There’s a reason Ko Pha Ngan is adored by both Thai and foreign tourists. The southeastern Thailand resort is one of the most recognised islands in the world, despite its miniature (40km) diameter.
Pha Ngan is acknowledged for its serene long beaches, jungle terrain, and mountain landscape but the notorious Full Moon Party first brought on its fame. But when the party’s over, there is still so much left to discover on this wild retreat.
You will find the gulf island is bestrewn with architecture, nature and culture to unload.
With experience, the optimum way to get around is by motorbike or scooter, which are both simple and affordable to hire and give ultimate freedom. Although you should ride the roads with caution, or even better hire a car or taxi for off-road ventures and parties.
Almost everything worth visiting is located on the island, with the exception of the impeccably beautiful National Park that remains handsomely offshore. It is an incredibly memorable journey for those who get the chance to take it.
Here are some ideas to help you plan your next adventure.
Full Moon Party
The seemingly innocent Ko Pha Ngan has a vivacious night scene for the 18+ crowd.
Full Moon Party
The speciality is its Full Moon Party, pulling 30,000 revellers to its southern beaches every single month. It occurs on or around the full moon and to this day takes place on Haad Rin Beach.
What was once a local tradition (1985) has surged into a total tourist obsession, attracting young people from around the globe hoping to experience the frenzy firsthand.
If you carry a torch for blaring music, fire skipping ropes and glow in the dark face paint, you should without a doubt align your adventure with the monthly event. Line yourself with street food and don’t forget the infamous buckets of alcohol.
Half Moon Festival
If you aren’t in the area on the night of the full moon but don’t want to miss the action, this tropical island is also home to the twice-monthly ‘Half Moon Festival’, in Baan Tai Jungle. The one-of-a-kind venue comes alive with UVs and mesmeric fire dancers the week prior and the week following the Full Moon.
Black Moon Party
Join the smaller-scale hippie scene and try some of the experimental refreshments at the monthly ‘Black Moon’ beach party. With only a thousand party-goers the art and music festival will be a lot more personal than the others.
Other Festivities
Other notable celebrations are the Waterfall Party, Loi Lay’s Sunday Floating Bar Parties, as well as Ko Pha Ngan’s insane Jungle Experience, featuring giant psychedelic sculptures and plenty of UV lights.
Plan ahead since the Full Moon Party means tickets for the ferry get booked up fast.
Beach-Hopping
There are a notable number of beaches in spite of the island’s small size. Whatever your style, we are convinced there is a beach for everyone in Ko Pha Ngan.
Haad Khuat (Bottle Beach)
With 30 beaches to try on, the not unfamiliar Haad Khuat (Bottle Beach) in the north, has been named by many as the “best beach on the island”. The lovesick secret escape is secluded by a luscious mountain cove, making it solely accessible by boat.
Haad Seekantang (Leela Beach)
For shallow waters with a laid back atmosphere, Haad Seekantang might be your place. The southern favourite gives the impression of stepping right into a postcard.
Haad Mae
For day-trippers, you’ll find yourself scouring Haad Mae, which has even been classed as a Marine Park thanks to its rich surroundings including turtles and small reef sharks.
Koh Ma
During low tides a strip of sand allows visitors to cross over from Haad Mae to the island of Koh Ma — providing breathtaking views and astonishing snorkelling opportunities.
Thong Nai Pan and Haad Yao
Swimmers will adore the long Thong Nai Pan in the northeast and the spacious Haad Yao (Long Beach) in the west, for their dependable sloped shores of crystal waters and surrounding amenities.
Long Beach is supreme for snorkelers as it is said to have the clearest water and most delightful sunsets, so makes a stunning choice for visits around dusk.
Get ready for your beach standards to be refreshed!
Snorkelling + Scuba Diving
Almost every beach on the north and west coast offers serene opportunities to observe the weird and wonderful world underwater. There are tons of boat trips that take you directly to the best spots and it is valuable to dive with people that understand the area.
Typically dive centres will take you further offshore to locations like Sail Rock, Chaloklum, Mae Haad and Ko Tao. Each location offers an unimagined sweep of species and climate, so your experience is bound to be totally diverse.
Thrill-seekers will be stoked by the hunting Bull Sharks and Barracudas and you can bank on seeing your fair share of hypnotic Stingrays, dazzling Parrotfish and bizarre Unicornfish all year round!
Those who prefer the shallows, or just prefer to be in control of their own trip shouldn’t miss snorkelling.
There are plenty of species of small fish, crabs and vegetation in the shallows to keep you occupied. Venturing out into deeper waters provides more diversity with shoals of fish and larger corals.
Waterfalls
The island is home to several noteworthy waterfalls that offer a peaceful venture away from civilization. The falls are best experienced after heavy rain during the monsoon season. It is fairly easy to locate the best ones.
Often requiring hikes to be reached, waterfall excursions make a rewarding day trip with destinations dependent on the desired level of difficulty.
Some of the most interesting waterfalls to visit include:
Phaeng Waterfall
Arguably the finest of them all, Phaeng is the tallest waterfall on the island. It is barely 50 metres stretch from the park entrance and features an inviting pool at its base where you can take a dip. The two torrents are accessible – bang in the middle of the island.
Paradise Waterfall
This has to be the most liberating waterfall in Ko Pha Ngan. The site features amenities including a restaurant, a jungle gym and even a Tarzan rope to swing yourself into the pool! You can find it all just off the road to Chaloklum Bay.
Than Sadet Waterfall
Than Sadet is used for Royal ceremonies by the Thai Royal family. You can find an engraving by King Rama V on one of the rocks. This is one of the most (visited) waterfalls on the island and it’s no wonder why. The numerous flutes cascade beautifully down huge boulders into the pool. Locate it on the road to the Thong Nai Pan beaches.
Than Praphat Waterfall
For an alternative experience, Than Praphat falls directly into the sea. It is more of a challenge to reach, being found on a secluded beach in Baan Tai, but definitely worth your while if around the area.
Wat Phu Khao Noi
One way to really get a grip of Ko Pha Ngan’s culture is to visit the oldest temple on the island, Wat Phu Khao Noi. You can still see the miraculous 15th-century footprints in the founding monk’s private meditation area, which are evidence of the Thai legend.
Regardless of if you believe the rumours, the Temple of The Small Mountain is likely the most atmospheric area on the island and a place to be overwhelmed by local architecture.
The chapel offers a Buddhist training course for visiting children who want to try their turn at becoming a monk.
As the temple is still in use, it is important you follow the rules provided: a respectful silence is important during meditation sessions and modest dress is equally important. Furthermore, please don’t take a selfie with the Budda!
