Word is, everyone who visits Koh Phangan always comes back.
What does it mean to be a Phanganist? What is it about this island that continues to enchant us?
In our new video, we explore the island to try to put our finger on exactly what it is that makes this place so magical.
First off, we get settled at The Phanganist hostel, 2 km from Thong Sala pier. Then we grab a bike, and get going. Time to explore!
First stop is Amsterdam bar, 4km from the hostel, just outside of Thong Sala. The views from the balcony are breathtaking. You can look out onto the west side of the island, cold beverage in hand, and take it all in.
It’s waterfall time! Paeng waterfall is 6.6km from the hostel, and boasts incredible scenery from the west side of the island. A short walk from the road brings you to the main waterfall, where you can relax on the rocks or clamber higher to rock pools. We were feeling adventurous, and decided to hike through the jungle from the waterfall to a magnificent viewpoint, where the views spread over the entire west side of the island.
If you’re after an equally beautiful waterfall that you can spend time swimming in, Paradise waterfall 10km from the hostel is another of the island’s beauty stops. Paradise has two large pools at the foot of the waterfall, with a rope swing into the deepest one. You can lose hours here jumping in, relaxing, or climbing the waterfall to the rock pools at the top.
Next stop, Koh Ma! This gorgeous beach with beautiful white sands has the most incredibly crystal clear water, so make sure you bring your snorkelling gear! Walk across the sandbank to Koh Ma to enjoy the blissfully quiet beach, and explore the small island. Climb across and on top of the rocks to enjoy views of the shore.
We enjoy the beautiful Koh Phangan sunset and then head back into town for the Saturday market on Walking Street, just 2km from the hostel. Here you can find the most delicious local snacks, while listening to live music from local artists. You can browse rows upon rows of clothes, souvenirs and nik naks, so shop until you need a second suitcase!
While this market is weekly, on any other night of the week you can find the Phanthip night market in Thong Sala with incredible food stalls, hand-made trinkets, and don’t forget to get yourself a refreshing fruit shake.
Next, we head back to The Phanganist for the weekly DnB night! DJ Snake and DJ Chupis provide the beats while the bar staff provide buckets and beers galore. Dance through the night to the best tunes selected with a love and passion for music, play pool, beer pong or take a night time dip in the pool for an underwater dance. If you don’t want to stop the party after the drum and bass, head to Drop In Bar on Haad Rin beach for more drinks, good music and a lively atmosphere.
So what does it mean to be a Phanganist? And why do we love Koh Phangan? The list is endless! From the luscious green jungles, crystal clear waters, and the hues of pink and orange that light up the sky every day at sunset, to the delicious food and vibrant locals. Most of all though, everyone comes back to experience the relaxed, no worries atmosphere that comes with staying on Koh Phangan. Who could not fall in love with this island?!
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