koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is an island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand located about 100 km from the coast of Southern Thailand Surat Thani Province and about 15 km from the famous resort island of Koh Samui.

haad rinKoh Phangan is the largest of Samui’s neighboring islands with an area of 168 square km. Over 70% of its total area is mountains and tropical forest the lowlands is mountains and coconut fields.

About 8,000 people live on Koh Phangan. Some are Chinese, whose ancestors migrated from China more than hundred years ago and the main population lives in Thong Sala Town. More than 95% of the population are Buddhist but there are a few Muslims in Ban Tai Village.

Standard Thai is used as the official language but the southern dialect is more widely spoken among the local people. English is understood in business circles and tourist areas.

Koh Phangan is a district (Amphoe) of the Surat Thani Province in the Southern Region of Thailand. The Most important produce of Koh Phangan is coconuts. Each month Koh Samui and Koh Phangan produce more than 1 million coconut exports to Bangkok. Others prominent island product is fishing and of course there is the growing tourism business which now offers all kind of accommodation – from simple bungalows to 5 star resorts and hotels.

Koh Phangan is famous for it’s monthly full moon parties which attracts thousands of people dancing through the night. Full Moon Party Schedule   Half & Black Moon Party

Blessed with some of Thailand most spectacular beaches and a still unspoiled interior, Koh Phangan is an ideal destination for those looking to party, relax, or engage in wellness programs, such as a yoga or meditation retreat.

Koh Phangan is a large island off the east coast of Surat Thani province in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Phangan is located about 100 km off shore and about 15 km north of Koh Samui. Most well known for its monthly full moon party, Koh Phangan features some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, most of which are still only moderately developed, providing visitors with easy access to either a wild beach party or a relaxing and quiet beach holiday.

While Koh Phangan was once the exclusive domain of backpackers who wished to escape the more commercially developed Koh Samui, there are now resorts that cater to all travelers, from honeymooners to families with children. That said, there are still many resorts that embody the hippie spirit of Koh Phangan founders and draw numerous budget backpackers looking to get away from it all, study meditation or yoga, or engage in other holistic, Ayurvedic or health oriented programs.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand a short boat ride from Koh Samui, Koh Phangan (pronounced pun-ngun) is a large, mountainous island covered with coconut trees and surrounded by white sand beaches and aquamarine waters. While each month thousands of young people flock to the world famous Full Moon Party in Haad Rin, where local and international DJs play music on the beach, there are dozens of other beaches in varying stages of development that are alternatively occupied by five-star beach resorts, budget beach bungalows, and a number of yoga, meditation, and health retreats.

• Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park The park (free of charge) is named after the river Than Sadet (literally, “Royal River”). The river forms the largest waterfall on the island, which was visited by several Thai kings. Very difficult to reach on motorbike, one of the worst roads on island. Down at the sea at Than Sadet Beach, there are a few places to stay.

• Visit the beautiful waterfalls and lookouts in the interior of the island. The best lookouts are Domesila viewpoint, a 15 min hike from Phaeng waterfall in Phaeng National Park (free of charge). There is another waterfall viewpoint a 20 min walk from Phaeng waterfall. From Bottle Beach you can hike to the rocky viewpoint above valley with great views over northeast part of island, hiking to the top should take 30-45 min depending on your condition. You can visit Wat Khao Tam viewpoint on the road between Thong Sala and Haad Rin which you can reach on motorbike and then it’s easy walk for few minutes to the temple with viewpoint at Ko Samui and southern coast of Ko Pha Ngan. Another viewpoint is in Chalok Lam on the road to Haad Khom, it’s well signposted from the main road.

• The herbal sauna at Wat Pho with separated mens/womens rooms is a great relief after long party nights. It’s near the 7-11 branch in Baan Thai, on the southwest side of the island. Always wear a sarong (over your bikini, for men it’s OK to use shorts). Remember that you are on temple grounds and locals find nudity offensive. This is not a European sauna, sitting naked will get you into trouble. The cost for entering the herbal sauna is 50 baht and you can stay as long as you want, if you want a towel the price is 10 baht. Open 13:00-19:00.

• Visit Ko Maa off the northwest coast of Ko Pha Ngan. It offers one of the best snorkelling places on the island. Other places to do snorkelling are Haad Khom beach (very shallow water on the coast during low tide, be careful) and Haad Yao.

• On the road between Thong Sala and Chalok Lam is a beautiful Chinese Temple (free) overlooking Chalok Lam Bay.

• There is a elephant camp on the way from Baan Tai to Thong Nai Pan (300 baht for a 30 min ride. Also one close to The Chinese temple on the road from Thong Sala to Chalok Lam (300 baht for 30 min ride. On the price list it’s officially 500 baht). Very close is also an archery range.