Island of full moon parties with a tranquil atmosphere – jungle coves, yoga shalas and Bottle Beach
The offer data was updated on October 28, 2026.
Via Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has two distinct faces that barely overlap on the map. In the southeast lies Haad Rin, home of the Full Moon Party, the all-night beach party that attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year. Meanwhile, there have been spin-offs like the Half Moon and Jungle. The rest of the island, especially the west and north coasts, is among the quietest corners of Thailand: The area around Sritanu has become a popular center for yoga and wellness, the twin bays of Thong Nai Pan are reminiscent of Samui thirty years ago, and Bottle Beach is still only accessible by boat or after a strenuous jungle trek.
Haad Rin is Samui's wilder, greener neighbor, larger than it appears, with a dense jungle interior full of waterfalls and viewpoints, and a ring of beaches whose energy diminishes the further you travel from the island. Partygoers and those seeking tranquility share the island, and the choice of coastline determines the entire vacation. The boat trip from Samui takes only half an hour, making the island an easy addition to any holiday.
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Visitor information
Avoid: October – December (Gulf monsoon, wettest in November)
Weather on Koh Phangan by month: Rainfall, temperatures and humidity
Peak: Full moon nights & December – January
Ferries and speedboats operate from Koh Samui (20–60 mins, 200–500 baht) and from Surat Thani (city, train station, and airport) with combination tickets (2.5–4.5 hours). Catamarans operated by Lomprayah and Seatran connect Chumphon via Koh Tao. There is no airport on Koh Samui. Koh Samui Airport is the nearest airport and is only a boat ride away.
Accommodation in Koh Phangan
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Explore Koh Phangan by category
Are you looking for a clear, itinerary-style list instead? Start with our "Things to Do in Koh Phangan" guide, then come back here to browse all entries by category.
Koh Phangan offers 162 carefully selected locations in 9 categories. Choose from 20 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 24 restaurants and eateries. Visit 16 temples and cultural sites. Explore 17 beaches and islands. Book from 21 activities and tours.
Browse the categories below or scroll down to see the top deals in each category. Every offer includes Google reviews from verified visitors, pricing information, and, where available, direct booking links.
The best hotels in Koh Phangan
My hotel selection in Koh Phangan, in every price category, is based on Google's hotel classification. My top 10 hotels are displayed first, followed by the highest-rated ones. Each button takes you directly to the hotel's page on Booking.com, where your travel dates are already entered.
Hotels & Resorts
Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa
Panviman Resort
Cocohut Beach Resort
Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
Restaurants & Food
Phangan Food Court
Phangan Sunset Bar & Restaurant
Secret beach: Lost 'N Found Beach Bar
Sand & Tan
Temples and Culture
Wat Maduea Wan
Wat Phu Khao Noi
Wat Pa Saengtham
Wat Khao Tham
beaches
Thong Nai Pan
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
Haad Rin
Zen beach
Markets & Shopping
Pantip Market
Big C Market Koh Pha-ngan
Night market, Café “Vintage”
Koh Phangan pedestrian zone
Activities & Tours
Phangan Zipline – Fly with us!
Phaeng Noi waterfall Koh Phangan
Phasawan viewpoint
Sailing Rock Diver
Nightlife & Bars
OXA - Jungle Party
Amsterdam Bar
420 Club Phangan
2C Bar
Wellness & Spas
Wonderland Healing House
Pure Relax Massage & Spa
Lavella Spa
Siam Heritage, Massage
transport
Echo Travel, Baan Tai Pier
Arrival in Koh Phangan and onward travel
Arrival
Further from Koh Phangan
Live departures from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan with 12GoEvery on the route within Thailand in comparison
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Frequently asked questions about Koh Phangan
Via Koh Samui (ferries depart approximately hourly from Nathon, Maenam, and Bangrak, 30–60 minutes) or directly from Surat Thani with a combined bus and ferry ticket (2.5–4.5 hours, depending on the departure point). From Bangkok, the classic route is a night train or bus to Surat Thani followed by a morning ferry. The fastest option is to fly to Koh Samui and take the ferry.
Every full moon, a spectacular festival takes place at Haad Rin Sunrise Beach, though the date occasionally shifts by a day due to Buddhist holidays. Please check the current calendar before booking. Expect a beach entrance fee of 100–200 baht, crowded boats from Samui, and accommodations in Haad Rin that require a minimum stay of several nights around this time. If you're looking for peace and quiet, you'll hardly notice the hustle and bustle on the west coast. However, if you want to experience the vibrant atmosphere, it's best to book Haad Rin weeks in advance.
Haad Rin is known for its nightlife; Thong Sala and the nearby west coast (Sritanu, Haad Yao) offer yoga, sunsets, and long, tranquil beaches; Thong Nai Pan in the northeast boasts the most beautiful resort bays. The roads to the north and east cross steep hills, which is something to keep in mind before renting a scooter to explore the island daily.
No, most of the island is completely different. Outside of Haad Rin, you'll find wellness centers, family resorts, secluded beaches in the north, and a jungle area with waterfalls. Many visitors come specifically for the spa facilities and never see a beach bar. The party happens on one beach, once a month. The remaining 95% of the island is unique.
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