ðExplore the Hidden Charms of Koh Phangan
Here's what you'll find in this guide:
1. How to get to Koh Phangan
2. Accommodations on the island
3. Must-Visit Spots on Your Koh Phangan Itinerary
4. My personal Top 5 beaches in Koh Phangan
5. Nightlife
6. Quick recommendations
7. How to get around the island   Â
1. How to get to Koh Phangan
Getting from Bangkok to Koh Phangan via Koh Samui
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.
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
Taking the Ferry to Koh Phangan
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
2. Accommodations on the island
Benjamin's Hut
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.
Aquavana
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.
You can find additional accommodation choices in the content below.Â
3. Must-Visit Spots on Your Koh Phangan Itinerary
Restaurants, CafÃĐs, Sunset Delights ð , and Productive Work Spots ðķ
Sand & Tan (Haad Rin)
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 â just like what you'd find in a typical 4-star hotel. I also enjoyed their restaurant for lunch because of its great ambiance.   Â
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.Â
MamaKOP Resturant (Srithanu)
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.  Â
Seasalt & Sage (Srithanu)
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.   Â
Mama Market (Srithanu)
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.
BubbaÂīs Roastery (Srithanu)Â ðķ
Alcove (Srithanu) ð
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.
SeaTara (Srithanu) ð
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) ðķ ð + 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:Â Â Â Â
Bake Sense (Srithanu) ðķ
This charming little cafÃĐ quickly became my go-to spot for getting work done. Nestled by the beach, it offers a unique view â 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 cafÃĐ boasts a strong and reliable Wi-Fi connection, ensuring a stable environment for work.
Kosmos (Srithanu) ðķ
I was pleasantly surprised by the nearby Kosmos cafÃĐ. 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.
Koh Raham (Srithanu) ð
4. My personal Top 5 beaches in Koh Phangan
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.Â
1. Secret Beach
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. ItÂīs also an ideal spot to witness breathtaking sunsets, often accompanied by relaxing Chill-out music played by DJs.
2. Zen Beach
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.
3. Haad Khom
4. Haad Rin & Haad Yuan
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).
5. Bottle Beach
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. Â
5. Nightlife
Here are some parties you can enjoy on the island, other than the Full-Moon party:
Bambu Huts (Sunday Day Party) + accomodation
Eden (Saturday Night until Sunday Mid-day)
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.
Rasta Home (Fridays)
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 Saturday Dancing
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.
6. Quick recommendations:
Co-Working: Inner space
a very nice co-working space with a rooftop-terrace and chill-out area
Nails: Cutie Nails
she did the best nails IÂīve ever had
Gym: Xantiva
they also offer a sauna and an ice-bath for just 50 Baht (1.30 EUR) additionally
LABracadabra
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. Â
7. How to get around the island
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.
ENJOY YOUR TRIP TO KOH PHANGAN
I hope you'll relish your time in Koh Phangan, and that these insights enhance your journey.
If you've found this guide helpful, a tip would be greatly appreciated to support my travel explorations and future sharing of insider tips. ð
Regardless, may your Koh Phangan adventure be filled with beauty, wonder, and cherished memories. Enjoy your stay, and safe travels! ðī
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