Koh Phangan is not really regarded as a children’s destination, but that being said, there are a number of activities for children to enjoy that will bring them closer to nature and ensure that they have the chance to experience new things. The beaches are stunning, the elephants exciting and the waters inviting.

Beaches
Koh Phangan boasts some stunning beaches, which are regarded by many as being the best in the Gulf of Thailand. The most popular beach is Had Rin, although this beach is not suitable for children during the full moon parties. During the rest of the month however, the beach boasts golden sand perfect for sandcastles, warm waters ideal for paddling and spotting varieties of tropical fish, and a range of beach bungalows.

Boat Trips
Round-the-island tours of Koh Phangan can be booked at travel agents throughout the island and offer a great way to see the sights. They’re great fun for children of all ages and offer visits to some otherwise inaccessible beaches. Most tours include a trip to Bottle Beach, Mae Haad, Than Sadet waterfall, Thong Nai Pan and Koh Ma (for snorkelling). Snorkelling equipment is included, as is an evening meal (most trips leave after lunch).

Elephant Trekking
There is a traditional elephant trekking cap on Phangan, which offers a great way to get close to the giant animals. The camp can be found approximately three kilometres outside of Chaloklum and is home to two adults and one young elephant. They provide rides into the jungle and over hilltops, ensuring an experience of a lifetime for your children. After you’ve finished trekking, the younger elephant shows off his football skills, putting David Bekham to shame!

Even an island which is as small as Koh Phangan boasts some stunning cultural sights. The temples on the island are as beautiful as you will find anywhere else in the country and amid the traditional Thai offerings; you will find the intricately decorated Chinese Temple.

Chedi Wat Nai
This is a beautiful pagoda found at the side of a small paved road, just off the main track leading to Thong Nai Pan from Ban Tai Pier. It’s located in the middle of a coconut plantation in front of a stunning Banyan tree.

Chinese Temple
This stunning example of Chinese architecture can be found on a hill between Thong Sala and Chaloklum. The temple owes its construction to a woman who arrived on the island 15 years ago to attend a ceremony in Wat Sangthom. She stated that she had dreamt about the Chinese Buddha, who had told her that he wished for a new temple to be built for him. Funds were raised and the impressive building was finally completed in 1992. It has been extended many times and every year, the decoration gets richer and more elaborate. Tourists and locals visit to get a blessing from the resident nun and to try to discover their fate by throwing ‘prediction sticks’.

Wat Khao Tam
This is a small temple located on top of a hill near Ban Tai Village. An American monk lived here for over 10 years and when he died, his ashes were scattered over a cliff at the foot of the temple. The temple is famous for its Buddhist Meditation Centre, which is run by foreigners, and is a place for those who want to retreat from the rest of the world to meditate in total silence for 10 days, as per the Theravada tradition.

Wat Pho
This is a very popular temple among the Buddhists of Ban Tai as well a popular sightseeing spot for tourists as it boasts an incredibly relaxing herbal sauna. Natural herbs are heated on a log fire to create the steam.

Wat Thong Sala
This stunning edifice is the most popular temple on Koh Phangan and is also the place where the island’s most important religious ceremonies take place. On Buddhist celebration days, the temple houses stalls selling all manner of goods and musicians who play to eager crowds.

Thailand is renowned for its food and every town, city and village throughout the country offers its own variation on some of the world’s finest cuisine. Phangan is no different, offering a myriad of eateries and dishes. For a truly authentic experience, look for the local restaurants which are frequented by Thais. You can be guaranteed that local Thais will only eat somewhere where the food is good. One of the better areas for local restaurants is Thon Sala, the main town on the island.

Thong Sala is home to a night market where you will find a wide range of street stalls offering ready-made curries, noodles, chicken, soup and a variety of desserts. Lining the main road leading to Thong Sala, you will find many BBQ restaurants offering all-you-can-eat deals. This is a great and economical way to eat. During the day, food carts can be found in Thong Sala, where you can get the spicy papaya salad som tam, as well as pad Thai, and fried chicken.

Beachside restaurants found throughout the island offer a wide choice of fresh fish and seafood as well as Thai and international dishes. The traditional way to eat when in Thailand is to choose a range of dishes and share them among your group; that way, you get to try everything.

Due to the island’s size, shopping opportunities do not abound as much as on Koh Samui. Popular purchases include hammocks, local art, clothing including beachwear and souvenirs. There are not many shops on the beaches as most vendors sell their goods from stalls which line the streets. The night market in Thong Sala offers a wide variety of products including food, crafts and clothing.

Koh Phangan’s year-round good weather ensures that a number of outside activities are available for those not content with sitting on a beach. Among the countless water sports found on the main beaches, there is also the option to sail, cycle and explore the deep blue sea on a diving excursion.

Cycling
Mountain bikes can be hired from many places across Koh Phangan, and as the centre of the island is hilly, it is perfect terrain for an off-roading cycling experience. It might be hard work, but the stunning sights will be well worth the sweat. Baan Tai and Thong Sala are two of the best places to start your adventure from. There are no organised cycle tracks on the island, but there are plenty of natural trails to discover. Be careful if you are cycling on the main roads as these are renowned for being dangerous. The road between Ban Tai and Had Rin can be particularly treacherous as there are a number of blind corners and pick up trucks and taxis often drive recklessly.

Diving
Without doubt, diving is the most popular activity in the region. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, the countless dive schools on the island can offer dive trips to some of the most stunning destinations in the Gulf of Siam. These include Koh Tao, Koh Nang Yuan, Sailrock and Angthong Marine National Park. There are over 20 sites nearby offering a wide variety of reef and sea life unique to the area.

Kayaking
It is possible to hire kayaks from hire companies located on the beaches. Kayaking is a great way to see the area immediately surrounding the island as you can take your time and enjoy the peace and quiet. It is however hard work if you’re not used to it or not very strong, so bear this in mind before making your plans. There is an archipelago of over 80 islands within this area, many of which can be explored in a kayak. It is also possible to join a day’s kayaking trip in Angthong Marine Park.

Sailing
It is possible to hire your own sailboat for a trip around the island, or join an organised tour where you will be taken to destinations within easy reach. It is possible to sail by yourself, although this is only advised for experienced sailors. If you want the private experience, you can hire a boat complete with a driver.