Since Koh Phangan is relatively hilly, there are plenty of magnificent viewpoints on Koh Phangan. Some of them can be driven to directly by scooter, others require a short hike. You can discover great viewpoints when traveling around the island and the best of them you will find listed below.
Best Viewpoints in Koh Phangan
1. Three Sixty Bar Viewpoint
Three Sixty Bar Viewpoint is the most famous viewpoint in Koh Phangan. It is located in the north of the island and is a real hotspot, especially at sunset. Atmosphere of relaxation and peace awaits you here as well as a gigantic panorama of the beautiful Mae Haad Beach and the small offshore island of Koh Ma, which is connected to Koh Phangan by a sandbar. If the weather is clear, you can even see Koh Tao.
The Three Sixty Bar is a private property and you are only allowed to take photos if you order something to drink or eat. There is good music with live DJs spinning chilled beats regularly.
2. Thong Nai Pan Viewpoint
Thong Nai Pan is the name of the most beautiful beaches on the entire island that await you in northeast Koh Phangan. The charming village of Thong Nai Pan has two bays, Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai, that form a picturesque double bay. Thong Nai Pan viewpoint is at the eastern end of the beach of the same name.
From here you have a great view over these 2 twin bays and almost no tourists come by. Both beaches seem to reflect a paradise of white sand bays, surrounded by mountains and rich tropical rainforest. From this part of the island, it is possible to admire splendid sunrises that overlook the sea directly. If you wish, you can admire the rising sun gradually illuminating the whole beach.
The viewpoint is unfortunately not signposted and entered incorrectly on Google Maps. So, you may have to search briefly. You can simply drive up your scooter via the steep road until the viewpoint appears on the left.
3. Khao Ra
Khao Ra Viewpoint on Koh Phangan can be found in the northern part of the island. At 635 meters above sea level, Khao Ra is the highest mountain on Koh Phangan. You should allow some time as the hike takes about 2-3 hours for the approximately 2 km long way to the summit. In addition, you should not hike alone and always take another person with you, as it can be a little dangerous in some places. Many even advise you to take an extra guide that will take you up but it not necessary, as everything is well signposted here.
There is an entrance fee for the maintenance of the paths. The path through the jungle is in good condition. When you arrived at the Khao Ra viewpoint, you will see the breathtaking view over Koh Phangan. You will spot the green jungle, blue sea and white beaches as far as the eye can see. When the weather is clear, you can also see the diving paradise Koh Tao in the background.
4. Haad Son Viewpoint
Haad Son is nicknamed 'Secret Beach' but unfortunately is no longer such a well-kept secret. It is a small rather isolated and protected bay, the ideal location for families. You can find the Haad Son Viewpoint on the top of a small hill on the west coast of Koh Phangan, at Secret Beach between the village of Sri Thanu and Haad Yao Beach. If you take the scooter along the west coast towards Haad Yao, you will pass the viewpoint. From the viewpoint you can see the bay of Haad Son, which offers the views of the turquoise sea and palm trees.
5. Domsila Viewpoint
One of the best viewpoints in Koh Phangan is Domesila Viewpoint. The Domesila Viewpiont is located in the jungle around the Phaeng Waterfall. To get there, you can take a 15-min hike from Phaeng Waterfall in Phaeng National Park. In good weather, from here you have a beautiful view of the neighboring island of Koh Samui. The viewpoint is not often visited, so you will be alone most of the time and can really enjoy the atmosphere.
6. Chinese Temple (Guan Yin Temple)
Chinese Buddhist temple is one of the most colorful on Koh Phangan. It is a popular destination for tourists and is probably the most famous temple in Koh Phangan. The Chinese temple is located on a hill, just 5 minutes from Chaloklum area. This shrine was constructed for Goddess Guan Yin. The temple was originally used as a lighthouse and as a guide for fishermen to protect local fishermen of Chaloklum bay.
The temple was built according to the teachings and visual principles of Chinese Buddhism. The whole complex includes 3 main buildings, each located on a different level. Anyone who visits the Chinese temple and climbs the stairs will be rewarded with a magnificent view of Chaloklum Bay. The entrance to Chinese temple currently costs 40 THB per person. The opening times is from 8:00 to 17:00.
7. Wat Khao Tam
Wat Khao Tham, meaning Mountain Cave Temple, is a Buddhist monastery, built in the year 1894. A visit to Wat Khao Tam is highly recommended, because here you can visit a beautiful temple and at the same time enjoy a beautiful view. This temple, located in Baan Tai village, near Thong Sala, is aimed at foreigners who want to receive meditation teachings and other spiritual retreats. Vippasana meditation takes place every month. Since this temple is located on a hilltop, it is also a famous scenic spot in Baan Tai for tourists and also a beautiful sunset view point of Koh Phangan.
8. Koh Ma Viewpoint
Koh Ma is a small island connected to Koh Phangan by a sandbank that becomes visible at low tide. The island and this passage are in almost every classic photo from Koh Phangan. This place has also become one of the best places for snorkeling. You can also climb to the top of the island. The Koh Ma Viewpoint offers a magnificent view of the bay and the island of Koh Ma as well as Mae Haad Beach.
9. Apichada View Point Bar
Although this is not an official viewpoint, the fantastic view over Koh Phangan is convincing. Apichada View Point Bar is certainly one of the best sunset viewpoints in Koh Phangan.
This place is probably the cheapest of the mountainside viewpoint bars. The price of soft drinks is 40 THB, beer 120 THB, coconut 80 THB, Thai food 150 THB. During daytime the place is not busy, at least when it's low season. It’s worth to go there before the sunset, chill out and relax to watch the sun go down. You will have small beds or lounge chairs to lay down so you can enjoy the view in super chill mode.
Where to stay in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has accommodations of all types and price ranges, from simple hostels and budget hotels, mid-range resorts to luxury resorts and villas on the hill overlooking the sea.
You can find the cheapest hotels in Koh Phangan that will allow you to enjoy a pleasant stay at the best price. If you want the real comfort on your vacation, take a look at the best luxury hotels in Koh Phangan.
To help you find the perfect accommodation on this island, we have prepared a guide to the best areas to stay in Koh Phangan. Here you will find best areas to stay on the island and our hotel recommendations for individual beaches and bays area.
How to get to Koh Phangan
Due to the lack of airport and mainland connection, Koh Phangan can only be reached by boat. To make your journey easier, we have prepared several tips on how to get to Koh Phangan easily and safely from different parts of Thailand.
If you want to get an overview of all travel options, we recommend using this search form.
For more information on travel options check here:
How to get from Bangkok to Koh Phangan
How to get from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan (and vice versa)
Tips
Koh Phangan has lots of incredibly impressive attractions that pull tourists all year round. Explore the best things to do in Koh Phangan to better prepare for your next holiday in Thailand.
If you visit Koh Phangan for party, you should check detailed information about Full Moon Party beforehand. Be noted that at this time, ferries and accommodations are often fully booked, especially in the high season.
Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are located next to each other, which is why it makes very good sense to combine the three islands into one trip - it is quite easy to get from island to island by boat.
Koh Phangan is an ideal alternative for holidaymakers who are looking for peace on the beach. We have summarized the best beaches on the island in this detailed article: Most Beautiful Beaches in Koh Phangan.