Temples on Koh Phangan. The most interesting places on Koh Phangan
The main attractions of Koh Phangan: virgin jungle, clean beaches, waterfalls and high mountains. Koh Phangan Island is not replete with attractions, such as, for example, but this circumstance is fully compensated by beautiful beaches with soft and fine sand and almost virgin jungle.
Despite the fact that there are no cinemas on the island of Koh Phangan, you can get your dose of adrenaline by visiting the Muay Thai competition, popular all over the world, where neither actors nor stuntmen are needed: everything here is for real - fights, knockouts and everything else.
The largest tree on Koh Phangan
On some maps it is called Coconut Tree or Triple Coconut tree. It's actually called Yang Na Yai. With a girth of 14 meters, the tropical rubber tree (Latin name Dipterocapus Alatus) is located just off the road from Thongsala port to Haad Rin Beach, near Wat Pho temple. It's worth riding an extra 5 minutes on a bike to admire this giant and feel its greatness.
Mount Khao Ra on Koh Phangan
Mount Ra (Khao Ra) rises above the island and looks very picturesque. There is a road that crosses the island along its ridge from the Ban Tai area to Thong Nai Pan Beach in the northeast of the island. The only problem is that it is not finished yet, broken in some places and not illuminated everywhere, so when traveling through the pass it is important to choose the right means of transportation - a powerful dirt bike, 4x4 or taxi. Do not try to get to Khao Ra in a regular car, especially in the rain.
Thai boxing - Mai Thai
The competition is called Thai boxing or simply Muay Thai. The island of Koh Phangan is famous for the fact that battles do not always take place in the same place. Most often, the place is chosen by lot. If you want to know where the next fight of the night is, you can go to your nearest boxing stadium and ask. Both Haad Rin and Thongsala stadiums host many exciting fights.
Where is: Several stadiums around the island, Jungle Gym in Haad Rin - Phone: 077 375 115, Chorenit Boxing in Thongsala - Phone: 077 377 856
Phaeng Waterfall on Koh Phangan
One of the largest waterfalls on Koh Phangan, Paeng is easily accessible and really worth a visit after the heavy rains of the monsoon season. Paeng Falls consists of two levels, and along numerous paths you can get to the observation deck in the mountains. The waterfall is located in the Koh Phangan National Park.
The island of Koh Phangan (or Koh Phangan) in the Gulf of Thailand is extremely beautiful. Almost the entire territory of the island is covered with dense tropical thickets and mountains, and a little less than a third is covered with snow-white beaches with fine sand and coconut groves. It's a completely perfect picture, isn't it? The main city of the island is Thong Sala. Getting to the island today is not at all difficult, from anywhere in the country. 
It is worth noting that Koh Phangan has become so popular, perhaps primarily because of its steep beach Full Moon Parties: It is held monthly on the full moon at Haad Rin Nok Beach. And this action attracts thousands of party-goers from all over the world. Of course, the full moon, the beach, cool music, cocktails. 
Who would refuse this! On this night, all bars on the island are open until the morning. In general, this is why Koh Phangan is sometimes compared to Ibiza. Or Kazantip. If anything, read the schedule of this party here: http://fullmoonparty-thailand.com/schedules.html (you can also find out how to get to the island there). 
The party is really very popular. By the time of the full moon, everything is ready: guests dress up in swimsuits and acid-colored shorts, paint their faces and bodies. The music at this party is drum, techno, in short, something that makes drunk guests jump non-stop all night long, until dawn, which, by the way, is very beautiful here. 
Plus a fire show, professional dancers on stage, alcohol competitions, dozens of stages, dancing in the water, jumping over a fire rope and other attributes of a cool party. The whole action becomes simply surreal by midnight - crazy guests, half-naked bodies, fire and fluorescent lights. It’s especially funny to watch how the festival guests are busy drinking buckets (a bucket of traditional cocktails, vodka or whiskey + cola, or whatever else), some are already busy drinking cocktails (with hallucinogenic mushrooms, just a little, so as not to then collect half-dead tourists from the beach, of course). 
Book hotels on the island in advance; usually, by the time the party arrives, there are no places available. Or there is, but the prices are significantly higher. Unless, of course, you don’t mind just sleeping on the beach, as many people do when they arrive on the island with one small backpack and without any second thoughts.
If you are not a fan of such parties, then the island welcomes you on other days with its luxurious wild nature, deserted beaches and absolutely lovely, relaxed island life.
Here are the beauties of the island you can see:
Paeng Waterfall (or Paeng Waterfall) 
The waterfall is located near the village of Madua Wan. It should be noted that these scenic spots are not very easy to find. You will first have to climb the mountain (about 250 meters, and the mountain is quite steep, but there is a path). And then you will notice a rather large pool of fresh water - this is part of the waterfall. 
Another level is located another 200 meters higher. The waterfall is beautiful, we go further into the jungle and find an observation deck at Kao Ra rock. 
Don’t worry, you will definitely get there, because signs will show you the way from the waterfall to the mountain. This is where you will lose consciousness from such beauty - a complete panorama of the island and the sea, shrouded in a light bluish haze (sometimes you can even see the nearby island of Samui). Beauty! By the way, this seems to be the highest point on the island. You will stand at an altitude of 630 meters above sea level. If you are afraid of getting lost, it is better to hire a local guide; they will be happy to guide you for a fee. By the way, there is more than one path to the top of the mountain (just through the waterfall is the most beautiful). These paths intersect in several places. So, you can get lost. I say again, take a diagram or a knowledgeable person. Oh yes, and no spanking - the road is so-so. 
Than Prawet Waterfall 
This is perhaps the most famous waterfall on the island. It flows down several levels, among massive granite blocks and rocks, and nearby is a dense jungle. There is a well-trodden path from Thong Nai Pan Noi beach to the waterfall. In some places you can even swim in the waterfall pools.
Than Sadet Waterfall 
A large waterfall formed on the Than Sadet River. This place is remarkable both for its beauty and for the fact that in the 80s of the 19th century King Rama V himself and his family came to admire the waterfall. He left a note on a stone near the waterfall as a keepsake. Later, his followers, other kings with their families, also visited this natural miracle, at least ten times in total. Such royal fun! By the way, this waterfall is recognized as a Holy Spring, and its water is used for important ceremonies. This waterfall is located in the Ban Tai area.
Now about the attractions and entertainment:
Pha Ngan Safari Park 
This park is located in the north of the island. Perhaps one of the most favorite tourist entertainments. Here you can ride an elephant and admire the beauties of the park, watch the elephants perform all sorts of tricks, and make faces with the monkeys. You can feed the animals, so bring bananas with you. 
There are also squirrels living in the park, and there is a crocodile show for guests; some of them, by the way, are three meters long. Look for this park two kilometers south of Chaloklum Beach, next to the road that leads to Thongsalu. This park is usually open from 8 am to 6 pm. Snake and crocodile shows are held every two hours (not simultaneously, of course), four times a day. 
Phu Khao Noi Temple 
One of the oldest temples on the island. The name of the structure translates as “temple of a small mountain.” The name does not convey the beauty of this building. Ancient shabby gray walls, old chedis (stupa tombs), all of this makes a very strong impression. This is even more interesting than young churches. By the way, the temple is active. It is located between Thong Sala and Ban Tai.
Guan Yin Temple
If you drive north from Thong Sala to Chaloklam, you will see a temple. More precisely, a temple complex of several buildings. Especially, the “dragon drum” has several pagodas of different colors. Guan Yin (translated as “Goddess of Mercy”) was built as a combination of a lighthouse and a temple to help local sailors. It is located on the bay side
Well, in general, the island is very, very beautiful. The sunsets here are simply incredible. The views are just like in the picture, no more, no less. You must see all this with your own eyes!
Full Moon Party is a world famous beach party that attracts nightlife lovers to the island. Koh Phangan is famous for this party that takes place on Haad Rin on the night of the full moon every month.
The first full moon party took place in a village near the beach in 1985 and attracted about 20-30 tourists. She quickly gained fame and the event now attracts crowds of around 20,000-30,000 people every full moon. The party goes on until the sun rises. The bars on Haad Rin beach are open all night long, playing trance, R&B, drum and bass, house, dance and reggae music.
This modern colorful event has become part of the itinerary of many travelers in Southeast Asia. It's worth a visit if you're into open-air night parties.
Chaloklam Beach
Chaloklam Beach is a 2.5-kilometer-long sand ridge located in the northern part of Koh Phangan. The sand here is snow-white and very fine, the coast is quiet, sheltered in the shade of spreading trees. Life here proceeds at a measured pace, so you simply cannot find a better place for a relaxing holiday.
On Chaloklam Beach and its surroundings there is an atmosphere of romance and a kind of “wildness” - such an unusual mixture is difficult to find in other resorts in Thailand. That is why it is very popular among those who want to take a break from noisy parties and an endless stream of people. In the area of Chaloklam Bay, picturesque coral reefs have been preserved, and the waves are excellent for surfing.
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Salad Beach
Salad Beach is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Thais. It is located on a small archipelago that consists of six islands. The beach attracts vacationers with its clean white sand and warm clear ocean water. The beach is located in a tropical garden area. Therefore, its visitors can not only see how coconuts, mangoes, bananas or oranges grow, but also try to get them themselves.
There are several restaurants and cafes on the beach. Here you can try Thai national cuisine for a reasonable price. Freshly squeezed juices are especially popular among visitors to these establishments. Salad Beach is usually not crowded. If desired, vacationers can rent sun loungers or umbrellas to hide from the scorching hot sun. Here, tourists are offered various exciting excursions to local attractions and boat trips. Their cost usually ranges from ten to twenty dollars. Entrance to the beach is free.
Hin Kong Beach, which is about two kilometers long, is located in the south of Koh Phangan. Thanks to its semicircular shape, Hin Kong resembles a cozy bay.
The sea near the beach is very calm and shallow, so it is good to relax here with children. In the evening there is a strong low tide, and the water goes quite far - sometimes at low tide you have to walk about a kilometer. There are coral reefs approximately 300 meters from the beach, and the mangrove trees that line the bay help give this picturesque location the perfect atmosphere for romantic walks and a sense of adventure.
Koh Nang Yuan Island
Koh Nang Yuan Island is a small island that is often called a small copy of paradise. It is located in the Gulf of Thailand. The area has crystal white sand beaches and azure blue water. The island is home to tropical evergreen forests. Koh Nang Yuan Island is a great place for scuba diving enthusiasts. It will be of interest to both professional and novice divers. The depth of the bay in this area ranges from five to eighteen meters.
The island is located on the territory of a marine reserve. It provides an opportunity to get acquainted with various representatives of the underwater world. Here you can see clown fish, yellow butterfly fish, angelfish and, of course, appreciate the diversity of coral reefs. The most favorable time to visit the island begins in April and lasts until October. These days there are practically no tropical rains, which sometimes occur throughout the rest of Thailand.
Full Moon Party Festival
Party lovers probably know about the famous Thai full moon parties. Full Moon parties are held monthly on the island of Koh Phangan on Had Rin Beach, where several dance floors are organized. There are many people who want to attend the party, so you should think about buying tickets in advance.
The tradition of this unique full moon celebration dates back more than 20 years. The first beach party with sultry dancing, loud music and a variety of entertainment took place on Koh Phangan in 1985. The tradition has stuck. And now every year 20-30 thousand tourists come to the island especially for the Full Moon Party.
The Full Moon party starts in the evening and lasts throughout the next day. All this time, music plays in the styles of R&B, drum and bass, reggae and house, and the best DJs in the world participate in the program. And one of the most extreme types of entertainment at a party is jumping over a burning rope.
You can get to the site of the Full Moon Party festival from Bangkok, from where there are regular flights to Samui Airport, or from one of the piers on Koh Samui itself.
Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach
Thong Nai Pan is a small area located on Ko Pha Ngan Island. It is home to two large resorts that are popular with tourists: Thong Nay Pan Noy and Thong Nai Pan Yai. They are located a fifteen minute walk from each other. Thong Nai Pan Yai is the largest resort. Up to a thousand people can relax on its beaches at the same time. There are about a dozen different hotels and bungalows in this area. If desired, tourists can stay in them. The cost of living is about three hundred baht per day.
The beaches of the resort always have white hot sand. There is practically no rain in this area. Therefore, bad weather cannot ruin your vacation. Thong Nay Pan Noy Resort is somewhat smaller. You can get to the resorts from any area of the island either by boat or by taxi. There is a small garden in this area. Fruits from which visitors can take home with them. The resort has several cafes and restaurants.
Haad Chao Phao Beach
Haad Chao Phao Beach is located in the heart of the western coast of the port city of Thongsala. Its length is about five hundred meters. Unlike other beaches in Thailand, Haad Chao Phao Beach has a lot of vegetation. There are tall palm trees and fruit trees here. In their shade you can hide from the scorching sun. The beach is located in an area of high cliffs. Therefore, both young people and couples vacation in this area.
The depth of the bay here does not exceed three meters. The water is always clean and clear. Its temperature usually stays at thirty degrees Celsius. The bottom of the bay is sandy. There are a lot of coral reefs in this area. It is no coincidence that snorkelers come here. Travelers can rent sun loungers and umbrellas at Haad Chao Phao Beach. But Haad Chao Phao has several gazebos and picnic tables that you can use for free. There is no charge to enter the beach.
The most popular attractions in Koh Phangan with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Koh Phangan on our website.
More attractions of Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a small island off Koh Samui that can only be reached by ferry. Compared to the mainland and Koh Samui, there is very little civilization on Koh Phangan and this is its advantage. Phangan is a fairly popular holiday destination, at a comfortable distance from the tourist boom of Samui, which is developing exponentially and is becoming less and less like a tropical island. The main activities of Koh Phangan that made it famous are diving. Although this is not all that the island has to offer, it is thanks to the parties that it is popular primarily among young people. And for its uninhabited places, it is in demand among fans of solitude and meditation.
If you don’t risk renting equipment and exploring the island on your own, then there is nothing wrong with buying a couple of the most popular excursions around Koh Phangan. Just to get to know the main attractions of the island in relaxation mode. This will at least save you money on rent, time on studying geography and preparing a route. Most compatriots have a sad two weeks of vacation, so the time needs to be used as optimally as possible. Leave all the organizational aspects to those who have eaten the dog at this and know exactly where and what time to arrive.
Excursions are sold on every corner, starting from the main pier of Koh Phangan -. Moreover, it doesn’t even matter whether you have a Russian-speaking guide or everything will be conducted in English - there are few complex historical places on Koh Phangan that need to be talked about a lot. You will read about the main attractions on the Internet and all you have to do is get there and see with your own eyes. If you start your exploration of the island from a hotel or resort, then first of all talk to the administrator at the reception - he already has all the necessary contacts.
What to see on Koh Phangan
Chinese temple
Buddhist temple Phu Khao Noi
Buddhist temple Paa Sang Tam
Laem Son Lake
The largest freshwater lake on the island, which in the relatively recent past was a tin mine, which was subsequently flooded. Located in the western part of Koh Phangan, next to Chao Phao beach. This place is popular with locals; they like to have picnics on the shore, in the shade of the trees. The lake has some water activities and attractions for children - Wipeout Water Activity Center. There is also a good local cafe on the shore. Laem Son Lake is suitable as a place for relaxation with children and a picnic in nature, purely as a variety of leisure activities on vacation.
Paradise Falls
Sramanora, Tan Pravet and Tan Sadet waterfalls
The Sramonora waterfall is also located close to civilization; there is even a bungalow next to it where you can spend the night. The waterfall itself is not very big, with a natural pool in which you can swim. There is a cafe next to the waterfall, and noisy Waterfall Parties are also held regularly. There is also a dance floor and a protective canopy from the rain and sun, and there are also unpleasantly large boulders that seem ready to collapse. A few kilometers north of Sramanora there are two more waterfalls: Tan Pravet and Tan Sadet.
Tan Prawet is the most popular waterfall on the island among tourists. This is a very beautiful multi-level waterfall in the jungle. It is not easy to get to, but it is worth the effort spent on overcoming the path. Moreover, there will be untouched tropical nature around, rich in colors, smells and sounds. The best time to visit the waterfalls on Koh Phangan is after the rainy season.
Tan Sadet is famous for being visited several times by King Rama V. The waterfall even has a stone on which the king left an inscription in 1888. The waterfall is considered sacred and the water from it is used in ceremonies. Than Sadet Waterfall is essentially a cascade of small waterfalls, about three kilometers long. The stream is noisy, broken by large boulders and delights with natural pools. The road to the waterfall starts from the beach of the same name - Than Sadet.
Wang Sai Waterfall
Tan Sadet National Park and Phaeng Falls
Than Sadet National Park is located three kilometers from Thong Sala. The main attraction of the national park is the Phaeng Noi and Phaeng Yai waterfalls, with an observation deck at the top. An eco-trail runs through the national park to the highest point of the island - the top of Mount Khao Ra. In order to see the waterfalls, you need to climb up the mountain from the village. First there will be a small waterfall, and then a large multi-cascade, along which you can climb higher and higher. Opposite the first Phaeng there is a branch trail to a nearby hill, at the top of which is the Dom Sila viewpoint, but it is quite difficult to climb.
Viewpoints of Koh Phangan
Due to the hilly terrain, there are many viewing platforms on Koh Phangan, but not all of them are easy to drive to. At Had Rin Beach, at the Wat Khao Tam temple, next to Phangan Utopia Resort there are observation points that offer good views and can be easily reached by transport. In the Than Sadet National Park, there are observation platforms above the Phaeng Waterfall () and on Mount Kao Ra, from where breathtaking views of the surrounding area open. It also offers a good view of the coast. There are species-specific restaurants like and or authentic bars like Magic Caffe on the beach.
Bar Amsterdam
Diving and snorkeling
Koh Phangan is one of Thailand's popular diving destinations. There are places around the island where beginners and experienced divers are traditionally taken. Of particular interest, from the point of view of diving, is the Ang Thong Marine National Park, which consists of many small islands with corals and a rich underwater world around them. The island has several diving schools and a large offer of sea excursions with the opportunity to observe the underwater world. For those who do not like to dive, snorkeling is suitable. A good place for this is the small island of Koh Ma, located off the coast near Mae Haad Beach.
Boat excursions, Ang Thong National Park
This place cannot be called a direct attraction of Koh Phangan, but Ang Thong National Park is one of the most popular destinations for boat excursions from Koh Phangan. This archipelago is part of the Surat Thani province, like Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, and is of volcanic origin. Over millions of years, the rocks in the sea have acquired bizarre shapes, similar to the figures of animals or mythical creatures. One of the most interesting places in the archipelago is the island of Koh Mae, where a small salt lake, Thale Nai, has formed. The archipelago is interesting not only for its surface part, but also for its underwater world. There are several famous diving spots around the islands with beautiful bottoms. In Ang Thong you can stay overnight in a bungalow or tent, or you can go on a one-day excursion directly from Koh Phangan.
Elephant Safari
There are elephant safaris in almost every resort in Thailand, and there is such “entertainment” on Koh Phangan. In addition to elephants, you can also see monkeys and other animals in this place. Here they offer to ride through the jungle on an elephant, but this pleasure is quite dangerous, given the cruelty of the training methods and the frequent cases of elephant attacks on people. Either the driver will be trampled, or the tourist will be impaled on a tusk, there is little pleasant in all this. The elephant is not meant for people to ride, but feeding and touching it is a cute thing. Phangan Elephant Safari is located next to the Chinese Temple, it offers half-hour and hour-long elephant rides, and shows with different animals several times a day.
Mini golf
A mini golf course is located next to Wat Phu Khao Noi. The place is far from crowded, and the golf itself is not very spectacular, only 12 holes of varying difficulty. You can stop by for a change, especially since the area is well-groomed and green. In addition to golf, there are all sorts of small entertainments for children and adults, and a cafe.
Full Moon Party and others like it
One of the symbols of Phangan, thanks to which it has become known far beyond the borders of the kingdom, is the Full Moon Party. It is held once a month on the southernmost beach of the island -. At this time, finding housing in the surrounding area is very problematic due to the large influx of people wanting to participate in the bacchanalia. During the holiday, entrance to the main party beach is paid, and the famous Phangan fire shows are also held there.
Since there are a lot of people who want to buzz, in addition to the full moon, the Half Moon is also celebrated on Koh Phangan. The Half Moon Party is held a week before the Full Moon Party and a week after it, in the area of Ban Tai Beach. In addition, several more regular festivals are held on Koh Phangan: Black Moon Party, Jungle Experience, Sramonara Waterfall Party (at the waterfall of the same name), Shiva Moon Party, Moon Set Party, Reggae Party and various Pool Parties. Separately, you can also mention the cult parties in the two neighboring bars Guys and Iden, as well as the techno party in Lighthouse. In general, for those who want to party, the choice of parties on Koh Phangan is large and varied. .
Pantip Market
Pantip Market on Koh Phangan
