15 things to do when it rains in Koh Phangan
Hey guys! I thought I’d put a few activities together for you for when it rains in Koh Phangan.
When I traveled, I use to have days in tropical countries where it would rain all day, with monsoons flooding the streets and limiting my options with things to do!
So I thought I’d put a post a list of things to do while it rains in Koh Phangan.
Budget activities have also been added to give you more flexibility in choices!
I choose this location because I’ve been there ten times in both seasons and have seen it all.
Hopefully, this guide will give you plenty of ideas
1. Watch movies
Here’s my travel movie list
– Crocodile Dundee – Paul Hogans Signature Movie, A well-shot film with a spiritual message, in my opinion. Timeless classic right here!
– The Beach – Danny Boyle did the ultimate backpacking movie with this treasure. Now twenty years old and still being watched in every guesthouse in Thailand, this one will not be going away any time soon.
– Lawrence of Arabia – Based on a true story, this masterpiece educates you on middle eastern affairs. Peter O’Toole is class, and they defiantly don’t make films, actors as they use to. Well worth a watch as it is over 3hrs long!
– The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty – This is just a friendly, fun, easy watch. Ben Stiller gives you a few laughs. Again an easy kickback movie.
– Indiana Jones – All these movies stack up for me. I remember when I was a kid and loving these films. They appeal to everyone and tell a great story. Who doesn’t like Indiana Jones? Amazing films!
2..Read books – A heavy reading session
My booklist
– Tunnels of Cu Chi – Based in the Vietnam war, this will open your eyes to warfare like never before! The Cu Chi tunnels were located outside Ho Chi Minh City and used as an underground tunnel network to fight the Americans. The stories are gripping and harrowing and leave you in suspense. One of my fav books! 5 Stars
– The Lost City Of Z – If you like expeditions in the rain forest and indigenous tribes, then is right up your street! Percy Fawcett is on a mission to find a city in the amazon (City Of Z), but the journeys have many twists and turns. A great read during traveling.
– The Killing Fields – Wow! Can you imagine reading this in Cambodia? This is a book that must be read in this region of the world. The Killing Fields will change your perception of Cambodia forever!
– Bear Grylls – What a legend! I think Bear has achieved some fantastic things in his life, and his autobiography leaves you motivated to your life. Nice easy read here
– Ranulph Fiennes – Ex SAS man of steel, has an autobiography that you won’t believe! Fiennes did both poles, ran seven marathons in seven days just after bypass surgery, and traveled as an elite soldier to some of the world’s most dangerous places. Defiantly worth a read.
3. Have a massage
Thailand is one of the best places in the world to get a good massage at a reasonable rate
This old healing method has a list of benefits
- Stress
- Mental Health Benefits
- Hypertension
- Acute Back Pain
Tuk Massage– Experienced massage parlor right on the beach, which sets the scene for a beautiful calming atmosphere
The mattresses are super cozy, leaving you in a deep sleep-like coma
Prices start from 300 THB for 60 mins. You can add aloe vera for an extra 100 Baht
Address – 61/10 Moo 8 Ko Phangan
Call- +66 98 694 5295
Opening time 8am-10pm
Siam Healing Centre – If you’re after something a bit quirky, then this is the one for you! This place has a natural vibe that will leave you chilled and relaxed
Prices start from 300 THB! Also theirs a sports massage for you kickboxers 500 THB!
Address- 94/3 Thong Sala, Surat Thani Tambon Koh Phangan
Call- +66 89 965 8752
Opening Times 9am–7pm
4. Cooking schools (Learn to cook Authentic Thai food)
Thai food is one of the best cuisines in the world defiantly in South East Asia it ranks number one in my opinion
While you’re here, take advantage of learning how to cook!
Once you are more confident in cooking, the more recipes you will try, the more money will save, and you are more likely to eat healthily
You can get cooking lessons-
C&M Learn Thai Culture- A lot of passion goes into teaching at C&M! You will be cooking Meat/Vegan/Vegetarian dishes that will leave you speechless. Fun and professional place to learn to cooking
Price for Three-hour private session 1000 THB
Address 84/4 Moo 8 Sri Thani, Koh Phangan
Phone- +66 89 487 6207
Opening times 9am-5pm
Proud Home Cooking– Learn how to cook like the locals and show of to your friends when you get back home. The fresh ingredients will blow your taste buds away!
Price 1,500 THB with hotel transfers 1,200 without transfers
Address 31/1 Wok Tum, Village No.4 Sub-Area, Koh Phangan
Phone +66 095 376 8614
5. Photography (Get some cool stock pics)
Photography may not be the first thing that springs to mind once it starts lashing down, but if you want tropical pics while you are in that climate, then why not?
There are many areas in Koh Phangan to get a snap of that sunrise or sunset
Here are a few places to check out
Three Sixty Bar to get a quality sunrise pic
Address- Ko Pha-ngan Sub-District, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280
Opening Times 10am-12pm
Phone +66 86 789 7870
From bottle beach, you can also trek to the Koh Phangan jungle. Please be advised before doing this that you have a guide just as a safety precaution.
6. Go For Food & Drink
In Koh Phangan, you are spoilt for choice for food and drink options! Many restaurants do cuisine from around the world, which isn’t always bad when you are from the west and use to pretty much every type of food.
Here are some recommendations
Nine Restaurant And Bar- Serves both Western and Thai food and has a great vibe, free pool being a perk. The staff are always happy, and the beer is cheap and cold.
Address- 114/6 Moo Thong Sala, Koh Phangan
Opening Times 9am-10pm
Phone +66 63 083 9033
Coral Restaurant And Bar – Diverse cuisine with pizza scoring high marks! Staff are amicable and look after you. Cocktails are tasty, and theirs a lovely view of the sea.
Address- 70/8 Moo 6, Baan Tai, Haad Rin Nai, Koh Phangan
Opening Times- 8am-11pm
Phone +66 94 298 7701
Mason Arms– British pub with some great classics on the menu. Lots of beers on draft, including Guinness. Full breakfast and Sunday roast available also. Well worth a visit!
Address- 145/5 Thong Sala Koh Phangan
Opening Times 9:30am-10.30pm
Phone +66 80 865 3152
Basilico– Italian/Medeterian food. World-class pizza and some say best on the island! If you are after some great Italian food, this is your place.
Sweet Shell– If you are after something sweet, then look no further. All the cakes and pastries you can think of with Vegan options available
Address- 176/10 Moo 1 Thong Sala, Koh Phangan
Opening Times- 4pm-9pm
Phone +66 93 661 8805
7. Gym Workout
You have some great options to look at here. Muay Thai kickboxing gyms are available, which is a great way to lose weight if that is what you are after? If not, there is a free weights gym
Here is a list of gyms
Muay Thai Chinnarach- Fun, friendly atmosphere which takes on all levels of experience. There is options to do Yoga also, but a lot do kickboxing. You will learn so much here with a two-weight world champion training alongside you
Address- 148/22 M.1 Koh Phangan
Opening Times 8am-6pm
Phone +66 86 953 8253
Podium Gym- Fully air-conditioned gym with a selection of cardio, free weights, sauna, jacuzzi & nutritional beverages
Address 116/27 Moo 1, Koh Phangan
Opening Times 7am-10pm
Phone +66 80 885 8789
8. Yoga/Meditation (Sharpen your yoga skills)
There are many fantastic Yoga & Meditation retreats around Koh Phangan
Yoga is essential for wellbeing and has a list of health benefits such as
- Immune system benefits
- The body becomes more adaptable
- Mental Health improvements
- Better overall cardio conditioning
Orion Healing– Is a healing center with activities such as Reiki, Yoga, and detox programs. Packages start from 3-14 days. There is also a Vegan restaurant on site.
Three-day yoga course starts from around 1,300 THB accommodation and some individual meals included
Address- 15/2 Moo 8 Sritanu Koh Phangan
Opening times 9am-10pm
Phone +66 84 843 1434
The Sanctuary Thailand- Haad Tien– One of the first yoga retreats established in Koh Phangan. Location is out of the way on the beach with a calmness to get you relaxed.
Three, Severen, and ten days available. Prices start from 13,700 THB for three days
Address- Had Tien Bay, Koh Phangan
9. Social media
A rainy day is an excuse to get those pics up on Instagram and make your friends jealous at work!
You can have a play with the filters, enter plenty of hashtags and get interacting with people online for a catch-up
You can always search Twitter to find out what’s going on in your area.
10. View Temples
Koh Phangan has twenty temples dotted around the island. Thailand is a very spiritual country with a rich heritage in Buddhist culture.
Please be reminded that these places are an area of worship, so be respectful (Dress well covered at all times)
The temples are as follows;
Wat Samai Konkha– Well maintained temple look after by monks. Meditation is also available
Wat Phu Khao Noi- One of the first temples built in Koh Phangan.
Chinese Temples– If your photographer, then this is worth a visit. Temple is open 8am-5pm located northwest of the island
11. Muay Thai Training
As discussed in the gym section, Muay Thai kickboxing is available all over Thailand and has people from all over the world visiting to train with some elite fighters.
Like any martial art, it takes discipline, willpower, and technic to become a fighter and compete
But training alongside world champions will let you know what it takes
Most gyms are friendly and have a great vibe.
Packages are available and are reasonable
You have two options to look at
Muay Thai Chinnarach
Phone +66 86 953 8253
Horizon Kickboxing gym
Phone +66 89 588 1241
12. Learn a bit of Thai
While you have the time, why not look at learning some Thai?
When you in any country, I always think that just learning a little bit of the native language helps you and the locals. Plus, it is respectful to them also
KPT language school typically runs 6-month courses from 16,900 THB
If you have time and the money, then knuckling down and living on a beautiful island isn’t a bad idea?
13. SPA Day
Having a bit of SPA day is a great way to relax and destress! Also, I think going to SPAs opens your eyes in terms of the importance of relaxation!
You can make reservations through Tripadvisor
But here are my recommendations
Pharaoh Spa– Great place with a view of the sea. Facials seem to be high on the pecking order, with massages getting 5-star reviews
Address- 145/40 Moo 1, Baan Tai, Koh Phangan
Opening times 10am-7pm
Phone +66 61 570 0494
Anantara Koh Phangan Spa– This Spa scores top marks and awards with its world-class services. Anantara has a classical Thai feal that makes it that bit more special
Address- 5/5 Moo 5 Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, Baan Tai, Ban Tai, Koh Phangan
Opening Times 24hrs a day
Phone +66 77 956 660
14. Charity Day
Why not volunteer and pick some trash up with Trash Hero Koh Phangan
This project is an educational eye-opener on how much waste affects the local environment
Around twenty thousand kilos of litter is picked up every year from parties and events around the island
Put this experience on your CV and make it shine! Employers love these qualities in people
An excellent way to help out Koh Phangan
15. Get a Tattoo
With a host of high-quality tattoo artists around Thailand, maybe today is the day you get inked up?
You are always advised for a consultation first before they start any inking
A lot of the artists will have plenty of ideas for you or take your design in for a copy
Here are a few in KP
Ink Point Tattoo– Western standards met here. Pop in for a chat and a quote
Address – 16/30 m 1 Koh Phangan
Opening Times- 11:00-22:00
Appointments- Made through Facebook
Freeway Tattoo and Bar – You are in safe hands at Freeway! High standards and quality met at all times
Address- 18/1 Moo 6, Hin Kong
Opening Times- 11:45am to 2:15pm
Phone- +66 87 883 6514
So that’s my list! Any questions, please let me know in the comments below?
Thanks, Ian
