The Best Hotels in Koh Phangan

Ko Phangan Hotels

Visitors flock to Koh Phangan from all over the world to experience the legendary Full Moon Party, a monthly all-night festival of pulse-pounding dance music and beachfront revelry. But there's so much more to this Thai island paradise than late night hedonism. Step away from the bustling party town of Haad Rin and you'll find deserted white sand beaches, luxurious yoga retreats, shimmering waterfalls, and stretches of unspoiled rainforest. Whatever your idea of a perfect holiday may be, Koh Phangan has it covered.

Things to see

The iconic Full Moon Beach in Haad Rin is a lengthy crescent of white sand, lined with blissful bungalow-style resorts and laid-back bars. By night the beach bursts to life, with cheerful vendors touting potent cocktails and delicious barbecued snacks, and fire dancers performing incredible feats before attentive crowds. If you'd rather avoid the hordes of partygoers, the idyllic small island of Koh Ma can be reached by walking across a sandbar from Had Mae Had Beach. Surrounded by thriving coral reef, it's a must-visit for snorkelers, and an ideal destination for inexperienced scuba divers. The port town of Thong Sala is another essential stop. Its nightly food market is a major draw, offering flavorsome Thai curries, mouth-watering grilled seafood and fresh handmade sushi, all at bargain prices. If you're around on a Saturday afternoon, you can take a trip down Thong Sala Walking Street, a bustling market packed with local handicrafts, quirky souvenirs and tempting delicacies.

Hotels in Ko Phangan

While the island has long catered to budget travelers and backpackers with its host of bargain-rate beach huts, there are now hotels in Koh Phangan to suit every price range and preference. You'll find 5 star resorts providing every imaginable luxury facility, such as full-service spas, fine international dining, fitness facilities, and even private beaches. Mid-range travelers are also brilliantly catered for, with a wealth of great hotels offering outdoor swimming pools, all-you-can-eat buffet breakfasts, and room service, all at extremely competitive prices. Even at the lower end of the price scale, you can expect amenities such as free WiFi, laundry service, and complimentary toiletries.

Where to stay

Thousands of visitors descend on Haad Rin in the lead-up each full moon, but it's a fantastically lively small town at any time of the month. Its narrow streets are packed with restaurants serving inexpensive cuisine from every corner of the globe – aside from the obvious Thai staples, you'll find outstanding wood fired pizza, gourmet frozen yoghurt, and moreish chicken schnitzel sandwiches. There are also boutiques selling the latest in beachside fashion, and chilled out bars where you can catch up with the latest Hollywood movies while sipping an ice cold beer. Alternatively, you may wish to consider Haad Yao. Its wide, white-sand beach is one of the most beautiful on the island, and the perfect spot for a game of volleyball. While the town operates at a slower pace than Haad Rin, there's no shortage of things to do. Here you'll find world class diving schools, a great selection of dining options, and a laid-back party scene.

How to get to Ko Phangan

The nearest airport is Samui International Airport, on the neighboring island of Koh Samui, which is served by regular flights from Bangkok, Phuket and Singapore. From Samui, it's a simple 30 minute ferry ride to Thong Sala Pier in Koh Phangan. Alternatively, you can fly from Bangkok Don Meuang Airport to either Chumphon Airport or Surat Thani Airport on the Thai mainland, both of which are within easy reach of Koh Phangan via bus and boat.