My Koh Phangan Travel Guide
Koh Phangan is the island just north of Koh Samui, half an hour by ferry. It’s been famous for thirty years as the Full Moon Party island, but that reputation is now smaller than the reality. The north and west of the island – Srithanu, Chaloklum, Haad Yao – have grown into a serious wellness retreat scene, with yoga, breathwork, and detox programs that draw a long-stay crowd. The east coast (Haad Rin) is still where the parties happen.
We’ve done Phangan as a 3-night side trip from a longer Samui stay. The quieter beaches are some of the best in the Gulf, and the smaller scale of the island means you can rent a scooter and circle most of it in a day.
My 2026 Koh Phangan Travel Guide
- Skip to our Koh Phangan FAQ
Koh Phangan Basics
- Where to stay in Koh Phangan (coming soon)
- Best time to visit Koh Phangan (coming soon)
- Getting to Koh Phangan from Samui or Bangkok (coming soon)
Koh Phangan Hotels
- Best Hotels in Koh Phangan (coming soon)
- Best Pool Villas in Koh Phangan (coming soon)
- Best Wellness Retreats in Koh Phangan (coming soon)
Koh Phangan Activities and Attractions
- Full Moon Party survival guide (coming soon)
- Best Koh Phangan beaches (coming soon)
- Yoga and wellness in Srithanu (coming soon)
- Best Koh Phangan day trips (coming soon)
Koh Phangan Travel Planning
Frequently asked questions
Is Koh Phangan just for the Full Moon Party?
No. It used to be the headline, but the wellness retreat scene around Srithanu has grown into the bigger draw. Plus the north and west beaches are some of the prettiest in the Gulf.
How do I get to Koh Phangan?
From Bangkok, fly to Koh Samui then take the 30-minute ferry. From the mainland, fly to Surat Thani and ferry from Donsak. Direct night-boat from Bangkok exists but takes most of a day.
Koh Phangan or Koh Samui?
Samui for resort infrastructure, comfortable family travel, easier flights. Phangan for the slower, more authentic-island feel and the wellness scene. Many travelers combine both.
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About Bangkok John
Bangkok John was started in 2020 when I posted my first hotel review. The site now publishes regularly updated guides to Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, Krabi, Hua Hin, and all of Thailand.
I'm a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member and an Emirates Skywards Gold member, so I lean toward Marriott properties when the choice is close. I pay for my own rooms.
Questions? Email me at hello@bangkokjohn.com.