The 10 things to do in Ko Pha Ngan

What to do in Ko Pha Ngan, Thai Paradise Island? Here is our selection of the 10 activities not to be missed, to fully enjoy your trip!

Ko Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan) is an island located in the southeast of Thailand, about 650 km away. Bangkok . It is part of the province of Surat Thani and attracts many tourists all year round, due to its idyllic beaches and its famous Full Moon Parties.

What about Ko Pha Ngan? What are the must-sees of the coveted island of Thailand? Discover our selection of things to do and see for a journey that you are not ready to forget!

1. Browse the island by scooter

To visit Ko Pha Ngan, you will need a way of locomotion very quickly. Renting a scooter is a playful, practical and cheap solution to visit the island! The best thing is to have a bit of experience in this matter: nothing very complicated to handle, but you must pay attention to the imprudence of some Thai drivers... Pay attention also to notifying the slightest apparent scratch at the time of rental: this could cost you very much when making the machine, especially as the renters keep your passport as a bond. Now that you are warned, don’t hesitate to take the step and enjoy this very friendly experience!

2. Bronz on paradise beaches

Koh Phangan being an island, you will only have the embarrassment of choosing to place your towel! Beautiful beaches of white sand and turquoise water border the entire island.

If you prefer lively beaches with restaurants and nautical activities, go for example on the beach side Nai Pan Yai or Koh Mah, north of Ko Phangan. If you enjoy tranquility, head towards beaches like Chaloklum or Coral Bay. You can also go to the beach for example Salad Beach , small shaded cove rather family and very charming.

And if you ask that do in Koh Phangan on the beaches (except perfect your tan!)... So it’s time to go out mask, palms and other water boards for unforgettable kitesurfing or snorkeling sessions!

3. Visit the reservation of Ang Thong

If you stay on the island long enough, perhaps you will have the opportunity to visit the surroundings. We advise you to take a trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park , located near Koh Phangan. It is a set composed of about forty islets for most totally virgin.

The only difficulty is to succeed in avoiding periods of affluence, because, you doubt, such a place necessarily attracts tourists! So you may have the chance to see monkeys, toucans and dolphins... During your trip there again, enjoy it to make snorkelling. And if you’re more in the mood to walk, go to Koh Mae Ko , island hosting a magnificent emerald color lagoon.

4. Participate in the Full Moon Party

For the parties wondering that doing in Ko Phangan, don't look anymore: appointment to the Full Moon Party ! Every month, depending on the full moon, this ultra-famous holiday attracts tourists from all over the world. It takes place on the beach Haad Rin , located southeast of the island.

You will probably attend one of the most incredible evenings in your life: fluo colors, pyrotechnic shows, dancers and music will be at the rendezvous. Many stands will offer you something to drink and eat, to keep the energy sufficient to dance throughout the night! In short, you will have understood: if you like to party, follow the Full Moon Parties calendar, because you will not want to visit Ko Phangan without taking part in these anthology evenings!

5. Scuba diving

You want to visit Ko Phangan in all his seams? Then go to the discovery of his seabed! For this, book your diving baptism: it will be an excellent way for you to discover the richness of Thai aquatic life, while enjoying the sweetness of turquoise waters. Many diving centres offer their services, half day or day. Often you can opt for a pack including the boat trip + the meal + the dive. You can even choose a French provider if you want to facilitate communication!

6. Attend a Muay Thai Boxing Game

boxing Muay Thai is Thailand’s most popular martial art combining both technique and force. During your stay in Ko Phangan, why not attend a fight, the time of an evening? If you’re a fan of combat sports, you’ll definitely enjoy the electric atmosphere that gets away! And if you want to discover this sport by yourself, you should know that several training centers offer courses in "all understood" formula. A great way to combine pleasure and physical effort if you ask yourself to do in Ko Phangan.

7. Discover the waterfalls

The vast majority of Ko Phangan Island is covered with lush forests and vegetation. If you like hiking, go to discover the many waterfalls of the island: you will be impressed by their beauty! The best known is Than Sadet waterfall considered one of the most beautiful in Thailand. It has many natural basins in which you can swim all year round.

Another waterfall not to be missed: Phaeng cascade , which is the largest of the island. It is located in Thansadej National Park in the centre of the island.

8. Visit the Wat Pho temple

As everywhere in Thailand, you can discover Buddhist temples during your stay in Koh Phangan. If you only need to visit one, choose the Wat Pho temple . It attracts Buddhists as well as tourists, and for cause: it has the peculiarity of sheltering a traditional sauna with natural herbs that are heated, in order to diffuse a pleasant scented steam. A passage through this sauna will relax for sure and you will come out from there totally Zen!

9. Savour local street food

One of the pleasures to travel to Thailand is to enjoy local street food: very affordable and rich in flavors, it will leave your taste buds an unforgettable memory (although sometimes very spicy)! In the capital of the island, Thong Sala , is a local market where you can taste many Thai dishes: chicken soups, Thai pad or gambas jumped, let you surprise yourself with all these tastes and all these colors!

10. Navigate by sea kayak

What to do in Ko Phangan for cheap? Rent a sea kayak, of course! The advantage? With this activity, no major tourist groups: renting is done in autonomy, which will allow you to navigate or feel good! Although the activity is quite physical, the sea kayak offers very pleasant sensations and will make you enjoy the sea differently. You will find rental stands everywhere on the island.

How to get to Ko Phangan?

To get to the island, there is no flight from France. To get there, you must therefore fly to another city like Bangkok or Koh Samui. Several companies from France are available on our partner's website Ulysses .

Once arrived on Thailand’s soil, the ferry remains the main way to reach the island. The routes offered them, depend on the city you are in. If the options are numerous and varied, we selected the main ones:

- From Koh Samui : at the departure of the port of Maenam, the boats of the company Lomprayah (the most popular of the places) provide several trips per day towards Koh Phangan. Attention, however, it is advisable to take your ticket the day before: last minute boats are legions in high season, which can affect the said "times". - From Bangkok : here, for a faster ride, you are advised to fly to Koh Samui via the two and unique Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways companies. Once in Koh Samui, you must take the ferry to Koh Phangan Island (see previous paragraph). For a smaller budget trip, you can choose a bus to Surat Thani. Once you arrive at the port, board a night boat that will take you to Koh Phangan. - From Surat Thani : like Koh Samui, here the crossings are regular. If you’re on site, you’ll only have to take your ticket to board one of the ferry lines to Koh Phangan.

Where to stay in Ko Phangan?

Guesthouses or luxury hotels, you will have the choice for your accommodation in Ko Phangan. For more than reasonable rates, you can sleep in very clean, spacious and pleasant rooms. However, if you stay on the island during the Full Moon Party, be careful to choose a hotel away from the party if you prefer to be quiet! Take a look at this. Compare hotels to find the offer that will best match you, and at the best price.