The 3 weeks I spent exploring the idyllic island of Koh Phangan were some of the best times of my life. Such a lively, cute little island! I didn’t want to leave and I can not wait to go back! These were my absolute favorite things to do in Koh Phangan.
Party! Duh
The island is famously known for its monthly FULL MOON PARTY, a giant rave on the beach of Haad Rin. Be prepared for a wild night full of booze buckets, drugs, sex, fire dancing, mushroom milkshakes, and neon painted bodies dancing till the sun comes up! This festival-like party attracts up to 40,000 visitors during the high season so be sure to make plans in advance. If you miss the Full Moon Party, don’t fret because, let’s be real, everyday is a party on Koh Phangan. There’s the half moon festival, black moon culture, jungle experience and Sramanora waterfall party to name a few.
Rent a motorbike
The best way to travel around and explore Koh Phangan is to rent a motorbike. I can’t believe I’m saying this because the first day we got to the island, I rented one and crashed within 10minutes. FAIL! Yes I have scars from it. The island is very hilly and it is not uncommon to see people walking around with bandages from an accident. So after that debacle, I happily occupied the passenger seat and loved every second of it!
Visit Anthong National Marine Park
This is a fun day tour! Consisting of over 40 island in the middle of the gulf of Thailand, the best way to explore the protected marine park is by speedboat or a boat tour. We did a boat tour with Orion Boat Trips and had quite a lovely experience. Get ready for a full day of beaches, snorkeling, kayaking, cave exploring and hiking!
Enjoy the Sunsets at Amsterdam Bar
Picture this. A two-story hippy hostel bar built into the side of a mountain; a DJ spinning to a pool deck FULL of foreigners smoking spliffs and drinking mushroom milkshakes; all while watching the most stunning sunset of their lives…
That’s Amsterdam Bar
Just sunsets
Because they are absolutely GORGEOUS here!
Eat!!
Koh Phangan is full of flavor, you just have to know where to go. Lucky for you guys, I was a complete fat ass! Here are the best restaurants on the island.
~Jumpahom Restaurant
Ms. Jump (nickname we gave her) cooks alone so her food takes some time but I promise you its so worth it! She makes the best thai tea and curries I have ever had! Ever. To pass the time, just bust out one of the Jenga sets she has or relax in a hammock and you’ll be eating in no time.
~L’Alcove
Wine & Cheese!! Need I say more? For a romantic spot to watch the sunset while enjoying a beachside dinner with your lover-butt, come here 😉
~Peppercorn
This upscale jungle restaurant has a lovely ambiance and hands down the best steaks on the island! & let’s not forget about the mouth-watering prawn salad…NUM NUMSSSS!
~Crave Restaurant & Lounge
Located smack dab in the heart of Haad Yao, this restaurant serves delicious gourmet hamburgers. I’m not a huge burger person and I came here two days in a row just for ‘The Deluxe.’ A burger loaded with bacon, homemade mayo and brie cheese! It’s orgasmic.
Indulge in Massages
Where else in the world can you enjoy a one-hour massage for roughly nine US dollars (300 baht)?! THAILAND that’s where! 300 baht is a pretty average in Koh Phangan but you can absolutely get them for cheaper or splurge on an indulgent treatment at a sexy spa. Now I realize there’s a lot of stigma about massages in Thailand and ‘happy endings’ but that was never my experience. On the contrary, I was spoiled with daily oil rub downs at my favorite little parlor or at the beach and it was absolutely blissful.
