The Party Island in Thailand
Key Takeaways
Koh Phangan is the most famous Thai island for its Full Moon Party. But it also offers deserted beaches in the north (Bottle Beach), dense jungle, Buddhist temples, and yoga retreats. Allow 5 to 7 days to explore it outside of the party scene.
In a previous article, I told you about the Full Moon Party on the island of Koh Phangan! In this article, I will describe the other activities on this island which is not just the party island in Thailand or the places to party in Thailand!
Koh Phangan is one of the central islands of Thailand; the other two main islands are Koh Tao and Koh Samui!
  ;Getting to Koh Phangan
Several options are possible but you will have to take the boat:Indeed, there is no airport on the island; the nearest airport is on Koh Samui, 30 minutes by boat from Koh Phangan, so it is very easy to get there!
The island has a port that serves the central islands! It is very easy to get to the two neighboring islands, so there are several ways to reach these islands!
Did you know?
Koh Phangan means “island of sands” in Thai. It covers 168 km² and has about 12,000 permanent residents. During the high season, its population can triple due to tourism and spiritual retreats.
Take the bus to Chumphon or Surat Thani.
Otherwise, the other choice would be to fly to Koh Samui and then take the boat!
My experience
Beyond the Full Moon, Koh Phangan hosts one of the largest yoga and meditation communities in Asia. In Sri Thanu, you meet more yoga teachers than in Ubud (Bali). It’s the other, lesser-known face of the island.
The island has several ports, including one that allows travel from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan in 30 minutes and is located on the south of the island on Haad Rin beach!
  ;Activities in Koh Phangan
The island is very close to Koh Tao, so it is possible to do diving excursions on the island!
Advantages
- Beautiful beaches in the north (Bottle, Mae Haad)
- Very active yoga community
- Low cost of living
- Snorkeling at Koh Ma
- More authentic atmosphere than Koh Samui
Disadvantages
- Very rough roads (risky scooter rides)
- Haad Rin overcrowded during the Full Moon
- Limited ferries off-season
- South beaches sometimes polluted
- Humid climate during monsoon (Oct-Dec)
| Area | Style |
|---|---|
| Haad Rin | Party, Full Moon Party |
| Sri Thanu | Yoga, meditation |
| Thong Sala | Hub, day market |
| Chaloklum | Authentic, fishermen |
| Bottle Beach | Secluded beach, quiet |
It is also possible to rent a scooter given the size of the island and the traffic! It is very easy to drive there unlike in Bangkok or Chiang Mai! In fact, it was the first time I drove a scooter by myself! It was a great memory! Wearing a helmet is mandatory but it’s up to you!
If you’re interested, you can explore the various waterfalls or water spots on Koh Phangan, it’s not amazing but quite nice and fun!
The classic trap to avoid
Do not rent a scooter in Koh Phangan without prior experience. The roads are very steep and damaged, many accidents occur each year. Hospitals are basic. Prefer songthaews (shared taxis) for long distances.
You can also ride on elephants’ backs or feed elephants!
Another activity I discovered in Koh Phangan is a snorkeling spot, meaning “mask and snorkel,” located in the northwest of the island very close to the place called Koh Mo where you will find a great diversity of fish due to an area with corals! Koh is a near-island you can walk to depending on the tides!
Other readings that follow the same logic: our review of the full moon party which sets the tone, the practical guide on choosing to leave for concrete details, and finally small paradise island if you want to continue the reflection.
If you liked the other side of the party island in Thailand, find other articles about Thailand here!
How to get to Koh Phangan?
Flight Bangkok-Koh Samui (1h), then ferry to Koh Phangan (30-45 min). Companies: Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry.
How many days in Koh Phangan?
5 to 7 days outside Full Moon. 3 days for the party + 2 days rest.
What is the best season?
December to April: dry weather, calm sea. October-November: monsoon, to avoid.
