10 Things to do in Koh Phangan – 10 Inducements to Visit Koh Phangan

You wouldn't call this unique, but what it lacks in quality is made up for by its high-spirited character. Most of the young people who go there are there for the notorious Full Moon Party. With over 30,000 participants, the party comes into life on Haad Rin Beach once every month. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the party spirit, you can't say no to being painted in UV paint, drinking senseless from a bucket and partying until the sun rises.

Not unlike other Asian countries, Thailand too has earned quite a reputation for having vibrant night markets. While there's a diverse range of merchandise for you to fawn over, the highlight of any Koh Phangan night market is its sackful of Thai food. From steaming bowls of rice to fresh falafel, Koh Phangan night markets do justice to the term foodie haven.

Think you can get away with attending just one party? There's no chance of that when you are in Koh Phangan. The rival of the Full Moon Party, the Half Moon Party, is equally vivacious with distinct features; there are three music stages – hip hop, house and psytrance, and it is held in an open-air venue. Though it doesn't have the same ferocity as the Full Moon Party, the Half Moon Party too attracts quite a big crowd.

When discussing things to do on Koh Phangan, hiking Khao Ra deserves to be mentioned. If you are yet to pack for your trip, be sure to throw in some trekking shorts. Even if you are not so keen on activities such as this, you shouldn't shy away from this 3-hour hike which is packaged with glimpses of beautiful nature.

It would be a shame if you don't enjoy the gift of water sports while in Koh Phangan. While you can enjoy every type of water sport here, diving has taken a special place on the palette of water sports. Regarded as the best dive site, Sail Rock is loved by all the divers. If you set out to dive at Sail Rock, you'll have the satisfying diving experience brought about by the bustling barracuda and manta rays.

The confluence of forty-two small islands, the Ang Thong National Park has to be included in your travel itinerary. With limestone cliffs that are scattered all over and caves engulfed in mystery, the park definitely offers its visitors an unforgettable escapade.

There's no better place to feed your senses by gorging on seafood than a tropical island. There are many restaurants, hotels and villas on the island – the likes of Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas – where you can sample delicious seafood dishes; the taste of which you'll never forget.

After savouring all those Thai dishes, you are bound to take a fancy to learn Thai style cooking. There's no shortage of cooking classes in Koh Phangan; there's one in every corner. You will be taught how to use the ingredients and the art of using spices – the best part is that you get to sample every dish you make.

If you are handy with a motorbike, you could hire one to explore the island. Renting a bike is the best, and the cheapest way to experience the island to its core – it would be a pity if you miss out on this one!

To soothe those muscles sored up from endless partying, avail yourself of the services of skilled masseurs. The island is dotted with spas, and you can just walk into one without any prior arrangement.