangan’s world-famous Full Moon Party takes place every month on – you guessed it – the night of the full moon. It’s the reason most people come to Koh Phangan, but, to be honest, we weren’t huge fans. While some elements like the fire dancers and the body paint were fun and unique, the experience has become heavily commercialized, resulting in a beach full of drunk and drugged Westerners buying overpriced drinks and making a huge mess. But, if you’re intent on going, here are a few tips:
Full Moon Party Tips & Tricks
- Keep your wits about you – while we enjoy a drink as much as the next guy or gal, this party is well-known to be dangerous. We recommend not overdoing it on substances and not attending alone. Several people from our hostel were robbed, and one guy even got stabbed. We also heard stories of local police selling drugs undercover to try to bust tourists, so don’t buy anything from strangers.
- Wear sturdy shoes – don’t come to the Full Moon Party in sandals. The bars sell beer in glass bottles and the beach is littered with them, creating a huge risk of broken glass and twisted ankles. Wear your tennies and watch where you place your feet.
- Bring plenty of cash – the bars here move quickly to serve the huge crowds, so don’t expect to be able to use your credit card. Same thing goes for taxi buses (150-200 baht each way, per person), entrance tickets (200 baht), and bathrooms at the bars (20-40 baht). Thanks to drunk people not willing to pay the small restroom fees, we recommend staying out of the ocean. Due to risk of theft, we suggest stashing some cash in different pockets and/or a zippered pack, just in case.
- Don’t worry about transportation – this was our biggest unknown going into the party. We knew how we were going to get there, as our hostel arranged for taxi buses at 150 baht per seat, but how would we get back? Thankfully, there are plenty of taxi buses waiting in the same designated location as drop off, and we didn’t even get ripped off heading home, with rates at 200 baht per seat on the return trip.
- Make sure to wash that body paint when you get home so you don’t incur fees with the hostel!
Other Nightlife
Looking to enjoy the nightlife but wary of the Full Moon Party? The good news is, you can find organized parties on Koh Phangan nearly every night of the month. In fact, the Jungle Experience (the day prior to the Full Moon Party) and the Eden Party (two days after the Full Moon Party) are often more highly rated than the main event. Some of these have much higher entry fees, and thus a more refined crowd and cultivated experience. Check out Phangan Events for a (nearly) complete schedule when planning your trip. Once you’re there, keep your eyes on the numerous road signs – and your ears open for the promoters driving the streets – to learn about even more party options.
Tour the Island by Motorbike
One of the best things to do in Koh Phangan is renting a scooter and touring the island. This is the easiest way to beach-hop and also to visit Kuan Yin Temple, a Chinese temple located up on a hill in the northern part of the island. A bike rental is also your best bet if you’re interested in seeing some of the more secluded beaches on the eastern side of the island.Â
Thankfully, renting a scooter is super easy and affordable. Most hotels and hostels will arrange a motorbike rental for you, but if not, there are tons of rental shops along the main roads you can work with as well. The going rate for a daily rental in 2025 is 250 baht with a deposit of either your passport or 5,000 baht. Make sure to take a video of the bike before you leave the lot as evidence in case of any claims of damage by the business upon return of the bike. You don’t need to provide a driver’s license or motorcycle license in order to rent a scooter on Koh Phangan.
Driving around the island is fairly easy as there’s very little traffic or multi-lane roads, though there are areas that are hilly and sandy that you’ll want to watch out for. The main roads are in pretty good condition, but can get a lot rougher when you turn off onto the side roads to the beaches. Don’t forget that they drive on the left side of the road here, and keep an eye on your gas tank – you can pick up a liter of gas from many roadside vendors for about 50 baht or pay a bit more for gas from an official petrol station.
Visit a Local Market
While Koh Phangan’s markets aren’t the most exciting we’ve seen, you should definitely make time for them if this is your first time (or only stop) in Thailand. Here you can sample local foods at affordable prices, pick up some souvenirs, and just get a feel for local life. Koh Phangan’s best markets are the Thong Sala Night Market (open every day) and the Saturday Walking Street Market. There are also some cute shops and the smaller Pantip Market in downtown Thong Sala.
Take a Day Trip to Koh Tao, Nang Yuan Island, or Ang Thong National Marine Park
If you’ve got enough time in your itinerary, a super popular activity is to take a day trip to Koh Tao and Nang Yuan Island or to Ang Thong National Marine Park. Each of these are accessible via speedboat ride and provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving. The water can be a bit rough on the journey over, so if you’re sensitive to seasickness, we recommend waiting until you arrive and checking the upcoming weather before you book your tour. Check out some of the most popular options from Get Your Guide below:
Hike Khao Ra Mountain or the Waterfalls
This one’s a bit seasonally dependent, but if you’re looking for a more physical activity you can hike Khao Ra mountain or visit one of the island’s several waterfalls.Â
The hike to Khao Ra is an out-and-back trail that’s approximately 6.1 km (3.8 mi) and 3-4 hours round trip. The trail starts here and ends at the highest point on the island, the peak of Khao Ra (627 m or 2,057 ft). We recommend tackling this early in the morning to avoid the heat, but still make sure to bring plenty of water (this blog recommends at least 3 liters each). Avoid this trail during monsoon season (October – December), as the path can get washed out with the heavy rains. Be aware that the trailhead starts on private land, so you’ll need some cash to pay the small entry fee (~40 baht).
On the other hand, you’ll only want to visit the waterfalls if there has been rain recently, as they otherwise can run dry or at only a trickle. The most popular waterfalls on the island are Phaeng Noi, Wang Sai, and Than Sadet. Some of these have small entrance fees, so make sure to have some cash on you. Check out this blog for more details if you’re interested in trekking to Koh Phangan’s waterfalls.
Top Bars and Restaurants
After all this touring, you’re probably thinking – what do we do in Koh Phangan when it’s time to eat?? No fear! We’ve got some of our favorite bars and restaurants for you to check out right here.
Let’s start with one of our best meals on the island, The Wave Sunset Restaurant and Bar. This spacious restaurant has gorgeous views of the ocean and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner – we recommend the absolutely divine fried tamarind and garlic fish. But even better than the food, The Wave features one of our favorite beaches of Koh Phangan. This small, secluded beach isn’t pinned on Google Maps, so it’s a true hidden gem that you can enjoy practically all to yourself. It’s surrounded by rock formations on each side, giving it an intimate vibe, and it’s fully serviced by the restaurant, so you can enjoy your meal directly from your chaise lounge. Heads up – this one is cash only.
If you’re looking for a good breakfast or brunch option, check out Hundred Islands Coffee Bar, near many of the island’s hostels. They have excellent coffee and offer a wide variety of breakfast and lunch items to get your day started off right – or to cure your hangover. There’s a lovely outdoor terrace or an air-conditioned interior, so you can enjoy your meal comfortably no matter your vibe. As an added bonus, they accept credit card, and they’re right next to a scooter rental shop if you still need to find a ride for the day.
If you need a break from Thai food, Outlaws Saloon is an excellent option. They serve up delicious steaks at a very affordable price point – our dinner for two with cocktails was only $40. This spot is popular, so come early to avoid a bit of a wait. Thankfully, the restaurant is quite large and the staff are friendly and efficient, so you shouldn’t have to wait for too long. Credit cards are welcomed here, so you won’t need $40 worth of baht on hand to enjoy your meal.
Looking for the perfect place to enjoy a sunset meal? We highly encourage you to visit Sabaii Bay Beach Club, where we witnessed probably the best sunset of our lives. The low tide here exposes strips of sand that cause gorgeous ripples in the water, creating a dynamic foreground to the setting sun. Plus, prices are surprisingly reasonable for the view on offer, and you can even enjoy your meal from some of their comfy on-beach bean bag chairs. Traditional tables and chaise lounges are available as well, if that’s not your style. Credit card accepted, so enjoy an extra cocktail or two while you soak in the view.
This hidden gem bar tucked away on Thong Sala beach is another great spot to enjoy the sunset. Cocktail prices here are lower than average, and you can enjoy them from the super chill, uncrowded palapa. This one had us so relaxed we stayed until long after dark. Cash only here, but you won’t need much to enjoy a few beverages.
For the grand finale, we’ll send you to the best views on the island – 420 Club Phangan. This one used to be called 360 Bar, but they changed their name after weed was legalized in Thailand. I wouldn’t recommend smoking here though unless you’ve got a taxi lined up for the way home, as the road to get there is a bit treacherous on a scooter, especially in the dark. Visiting 420 Club Phangan is absolutely worth the effort though, as the view from the top is simply breathtaking. From the restaurant’s terrace, you can enjoy panoramic views of half the island, including Koh Ma and the sand bridge that becomes visible at low tide. 420 Club Phangan also serves food, so you can enjoy a sunset meal here as well, if you’d like.
Pro tip: The Google Maps pin for 420 Club will drop you off at a parking area at the bottom of a small hill, which you’ll then need to hike up to get to the restaurant. Instead, continue up the road a bit further on your bike to reach a parking area in front of the venue itself.
Whether you’re here to party or simply relax in the sun, knowing what to do in Koh Phangan is key to making your vacation unforgettable. We hope these tips set you up for success on your next trip! Tell us your favorite memory from Koh Phangan in the comments below.
Don’t forget to read about our favorite beaches of Koh Phangan here!
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