Koh Pangan: Five Things You Can Do After the Full Moon Party

Many of you have heard about Thailand’s crazy parties, and how it has full and half moon parties that go on until sunrise in an island called ‘Koh Phangan’ (pronounced Kow Pang-yan).

This boisterous night-long celebration, which is tied to the lunar calendar, draws revelers to the islands southeastern part, Haad Rin. The festivities happen on Sunrise Beach, whose beach bungalows attract backpackers and travelers all over the world.

 Well I’m not here to give you a guide about it. In fact, I’ll be here to tell you that this island has so much more to offer than just “that wild party” everyone is talking about. The beauty of this island will actually surprise you.

But first, How do you get there?

Option 1.)Book a flight to Phuket. From the airport, take a bus that says Surat Thani. Once you have arrived in Surat Thani, look for the harbor and find a boat ticket to Koh Phangan. This is the cheaper but longer way to get there.Option 2.)You also have an option to go to Koh Samui, the nearest airport to the island. From Koh Samui : There are at least 3 ferries a day from Koh Samui’s Big Buddha pier to Thongsala pier Seatran Discovery and Haad Rin Queen Ferry directly to Haad Rin.

Before we proceed, here’s a short glimpse of the Full Moon Party…if you’re into that.

 It’s good to experience this once in your life, since there’s no party quite like it.I just want to give you a safety tip though, to always check your stuff, and be careful when going to the party. I’ve seen people with bruises and scrapes on their knees and elbows, people losing their stuff, and what not here.

Okay so moving on to the good stuff, here’s how you can REALLY EXPLORE the island. (maybe after the party?)

1.) Chill at the Secret Beach.

It’s not a secret anymore Cheys and I spent the day here just tanning, and taking a dip; and just like us, this is the therapy you need. No, really.

2.) Stay at the Koh Phangan Pavilions to unwind.

This villa-style apartment was the perfect place for some R&R. The whole place was an oasis,with an infinity pool surrounded by lush gardens. Views were just breathtaking. I had my coffee either in the lounge just outside our bedroom or by the pool. Its paradise here.

Our private balcony came complete with a dining table and was the ideal place to watch the sun rise and set.

3.) Try their Tea Tarik or Thai Iced tea.

You can find this delicious milk tea along the streets where they sell it in stalls. There’s also lots of really good fruit shakes that are perfect for the hot weather.

4.) Go Diving or Snorkeling!

Dive sites in Thailand are all amazing, But the one’s in Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are really something.Contrary to popular belief that Koh Tao (Koh Phangan’s neighboring island) is the place with all the great dive spots, these are the same dive sites you will go to when in Koh Phangan. For those that are just looking to go snorkeling, the beaches in Haad Salad and Haad Ya are worth checking out too.

5.) Take Cooking Classes.

Because who doesn’t love Thai Food and what better way to have it than know how to make them yourself? Also get bragging rights saying you took Thai cooking classes in no other than- Thailand.

These are just some of the things you can do, but the island still has so much more to offer. You can watch sunsets everyday, go trekking and chase waterfalls, or rent a motorbike and just go around the island. They even have reggae bars, yoga classes, and a night market where you can just just enjoy the food selection.

There’s more to a place than what it seems. And believe me, there’s so much waiting for you on this island than just the parties here at Koh Phangan. You’ll be surprised that this island will slowly blow you away and take up a special place in your heart.