Ko Pha Ngan: Master Chef Turns Master Tour Guide

In this final episode of our Master Chef Turns Master Tour Guide series, Chef Nawamin (aka Dr Boss) travels to Ko Pha Ngan. Easy to reach from neighbouring Ko Samui, this diminutive island was famous in the past for the Full Moon Party. But discerning travellers know there is so much more to Ko Pha Ngan and the island is ideal for anyone seeking a quiet holiday with wellness and nature high up on the agenda.

Ko Pha Ngan is a rather tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is just 30 minutes away from Ko Samui (if you haven’t seen it yet, check out my Ko Samui video). You can fly from Bangkok to Ko Samui and take a short speedboat trip to the island. Or you can fly to Surat Thani on the mainland and take a ferry from there. The island was well-known in the past for the full moon beach parties, but I wanted to learn more about the tranquil side of the island. I have to admit that I have fallen in love with this charming island already. What made it so charming? Ask yourself what you want from a holiday break and Ko Pha Ngan has it all!

Welcome to Panviman Resort

I stayed at the wonderful Panviman Resort which is located on Thong Nai Pan Beach. Have a look at the video to see how amazing the villas are. Starting the day with a morning walk along the quiet beach as the sun rises slowly is an amazing experience with the sun warming your face and your feet refreshed by the ocean.

Than Sadet Waterfall and National Park

I travelled inland to explore Than Sadet National Park. This was where I realised how much this island has to offer with the beach, waterfall, and forest all within walking distance from each other. Ko Pha Ngan offers lots of chances to enjoy quiet moments in nature with an ocean breeze, cool waterfall streams and a refreshing forest. They all work in harmony to welcome visitors and help you to relax into a serene holiday mood.

Local food

Although it’s a small island, the food scene on Ko Pha Ngan is well developed. I was able to enjoy local food for lunch, yummy ice cream in the afternoon and an exclusive dinner by the beach in the evening at Panviman Resort. The chef created a new set of menus especially for us. The presentation was spot on and the taste was very well seasoned. Amazing!

Tranquility on Ko Pha Ngan

Ko Pha Ngan is such a beautiful island and I look forward to visiting again in the future. Travel helps us to recharge our batteries and this little island in the Gulf of Thailand is ideal for that. Ko Pha Ngan provides many opportunities to experience tranquility and enjoy wellness treatments. Combine a trip to magical Ko Pha Ngan with neighbouring Ko Samui for an incredible holiday.

Visit ko pha ngan Like a Boss: Nawamin’s ‘SET’ (Stay, Eat, Travel) Menu

Stay: Panviman Resort
Eat: Local seafood dishes
Travel: Than Sadet National Park

Thank you to Dr Boss and Panviman Resort. We hope you are inspired to seek out the quieter side of Ko Pha Ngan when you next visit Thailand. Follow the adventures of Dr Boss on his travels around Thailand on the Fan Club Thailand Facebook and Instagram channels.

You may also enjoy