In short, yes, Koh Phangan is a very safe place to travel with most of the crimes being decision led by individuals through drink driving, drugs or moped accidents. So you are best to abide by the laws yourself and also wear safety gear when on a moped and you should have no problems at all.
There are always other things to consider and we will give you some tips to make sure you consider outside of crime.
Staying safe in the weather / surroundings
Koh Phangan can reach temperatures of up to 34 degrees (94 °F) and can feel even warmer with the humidity, remember these key points to make sure you don’t end up with sunburn or fainting during the hot weather:
Stay hydrated
It seems pretty obvious but can be forgotten when you are enjoying yourself / exploring new places. ALWAYS carry water with you and ideally in a thermos to keep it cool and let’s be honest no one wants warm water to drink in the sun.
Sunscreen
This is one I always forgot about and have in the past suffered because of it. If you are going to be out in the sun for hours on end then you need to apply sunscreen. Also make sure you buy from a Pharmacy and a known brand with a high factor of cover.
Drinking alcohol
Let’s be honest we are going to have a drink or two, why not, you are on holiday. Just make sure to follow the above to pointers and take it easy in general especially in the sun. Also make sure there is a balance of alcohol and food.
Swimming at the beach
If like me you aren’t the strongest of swimmers, it’s best not to do much of it, if any. It’s nice enough to just take your flip-flops off and walk through the water with the sea coming up towards your knees. But if you do want to swim, then pay attention to local instruction and flag warnings as currents and tides can be very strong.
Transportation
Now you have the opportunity to rent mopeds / cars and all sorts of vehicles in Thailand. Now they don’t do too many checks and money talks so you can pretty easily rent a vehicle even if you don’t have a full driving licence.
I would avoid renting my own self drive on the Island and instead just use local transport. Now make sure you agree on a price before you accept the journey or that it’s a metre taxi so you know it’ll be a fair price.
Full Moon Party Safety
One thing that Koh Phangan is famous for, is its Full Moon Parties. This draws around 30,000 people to the Island who are ready to let loose and enjoy this experience to the max. The festival is known for music and dance, fire shows (performed by pros), people dressing up and using body and UV paint. All taking place on the beach / beach front. Here are some key ways to stay safe while enjoying this great event:
Stay with Friends
Part of this event is to enjoy it with the friends you are with. From getting ready to hitting the beach until the small hours. You should always be around these people. Make sure to also leave together or if in a group at least 2 people leaving together. You can also look out for each other and have the best time.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Now drink is cheap and you want to let your hair down, but it certainly isn’t wise to get too drunk. You should certainly pace yourself and actually remember and enjoy the event. I would also try not to mix drinks i.e. spirits and beers, probably best to stick to one or the other.
Stay Hydrate
As with the general climate in Koh Phangan, drink water along with your alcoholic drinks. As you will be sweating a lot given the amount of people there are and the dancing you’ll probably be doing.
Watch Your Belongings
You are best to leave all valuables at your accommodation, such as watches, rings etc. I would say just take a bum / waist bag. Take money (cash) a card maybe. But don’t take your passport or anything else that you cannot afford to lose.
Know Your Limits
If you’re not comfortable with a certain situation or activity, trust your instincts and remove yourself from it. Your safety is the top priority. You can get involved with some of the fire games on the beach, if you really don’t want to do it, don’t! You have to make the right choices for yourself to stay safe.
Stay on the Beach
The Full Moon Party mainly takes place on Haad Rin Beach. While the party extends to the beach area, it’s best to stay within the well-lit, populated areas.
Appropriate Attire
Dress for the beach party environment, but be mindful of local customs and modesty. Some attire may be deemed inappropriate. Might be worth wearing trainers to protect from broken glass etc that happens.
Emergency Contacts
Make sure you have a way to contact your embassy or consulate in case of emergencies. It’s also a good idea to have the contact information for local authorities.
Transportation
Plan your transportation to and from the party in advance. Arrange for a designated driver or secure a safe way to get back to your accommodation from the Full Moon Party.
Drugs
Thailand has strict drug laws, and drug-related offences can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment. It’s essential to avoid illegal substances.
Consent and Personal Boundaries
Respect the personal boundaries of others. Always obtain clear and enthusiastic consent before engaging in any physical or intimate contact.
Mind the Fire
Fire performances are a common part of the Full Moon Party. Enjoy them from a safe distance, and do not attempt to participate without proper training.
Essentials to stay safe
1. Travel Insurance
A must is travel insurance so that you are covered for medical but also ideally personal belongings. Now insurance is tricky because certain things aren’t covered, i.e. if you are intoxicated and if you’ve not ensured to take all reasonable precautions to keep your belongings safe.
2. Local Customs and Laws
Respect local customs and laws, including dress codes when visiting temples and cultural sites. Drug-related offences can result in severe penalties in Thailand, so avoid illegal substances. Also do not speak bad of the royal family as this can carry jail time too, best to avoid the topic completely.
3. Weather Conditions
Research the time you plan to visit Koh Phangan (Thailand). You want to try and avoid the rainy season but maybe you want to go when it’s a little cooler rather than at its peak for heat.
4. Take organised tours
One way to stay safe and enjoy as much of what Koh Phangan has to offer is taking an organised tour. There are many to choose from cruises to quad bike tours. You can find a full list here. I think this is worth doing at least 1 or 2 days, especially if you want to experience something that is a little more dangerous. Ie you can probably rent a quad bike from a rental shop but not have the correct insurance or experience and end in an expensive disaster.