couplesquest
- Oct 2, 2021
- 3 min read

5 SPECTACULAR SIGHTS IN KOH PHA-NGAN

Updated: May 16

LIFE OUTSIDE THE SANDBOX

If you've read some of our past blogs then you may be aware that Danielle and I visited Phuket and Koh Samui initially, two places which welcomed tourists via the sandbox scheme. After a few weeks in Koh Samui, we ventured into unknown territory. Koh Pha Ngan was the first place outside of a sandbox scheme that we'd visited. We had no idea what to expect! Our main concern was whether anything would be open. We'd seen how much was closed everywhere else, and more tourists could visit those places. The last thing we wanted was to be stranded somewhere without anything to do, see or eat! We decided to go for it as there are always Seven Elevens, beaches, viewpoints and places to snorkel anyway.

We went to the pier in Samui and booked a boat to Koh Pha-Ngan for 350THB each. After showing our negative antigen test results, proof of vaccinations and evidence of completing a sandbox quarantine...off we went. Our Airbnb host at Nai Wok Hills collected us at the port, which was a real help. We would recommend them to anyone visiting the island as a great place to stay. There were a bunch of ex-pats who'd all lived in Kloh Pha Ngan for years and gave great advice on where to eat and what to see.

While driving around we were astounded at how busy the island was, it was unexpected. We still spent most of our time frequenting beaches, viewpoints and snorkelling but at least we had no problem somewhere great to eat at the end of the day!

This image shows a young woman sat on some rocks on a very high vantage point while looking down below at the incredible views of Koh Pha-Ngan island in Thailand. The viewpoint is very high up as you can see a huge jungle engulf the island save for a strip of beach leading to beautiful waters that stretch out surrounding the coastline and out all the way to the horizon. The rocks the woman is sitting on are very small and only big enough for her alone as she site with her right leg fully extended down the rocks and her left leg bent at the knee with the base of her foot on the rocks. Her left hand is stabilising her as she sites with her back straight and her long blonde hair cascading down her back and shoulders. Her skin is very tanned as she sits in the afternoon sun in herlight blue denim shorts and white frilly top that has thin straps over her shoulders. The rocky platform on which she sits ends after her and beyond that is a cliff face with a steep ridge stretching out ahead. There are plants and trees growing all around in this natural wonder which looks down upon the world below. The sky is blue with some large white clouds that can be seen casting shadow on the land stretching out below.

This view made the route worthwhile, but we now wear trainers to anything marked 'Viewpoint'

WHAT IS THERE TO DO?

BOTTLE BEACH & BOTTLE BEACH VIEWPOINT

A word of warning as this incredible beach is impossible to get to with a motorbike, and wear trainers for the viewpoint! Unfortunately, we had to pass on the beach because we didn't have this forewarning. Rather than call the day a waste we went to the viewpoint and made the perilous trek in flip flops. There were times we should have probably turned back, but we powered through. Sidestepping a ledge on a cliff face in flip flops was a bad idea in hindsight, but we did get to see the unbelievable view that followed.

SALAD BEACH & SECRET BEACH

These beaches are very close together so it makes sense to see them back to back. Secret beach is great for snorkelling, you can stay here during the day and then Salad Beach is perfect for sitting and watching the sunset. If you rent a scooter then there are a tonne of incredible roads to drive in Koh Pha Ngan. This one leads you winding around the island with great scenic views the whole way.

HAAD RIN BEACH

This is the beach where Full Moon parties used to reign supreme! It had certainly taken its toll on this beach in the past, however, it has had an incredible resurgence since. I visited here in 2014 for one of the parties and had advised Danielle we should probably skip it because of the damage these parties did for so long. Luckily we spoke to some ex-pats who said we had to go and see the difference for ourselves. The beach is beautiful, scenic and the perfect place for a day of rest. If you want white powdered sands, crystal clear blue water and a few bars for food and drinks then this is the place for you!

This image shows an incredible sunset, made even more spectacular by the clouds reflecting all kinds of shades of red, orange and pink across the sky. The image was taken on a beach where the tide has gone all the way out leaving a thin veil of water across the flat land that acts as a mirror to perfectly reflect the vision overhead. Other onlookers have taken the opportune moment to join and gaze at the wonders all around as they can be seen dotted around the image

The clouds and reflections made this a sunset to remember

EAT AMAZING FOOD

We were both very impressed with how many places were open, and we managed to find some great food spots. One of our regulars was a local food market, which has every type of food you could hope for. It's all delicious and all very cheap! Both the Phantip Night Market and Market Ko Pha-Ngan are great options. As travellers from the UK, we loved stumbling upon The Masons Arms. It's a quaint British style pub that gave a real taste of being back home again, just in warmer climates. The friendly owners even helped us sort out our boat to Koh Tao after we finished breakfast.

This image shows a picture perfect British pub sat with a garden in front and large trees stretching out over the top of it with their leaves covering either side of the establishment. A path can be seen seperating two section of well trimmed green grass that curves towards the door of the pub and benches are scattered around which are empty at present, but would be perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a cold beverage in the sun. The trees either side of the pub are casting a shadow down on the garden and covering either side of the building. It's a large pub that has been decorated specifically to look very British.

A picture-perfect British pub on an Island in the Gulf of Thailand

We were so happy we took a leap of faith and chose to see what else Thailand could offer us during this time. It surprised us in the best possible way and gave us the confidence to go see other islands. Next up was Koh Tao, which also did not disappoint!

Check out our travel guides for Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Tao for anyone looking to explore more of Thailand.

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