Last Updated on August 31, 2020
While its wild Full Moon parties made Koh Phangan famous, this island is certainly more than meets the eye. Visit it during off-peak season and find a peaceful, gorgeous paradise almost ripped off from a postcard. Long stretches of white sand beach, cerulean warm waters, plus affordable luxury accommodations – it’s every traveler’s dream come true.
Whether you come for the raucous parties or not, you’re bound to find an amazing place you can call your own for the weekend. Somewhere you can come back to after all the exploring, swimming, and eating.
The only challenge now is, picking the best one. Here are a couple of suggestions to help you get started on the right foot.
1. Kupu Kupu Phangan Villas
Romantic settings on a luxury resort with fantastic sunset views, but are also reasonably-priced? Yes, please at Kupu Kupu Phangan Villas & Spa. But don’t be fooled by its seemingly affordable rates.
This 5-star Koh Phangan resort features large, individual Thai-inspired bungalows with soaring ceilings. Everywhere are earthy dark wood materials, broken only by flashes of bright red accents. The darks and reds complement the lush greens surrounding the area. An absolute feast for the eyes.
You won’t run out of activities to do, either on the island itself or on the resort. By day, book their traditional fishing boat for snorkeling or excursion trips. Or rent their scooter for a wild ride discovering what the island has in store. Don’t forget to ask about their Attack Fishing Tour!
But if that doesn’t impress you, maybe their location will. Facing totally west, there’s no better place to catch those famous Thai sunsets that set the skies ablaze in color. To get the full views, climb to their new Roof Top Bar serving all-you-can-eat mixed satays, tortillas, and BBQ.
2. Panviman Resort
One of the selected few 5-star hotels on the island, Panviman Resort, is also one of the oldest. Their brilliant location by the pristine Thong Nai Pan beach makes them a favorite for all their visitors. Featuring rooms, villas, and cottages – all comfy, bright, and opens to scenic view of the outside – several of their accommodations even have their own pools for complete convenience.
But it’s not just their well-designed rooms and freeform swimming pool with Jacuzzi that raise them gold stars. Their dining options are also one of the finest. Their Pan Sea restaurant for instance, sits on a hill and offers dramatic 360-degree views all around. The relaxing Pool Deck Bar on the other hand, is ideal for inviting your special someone for a romantic private dinner overlooking the sea.
Of course, for those who want to get closer to the beach, there’s no better way to dine than at Stone Beach restaurant where they have live shows and music every night.
3. Chantaramas Resort
Founded by two sisters who grew up in Koh Phangan, this resort is all about making memories. Although everything looks sophisticated, such as their beach cabanas with white curtains, deep blue infinity pools, and Thai contemporary style rooms, it doesn’t mean that you can’t put your feet up. And you should – it’s encouraged while you’re on vacation, most especially here at Chantaramas Resort.
The name itself means ‘golden moon’. So you’ll be delighted to find lots of crescent-shaped motifs throughout this resort. Not only that, you’ll see contrasting colors with lots of gold and yellows. This gives the place a warm, golden glow, whether by sun or moonlight.
At Chantaramas, you would be invited to fully immerse yourself in the Phangan lifestyle. You won’t run out of things to do: from asking hotel staff how to get coconuts from a tree, to attending your very first Full Moon Party.
4. Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa
Old-world traditional charm mixed with sustainable actions for a better future – that’s what Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa is all about.
More than its visually stunning rooms with ornate wooden carvings and local Thai decor, this resort is like a hidden gem on a forested hillside facing a small, private patch of Thong Nai Pan Noi beach. But while it can get tricky getting there, as well as going around the place itself, the amazing views and warm service more than makes up for it.
Upon entrance, you’ll be wowed by detailed wooden features and beautiful designs from reclaimed wood. Their 30-foot man-made waterfall is another treat to the senses. Expect eating only the best meals from the freshest ingredients – products of their organic vegetable garden.
Thanks to this resort’s elevation, it offers amazing views of the island, the beach, and the ocean. Ideal for couples, or anyone looking for a secluded retreat.
5. Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan
Well known for their signature style and attention to detail, Anantara Rasananda will introduce to you a whole new level of experiencing life on the island. Suitably located right on the beach, with suites and villas set in a coconut plantation, it smartly incorporates elegant design with naturally occurring elements in nature.
You’ll see deep reds, gold, and brown from your room, to the sun lounges at the beach. Pick your accommodation: from large villas with standalone pools fringed by palm trees, to charming lagoon villas, accessible by walking on a rustic wooden footpath over a scenic pond.
The resort boasts of having the only winery on site. No wonder meals are always served with interesting drink options. Speaking of meals, did you know you can dine barefooted at The Bistro? That’s right – experience al fresco dining at its best and you’ll never look at mango crème Panna Cotta the same way again.
6. Cocohut Beach Resort & Spa
If you came specifically to immerse yourself in the weekly wild parties at Koh Phangan, then there’s no better place to unwind than here at Cocohut Village Beach Resort. Located at Leela Beach, about a 5-minute walk to Had Rin beach, where the epic Full Moon Parties are held, it is close enough to the action, but manages to remain secluded and quiet.
It’s the perfect place to begin any famous festivity on the island. But after all that dancing and drinking, you’ll be glad they have other amenities. Why not enjoy Thai, Mediterranean, and international cuisine at their restaurant before heading out for a poolside Thai massage? After that, it’s back to your charming hillside bungalow.
Cocohut has a variety of bright and comfy bungalows with a private terrace to make sure you’re relaxed throughout your stay. You can also take your pick from modern pool villas, and even a penthouse with sea views.
7. Buri Rasa Koh Phangan
Luxury doesn’t always have to mean expensive amenities or marble decor. Often, it’s in the warmth and hospitality that guests receive from the moment they step foot at the hotel. One may be surprised why Buri Rasa Village makes the cut – but repeat visitors will say that it’s not only charming, they also have the best and most attentive staff around!
This boutique hotel is conveniently located right at Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, where the waters are always right and you can swim no matter the tide. Rooms come in all sizes and designs, just take your pick from the Deluxe, all the way to the Rasa Oceanfront.
There is also a quaint Buri Rasa Village Square, a cobbled street lined with tiny shops. Trees provide a cool shade as you stroll to find affordable souvenirs, or maybe a refreshing smoothie.
8. The Coast Resort Koh Phangan
Sometimes, you just want to have some adults-only fun – especially if you’re on Koh Phangan to experience the famous Full Moon Party. So for those looking for an amazing retreat that’s just steps away from the best festivities in town, then end your search at The Coast Resort.
This adults-only modern minimalist hotel is all about good fun, good people, and a good day’s rest after all the party’s over. Located at Haad Rin Nai, more commonly known as the Sunset Beach, it’s only 10-minutes away from the legendary Full Moon Party.
Accommodations here are a work of art. Rooms, suites, and villas feature modern lines and splashes of bold color here and there. It’s truly a sight for sore eyes after a rough night. But don’t just leave without dining at their restaurant. Or better yet, mingle and make new friends as you swim up to their pool bar.
Remember: These are days that you’re going to remember forever. So make the most of them!