Koh Phangan Travel Guide: Full Moon Party, Beaches, and Yoga

Koh Phangan at a glance

Koh Phangan sits between Koh Samui and Koh Tao in the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 100km from Surat Thani on the mainland. The island has an outsized reputation driven by the Full Moon Party at Had Rin — a monthly beach rave that has been running since the 1980s. But that reputation obscures a more varied island: quieter beaches in the north and west, a substantial yoga and wellness scene, and patches of forested interior that most visitors never reach.

The island is 15km wide and 18km long. Most of the infrastructure is along the west coast (Thong Sala pier, guesthouses, markets) and in Had Rin. The north coast around Ban Tai and Thong Nai Pan is significantly less developed.

Beaches

Had Rin — The Full Moon Party beach. Two beaches separated by a headland: Had Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach, party side) and Had Rin Nai (Sunset Beach, calmer). On non-party days, Had Rin is pleasant enough — small cove, coral sand, a strip of reggae bars and food stalls.

Thong Nai Pan — Two connected bays (Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai) on the northeast coast. Arguably the most beautiful beach on the island. Clear water, relatively undeveloped, reached by a winding mountain road. Worth the effort.

Baan Tai and Haad Yao — Mid-west coast beaches, quieter than Thong Sala, with budget guesthouses and a mix of families and longer-term visitors.

Haad Chao Phao — Northwest coast, calm water, good sunsets. Several beach bars and budget bungalows.

Beyond the Full Moon Party

Yoga and wellness — Koh Phangan has developed a genuine yoga scene since the early 2000s. Agama Yoga (north coast) is one of the largest yoga schools in Southeast Asia. The Sanctuary on Had Tien (only reachable by boat or on foot) offers longer wellness retreats. Drop-in yoga classes are available at most resorts for ฿300–500 per session.

Half Moon Festival — A smaller (3,000 people) jungle rave held twice monthly at a venue in the Ban Thai forest. More curated music selection than the Full Moon Party; covers and booking required.

Waterfall — Wang Sai waterfall is the most accessible in the island interior, 30 minutes by scooter from Thong Sala. Swimmable pool at the base. The road becomes rough after the main track.

Snorkelling — The underwater quality around Koh Phangan is inferior to Koh Tao but adequate near the northeast coast. Snorkel tours are available from Thong Sala pier combining Koh Phangan and nearby uninhabited islands.

Practical information

Getting there — Ferries from Surat Thani (3.5 hours, Lomprayah), from Koh Samui (30 minutes, frequent, ฿200), or from Koh Tao (1 hour, ฿250). Combination tickets covering all three islands are available at any pier.

Getting around — Songthaews run fixed routes from Thong Sala pier. The mountain roads are steep and poorly lit — scooter rental (฿200/day) is useful but requires care, particularly on the road to Thong Nai Pan. Many accidents happen on Koh Phangan roads.

Full Moon Party logistics — Book accommodation 2–4 weeks in advance for party dates. Wear old clothes and closed shoes. Valuables are best left at accommodation. Boats run back to Koh Samui through the night for those not staying.

Best time — February to September. October and November bring the northeast monsoon — the Gulf of Thailand gets roughest on Koh Phangan’s north coast.

See also: Full Moon Party guide · Things to do on Koh Phangan · Where to stay on Koh Phangan