How to Explore Koh Phangan as a Non-party Traveller – A Vacation Beyond Parties

Travellers not into partying make the mistake of writing off Koh Phangan altogether. There’s more to this beautiful Thai island. One of the island’s more alluring features is its stunning beaches. If you’re into adventure, the island offers an array of thrilling activities. Koh Phangan is also the perfect destination to soak up Thailand’s cultural vibes. This guide is for non-party travellers looking to explore Koh Phangan to the fullest.
Christophe95, Mae Haad Beach 2, CC BY-SA 4.0

Getting to Koh Phangan

From Bangkok, you can take a domestic flight to Koh Samui. From there, it’s a half-hour ferry ride to Koh Phangan. You could also take the bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani, which takes about 10 hours, and then it’s another two hours to Koh Phangan from there – this is not ideal unless you have a lot of time to spare.

Best Time to Visit

Koh Phangan enjoys a tropical climate, and there isn’t a bad time to visit. But there’s a high season, a shoulder season, and a low season.
  • High season: December to February is the high season, which coincides with the dry season. The temperatures are warm, and the humidity level is low. This season is perfect for outdoor activities.
  • Shoulder season: March to May and September to November are shoulder seasons. Temperatures are on the rise, but beach activities are still possible.
  • Low season: June to August is the low season. It’s not the best time to visit as there are frequent rain showers, but the accommodation rates are low.

Where to Stay

From budget and mid-range to luxury, you name it – Koh Phangan offers a complete array of accommodations. Hostels and guesthouses are definitely part of the list, as are bungalows, boutique hotels, and villas like Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas. For non-party travellers, resorts in Koh Phangan might be the best choice.

Beaches

Koh Phagan features a coastline dotted with stunning beaches. These are some of the top picks for non-party travellers:
  • Haad Khom: A peaceful beach accessed through a small street lined by old bungalows, Haad Khom is perfect for those looking for a serene experience.
  • Mae Haad: One of the most stunning beaches in Koh Phangan, Mae Haad isn’t visited by many tourists. The beach is so picturesque you wouldn’t want to put down your camera. Plus, if you happen to be here during low tide, you’ll see a sand bank that connects the beach to Koh Ma Island.
  • Zen Beach: Dotted with trees, Zen Beach is a great spot for relaxing. In the evening, travellers of all stripes flock here to watch the sunset.
  • Hin Kong Beach: Not the most popular beach, but it has its charm. Hin Kong Beach is a great place to enjoy a walk, and a sandbank shows up during low tide.

Snorkelling

Koh Phangan is home to an enchanting marine world, and snorkelling is the best way to explore it. There are several snorkelling spots that promise you the best experience. Haad Salad, Haad Yao, and Haad Rin Nai are among them. You can rent snorkelling gear from the island’s rent shops. Try to snorkel with a friend, and do not step on corals. Wear sunscreen to protect your skin, especially on your back, as you’ll be floating face-down in the water. The dry season is the best time for snorkelling. Join a guided snorkelling tour for the best experience.

Temples

Koh Phangan shines with a vibrant culture. Temples are at the top of the list when it comes to cultural activities, so visiting them is a must. Wat Phu Khao Noi, Wat Samai Kongka, Wat Pho, Wat Khao Tam, and Wat Kow Tahm are some of the must-visits. When visiting temples, remember to dress modestly and avoid loud conversations.