Air Quality

Measure PM2.5 What it means
2025 annual average 10.3 Best of the four non-mainland guides here
June 2026 live reading 10.0 Right on the edge of the WHO target, but still not a free pass

Source: IQAir 2025 annual city ranking and IQAir's Ko Pha-ngan live page.

Getting Around

  • ScooterEssential. 150–250 THB (about USD 4.6 to 7.66, £3.41 to 5.69, and €3.95 to 6.58)/day. Roads are steep in places — drive carefully in the hills.
  • SongthaewMain routes from Thong Sala hub to Haad Rin, Sri Thanu, Haad Yao. 30–50 THB (about USD 0.92 to 1.53, £0.68 to 1.14, and €0.79 to 1.32).
  • Boat taxiFor Bottle Beach and remote northern coves. Negotiate the fare first.
  • GrabNot available. No app-based taxis on the island.

Where to Work

  • Bubba's CoffeeThong Sala. Reliable wifi, long-stay expat favourite, good coffee.
  • Karma KafeSri Thanu. Wellness-adjacent crowd, solid internet, garden setting.
  • Dojo CoworkHaad Rin area. Small but functional. Best dedicated desk option on the island.
  • Elsewhere Beach BarHaad Yao. Sea views, mornings work well before it gets busy.

Eat & Drink

  • Thong Sala townBest local food, wet market, cheapest prices on the island. Where locals eat.
  • Sri ThanuThe wellness corner: vegan cafes, organic juice bars, the quiet expat scene.
  • Baan TaiQuieter strip south of Thong Sala. Underrated local spots, less tourist pricing.
  • Haad RinParty town. Beachfront restaurants are convenient but overpriced.

Stay Healthy

  • International Clinic Thong SalaBest for routine expat care. English-speaking, practical for day-to-day needs.
  • Koh Phangan Hospital (government)Thong Sala. Limited but improving. Fine for minor issues.
  • For anything seriousTake the Seatran ferry to Koh Samui (30 min) then Bangkok Hospital Samui — or fly out.

Immigration Offices

  • Koh Phangan Immigration OfficeThong Sala area. The local office for visa extensions and reporting.

Beaches

  • Haad YaoBest all-rounder. Long, clean, calm enough for swimming, not overcrowded.
  • Haad SaladSmall, clear water, good snorkelling just offshore.
  • Bottle Beach (Haad Khuad)Remote north coast. Accessible by boat only. Worth the effort.
  • Thong Nai Pan NoiFar east coast. Beautiful twin bay. Rough road — take the boat or accept the bumps.