The Best Viewpoints and Waterfalls on Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan has much more to offer than most visitors see. We have already summarized this in detail in our articles about the island.

Koh Phangan – best viewpoints and waterfalls

Today we would like to introduce you to our favorite places for a great view over the island as well as the Gulf of Thailand. There are not only really beautiful viewpoints here, but also nice waterfalls.

We combine these two topics because the waterfalls are mostly on the way to the viewpoints and you shouldn’t miss them both while on Koh Phangan.

How to get to Koh Phangan

The island of Koh Phangan doesn’t have its own airport, which means that a boat trip to reach the island is necessary. With a flight to Koh Samui or Surat Thani you can only bring one leg behind you. Tickets for flights are best found at Skyscanner.

In addition, you can travel by bus or train to Surat Thani, but even there you have to change to a boat at the end. There are several providers to choose from such as Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry etc. Tickets and connection times can be found on 12go.asia or GetYourGuide.

Accommodation in Koh Phangan – our hotel tip

The bungalows in the Sea Love Beach Bar & Bungalows are rather small, but they and the whole resort area have an absolute feel-good atmosphere! Located directly by the beach, Sea Love offers a beautiful and quiet environment. The village of Ban Tai with many restaurants, shops and a 7-Eleven is only a 5 minutes walk away. There is also a swimming pool and plenty of hammocks, where you can admire the wonderful Koh Phangan sunsets every evening.

For more hotels in Koh Phangan visit this page.

1. Haad Son Viewpoint

Actually, this is not really a signposted viewpoint, but we think it is beautiful. The vastness of the sea, the small bay of Haad Son with turquoise waters and the great sunset bar Koh Raham at the end. The view definitely has something special and a short stop on the way along the west coast is worthwhile.

Where is the viewpoint located?

Haad Son aka Secret Beach is located on the west coast of Koh Phangan. If you always follow the coastal road up north, you will automatically pass this bay. Just before the bay, you have to stop at a Koh Phangan map, right after the Sea Garden 2 Hotel. There you can enjoy the view as in the picture.

2. Phaeng Waterfall

The Phaeng Waterfall is part of the Than Sadet National Park, which is spread over the entire island. Despite the little water, since it only carries a lot of water during the rainy season, the Phaeng Waterfall is worth seeing.

If you hike a bit up the waterfall, you can also find some natural pools to cool off. A great destination and without any entrance fee, except for parking.

Where is the waterfall located?

You can find the Phaeng Waterfall by driving the main road through the middle of the island from Thong Sala to Chaloklum. The turnoff that leads to the waterfall is signposted. From Thong Sala, the Phaeng waterfall is about 10 minutes away by scooter.

3. Domesila Viewpoint

The Domesila Viewpoint offers a fantastic view over Koh Phangan and the nearby island of Koh Samui. Most of the time, once you’ve made the climb, you’re all alone on site. Then you can enjoy the view in peace and take a rest after the hard way up.

Where is the viewpoint located?

The Domesila Viewpoint is situated near the Phaeng Waterfall. The climb to the view begins at the foot of the waterfall and takes about 15 minutes.

After an initial staircase, the path through the jungle has more or less emerged and in some cases even been demarcated with ropes. Signs will show you the way. The climb can be sweaty in the heat, but once you get to the top, you will be rewarded.

4. View from the Chinese Temple

We’ve already reported about the Chinese temple in our article on the most beautiful temples of the island (coming soon in English). In addition to the beautiful pagodas and statues, the temple also has a great view of Chaloklum Bay and the surrounding mountains, such as the Khao Ra.

Where is the viewpoint located?

A little further north of Phaeng Waterfall, also on the main road from Thong Sala to Chaloklum. The temple is on the slope of a mountain and is signposted on the left side. However, the sign says nothing about a Chinese temple, but its “real” name: Goddess of Mercy Shrine Joss House.

5. Paradise Waterfall

Another beautiful waterfall of Koh Phangan is the Paradise Waterfall. A really small but very calm waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Not many tourists get lost here.

However, there is little water in the dry season, but you can still sit in the waterfall, enjoy the peace and nature. Simply switch off with a little cooling. I really like it here. The entrance fee is 20 Baht including a small bottle of water.

Where is the waterfall located?

A little further north than the Chinese Temple. The turnoff to the waterfall is on the same road on the right side. From there it is maybe another 5 minutes until you reach Chaloklum by scooter.

6. View from the Wat Khao Tham

In addition to its temple complex and meditation center, Wat Khao Tham offers a beautiful view of Koh Phangan and the surrounding area. The temple is not visited very much and so you can peacefully explore the complex and enjoy the viewpoint. The atmosphere of the temple makes it really relaxing.

Where is the viewpoint located?

The viewpoint of Wat Khao Tham is on a hill of the temple complex. To reach the temple, take a left turn on the way from Thong Sala towards Haad Rin near Baan Tai. It is signposted with the name of the temple. From there it is only a few minutes by scooter.

7. Apichada Villa Viewpoint

The Apichada Sunset Bar is an absolutely stunning viewpoint. It is no longer an insider tip, but it still doesn’t get too crowded at sunset. From this point on the island you have a really nice view of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. It is also higher than Wat Khao Tham. We definitely recommend it!

Where is the viewpoint located?

If you continue to follow the road from Thong Sala to Haad Rin straight ahead, it will eventually take a big right turn, where you would end up in Haad Rin.

However, if you do not take the curve but continue straight (past the Family Mart on the left), it may be about 5 more minutes along the road until you see a sign that shows the way to the “Apichada Villa”.

There you take the entrance on the right and just follow the path up the mountain. On the left side, there is a turnoff on a small hill. The viewpoint is located there.

8. Than Sadet Waterfall

Than Sadet is arguably the most famous waterfall in Koh Phangan. This is probably because some kings of Thailand (as well as the last King Bhumibol) have visited the waterfall.

The Than Sadet Waterfall is located in the national park of the same name and stretches for several kilometers to the east coast of the island. There it flows into the ocean and Than Sadet Beach. One of the most famous destinations on the island that you should have seen. Entrance fee is currently 100 baht.

Where is the waterfall located?

In Baan Khai, which is on the way from Thong Sala to Haad Rin, just before the 7-Eleven supermarket, there is a left turn towards Wat Pho. You have to take this junction and always follow the road to the north.

After about 20 minutes by scooter you will come to a roundabout where you take the second exit. Now you can either visit the waterfall at the top near a small kiosk or drive the road down the mountain. Along the way there are several small entrances to the waterfall.

9. Thong Nai Pan Viewpoint

The viewpoint over the Thong Nai Ban Bay with its two beaches Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi is really beautiful. In addition, not many visitors come here and you often have the whole view to yourself. Still another little insider tip! By the way, there is now the 2CBar, which is worth visiting.

Where is the viewpoint located?

You have to drive in the same direction as to Than Sadet Waterfall, just keep going straight at the roundabout. From there it is maybe another 10 to 15 minutes drive.

If you follow the road through the entire village of Thong Nai Pan, it ends in a small steep path upwards. You can drive this up with the scooter until you reach a private property. You can park your scooter there and enjoy the view of the bay.

10. Khao Ra

The Khao Ra is the highest mountain of Koh Phangan with 627 meters and therefore of course also offers the highest viewpoint. To reach this, however, you have to walk up the Khao Ra for two hours, partly through thick scrub or steep slopes.

But it is absolutely worth it, because the view of Chaloklum Bay, Koh Tao in the distance, and the bright green mountains of the island is really fantastic.

Where is the viewpoint located?

As just described, the viewpoint is on the top of the Khao Ra. You can start the hike at the Khao Ra Bungalows, which you can find near the Phaeng Waterfall. To do this, do not turn right to the Phaeng Waterfall, but follow the road straight ahead.

Then you drive past the temple Wat Madeauwan and follow the road for about 5 minutes. On the right side there is a sign to the Khao Ra bungalows. You can drive in and park there, as this is where the ascent begins.

11. Wang Sai Waterfall

The Wang Sai Waterfall is one of the least visited waterfalls on Koh Phangan. This is due to its somewhat hidden location. Visiting the Wang Sai Waterfall is usually only worthwhile in the rainy season, since it carries a lot of water during that time. The water flows over several levels, where it forms natural pools. So you can even swim a little.

Where is the waterfall located?

The Wang Sai Waterfall is located in the village just before Mae Haad Beach and the island of Koh Ma, on the northwestern tip of Koh Phangan. It is part of the Wang Sai Adventure Park, where you can try zip lining or climbing and there is also a bar with music. To reach it, you have to go past the bar on the left and walk a little bit through the jungle.

12. Bottle Beach Viewpoint

The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Koh Phangan! Situated on a rock, you can overlook the entire bay of Bottle Beach and many parts of the still untouched jungle landscape of Koh Phangan.

When you go to the viewpoint, however, you should have proper shoes and always be careful. There is no safeguard for climbing over the last rock. But the view will reward you for the effort.

Where is the viewpoint located?

The Bottle Beach viewpoint requires a short hike through the jungle at the eastern end of the beach. You can find detailed directions in our article on Bottle Beach.

Of course, these are not all the waterfalls and viewpoints that Koh Phangan has to offer. But these are our personal favorites!

Koh Phangan: Tours and tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Koh Phangan in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Koh Phangan.

What are the best viewpoints on the island for you? Did we forget one of your favorites? Which waterfall do you like best? Leave a comment below!