Koh Phangan sits between Koh Samui and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand. It is best known for the Full Moon Party at Haad Rin, on the south-east tip. The rest of the island is much calmer, with yoga schools in the west, local villages in the north and secluded bays in the east. It suits partygoers and long-stay visitors, but also couples and families who stay away from Haad Rin.
Where should you stay on Koh Phangan?
Roads are steep and some beaches are reached only by boat, so choose your area carefully.
| Area | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Haad Rin | The party hub, with hostels and bars; calm outside full moon week | Partygoers, backpackers |
| Thong Sala | The main town and ferry pier, with banks, shops and a night market | A central base, short stays |
| Srithanu and the west coast | A string of beaches including Zen, Haad Yao and Salad, with yoga studios and sunsets | Yoga, longer stays, couples |
| Chaloklum (north) | A fishing village with few tourists, dive shops and mostly larger houses to rent | Groups, long stays |
| Bottle Beach (north-east) | An isolated bay reached only by boat, with few places to stay | Quiet and nature |
| Thong Nai Pan (north-east) | Two bays about 500 m apart; Noi is upmarket, Yai more casual | Couples, families |
If you want the Full Moon Party without staying in Haad Rin, Ban Tai and Thong Sala have normal prices and shared pickups on party nights. Rooms in Haad Rin book out weeks ahead, and minimum stays of three to five nights are common.
How do you get to Koh Phangan?
The quickest route from Bangkok is to fly to Koh Samui, about an hour and a half, then take a boat. Crossings from Samui take 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the pier. Boats leave from Bangrak, near Chaweng, and from Pralarn. Most arrive at Thong Sala, but the Haad Rin Queen runs from Bangrak straight to Haad Rin.
A cheaper route is to fly or take the train to Surat Thani and catch a ferry from Donsak Pier. The car ferries take about two and a half hours and the Lomprayah catamaran about an hour and a half. By overnight train and ferry, the whole trip from Bangkok takes 12 to 13 hours; by bus and ferry, 11 to 12 hours.
From Koh Tao, boats to Thong Sala take about one to one and three-quarter hours. Book a few days ahead around full moon dates, Christmas and New Year, when boats fill up.
How do you get around Koh Phangan?
Shared pickups called songthaews wait at Thong Sala pier and in Haad Rin. The busiest route links the two.
Scooters rent for about 150 to 300 baht a day. The roads are steep and bumpy, so only ride if you are experienced. Wear a helmet and proper shoes, and check that your licence and insurance cover you. Longtail boats run from Haad Rin, Thong Sala and most beaches, and are the only way to reach Bottle Beach, Haad Yuan and Haad Thian.
What is the Full Moon Party like?
The party takes over Haad Rin Nok, also called Sunrise Beach, once a month. Around a dozen bars each run their own sound system. The beach fills from about 10pm and the party peaks between 1am and 3am. Entry is 200 baht, paid in cash at the gate. Online "tickets" are usually transfer or hostel packages, not beach entry.
The party is held on the full moon, but moves by a day or more when that falls on a Buddhist holiday or another national event. The Haad Rin organisers announce the dates. The provisional dates for 2027 are:
| Month | Date | Month | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Fri 22 | July | Tue 20 |
| February | Mon 22 | August | Tue 17 |
| March | Mon 22 | September | Wed 15 |
| April | Wed 21 | October | Sat 16 |
| May | Fri 21 | November | Sat 13 |
| June | Sat 19 | December | Mon 13 |
A New Year countdown party is also held on 31 December. Some sources give 21 February and 20 May instead, so reconfirm about a month before you travel. Ticketed Halfmoon and jungle parties run near Ban Tai at other points in the month.
What else is there to do on Koh Phangan?
- Snorkelling at Koh Ma: a small island off Mae Haad in the north-west, joined by a sandbar you can walk at low tide, with coral and fish. Bring your own mask.
- Diving: dive schools in Thong Sala, Haad Yao, Chaloklum and Haad Rin run trips to Sail Rock, a site for more experienced divers.
- Waterfalls: Than Sadet, inside a national park, and Phaeng, a two-tier fall. Flow varies with the season; September to February is usually best.
- Viewpoints: Khao Ra is the highest peak at 627 m, reached by a long trail. West-coast bars are popular for sunset.
- Yoga: most schools are in Srithanu, with daily classes and teacher training.
- Ang Thong Marine Park: speedboat day trips also leave from Phangan, with snorkelling, kayaking and a viewpoint climb.
When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan has the same weather as its Gulf neighbours. December to February is dry and warm. March to May is hotter, with calm seas and the clearest water. June to September brings frequent showers and occasional downpours.
October and November are the wettest months, peaking in November. Seas can be rough and boats may be cancelled. Ang Thong Marine Park usually closes from 1 November to 15 December.
What should you know before you go?
- Wear shoes at the party. Broken glass in the sand is the most common injury.
- Watch your drink. Buy your own bucket and see it poured. Avoid swimming after dark.
- Drug laws are strict. Plain-clothes police attend the party.
- Do not ride after drinking. Take a songthaew or taxi back instead.
- Emergency numbers: Tourist Police 1155; Koh Phangan Hospital +66 77 377 034.
Tip: if you want one big night, stay on the west coast or in Thong Sala and travel to Haad Rin for the party. You get the quiet side of the island for the rest of the week.
Facts checked October 2026. Full Moon Party dates for 2027 are provisional and are set by the Haad Rin organisers; sources differ for February and May, so reconfirm before booking. Ferry times are approximate and depend on the operator, pier and sea conditions. National park closure dates can change with the weather.
Sources
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