This Gulf of Thailand island is known for its Full Moon Party, secluded beaches, and lush jungle interior. Visitors can explore waterfalls or practice yoga at beachside retreats.
Ko Pha Ngan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand with sandy beaches, forested hills, and lively nightlife. You can dance at the Full Moon Party, relax in quiet coves, swim under waterfalls, and snorkel among coral reefs. The island also has a spiritual side, with Buddhist temples like Wat Phu Khao Noi and yoga retreats such as The Sanctuary scattered across its interior.
Exploring Ko Pha Ngan's Beaches
Ko Pha Ngan has over 30 beaches around its coastline, each with its own character. Haad Rin on the southeastern tip attracts partygoers with its soft sand and beachfront bars. For a calmer atmosphere, head to Haad Salad on the northwest coast - its crescent of white sand is lined with coconut palms and clear turquoise waters. Bottle Beach in the north requires a boat ride or jungle trek to reach, providing an isolated stretch of sand. Snorkel right off the beach at Mae Haad, where a sandbar connects to the tiny island of Ko Ma at low tide.
Hiking Through the Jungle Interior
The island's mountainous center contains hiking trails leading to viewpoints and waterfalls. Than Sadet Waterfall tumbles down granite boulders in a series of pools - cool off with a swim after your trek through the jungle. For wide views of the island, climb to the top of Khao Ra, the island's highest peak at 630 meters. The trail takes about 2 hours each way through dense forest. Wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Consider hiring a local guide to learn about the plants and animals along the way.
Experiencing the Full Moon Party
Ko Pha Ngan's largest event happens each month on Haad Rin beach. Up to 30,000 people gather to dance on the sand under the full moon. DJs play electronic music from stages along the beach while fire dancers and jugglers entertain the crowds. Body paint stands let you decorate yourself in neon colors that glow under black lights. The party starts at dusk and continues until sunrise. Book accommodation well in advance if visiting during the full moon. For a smaller-scale experience, check out the Half Moon and Black Moon parties held at jungle venues.
Diving and Snorkeling
The waters around Ko Pha Ngan contain many species of fish and coral. Sail Rock, located between Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, is a popular dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. Its underwater pinnacle attracts schools of barracuda, batfish, and whale sharks. Closer to shore, snorkel at spots like Mae Haad and Haad Yao to see parrotfish, angelfish, and anemones among the coral. Several dive shops on the island offer PADI certification courses and fun dives for all skill levels. The best conditions for diving are from March to September when the seas are calmer.
Visiting Buddhist Temples
Ko Pha Ngan has over 20 Buddhist temples, known as wats. Wat Phu Khao Noi sits on a hilltop with views over Chaloklum Bay. Its golden chedi contains a relic of the Buddha. Wat Kow Tham is built into a cave on the side of a mountain. Climb the 101 steps for a look inside the cavern shrine. The Chinese-style Guanyin Temple near Thong Sala has detailed architecture and statues of the Goddess of Mercy. Remove your shoes and dress modestly when entering temple grounds out of respect.
Getting There and Around
Most visitors arrive on Ko Pha Ngan by ferry from nearby islands or the mainland. Regular boats run from Surat Thani, Ko Samui, and Chumphon. The main pier is in Thong Sala on the southwest coast. Shared songthaew taxis meet incoming ferries to take passengers to beaches around the island. Renting a motorbike gives you flexibility to explore, but be cautious on the winding mountain roads. Longtail boats can reach some of the more isolated beaches. The island has no airport, but you can fly to Ko Samui and take a short ferry ride.
