How to plan a couple's trip to Koh Phangan

If you are pining for a romantic escape full of exhilarating bonding experiences, precious moments of scenic solitude, and a warm culture that celebrates love with touching gusto, then this Thai island is everything you dream of and more! Here are some tips when visiting this lush getaway. Check this out!

Why visit Koh Phangan?

While many people associate Koh Phangan with the wildly famous beachside "moon" galas, it's also one of the most serene and breathtaking islands that jewel the Gulf of Thailand. When mapping out your itinerary, don't forget to include the secluded off-the-beaten-track spots, where couples can feel blissfully alone with nature, as well as the enticing hubbub of vibrant night markets and over-water obstacle courses. In this destination wedding hotspot, you will be surrounded by the newlywed rapture and connoisseurs of perfect moments with an extraordinary tropical twist, from romantic sunset kayaking dates to personalized and poetic moonlit revels for two by the ivory-and-turquoise, jungle-lined waterfront.

How to get there?

You can begin your journey into this stunning wilderness, interspersed with luxuriant beach and poolside chateaus, like those proffered by Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, with a series of short yet delightful stops. Until the Koh Phangan airport is complete, visitors must into the eclectic hub of Bangkok (perfect opportunity to get some shopping out of the way), then catch a bus or train to Surat Thani, where you will be ferried to your dream island. Alternatively, you can stop by the neighbouring Koh Samui, enjoy its famed beauty, and take a 45-minute boat trip to the more untouched haven of Phangan Island. To ensure a hassle-free trip with transport routes, accommodation, and attractions customized to your budget and vacation goals, it's a good idea to download apps like 12go.asia and Booking.com.

The best time to visit

Each of the three "seasons" that characterize this exotic destination has its own charming experiences for tourists, like the overflowing waterfall pools of the rainy season and the year-round joy of exploring the gulf's floating mysteries.

Top 5 experiences

Motorbike around the island

Among the most engagingly authentic things to do on Koh Phangan is to motorbike around this thrilling island with its diverse geographical miracles, visiting picturesque fishing villages, and trekking between spectacular viewpoints. More daring beauty-lovers wouldn't want to miss the surreal conclusion of hiking the daunting heights of Khao Ra, and as well as the Pinterest- worthy panoramas atop Haad Yao and Haad Rin.

Beach Hopping

There are fewer pastimes more delightful than stumbling upon secret white marble shores flanked by jewel-toned ocean vistas, like the tranquil and crowd-free Chaloklum beach, Bottle Beach cradled by sloping emerald hills, and the uncanny Mae Haat, with its crystal-clear water of two different shades separated by a natural bridge! Koh Phangan also offers first-class amenities in the way of water sports from jet skiing, kayaking around the island's perimeter and long-tail boat race, to sea canoeing into the sunrise. The coral-reef kingdoms underwater are equally enchanting, and there's no shortage of premier dive sites and certified courses, while snorkelling tours are in full swing.

Chasing waterfalls

If you would fancy a change from the cosy, cafe-strewn beaches, you have the delightful option of hunting the lyrical cascades that are interspersed like seven glistening gems in the jungle-clad nooks of the isle. From rope swinging at Paradise Waterfall to cooling off after a rewarding wildlife-rich trek at the Phaneg Yai falls, you won't be disappointed!

Exploring the night markets

If the way to your partner's heart is through gastronomic bliss, you'll have no choice but to visit the dazzling hotchpotch of Thong Sala Night Market. From the top local concoctions, you simply have to sample the scrumptious Pad Thai, sushi, falafel, and grilled seafood dishes!

Boat to nearby islets

Ang Thong National Marine Park is truly a wonder not to be missed, with lonely island wonderlands riddled with caves and lush with exquisite greenery. Koh Nang Yuan and Koh Tao are also great little hideaways to visit for some intimate exploration in the nature-kissed sanctuaries of rainforest peaks and shimmering reefs.