Koh Phangan has always been a dream destination for those in pursuit of freedom. From party-goers to yogis, this small island caters to everyone's needs. Solo travelers can easily find a connection in the vibrant community, and digital nomads get everything their remote-working hearts desire.
In this article, we will guide you through our must-see spots in Koh Phangan. You'll gain insight into the finest coffee shops, including places offering specialized vegan menus and cafes that are perfectly suited for remote work.
Furthermore, we selected our best-of dinner-restaurants, including local and international cuisine. We'll also recommend the most popular spas and massage-shops, famous Yoga centers, the most captivating sunset viewpoints, stunning hiking trails, vibrant local markets and pleasant beaches for swimming or walking.
Right in the middle of this tropical paradise, you'll find Joy Beach Villas. From here visitors can easily start exploring the island. These luxury villas are located on the gorgeous Hin Kong Beach, famous for its spectacular sunsets and expansive low tide. Many of our favourite restaurants and coffee shops are conveniently located a short walk away.
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What to do in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan still has undeveloped beaches with charming accommodations, free from the high-rise hotel developments. So it remains a small tropical paradise, with amazing infrastructure and community. Whether you're seeking adventure in nature, peace from everyday life or your next remote office, the island has something to offer everyone.
It is very easy to let yourself drift through the day in Koh Phangan. Everything is easily accessible and the island invites you to go with the flow to experience some unplanned adventures.
1. Work and Connect in Koh Phangan
In Koh Phangan you will find all kinds of nationalities from Thai to French, German, Israeli, Russian, and more. It is easy for solo travelers to connect with like-minded people and digital nomads can find the perfect mix of work and vacation. With many coffeeshops and coworking spaces, it is perfectly suited for remote work.
2. Wellness and Relaxation in Koh Phangan
On Koh Phangan travelers will find the best Thai massages, luxurious Spa treatments, warm steams, saunas and ice-baths. These diverse wellness offerings make it rather easy to focus on deep rejuvenation.
3. Nature and Adventure in Koh Phangan
Visitors of Koh Phangan will enjoy the most colourful sunsets and can experience adventure by walking on wild and green jungle trails to remote beaches. Koh Phangan's natural beauty and rich biodiversity is a blend of tropical rainforests, stunning waterfalls, and white sand beaches.
4. Yoga and Meditation in Koh Phangan
In the western part of Koh Phangan travelers will find various yoga centers. From beginner to advanced yogi - they offer various yoga styles and many opportunities to turn the senses inward.
Must Sees in Koh Phangan
Bottle Beach viewpoint and hike
1.5 hours through the jungle to the stunning, remote Bottle Beach in the North of Koh Phangan. On the beach you have the option to climb up to the breathtaking panoramic viewpoint.
Than Sadet National Park and waterfalls
In the vast national park visitors will find beautiful beaches and waterfalls with a series of refreshing streams and pools in the jungle. Learn more about Than Sadet Nationalpark here.
Hin Kong Beach Sunset
During low tide, a vast expanse of the beach and coral reef is revealed, creating a unique scenery. Locals collect mussels and small crabs, and visitors go for long discovery strolls while watching the sun set behind the horizon.
Koh Ma on Mae Haad Beach
Beautiful tiny island connected to Phangan that can be reached by a sand bank at low tide. This beach is also perfect for snorkeling, offering a vibrant underwater marine life.
Full moon party beach and Haad Rin
The renowned party beach is actually one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, also without the party crowd. Crystal-clear water, white sand and a lot of nice restaurants provide everything to spend a lovely beach day.
What to do in Koh Phangan: An Overview for Digital Nomads and Solo Travelers
Best Spa & Massages in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan offers an impressive selection of spas and massage centers, each offering unique wellness experiences. Here, you can enjoy a rejuvenating traditional Thai Massage, indulge in a luxurious spa treatment or unwind in comfortable chairs with a soothing foot massage.
For those who seek detoxification and relaxation, sauna and steam baths are available, as well as the warmth of Japanese Onsen baths. Fitness enthusiasts can start their day with a visit to the local gym, followed by a refreshing plunge into a cooling ice bath.
Pharaoh Spa: Health and Wellness sanctuary inspired by Egyptian beauty rituals and Thai healing practices.
Siam Heritage Massage & Spa Treatments: Beautiful new Spa offering a variety of massage treatments.
Navana Water Healing Center: The only Japanese Onsen on the island. Relax in a mineral-infused hot bath at 40°C or in the Dry Sauna, followed by an ice bath in the jungle.
Relex Thai Massage: Friendly, classical Thai massage place in walking distance of Joy Beach Villas.
Pure Relax 3 locations: Popular and modern massage studios in Shritanu and Thong Sala. Offering massage and spa packages.
Xantiva Gym: Fully equipped Gym. Visitors can enjoy their cardio workouts with ocean view and relax after training in the herbal steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi or ice bath. Close to Joy Beach Villas.
Martical Arts Academy (MAA): The perfect place to learn Muay Thai. From Juniors to advanced fighting, Western boxing, Kickboxing and much more, including an ice bath. Only 5 minutes from Joy Beach Villas.
Best Coffee and Work Places in Koh Phangan
The variety of coffee shops and roasteries in Koh Phangan is quite remarkable. Each cafe offers a unique ambiance, creative menus, and their own special coffees.
Many of these places provide the perfect work environment for digital nomads. They provide reliable Wi-Fi, serene settings, and comfortable seating.
Most of the coffeeshops operate with a courteous system: Guests are encouraged to follow certain guidelines, such as ordering a fresh drink or meal every few hours and sitting in specified areas. These rules help maintain a harmonious balance between work and support for the local gastronomy.
For those who follow a plant-based diet, Koh Phangan offers a delightful range of vegan options. From decadent vegan chocolate and cakes to refreshing smoothie bowls and classic avocado toast, these cafes provide something for every taste.
Indigo Coffee: Popular coffee and breakfast place, offering a working area on the upper floor. It is located just opposite of Joy Beach Villas.
Mimi’s Café: Cozy, Italian owned coffee place that is popular amongst locals and tourists. The lovely staff serves delicious food with organic ingredients for breakfast and lunch. There is an AC area for working available.
Deli Devi: Here everything is vegan, homemade and delicious - from cheese, chocolate smoothie bowls and cakes to avocado toasts and salads. The staff will assign tables for working with a Laptop. Just around the corner of Joy Beach Villas.
Whats Cup: Probably one of the best views for your coffee and breakfast. Looking down on the bay of Haad Yao beach.
Bubbas Roastery: The first roastery of Koh Phangan with coffee beans sourced from Thailand’s north. High quality menu for breakfast and lunch suitable for meat lovers and vegans. Working on your Laptop is possible.
Kia Ora: Vegan brunch café with amazing smoothie bowl creations, cakes and mouth watering signature breads. This cozy place does not allow working but rather invites you to relax on their comfortable couches.
Best Restaurants for Lunch in Koh Phangan
There is an immense selection of different cuisines on Koh Phangan. From traditional Thai food stalls to fancy vegan restaurants. Without getting bored, you can eat very healthily, enjoy hearty snacks or indulge in the modern Asian cuisine. Smoothie Bowls and Organic Lunch Platters are as popular as a Green Curry, Fresh Papaya Salad, Falafel Pita or Classic Sandwich.
Many restaurants are conveniently located on the beach or nestled under green trees and plants. Some are attached to Yoga Centres, allowing you to finish your yoga class with a nourishing lunch. Most restaurants use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients or even farm-to-table, to ensure a nutritious and delicious meal.
Pure Vegan Heaven: Vegan restaurant in Hin Kong and Thong Sala. Offering a wide selection of healthy, locally sourced Thai vegan fusion food. Popular restaurant that travelers will find as well in Phuket, Koh Samui and Chiang Mai.
Seed to Feed: Most amazing fresh, organic salads coming from the onsite farm. Very clean and healthy menu for breakfast and brunch, including Sandwiches, Smoothies and Thai food.
Yoga House: Located in a quiet, private area, this restaurant and yoga venue feels like a cozy, spacious living room. Visitors can enjoy delicious vegan lunch platters, smoothies or breakfast, while relaxing on the comfortable couches.
Eat Co: This cozy restaurant is 100 percent plant based and vegan. Healthy homemade and creative vegan comfort food and a tasty vegan cake selection.
JJs: A popular, simple restaurant nestled behind the mangroves of the beach. Visitors love to relax in the hammocks and enjoy a diverse, high quality Thai and Western menu.
Kikekla: Beautiful restaurant at Hin Kong beach, offering a beautiful Thai Western fusion cuisine. The perfect place for sunset and dinner but also during the day for a fresh coconut. Just around the corner of Joy Beach Villas.
Best Restaurants for Dinner in Koh Phangan
It is rather easy to visit a new restaurant every night for a special, even romantic, dinner. Koh Phangan is home to a wide selection of fantastic restaurants, including authentic pizza places, fantastic Oriental or French restaurants, fresh seafood spots, and outstanding Indian restaurants.
Also for dinner you have the choice from vegan Sushi to the most delicious lamb stew and traditional Thai food. Many restaurants are located on the beach, allowing you to enjoy magical sunsets, live music and fire-artist shows.
Shalimar: Excellent vegan restaurant with an outstanding design and ambiance. Visitors will find a creative Mediterranean and Indian menu with organic ingredients and gluten-free options.
Barrique: The best place for true Italian cuisine by a very experienced chef from Italy. Tasty dishes, including Pizza, Pasta and a selection of Italian wine and pastries. Close to Joy Beach Villas.
Chana Masala: Most popular Indian restaurant on the island with a very authentic vegan menu and India inspired interior. Just opposite of Joy Beach Villas.
Satipot: Outstanding Persian restaurant, famous for its slow-cooked Lamb and excellent Persian dishes with delightful flavors. A homely, authentic experience. Very close to Joy Beach Villas.
L’Alcove: A little piece of French savoir de vivre on a Thai beach. Visitors will enjoy a beautiful sunset evening with music or fire show entertainment and a great wine selection. Close to Joy Beach Villas on Hin Kong Beach.
Mama Kop on the beach: Excellent authentic Thai food in a laid back atmosphere on Hin Kong Beach. Currys and Coconuts while watching the Hin Kong sunset. Five minutes on the beach from Joy Beach Villas.
Phangan Cove: High-quality Thai food and Western cuisine with outstanding presentation. A lovely, modern location for a sunset dinner at Happy Beach.
Best Beaches for Swimming & Walking in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has many long stretching beaches that are very inviting for a morning or sunset beach stroll. During their walk, visitors can not only enjoy the rise and fall of the blue sea but also the play of sunlight in the palm trees and the view of the surrounding green hills of the island.
Visitors may enjoy a cocktail or fresh coconut on the beach, listen to music or have a little dip in the sea. Each beach has its uniqueness, influenced by the tide, season, and location on the island. Therefore some are more suited for swimming at certain times of the year. This dynamic offers a different experience with each visit.
Hin Kong: Perfect beach for endless beach walks in the morning or early evening. Especially beautiful to stroll out on the sandbank or through the revealed coral reef at low tide. Not suitable for swimming but tourists enjoy paddle board and kayaking.
Happy Beach & Zen Beach: Lovely and popular sunset beaches. The water can become quite shallow for swimming, depending on the season. These beaches are lively and always good for a long beach stroll from Happy Beach to Zen Beach.
Haad Yao: This one kilometer stretch of beach is known as the longest beach on the island. Therefore it is popular for long sunset strolls. Great restaurants and bars and attractive for diving and snorkeling.
Chaloklum & Malibu Beach: Beautiful bay on the Northern side of Koh Phangan. Depending on the tide it is perfect for long beach walks and all year swimming. Malibu Beach will especially surprise its visitors with white sand and a stunning view on the mountains of the National Park.
Haad Khom: A charming, secluded beach in the north of the island great for swimming, relaxing, snorkelig and kayaking.
Than Sadet: Unique beach on the east side of Koh Phangan. Enclosed by huge rocks and the panorama of Than Sadet National Park. Visitors enjoy the tranquility and all year round swimming in deep water.
Haad Rin: Nice holiday beach with white powder sand on the Southern tip of Koh Phangan perfect for swimming and walking. A lot of possibilities for watersport, beach volleyball and a wide range of bars and restaurants.
Best Yoga Centers in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has made a big name for itself in the yoga scene over the last few years. Every year hundreds of yoga students come here to learn yoga or deepen their practice. Therefore, there is a large selection of yoga retreats, yoga workshops and yoga teacher trainings available.
Especially in the western part of the island, in the “Yoga Village” Shritanu, there are many well-known yoga centers with a diverse weekly schedule. Here yogis will find everything from Hatha, Vinyasa or Ashtanga Yoga to Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra or Sound Healing offers. The perfect place for anyone who wants to expand their knowledge or connect with like-minded people.
Ananda Detox & Yoga Center: Experienced detox center opposite of Hin Kong Beach and close to Joy Beach Villas. They offer Yoga drop-in classes, as well as yoga retreats and teacher training.
Orion Healing Center: A popular Yoga sanctuary with an impressive weekly schedule for drop-ins. The center is directly at the beach in Shritanu and offers popular detox programs, teacher trainings yoga retreats and a delicious vegan beach café.
Yoga House: A unique vegan restaurant offering daily yoga classes and a holistic setting for workshops and events.
One Yoga: Stunning Yoga shalas with 180° seaview. One Yoga offers daily drop-in classes for yoga and meditation as well as regular yoga teacher trainings.
Best Markets in Koh Phangan
There is no better place to explore classic Thai food, than on the weekly markets. Here visitors can meet locals and experience the smells and sounds of tropical island life. Beautifully located next to the beach and pier, the little food stalls offer a wide selection from aromatic curries, fried meats, fresh seafood and traditional sweets.
It is a great place to discover and taste a variety of exotic fruits. You can find everything from the sweet Mangosteen and the unusual Rambutan to the colorful Dragonfruit and the strong-smelling Durian. The markets are also the best opportunity to buy souvenirs and gifts. Tourists will find everything from handmade crafts, clothings, jewelry to sunglasses and elephant-magnets.
Saturday Market Thong Sala: Local busy market close to the pier with food stalls, clothing and souvenirs.
Sunday Market Chaloklum: Local lovely market right at the beach and pier with food and music.
Pantip Market Thong Sala: Everyday local food market in the middle of the small town.
Art Market: A unique market with live music, all kinds of art, jewelry, clothing, workshops, food and drinks. Once a month usually located at Siam Healing Center.
Best Hikes and Waterfalls in Koh Phangan
What could be more exciting than exploring the island right at its heart, the tropical jungle? Koh Phangan's highest peak isn't just a great leg workout, it also rewards visitors with a breathtaking sea view. There are several trails for different fitness levels available. From easily accessible viewpoints to longer routes to secluded beaches that are otherwise only accessible by boat. Depending on the season, it is also possible to hike in or around the stunning waterfalls.
Hiking in the tropical nature can be an opportunity to connect with nature and mindfully observe the unique plants and trees. Visitors should always carry enough water, wear appropriate footwear and bring bug spray. Some of the National Park trails charge a small entry fee.
Bottle Beach hike and viewpoint: The most common trek to Bottle Beach (Hat Khuat) will take 1 - 1.5 hours through the jungle. The path is marked with blue-yellow color and at bottle beach hikers have the opportunity to climb up another 30 minutes to the stunning panoramic viewpoint. Visitors can take the boat back to Haad Khom or Chaloklum beach.
Kao Ra hike and waterfall: A consistently steep and challenging 2 hours hike to the tallest peak of Koh Phangan. The trek to the beautiful lookout is well signposted. At the end hikers can refresh in the pond of the waterfall.
Paeng waterfall and hike: Popular circular hike in the National Parc with fascinating trees and wildlife along the waterfall. There is also the possibility to take a shorter walk straight to the viewpoint.
Than Sadet Waterfall: This refreshing waterfall is a combination and series of three waterfalls and pools: Thong Nang, Saampon and Daeng. Stunning environment with huge boulders and vibrant jungle life.
Best Spots for Sunset Viewing in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is renowned for its breathtaking and colorful sunsets. As the sun descends behind the distant mountains of the Ang Thong National Marine Park its rays play with the clouds in the sky, creating stunning patterns and million shades of red, pink and orange.
There are several spots on the island that offer unobstructed sunset views. Beachfront bars and restaurants, high viewpoint spots, or long stretching beaches are perfect to enjoy the spectacle. Each sunset on Koh Phangan is unique, wether enjoyed with friends, sipping a coconut or during a solitary stroll.
Hin Kong: The vastness of Hin Kong beach creates unique sunsets in every weather. Beautiful scenery to enjoy long walks, while watching the setting sun creating magical patterns in the sky.
Haad Yao: Long stretch of beach presenting the wide horizon with its picturesque sunsets.
Thongsala Pier: Beautiful vista for the sunset with Koh Samui island and smaller islands in the background.
The Wave Sunset view restaurant: A new and hidden sunset spot. The Thai restaurant is located on a cliff side, next to a small private beach, offering stunning sea- and sunset views.
High Life: This special restaurant with modern Thai and international food is located on the side of a cliff, offering a spectacular view over the bay of Haad Yao and its sunsets.
Tomorrow X: An exceptional restaurant with a refreshing infinity pool, overlooking the panorama of Haad Salad and the expansive sea.
Zen Beach: One of the most popular spots to meet friends on the beach for sunset. Visitors enjoy the evening at the beach bar with a cocktail or coconut.
