Koh Phangan boasts some stunning beaches that pay stiff competition to others in the Gulf of Thailand. Many of the islands attractions are focused on these beaches as there are so many to enjoy. Other top attractions include the island’s waterfalls, the main town of Thong Sala and the Angthong National Marine Park.

Angthong National Marine Park,
This stunning marine park was brought into the spotlight with the famous 2000 film The Beach. It is a protected conservation area with no accommodation, offering daytrips only. It is a great place to dive or snorkel and the islands can also be explored on foot. You will find stunning coral, dozens of species of tropical fish and a host of other sea life as well as many kinds of flora and fauna inland.

Baan Chaloklum
This village can be found in the north of the island and is a very quiet fishing village where most people live traditional lives. There are a number of family-run groceries and some local restaurants. It is the perfect place to visit to escape the rest of the world. The journey to Chaloklum from Thong Sala will take you past Phaeng and Paradise waterfalls, the Chinese Temple and a pink Buddha statue.

Hat Khuat
This beach is also known as Bottle Beach and has retained all of its untamed beauty. This is mainly because of its distance and inaccessibility from the main roads. It is a stunning beach ideal for those looking for privacy and quiet. Hat Khuat can be accessed by walking up a very steep path or by boat from Chaloklum.

Hat Rin
Is one of the most famous beaches on the island. The beach covers both sides of the cape and is famed for hosting the full moon parties every month. Both sides of the beach are long, sandy and lined with palms - a true idyllic setting. Lively nightlife takes place here every night, so if you want peace and quiet, you should set up base elsewhere.

Hat Salad
This stunning beach in the northern part of the island boasts some of the best swimming and snorkelling sites on the island as well as a beach that is lined with different types of colourful coral. It is well worth a visit.

Phaeng Waterfall
This waterfall can be found in Ban Madua Wan, on the way to Chaloklum. This is the main and most popular waterfall found on Phangan and boasts crystal clear fresh water where it is possible to enjoy a swim. If you follow the path for about 200 metres, you will come to a stunning viewpoint, so have your camera ready. There is a short jungle trail to follow with signposts, but you have to be careful as it can be tricky to manoeuvre your way around in some places.

Than Sadet waterfalls
King Chulalongkorn, also known as Rama V, visited these falls on a number of occasions to bathe in the pool of natural spring water at the base of the waterfall. King Prajadhipok, Rama VII and the current King Bumipol Aduldej, Rama IX, are also known to have visited. The falls were recently declared a national park due to their historical significance and thriving wildlife.

Thong Nai Pan
This stunning bay can be found in the northeast of the island and boasts craggy hills which often tempt rock climbers. The journey to the bay in itself is an adventure, with un-tarred roads and steep climbs leading the way.

Thong Sala
This is Koh Phangan’s main town and can be found on the west coast of the island. Ferries arrive from the mainland and Samui’s port here, so the town sees scores of new people every day. It boasts a selection of bars, restaurants, travel agencies, fashion shops and a market as well as currency exchange kiosks and accommodation.

Go wild at a full moon party and see what all the fuss is about. Hat Rin welcomes thousands of revellers every month who come to dance to the sound of modern beats. Every bar is busy and every table is full. Make sure you book your accommodation well in advance if you are planning to stay during one of the world-famous beach parties as all lodgings will be fully booked on the night. If however, you’re not around for the full moon, the island also boasts a number of other parties such as the half-moon party, black-moon party and plenty of jungle parties.

Relax with a spot of yoga, which is offered at a number of locations throughout the island. Yoga classes are held nightly at different venues and many places offer month-long intensive courses.

Learn the ancient martial art of Muay Thai and never fear bullies again. There are a number of places around Phangan where training is offered and long-term courses are provided. Horizon Gym, which can be found in Haad Tien, is an intensive training camp for both foreigners and Thais. Those not looking to compete will be able to watch a number of matches in Thong Sala and Hat Rin.

Tour the island on foot and take your time to enjoy the sights. Hiking can offer many days of pleasure and there are nature trails throughout Phangan which come in a range of difficulties and lengths. Always remember to take water and sun block with you.

Relax in a herbal sauna. The sauna at Wat Pho is a famed for its relaxing qualities and the perfect relief after a long night of partying. You will feel cleansed and refreshed and it will leave your body crying out for more. Although the sauna is free, you should always leave a donation.