Ko Pha-ngan
What you need to know before you go
Koh Phangan (also spelt Ko Pha-Ngan) is Thailand’s 5th biggest island and one of the most beautiful and wild. Located 70 km from the mainland and just 12 km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui to transport visitors.
The island is renowned for its lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long, white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites. The main disembarkation points are Thongsala and Haad Rin, where you'll find plenty of ATM machines and banks. Koh Phangan’s main claim to fame is its legendary Full Moon Party, Black Moon Party with the Full Moon celebrations attracting between 10,000 and 30,000 revellers during New Year’s Eve.
What to see & do in Ko Pha-ngan
Featured stories & fun stuffKoh Pha Ngan things to do include wild beach parties, exploring serene natural spots, shopping at local markets, finding family fun and visiting ancient Buddhist temples. This spot is dotted with beaches, including Bottle Beach, Thong Nai Pan Beach, Haad Yao, Mae Haad Beach, Salad Beach and others. Among the most popular, however, is Haad Rin, with a wild party vibe. Outdoor adventures can be found at places like Namtok... Read more
23 Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan
The best things to do in Koh Phangan will keep you busy during your holiday on this charming, barely developed island that lies some 12 km north of Koh Samui. The 125-sq-km island has all the assets of...10 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
The best beaches in Koh Phangan are exactly what many travellers often dream of when they think of a Thai...10 Best Family Things to Do in Koh Phangan
Many of the best family things to do in Koh Phangan take full advantage of the beautiful island surroundings. If...
Where & what to eat in Ko Pha-ngan
Food and dining in Koh Phangan are diverse and affordable, so you'll find plenty of excellent places to eat throughout your holiday. If there is one common denominator that runs throughout the island, it’s that each of its beaches has colourful and atmospheric restaurants. Beachside dining, whether local, Italian, Mexican, or even halal, is undeniably enhanced by cool breezes, sand between the toes, and stars twinkling above. The Thai's love... Read more
15 Great Restaurants in Koh Phangan
Great restaurants in Koh Phangan offer an eclectic choice of dining options, satisfying all types of diners. These well-loved eateries have already made a name for themselves when it comes to delivering satisfying Thai and international dishes. Koh Phangan’s...5 Great Restaurants in Haad Rin
Restaurants in Haad Rin offer a wide range of not only Thai classics, but also ethnic specialities from various parts...8 Great Restaurants in Thong Sala
Great restaurants in Thong Sala include mid-range venues, food stalls, and fast-food outlets. A good place to start...
Where to shop & what to buy in Ko Pha-ngan
Shopping in Koh Pha Ngan is focused largely on a wide range of independent boutique shops selling souvenirs, arts and crafts, beachwear, fashion and gifts. The town has a range of traditional bazaars and night markets to explore. The Thong Sala Fresh Market is an entire street dedicated to fresh produce and fish. The Sunday Walking Street market offers souvenirs, clothing, food and crafts. For local haute couture you can... Read more
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Koh Phangan
The best places to go shopping in Koh Phangan make it easy to shop until you drop and find unique gifts and high-quality art to bring home. Great spots are found in neighbourhoods along the coastlines where there are...3 Best Places to Go Shopping in Haad Rin
The best places to go shopping in Haad Rin are mostly catered for the beach, so you'll find plenty of sarongs, hats, swimwear and T-shirts. There's a couple of businesses specialising in handmade jewellery and leatherwear, great for souvenirs...
Where to go & what to do at night in Ko Pha-ngan
The highlight of nightlife in Koh Pha Ngan is the Full Moon Festivals held monthly at Haad Rin. This wild party, popular with the young backpacking crowd, goes from dusk till dawn and celebrates the lunar calendar. This party is so successful that other jungle parties have sprung up to supplement it, including Black Moon and Half Moon parties, so it seems there’s always an after-dark party. The Jelly... Read more
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Koh Phangan
These best things to do after dinner in Koh Phangan include top spots where you can go for a memorable night out on this small but popular island. Until the 1990s, the island was only visited by backpackers and young...10 Best Bars, Live Music and Nightclubs in Koh Phangan
The best bars, live music and nightclubs in Koh Phangan highlight its reputation as Thailand’s premier party island. During the...4 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Haad Rin
Our guide to the best things to do after dinner in Haad Rin shows that Koh Phangan offers more than...
Useful information
Koh Phangan Travel Essentials
Our Koh Phangan Travel Essentials guide offers insight into everything you need for a satisfying holiday to this Surat Thani island in southern Thailand. You'll learn about the local climate, electricity, plug styles, emergency phone numbers and more, including the best way to get to the island and how to get around once you're there. This island is home to...