Koh Pha-ngan, an island in the southern Gulf of Thailand, is famously known as the capital of full moon parties. What the uninitiated may not know is how the island is also something of a wellness capital – with a solid number of destinations and options for those looking to find peace and a holistic approach to rejuvenating all aspects of their wellbeing. If you’re looking for a getaway filled with mindful relaxation, these are some of the reasons why Koh Pha-ngan should be your next holiday. 

Immerse Yourself in a Stunning Nature Getaway

​​​​​The island is home to a variety of glorious, untouched settings that offer visitors a chance to connect and completely immerse themselves in nature. The stunning seawater is the main draw – with its iconic turquoise waters and pristine beaches that are more peaceful. Compared to other more touristy islands, visitors will have no trouble finding some quiet and fine white sand at Leela Beach and Thong Nai Pan Beach. The clear waters also make Koh Pha-ngan the place to get your snorkeling and diving fix. On land, the lush forests and mountains make for great trekking and camping experiences. Revel in some forest bathing or spend a few hours getting refreshed at the magnificent Phaeng Waterfall, the tallest waterfall on the island in the National Forest Park.

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• Thong Nai Pan Beach 
• Phaeng Noi Waterfall

Get a Physical Reset at Countless Yoga Retreats 

A body that never stretches is like a bed that is never made. Imagine the tension and accumulating mess if one were to leave their body unattended to. Yoga is a great exercise that also synchronises your body with your mind when practiced consistently. Find your flow by engaging in the countless yoga, tai chi and qi gong retreats around the island, with classes for beginners as well as the more experienced yogis. Orion Healing Centre is one of the largest yoga hubs that also offers detox, cleansing and fasting programmes. Another renowned option situated on Haad Tien Beach is The Sanctuary, where yoga holiday packages include massages, herbal steams and detox treatments.  

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• Orion Healing Centre
• The Sanctuary 

During your getaway at Koh Pha-ngan, take the time to heal your inner self and recharge your energy by spending time alone and engaging in deep introspection.

Find Spiritual Healing With Meditation Practices and Treatments 

It’s just as important to care of your mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. During your getaway at Koh Pha-ngan, take the time to heal your inner self and recharge your energy by spending time alone and engaging in deep introspection. Even if meditation is something you can do on your own, doing it at a resort or centre promises tranquility and expert guidance – an essential pointer for beginners. There are many retreats with differing levels of comfort to choose from on the island. Silent retreats do require complete silence, such as the ones at One Yoga, while Buddhist meditation options such as Indriya Retreat focus on Buddha’s teaching and insight meditation (vipassana). Meanwhile, treatments using reiki techniques or crystals attempt healing by releasing blockages in the energy field and chakras. Find balance and reconnect with your soul at places like Kamala Healing Centre or Arati Healing. 

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• One Yoga
• ​​​​​​​Arati Healing  

Delicious Healthy and Plant-Based Food Everywhere 

There’s no shortage of healthy food options on Koh Pha-ngan. You’ll find lots of vegetarian eateries on the island, where they offer plant-based versions of Asian dishes (think tempeh ramen), as well as comfort Western dishes like mushroom quesadillas or sweet potato pancakes. Eat.Co is one of the popular brunch spots not to be missed, with beautiful breakfast bowls and vegan waffles. For more local flavours, Dear Phangan focuses on working with local farmers and uses garden-to-table produce to make delicious, minimally-seasoned Thai food. Try their squid with kapi paste or flower banana salad for a taste of southern Thailand.  

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• EAT.CO
• Dear Phangan

There’s no shortage of healthy food options on Koh Pha-ngan. You’ll find lots of vegetarian eateries on the island, where they offer plant-based versions of Asian dishes (think tempeh ramen), as well as comfort Western dishes like mushroom quesadillas or sweet potato pancakes.

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