Our 11 Favorite Things To Do In Koh Phangan Thailand

During our 10-month honeymoon across Southeast Asia, we spent two beautiful weeks exploring Koh Phangan in Thailand — and we completely fell in love with its beaches, viewpoints, cafés, restaurants, and relaxed vibe.

This guide is based entirely on our personal experiences and honest recommendations so that you can enjoy the island’s best spots to the fullest.

Before visiting, we had just wrapped up two weeks on Koh Samui, and to be honest, we preferred this island by far. It felt more laid-back, less crowded, and overall just better for slowing down and soaking in the beauty of island life.

Even though many people visit Koh Phangan only for the Full Moon parties, it’s not just about that — the island has so much more to offer.

This is the island we truly recommend visiting if it’s your first time in Thailand — it gives you a perfect mix of nature, culture, and comfort without the chaos of more commercial spots.

If you’re into beach hopping, slow travel, ocean views, hidden cafés, or just want a break from party scenes and tourist crowds, this guide to the best things to do in Koh Phangan was made for you.

Map of all the best things to do

1. Hike to Bottle Beach Viewpoint

Bottle Beach Viewpoint is hands-down our favorite viewpoint on Koh Phangan — and honestly, out of all the viewpoints we visited during our two months in Thailand, this one impressed us the most.

It’s a massive rock with a unique shape, perched above a jungle-covered coastline. From the top, you get absolutely stunning views of Bottle Beach just below (more on that in the next section).

There are two ways to reach the viewpoint:

• Option 1: Hike from Bottle Beach: This route is a proper jungle hike — steep, humid, and quite demanding. It takes around 1 hour one way, and while it’s doable, it requires a bit of stamina.
• Option 2: Hike from the parking area (what we did): This option is a short and much easier 15-minute trail from a small parking lot not far from the top. We chose this route and highly recommend it — it saves a lot of your energy. Along the way, we even found a few hammocks strung between trees — perfect for a quick break if the heat gets to you.

The final few meters of the hike can be a little confusing. You’ll need to climb up onto the rock and squeeze through a narrow gap, but don’t worry — it’s not dangerous. Just wear proper shoes and take your time.

Once we reached the top, we were blown away by the view. We ended up spending nearly two hours there, chatting with other travelers, taking photos, and soaking it all in.

We went around midday, and it was extremely hot, so if you want to avoid the sun and maybe even have the place to yourself, come early. Since the viewpoint faces east, it’s also one of the best places on the island to catch the sunrise.

2. Chill at Bottle Beach

If you’re wondering what to see in Koh Phangan that still feels untouched, this is it. After hiking to Bottle Beach Viewpoint, we made our way down to Bottle Beach itself — and honestly, visiting both in one day is the way to go.

From the viewpoint trailhead, we rode our scooter to another nearby parking area. The road leading down to the beach is in rough condition, and we didn’t want to risk damaging the scooter, so we walked.

It took about 30 minutes, mostly downhill and fairly easy. The way back up was tougher, but still easier than the jungle trail from the beach to the viewpoint.

If you don’t feel like walking, there’s a number on a sign at the parking lot — you can call for a 4×4 jeep transfer for a small fee.

Once we got to the beach, it honestly felt like paradise: clean white sand, turquoise water, almost no one around. Palm trees along the shore provide plenty of natural shade — we tucked our towels under one because the sand was scorching hot by midday.

There are a few simple restaurants right on the beach serving Thai food and drinks, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas if you don’t want to lay on the sand.

This beach is perfect for sunbathing and relaxing, but not for snorkeling — we didn’t see much underwater, so you can leave your gear behind. Because it’s harder to reach, Bottle Beach stays peaceful, even during high season — and that’s exactly what we loved most about it.

3. Walk across the sandbar to Koh Ma Island

One of the most unique sights on the island is the sandbar that connects Koh Ma to Mae Haad Beach. As soon as we saw photos while planning our trip, we knew we had to see it in person — and it didn’t disappoint.

The sandbar is about 200 meters long, and while there’s nothing much on Koh Ma itself, the walk is peaceful and scenic. We spent around 20–30 minutes walking across, snapping photos, and flying our drone — the aerial view was incredible.

If you have a drone, bring it here — the contrast between the turquoise water and the narrow sandbar is perfect for capturing footage.

There’s also a free parking area (Google Maps location) just a 1-minute walk from the beach, and we had no trouble finding a spot for our scooter.

After exploring the sandbar, we headed straight over to Mae Haad Beach, which is next on our list of what to see in Koh Phangan.

4. Snorkel at Mae Haad Beach

After exploring the sandbar to Koh Ma, we walked straight onto Mae Haad Beach, which is directly connected to it.

It’s a long, wide stretch of sand with calm, shallow water and some of the best snorkeling on the island — especially near the right side, around the coral reef close to Koh Ma.

We spent a few hours here just relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling right off the beach. The visibility was great, and we saw lots of colorful fish and coral without needing to swim far. You don’t need a tour or boat — bring your own mask and snorkel, and you’re good to go.

There are also several beachfront resorts and restaurants right along the shore, so there’s no need to bring your own food or drinks. Everything you need is right there — from cold coconuts to Thai curries.

After visiting the best beaches in Koh Phangan, Mae Haad became our favorite spot for snorkeling, and we ended up coming back several times during our stay. The vibe was relaxed, the water was clear, and it never felt too busy.

We found a shaded spot under a palm tree to escape the heat and ended up staying longer than planned — again.

5. Visit Zen Beach

Since we’re already talking about beaches, I have to recommend Zen Beach — it quickly became our favorite on Koh Phangan, especially for sunsets. If you only have time for one beach, make it this one.

During the day, it’s pretty quiet with just a few people around. But in the evening, everything changes.

Locals, travelers, and performers gather here for the sunset, playing instruments, juggling, dancing, and sometimes even putting on casual fire shows. The atmosphere is so relaxed and welcoming — we felt totally at home.

Before our first visit, we read that Zen Beach is also known as a nudist-friendly beach, which is rare in Thailand. While there’s no official signage or separation, you’ll notice that starting around the middle of the beach, some people are fully nude.

Please be respectful — don’t stare or take photos, and just let everyone enjoy the space comfortably.

There aren’t any restaurants, shops, or public showers directly on the beach, but there is Grasshopper Beach Bar, where we grabbed a couple of beers and enjoyed the music. There’s also a toilet inside.

Most evenings, a DJ plays chill music, and we really enjoyed dancing barefoot in the sand as the sun went down.

The nearest 7-Eleven is about a 15-minute walk away, so it’s good to bring water or snacks if you plan to stay a while.

6. Dance at Full Moon Party

Going to the Full Moon Party was actually one of the first things we added to our Southeast Asia bucket list — we were planning to experience it even before our trip began.

Sadly, we got dengue fever just two days before the party and ended up in the hospital so we couldn’t go. We were honestly really disappointed, but I guess fate had other plans for us.

Even though we didn’t make it ourselves, we still recommend it if your trip lines up with the full moon. It’s one of the most iconic events on Koh Phangan — a wild beach party on Haad Rin, with thousands of people dancing under the moonlight, fire shows, loud music, and buckets of drinks.

We met a few travelers who went and loved it — they said the energy was intense, the atmosphere was like nothing else, and it was one of their trip highlights. If you’re into nightlife or want to tick it off your Thailand list, it’s worth experiencing once.

Tips before the party:

• Don’t bring anything valuable with you.
• Wear something light and comfortable that you don’t mind getting messy.
• If you’re not staying in Haad Rin, arrange transport back early — taxis can be expensive or hard to find late at night.

It’s one of the most famous things to do in Koh Phangan — and while we missed it, we hope you get to go and have the night we couldn’t.

7. Take a day trip to Koh Samui

Even though Koh Samui is the larger and more developed neighbor of Koh Phangan, we honestly liked Koh Phangan more.

That said, it’s still worth taking a day trip to see what the hype is about — especially if you’ve got a bit of extra time or you’re curious about how different the two islands feel.

The ferry to Koh Samui takes around 30–45 minutes, depending on which port you leave from. It’s super easy to organize, with multiple departures every day.

Once on Samui, you can explore Big Buddha Temple, visit the quirky Wat Plai Laem, drive to Secret Buddha Garden, or check out Fisherman’s Village for shopping and food.

We also recommend renting a scooter to explore some of the waterfalls and famous beaches like Silver Beach, Lamai Beach, or Chaweng Beach. Keep in mind that traffic is busier than on Koh Phangan.

We spent two weeks on Koh Samui before coming to Koh Phangan, and to be honest, we found it a bit too busy and touristy for our taste. But for a day of sightseeing and a change of pace, it’s still fun.

8. Take a day trip to Koh Tao

If you’re already on Koh Phangan and have an extra day to spare, we highly recommend taking a day trip to Koh Tao — especially if you’re into beaches, snorkeling, or just want a change of pace.

We weren’t at our best when we visited (thanks to dengue fever a few days earlier…), but even with low energy, we managed to explore some amazing places — and honestly, we wish we’d stayed longer.

The ferry from Koh Phangan to Koh Tao takes about one hour, and there are several daily departures. Once you arrive, it’s easy to rent a scooter right near the pier and start exploring.

Koh Tao is a paradise for snorkeling. There’s something to see at almost every beach, from coral reefs to colorful fish. It’s also one of the best spots in Thailand for scuba diving, with plenty of dive schools offering beginner and advanced courses.

We visited Tanote Bay, which quickly became our favorite beach on the island. It’s clean, not too crowded, has great snorkeling, and even features a big rock you can climb and jump off. We also hiked up to John Suwan Viewpoint, which offers an incredible 360 ° view.

If you prefer a more relaxed option, you can join a snorkeling boat tour around Koh Tao, which usually includes stops at multiple bays and also the famous Koh Nang Yuan — a postcard-perfect island with crystal-clear water.

9. Take a day trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

If you’re into dramatic landscapes, island-hopping, and snorkeling, a trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park is one of the most epic day trips you can do.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to visit, and we honestly don’t know how we missed it — we only found out about it at the very end of our trip, and by then, we already had other plans. If we had more time, this would’ve been high on our list.

The park is made up of 42 protected islands with limestone cliffs, emerald lagoons, white sand beaches, and clear water — perfect for kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, or just soaking up the views.

Recommended tour:

The Mu Ko Ang Thong Park Semi‑private Sunset Cruise Tour from GetYourGuide is a standout — it’s their highest‑rated Ang Thong trip (4.9★ from over 1,300 reviews).

You’ll cruise on a comfortable yacht, kayak through sea caves, snorkel in pristine reefs, hike to the Emerald Lake viewpoint, and finish with a stunning sunset and dessert onboard — all without the crowds of bigger tours.

10. Get a traditional Thai massage

You just can’t leave Thailand without getting at least one proper Thai massage. After a long day of exploring beaches or hiking to viewpoints, this is one of the best ways to relax and recover.

We highly recommend Pure Relax Massage — it became our go-to spot on the island. The massage ladies are super friendly and always smiling, and the overall service is top-notch.

If you’re looking for a great combination of professional technique and warm local hospitality, this is the place.

11. Visit the Chinese Temple: Kuan Yin

If you’re looking for something peaceful and a little different from the usual beach stops, we recommend a visit to the Chinese Temple, also known as Kuan Yin Temple.

It’s perched on a hillside in the north of the island and offers beautiful views over Chaloklum Bay and the surrounding mountains.

The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kuan Yin, the figure of compassion in Chinese Buddhism, and the area is made up of multiple colorful shrines and statues — each with intricate details and quiet corners for reflection.

It’s usually not crowded, which makes it a nice, calm stop between beach days or scooter rides.

There’s no entrance fee, but donations are welcome. Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered), and take your time walking around.

Where to eat and drink

• Restaurant Sunshine – One of our go-to spots for classic Thai food. Super fresh, flavorful, quick service, and very reasonably priced.
• Auntie’s Restaurant – A true local gem. No frills, just delicious home-style Thai cooking that always felt comforting and satisfying.
• Gummy Bear Restaurant – Great if you’re looking for both Thai and vegan options. Big portions, relaxed atmosphere, and good value.
• He Eat My Favorite Restaurant – Our favorite restaurant on the island. Everything we tried was amazing, the staff is super friendly, and the mix of Thai and Western dishes kept us coming back.
• Young Son Cafe – This place is all about the coffee first. They have a big selection of beans, including both North Thailand varieties and imported options. 
• Mimi’s Café – One of our favorite spots for breakfast and coffee. Great smoothies, good coffee, and a really cozy vibe to start your day.
• Café Nostalgie – A relaxed café we liked for slow afternoons. They’ve got good pastries, strong coffee, and a calm atmosphere that’s great for chilling or even getting some work done.

How to get around

Getting around the island is easy once you know your options. Here’s what we recommend based on our own experience:

Rent a Scooter (the best way)

We rented a scooter for our entire stay, and it was hands down the best decision. It’s the most common and convenient way to explore Koh Phangan, and it gives you full flexibility to visit beaches, viewpoints, and hidden spots on your own schedule. We loved the freedom it gave us.

You’ll find scooter rental shops everywhere on the island, and prices are usually very reasonable. The roads are mostly in good shape, but some parts (especially near remote beaches or viewpoints) can be steep or uneven, so drive carefully.

Taxis & Songthaews

If you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, you can get around by shared songthaew taxis (converted pickup trucks) or private taxis. They work, but they’re more expensive and less flexible, especially in the evening when prices go up and drivers can be hard to find.

Best time to visit Koh Phangan

We visited in May, and honestly, it was a great time to be on the island. The weather was hot, there were very few tourists, and we had almost no rain during our stay.

While it was low tide season, we didn’t see that as a downside at all — in fact, we appreciated that the beaches felt wider and more spacious. We’d heard that during high tide, many beaches become small and narrow, so this felt like a bonus.

At some beaches, the water was shallow near the shore, but once we walked out a bit, swimming was still totally fine. If you don’t mind a bit of heat, May is a great month for fewer crowds and peaceful beach days.

Quick Breakdown by Season:

• December to March: High season. Great weather, higher tides, and perfect conditions for swimming/snorkeling. Also, the most crowded time.
• April to August: Hot and quieter. Occasional rain, and low tide in effect — but that can actually improve some beaches. May worked perfectly for us.
• September to November: Rainy season. Heavier showers and rougher sea conditions. Fewer activities available.

Final Thoughts

We’d go back to Koh Phangan without thinking twice. It struck the perfect balance between chill and adventure — amazing beaches, viewpoints, great food, and that laid-back vibe we loved more than anywhere else in Thailand.

If you only have time for a couple of things, don’t miss the Bottle Beach Viewpoint, snorkeling at Mae Haad Beach, and visiting Zen Beach. These three alone made the trip unforgettable.