Country Info | Read more
Flags are sourced from free platforms like flagpedia.net
Koh Pha-Ngan (Thailand)
Koh Phangan is famed for its Full Moon Parties, but also offers tranquil beaches, jungle hikes, and scenic viewpoints. Discover Haad Yuan, local culture, and laid-back vibes on this tropical Thai escape.
* Affiliate links are marked with an asterisk (*). We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Photos without credits are sourced from free platforms like Unsplash and Pexels
Summary
Did you know?
Full Moon Party – World-famous for its epic beach raves during every full moon.
Overview
Months
01. January, 02. February, 03. March, 04. April, 05. May, 06. June, 07. July, 08. August, 09. September
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Hiking, Nature
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
25-30°C, Over 30°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
50-100mm, 100-150mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Asia
Currency
Thai baht
Languages
Thai
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit Koh Phangan is from January to April.
- Weather: This period offers warm, sunny days with minimal rainfall — perfect for beach time and outdoor activities.
- Sea conditions: Calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling, diving, and boat trips.
- Events: You can enjoy vibrant events like the famous Full Moon Party without the interruption of heavy rains.
Avoid October to December, when the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain and rough seas, making travel and outdoor plans less reliable.
-
Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season December to March
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: Low, with only occasional rain.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Light to moderate showers are most common, with rare heavy bursts.
Duration: Rain tends to come in short, scattered intervals, often clearing quickly.
Off-Peak Season September to November
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 4 to 6 hours.
Rain Frequency: High, particularly in October and November.
Rainy Hours per Day: 3 to 5 hours.
Intensity: Often moderate to heavy rain, with tropical downpours and occasional thunderstorms.
Duration: Rain can last a few hours, typically concentrated in the afternoon or evening.
Climate Chart
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: December – April (Dry Season)
This is the best time to visit, with warm, sunny days and calm seas—perfect for beach relaxation, diving, and hiking. Also, Full Moon Parties happen reliably during this season.
Budget Vacation ($40–$90/day)
Accommodation: $15–$30/night (hostels, budget bungalows).
Food: $10–$20/day (street food, night markets, casual Thai eateries).
Activities: $5–$15/day (beaches, jungle hikes, waterfalls).
Transportation: $5–$10/day (scooter rental or songthaew).
Other Costs: $5–$10/day (snacks, entrance fees, drinks).
Mid-Range Vacation ($90–$180/day)
Accommodation: $40–$90/night (beach resorts, boutique stays).
Food: $20–$40/day (seafood restaurants, beach dining).
Activities: $15–$30/day (yoga classes, snorkeling, island tours).
Transportation: $10–$20/day (scooter or car hire).
Other Costs: $10–$20/day (cocktails, massages, small shopping).
Luxury Vacation ($180+/day)
Accommodation: $120–$300+/night (private villas, luxury resorts).
Food: $40+/day (fine dining, private chefs, beachfront meals).
Activities: $30+/day (private boat trips, exclusive wellness retreats).
Transportation: $20+/day (chauffeur or boat transfers).
Other Costs: $20+/day (spa treatments, custom tours).
Off-Peak Season: May – November (Green Season)
Rainy season brings occasional downpours but also lush greenery and fewer crowds. Prices drop significantly, especially for accommodations.
Budget Vacation ($30–$70/day)
Accommodation: $10–$25/night (discounted guesthouses, hostels).
Food: $8–$15/day (markets, local cafes).
Activities: $5–$10/day (rainy day treks, cafes, beachcombing).
Transportation: $5–$10/day.
Other Costs: $5–$10/day.
Mid-Range Vacation ($70–$140/day)
Accommodation: $30–$70/night (deals at boutique resorts).
Food: $15–$30/day.
Activities: $10–$25/day.
Transportation: $10–$15/day.
Other Costs: $10–$15/day.
Luxury Vacation ($140+/day)
Accommodation: $100–$250+/night.
Food: $30+/day.
Activities: $30+/day.
Transportation: $20+/day.
Other Costs: $15+/day.
-
You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Thong Sala
- The main town and ferry hub, Thong Sala is where you’ll find markets, local shops, and eateries. It’s the island’s heartbeat and a good base for exploring.
2. Haad Rin
- Famous for the Full Moon Party, Haad Rin has lively nightlife and beautiful beaches. Outside party nights, it’s a laid-back beach town with good restaurants and bars.
3. Srithanu
- Known for its yoga and wellness scene, Srithanu attracts a chill, health-focused crowd. It’s peaceful, with cafés, organic markets, and nearby quiet beaches.
4. Chaloklum
- A traditional fishing village in the north, Chaloklum offers a relaxed vibe, fresh seafood, and access to some great snorkeling spots.
5. Haad Yuan
- A smaller, more secluded beach village near Haad Rin, Haad Yuan is perfect for travelers wanting peace away from the party crowds but still close enough to join in if they want.
Did you know?
Hidden waterfalls – The island is full of secluded jungle waterfalls.
Islands
1. Koh Ma
- A tiny island connected by a sandbar to Koh Phangan’s northwest coast. It’s great for snorkeling and relaxing away from crowds.
2. Koh Tao
- About 30 minutes by boat, famous for diving and crystal-clear waters.
3. Ang Thong National Marine Park
- A stunning group of 42 islands nearby, perfect for kayaking, hiking, and exploring hidden lagoons.
4. Koh Nang Yuan
- Near Koh Tao, known for beautiful sandbanks and snorkeling spots.
-
Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Than Sadet Waterfall National Park
- A network of freshwater falls once visited by Thai royalty. The stream still bears King Rama V’s carved signature in the rock.
2. Haad Yuan Beach
- Secluded and only accessible by boat or jungle hike, this beach offers serenity and dramatic cliffs—ideal for those escaping the Full Moon crowd.
3. Phaeng Waterfall & Domesila Viewpoint
- A steep but rewarding jungle climb leads to sweeping views over the island’s dense interior and western coastline.
4. Bottle Beach (Haad Khuat)
- Remote, quiet, and framed by green hills—best reached by longtail boat or jungle trail. Feels like stepping into old Koh Phangan.
5. Than Prawet Waterfall
- Less-visited and tucked into the northeastern forest, this is a good stop if you’re exploring the wilder side of the island.
Historical & Cultural Attractions
1. Wat Phu Khao Noi
- The oldest temple on the island, set on a quiet hilltop. It’s a center for meditation retreats and remains deeply spiritual and non-touristic.
2. Chinese Temple (Guan Yin Shrine)
- Colorful and set amid lush hills in Chaloklum. Built by a Chinese woman monk, it’s an architectural outlier with panoramic sea views.
3. Wat Pho (Baan Tai)
- Not to be confused with Bangkok’s version, this local temple is known for its herbal steam sauna run by monks—a blend of wellness and religion.
4. Laem Son Lake
- While not historic in the traditional sense, it’s a cultural hub for locals and families. A relaxed place to experience island life beyond tourism.
5. Local Night Markets (e.g. Thong Sala)
- These offer not just street food, but a pulse on Phangan’s Thai and Burmese communities—vital for understanding the island’s everyday culture.
-
The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Than Sadet National Park
How to get around
1. Motorbike Rental
- Most popular and practical way to explore the island.
- Roads vary from paved to rough, so ride carefully.
- Rentals cost about 150–300 THB per day.
- Always wear a helmet and check insurance.
2. Songthaews (Shared Pickup Trucks)
- Operate fixed routes between main spots (e.g., Thong Sala, Haad Rin).
- Cheap and easy way to get around without renting a vehicle.
- Can be flagged down anywhere on the main roads.
- Fares usually 50–150 THB depending on distance.
3. Taxis and Private Transfers
- Available but more expensive.
- Good for airport or ferry transfers.
- Negotiate price beforehand.
4. Bicycles
- Less common due to hilly terrain but possible for short trips.
- Rentals available but not ideal for long distances.
5. Walking
- Feasible around smaller areas like Haad Rin beach.
- Not practical for longer trips due to the island’s size and hills.
-
You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Secret Jungle Raves – Hidden in the forest, you’ll find underground parties with fire shows and DJs.
What to eat
1. Khao Pad Sapparot (Pineapple Fried Rice)
– Stir-fried rice with shrimp or chicken, chunks of sweet pineapple, cashews, and curry powder, often served in a hollowed-out pineapple.
2. Tom Kha Gai (Chicken Coconut Soup)
– A creamy and tangy soup made with chicken, galangal, lemongrass, and coconut milk. Mildly spicy and incredibly aromatic.
3. Pad Thai with Prawns
– A beachside classic: stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tamarind, dried shrimp, and peanuts. On Koh Phangan, it's often made with super fresh local seafood.
4. Som Tum (Papaya Salad)
– Green papaya, chilies, lime, peanuts, and fish sauce combine for a crunchy, sour-spicy salad. Add grilled chicken or sticky rice for the full experience.
5. Thai Banana Pancake
– A late-night street food staple on the island. Thin dough fried with sliced banana and drizzled with chocolate or condensed milk. Crispy, gooey, addictive.
Pad Thai with Prawns
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
Main Access: Via Koh Samui Airport (USM) + ferry to Koh Phangan (≈30–90 min). No direct airport on the island.
Flight Prices and Seasons
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €400–€900
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: June to August, December holidays
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500–$900
- Cheapest Months: January to March
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $200–$600
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: June to August, December
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: A$700–A$1,400 (~US$450–900)
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: December holidays, June to August
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500–$1,200
- Cheapest Months: January to March, September to November
- Peak Prices: June to August, December holidays
Transfer to Koh Phangan
- From Koh Samui: Ferry (30–90 minutes)
Cost: $7–$15
- From Surat Thani or Trang (via bus + ferry): $15–$25
- Private speedboat: From ~$100+ per group
-
You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
Koh Pha-Ngan is part of Thailand, so Thai visa rules apply.
1. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens of many countries (like the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days when arriving by air, or 15 days if arriving by land or sea. You must have:
A valid passport (at least 6 months remaining)
Proof of onward travel
Sufficient funds (10,000 THB per person or 20,000 THB per family)
1. Visa on Arrival
- Nationals of certain countries (e.g., India, China) can apply for a Visa on Arrival, valid for 15 days. Application can be done online in advance (recommended).
3. Tourist Visa
- If staying longer than the visa-free period, apply for a 60-day tourist visa at a Thai embassy or consulate before arriving. It can be extended once by 30 days at immigration offices in Thailand.
4. Overstays
- Strictly penalized. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, or blacklisting.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- Cash preferred; some places take cards, but ATMs are widely available.
2. Tap Water
- Not safe to drink—use bottled water.
3. Electricity
- 220V, plug types A/B/C (same as Thailand standard).
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Not required but appreciated—round up or tip ~10%.
5. SIM Cards
- Easy to buy at ports or 7-Eleven; AIS and DTAC work well.
6. Driving Side
- Left side; scooters are common, but roads can be steep and tricky.
Souveniers
1. Full Moon Party Memorabilia
- T-shirts, neon body paint, glow accessories, and other items with the iconic Full Moon Party branding are hugely popular. They’re colorful, fun, and a great reminder of the island’s legendary beach parties.
2. Handmade Coconut Products
- From carved coconut bowls and spoons to coconut oil and natural beauty products, these eco-friendly souvenirs reflect the island’s tropical nature and laid-back lifestyle.
3. Local Jewelry & Crystals
- Koh Phangan has a strong spiritual and wellness community. Handmade jewelry featuring natural stones, crystals, and symbolic charms (like the Om symbol) is widely available and often sold at night markets or yoga retreats.
Coconut Products
Location
You already visited this country? Share your experiences with others! Tell us what’s worth seeing, what to skip, the things you wish you knew before your trip, what surprised you, what do you wish you knew earlier? Leave a review and help others plan smarter. Thanks in advance! :))
_edited_edited.png)
Heading 5
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
_edited_edited.png)
Heading 5
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
_edited_edited.png)
Heading 5
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.