Joanna James
The fact of the matter is that there is much more to this immensely popular Thai island than its famous full moon parties and a solid reputation as a haven for backpackers. From exploring the stunningly beautiful coastline, lush jungle and some truly authentic cultural experiences, here is a list of must-do things in Koh Phangan.
Certainly, the busiest destination in Koh Phangan, mostly thanks to the full moon parties that attract young tourists and backpackers every month by hordes, Haad Rin is a vibrant little township with plenty to keep the crowds busy and entertained and offers a fun and varied choice of activities such as beach volleyball football, various contests along with plenty of exciting water sports such as sea kayaking and jet-skiing to try out.
If you are planning a stay in Koh Phangan, then cruising along the beautiful shores of the isle to discover hidden slices of paradise is a must-do activity! Given that Koh Phangan comes with a mere circumference of just 40 km, and is a rather small island, to begin with, your beach hopping experience promises to be easily doable. This Thai island lays claim to approximately 30 beaches – each with its unique features. The best part is that it's extremely cheap to rent a scooter or motorbike, which will no doubt make it easy for you to get around. Do remember that some smaller beaches such as Haad Nam Tok also known as Waterfall Beach cannot be reached via road, in which case you will have to a hire-long tail boat to get there!
Koh Phangan is not just about beaches. It actually boasts several stunning waterfalls to discover. Some top ones to take in include Paradise Waterfalls located just off the main road to Chaloklum Bay, Than Prewet Water and the Than Sadet waterfall which one can stop by while on the way to take in the beaches of Thing Nai Pan. And for the cherry on top, Than Praphet (Waterfall Beach) - is located on the southeast end of the island and is considered to be one of the key attractions in Koh Phangan. If you are ready for a challenge, why not consider hiking to any one of these waterfalls? Do keep in mind the best time to visit these mentioned waterfalls is right after the high season when the weather takes a turn for the better. For a fun and safe experience, a hiking tour is best done under the guidance of a guide. Hotels such as Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas will be more than happy to arrange for a hiking guide upon the requests of their guests.
Exploring, hiking and beach-hopping despite being fun and exciting can really tire one out. So why not unwind in style by treating yourself to an authentic Thai massage? One can take their pick from many a Koh Phangan spa to indulge in relaxing massages, and a wide array of other specialised spa and beauty treatments all administered by expert masseuses and therapists.
Koh Phangan is host to several yoga centres and retreats where one can practice this physical and spiritual practice surrounded by some truly stunning tropical settings. Add to your stay on the beautiful island by making a positive impact on your mind and body by either booking a single session or a retreat consisting of several days.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
