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Get a Massage by the Beach
If you have just arrived on the island, it is probably time for some much-needed R & R. What better way to treat yourself after the long journey then with a massage while relishing the island’s beautiful beaches? Getting a Thai massage is a must while vacationing in the Land of Smiles, as is enjoying the long, stretches of sand. Kill two birds with one stone by getting one of these affordable pampering services on the beach.
Lounge on the Beach
Speaking of beaches, there is no better way to spend a day on Koh Phangan than on a stretch of sand soaking in the sun. Afternoons are well spent on any one of the top beaches around the island, including Leela Beach, Malibu Beach, and Thong Nai Pan Yai. Be sure to check out our entire list of the top beaches below!
- Haad Rin Nok
- Bottle Beach
- Secret Beach
- Haad Salad
- Son Beach
- Yao Beach
- Haad Khom
- Haad Yuan
- Haad Rin
Watch the Sunset
The best nightly shows on Koh Phangan are free; we are talking about the island’s unforgettable sunsets. Palm trees and the Gulf of Thailand make for some pretty incredible foreground as the sun goes down. Some of the best places to watch a sunset on the island are Bluerama, Leela Beach, Secret Beach, and 360 Bar.
Dine at the Phantip Night Food Market
Although there are plenty of delicious restaurants scattered around the island, travelers should not miss out on dining at the Phantip Night Food Market while visiting. Also known as the Thongsala Market because of its location, this collection of street food vendors is sure to please every appetite that makes their way here for dinner. It is open daily from about 4-11 p.m. Grab a to-go item or select a few of your favorite Thai dishes and pull up a seat at one of the many tables found around the market.
Shop at the Phantip Plaza
If you are already heading to the food market for dinner, be sure to check out the adjacent Phantip Plaza. If you need any last-minute souvenirs for loved ones or have baht to blow on clothing, jewelry, and more, this is the place to be. Local vendors reasonably price their goods and are generally willing to bargain, as well.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Whether you are looking for a sunset cocktail or a stretch of sand where you can drink the night away, Koh Phangan is renowned for its nightlife. Haad Rin is the beach to be at after dark. Plenty of bars line the sand and have drink specials to keep the party going, regardless of your budget. If you were hoping for some panoramic views to go along with your alcoholic beverage, then you should beeline for 360 Bar. Other top nightlife venues include Merkaba Beach Club, Sandcastle Club, Infinity Beach Club, and Loi Lay Floating Bar, just to name a few.
Get a Tattoo
If you are looking to get inked to commemorate your trip to Thailand, Koh Phangan is an excellent place to do so. There are several reputable tattoo shops with artists on hand offering affordable yet well-done pieces of work. Get a renowned bamboo tattoo at Tiki Tattoo or be super adventurous and get something freehanded at Tattoo Club.
Go to the Half Moon Party
The Half Moon Party is one of the biggest celebrations in all of Thailand. Luckily for visitors, it takes place twice a month so you will hopefully get to attend, even if you are not on the island for very long. The Half Moon Festival is just that: a festival. It is exponentially more expensive than the Full Moon Party but also gives visitors so much bang for their baht, including fire shows, multiple stages, epic DJs, and more.
Full Moon Party Koh Phangan
Thousands gather at the biggest party each and every month on Koh Phangan: the Full Moon Party. The price is only ฿100 (about $3), which is fairly cheap considering the number of DJs and stages that make their way to Haad Rin beach to go absolutely mental. Mark your calendars as the 2018 Full Moon Parties are scheduled to take place on September 24, October 25, November 22, and December 22.
Koh Ma
No visit to Koh Phangan is complete without a visit to Koh Ma Island. The island is connected to Koh Phangan by a shallow sandbar that visitors can actually walk on. Herds of people venture to this lovely stretch of sand to spend a sunny afternoon snorkeling, exploring, and sunbathing.
Enjoy a Day at Slip N Fly
There are plenty of things to play on at Slip N Fly, one of Koh Phangan’s top attractions. Take to their body board slide to get an adrenalin rush. If you are only interested in relaxing, perhaps you should take a dip in their pool or their splash pool. There are also plenty of lounging areas just adjacent the slides, so you can sit back and watch as your friends fly meters into the air before landing in the crystal clear pool. The slides are about 40 meters in length and are sure to get customers flying each and every time they go down. A one day pass is ฿700 (about $21.30). With the pass, you get unlimited slides usage, unlimited swimming pool usage, and the chance to win prize giveaways.
Indulge in one too Many Southern Thai dishes
Savor the taste of Southern Thai cuisine on the island of Koh Phangan. This region may be renowned for its beautiful beaches and sunny afternoons spent on them, but the food alone is enough reason to visit, as well. Fresh seafood is in abundance and the curries native to this region pack a powerful punch. Many would argue that Southern Thai cuisine is the best Thai cuisine, so be sure to sample a few signature dishes before departing this region. Our favorite dishes include khao yam (rice salad), gaeng sataw (stinky beans), and gaeng som pla (sour curry with seafood).
Go Diving
Go Snorkeling
If you do not have the time (or money) to get certified to go diving on the island, snorkeling is certainly the next best thing. Gear is cheap and easily accessible. Some of the best places on the island for snorkeling are Koh Ma, Haad Yao, and Haad Salad. The best time to snorkel is from about December to March.
Slumber Party Pub Crawl
Slumber Party hostel has certainly made a name for itself in the nightlife scene in cities across Thailand, and Koh Phangan is no exception. If you are traveling alone on the island and are wanting to meet your fellow backpackers, this pub crawl is the place to be. The pub crawl is only ฿500, which includes the cost of a tank top, drink specials at each bar you go to, and a free bucket back at Slumber Party. The price also includes the cost of the songthaew (taxi) that takes you to each bar, and there are free shots along the way.
Have a Drink at Bluerama
Offering visitors panoramic views of the Gulf of Thailand is Bluerama. This restaurant and bar is one of the most renowned eateries on the island because of its spectacular location atop a large hilltop. The infinity pool gives swimmers views for days and the food and drinks are relatively inexpensive, as well.
Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan consists of not one but two beaches on the northeast coast of the island. You can come and repose on either one of the lovely beaches or partake in one of the many beach activities here, such as scuba diving. Though most of the beaches are memorable, this is one you cannot miss out on visiting.
Explore the Than Sadet Koh Phangan National Park
Almost half of the island of Koh Phangan is protected, which is great for visitors because it leaves the island relatively clean and naturistic as ever. Than Sadet Koh Phangan National Park is about 45 square kilometers in size and consists of cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, and plenty of naturistic and marvelous views.
More Information About the Top Things to See and Do in Koh Phangan
Did you love this article about the top things to see and do in Koh Phangan? Do you want even more information about how to spend your vacation on this incredible island? Then be sure to check out these articles we have rounded up for your reading pleasure!
- 10 Awesome Things to do in Koh Phangan, Thailand by Anna Fausting for The Adventure In You
- Top Things to See and do In Koh Phangan by Kyle Hulme for Culture Trip
- Koh Pha Ngan Travel Guide by Nomadic Matt
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