Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Parties, is so much more than just a nightlife destination. With its stunning beaches, lively energy, and laid-back island charm, it’s a must-visit on any Thailand itinerary. We visited Koh Phangan during Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebration, which turned out to be our favorite part of the entire three weeks we spent exploring the Southern islands of Thailand. Here’s how to make the most of two unforgettable days on this vibrant island!
Note: We spent a total of three weeks island hopping across Southern Thailand, prioritizing relaxation and free beach activities over adventurous excursions and partying. However, there’s still some of that (we were in Koh Phangan for Songkran/New Year’s after all), but if you’re more into the landscapes and the food, this is the right blog for you.
Are you island hopping too? Check out our blog, How to Spend 3 Weeks in Southern Thailand (coming soon!).
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.
TLDR 🫣
Koh Phangan is so much more than its famed Full Moon Parties—it’s a lively yet laid-back island destination that’s perfect for exploring beaches, enjoying authentic Thai food, and soaking in the island’s vibrant energy. Visiting during Songkran, Thailand’s New Year celebration, made our trip unforgettable and was our favorite part of our three-week adventure across Southern Thailand!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in the morning: lunch at GAIA Cafe, explore Thong Sala Beach and Lime N Soda pool, dinner at Auntie’s.
Day 2: Celebrate Songkran all day long with water fights, music, and sunset on the beach. End the day with spicy pad kra pao at a local noodle shop.
Pro Tips:
- Book accommodations early if traveling during Songkran or a Full Moon Party.
- Waterproof your belongings and wear light, quick-dry clothes for Songkran.
- Stay near Thong Sala for easy access to the festivities without extra commuting.
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Songkran celebrations—an epic water fight mixed with pure joy!
- Best Eats: Auntie’s (affordable and delicious Thai stir-fries).
- Best "Bang for Your Buck" Hotel: Lime N Soda Beachfront Resort (budget-friendly, prime location).
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
HOW TO GET AROUND KOH PHANGAN
The easiest way to navigate Koh Phangan is by scooter, which is affordable and widely available. However, if you’re not comfortable riding one, shared taxis (songthaews) are a convenient and safer option to get around. If you’re staying near Thong Sala, many spots are walkable, which was perfect for us during the Songkran celebrations.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during Songkran, stay close to the action to avoid getting soaked while commuting!
WHERE TO STAY IN KOH PHANGAN
We booked our accommodations through Agoda and stayed at Lime N Soda Beachfront Resort in Thong Sala. The beachfront location and pool provided the perfect mix of relaxation and convenience, especially during Songkran when we wanted to be near the heart of the festivities. It was honestly one of the most beautiful waters we’ve ever seen – so clear and blue. The resort was the most budget-friendly one we could find during Songkran, and its central location made it easy to explore the area.
Pro Tip: Book early if you’re visiting during major celebrations like Songkran or a Full Moon Party, as accommodations fill up fast.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Thong Sala
Morning: Arrive on Koh Phangan by ferry and check into your accommodations. Lime N Soda Beachfront Resort is a great spot to unwind after your travels.
Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed meal at GAIA Cafe in Thong Sala, known for its excellent coffee and fresh, healthy dishes. Plus, it had air con! Ryan ordered a salmon eggs benny with a coconut coffee, while I had a shakshouka with lemonade. Fair warning – this was one of our most expensive meals across all of the Thai islands ($29 CAD).
Afternoon: Spend some time exploring Thong Sala Beach or lounging by the pool at Lime N Soda. The sand on the beach isn’t the most picturesque on the island, but it’s a quiet and convenient spot to dip your toes into some of the clearest waters we’ve ever seen.
Evening: After catching a beautiful sunset, Hhad to Auntie’s for dinner, a charming local spot serving authentic Thai dishes at wallet-friendly prices. The stir-fries are fantastic! This entire meal including one thai iced tea cost us only $10 CAD.
Day 2: Songkran – The Ultimate Water Fight
We spent the entire day having a water fight with strangers—yes, you read that right—and it was absolutely EPIC! When we woke up on Songkran morning, we had no idea what to expect. But the moment we stepped out of our hotel and onto the bustling streets, it hit us—we were about to be part of something truly unforgettable.
What is Songkran?
Songkran, Thailand’s New Year festival, is a nationwide celebration marked by water fights, (rave) music, and joy. Traditionally, the water symbolizes cleansing and renewal, washing away bad luck and welcoming the new year.
While Bangkok is famous for its intense, multi-day Songkran celebrations—where streets transform into chaotic battlegrounds of water gun fights—Koh Phangan offers a more laid-back yet equally vibrant take on the festivities. On the islands, the celebration is more intimate and spans just one day to help conserve the limited supply of clean water. Tourists and locals come together in the streets, splashing water, dancing to music, and sharing plenty of laughter. You’ll see kiddie pools and buckets filled with water everywhere, and the best part? Everyone is welcome to refill from anyone’s bucket or pool—just be ready to get soaked while doing it!
Pro Tip: Keep the day free for Songkran! There’s no structured itinerary for this celebration—just embrace the madness and have fun.
How to Join the Fun:
The best way to enjoy Songkran is to dive right in! Grab a water gun from a local shop (trust us, you’ll want one), wear light, quick-dry clothing, and waterproof your belongings. The streets of Thong Sala turn into a giant water fight, with people of all ages joining in. From splashing strangers to soaking passing cars, it’s pure chaos and joy all day long.
After spending over six hours immersed in what felt like a country-wide water fight mixed with a rave, we finally set down our water guns and took a peaceful walk along the beach to enjoy the sunset. Koh Phangan has easily become one of our favorite islands. While it’s hard to separate our love for it from the incredible experience of being here during Songkran, this island undoubtedly earns a spot in our top three destinations from our three weeks exploring Southern Thailand.
After sunset, we found ourselves at a small, tucked-away noodle shop on a quiet local street—a hidden gem we had stumbled upon earlier while wandering around, water guns in hand, searching for our next target. Still wet from the day, they didn’t care. We were seated on some plastic stools and ordered very spicy pad kra pao!
TOTAL COST for 2 Days in Koh Phangan (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Accommodations for 2 nights: $165
Activities: $0
Food: $72
Transportation: $34
Souvenirs (we did not shopping here, leaving that for other islands): $0
TOTAL: $271 (Roughly $65 per person, per day)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Koh Phangan during Songkran is an experience like no other. The combination of stunning beaches, a lively atmosphere, and the joy of celebrating Thailand’s New Year made it the highlight of our Southern Thailand adventure. Whether you’re diving into the water fights or relaxing at a beachfront resort, this island has something for everyone.
Feel free to ask us questions in the comments! Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, or the Philippines!
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