Are you ready to dive deep into the soul of Koh Phangan, beyond the typical tourist routes? 🌴
I'll guide you through the essence of the island life, unveiling those hidden gems you won't simply stumble upon with a Google search.

Exploring places off the beaten path, I've sought out local hangouts to provide you with a unique perspective of this magical island. 🌅

I'll take you on a remarkable adventure, where you'll gain access to exclusive insights and handpicked recommendations that will transform your Koh Phangan experience into something truly extraordinary. 🌊

Tag me in the photos and videos you take — I'd love to see your experience on Instagram! @nataliiee_r

Thailand

Koh Phangan, Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan, Surat Thani, Thailand

🌟Explore the Hidden Charms of Koh Phangan

3. Must-Visit
Spots on Your Koh Phangan Itinerary

4. My
personal Top 5 beaches in Koh Phangan

7. How to
get around the island      

My journey
to Koh Phangan began with a flight from Bangkok to Koh Samui. The Koh Samui
airport is managed by Bangkok Airways, so when booking your flight, stick with
this airline as it's your sole option.

Getting
from Bangkok to Koh Phangan via Koh Samui

Once I
arrived in Koh Samui, I chose to spend a few days exploring the island before
heading to Koh Phangan. But if you're eager to reach Koh Phangan directly, you
can head straight from the airport to the port, where a ferry will take you to the island of Koh Phangan.

Traveling
from Koh Samui Airport to the Port

To get from
the Koh Samui airport to the port, you have a few choices. You can book a
shared taxi at the airport, costing between 100-200 Baht per person (around 5
EUR max.). Remember that taxi prices there are usually per person. However,
if you're traveling with a group, using Grab (similar to Uber) might be more cost-effective, as it charges per car. For solo travelers, shared
taxis are generally the cheaper option.

I opted for
the Seatran Ferry, which departs from Bangrak Tourism Port. The one-way fare
was 340 Baht (about 9 EUR). You can book your ferry ticket directly on the
Seatran Ferry website or use the 12Go app, While you can purchase your ferry ticket also directly at
the port, I found it convenient to have mine in advance, especially during high
season, I can recommend booking the ticket in advance.

From Koh
Phangan Port to Your Accommodation

Upon
arrival at the Koh Phangan port, you'll find plenty of taxi drivers waiting to
take you to your accommodation. Getting a shared taxi is easy; just agree on
the price before setting off. For added peace of mind, I arranged for my
accommodation to pick me up, and the hotel owner drove me to the Srithanu area for 300 Baht (7.50 EUR). Most accommodations on
the island offer this service, so don't hesitate to ask. While these services
may be slightly more expensive than shared taxis, they are still reasonably
priced, and the convenience they offer is worth it.

During my
nearly three-week adventure on Koh Phangan, I found a lovely hideaway called
Benjamin's Hut. I wholeheartedly recommend this cozy spot to fellow travelers. Benjamin's
Hut was a peaceful place with a beautiful garden and a pool right by the beach.
It's a small, charming resort tucked away on a quiet and unspoiled beach. While
the center of Srithanu is nearby, it's a good idea to use a scooter or taxi
since there are no sidewalks. You'll also find restaurants, laundries, and a
7-Eleven within walking distance.

For a
change of scenery, I spent one night at Aquavana in Haad Rin, in the southern part of the island. I didn't have high expectations but was pleasantly surprised. I
stayed in a bungalow by the beach, surrounded by a relaxed jungle setting. I
even had the joy of watching playful monkeys in the palm trees. Aquavana is
right on the beautiful main beach in Haad Rin, so I could easily walk to a
charming breakfast spot called Sand & Tan, as well as other bars and
restaurants by the beach. The main part of Haad Rin, with more bars,
restaurants, shops, and massage places, is just around the corner. Keep in
mind that Haad Rin is famous for its monthly Full Moon party right on the
beach, so prices go up significantly during those times. I paid 20 EUR for a
night when there was no Full Moon party, but prices can be much higher during
the party.

3. Must-Visit Spots on Your Koh Phangan Itinerary

Restaurants,
Cafés, Sunset Delights 🌅, and Productive Work Spots 📶

They had a fantastic breakfast buffet for 400
Baht (10 EUR), offering a wide variety of food, from sweet pancakes
to different types of eggs, savoury Thai noodles and rice, fresh juices, and
more – just like what you'd find in a typical 4-star hotel. I also enjoyed
their restaurant for lunch because of its great ambiance.      

House of
Sanskara (Haad Rin) + accomodation

This place
is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, offering the unique experience of
dining right at a table on the sandy shore. They serve delicious and affordable
Thai cuisine. During my visit, I even spotted a cute little monkey perched in a
palm tree overhead. It's a delightful combination of great food and a
breathtaking view. If you're looking for accommodation, don't forget to explore
their beachfront bungalows. 

At this spot, you can enjoy tasty Thai and vegetarian dishes at very affordable prices. I enjoyed a full meal including a drink for only 90 Baht (2.35 EUR). The owners are
exceptionally friendly and always wear a welcoming smile. That's precisely why
I found myself returning here nearly every day for both lunch and dinner.    

This is a
modern and inviting restaurant, known for its fusion dishes, wholesome bowls,
delightful salads, and sandwiches. It's also a great place to get some work
done, thanks to its laid-back ambiance. On Mondays and Thursdays, they host
live music sessions. I went to one of these nights and enjoyed the great skills of a guitarist who pleasantly interacted with the crowd. I found myself
working while relishing beautiful tunes and enjoying a lovely dinner.      

This market
won my heart; I frequented it for lunch and dinner. In the evenings, they even
offer live music on certain days. The market boasts a diverse range of food
stalls, serving up an eclectic mix of Thai dishes, sushi, empanadas,
sandwiches, fajitas, fresh fish, and more. The process is simple: pick your
favourite stall, place your order, select a table, and wait for your food to be
served. And the best part? It's incredibly affordable, with meals costing as
little as 2 EUR. The vibrant atmosphere also makes it easy to strike up
conversations and make new friends.

I enjoyed a
delightful Sunday brunch at this cozy spot. It´s also a great place to work from, thanks to their very good Wi-Fi connection. It's the typical café where
people often come to work. The menu offers a variety of options, including
eggs, pancakes, sandwiches, and typical Western brunch fare. 

Alcove
quickly became one of my cherished spots on Koh Phangan. Its nighttime
atmosphere is truly exceptional and captivating. The restaurant exudes an
enchanting oriental ambiance that I found particularly appealing. Situated
right by the beach, you have the option to dine at tables on the sandy shore or
enjoy the inviting interior of the restaurant. The food is not only delicious
but also served in generous portions. Additionally, the highlight of my visits
was the mesmerizing fire show, a nearly nightly spectacle that never failed to
amaze.

This place
is a gem you can't miss. It's a charming little beach restaurant that I had the
pleasure of exploring during the day for lunch, but you can also have dinner
there and enjoy the sunset. The food is a tasty twist on Thai inspired by Israeli cuisine. My personal favourite was the chicken dish,
accompanied by an array of delectable side dishes. You can also choose
between rice and flatbread to complete the meal. To add to the charm, they also offer kayak rentals,
allowing you to pair a delicious meal with some adventurous kayaking.

Castaway
(Srithanu) 📶 🌅 + accomodation

This place
is an absolute treasure for sunset enthusiasts. Here, you can sip on delightful
cocktails and savour tasty food while being treated to a breathtaking sunset
view. During my visit, I needed to catch up on some work in the evening, and
this spot became my office with a view. With reliable Wi-Fi and a strong
connection, it made remote work a breeze. What's
more, they offer beachfront accommodations, and you can find more details by
checking out their options here:      

This
charming little café quickly became my go-to spot for getting work done.
Nestled by the beach, it offers a unique view — not of the sea, but of a small
river or lake. Despite this, the setting is incredibly cozy and inviting,
making it a great place to be productive. The café boasts a strong and reliable
Wi-Fi connection, ensuring a stable environment for work.

I was pleasantly surprised by the nearby Kosmos café. The Wi-Fi connection was excellent, making it an ideal spot for work. Besides, they serve delightful food and delicious smoothies. I even worked from a beanbag, which made my workday very cozy.

This place
holds a special spot in my heart. Nestled at the enchanting Secret Beach, it
boasts a truly magical setting and atmosphere. Whether you want to soak in the
breathtaking view while sipping a drink or relax in one of their many hidden
hammocks, this spot offers a slice of paradise. You can also enjoy a
delightful lunch with an equally lovely view, and the best part is that it
won't break the bank. Depending on your meal choice, you can enjoy a satisfying
lunch for around 7 EUR.      

Koh
Phangan, to me, is a real gem when it comes to stunning beaches, each offering
its own slice of paradise. All these sandy shores also offer restaurants and
bars and of course a nice massage spot. I truly felt in paradise when visiting these beaches. 

4. My personal Top 5 beaches in Koh Phangan

This tranquil stretch of shoreline, tucked behind lush coconut groves, offers a serene escape from the typical tourist hotspots. Here, you'll find the Koh Raham Beach Club along with other charming beach bars and restaurants. It´s also an ideal spot to witness breathtaking sunsets, often accompanied by relaxing Chill-out music played by DJs.

Zen Beach is known
for its breathtaking sunsets. There is a beach bar, which occasionally features
a DJ playing chillout-house music. On Fridays you can enjoy a drum circle,
adding a unique rhythm to your sunset experience.

Haad Khom is a
serene and picturesque beach with an idyllic surrounding. It is definitely one
of my favourite beaches. This hidden gem boasts soft, golden sands and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. Adventure seekers can hike from here to Bottle Beach, adding an exciting trek to your island experience.

Haad Rin is famous for the Full Moon Party, but it's just as beautiful when the
party's not happening (maybe even more). You can also take a Longtail boat from
Haad Rin Beach to the tranquil Haad Yuan Beach, which feels like a paradise
getaway. And if you're into that remote beach vibe, you can find a few
accommodations there (link for it in the nightlife section).

Bottle
Beach is another pristine gem accessible only by Longtail boat (from Chaloklum
Beach) or via a hiking trail. I didn't personally hike, but I met a couple who
did and thoroughly enjoyed it. You can hike there and then return via a
Longtail boat to Haad Khom Beach, where you can park your car or scooter. The
boat ride takes about 15 minutes and costs 200 Baht (approximately 5 EUR) one
way. It's likely that the same boat driver will wait for you at Bottle Beach,
allowing you to enjoy your day in this beautiful paradise.   

Here are some parties you can enjoy on the island, other than the Full-Moon
party:

Bambu Huts (Sunday Day Party) + accomodation

One of the island's hidden gems,
Bambu Huts hosts a fantastic Sunday Day party on the secluded shores of Haad
Yuan. The party kicks off at midday, with most visitors arriving around 3 or 4
p.m. and continuing the celebration until midnight. To reach this picturesque
location, you can take a Longtail boat from Haad Rin beach. Upon arriving by
boat, a short and scenic path leads you to the Bambu Huts restaurant, the
epicenter of the day party. Here, you can dance the day away on the inside dance
floor, savour a delicious lunch, or chill in the outdoor area while enjoying the
breathtaking view. There are also some little fire and dance shows later in the
afternoon. If you prefer a more serene experience, Bambu Huts also offers
beautiful accommodations, making it an excellent choice for unwinding on days
other than Sunday.

Right next door to Bambu Huts, Eden
hosts a party that starts at 9 p.m. on Saturday night and continues until
midday on Sunday. Some Eden partygoers choose to head to Bambu Huts afterward,
while others opt for a leisurely stay at accommodations along the beach.
Longtail boats back to Haad Rin are available throughout the night. Eden's
musical backdrop primarily features Techno music, making it a must-visit for enthusiasts
of this genre.

Eden (Saturday Night until Sunday Mid-day)

While I couldn't personally attend
Rasta Home in Srithanu on Fridays due to work commitments until midnight, it's
highly recommended by the people I know on the island. This is the place to be
on a Friday night, offering a relaxed atmosphere where you can mingle with the
local crowd in Srithanu.

Hollystone hosts a Saturday night
extravaganza set in a spacious area near a serene lake. Featuring open fires,
different bars, and tempting food stalls, this event is perfect for music lovers.
The tunes at Hollystone range from House music to various genres, ensuring a
vibrant atmosphere from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

they also offer a
sauna and an ice-bath for just 50 Baht (1.30 EUR) additionally

a very nice co-working space with a rooftop-terrace and chill-out area

As an Aerial Silks enthusiast, it was challenging for me to find a
suitable practice space on the island. LABracadabra offers various options for
aerials and acrobatics.   

When exploring the island, I highly recommend
considering a scooter rental as your primary mode of transportation. It's
undeniably the most convenient way to get around the island and discover hidden
gems. If you're not familiar with riding a scooter, don´t worry! I had never
ridden a scooter before and found Mr. Tom in Srithanu to be a tremendous
assistance. Mr. Tom not only rents out scooters but also provides
patient and thorough lessons, dedicating about an hour to teach me the
essentials. Riding a scooter isn't too hard, but Mr. Tom's help made it much
easier for me.

Another viable option for getting around the
island is using motorbike taxis or Songthaews taxis. It's essential to
negotiate the fare upfront, as prices can often be flexible. With a bit of
practice, you'll develop a knack for distinguishing fair prices from overly
inflated ones. Occasionally, you may need to transfer in Thong Sala, as
different taxis serve the island's southern and northern regions. However,
these drivers collaborate, so you won't have to go searching or pay twice.
They'll communicate and coordinate the switch for you. Taxis are easy to find, parked on the streets or passing by. You can also ask your accommodation for help in booking one.

I hope you'll relish your time in Koh Phangan, and that these insights enhance your journey.

🌟Explore the Hidden Charms of Koh Phangan

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