My Pick Of The Best Backpacker Hostels in Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Phangan (also spelt Ko Pha Ngan) in Thailand is a luscious, tropical island oozing with that untouched hippie paradise vibe.

This little gem of an island is famous for it’s monthly Full Moon Party, but is also a magnet for many backpackers, travellers, gypsies, hippies, yogis and even digital nomads because of it’s magical vibes.

Whether you’re here to experience one of the infamous monthly Full Moon parties, explore the natural wonders of this island, on relax on a yoga retreat, there’s something for everyone on Koh Phangan.

No matter what you’re seeking, the best way to find like-minded people when you land and make new friends to party with is at one of the many amazing backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan.

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Koh Phangan – More than just the Full Moon Party

Koh Phangan is a beautiful island that has so much more to offer than just the Full Moon party. The island gets much busier around the full moon period so you need to book your accommodation in advance as places do fill up.

As many hotels and hostels require a 3 – 5 night minimum stays around full moon time why not explore more of this beautiful island. It’s surrounded by stunning emerald waters lapping up against pure white sandy beaches, with picturesque jungle, mountain peaks and waterfalls in the heart of the island.

Feel the freedom of exploring the island driving through the palm tree lined roads, spend days laying on golden beaches soaking up the rays, watch magnificent sunsets every afternoon, and dance the nights away at funky beach bars. Once you’ve spent some time on Koh Phangan you might not want to leave!

Where to Stay in Koh Phangan

Where you stay in Koh Phangan can really make or break your trip so it’s worth doing a bit of research into the different areas of Koh Phangan first.

If you are coming for the Full Moon Party the most convenient place to stay is on Haad Rin Beach, where the party is held. This area is within stumbling distance of the party but don’t expect to get much sleep!

Thong Sala and Baan Tai are centrally located areas if you want to enjoy the parties and explore everything the island has to offer. Thong Sala is the island’s main town and where the pier is, so this is where you’ll arrive.

Baan Tai beach is located between Thong Sala and Haad Rin and makes a good base. You can also save money by staying here instead of Haad Rin but then you’ll need to arrange transportation to the party.

If you are coming to Koh Phangan to check out the thriving yoga scene then you’ll want to stay in Sri Thanu. If you just want to relax on beautiful beaches and get a peaceful nights sleep then don’t stay in Haad Rin – especially around full moon time! Instead head north to Thong Nai Pan Noi beach and Thong Nai Pan Yai beach.

Backpacker Hostels in Koh Phangan

Whenever you’re arriving in a new destination, choosing to stay at a backpacker hostel can have many plus points, especially if you’re a solo traveller. Hostels generally have very social, friendly vibes and are places where you can meet people to hang out with and make new friends when you first arrive in a new place.

Hostel staff and fellow backpackers can also often give you plenty of tips on where are the best places to sight-see, activities to do, places to eat, etc. See here for more reasons why I love staying in backpacker hostels.

There are so many amazing backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan, whether you are looking for a party hostel or just somewhere to chill on a budget with a sociable vibe. To make it easier for you to decide here is my pick of the best backpacker hostels on Koh Phangan.

Be aware that you if you are coming to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon Party you must book in advance! Don’t just turn up the day before and expect to find accommodation as everything gets booked up quickly so make sure you book well in advance, especially if you want to stay in one of Koh Phangan’s best hostels.

There are also lots of amazing parties including the Jungle Experience and Waterfall parties in the days before and after the Full Moon Party so you don’t have to worry about getting bored!

Read More: The Best Areas and Places to Stay in Koh Phangan for all Budgets

Best Backpacker Hostels for the Full Moon Party in Haad Rin

If, like thousands of others, you’re coming to Koh Phangan especially for the famous full moon party then the best place to stay is in Haad Rin where the party is located. Koh Phangan is quite a large island and you don’t want to stay an hours drive away from the action.

However, if you came to Koh Phangan to chill or do yoga then don’t stay in Haad Rin around Full Moon period if you want to get a decent nights sleep!

WET! The Pool Party Hostel

If you’re here to experience the world famous Full Moon Party then this is one of the best party hostels in Koh Phangan! And not just any party – Wet Hostel puts on a massive 5 day pool party over full moon which is free for everyone who is staying there.

This is one of the most sociable hostels in Koh Phangan where you can get ramped up and ready to party with UV paints and buckets ready to go! It’s also home to the official pre parties for some of the island’s best nights.

This hostel is located in Haad Rin just few minutes away from the white sandy Haad Rin Beach (also known as sunrise beach) where the Full moon Party is held.

The dorms are air conditioned (you’ll really appreciate the AC the morning after!) and beds here are comfortable and clean, most come with privacy curtain, reading lamp and power socket.

They also serve breakfast from 10am – 1pm so you don’t need to worry about missing out if you need to catch some zzzs after the party. The on site restaurant also has cheap food and drinks.

This popular backpacker hostel is well renown for its very social, friendly, party people vibes perfect for those who want to dive straight into all the action. Check prices, availability, reviews and book here! 

Lazy House Shenanigans

For an unforgettable Full Moon party experience, this is ultimate party hostel. This is one of the best backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan because its located in the heart of Haad Rin and is a really great place to meet fellow party people, as everyone will get you involved!

The hostel also hosts epic warm up pool parties and all-you-can-eat BBQ’s before the Full Moon  and Half Moon parties. There’s a very social, chilled out atmosphere at Lazy House. Lounges, beanbags and pool tables fill the main lobby area, and movies being played all day – what a perfect way to meet people whilst easing off last night’s hangover!

Lazy House is one of the largest backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan and has tons of facilities including a swim-up pool bar and plenty of garden chill out areas., Theres a libary and movie room to chill in or if you want to work out you can use the gym.  There are both dorms and private rooms to choose from which are have funky themes, decorated with arty murals and air conditioning.

The food here is great too, serving breakfast, light snacks and meals all day, more for your hangover cure. Other great mentions are that there’s really good free WiFi and scooter parking right out the front for those that drive. Click here to book your stay at Lazy House Shenanigans.

Best Backpacker Hostels in the Baan Tai area

Haad Rin gets booked up quickly, especially around Full Moon period, but the nearby Baan Tai area also makes a good base.

It’s about 20 mins drive to Haad Rin for the Full Moon Party and, actually, outside Full Moon time Baan Tai has more parties happening than Haad Rin and its easier to explore the rest of the island from here so it’s a great place to stay.

Good Time Beach Backpackers

Good Time has been rated by so many travellers as one of the very best backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan because of the lasting friendships and great memories that have been made here. What really makes this hostel are the owners and their efforts to create a distinguishable vibe that really stands out.

This amazing hostel is literally right on the beachfront, there’s a giant 24-hour swimming pool, 24hr snacks, food, and drinks and there’s regular parties at their own beach bar. The dorms and private bungalow rooms are also right on the sand proving you can combine the best of the cute beach bungalow experience with the social atmosphere of a lively backpacker hostel and the facilities of a fancy resort all for a super affordable price!

There’s also a pool table, ping pong table, sports equipment and beach volleyball court. The location is also very close to many of the islands best beach bars, clubs and restaurants, and a short 5-minute drive to the Thong Sala night markets for those who want to try out some Thai street food. Click here to book! 

The Wanderlust Hostel

If you’re heading to Koh Phangan to party it up like there’s no tomorrow, then this is the place you want to stay! The Wanderlust Hostel is made by the same people who bring you the legendary Drop In Bar and   Phanganist.com the ultimate online guide to the island.

Guests even 1 free drink every night at Drop In Bar Haad Rin! This is one of the cheapest and best backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan, renown on the island for it’s party people vibes and highly social atmosphere.

There’s a huge common area where everyone meets to hang out, and the super friendly staff will make sure you get right into the pre-party games. The hostel has a great swimming pool area with poolside bar, sun beds and a large sun deck, plus Phanganist regularly holds it’s own parties with renowned DJs that are not to be missed!

The dorms are all done to high standard with clean, quality, AC rooms with privacy curtains, individual lights and power outlets and big lockers. The location in Baan Tai is also unbeatable, being in close proximity to some of the islands top beach bars and nightclubs.  Click here to book a room at Wanderlust hostel.

Slumber Party

Part of reputable chain of hostels in Thailand, Slumber Party is one of the highest rated party hostel chains in the world. Not surprising their Koh Phangan branch is one of the most popular backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan.

The hostel is in a top location in Baan Tai on the main strip filled with plenty of the islands best restaurants and bars nearby and still super close to the beach. If you want to party hard this is the perfect place to meet like-minded travellers and fellow party-goers!

There are regular pool parties with drinking games, free cocktail shots every night and pub-crawls organised every night, so you definitely won’t be short of things to do here!

Beds are comfortable and clean, and the staff are super friendly and can organise anything you need such as snorkelling trips, Thai cooking classes, scooter hire and onward travel. Click here to book your stay at Slumber Party Koh Phangan.

Mad Monkey

The popular chain, Mad Monkey Hostels, recently opened a new boutique hotel and hostel which is quickly becoming one of the most popular backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan.

It’s located in Thong Sala so it’s close to the pier and has easy access all over the island. The staff are amazing, there’s activities on most days and they really get a good social vibe going throughout the hostel.

The hostel puts on pre parties before every Full Moon Party, Jungle Experience, and Half Moon Festival with free neon paint (very important!) as well as fun games and activities.

After the party you can chill in the swimming pool, the super clean and comfy dorms and take advantage of food and drink specials to refuel. Click here to book now!

Mad Monkey also have an amazing offer with their flexible and great value Golden Tickets! Choose from 30, 60 or 90 days and stay at ANY Mad Monkey Hostel in Thailand, Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, or Laos for a super low, fixed, one-time fee.

Prices start at only £77 (about USD $108) for 30 days flexible mix and match dorm accommodation. All you need to do is buy your Golden Ticket and that’s your accommodation sorted! Click here for more details and to get your Golden Ticket!

Best backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan away from party scene

Once you’re done partying there’s so much more to explore in Koh Phangan. In my opinion, the most beautiful, quiet beaches and unspoilt jungle are in the North of the Island. Hire a scooter and go explore or stay up there and chill for a few days.

Shirelea Backpackers Resort

If you’re not heading to Koh Phangan solely just to party and instead searching for a place that’s a little more relaxed, then head to Shirelea Backpackers Resort in Haad Yao.This place is a whole lot more than a backpackers hostel, it’s an amazing resort and a true, tropical home away from home.

There’s a social yet relaxed atmosphere here, a huge pool where you’ll find everyone hanging out, there’s awesome food & drinks on the menu and epic service from the super friendly staff. This place is ideal for groups, and for solo travellers who want to meet people and have a good time!

You can choose from private air-conditioned bungalows complete with hammock & ensuite or pod style dorms. The dorms are air-conditioned and feature 8 private ‘pods’ in each. Each pod includes a large lockable closet, reading light, plug socket to charge electronics and privacy curtains.

This is one of the best backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan if you want to chill out and enjoy the beaches and nature in the most beautiful part of the island. Click here to book now!

If you are backpacking around Thailand then make sure to check out this blog on the best places to go in Thailand and see the ultimate Thailand backpacking route. And don’t forget to read this Thailand travel guide for all the practical tips you’ll need to know.

I also have many other Thailand blogs here which I hope will help you have an amazing time in this incredible country.

Have you stayed in any amazing backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan? Leave your recommendations in the comments below the post and help out other backpackers! 

By the way – this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you find my recommendations for the best backpacker hostels in Koh Phangan useful and choose to book through the links I provide I can earn a tiny commission at no extra cost to you which helps me to keep traveling and to keep this site going. Thanks so much for your support! 🙂 

Read More Koh Phangan Blogs:

• Where to stay in Koh Phangan (for all areas and all budgets)
• Koh Phangan beyond the full moon party
• How to rent a house on Koh Phangan
• My Cost of Living in Koh Phangan
• Best Yoga Retreats in Koh Phangan
• Confession – I hated the Full Moon Party
• Exploring the quieter side to the party island of Koh Phangan – Telegraph Travel

Cover photo credit: Ariel View of Bottle Beach, Koh Phangan by By Aleksei Kazachok/Shutterstock