35 Fun Things To Do On Koh Phangan
Are you planning a trip to Koh Phangan, for an adventure on one of the best Thai islands?
Every month Koh Phangan or what I like to call (KP) is flooded with tourist and travelers for the infamous full moon party. Perhaps this is what the island is known for, its epic parties, fire activities and the neon paint everyone decorates themselves with.
I want to let you in on a little secret… Koh Phangan is so much more than that and if you are planning a trip, you should experience everything the island has to offer.
Here is a list of 40 things you can do on Koh Phangan
1. The Phangan Thai Cooking Class
What’s a better way to experience the culture of Thailand then learning how to cook famous Thai dishes? The Phangan Thai Cooking Class is the best place on the island for a fun day of meal prep, education and cooking practices.
For 1500 baht you will get to make an appetizer, main course, curry and desert of your choosing. Oy is the instructor and will give you plenty of history, and great instructions on making your dishes. She is very good about answering questions and helping you create a meal you are happy with.
They will also accommodate to vegetarian needs and to top it off, whatever dishes you choose to make you re given the printed recipes to take home!
Address: 101/13 Moo.1 Baan Thongsala Koh Phangan Suratthanee
2. Famous Thai Massage
It seems that massage parlors are every 100 meters in Thailand and that’s the beauty of it. With prices as little as 10 dollars for a full hour massage, what’s not to love about that? I find myself getting massages at least twice a week!
There are plenty of options to choose from too, Thai and oil massages, foot massages or herbal treatment ones. Whatever you feel you need, there is a massage place waiting to give you some love. The best places I find are located right on the beach. You get the best of both worlds, a nice relaxing massage with the beach view and the sound of nature in the background.
Where I like to go
Papaya Massage : 76/10 Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Chakra Natural Therapies : 2 40/13 Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Ple’s Massage : Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
3. Meditate
Ya may not know this, but Koh Phangan has a big ‘hippie’ community, so the island offers lots of meditation retreats, classes and healing events. Some of my friends have even done silent retreats where you don’t talk for 10 days!
If meditation is something you are interested in, it’s definitely an option on KP. Give something new a try. The first time I did a meditation class, I was feeling some type of way. A nice zen and inner peace outlook on life, it is enjoyable to try at least once in your life.
Where I like to go
Orion Healing Centre : 15/2 Moo8 Srithanu Koh-phangan Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Inner Walk Koh Phangan : 90, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Suez Retreat : Koh Pha-Ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
4. Snorkel
With dozens of beaches all over KP your options for snorkeling are endless. You can buy gear cheap at any shop around the island, take it to the beach and start searching for colorful fish all over!
Koh Phangan is known for its sand bar beaches so you can get up close and personal with the fish. If you would rather you can take a snorkeling tour where a boat will take you to awesome snorkel spots around the island.
Where I like to go
Koh Ma Island and Mae Haad Beach
5. Beach hop
You can easily spend days checking out the beaches of Koh Phangan. It is easy to find secluded beaches nobody knows about if you rent a scooter and drive around looking for cool spots.
Where I like to go
6. Kite surf
I haven’t tried this one yet, but always envy the surfers jumping out of the water while I watch the sunset over them. It looks like exhilarating and fun challenge. Koh Phangan is a great place to learn to kite surf because of its many sand bar shores and wind that carry through year-round on the island.
Where I like to go
Kiteboarding Asia : 101/7 Moo1 Bantai,, Koh Phangan, Surrathani, 84280, Thailand
Breeze Kiteboarding : Inside of Relax Beach Resort, Moo 1, 145/10, Ban Tai, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
KITEFLIP – Kite & Wakeboard Center : Mac’s Bay resort, 64/5, Ban Tai, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
7. Chase waterfalls
Rent a scooter and go for a ride around the island checking out all the best waterfalls. If you look on google maps, they will have them listed on the map or if you type in waterfalls a bunch will pop up.
Where I like to go
Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan National Park
8. Rent a mope head and scoot around the island
This one seems obvious. Without a bike, it is very hard to see everything you want on the beautiful island of KP. I LOVE riding my scooter everywhere, you can find so many cool shops, cafes, hidden jems and so much more just by driving around the island.
If you are considering a bike check out the best places to rent bikes on the island here
9. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
This is by far one of the best things I have ever done in Thailand. It is a tour that you can book through most travel agency, hostel or hotel on the island. A day trip that starts at 8AM with pick-ups from wherever you are staying.
Throughout the tour you will snorkel and kayak in cool spots around the National Park, check out a lagoon, some different beaches, see wild life and hike to one of the best viewpoints I have ever seen. As the tour comes to an end you will get to enjoy the sunset as you boat back to KP. Easily a jam-packed day of fun that I recommend to anyone that comes here.
10. Renting kayaks or paddle boards
Experiencing the beautiful colors the ocean has to offer around KP by paddle board is surreal. I love to rent a kayak or paddle board for sunset a paddle away into the horizon. It is a great way to end a night and you can see some pretty awesome sights along the way.
Where I like to go
Windsurf and sup : 210/20 Moo 1, Ao Nai Wok – 84280 Koh Phangan SURATTHANI
Phangan Surf : 145/10 Moo 1 T. Ban Tai A. Koh Phangan Ko Pha-ngan 84280
11. Salsa dance
I like this one because its unique and something you don’t expect Koh Phangan to have! Salsa dancing is a great activity to do for an eventful evening and a lot of people go so you can meet new people all the time.
La Casa Tropicana has a professional Sala Dancer come in to help teach you new dancing moves, after lessons are over the party continues on all night with open dancing.
Address Moo 1, 92/3 Ban Tai, Koh Phangan Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
12. Hike to Bottle Beach
Where are my active people at? If you like beaches but also like to work out and go on adventures, this is a great option for you. A hike that takes about 2 hours round trip leads you to a beautiful beach. Get all hot and sweaty just in time to find the sea and relax until its time to make the trek back down.
Address : Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
13. Get your delicious western food fix
I cannot stress enough how much I love eating, especially on KP. I enjoy Thai food but sometimes I need a fix of at home meals. Koh Phangan has so many options for great western meals! Find my list of favorite western eateries on this lovely island here
14. Belgian Beer bar
Like beer? How about french fries with a ton of dipping sauces? This Belgian beer bar is perfect for those who want to try new beers, get that perfect buzz over looking the water and eat some western food. They have a ton of selections which makes for a perfect evening hangout or a day drinking session!
Address 81/3 Moo 8 Surathani Ko Pha-ngan District, 84280, Thailand
15. Trek Nam Tok Phaeng
Nam Tok Phaeng is protected by a national park; this waterfall is a pleasant reward after a short but rough hike. After the waterfall (dry out of season), it’s a further exhilarating 15-minute climb up a root-choked path (along the Phaeng-Domsila Nature Trail) to the fantastic Domsila Viewpoint, with superb, ranging views. The two- to three-hour trail then continues on through the jungle in a loop, past other waterfalls before bringing you back. Take water and good shoes.
16. Try Muay Thai
Regardless of if you are into working out, this is a fun and different activity everyone should try once while exploring Thailand. Let of some steam and learn some new moves with some of the best fighters in Thailand. If Muay Thai isn’t your thing, you can go see a fight which are just as fun!
17. Domsila Viewpoint
This 15 minute rocky step climb is totally worth what you will reach at the top. This is accessible from Nam Tok Phaeng waterfall. Once you have climbed up the waterfall you have the option to head towards a two- to three-hour trek through the jungle in a loop, past other waterfalls before bringing you back. It is totally worth the time it takes with the panoramic views of the entire island!
18. Hike to Khao Ra
A well worth it hike up a mountain that takes you to some incredible views. The hike can totally be intense depending on the time of day you go and the weather conditions. You are able to see the entire island from the top point and it is stunning. If you prepare yourself for the hike with lots of water it will surely be one you won’t forget!
Address : 4 Moo 3 BanMaduaWan Ko Phangan เกาะพงัน เกาะพะงัน Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
19. Watch the sunset
If you aren’t doing this on the daily, then you are doing KP wrong. There are so many excellent places to watch the sunset whether it is from a beach, bar or restaurant, you can’t go wrong with seeing the beauty of the sun before it sets. Find all the best places to see the sunset here
20. Eat your heart out at the Pan Tip night market
Every single night this epic place is flooded with people who are looking for a authentic bite to eat at a cheap price. With tons of food stalls and restaurants, you can find anything from Thai dishes to vegan and veggie friendly option, burgers, pasta and much more. Make sure you grab a 30 Baht smoothy, they are addicting!
Address Unnamed Road, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
21. Walking Street
Every Saturday the main road next to the Thong Sala pier is closed off from about 5PM until 10PM. It is filled with vendors and stall full of food, clothing and random souvenir shops. I find all my best sunglasses, dresses and ice creams for cheap at the Saturday night market! Grab a bite to eat and sit at the beach to watch the sunset or shop for cool gadgets you want to take home with you to friends and family.
Address: Unnamed Road Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
22. Party
As if you didn’t come to Koh Phangan to hit up at least one party. Although famous for the full moon parties KP offers a variety of different party options so no matter what your party scene you can most likely find it here!
KP has moon parties, floating parties, reggae parities and parties you can only attend by taking a boat too. Check out my guide to parties here to find out which ones will suite you best for an epic night of fun.
23. Yoga
The Thai Islands are full of amazing places to relax and unwind. Koh Phangan is know for its Yoga and tranquil vibes. There are many places you can take yoga classes, some will even be free! If you are big into yoga, they do offer training classes as well.
Where I like to go
Sunny Yoga Vidya : 21 Moo 8 Srithanu, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
La Casa Shambala : 63/2 หมู่ที่ 4 Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
The Yoga Retreat : 65/4 Moo 8 Koh Phangan haad salad, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Rasta Home
This is one of my favorite places to go to on a Friday night. If you like reggae music and free vibes, this is the perfect place to check out. The party goes all night with a number of bands singing covers of reggae music. They have an area where you can dance or the entire place has cushions and tables to chill and take in the Woodstock vibes.
Address : 7-11 หาดยาว ถนน Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
24. Open mic night at Jam Bar
Another great option for something different but fun to do no the island is open mic night. Jam Bar keeps the music flowing every Sunday for open mic, people from all over the island and even one tourists share their talent while everyone joins in jamming.
Jam Bar : Moo 6 Ko Pha-ngan 84280
25. Kuan Yin Temple
Temple hopping is always a cool thing to do while exploring Thailand, so much of the Thai culture exists inside the walls of these temples. Experience some history with a view and find the colorful aspects of the Kuan Yin Temple.
Address : Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
26. Find infinity pools to take cool IG pics at
Who doesn’t want a cool picture at an infinity pool overlooking some of the greatest views in Thailand? There are lots of spots on KP that offer gorgeous views right from the pool. Even if you don’t want a cool photo, check them out and have a drink while soaking up some sun.
Where I like to go
Bluerama : 162/1 Nai Wok Beach, Haad Pleayleam, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Kupu Kupu Beach Villa : 69/13 Moo 4 Naiwok, Koh Phangan, 84280, Thailand
Secret Mountain : Ban Kao Mae Ngam, 84280 Koh Phangan Thailand
28. Happy Hour
KP is full of great places with happy hour deals. It is the best time of the day to unwind and watch the sunset overlooking the crystal blue waters of Koh Phangan. It is easily my favorite time of day, who doesn’t love to watch the day turn to dusk while sipping on some amazing cocktails.
Where I like to go
Sunset Walk : 99/5 หมู่1 Ban Tai, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Amsterdam Bar : Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
La Casa Tropicana : Moo 1, 92/3 Ban Tai, Koh Phangan Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
29. Slip and Fly
The name gives light to what you will experience at slip and fly. Two slides that launch you high into the air leave for a wet and wild day. Slip and fly’s slides are 40 meters high, many people do flips and try to score a basket.
There is a pool with a bunch of floats and a different slide that you can try and surf down or ride on your belly into the water. Slip and fly has a bar and food menu so it’s easy to get your food fix or spend the day drinking while you slide.
Be careful though! I have met with pain going down these slides by back flopping instead of landing on my feet! Funny for all my friends to see but it didn’t feel funny when I landed!
Address : 98/5 Moo 3 Madeuwan Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
30. The Challenge Phangan
This place is like a scene out of the T.V show wipeout. You can set the challenge for yourself. Choosing from monkey bars, rope swings, stepping stones, rock climbing, balance beams, big red balls and the launching blob, the challenge has something for everyone to try.
You can easily spend an entire day at The challenge trying to master one of the challenges or just playing around on the obstacles for fun. Take a break from all the activities at their restraint and bar area to re fuel for an obstacle race with friends.
Address : 90/22 Koh Phangan Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
31. Pub Quiz
Sometimes the partying can get to be to much if you are staying on KP long term. I used to love going to quiz nights when they were available! It was a perfect mix of fun and brain power. Also a great way to meet new people and a different way to enjoy the lovely island. Be sure to check the dates that the quiz night is happening. Bring some friends and put your knowledge to the test!
Where I like to go
SOHO : 44/56 Moo1 Thong Sala, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280
Same Same Bar : 130/19 moo 6 haad rin koh phangan Surat Thani 84280
32. Jet ski
What better way to explore the island then by water. Better yet, why not do it by Jet Ski? This is the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun while driving wild through the sea while beach hopping around the infamous island. Put some adventure in your soul and go fast via the turquoise water!
33. Play beach volleyball
Koh Phangan offers lots of great places to throw the ball around weather you want to play competitively or just for fun. Some breaches offer courts that you can rent out but others will allow you to play as a first come first serve basis. You would be surprised by how many people play competitively on the island and sometimes there are even tournaments you can go too.
34. Coffee shop hop
I won’t lie, Thailand has some pretty excellent coffee and whats better about the coffee is the amazing shops they have to go too. Each coffee shop has a different vibe and a lot of them are also great for working on your lap top! The best part is these coffee shops have some seriously amazing food that goes perfect with your coffee fix.
Where I like to go
Rongs Coffee : 57 3 Ban Tai, Koh Phangan Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
Bubbas : Moo 1, 59/4, Ban Tai, Koh Phangan, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
A’s Famous : หมู่ที่ 1 146 Ko Pha-ngan Sub-district, อำเภอเกาะพะงัน Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
35. Baan Tai Herbal Sana
Originally built by the Monks and for the Monks Tai Herbal Sauna is a place to go to relieve illness and to experience relaxation. Located at the Buddhist temple Wat Pho in Baan Tai, the sauna was opened up to foreigners to help detoxify after the many moon parties the island offers.
With two chambers, male and female, patients go into the sauna and inhale the steams of different allowing toxins to escape the body. Afterword a sense of relaxation and well-being comes over you. It is a great place to go if you are feeling sick, need detoxification after a binge of partying or if you just like to feel healed in the form of a sauna.
Address : 100/4 M1, Baan Tai RD Koh Phangan Surat Thani 84280
I hope this is your future bucket list for Koh Phangan, the fun seriously never ends on this amazing island. With a variety of different experiences to encounter, you should never be board here regardless of how long you stay. After living 9 months on the island, I still haven’t done it all!
