Travel tips · Koh Phangan · Thailand
Koh Phangan travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
Koh Phangan's population is mostly Thai Buddhist, with a fishing and coconut-farming heritage that is still visible in Chaloklum and the inland villages. Alongside it live long-stay foreigners drawn by yoga and the island lifestyle. Outside the party nights, island life is slow and family-oriented.
Key facts
- Language
- Thai
- Currency
- THB
- Plugs
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220–230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and refill stations…
- Emergency
- 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
Things to know
- Dress modestly when visiting temples, covering shoulders and knees, and remove shoes before entering.
- Do not touch people's heads or point your feet at people or Buddha images.
- Show respect for the Thai royal family; criticism is a serious offence under Thai law.
- Cover up away from the beach, especially in town, shops and temples.
- Keep calm and polite in disagreements; raising your voice causes loss of face.
- Book Full Moon Party at Haad Rin ahead: Rooms in Haad Rin fill up around the full moon and many require minimum stays; book early and confirm the party date, which can move.
- Eat at the Thong Sala night market and local restaurants rather than resort dining.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving THB 20–50 in restaurants and tipping massage therapists and guides is appreciated.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Sawasdee krap / ka | Hello (said by men / women) |
| Khob khun krap / ka | Thank you |
| Mai phet | Not spicy |
| Tao rai? | How much? |
| Mai pen rai | No problem / never mind |
What to wear
Light beachwear is fine on the sand, but cover up in town and temples; bring proper shoes for jungle hikes.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220–230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and refill stations where available.
- Emergency number
- 191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
- Phone and internet
- 4G coverage is good across most of the island; local SIM cards and eSIMs are easy to buy at Samui Airport and in Thong Sala.
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
The main risks are scooter accidents on steep roads, alcohol- and drug-related incidents around party nights, theft of unattended belongings on the beach and rough seas in the rainy season. Thai drug laws are strict, and police checks are common around the Full Moon Party.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Thailand's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Koh Phangan?
Tipping is not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving THB 20–50 in restaurants and tipping massage therapists and guides is appreciated.
+Can you drink the tap water in Koh Phangan?
Do not drink tap water; use bottled or filtered water and refill stations where available.
+What plugs are used in Koh Phangan?
Type A, B, C and O sockets, 220–230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Koh Phangan?
Thai.