Wat Pho Koh Phangan
A serene temple on Koh Phangan offering a traditional herbal sauna, highly-rated massages, and vibrant festivals with delicious street food. [^I...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & food
Wat Pho Koh Phangan
Best Time
Lively atmosphere & food
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene temple on Koh Phangan offering a traditional herbal sauna, highly-rated massages, and vibrant festivals with delicious street food. +1
"Wonderful, peaceful, and healing; a must-visit for authentic Thai wellness experiences. "
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees when visiting the temple. :dress:
Sauna Fee
Herbal sauna across the street costs ~200 baht. :moneybag:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Herbal Steam Sauna
Across the street from the main temple
Experience a traditional Thai herbal sauna for a deeply relaxing and healing session.
Authentic Thai Massage
Temple grounds
Indulge in a highly-rated Thai massage, praised for its quality and therapeutic benefits.
Temple Festival Vibes
Temple grounds
Catch the lively temple festivals, often featuring delicious street food and music.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Temple Etiquette & Respect
Sauna & Massage Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees when visiting the temple. :dress:
Sauna Fee
Herbal sauna across the street costs ~200 baht. :moneybag:
Book Massages
Highly recommended massages, book ahead if possible! :massage_tree:
Check Festival Dates
Look out for temple festivals for food & music! :musical_note:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respectful Attire
Cover shoulders & knees when visiting the temple. :dress:
Sauna Fee
Herbal sauna across the street costs ~200 baht. :moneybag:
Book Massages
Highly recommended massages, book ahead if possible! :massage_tree:
Check Festival Dates
Look out for temple festivals for food & music! :musical_note:
Temple Closure Alert
Temple may be closed on Sundays. Plan accordingly! :warning:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Wat Pho Koh Phangan to be a spiritual and healing destination, particularly praising its authentic herbal sauna and high-quality Thai massages. Some reviewers noted that the temple can be closed on Sundays and emphasized the importance of respecting the sanctity of the site and its facilities.
"Spiritual.
Be positive. Be a real person. Do something good in the world. Help stop the cyber bullying."
Peter Hunter
"Wonderful, peaceful, and healing. I think that in the last, some people weren't respecting the sanctity of the Buddhist temple, or the sauna, which belongs to the temple. I like the fact that that the administration put up a set of rules to govern a more amenable behavior in those that refuse to respect Thai culture."
Happy Go Lucky
"Sadly the temple was closed. (Sunday)"
Patrick Haller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wat Pho Koh Phangan is located in Ban Tai. You can reach it by scooter or taxi from most parts of the island. If you're coming from the mainland, you'll likely take a ferry to Thong Sala pier and then arrange transport.
Yes, there is usually parking available for scooters and cars near the temple entrance.
Renting a scooter is a popular and convenient way to get around Koh Phangan and visit places like Wat Pho.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main temple grounds of Wat Pho Koh Phangan is typically free. However, the herbal sauna facility across the street has a separate entrance fee.
While the temple itself may have extended hours, it's advisable to check for specific opening times, as some visitors have noted it can be closed on Sundays.
The herbal sauna across the street from the temple generally costs around 200 Thai Baht for entry.
While not always explicitly stated, it's a good idea to inquire about booking massages in advance, especially during peak times, to secure your preferred slot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
When visiting the temple, it's important to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees out of respect for the religious site.
The steam sauna at Wat Pho Koh Phangan is described as traditional and herbal, offering a relaxing and authentic Thai wellness experience.
Visitors are expected to respect the sanctity of the temple and the sauna facilities. Rules are in place to ensure a pleasant and respectful environment for all.
The temple hosts festivals that often feature vibrant street food stalls and live music, creating a lively atmosphere.
Yes, outside of festival times, the temple can be a peaceful and quiet place for reflection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
During temple festivals, you can enjoy delicious Thai street food, with dishes like Khao Kha Moo (pork leg on rice) being a popular choice.
The temple is located in Ban Tai, an area with various local eateries and restaurants offering authentic Thai cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the intricate temple architecture, the serene atmosphere, and the vibrant scenes during temple festivals. The herbal sauna domes also offer unique photo potential.
While generally permitted, always be mindful of sacred areas and avoid photographing people without their consent.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 While the main temple is free and offers a glimpse into Thai culture, the herbal sauna might be more suited for adults or older children. Ensure children are dressed modestly if exploring the temple grounds. 🧘 Wellness Seekers
Complement your visit with a highly-rated Thai massage from the temple's practitioners, known for their skill and therapeutic touch. 🍜 Foodie Travelers
Even outside of festivals, the surrounding Ban Tai area offers a variety of local eateries to explore. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Herbal Sauna Experience
While the main temple is free to enter, the sauna requires a separate admission fee, typically around 200 Thai Baht. It's recommended to check the current pricing upon arrival. The experience is often highlighted as a must-do for those looking for something beyond typical tourist activities on Koh Phangan.
It's important to note that the sauna is part of the temple's offerings, and visitors are expected to maintain respectful behavior within the facility, adhering to any posted rules to ensure a peaceful environment for everyone.
Temple Festivals and Local Flavors
+1One highlight mentioned is the delicious Khao Kha Moo, a flavorful dish of braised pork leg served over rice, which can often be found at these festivals.
Beyond the festivals, the Ban Tai area surrounding the temple offers numerous local eateries where you can sample a wide array of Thai culinary delights. Attending a festival provides a unique glimpse into the community spirit of Koh Phangan, combining spiritual ambiance with sensory pleasures. It's a chance to mingle with locals and fellow travelers while enjoying the island's rich gastronomic offerings.
The Art of Thai Massage at Wat Pho
While specific details about booking can vary, the consensus is that these massages are a standout experience. Travelers often recommend them as a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate, whether after a day of exploring the island or after a session in the herbal sauna.
For those seeking authentic and skilled massage therapy on Koh Phangan, Wat Pho is frequently cited as a top destination. It’s a testament to the temple’s holistic approach to well-being, offering both spiritual solace and physical restoration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit