There is no better place in the world to unwind than Koh Phangan. Whether it’s chilling on a paradise beach between trainings, or dancing to world-famous DJs at clifftop clubs, Koh Phangan will exceed your wildest imaginings.

Beaches

Becks Beach is less than a kilometre from Diamond and is a favourite hang-out between training sessions. Further up the coast is Mae Haad, a stunning bay overlooked by jungle-clad hills, with deep waters great for swimming.

Rent a bike and you can take the twisting mountain roads to the secluded cove of Haad Than Sadet. Cool off under the nearby waterfall, pet the resident piglet or go in search of the legendary ponies! 

Another favourite for students on their days off is Haad Rin Beach. Inbetween full moon parties, the beach is mellow, the sands white and the water deep and aquamarine. Volleyball, smoothies and swimming make a fine way to pass a Sunday here. 

Food

You probably already know how good Thai food is. There is plenty of it here. It’s awesome.  

But there’s more!

Students head to Pantip Market every night to sample delicacies from dozens of vendors. A’s Famous does arguably the best full English breakfast in town, while Bubba’s offers passionfruit cheesecake, melt-in-your-mouth pancakes and gourmet coffee. 

DMT student Federico runs Pizza Basilico – easily the best pizza spot this side of Rome. The nearby yoga hub of Sri Thanu is bursting with detox smoothies, gluten-free brownies and organic juices; while at Dots Coffe Shop you can whip out your laptop and cook up a new online business among the digital nomads… so you never have to go home. 

DMT students get a 10% discount at:

• A’s Famous
• Baraka
• Pizza Basilico

Fight Nights

No experience can match seeing real Muay Thai fights in Thailand. Stadiums exist across the island – the nearest is only ten minutes walk away, while the furthest is in Haad Rin, and they all put on regular events throughout the year.

At these events you’ll see male and female fighters of all levels – both Thai and foreigner – battle it out in the ring. Diamond students and fighters regularly fight on the island, and students will pack out the stadiums to support them before heading out together to celebrate afterwards. Wherever we can, we arrange discounted tickets for our students. 

Another option is to make a trip over to Koh Samui. Here, at the bigger stadiums such as Chaweng, you can often see fighters such as our own Sean Fagan go up against big-name Bangkok fighters, while promotions like Thai Fight feature legends such as Saenchai. 

Parties

You trained until you dropped. You pushed past your limits.

It’s time for a night off. 

The only problem – you are spoilt for choice. If you just fancy a game of pool, it’s a short walk to Pae Pae’s reggae bar. Hollystone Bar is so popular on Saturday nights, we should put it on the training schedule. DJ’s spin quality house and techno here to a warm, friendly crowd, by a lake and beneath the stars. 

If you want to go a bit more wild, head to Blackmoon Culture and stomp through the night to tribal psytrance. Eden is both a club and an adventure – you’ll need to get a boat to their secluded cove, and you’ll need to stay all night, but you won’t be complaining!

If you’re the type who likes to sip cocktails to a soundtrack of jazzy house, you can take in the sunset at Bluerama, a swanky hilltop resort that overlooks a jaw-dropping panorama of sea and sky. Not far from Bluerama is Amsterdam Bar, which boasts similar views but with a more horizontal, Bob Marley-focussed soundtrack and vibe.

And finally… of course… there’s the Full Moon Party. What started off as a fireside gathering for travellers, back when the island had no electricity, is now the most infamous party in the entire universe. Louder, brighter, busier, messier, crazier… a wine and cheese party, this is not. 

Adventures

Ever fancied trekking through the jungle to swim in a waterfall pool?

Thought so. Well, Koh Phangan is full of waterfalls. Some are a short walk from the road, while others require a hike. Once you get there, be sure to stick your head under the falls – there is nothing else like it!

If trekking entices you, gather a few friends together and set off for the top of Khao Ra, Koh Phangan’ highest peak, where you can see look out for miles over the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Thailand.

For those in search of a more spiritual fix, there are many Thai temples to visit, including Wat Pho, where you can take a herbal sauna within the temple grounds. The serene Chinese temple overlooks stunning Chaloklum Bay, while the village of Sri Thanu is world-renowned for yoga, detoxing and conscious dance parties. 

Lastly, the waters between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao are among the most popular diving destinations in the world. You can take your PADI open water certification course here – you won’t get it cheaper anywhere else in the world – and join trips to destinations like Sail Rock, Chumphon Pinnacles and Shark Island. Turtles, whale sharks, sea horses, butterfly fish; there is a whole world waiting for you beneath the waves.