Koh Pha Ngan was the last island I visited of the “Big 3” in the western Gulf of Thailand, the other two being Koh Samui and Koh Tao. And I can’t lie: It wasn’t—and isn’t—my favorite.
On the other hand, this island (whose name is pronounced Pa-ngan, not Pan-gan or, God forbid, Fan-gan) is quite different than its reputation would have you believe. Among other things, you certainly don’t need to attend a Full Moon Party (or to party at all) in order to enjoy your time here.
If you’re asking yourself “is Koh Pha Ngan worth visiting?” the answer is probably yes, though there are some caveats.
How to Get to (and Around) Koh Pha Ngan
If you’ve ever been to Koh Samui and seeing Pha Ngan looming across the water, then you probably have a sense of how to get to Koh Pha Ngan. It’s easily accessible via both ferry and speedboat, with both services that go directly from Koh Samui, and also continue to Koh Tao. As a result, you can also get from Koh Tao to Koh Pha Ngan relatively easily, though in both cases I do recommend booking at least a little while in advance.
Once on Koh Pha Ngan, of course, the “ease” ends, at least if you aren’t able to ride a motorbike. It’s a large island (more on that in a second), and while your hotel or guest house owner might be able to set you up with a driver to take you around, it’s really ideal to have your own set of wheels. The problem with this, of course, is that if you aren’t an experienced motorbike driver, attempting to ride one on your own can be dangerous or even deadly.
5 Crucial Truths About Koh Pha Ngan
Koh Pha Ngan is massive
With a land area of 125 square miles, Koh Pha Ngan is 1.5 times bigger than Koh Samui, which is already a pretty big island. It’s a whopping 15 times bigger than Koh Tao! The island’s size, plus its topography, makes it very difficult to explore unless you have your own set of wheels (or if you do have your own set of wheels, but plan to do drugs or use alcohol).
You don’t have to attend the Full Moon Party
Which is not to say a Koh Pha Ngan itinerary has to include alcohol. It’s completely possible to spend your entire trip in Koh Pha Ngan sober, whether you hit the surf at beaches like Haad Salad, hike up to the Bottle Beach Viewpoint or eat your way through various markets around the island. And you certainly don’t have to attend the monthly Full Moon Party, even if it feels like everyone else there is.
(Or stay on Haad Rin at all)
Speaking of the Full Moon Party, it takes place on Haad Rin Beach, which if I’m honest is one of my favorite beaches on the island. Still, while there are plenty of places to stay here (I like Pha Ngan Bayshore Resort), you can choose from many other places to stay. I personally prefer sleeping on the west coast, be that at a scenic bungalow like Coconut Bay Eco Resort, or a simple guest house like Villa Cha Cha.
Koh Pha Ngan is filled with New Age types
If you Google Koh Pha Ngan things to do, you’re almost certainly going to find yoga classes, meditation sessions and all manner of other New Age activities. And look, I don’t begrudge someone for subscribing to that mindset (even if I don’t believe white people should have dreadlocks, sorry). But the holier-than-thou atmosphere too many “good” people create can be overwhelming, particularly if you don’t like Pha Ngan a lot to begin with.
(But there’s plenty of normies as well)
Whether we’re talking hippies on Zen Beach or hard drug users on Haad Rin, Koh Pha Ngan has its share of unsavory individuals. On the other hand, you’ll meet plenty of normal travelers as you travel, whether on a hike or at a day at the beach. Plus, no matter what you think of the sorts of people who visit this island, locals tend to be just as friendly as they are elsewhere in Thailand.
Alternatives to Koh Pha Ngan
Pha Ngan isn’t my cup of tea—and it wouldn’t shock me if it doesn’t end up being yours. Here are some other island options in Thailand, both near and far away:
- Koh Lanta: Though also a relatively large island where you need a motorbike (or a friend who can ride one), Koh Lanta is decidedly more relaxed than Koh Pha Ngan.
- Koh Mak: This island really couldn’t be any more different than Pha Ngan—it’s clear on the other side of the Gulf, and is totally relaxed.
- Koh Lipe: Lipe is quiet a bit calmer than Koh Pha Ngan, but is navigable entirely by foot. Conversely, it has a raucous walking street where, if you want, you can get your freak one.
- Koh Phi Phi: The Phi Phi islands, in some ways, feel like a more condensed version of Pha Ngan—more beauty in a smaller area; wilder partying with less savory patrons.
Whether deciding between Koh Pha Ngan vs Koh Tao or making another choice entirely, I do hope you’ll consider hiring me to plan your Thailand trip.
Other FAQ About Visiting Koh Pha Ngan
Is it worth it to go to Koh Pha Ngan?
Koh Pha Ngan is definitely worth visiting once, at least so you can see if for yourself. However, if you aren’t interested in the Full Moon Party, or capable of renting a motorbike to explore its substantial land area, it simply might not be the right island for you.
Is Koh Pha Ngan better than Koh Tao?
For me, Koh Tao is a far superior island to Koh Pha Ngan. While there are certainly beautiful places on Pha Ngan, nothing compared to Koh Tao’s Koh Nang Yuan. Likewise, it’s much quicker and easier to get around Koh Tao; Pha Ngan takes more time than I usually like to spend in a place like that.
How long to spend in Koh Pha Ngan?
Koh Pha Ngan is bigger than it looks on the map; you’ll need longer there than you probably expect (or, potentially, even want to stay). Unless you simply plan to go to Haad Rin for the Full Moon Party and bounce, I’d personally plan on staying at least 2-3 nights in Koh Pha Ngan.
The Bottom Line
Is Koh Pha Ngan worth visiting? Probably, thought your mileage may vary. I was personally heartened to learn that you don’t need to participate in the Full Moon Party in order to enjoy the island. Conversely, I wasn’t a fan of all the hippies (and, more than them, the cosplaying trust-fund hippies) on the island, or the fact that it was so much larger than Koh Tao, and so much less developed than Koh Samui. Although I’ve been back and will go back again, Pha Ngan simply isn’t my favorite Thai island. Need personalized assistance finding your perfect Thai paradise? Hire me to plan your trip to Thailand!
