Arrival
The first thing we did after getting to Koh Phangan was checked in to our resort. I booked in one of the bungalow style accommodation located in the Northwest part. Luckily, for us, that area has the best site for sunset viewing. Several guests would literally sit and wait for the sun to go down every day. It was an incredible moment which we always looked forward to during our stay.
I love the hammock because I could lie down on it anytime during the day.
What to do in Koh Phangan
I can’t say that we did much on this trip. As a matter of fact, it was the opposite- we just relaxed, went to different beaches and sun-bathed (or rather shade-bathe) Ha! That is also why renting a motorcycle is a must so you can freely get around the island. Rental fees range from 200-250 THB/day. They will keep your passport and only when you return the motorcycle that they’ll give it back.
Map of Koh Phangan
What our day looks like…
In the morning, the first thing I would do after waking up was walk on the beach and do some stretching. It was the best time for me to reflect on life and appreciate the beauty of nature. Then, we would enjoy our free breakfast from the resort which is usually pancake with strawberry jam.=) Next, we would head to a beach we haven’t been yet, where most of the time, again, we would do nothing. Maybe, except for reading a book, playing games or taking a nap.
During one of my morning walks on the beach.
And All We Did Was Lounge on the Beaches…
The beaches in Koh Phangan are not what I was expecting at all. Surprisingly, they’re as beautiful as the beaches in Krabi and Phuket. To be honest, what I only knew about this island was its famous full moon party. I was curious about it but I didn’t give too much thought about the beaches.
Nonetheless, here are all the beaches we went to. I think we visited all, except the beaches of Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai. The reason was that the journey would take around 45 minutes or more from our resort. Also, some reviews mentioned about trekking. Ergh! It wasn’t very appealing to us at that time. So, we decided not to go. Instead, we chose to stay on the beaches nearby.
Entrance to Malibu Beach
Malibu Beach
Had Salad Beach
Had Son Beach
The mermaid in Had Son Beach
Waterfalls…
There were several waterfalls situated in Koh Phangan but the only one we went to was the Paradise waterfall. Compared to other falls in Thailand, this one is relatively small. However, there was a rope swing there which made our short stay fun and physically exciting.
Food, pizza?
I don’t know why we craved pizza while on the island. If we’re normal people, we would most likely order seafood, right? Well, everyone is allowed to eat whatever they want. So, please no judging! Ha! =)
Pizza in Koh Phangan costs from 250- 350 THB.
Finally, I believe this was the only island trip I had, where for a week, we only stayed on the beach or in our resort. In my previous island adventures, we usually plan activities involving going to 3-4 tourist spots a day like a waterfall or do some water activities. Although initially, we intended in joining a day tour in Koh Tao which is another well-known island, we ended up canceling it.
Our holiday theme became, “Do Nothing”. In the end, it was a total staycation and I loved it.
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves three-day beach parties, Koh Phangan is the Thai island for you. Famous for its full moon parties at Haad Rin’s Sunrise Beach, this island is for hardcore partygoers and dreadlocked travellers. During peak season, the island can see 20,000 visitors dancing, drinking and cavorting on the white sands under the full moon. If you can’t make it at the right time of month, don’t worry – there are half-moon and black-moon parties in intervening weeks, and there’s action every night of the week at the island’s beach and cocktail bars.