KOH PHANGAN
Koh Phangan is the iconic tropical paradise where spiritual wellness meets world-famous, high-energy parties. It’s an island sanctuary blending pristine, secluded beaches with lush, mountainous jungle.
This Gulf of Thailand gem offers a unique dichotomy: a haven for yoga, detox, and meditation retreats contrasting with the legendary Full Moon Party on Haad Rin. It truly is an island for every traveler.
Most Popular Attractions
Iconic Parties & Nightlife:
Full Moon Party (Haad Rin Nok): The legendary, world-famous monthly beach party drawing tens of thousands of revellers for an all-night electronic music festival.
Half Moon Festival (Baan Tai Jungle): A massive, twice-monthly jungle party known for its psychedelic décor, visual effects, and trance/house music.
Black Moon Culture (Mac’s Bay, Baan Tai): A once-monthly event focusing on trance music, held on the beach between the Half Moon and Full Moon dates.
Waterfall Party (Baan Kai Jungle): An intense jungle rave held in a natural setting near a waterfall, featuring international DJs.
Loi Lay Floating Bar (Baan Tai Pier): A unique, chilled-out bar set on a floating pontoon, perfect for sunset drinks and Sunday parties.
Natural Wonders & Beaches:
Mae Haad Beach & Koh Ma: A stunning beach connected to the small, uninhabited island of Koh Ma by a picturesque sandbar at low tide; excellent for snorkeling.
Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat): A secluded bay accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, renowned for its crystal-clear water and quiet atmosphere.
Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach): The quieter side of the Haad Rin peninsula, offering spectacular sunset views over Koh Samui.
Thong Nai Pan Noi & Yai: Two beautiful, relatively upscale twin bays on the north-east coast, known for soft sand and tranquil resorts.
Haad Yuan: A peaceful, isolated beach bay with a bohemian atmosphere, accessible by long-tail boat from Haad Rin.
Haad Salad: A calm bay on the northwest coast, perfect for swimming and relaxation, with a quintessential Thai beach vibe.
Phaeng Waterfall (Than Sadet National Park): The island’s largest waterfall, with a short hike leading to natural pools and the Domesila Viewpoint.
Culture, Spirituality & Wellness:
Kuan Yin Chinese Temple (Goddess of Mercy Shrine): A richly decorated temple on a hillside near Chaloklum, offering panoramic views of the bay.
Wat Phu Khao Noi: The oldest temple on the island, situated on a small mountain near Thong Sala, offering a peaceful setting for reflection.
Wat Pho & Herbal Sauna (Baan Tai): A local temple famous for its traditional Thai herbal sauna, a great spot for detox and relaxation.
Wat Khao Tham: A temple known for its popular 10-day Vipassana meditation retreats and hillside views.
Thong Sala Night Market (Phantip Market): The main market in the capital, Thong Sala, bustling every evening with incredible Thai street food stalls.
Zen Beach (Haad Yao Area): A popular gathering spot for hippies, yogis, and musicians, famous for its communal sunset rituals and drum circles.
Activities & Viewpoints:
Khao Ra Peak Hike: A challenging trek to the island’s highest point (627m), rewarding hikers with the best panoramic views.
Amsterdam Bar: A legendary hilltop bar on the west coast, known for having one of the absolute best spots for watching the sunset.
Slip N Fly: A unique, adrenaline-pumping water park attraction featuring a giant slide that propels riders high into the air.
420 Club Phangan (formerly Three Sixty Bar): A stunning viewpoint bar near Mae Haad, offering fantastic views of Koh Ma and the sunset.
Muay Thai Training: Numerous gyms offer drop-in sessions or full courses in Thailand’s national sport, popular in the Baan Tai area.
Ang Thong National Marine Park Tour: A popular day trip by speedboat to an archipelago of 42 limestone islands with dramatic cliffs and an emerald lagoon.
Activities & Experiences
Attend the Full Moon Party (or a different-phase party): Experience the world-famous, all-night beach party on Haad Rin, or try one of the other themed parties like the Half Moon Festival, Jungle Experience, or Eden Garden.
Take a Day Trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park: Join a boat tour to explore this stunning archipelago of 42 islands, offering fantastic snorkeling, kayaking, and a hike to the Emerald Lake viewpoint.
Explore the Island by Motorbike: Rent a scooter (ensure you’re an experienced rider) to discover the island’s many secluded beaches, waterfalls, and panoramic viewpoints at your own pace. Daily rental is around $4-$8 USD.
Hike to Khao Ra Viewpoint: Trek to the highest point on the island for a rewarding panoramic view of the coastline and lush jungle. The hike usually takes 2-3 hours round trip.
Join a Yoga or Wellness Retreat: Immerse yourself in the island’s renowned holistic scene, especially in the Srithanu area, with classes, sound healing sessions, or a multi-day detox program.
Learn to Scuba Dive or Snorkel at Sail Rock: Book a dive trip to Sail Rock, considered one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand, or snorkel the coral reefs at Mae Haad/Koh Ma or Haad Yao.
Take a Traditional Thai Cooking Class: Master the preparation of classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice from a local chef.
Relax or Sunbathe at Secluded Bottle Beach: Take a long-tail boat taxi or hike to this stunning, isolated cove of white sand and clear blue water in the north of the island.
Watch a Sunset at a Viewpoint Bar: Grab a drink and a prime spot at a famous sunset bar like Amsterdam Bar or Three Sixty Bar for breathtaking views over the Gulf of Thailand.
Learn Muay Thai: Sign up for a beginner’s lesson or a multi-day training camp to learn Thailand’s national sport from experienced trainers.
Stroll and Feast at Thong Sala Night Markets: Explore the Phantip Night Market or the Saturday Night Market/Walking Street in Thong Sala for incredibly diverse, authentic, and affordable Thai street food.
Local Tips & Transport
Motorbike/Scooter Rental: This is the most popular and cheapest way to get around, with rentals around $4-$8 USD per day. Caution is paramount; the roads are steep, winding, and sometimes unpaved. Only rent if you have experience and always wear a helmet.
Songthaews (Shared Taxi Trucks): These are the main form of public transport—covered pickup trucks with benches. They run fixed routes and can be flagged down. Always agree on the fare (which ranges from $3-$8 USD/person for a typical journey) before getting in, as prices are not standardized and may increase late at night or during party weeks.
Long-tail Boat Taxis: Essential for reaching some of the more remote, picturesque beaches on the east and north coasts, like Bottle Beach or Haad Yuan, which are often inaccessible by road.
No Ride-Hailing Apps: Services like Grab, Uber, or Bolt do not operate on Koh Phangan. You must rely on songthaews or private motorbike taxis.
The Island’s Dual Vibe: Koh Phangan is famous for its parties (mostly in the south, around Haad Rin), but the island also has a thriving spiritual and wellness community (predominantly on the west coast, around Srithanu). Choose your accommodation based on the experience you are seeking.
Temple Etiquette: When visiting Buddhist temples (such as Wat Phu Khao Noi or the Chinese Temple), dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and always remove your shoes before entering any temple building.
Party Safety: If attending the Full Moon Party, do not bring valuables. Store your phone and wallet securely. Be aware of your surroundings, and never accept drinks from strangers. Many attendees paint themselves with neon paint—be prepared to get some on your clothes!
The Waterfalls are Seasonal: The island’s waterfalls (like Phaeng and Than Sadet) are most impressive and best for swimming during and immediately after the rainy season (typically September-December). They can be little more than a trickle during the dry season (December-April).
Embrace Thai Street Food: The best and cheapest food is often found at the night markets or small, local stalls (Rahn Ahaan Tam Sang). A full, delicious meal can cost as little as $2-$5 USD.
Currency and ATMs: The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are widely available, but they typically charge a 220 THB (~$6 USD) foreign transaction fee per withdrawal, so it’s best to take out larger amounts at once.
Top Restaurants
LEO Thai Food [$3-$6] – A highly-regarded, no-frills family-run restaurant near the road to Haad Yao, celebrated for its authentic, generously-portioned, home-style Thai cooking.
Mama Pooh’s Kitchen [$3-$7] – Located in Sri Thanu, this small, unassuming spot is beloved for its authentic Thai dishes made with love, though service can be slow—the wait is part of the charm.
At Chiang Mai [$4-$8] – A great choice near the main road for authentic, budget-friendly Northern Thai cuisine, with the Khao Soi (curry noodle soup) being a standout specialty.
Nong View Restaurant [$3-$6] – A local Thai favorite near Baan Tai that offers a relaxed atmosphere and traditional, flavorful Thai dishes at very reasonable prices.
Mateo Muslim Restaurant [$3-$6] – A very local and simple eatery on the beach at Baan Kai known for its cheap, tasty Thai dishes, including curries and stir-fries.
Pum Pui Restaurant [$4-$8] – Loved by locals and tourists alike for its authentic Thai flavors, generous portions, and friendly service in a straightforward, casual setting.
Freeway Bar [$4-$8] – Along Hin Kong Beach, this atmospheric, chilled-out bar offers a classic backpacker vibe and simple, delicious Thai dishes perfect for a sunset meal.
Grandma’s Kitchen [$5-$9] – A cozy, family-friendly spot that serves comforting Thai food as well as some Western dishes, known for its friendly service.
Nine Restaurant & Bar [$5-$10] – A fantastic Thai restaurant praised for making patrons fall in love with curry, though all of its authentic Thai dishes are highly rated.
TUKTA THAI FOOD [$5-$10] – Known for offering authentic Thai cuisine where every dish is said to tell a story of flavor and tradition.
Pantip Night Market [$1-$5] – The central and most accessible food market in Thong Sala, offering an impressive variety of authentic street food, Thai classics, and desserts until late.
Saturday Walking Street Market [$1-$5] – A vibrant market in Thong Sala (Saturday evenings only) where you can find a huge range of Thai street food, snacks, and grilled items in a lively atmosphere.
The Local Food Stalls in Chaloklam [$2-$6] – Since Chaloklam is the island’s main fishing port, look for the small, simple stalls here for the freshest and cheapest local seafood.
The Fried Fish Stalls at Pantip Market [$3-$8] – Within the large market, look for the vendors specializing in Pla Pao (grilled fish) for a smoky, traditional Thai seafood experience.
Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar [$15-$30] – Located in Baan Tai, this long-established, slightly more high-end venue specializes in fresh local seafood with a contemporary twist, offering a great beachside dining experience.
L’Alcove [$15-$30] – A romantic, bohemian-chic bistro on Hin Kong beach offering French-Thai fusion cuisine, a great wine bar, and a perfect setting for sunset.
Beachlounge [$10-$25] – A charming beachfront restaurant in Thong Sala with a French head chef and Thai kitchen team, serving an East-meets-West blend of Thai curries, seafood, and Western specialties.
Valentino [$15-$30] – An exclusive restaurant and wine bar in Thong Nai Pan Noi offering homemade pasta, grilled fish, and New Zealand lamb in a romantic outdoor setting.
Peppercorn [$10-$20] – Located between Haad Salad and Haad Yao, this restaurant is highly recommended for its quality Western dishes, including excellent steak.
Crave [$10-$20] – A Canadian-run spot in Seethanu praised for serving delicious, high-quality burgers and other Western comfort food.
Kika’s Place [$12-$25] – A hidden gem tucked away in Sri Thanu offering high-quality European, Italian, and Mediterranean dishes, including surprising vegetarian options.
Basilico Koh Phangan [$12-$25] – A popular spot known for authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine, including delicious homemade pasta and pizza.
La Terrazza Restaurant [$12-$25] – An Italian restaurant serving classic dishes in a pleasant setting.
Luna Lounge [$15-$30] – A stylish restaurant with a bohemian feel in Thong Nai Pan Noi, offering fine fusion cuisine and wines in a relaxed atmosphere.
La Casa Teresa [$10-$20] – A well-regarded Italian restaurant known for its authentic pasta and cozy vibe.
The Flying Dutchman [$8-$15] – A bar along Hin Kong Beach with a friendly Dutch owner, offering a relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, and a menu of mixed Thai and Western fare.
The Bistro at The Beach [$15-$30] – Known for its fusion Thai-French cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and stunning ocean views.
Bluerama Restaurant [$15-$35] – Offers great quality food and a stunning sunset view, with the added bonus of a free-to-use infinity pool if you order food/drinks.
DAO by Chef Nir Mesika [$40-$80] – The premier destination on the island for a high-end, chef-driven dining experience, featuring only 16 seats and a communal chef’s table for a refined culinary journey.
Yukinoya [$30-$60] – A stylish Japanese restaurant located at Anantara Rasananda, offering teppanyaki and refined Japanese specialties with open-kitchen views of the preparation.
I Love Salad [$15-$30] – A creative and highly-rated restaurant specializing in high-quality, inventive salads and other gourmet international dishes.
Catch restaurant gastrobar [$20-$40] – Known for being a modern “gastrobar” offering creative dishes and an elevated dining experience on the island.
Orion Cafe [$8-$18] – A health-focused cafe at a holistic healing and detox center in Sri Thanu, serving excellent detox meals, healthy juices, and raw vegan options.
Karma Cafe [$8-$18] – An organic and vegan cafe in Sri Thanu with a unique Bali-style interior, serving some of the best plant-based dishes and desserts on the island.
Eat.Co [$8-$18] – A popular vegan spot in Sri Thanu (with another branch near the pier) that focuses on eating consciously, offering a mix of delicious vegan comfort foods, bowls, and burgers.
Art Cafe [$5-$12] – A charming, cozy vegetarian cafe with a peaceful, tree-house vibe and an extensive international book collection, serving healthy, creative food, drinks, and excellent smoothies.
Bubba’s Coffee Bar & Eatery [$5-$15] – Known for serving arguably the best coffee on the island, with a menu of healthy options like chia pudding, making it a favorite for breakfast and digital nomads.
Indigo Specialty Coffee & Bakery [$5-$15] – A French-orientated cafe in Sri Thanu known for its high-quality coffee, freshly baked bread, and the best croissants on the island.
Seed to Feed [$8-$18] – A beautifully decorated, peaceful restaurant with a mission to “grow their menu daily,” focusing on fresh, natural ingredients.
Capana [$10-$20] – A modern cafe near the pier that offers a mix of European and Middle Eastern food, including a good variety of vegan and meat options in a chic, air-conditioned setting.
Pait Tine Taung Burmese Restaurant [$5-$10] – A hidden gem offering unique Burmese cuisine, a rare find on the island.
Spicy Salad Bar & Restaurant [$5-$12] – A restaurant specializing in fresh, customizable, and authentic Thai spicy salads and other Thai dishes.
The Yoga House Cafe [$6-$14] – A healthy and vegetarian-friendly cafe offering clean, nourishing meals in a peaceful environment.
Tapan Noi [$10-$20] – One of the more affordable seafood restaurants along the Haad Thong Nai Pan Noi beach, offering fresh fish and a great view.
Malibu Beach Resort Restaurant [$8-$18] – Located in Chaloklam, this spot provides simple cuisine with great views, especially known for fresh seafood due to the proximity to the fishing port.
Salad Hut Restaurant [$8-$18] – Located on Haad Salad, this spot offers a huge menu of tasty Thai dishes and is great for repeat visits, with the added benefit of being right on the beach.
By The Sea Restaurant & Bar [$15-$30] – Offers exquisite seafood dining with breathtaking ocean views, perfect for a romantic meal.
Last Hammock Restaurant and Beach Bar [$10-$20] – Provides a mix of European and Thai cuisine with stunning beach views, living up to its relaxed name.
Nong View Restaurant (Seafood) [$10-$20] – Although already listed, it’s worth noting as a local favorite for its proximity to fresh catches and its seafood offerings.
Coral Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers exquisite dining with a focus on fresh local ingredients and the quintessential beachfront bliss.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bluerama: Perched on a hilltop near Nai Wok Beach, this open-air venue is famous for its stunning 220° panoramic sunset view of the Gulf of Thailand. It offers a chic infinity pool, great cocktails, and often features chill-out DJ sets.
Amsterdam Bar: Located high up on a hill near Thong Sala, this classic spot is one of the island’s best for a spectacular sunset view. It’s known for its chilled-out, cushion-seating vibe and serves a variety of drinks.
The Jam Bar: A cool, cozy beach bar on Hin Kong Beach known for its bohemian atmosphere and professional open mic nights. It’s a great place for a laid-back evening of live music, drinks, and relaxing on the sand.
The Rock: Aptly named, this bar is situated on top of a large rock on the southern end of Haad Rin Beach, offering a chilled-out atmosphere with a view of the sand and ocean, often featuring happy hours on cocktails.
Coral Bar: Found directly on the sand in Haad Yao, this beachfront spot is famed for reportedly having the best mojitos on the island, offering a wide selection of cocktails and a classic, open-air beach bar feel.
ThreeSixtyBar: Located at Phangan Utopia Resort on a hill at Haad Thong Lang, this viewpoint bar offers an outstanding 360-degree view, perfect for sunset cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
Salty Dog Bar Koh Phangan: A vibrant bar with a lively atmosphere and stunning views, situated near the beach. It’s a popular spot for tourists looking for refreshing drinks and a good time.
The Ugly Duckling: An authentic Irish pub located in the popular Soi Krungthai in Thong Sala. It’s a great spot for a whiskey, imported beer, classic pub grub, and often features live music.
Coco Locco Restaurant and Beach Bar: A homey spot on the beach where you can enjoy a meal and a refreshing cocktail while taking in the island’s gorgeous sunsets.
Sunset Treehouse Bar: Offering unique cocktails and breathtaking sunset views from its elevated position, this spot provides a tranquil escape.
Beachlounge Thong Sala: A beachfront bar and restaurant in Thong Sala that offers a sophisticated setting for cocktails, specializing in Asian Fusion and seafood.
The Whiski Bar: Situated on Soi Krungthai in Thong Sala, this is the island’s dedicated whisky bar, offering a variety of whiskies for sampling along with bar grub and a pool table.
One Love Bar: An alternative nightlife venue on Haad Yao Beach offering food, cocktails, and a relaxing vibe with lovely beach views.
Pirates Bar: A long-standing restaurant and bar located at the end of the white sand beach of Sri Thanu (near Laem Son Lake). It provides a charming, relaxed setting for a drink.
Seaboard Beach Bar Koh Phangan: A tropical oasis by the sea, offering cool breezes, sandy shores, and refreshing drinks for a perfect, laid-back beachside retreat.
Full Moon Party: The iconic, world-famous beach party that transforms Haad Rin Beach once a month into the world’s most massive open-air club with multiple stages, neon paint, fire shows, and thousands of international party-goers.
Jungle Experience: A large-scale, open-air club/festival venue set deep in the Baan Tai jungle, hosting a major party typically 1 day before the Full Moon Party. It features international DJs, a state-of-the-art sound system, and extravagant decorations.
Half Moon Festival (Magical Forest): A permanent festival venue in the Baan Tai jungle, hosting a major party twice a month, one week before and one week after the Full Moon Party, known for its psytrance and progressive house music.
Ku Club: A classy open-air beachfront nightclub in Baan Tai that hosts talented local and international DJs, playing diverse music genres for a high-energy night out.
Eden Garden Party: An exclusive party venue located in Haad Yuan Bay, only accessible by boat from Haad Rin. This Saturday night event is a hidden gem known for its psychedelic beats, trance, and electronica.
Loi Lay Floating Bar: A unique floating bar located at the pier of Baan Tai beach. It’s an intimate venue open primarily on Sunday nights, attracting a mixed crowd for house and techno music.
Cult Club (Waterfall Party): A weekly outdoor jungle party that takes place next to a beautiful waterfall near Ban Tai. It’s known for its excellent sound system and a vibrant party atmosphere, often taking place a week before and a week after the full moon.
Oxa Beach: A very nice beach club on Baan Tai with great music and a wide bar menu, offering a vibrant daytime and nighttime party scene.
Retro Mountain Jungle Club Phangan: A unique hangout spot with beach club vibes set in the lush jungle near Baan Tai, featuring a spacious patio, colorful lighting, and a vibrant atmosphere with DJs.
Samsara: An elegant beachfront nightclub and lounge with a cutting-edge sound system, located on a private section of Haad Rin and known for attracting a trendy crowd.
Sandcastle: A club, bar, and lounge with both indoor and outdoor areas, located in the heart of Haad Rin. It’s a popular party venue, especially around the Full Moon dates.