May we introduce: the phenomenon Koh Phangan (or: Ko Pha Ngan). The island in the Gulf of Thailand is a wild paradise with dense jungle, spectacular waterfalls, Buddhist temples and a lot of authentic authenticity. At least most. What's going on on the island? We have looked around, give you helpful tips, my experiences and recommendations and introduce you to the most important sights. A travel report about Koh Phangan - the small, sleepy island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand that also has quite a lively side.

Sometimes all you can hear on Koh Phangan are the cries of animals in the jungle and the sound of the sea. Otherwise there is just silence - which is extremely unusual in Thailand. Then the bushes rustle because every inch of the island is alive and actually the Wildlife for a trip to the Winterlude.

You feel out of place and wonder what you're doing here and why you're not lying on the beach somewhere like all the other vacationers. You are in the middle of nowhere - because that still exists on Koh Phangan. Still. Suddenly a huge monitor lizard sits on the street directly in front of you - it wasn't there yet and looks at you threateningly.

The clocks tick differently on Koh Phangan. Here the roads are narrow or unpaved Hotels and resorts mostly small and familiar and every place beyond the main village of Thong Sala is somehow remote and best reached by scooter or taxi. Welcome to the wilderness, welcome to Koh Phangan - the island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand that is simply completely different.

Video – Koh Phangan is so beautiful

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Between tourism and nature

Sure, there are hotels, bungalows, beach bars, small food stalls and restaurants everywhere, but nowhere near as many as on the wild, much more touristy neighboring island of Koh Samui. Let alone the island is as built up as Koh Tao. For my Travel Blog I took a closer look at all three islands. Fortunately, Koh Phangan is a bit larger - and everything is spread out better across the area. The lucky child in the Gulf of Thailand can be a true paradise that still retains an authentic and relaxed side between all the tourist hustle and bustle.

Finding this site is not difficult, as it is just waiting to be discovered on every corner. For our Travelogue from Koh Phangan we discovered the island and introduce you to some of the most beautiful places. Of course, this overview does not claim to be complete, but rather serves as a guide. Once you're there, you'll probably see a lot more beautiful places discover on the island. 

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Why should you holiday on Koh Phangan?

• small dream island in the Gulf of Thailand with beautiful beaches and a lot of untouched nature
• Wild jungle, spectacular waterfalls and a diverse wildlife
• great little hotels, resorts and apartments in every price range - everything from simple to luxury
• The island can be explored on its own by scooter and completely circumnavigate in about an hour
• various recreational activities from jogging, hiking, mountain biking to swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving and stand up paddling
• World class diving at Sail Rock with a large selection of diving centers

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My first impression of Koh Phangan

When I arrive in the harbor of the main village Thong Sala and the passengers of the ferry from Koh Samui have streamed out in all directions, I feel almost a little lonely. All gone, it's so quiet here, I think. Perfect for relaxation and a round Detox. As if I was stranded on Koh Phangan - and that's a good thing. In the meantime, no one is far and wide, while the midday heat is brooding over the place, the barbecues chirp and the wind rustles through the palm trees.

I travel alone and make friends immediately

I travel alone and want a real one experience adventures - and a couple of relaxing days if you have the opportunity Beach vacation spend and in the context of my Thailand diving holiday do a few last dives - I wrote separately about diving on Koh Phangan.

I see the mountain peaks covered with dense jungle, how the clouds hang between the tops of the trees, hear wild animals screaming and feel the attraction of the island. I know: I have arrived here, I want to stay here. In our Travelogue From Koh Phangan we introduce you to the most important places and sights of the island. 

Travel report Koh Phangan - the most important things in brief

Before I go into more detail in the further course of my travel report Koh Phangan, I have put together the most important information about the beautiful island for you in advance. It's a popular tourist destination, and for good reason - the island is home to dense jungle, spectacular waterfalls, Buddhist temples and plenty of authenticity. However, once a month thousands of party-hungry tourists flock to the island to attend the legendary Full Moon Party.

If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Koh Phangan is the perfect place for you. The island is home to some of Thailand's most beautiful beaches and a number of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. In this travel report we take you on a tour of the island, introduce you to the most popular sights and give you valuable tips for your next vacation.

How long should you stay on Koh Phangan?

There is no definitive answer to this question because it depends on what you want to get out of your trip. If you're just interested in partying, a few days should be enough. However, if you want to explore the island and experience everything it has to offer, we recommend staying at least a week.

If you plan to attend the Full Moon Party, consider arriving a few days early to get settled in and avoid the crowds. The party usually takes place on the night of the full moon, but celebrations begin on the day of the new moon and continue for several days afterward.

What is there to do on Koh Phangan?

There is no shortage of activities on Koh Phangan. Besides the world famous Full Moon Party, the island offers a wide range of activities for all types of travellers. Here are some of the most popular things to do on Koh Phangan:

• Visit one of the many Buddhist temples on the island
• Go for a swim in one of the many waterfalls
• Take a hike through the jungle
• Snorkel or dive offshore
• Relax on one of the many beaches

Where is the most beautiful part of Koh Phangan?

In my opinion, the area around Haad Yao Beach is the most beautiful on Koh Phangan. But basically all areas of the island are beautiful. So it all depends on what you're looking for. If you want to experience the full moon party, you should stay in Haad Rin. If you want to avoid the crowds, we recommend staying in one of the quieter areas like Haad Yao or Mae Haad.

You have to answer the question about the most beautiful place individually for yourself

The question of the most beautiful place on Koh Phangan is difficult to answer because the island has many beautiful places to offer. It also depends on what you would like to see and experience. But if we had to choose one, it would be the waterfalls. Koh Phangan is home to a number of spectacular waterfalls, each more beautiful than the next.

If you are looking for a place to take a dip and cool off, we recommend Than Sadet Waterfall. This waterfall is located in the northeastern part of the island and can be reached after a short hike through the jungle.

Koh Phangan tips – the most important sights

Koh Phangan is truly a sleepy island. And you can basically quickly report on the most important sights. There are beautiful dream beaches around the island, Buddhist temples and waterfalls inside. This actually says the most important thing about the sights. But of course we have a few more Koh Phangan tips for you. 

1. Phantip night market

The Phantip Night Market in Thong Sala has been open since 12 at noon and was definitely my main food source on Koh Phangan. I went there several times a day to buy food and drinks. Tasty and günstiger you can hardly eat on the island. The place is also a meeting place for locals and expats. 

2. Thong Sala Pier

Not only ferries to Koh Phangan land at Thong Sala Pier. At the nearby promenade you can stroll on. When I was on Koh Phangan, there was a party right on the beach. In any case, it's worth stopping by once in the evening. 

3. Than Sadet Ko Pha-ngan National Park

Than Sadet-Ko Pha-ngan National Park is located in the northeast of Koh Phangan island. Than Sadet-Ko Pha-ngan is one of the most important national parks in the south of Thailand in Surat Thani Province. Basically you will find plenty of untouched nature and waterfalls in the park. You can easily reach the park by scooter via Thong Sala.  

4. Phaeng waterfall

One of the most beautiful waterfalls on Koh Phangan is the Phaeng Waterfall north of Thong Sala. The case is located in the middle of untouched nature. You can also go hiking there and reach a viewing point with a panoramic view. 

5. Slip N Fly Party

Yes, we wanted to discover Koh Phangan from its few tourist sites. But a bit of fun must be - and there is the Slip N Fly Party just right. Slipping, partying, having fun - and afterwards no longer riding the scooter yourself, but having a nice trip back to the hotel. 

6. Walking Street Thong Sala and Sunday Walking Street Market

Of course, Thong Sala, like every small village in Thailand, has a walking street for shopping. Sure, you will not find the highest quality products here, but it will be enough to browse. In addition, the Sunday Walking Street Market takes place here, but it can also be quite crowded. 

7. Buddhist temple Wat Khao Tham

Also worth seeing is the Buddhist temple Wat Khao Tham, an incredibly spectacular temple complex high on a hill with panoramic views. A place of rest and contemplation, where you can wander around wonderfully. In addition, you can expect wild monkeys and a really great view. 

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The most beautiful beaches on Koh Phangan

The paradisiacal beaches on Koh Phangan are simply the island's ultimate attraction. There are simple, beautiful bays around the island - some more, others less lonely. If you're a bit adventurous and like to crawl through a few bushes or climb over rocks, you'll definitely find secluded little beaches. We will introduce you to our beach favorites and have listed the most important “official” beaches in no particular order. 

1. Haad Yao: popular beach in the northwest

Haad Yao Beach is certainly one of the busiest and most popular beaches on Koh Phangan. That doesn't make him any less beautiful. In this bay you can lie on the beach all day, swim, bathe, snorkel and relax in a hammock. There are also a few beach bars on this stretch of beach and it is possible to get a massage. 

2. Mae Haad Beach: the land bridge

A visual treat is the Mae Haad Beach, which forms at its northern end a promontory that leads to a small island. Also the Mae Haad Beach is one busy beachwhere you can bath very well. If you go over the headland, you can go on a tour of discovery and discover the one or other bay on the small island. 

3. Secret Beach: not so secret

You do not have to be a prophet to foresee that a beach called Secret Beach can not be very secret anymore. Maybe he was once before 20 years ago Tip, The Secret Beach in the west of Koh Phangan is well visited and also has its own beach bar. However, you can go in this bay just the extra mile, left shoulder to the end of the bay, climb over some rocks and across a thick shrubbery and reaches a really little visited beach section (see photo). 

4. Chaloklum Beach

To the north is the village of Chaloklum. In the long and busy bay Chaloklum Beach you will also find numerous beautiful stretches of beach, where you can discover a particularly shallow sloping beach. Overall, quite lively, but in combination with the place Chaloklum quite worth visiting. 

5. Bottle Beach

The journey to Bottle Beach is more than adventurous. The beach is basically relatively close to Chaloklum. You can take a deadly path north-east of Chaloklum to get to this beach in a walk of several hours. You can also arrive by car or scooter. To get to Bottle Beach, however, you have to drive around the island completely in the opposite direction. And not only that: At the level of Ao Thong Nai Pan Beach, the route to Bottle Beach becomes really adventurous.

Far more than ten percent gradient on a really bad gravel road. I practically slid down the slope on the scooter and later crawled back up because driving is out of the question. For the effort, you get access to a gorgeous dream beach — which, however, is disproportionately built up with bungalows and resorts. As an alternative for the less adventurous, you can simply visit the nearby Ao Thong Nai Pan Beach - it's just a little less lonely and remote. 

6. More beaches on Koh Phangan

On Koh Phangan there are a lot of picturesque beaches, all of which could serve as postcard motifs. In addition to the already mentioned bays, there are many other beaches to visit. You can party at the Haad Rin especially well, here also the Full Moon parties take place. Sunsets in turn can be seen on Salad Beach - the beach could also be called Sunset Beach. And as mentioned, you can also go on a discovery tour and search your own personal dream beach on Koh Phangan. 

Overview – the most beautiful beaches of Koh Phangan

Haad Rin

• special feature: Known for its full moon party and lively nightlife.
• Tip: Attend the Full Moon Party, but remember to act sustainably and responsibly.

Haad Yuan Beach

• special feature: Secluded, quiet beach with fine white sand.
• Tip: Ideal for relaxation away from the crowds.

Srithanu Beach

• special feature: A tranquil area popular with yogis and wellness enthusiasts.
• Tip: Try a yoga session on the beach.

Haad Thong Reng

• special feature: A secluded paradise, often less crowded.
• Tip: Perfect for a quiet beach day.

Mae Haad Beach

• special feature: Known for the sandy strip of land leading to Ko Ma Island.
• Tip: Walk to Ko Ma Island at low tide.

Haad Than Sadet Beach

• special feature: Home to the famous Than Sadet National Park.
• Tip: Visit Than Sadet Waterfall nearby.

Salad Beach

• special feature: A family-friendly beach with calm waters.
• Tip: Ideal for snorkeling beginners.

Thong Nai Pan Beach

• special feature: A bay with two beaches – Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai.
• Tip: Rent a kayak and explore the bay.

Haad Yao

• special feature: Long, white sandy beach with numerous accommodation options.
• Tip: Enjoy the sunset from one of the beach bars.

Chaloklum Beach

• special feature: A fishing village beach with a calm ambience.
• Tip: Try fresh seafood at one of the local restaurants.

Bottle Beach

• special feature: Accessible by boat, known for its isolation.
• Tip: Spend a day in one of the beach huts and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Ban Chalok Lam

• special feature: A traditional fishing village with a rustic charm.
• Tip: Rent a fishing boat and explore the surrounding area.

Tong Sala Beach

• special feature: Capital of Koh Phangan with a busy harbor.
• Tip: Shop at the local night market.

Haad Son Secret Beach

• special feature: A small, hidden beach, often less crowded.
• Tip: Ideal for couples looking for romance.

Ko ma

• special feature: A small island connected to Mae Haad Beach.
• Tip: A snorkeling paradise, so bring your gear!

Secret Beach

• special feature: Also known as “Haad Son”, offers crystal clear water.
• Tip: A great place to relax and read.

Ao Thong Nai Pan

• special feature: One of the larger bays on Koh Phangan.
• Tip: Stay overnight and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.

Zen Beach

• special feature: A quiet beach known for its yoga community.
• Tip: Participate in a morning meditation on the beach.

Leisure activities on Koh Phangan

Although Koh Phangan is a sleepy little nest, you can do a great deal on the island so you will not be bored. The emphasis is clearly on nature, but for those who want more action and party is guaranteed the right recreational activity on Koh Phangan here. We introduce you to some of the best activities. 

1. Diving and snorkeling

You should not go on a vacation on Koh Phangan without at least once Diving or try snorkeling on vacation. The Gulf of Thailand is an incredibly beautiful marine area and as soon as you put your head under the water you will discover an incredible number of fish, corals and all kinds of sea creatures.

Diving as a leisure activity is so important on the island that we have a separate article about it Diving on Koh Phangan Have written. Maybe you could think about learning to dive on Koh Phangan. Otherwise, just rent a mask, snorkel and fins and paddle off from the beach. 

2. Go by scooter

You will definitely find a rental place for one in your town on Koh Phangan or possibly directly in your hotel scooter. As is the case throughout Thailand, this is the preferred means of transport. You can discover the entire island by scooter. Because Koh Phangan is not overly large, you can theoretically do a complete island tour in a single day. 

3. Hiking on Koh Phangan

On Koh Phangan there are waterfalls everywhere and a lot of dense jungle. Depending on how good your circulation is Hiking In the tropical climate, you can march through the rainforest in many parts of the island and you will also discover one or the other spectacular viewpoint in the mountainous regions. If you are traveling by scooter, you can dose the hiking trails relatively well, because most of the routes can also be covered motorized with the manoeuvrable two-wheeler. 

4. Stand up paddling and kite surfing on Koh Phangan

Southeast of Thong Sala you will find optimal conditions for kiting and accordingly there are several kite schools where you can get equipment or take courses. Stand Up Paddling again, you can go anywhere around the island. Wasseersport offers are actually found on every beach. SUP is of course a lot of fun in such a heavenly location. It's also very exciting what can swim under your board - turtles and sharks under the SUP board are not uncommon. And because the beach is so shallow and shallow, you can do very well on Koh Phangan Stand Up Paddling for beginners try out. 

5. Party on Koh Phangan

Even if the island looks so sleepy at first glance, you can celebrate wonderful parties on Koh Phangan. Especially popular is the Full Moon Party, for which tourists from all over Thailand flock to the island once a month. But there are also waterfall parties on a regular basis and in some places like Haad Rin is party every night anyway. In Thong Sala on the arterial road to Haad Rin is a hostel, where every evening the mail goes off. In addition, the Slip N fly parties are announced, where there are splashing, water slides and lots of alcohol in combination. For those who prefer a little more civilized, there are often live concerts and live music on the beach. 

Hotels and Resorts on Koh Phangan

Mine too Hotel on Koh Phangan - the Sun Moon Star Resort - which I found based on positive reviews on the Internet, turns out to be a good idea: the bungalow complex is brand new and is lovingly run by the owners. The ladies are absolutely helpful in looking after the guests. My bungalow is huge and from the large terrace I don't have a view of the sea, but at least I can see a pretty garden. It's quiet on Koh Phangan - not just because it's low season (November), but because the island is a little sleepy. No party island, as is claimed everywhere on the internet, no booming bass until the early hours of the morning - wonderful!

Haad Yao Beach is just a few minutes' walk away: A white one Dream beach with very fine grains of sand and crystal clear, greenish water that feels lukewarm like a bathtub. Here you can lie on the beach and splash around for hours without being disturbed by mass tourists or vendors. I feel like the island is mine - because obviously no one else wants it outside of the full moon party week. What a paradise this island is – and I felt like I had it all to myself. 

When the fog of the full moon party week has lifted and the drinking, shouting hordes have moved on to Koh Tao, the island will shine again in the splendor of the old backpacker days, as I am told. If you want, you can get a hut with a fan on the beach from 400 baht per night during this time.

At least in the places that are far from the trendy Hat Rin beach. But even in Hat Rin the bungalow is available for 1000 baht a night outside of the full moon week. You can stay a little longer to soak up the ambience of the sleepy, sweet island.

Restaurants on Koh Phangan

Just like in many places in Thailand, you can eat fantastically on Koh Phangan. You can find Thai food on every corner. The central food intake point on the island is the Food Market in Thong Sala. There, locals, expats and holidaymakers gather all day long to eat together at the numerous stalls.

I googled Mama Pooh's Kitchen on the internet – according to reviews, one of the best restaurants on the island. It was also really tasty – friendly staff and Mama Pooh included. Otherwise you will find great restaurants everywhere along the way - you should simply look and try out where it is particularly delicious and find your personal favourite. 

For whom is Koh Phangan suitable as a holiday destination?

All in all, Koh Phangan says goodbye to the swirling hordes and is increasingly becoming a hotbed for those looking for relaxation, ready to pay more for more comfort. On the island arise more and more luxury resorts, which boast infinity pools and personal butlers rather than buckets of beer.

vacationers who Rest and want peace should be addressed more and more. Remote Thong Nai Pan Noi already feels like a miniature version of Ko Samui, with its elegant resorts and rows of pillow-clad beach loungers.

The beach of Thong Nai Pan Noi is also much harder to reach and only after a long tour across the island. New premium resorts sprout up everywhere on the island. Like a sword of Damocles hovering over the construction of the island airport on Koh Phangan, with the masses of tourists could flow to the island and the appearance of Koh Phangan would change fundamentally. But it is not that far yet.

And so Koh Phangan can still maintain its unmistakable charm outside of the full moon, with a jungle-covered and undiscovered inland and many beautiful, secluded coves and beaches where travelers can almost alone look out over the sea and take in this wonderful island.

The most important travel information on Koh Phangan

We give you the most important travel information about Koh Phangan - from the best time to travel to the best way to get there. We also have a number of high quality and reputable ones Tour operators and travel agents for you where you can book a Koh Phang trip. 

Koh Phangan: Getting from Phuket or Bangkok

I am flying from Phuket to Koh Samui with the regional airline Bangkok Airways. To be honest, at first I wasn't very enthusiastic about flying with such a small propeller plane. However, I am quickly reassured after it becomes clear that Bangkok Airways has been named regional airline of the year 2014. Everything is great: the plane is brand new and the service is above average.

Arrival by ship from Koh Samui

The island can be wonderfully controlled by several investors on Koh Samui. The Big Buddha Pier is just five minutes from Samui International Airport, and from here, the 30 minute crossing is also particularly short. The short tour costs around the 300 Baht (7,40 Euro). Seatran's boats depart twice a day at 8 and 13.30 to Koh Phangan.

The most frequented ship is the Haad Rin Queen between Koh Samui at Big Buddha Pier or Bang Rak and the fullmoon party place Rin Beach on Koh Phangan, four times a day at 10.30, 13, 16 and 18.30. The opposite direction is driven by 9.30 clock, 11.40 clock, 14.30 clock and 17.30 clock.

An alternative to this route is the Lomprayah shipping company's modern catamarans departing from Lomprayah Pier on Maenam Beach. Also, this pier is not too far from Koh Samui Airport. From here, the ships commute between Koh Samui and the Thongsala Pier of the island's capital twice a day - at 8 o'clock and at 12.30 o'clock. To Koh Phangan the ferry also takes about 20 minutes. The prices are similar to the other route: 250 to 300 Baht (6,20 to 7,40 Euro).

Best time to go to Koh Phangan

You can basically visit Koh Phangan all year round - with relatively constant temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, the island is a great travel destination for spring, summer, autumn and winter. Outside the best travel time, you generally have to expect more changeable weather, rain and, above all, higher temperatures.

From April to September it gets humid and hot on the island. The best time for Koh Phangan is from the end of December, January, February to the end of March. We were there in November when the monsoon was just ending. At this time there were still some heavy showers, but also a lot of sun. 

Climate table: Best travel time for Koh Phangan

Month	high (in degrees Celsius)	Rainydays	Hours of sunshine	water temperature
January	31,3	7	4	27
February	32,6	3	5	27
March	34,1	5	4	28
April	35,1	8	5	29
May	34	18	5	29
June	33,4	17	3	29
July	32,9	20	3	28
August	32,8	18	3	28
September	32,6	21	2	28
October	31,6	23	3	28
November	30,3	20	3	28
December	29,9	14	4	27

FAQs Koh Phangan - the most important questions and answers about Koh Phangan

I have put together the most important questions and answers about Koh Phangan for you.

Travel destinations in Thailand – We have already seen a lot of places on our tour

After several weeks of traveling around Thailand, I came to Koh Phangan to relax again before returning to Germany. discovered the real and authentic side of Koh Phangan. After a few relaxing days on the holiday island of Phuket, I need a complete change of scenery.

I've been in Thailand for more than two weeks and have already experienced a lot: First we were on the small dream island Koh Lipe with beautiful beaches in the very south of Thailand on the border with Malaysia. Koh Lipe is a small paradise that is still relatively unfrequented.

Then it went in the opposite direction Thailand liveaboard with the Liveaboard Genesis I to the Similan Islands, Surin Islands and the famous dive site Richelieu Rock, which Jacques Costeau once discovered. We have experienced great adventures in Thailand so far - but now I need another change of scenery and the Gulf of Thailand with its islands Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao differs significantly from the region along the Andaman Sea.

This has its own microclimate and different rainy seasons than the region in the west around Phuket. The wildlife in Thailand is still really diverse in Koh Phangan. Especially when diving at Sail Rock you can Thailand sharks, whale sharks, barracus and many other sea creatures. And on land, a rainforest full of surprises awaits: birds, lizards, monkeys and snakes can be found in the untouched nature. There is life everywhere in the jungle.

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Travel report Koh Phangan - the island of longing won't let you go

My conclusion

The only bad thing about the Koh Phangan phenomenon is that the island doesn't let go of you so quickly once you've been there. You have seen paradise - and then you have to leave again. For this you take unforgettable things in your bag Memories with you home. The small island in the Gulf of Thailand is a paradise - dream beaches, delicious food, good accommodation and incredibly hospitable people.

I have visited many destinations and seen a lot, but this island is really a special case. I will definitely come back - and then definitely stay longer - maybe a whole winter - or ideally several winters. 

The trip to Koh Phangan is a private and fully paid holiday. Accordingly, you can be sure that we have put together all travel information according to our own impressions and best knowledge and conscience. 

Travel Report Koh Phangan - Have you already been to the small island or are you planning a trip? Which places have you visited in Thailand? Share your experiences in the comments.