Koh Pha-Ngan was Léonie’s and I(Jezabel) favorite island in Thailand. It’s the only place where we felt like we could do anything! Relax, party, explore—you name it. We originally came for the famous Full Moon Party but ended up staying much longer because we found something exciting to do every day. While most islands have a specific specialty, Koh Pha-Ngan excels at everything. Here are 11 of the best things you can do:
- Rent a Scooter to Explore the Island
- Dive at Sail Rock
- Enjoy the Sunsets
- Kayak Around the Island
- Experience the Full Moon Party and/or Half Moon Festival
- Trek to Bottle Beach
- See the Waterfalls
- Indulge in Thai food at Thong Sala Night Market
- Take a Day Trip to Koh Tao
- Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Relax at the Beaches
1
Rent a Scooter to Explore the Island
Renting a scooter is something you’ll likely do all over Thailand. The experience itself is a lot of fun, and it’s a practical way to explore the island. I recommend renting a scooter for your entire stay, as it will make all the other activities much easier to access. It also allows you to reach more remote spots on the island, like hidden beaches or scenic viewpoints, at your own pace.
2
Dive at Sail Rock
This underwater pinnacle is home to an abundance of marine life. The trip to Sail Rock can be a bit long, but the sights are well worth it. Located in the Gulf of Thailand between Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao, it’s one of the best places to spot whale sharks, which are quite common here. Other marine life you might see includes large schools of fish, barracudas, and sometimes even manta rays. The best time to dive at Sail Rock is from February to April, when conditions are most favorable.
3
Enjoy the Sunsets
No explanation is needed here—watching the sunset is a must wherever you go, and Koh Pha-Ngan offers some stunning views. The best spots for sunset watching include Haad Rin Beach and Secret Beach. Bring a towel or your beach blanket, sit back, and enjoy the spectacle!
4
Kayak Around the Island
Kayaks can be rented at nearly every beach. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to explore the coastline (around 150 Baht per hour). You’ll be able to paddle through serene waters, discover hidden coves, and enjoy a different perspective of the island’s beauty. Some beaches even offer guided kayak tours that take you to nearby islands or points of interest.
5
Experience the Full Moon Party and/or Half Moon Festival
A once-in-a-lifetime experience, the Full Moon Party is a must if you’re visiting Koh Pha-Ngan. Even if you’re not into parties, the vibrant atmosphere is something to witness. Expect a mix of electronic music, fire shows, body paint, and a massive crowd of travelers from all over the world. The Half Moon Festival, held in the jungle, offers a slightly more intimate vibe with fewer crowds but similar energy.
To find out more about the events, make sure to look at my The Ultimate Guide to the Full Moon Party in Thailand: What to Know Before You Go.
6
Trek to Bottle Beach
Bottle Beach is one of the prettiest on the island, and it might be my personal favorite. However, getting there isn’t easy. There are two ways: the easy way is to take a longtail boat from Chaloklum fishing village. The more adventurous way is to hike, which is challenging but absolutely worth it. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, so make sure to wear proper shoes and bring plenty of water. The views along the way are spectacular, and the reward of arriving at the secluded beach is unbeatable.
7
See the Waterfalls
Koh Pha-Ngan is home to several waterfalls, although I didn’t get the chance to visit them all. I plan to return someday to explore them further! For now, here’s a list of the most recommended: Phaeng Waterfall (the most popular), Than Sadet Waterfall, Sramanora Waterfall, and Wang Sai Waterfall. The best time to visit these waterfalls is after a rainfall, as the water flow is more impressive. Some waterfalls are located within hiking trails, so be prepared for a bit of walking to reach them.
8
Indulge in Thai Food at Thong Sala Night Market
Sampling local food at markets is always a great experience, and Thong Sala Night Market is no exception. You can enjoy a full meal here for less than 5 CAD. As of 2024, the market is open from 4 PM to 11 PM. You’ll find a variety of dishes, from traditional Thai street food like pad Thai and mango sticky rice to international options.
For a similar experience with a slight twist, check out Phangan Food Court. The prices are a bit higher, but the food is amazing. This is where I got the vegetarian sandwich in the photo, which was so good that we ordered it twice. There’s also a great spot where you can build your own salad with a huge variety of ingredients! Phangan Food Court is open from 11 AM to 9 PM.
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9
Take a Day Trip to Koh Tao
If you feel like you’ve seen enough of Koh Pha-Ngan, hop on a boat to visit Koh Tao, also known as “Turtle Island.” It’s renowned for scuba diving and snorkeling. If you’re going to save diving for one place, it should be Koh Tao. The island also offers incredible beaches and hiking opportunities. To get there, head to Thongsala Pier, where prices are negotiable. Some days, boats are fully booked, so buying your ticket a day in advance is a smart idea.
We unfortunately missed out on Koh Tao due to last-minute planning, but we’ve only heard good things about it.
10
Explore Ang Thong National Marine Park
A visit to this marine park should be on your itinerary. Booking a day tour from Koh Pha-Ngan or Koh Samui is your best option. The park, made up of 42 islands, is known for its stunning viewpoints. A typical day tour includes island-hopping with activities like hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and, of course, plenty of time to relax and enjoy a meal.
You can book this trip at Thongsala Pier. Don’t forget to negotiate the price! The best time to visit Ang Thong is between February and October, as the sea is calmer during these months.
11
Relax at the Beaches
Of course, relaxing at the beach is an essential part of any island trip. If you’re looking for a peaceful day, here are the best beaches besides Bottle Beach: Haad Rin Beach, Leela Beach, Chaloklum Beach, and Haad Salad Beach. Some of these beaches are more lively, while others offer a quiet retreat—there’s something for everyone.
What’s Next?
Now that you know the best activities in Koh Phi-Ngan, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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