Koh Phangan Travel Guide: Located between Koh Tao and Koh Samui, Koh Phangan is famous for its Full Moon Party (fullmoonparty-thailand.com), which takes place on Hat Rin Beach during the full moon. Many partygoers flock there these days, while others who appreciate the island for its many other attractions avoid the spot during the full moon. Koh Phangan's beaches are every bit as beautiful as those of its neighboring islands. With its forests, waterfalls, and temples (some located in caves), Koh Phangan has much to offer. Less crowded than Koh Samui and Koh Tao (apart from the Full Moon Parties), Koh Phangan is particularly popular with backpackers. At low tide, especially from June to September, swimming is difficult except at Thong Nai Pan Noi beach. Haad Salad, Bootle Beach, and the area around Koh Ma are the best snorkeling spots. Koh Phangan is close to two of Thailand's best dive sites, Sail Rock and Chumphon Pinnacle, as well as the Ang Thong Marine National Park. October and November are particularly rainy months in Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and Samui. Therefore, it's recommended to choose other months of the year for your visit. All information about getting around on Koh Phangan can be found in our section "Getting Around on Koh Phangan".

Accommodation on Koh Phangan: The Full Moon Party takes place in Haad Rin on Koh Phangan, so naturally, most hotels and guesthouses are located there. Haad Rin is known for its huge crowds and offers the most dorm rooms in all of Thailand. If you want to experience the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, booking a room well in advance is essential. Hotels and accommodations on the island are absolutely packed during the party, and room rates are often higher. Outside of party times, it's much easier to find a room on Koh Phangan, and the island is considerably quieter. The cheapest guesthouses are located in Thong Sala, but the beach there isn't suitable for swimming. There are also some nice and affordable resorts further inland. A scooter is recommended for exploring Koh Phangan. However, be careful: the roads, which go up and down hills, can be very treacherous and dangerous, especially during the Full Moon Party, as you might encounter drunk drivers. Which beach is best for your stay on Koh Phangan? Every beach on Koh Phangan has its own unique atmosphere: Find out which beach suits your budget and preferences, and learn about its advantages and disadvantages. Map. Check out our Koh Phangan beach guide. Find accommodation on Koh Phangan. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB from 300 to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // Prices not available in the city selection are retained ("All prices are now only available") function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for(var i=0;i<categories.options.length;i++) { var val=categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled=!(val=="all" || val=="-" || (Math.pow(2,parseInt(val,10))&price)); } } (function() { var forms=document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form=forms[forms.length-1]; if(form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Koh Phangan. Thong Nai Pan Beach Residence Hotel in Koh Phangan, Location: Thong Nai Pan Yai & Nai Pan Noi (9.2/10) Book now More details Bluerama Hotel in Koh Phangan, Location: Ao Wok Tum (8.8/10) Book now More details Palita Lodge Hotel in Koh Phangan, Location: Haad Rin (8.6/10) Book now More details Milky Bay Resort Hotel in Koh Phangan, Location: Ao Ban Tai (8/10) Book now More details Castaway Beach Bungalows Hotel in Koh Phangan, Location: Ao Wok Tum (9.0/10) Book now More details Silan Residence Koh Phangan Hotel in Koh Phangan, Location: Chaloklum (9/10) Book now More details Seacroft Bamboo Village Hotel in Koh Phangan, Location: Ao Wok Tum (9.0/10) Book now More details arrow_circle_right View all accommodations in Koh Phangan

Practical information about Koh Phangan: You can reach the island either by boat from Chumphon or Surat Thani, or by flying to Koh Samui and taking the ferry from there to Koh Phangan. Note that some bus companies, especially those to or from Bangkok, offer combined bus and ferry tickets (you can book tickets online here). However, be careful, as valuables are frequently stolen from luggage during ferry crossings or on night buses.

How do you get to Koh Phangan? You can reach Koh Phangan either by boat from Chumphon or Surat Thani (Donsak Pier), or by flying to Koh Samui and taking the ferry from there. Note that some companies offer combined bus and ferry tickets departing from Khao San Road, the Southern Bus Station, or the Pinklao Terminal (book online HERE). However, be careful, as thefts occasionally occur on these buses at night. You can also create your own flight combination from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then take the ferry to Koh Phangan. A route via Nakhon Si Thammarat is also possible, but less convenient. Alternatively, you can travel via Chumphon, but the boat trip takes significantly longer. From Surat Thani, ferries depart from Donsak, which is about 1.5 hours by bus from the city, train station, or airport. The combination of plane, bus, and ferry via Surat Thani is often popular with travelers as it offers a good compromise between price and travel time. Flights to Koh Samui are expensive compared to other domestic flights in Thailand because Samui Airport is owned by Bangkok Airways, which holds a monopoly there and wants to operate it profitably. Boats run almost hourly between Koh Samui and Koh Tao to Koh Phangan. From Koh Samui, especially if you want to go to Haad Rin Beach, I recommend the boat trip from Big Buddha Pier. Please note that the direct flight from Chiang Mai to Surat Thani with Air Asia changes its schedule approximately once a year. If the flight departs in the late afternoon, a connecting ferry to Koh Phangan is no longer possible. The best way to get from Chiang Mai to Koh Phangan—unless you plan to stay overnight in Surat Thani—is to take a flight with a layover in Bangkok. Allow plenty of time between your two flights and choose a flight from Bangkok that departs from the same airport as your destination airport in Chiang Mai (there are more connections from Don Mueang). I would say you should allow about 2.5 hours between the two flights if you don't change airports. If you're flying with the same airline, your luggage won't be transferred. You'll have to collect it yourself and check it in again for your connecting flight. View all travel options to Koh Phangan

What's the best way to get around Koh Phangan? Songthaews (shared taxis) are the most popular mode of transport on Koh Phangan and can be quite expensive, especially if you're traveling alone or without passengers. You can hail them on the street or find them in Thong Sala, either on the main road or at the roundabout in front of the docks. There are several routes depending on your destination, but they all go to Thong Sala, the island's capital, and stop there. Alternatively, there are some motorbike taxis, but the best way to explore Koh Phangan is by rented scooter. There are numerous scooter rental companies. Always check the condition of the scooter before riding and take photos to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Full Moon Party: This festival usually takes place several times a year. More about the Full Moon Party

Other sights on Koh Phangan: Wat Khao Tham (5 stars), a small temple on a hill, is particularly appealing for its peaceful atmosphere amidst the trees and the beautiful views of the surrounding area, especially at sunset. It also serves as a meditation center and regularly welcomes foreign visitors. Wat Pho (5 stars), with its small herbal sauna, is open every afternoon. Entry costs only 10 baht. The temple itself is rather unassuming. Phaeng Waterfall (5 stars) is the most impressive waterfall on Koh Phangan. It is located in Thansadej National Park, but at the end of the dry season, it carries very little water and is considerably less impressive. A visit is therefore recommended earlier in the season or during the rainy season. The giant tree Yang Na Yai on Koh Phangan (5 stars) is not an absolute must-see, but if you visit the herbal sauna at Wat Pho, it is not far away (less than a 5-minute walk) and is truly impressive. Wang Sai Waterfall (★) A lesser-known waterfall on Koh Phangan, it offers ample water for swimming year-round thanks to an artificial pond. There's also a recreation center with an amber tree. Wat Thong Nai Pan (★) This small temple is well worth a visit, especially if you're staying at Thong Nai Pan Beach. Its chedi was built from thousands of empty beer bottles. The light filtering through the colored glass inside is simply breathtaking! The temple is located at the end of the beach and is easily accessible on foot. Koh Tae Nai (★) Koh Tae Nai is a small, uninhabited island just a 5- to 10-minute boat ride from Koh Phangan. With its pristine nature, a beautiful sandbar, and a square lake, it's a popular destination for kayakers, especially at sunset.

How do you ask for directions to Koh Phangan in Thai? I want to go to Koh Phangan / Yak pai thi Koh Phangan. Where is Koh Phangan? / Koh Phangan yu thi nai?