Top 5 Free Koh Phangan Activities
There are plenty of free Koh Phangan activities to suit everybody. Whether you are looking to have fun with the kids, wishing to simply relax on a beautiful white sandy beach with your partner, or get up close and personal with different kinds of wildlife, we have some great choices for you and the best part is, these are all totally free! In no particular order, here’s our top 5 free Koh Phangan activities.
Visit a Beach
The beaches on Koh Phangan are some of the best that you will discover in the Gulf of Thailand and with over 30 to choose from you won’t have trouble find one suitable for any type of beach lover.
The best Koh Phangan beaches for remoteness can be found in the North East of the island. All with rugged mountain surroundings, thick jungles and amazing views. Giant boulders and tropical fauna surround a number of the beaches. Due to the remoteness there’s a lot of wildlife, including wild Crab-eating Macaque monkeys, tropical birds and reptiles. Most of these beaches are deserted and totally unblemished by tourism.
The best Koh Phangan beaches for snorkelling and scuba diving can be found on the North West coast. The island’s most diverse reefs are alive with vibrant fish, soft and hard corals, plus other incredible marine life. If you enjoy spectacular sunsets then visit any of these beaches at around 5:30 pm.
The South East beaches on Koh Phangan offer something different to the rest of the island. This location also provides lots of small secluded bays ideal for total relaxation, where you will feel as though you are on a desert island.
For beaches near to the main town (Thongsala) with a range of quality dining establishments, stylish bars, resorts and shops, the South West coastline is where you should go. This area is also ideal if you like to kite surf! Read more about the islands beaches…..
Hike to the Islands Highest Peak
Throughout Koh Phangan there are a variety of spectacular view points, which nearly every passing traveler finds irresistible as they circumnavigate the island. Some are formally marked on the map, whilst other fantastic viewing areas seem to have gotten their appeal merely by remaining in the right location and offering the perfect environment for that breathtaking view – especially during sunset time.
Khao Ra is the highest point on Koh Phangan, sitting at 627m above sea level. Khoa Ra is an obvious choice if you wish to value the very best mountain views. From the top on a clear day you can see the mainland, Koh Samui, Angthong Marine Park and Koh Tao. You will not be dissatisfied having made the long trek there. Be cautioned, the walk to the top is not for the faint hearted and you need to enable about 3-4 hours for the return walking. The path is plainly marked, however it is high in places and you will require ideal walking shoes.
Half way up there is an unmarked view point which also makes for a resting point mid-way through your journey. A giant stone marks the space where you can sit and see through the clearing in the trees for miles throughout lavish jungle and out to sea.
The start of the trek is not far from Khao Ra Bungalows, which can be found on the right hand side as you head North to Chaloklum on the main central road. Make certain to take your camera!
Snorkel the Coral Reefs
Another great choice out of our list of free Koh Phangan activities is snorkelling. This is an incredibly popular activity that can be enjoyed by everybody. Koh Phangan has lots of exceptional places for snorkelling. The majority of the best areas for snorkelling are on the West coast of the island and can be reached by yourself, either by walking, motorbike, kayaking, taxi car or taxi boat (not free).
Making your own way to the best Koh Phangan snorkelling areas is cheaper than taking a tour as it costs nothing, is more relaxing and you have no time restraints. Best places for snorkelling on Koh Phangan are Mae Haad Beach, Haad Salad Beach and Haad Yao Beach. At all of these snorkel spots you will see a range of gorgeous corals and vibrant fish. Read more about snorkelling around the island…..
Watch the Stunning Sunsets
The west coast of the island is undoubtedly the best location to be when it comes to viewing the Koh Phangan sunsets. The Amsterdam Bar is a particularly popular location to go due to the elevated position of the bar and the unobstructed view of the sea. The scenic view from the top deck is breath-taking. Here you can chill by the pool with a beverage as you enjoy the sun vanish behind the horizon.
Many individuals also stop at bars along Hin Kong Beach and Wok Tum Beach to enjoy the sunsets on Koh Phangan too. This is a particularly beautiful location since the various rock formations, sand patches and small islands in the sea produce wonderful silhouettes. For couples who choose to get away to a more romantic location, we highly suggest finding a great quiet spot along Haad Salad Beach, Haad Yao Beach or Haad Chao Phao Beach. Read more about the islands sunsets…..
Visit Some of the Islands Temples
The temples on Koh Phangan are a big part of the islands historic and spiritual history and are the centre of the Thai community. Local residents visit them every day to receive their blessings from Buddha. Much of the temples on Koh Phangan also have Bhikkhus (Monks) living within the grounds.
As a tourist you are very welcome to enter and browse the many temples on Koh Phangan. As there are many temples on Koh Phangan you should make time to go to at least one or two during your stay on the island.
There are actually over 20 temples on Koh Phangan, so if you’re searching for the most fascinating ones to check out during your stay here, then look no further. Read more about the islands temples…..
Have Your Say About These Top 5 Free Koh Phangan Activities
Have you tried any of our top 5 free Koh Phangan activities yet? Are any of the above something you would do during your stay on the island? Got any other ideas for free Koh Phangan activities? Leave your comments below.