Koh Pha Ngan is a backpacker-friendly party island known for the Full Moon Party, Bottle Beach, and Mae Haad Beach. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're enjoying the nightlife, relaxing on the beaches, or hiking in nature, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Koh Pha Ngan, all while staying within budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Koh Pha Ngan?
You should plan to spend around $57 (฿1,934) per day on your vacation in Koh Pha Ngan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $19 (฿650) on meals
- $14 (฿474) on local transportation
- $50 (฿1,700) on hotels
A one week trip to Koh Pha Ngan for two people costs, on average, $791 (฿27,076). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$396
฿13,538
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$791
฿27,076
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One Month
Per person
$1,696
฿58,020
-
One Week
For a couple
$791
฿27,076
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,583
฿54,152
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,392
฿116,040
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Koh Pha Ngan cost?
A one week trip to Koh Pha Ngan usually costs around $396 (฿13,538) for one person and $791 (฿27,076) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Koh Pha Ngan on average costs around $791 (฿27,076) for one person and $1,583 (฿54,152) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Koh Pha Ngan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Koh Pha Ngan on average costs around $1,696 (฿58,020) for one person and $3,392 (฿116,040) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Koh Pha Ngan expensive to visit?
Koh Pha Ngan is a terrific party island that brings in many travelers, showcasing a range of travel styles and spending choices. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
Koh Pha Ngan can definitely get expensive if you let it, but you have options to reduce costs, including eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.
On average, budget travelers spend $23 (฿774) per day, mid-range travelers spend $57 (฿1,934) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $139 (฿4,770) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Koh Pha Ngan.
Within Asia, Koh Pha Ngan is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Mandalay, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Koh Pha Ngan Expensive?
Koh Pha Ngan (Koh Phangan) Beach
How much money do I need for a trip to Koh Pha Ngan?
The average Koh Pha Ngan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Koh Pha Ngan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Koh Pha Ngan cost?
Koh Pha Ngan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$10
(฿341)
|
$25
(฿850)
|
$61
(฿2,080)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$5
(฿174)
|
$14
(฿474)
|
$41
(฿1,390)
|
|
Food 2
|
$8
(฿270)
|
$19
(฿650)
|
$43
(฿1,459)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(฿228)
|
$18
(฿612)
|
$51
(฿1,751)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$2-7
(฿81-242)
|
$5-16
(฿181-544)
|
$10-29
(฿329-986)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Koh Pha Ngan cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $23 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Thankfully, Koh Pha Ngan offers plenty of hostels such as The Wanderlust Hostel, Puk's Palace Thailand, and Shiralea Backpackers Resort. You can find budget-friendly dorm accommodation here, paired with a social atmosphere, but expect limited amenities.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most visitors to Koh Pha Ngan will want to visit the Full Moon Party, Bottle Beach, or Mae Haad Beach. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $57 per person, per day.
Koh Pha Ngan boasts a wide array of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share accommodations with a partner, friend, or children, thus reducing your expenses. Families should prioritize hotels and restaurants that are geared toward kids. Shanti boutique hotel is an excellent family-friendly option, while Baan Manali Resort is also superb. You can find additional family and couple-friendly hotels in our hotel guide for Koh Pha Ngan here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $139 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the party island, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.
Accommodation Budget in Koh Pha Ngan
The cost of hotels in Koh Pha Ngan can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $33, but the demand in peak winter season pushes that average to around $62. Budget hotels range from $14 to $185, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Koh Pha Ngan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $50 (฿1,700). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $25 (฿850) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Koh Pha Ngan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Koh Pha Ngan include:
- Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa starting at $60
- Maehaad Bay Resort starting at $48
- Salad Hut Bungalows Koh Phangan starting at $86
- Wonderland Healing Center starting at $103
- Zama Resort starting at $66
Planning to spend a week in Koh Pha Ngan? A vacation rental with a kitchen could be ideal for cooking your meals if you're staying for a while.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in winter) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Koh Pha Ngan
Koh Pha Ngan does not has a good public transit system. Your best bet for getting around the island without a private vehicle is Songthaew taxi, longtail boats, and rental mopeds.
If you stick to certain areas, Koh Pha Ngan is fairly walkable, making it convenient to see the sights. It's possible, and even enjoyable, to walk from place to place around the island but allow yourself a lot of time and bring water because temperatures can be very warm.
Public Transit: 
(moderate)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $14 (฿474) per person, per day, on local transportation in Koh Pha Ngan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Koh Pha Ngan is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
฿474
How much does it cost to go to Koh Pha Ngan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Koh Pha Ngan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Koh Pha Ngan are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Koh Pha Ngan. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
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Scooter Rental
฿300
-
Ferry Ride
฿500
-
Gas for Scooter
฿110
Food Budget in Koh Pha Ngan
The cuisine in Koh Pha Ngan is nice, but it's not the main attraction for tourists. There are still some delightful finds around the party island that are worth exploring. There is frequent turnover in the restaurant scene around town, but there are a few mainstay restaurants that offer consistent and reliable Thai or international cuisine. In general, the food is fresh and the typical Thai favorites are available most places. Also make sure you check out the Thong Sala Night Market, which offers unique snacks and local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Koh Pha Ngan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Koh Pha Ngan is $19 (฿650) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$19
฿650
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Koh Pha Ngan is around $19 (฿650) per person, with previous travelers spending from $8 to $43. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Koh Pha Ngan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $6
- Lunch: $3 to $8
- Dinner: $6 to $13
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
A variety of cuisines from all over the world can be found on Ko Phangan, much to the disappointment of those looking for authentic Thai meals. If real Thai is what you're after, look for where the locals eat or try the food carts in Thong Sala at the night market. Not only can you find some real food, but it's also cheap here.
Other cuisines include Chinese (quite common around the island), Mexican, Italian, pizza, burgers, Indian, Korean, Mediterranean, and more.
It should go without saying that bars and alcohol are plentiful on an island that is famous for partying.
Many establishments feature breakfast in their pricing, although some tack it on as an added expense. The price and quality can fluctuate depending on the hotel. Being aware of this beforehand helps you gauge if you'll need extra cash. The hotel buffet might be a delicious choice, or you could save some cash by heading to a nearby bakery or cafe.
You can save money while soaking in the scenery by enjoying a picnic. Visit a local grocery store or market, pick out some fresh food, and find a charming park or scenic spot for your meal.
Bring your own water bottle instead of grabbing drinks on the fly. It's better for the environment as well.
Planning a tour? Be sure to confirm in advance which meals are provided. You could find yourself footing the bill for some meals, which can affect your budget.
Typical food prices in Koh Pha Ngan, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Koh Pha Ngan
Travelers flock to Koh Pha Ngan because it is well-known for its nightlife, beaches, budget-friendly accommodations, and hiking.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Koh Pha Ngan typically cost an average of $18 (฿612) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$18
฿612
A few of the most popular sights are:
- The Full Moon Party for ฿300
- Bottle Beach (Free)
- Mae Haad Beach (Free)
- Thong Sala Night Market (Free)
- Phaeng Noi Waterfall (Free)
- Than Sadet Waterfall (Free)
- Wat Phu Khao Noi (Free)
he beaches are the main attraction, and they are plentiful.
The Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park (free) offers hiking, waterfalls, some scenic viewpoints, relatively deserted beaches, and plenty of jungle forest full of palm trees.
Other parks with lookouts, waterfalls, and natural scenery can also be found elsewhere on the island (outside of the main national park). Phaeng waterfall is quite popular, as is Domesila viewpoint.
Wat Khao Tam temple and its viewpoint also make for a nice walk.
The official Full Moon party takes place during the full moon at Haad Rin beach. However, almost every night at this beach and its nearby bars, restaurants, and hotels are parties of some type or another. As the name implies, it is much more popular at the proper time of the moon's illumination, but other related parties take place on the half moon and other seemingly random but important times of the lunar cycle. Basically, there's always a party, it's just a matter of how crowded.
Party-goers are warned to wear proper shoes on the beach due to high amounts of broken class and trash, and leave valuables behind. Petty theft and pickpockets are common.
Reservations for accommodation are highly recommended if you plan to stay during the time of the Full Moon Party, as many hotels and hostels fill all of their rooms.
Watersports are naturally quite popular, including Scuba diving, snorkeling, and boating. Ko Maa, off the northwest coast is a small island and offers great snorkeling spots. Other highly reviewed snorkeling locations include Haad Khom beach and Haad Yao. Kayaks can be rented at most beaches or in town, and boat excursions for snorkelers or drinking cruises are also available.
Beaches:
Relaxing on the beach is a top reason many visit Koh Pha Ngan. The white sand beaches with turquoise blue waters make this island a truly beautiful destination. While most people think of beach parties and Full Moon Parties, the island also has some quieter beaches where you can relax in a peaceful paradise. The parties are mostly concentrated around Sunrise Beach in Haad Rin. This beach also has cheap bungalows that are popular with the backpacker crowd. For the quieter beaches, head to the northern side of the island around Hat Khuat and Hat Thian.
Hiking:
Outdoor lovers will appreciate the hiking near Koh Pha Ngan. In its interior, the island has beautiful jungle and impressive hikes. Some of the best hikes are found in Than Sadet National Park, but come prepared because they can often be challenging. They usually end with a breathtaking viewpoint, secluded beach, or stunning waterfall though.
Nightlife Budget in Koh Pha Ngan
The nightlife scene in Koh Pha Ngan is world-class, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. The island's famous Full Moon Parties have landed it on many lists for top party destinations around the world. These parties are held every month on the night of the full moon, with the biggest crowds between November and March. The parties are traditionally held at the beach in Haad Rin. If you miss the Full Moon Party, you can check out the Half Moon Festival on Baan Ti. During other times, you'll find a variety of different parties that capitalize on the party reputation of the island, so whenever you visit, you can enjoy some level of festivities.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (฿362) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Koh Pha Ngan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
฿362
Exploring the nightlife is often a fun part of any trip, but skipping a few drinks can make a big impact on your overall travel cost.
Stay sharp if you're out at night and enjoying a few drinks. You might attract pickpockets or worse, so stay close to friends you trust and avoid being alone.
Below are some common prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Pha Ngan, based on actual traveler experiences. While these numbers offer an idea of what you might spend, your costs will vary depending on how often you drink and the amount you order. If you're aiming to save money, cutting back on alcohol is a great way to lower your travel expenses.
Traveling in Koh Pha Ngan
Longtail Boats
Ko Phangan (or Pha Ngan) is best known for its full moon parties, attracting backpackers and budget travelers the world over for all-night parties on the beach. The clear, blue water, beautiful beaches, and tropical atmosphere bring the tourists to the island, and the low prices, diverse activities, and abundant amenities keep them here.
The Full Moon Party (and other related nightlife) is not the only activity on the island, however. Hiking, boating and watersports, diving and snorkeling, Thai boxing, and elephant riding are all available on this larger-than-expected island.
Neighborhoods & Around
The main town of the island is Thong Sala, on the western side where the coast turns toward the south. The interior of the island is mostly undeveloped, contains several national parks, and a few small hotels and resorts. Most of the traveler amenities surround Thong Sala on the western and southern shore, although some other resort and hotel areas are on the northeastern shore.
Haad Rin beaches and the Full Moon Party are located at the far end of the southern beach, at the southeastern tip of the island.
From the southeast, moving up the east coast, are a handful of smaller beaches offering relatively quieter settings.
North of Thong Sala on the west coast are more developed areas surrounding a few small bays and the larger Wok Tum bay and beach.
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
Everything is pretty cheap except for drinks, which can get expensive. But I guess we were here to party so it all works out with our cheaper food and hotel.