Top 13 Things to Do in Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan, made famous for the monthly Full Moon Party, often goes amiss on a backpacker’s travel route. Travelers flock to the white sandy beaches of Koh Phangan for three or four days of hedonistic fun, leaving empty buckets and sometimes dignity behind! But what many don’t get to experience is the magic of Koh Phangan and its natural, rural beauty.

Unlike its sister islands, Koh Samui and Koh Tao, Koh Phangan is still very underdeveloped, which adds to its unique charm. Spend some time here, and you will notice that the locals living on this island are made up of both local Thais and a plethora of expats who have chosen to call this beautiful rock their home (myself included!).

Whether you are here for the Full Moon Party or not, here is a list of things that you can do on this island that you may not know about.

Top 13 Things to Do in Koh Phangan in 2023

Take a Day Trip Around the Island

Unlike Koh Tao, Koh Phangan is a big island and very spread out. You can visit Koh Phangan and not see it all. The best way to enjoy the local culture and natural beauty of this island is to spend a day exploring it! Motorbikes are easy to rent for the day but beware of the scams on the island. If you’ve never driven a bike before, Koh Phangan is not the island to learn how to ride (just google ‘Koh Phangan Tattoo’); however, there are many all-inclusive island tours that usually work out cheaper than paying for taxis and entry fees to certain places.

BEST KOH PHANGAN TOURS

Snorkel at Koh Ma

Koh Ma is a tiny island off the coast of Koh Phangan that is connected to it by a sand bar. This area is actually a local dive site with an incredible reef, making it great for snorkeling. It is also one of the nicer beaches on the island, so you can spend the day relaxing on the white sands and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Scuba Dive at Sail Rock

Whether you’re a new or an experienced diver, diving at Sail Rock is a MUST while you’re in Koh Phangan. Celebrated as the best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand, Sail Rock sits in between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao and is home to a wonderful array of marine life, including the magnificent whale sharks that sometimes grace the site with their presence. The benefit of diving from Koh Phangan is that we visit this dive site daily, unlike Koh Tao, which only visits once or twice a week. Choose between a one-day excursion for beginners or certified divers, or go for your Open Water certification!

Hike up Khao Ra

Khao Ra is the highest point in Koh Phangan and an incredible place to visit for trekking. The hike takes about 2 hours round trip, but is well worth the workout! The panoramic views of the island from the peak cannot be beaten.

Dine at the Night Market

Popular amongst locals and tourists, the night market in Thongsala is a must-see while you are on the island. Pick up delicious street food for next to nothing from all over the world. That’s right, you can enjoy a delicious masaman curry followed by some fresh sushi or even a slice of pizza. Check out the stalls in the back for some delicious vegan and vegetarian foods as well!

Practice Yoga

Koh Phangan is famous for its incredible yoga and detox centers that are located on the northwest side of the island. Spend a day or two attending a few classes or checking in to one of the retreats for a week or longer to fully immerse yourself in the incredible programs that these centers have to offer. All levels are welcome!

Visit the Angthong National Marine Park

Nestled between Koh Phangan and Koh Samui is the beautiful Angthong National Marine Park. If you have a day to spare, I highly recommend a visit to this place. Tours go out daily to visit three of the 42 islands in the marine park, where you get to go snorkeling, visit the most magnificent viewpoints with panoramic views, and explore the limestone caves. Or just relax on the beach with the monkeys!

Take a Taxi Boat Over to Bottle Beach

Famous for its natural beauty, Bottle Beach is a must-see while you are on the island. In fact, this beautiful beach is so secluded that the only way to access its white sands is by taxi boat. Take a taxi or drive up to Chaloklum, where you can easily get a taxi boat over to the bay.

Take a Dip at Than Sadet Waterfall

Than Sadet National Park is located on the northeast coast of Koh Phangan and is known for its waterfalls, hiking trails, and caves. The park entrance fee includes access to a number of amenities, such as showers, toilets, and picnic areas.

Than Sadet Waterfall is the largest waterfall on Koh Phangan. This waterfall is frequently visited by Thailand’s Kings and Queens and is truly a magical place to visit. Whether there is water in the waterfall is dependent on the season, so keep this in mind when visiting!

Party Like a Local

Other than the full moon, there are numerous other parties on this island! You just have to know where to look… Check out any of the other nights around the island, including Lighthouse, Sandcastle, and Loi Lay.

Watch the Sunset at the Amsterdam Bar

One of the more popular viewpoints on the island, Amsterdam Bar offers a relaxing space to chill and watch one of the spectacular Koh Phangan sunsets. Food and drink are served here, and there is a swimming pool that you can use, which makes for a great evening spent with friends and fellow backpackers. 

Volunteer at PACS

PACS, or Phangan Animal Care for Strays, is a volunteer group that provides medical assistance to stray animals on the island. If you are here for a while, get to know their volunteer program, which allows you to offer assistance to their staff and their furry friends at the shelter. Don’t have time to stop by? You can also help their fantastic effort by making an online donation here.

Take a Thai Cooking Class

Thai food is delicious and relatively easy to cook, making it a great option for those who want to learn how to cook while on vacation. There are a number of cooking schools in Koh Phangan that offer classes for all levels of experience.