Koh Phangan Attractions, Beaches, Temples

As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Phangan serves as the perfect getaway retreat; relaxing on quiet deserted beaches, snorkelling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Ko Ma; trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture; seeking adventure in the nearby Ang Thong archipelago composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai - the salt water blue lagoon lake featured in The Beach by Alex Garland. Koh Phangan has over 250 resorts to choose from, ranging from the budget 80 Baht a night beach hut without private toilet to luxury air-conditioned accommodation with private swimming pool.

It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon parties and hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers, budget tourists and aging hippies are beginning to give way to families and more mainstream tourists but the beaches are still beautiful and undeveloped. The full moon party scene still runs with a cast of thousands in high season - all on the beach. Hedonists everywhere still flock to the world's biggest beach party every month. The music from the multiple sound systems is mostly ear-splittingly loud trance and house, and a predominantly youthful crowd dance 'til dawn on party nights - not to everyone's taste certainly, but it's definitely a unique cultural experience. Other events such as the Half Moon Party and Black Moon Party also attract large crowds. However, it is still possible to visit the island and avoid the full moon party altogether, with dozens of quiet, secluded resorts and beach huts dotted all over the island for a variety of prices. Many of the more costly resorts offer such facilities as daily yoga, yoga teachers training, meditation, a variety of healing, healthy & natural therapies, spa massage & pampering services and herbal steam rooms.

Other activities available on the island include scuba diving with a number of companies offering very reasonably priced training courses and excursions, snorkelling, especially off the Mae Haad sandbar in the north west, wakeboarding, archery, fishing, walks in the national park or simply relaxing in the company of other farangs or the friendly locals.

Apart from beaches, sand and sea, Koh Phangan also has cultural attractions such as Wat Maduea Wan, located at Mu 3, where the replica of the Lord Buddha's Footprint is enshrined on the hilltop Mondop. To reach the temple, take a songthaew from for a total distance of approximately 3 kilometers for a fare of 20 bahts / trip / person.

You can relax and enjoy the many benefits of a traditional herbal steam sauna at Wat Pho. Lemongrass is added to a boiler which is heated by a log wood fire to create the herbal steam that is fed into the sauna. If you have been partying too hard or just feel like doing something good for yourself then come on up to this place. Herbal sauna hae many health benefits not limited to reducing high cholesterol levels to the treatment of skins diseases such as ezcyma. Most health retreats also offer herbal sauna's and steam rooms so check out one located near you.

Wat Khao Tham (Mountain Cave Monastery) International Meditation Center attracts an ever increasing number of people from all over the world interested in studying and practicing the methods, techniques and tools of mental development taught by Rosemary & Steve Weissman; the resident teachers since 1988. They feel that through an overall and balanced mental development practice, we may be able to gain Insight into our own nature and the laws of Nature; developing deep Compassion and Understanding of the origins of difficulties and stress, and how to end them.

Lying Buddha statue The programs at Wat Khao Tham, i.e. 10 day retreat, 20 day retreat and the 3 months work retreat are in a state of change and evolvement: arising, changing and / or passing as Rosemary and Steve see the particular needs of their students and the moment, trying to respond appropriately to these needs. The programs are also a reflection of Steve and Rosemary's own personal growth in Compassionate Understanding. As the programs are essentially a manifestation of their own energy and Compassionate action, rather than a group or institutional effort, please note the changing dates of the retreat schedule.

On hot days the lake is an oasis for everybody to sit under shady trees and take a swim to cool down.

The capital of Koh Phangan and the place where the ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Chumphon arrive. You can find travel agents, banks, restaurants, motorbike and car rentals as well as accommodation in this town which also invites you for some shopping.

Located at Mu 4, Ban Tai Sub-district, approximately 12 kilometers from the District Office is the most beautiful and famous beach on Koh Phangan -- Haad Rin. The white sandy beach stretching for 2 kilometers is accessible by a long-tailed boat from Thong Sala Pier and Ban Kai or by the newly built road connecting the two. The fare is approximately 30 Baht and 20 Baht respectively. Haad Rin is known around the world as the place of the famous Fullmoon Party which attracts thousands of partygoers every month

Located at Mu 5, Ban Tai Sub-district, approximately 23 kilometers from the District Office is the second most beautiful beach on Koh Phangan. To reach this beach, either take a boat or songthaew from Thong Sala Pier. The songthaew fare is 80 bahts / trip / person while that of chartered boats is up to negotiation.

Located at Mu 8, Pha-ngan District, approximately 10 kilometers from the District Office is the one of the most beautiful beach of Koh Phangan. To reach this beach, take a songthaew from Thong Sala Pier for a fare of 40 bahts / trip / person.

The village is situated along the bay to the north of Phangan Island. The area is lined with shops selling merchandise and souvenirs with the most popular item being dried squid. There are songthaew services from Thong Sala Pier with a fare of 50 bahts / trip / person.