Joanna James
If you are looking for fun things to do in Koh Phangan look no further than this comprehensive list. The beaches are known for loud and vibrant parties so most people are unaware that there are plenty of things to do for people who don't like to party.
Diving isn't considered as popular on Koh Phangan as it is in the neighbouring island of Koh Tao. But you'd be surprised to find that there's quite a good diving scene there. Many a Koh Phangan resort will hook you up with a diving school where you can get the gear your need.
The Thong Sala Night Market is a quick drive from Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, so you can forego a restaurant dinner for one night and head off to a night of eating your heart out. The night market is famous for their fresh seafood dishes but be sure to tick all the following off your lists of Thai street food that you should be eating: Masaman curry, Mango sticky rice, pad Thai and Laarb.
One day will have to be set aside for some boating and it will be well worth it. You can explore the beautiful array of beaches in Koh Phangan or take the boat directly to Ang Thong National Marine Park where you can swim and snorkel amongst the lush marine life. The boating tours are cheap and some offer the chance to camp overnight on a secluded island as well. It is the kind of holiday getaway that one dreams about.
The Ang Thong National marine park is a wonderful place and you might like spending an entire day there just bobbing along and exploring. The best way to do this is to go kayaking. You will not be disturbing the wildlife and it is often touted by tourists as a very therapeutic exercise, winding between the many exquisite islets.
Renting a motorbike is another great way to explore the beaches and the hills of the island. Bikes are the cheapest mode of transport and also make for a great tour vehicle as you will have an unobstructed view of the entire island. However, some of the hill roads tend to be quite steep so only ride on those if you are an experienced rider capable of manoeuvring the bike. The best viewpoint on the island according to locals is Haad Son.
What better ways are there to learn about a place than to learn about the dishes made there? Luckily for you, there are so many places in Koh Phangan where you can learn traditional Thai cooking from the locals with their additional flair and regional flavours. Some apps and websites can hook you up with the kind of classes that you hope to take to learn more about Thai food and by extension the culture and heritage.
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