TH · Surat Thani · 9.74°N 100.03°E

ko pha-ngan

Full Moon Party island, but the quiet north-coast beaches are the real win.

Best time
Roughly February to August is driest. October to December brings the heaviest rain and rough seas. Haad Rin fills up around each full moon.
How long
3–4 days
Getting there
Fly from KL to Ko Samui or Surat Thani, usually via Bangkok, then take a ferry. From Samui it's 30 minutes to an hour by boat; from Surat Thani, allow 3–4 hours by bus and ferry. Some Malaysians drive up through Hat Yai and take the car ferry from Don Sak.
Save postcard
TH · Surat Thaniko pha-ngan9.74°N 100.03°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Full Moon Party island, but the quiet north-coast beaches are the real win.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingKo Pha-nganTH, Surat Thani
KLko pha-ngan
≈ 756 km from KL, as the crow flies
Ko Pha Ngan

Photo: Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר · CC BY-SA 4.0

1 / 3

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Ko Samui's laid-back neighbour is best known for the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin beach. Away from the party end, the island is quiet, with jungle hills, waterfalls and calm bays along the north and west coasts.

Makan

  1. Thong Sala night marketPad thai, grilled skewers, roti and mango sticky rice in the main town.Map ↗
  2. Beachside seafoodFresh fish and prawns grilled at restaurants along the beaches.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. Full Moon PartyThe monthly all-night beach party at Haad Rin. Go once, or stay on the other side of the island and skip it.Map ↗
  2. Bottle BeachA quiet bay on the north coast, easiest to reach by boat.Map ↗
  3. Thong Nai PanTwo sheltered bays in the north-east with soft sand and calm water.Map ↗
  4. Ang Thong Marine ParkA day trip by boat to limestone islands, with kayaking and a steep viewpoint climb.Map ↗
  5. Phaeng WaterfallA short jungle walk to a waterfall, with a viewpoint above it, in the middle of the island.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Only rent a scooter if you're confident. The hills are steep and accidents are common.
  • Thai drug laws are strict, and police are out in force around party nights.
  • Book well ahead if you're going for the full moon.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.