Koh Phangan: Much more than the Full Moon Party in Thailand – from Haad Salad to Haad Rin is written by Jacob Jørgensen.
Where is Koh Phangan, Thailand's party island?
Koh Phangan is one of the popular islands among Thailand's southern islandsIt is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the province of Surat Thani, close to Koh Samui, which is Thailand's second largest island, surpassed only by Phuket.
The small, cozy island is also called Koh Pha Ngan. Here you can explore the many beaches, experience nature and, of course, enjoy the sun.
The good thing about Koh Phangan is that the island is relatively easy to get to.
The neighboring island of Koh Samui has an international airport, and you can fly here from both Singapore and Bangkok. Only Bangkok Airways flies to Koh Samui. From there you can easily hop on one of the many large ferries that sail to Koh Phangan.
You can also take a train, bus or flight from Bangkok to the city of Surat Thani and from there hop on a ferry. As always in Thailand, it is easy and cheap.
Koh Phangan is part of a stunning island trio along with Koh Samui og Koh Tao, both of which are close by. Here you will find even more beautiful places that you may not know about. They are definitely worth a visit, and they are quite different from Koh Phangan.
This island trio has a different climate than most of Thailand and is therefore also popular in spring and summer. The mainland off the islands also has the same climate at beach resorts such as Khanom and Sichon.
Koh Phangan has quite a few permanent residents – in fact only 13.000 – but on the other hand, around 1 million tourists come every year to an island that is about the size of Samsø or Langeland.
Unlike the neighboring island of Koh Samui, where there are many visitors in most places on the island, tourism is much more local on Koh Phangan, and you can therefore easily find peaceful corners on the island. Even though Koh Phangan is known for its Full Moon Party, which is held every now and then in one corner of the island and therefore does not really affect the rest of the places.
Because this island has so much more to offer than just parties.
We have therefore collected 5 highlights of the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand here.
Stay well at Haad Salad Beach
There are lots of lovely ones hotels on Koh Phangan, and since there is quite a bit of coastline, it is easy to find a hotel that is close to a lovely beach.
If you're looking for a place that's the essence of what the island can do, Ao Haad Salad is a great choice. The name means 'Pirate Bay' and is also known as Haad Salat and Haad Salad Beach.
Haad Salad Beach is a small area built around a 600-meter long beautiful beach with low cliffs on the sides and a number of peaceful hotels and restaurants right on the beach. In other words, it is everything you want when looking for a Thai island paradise.
Haad Salad is located in the northwestern part of the island, exactly opposite Haad Rin, where the famous – and infamous – Full Moon Party is and within reasonable driving distance of Thong Sala, the island's logistical center with ferries and shops.
We stayed at lovely Green Papaya Beach Resort, which has cozy and traditional cabins and rooms, and is perfectly located at one end of the beach. Because down here it is the shortest way to the reef, where it is good to snorkel, close to the two rocks out in the water. They also have a nice swimming pool and plenty of beach chairs right down to the beach with the soft sand. Highly recommended.
There are also local restaurants and small eateries on Haad Salad. Thais love to eat out, and they are happy to share that joy with travelers, so be sure to go on a culinary discovery among the small restaurants along the beach.
Try looking for the all-local restaurant that has a balcony overlooking the beach and serves only Thai delicacies. It is located approximately in the middle of the beach.
In the evening you may be lucky enough to see a fire show, which is quite spectacular. It takes place directly on the beach and can be experienced for a contribution at some baht to the performers.
Cool off in the waterfalls of Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has some great places to cool off, and the island's waterfalls are definitely worth checking out.
Phaeng Waterfall is one of the most visited and has many places to explore on the trip.
Paradise Waterfall is another option if you prefer a quieter place with a short hike and a refreshing swim.
Than Sadet Waterfall Known for its history and peaceful atmosphere, it is also a highlight of the island. It is located in one of Thailand's newest national parks, Than Sadet-Ko Phangan National Park, which was established in 2018.
These waterfalls are perfect for a break from the beach and to enjoy some jungle adventure on Koh Phangan. And it's a great way to experience the beautiful nature.
Enjoy Koh Phangan's stunning viewpoints
Koh Phangan has many great lookout points. One of the best places is Khao Ra viewpoint, which is located in the middle of the island and is the highest point at 600 meters above sea level.
The hike up there takes an hour to an hour and a half, and you will be rewarded with a panoramic view that is well worth it.
If you want an easier hike, you might consider Bottle Beach ViewpointYou can park your scooter nearby or get dropped off and take a short 15-minute walk to reach the lookout point. It is one of the famous spots on the island because of its exceptionally beautiful view.
Alternatively, you can take a boat trip to Bottle Beach and look up instead.
There are also several nice viewpoints on the hike from Haad Rin to Why Nam Beach on the southern part of the east coast.
Make sure to bring your mobile phone and plenty of water and wear proper hiking shoes or hiking sandals – not flip-flops.
Party hard! Experience the Full Moon Party, Eden Party and Bambu Party
Experiencing the Full Moon Party is undoubtedly one of the most famous experiences in Koh Phangan. Held on Haad Rin Beach, this monthly party is a night filled with music, neon lights and dancing under the stars. With DJs playing everything from techno to reggae, every bar contributes to the festive atmosphere. The beach is transformed into a huge festival with fire dancers and plenty of drinks.
If you plan to attend, make sure to arrive early to find a good spot and be prepared for crowds. Choose a songtaew – a local open taxi – to get to and from your hotel. Not by scooter. The Full Moon Party is notorious for filling the local hospital with scooter accident victims.
For those looking for an alternative to the big Full Moon Party, the Eden and Bambu parties are obvious options.
Eden Party has a unique atmosphere where partygoers dance to deep house and techno music on a jungle cliff. The laid-back atmosphere attracts a mix of locals and travelers looking for a more alternative scene. Eden parties usually take place on Saturday nights.
Just a few steps away, Bambu Party has a similar event that mixes electronic beats with breathtaking views of the surrounding bay. These parties usually start on Sundays at lunchtime and end late at night.
And don't worry: if you're not into partying and noise, it's easy to avoid. Just stay away from Haad Rin on the days of the Full Moon Party.
Meet Thailand's amazing elephants at the Phangan Elephant Sanctuary
Koh Phangan's first proper elephant sanctuary, Phangan Elephant Sanctuary, offers a really good experience with a focus on the elephants themselves.
There is no riding, bathing or performing here; just great respect for the enormous animals. Visitors can feed the elephants, walk with some of them and hear their stories. It is a perfect place for those who want to be a responsible traveler and experience the unique animals in their natural environment.
Phangan Elephant Sanctuary itself emphasizes these points as part of being a responsible 'elephant sanctuary':
- No riding: They prohibit riding because it can damage the elephants' spines and cause long-term health problems. Instead, they focus on feeding, walking, and observing the elephants in their natural environment.
- Open environment: The elephants can roam freely in the area without chains. This environment allows them to behave naturally – bathing in mud, eating and socializing with other elephants.
- Focus on rehabilitation: Phangan Elephant Sanctuary is a refuge for elephants from the tourism and logging industries, providing them with a safe and stress-free place to live peacefully.
- Education and awareness: Visitors learn about the history, behavior, and health of elephants, helping to raise awareness of the challenges of elephants in captivity and the importance of supporting them. responsible tourism in Thailand.
- Natural care: The place uses natural, healing herbs as part of the food and healthcare for the elephants.
Koh Phangan is worth a trip
Koh Phangan is definitely worth a trip. Whether you're looking for relaxation or partying, snorkeling or hiking, local food or international delights.
Really good trip to Koh Phangan in Thailand.
What to see on Koh Phangan in Thailand: 10 great sightseeing spots
- Haad Salad Beach
- Thong Nai Pan Beach
- Than Sadet Waterfall in Than Sadet-Ko Phangan National Park
- Khao Ra viewpoint
- Bottle Beach
- Full Moon Party, Eden Party and Bambu Party
- Phangan Elephant Sanctuary
- Saturday Walking Street Market
- Chaloklum Sunday Market
- Pantip Market
Did you know: Here are editor Anna's 7 favorite islands in Thailand
7: Koh Mai Thon south of Phuket
6: Koh Lao Lading at Krabi
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