Koh Phangan Starter Pack

No airport on Koh Phangan: Arrive by ferry from Koh Samui or Surat Thani

From Koh Samui: 30-minute ferry from Big Buddha Pier or Bangrak.

From Surat Thani: 2.5 hour ferry, or fly to Samui then ferry.

Lomprayah and Seatran: Main ferry companies. Book online or at pier.

Night boat: Overnight ferry from Surat Thani. Budget option.

Combo tickets: Many agents sell flight + ferry combos from Bangkok.

Tip: Ferries can be cancelled in rough weather. Have flexible plans during monsoon.

Visa exemption: Many nationalities get 30-60 days on arrival in Thailand.

Tourist Visa: 60 days, obtainable at Thai embassy before travel.

Visa extensions: Immigration office on Koh Phangan can extend 30 days (1,900 THB).

Long-Term Resident (LTR) Visa: For wealthy individuals, professionals, retirees.

Thailand Elite Visa: 5-20 year visa with benefits. Expensive but convenient.

Retirement visa: For 50+ with income/savings requirements.

Visa runs: Border runs to Malaysia or visa run flights from Samui.

Dry season (Dec-April): Best weather, sunny, calm seas. Peak tourist season.

Hot season (April-June): Very hot and humid before monsoon.

Monsoon season (Oct-Dec): Heavy rains, rough seas. Gulf coast pattern.

Full Moon Party: Monthly, regardless of weather. Check calendar!

Temperature: 80-95°F year-round. Humidity is the main variable.

Ferry cancellations: Possible during monsoon storms. Stay flexible.

Tip: Same weather pattern as Koh Samui. Different from Phuket (Andaman coast).

Emergency Services

Tourist Police

Police

Koh Phangan Hospital

First Western Hospital (private)

For serious issues, ferry to Bangkok Hospital Samui.

Save these numbers to your phone before you need them!

Scooter/motorbike: Essential! Rent ~$100-200/month. The island is hilly and spread out.

Songthaew: Shared pickup trucks. Fixed routes, cheap, but limited.

Taxi: Available but expensive. Negotiate price first.

Grab: Limited functionality compared to mainland.

Walking: Only works if staying in one area. Distances are significant.

Roads: Some are steep, winding, and unpaved. Be careful on a scooter!

Tip: Scooter is non-negotiable here. The island is too hilly and spread out otherwise.

SIM cards: AIS, DTAC, True Move. Buy at 7-Eleven or phone shops.

Coverage: Generally good but can be spotty in remote areas.

Home internet: Available but quality varies by location.

Coworking: Koh Space, Beachub, and several cafe-coworking hybrids.

Cafe WiFi: Growing number of work-friendly cafes.

Starlink: Growing popular for better reliability in remote areas.

Tip: Koh Phangan has developed a decent digital nomad scene, especially in Sri Thanu.

Currency: Thai Baht (THB). $1 ≈ 35 THB (check current rate).

ATMs: Available in main areas. Bangkok Bank, Kasikorn.

ATM fees: ~200 THB ($6) per withdrawal for foreign cards.

Cash is important: Many places, especially local shops, are cash-only.

Cards: Accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.

Full Moon Party: Cash-heavy event. Withdraw beforehand!

Wise/TransferWise: Popular for getting money to Thailand.

Tip: Have enough cash before heading to remote beaches or the Full Moon Party.

Haad Rin: Full Moon Party beach. Loud, party-focused, backpacker scene.

Sri Thanu: Yoga and wellness hub. Digital nomad scene, healthy food, quieter.

Thong Sala: Main town and ferry pier. All services, but less charming.

Haad Salad/Haad Yao: Beautiful beaches on west coast. More relaxed.

Baan Tai: Close to Haad Rin but quieter. Long beach, some nightlife.

Chaloklum: Fishing village in north. Very local, off the tourist track.

Rental prices: $300-800/month depending on location and amenities.

Thai food: Amazing variety - curries, pad thai, som tam, seafood.

Sri Thanu: Health food capital. Vegan, organic, smoothie bowls.

Thong Sala night market: Great street food at local prices.

Pantip night market: Popular evening market with variety.

Seafood: Fresh and delicious at beachfront restaurants.

International food: Italian, Indian, Mexican scattered around.

Groceries: Tesco Lotus, 7-Eleven, local markets.

Tip: Sri Thanu has the best health food scene outside of Ubud, Bali.

Haad Rin: Full Moon Party beach. Two sides - Sunrise and Sunset.

Thong Nai Pan: Beautiful bay in the northeast. Worth the bumpy road.

Bottle Beach: Paradise beach, access by boat or jungle hike.

Haad Salad: Beautiful beach on west coast, good snorkeling.

Haad Yao: Long beach, calm water, good for swimming.

Malibu Beach: Stunning beach near Chaloklum.

Tip: The most beautiful beaches often require a scooter ride or boat trip.

Full Moon Party: The legendary monthly party on Haad Rin beach.

Half Moon and Black Moon parties: Smaller parties in the jungle.

Yoga and wellness: Sri Thanu is a yoga hub with retreats and teacher trainings.

Snorkeling and diving: Sail Rock and Koh Tao trips, local spots too.

Waterfalls: Phaeng Noi and Than Sadet waterfalls in the interior.

Viewpoints: Stunning sunset views from various points around the island.

Muay Thai: Training camps available for all levels.

Detox and fasting: Several centers offer cleanse programs.

Yoga: World-class studios, especially in Sri Thanu. Teacher trainings available.

Muay Thai: Several training camps for beginners to pros.

Snorkeling/Diving: Good local spots and day trips to Sail Rock, Koh Tao.

Gyms: Several gyms around the island.

Running: Beach runs and jungle trails.

Kiteboarding: Conditions at certain spots when wind is right.

SUP: Stand-up paddleboarding available at calm beaches.

Hiking: Trails to waterfalls and viewpoints.

Scooter essential: The island is too spread out and hilly otherwise.

Full Moon Party: Book accommodation early! The island fills up.

Party safety: Watch your drinks, stick with friends, don't bring valuables.

Roads can be dangerous: Steep, winding, sometimes unpaved. Drive carefully!

Water: Tap water is not potable. Use bottled or filtered.

Monsoon (Oct-Dec): Ferries can be cancelled. Have flexible plans.

Thai: Learn basics! "Khob khun (krab/ka)" means thank you.

Two islands: Party scene (Haad Rin) and wellness scene (Sri Thanu) coexist.