Koh Phangan Guide for Digital Nomads
Written by Tal Braiman
The magical island of Koh Phangan is an oasis of nature and an alternative lifestyle that counters the typical big city vibes you find in the west. Swap metro rides for motorbike rides, meeting in an office to sipping coconuts on the beach, and walking through shopping malls to hiking up a mountain.
Koh Phangan has a lively digital nomad community that make it easy to meet people and find yourself in a familiar environment. Many co-working spaces, parties, and social events give you plenty of opportunity to meet people.
The cost of living is very low, with local meals costing around USD$3-4, and rent prices ranging from $200-300 for a simple bungalow with air conditioning.
The nature on the island is breathtaking, with dozens of sandy beaches, mountains, dense jungle, and wildlife all around you.
Of all the places we travel to, Koh Phangan tops the list for lifestyle, nature, and vibe. Read on to find out how to make your stay great with all the best places on the island.
Communities to Meet People
Table of Contents
Best areas to live in Koh Phangan
Sri Thanu
The heart of the expat and yoga community on the island and where most of the digital nomad events happen
Haad Yao/Salad
Picturesque relaxed beaches close to Sri Thanu with beautiful sunsets and sea view restaraunts.
Thong Sala
The main ‘town’ and commercial hub on the island. Central and convenient but not the best place to live if you have a motorbike.
Baan Thai
Neighbourhood with seafood restaraunts, a co-working space, and close to many party venues and Haad Rin beach.
What to see in Koh Phangan
Haad Rin
Beach
The famous ‘Full Moon Party’ beach is an amazing beautiful sandy beach that’s perfect for swimming. Lots of beachfront restaraunts and (low quality) nightlife blasting popular music.
Haad Yuan
Beach
Remote and secluded beach which requires a 1hr+ hike or a boat ride from Haad Rin. Haad Yuan has a really nice vibe of long-stayers with many friendly people to meet.
Mae Haad
Beach
Great beach for swimming and snorkelling with an uninhabited island. Go snorkelling to the left and behind the island to see hundreds of colourful fish.
Panthip
Market
A meeting point on the island with up to 40 street food vendors selling Greek, Indian, Italian, Middle Eastern, Russian, and Thai food.
Saturday
Market
A weekly market where Thai people come from all over the region to sell food, clothes, jewellery, souvenirs. A must see at least once if you are on the island long term.
My favourite spots in Koh Phangan
Restaraunts
Markets
Parties
Mama Kop
Great cheap authentic Thai food
Taste From Heaven
Affordable vegan restaurant
Harbor House
Seafood restaurant with big menu
Locco's PizzaBar
The best pizza on the island (in my opinion)
Saturday Market
Largest market with many booths
Chaloklum Market
Sunday market with a more local vibe
Panthip Market
Food market open 7 days a week with many street food vendors
Hollystone
Large outdoor techno venue
Rasta Home
Reggae bar with parties every friday
Lost Paradise
Remote beach with amazing techno parties
Eden Bar
Techno party venue with all night parties until sunrise
Map of Koh Phangan
All mentioned locations on an easy to navigate map
Click on this icon (on the map) to see a list of all locations
Day trips from Koh Phangan
Koh Samui
30 minute ferry
Much larger and more developed island with great beaches and urban amenities such as a shopping mall and movie theater.
Ang Thong
1 hour boat
Marine park with dozens of uninhabited islands to swim and snorkel near.
Koh Tao
1.5 hour ferry
Tiny island with many diving schools and a more chilled out vibe than Phangan
Chumphon
2 hour ferry
Mainland province with undeveloped beaches, train station/airport, and a quaint city with a really local vibe.
