Koh Phangan (Koh Phangan, Koh Pha-Ngan) is one of the five largest. It has one feature that makes it unique of its kind. We're talking, of course, about Full Moon Party - a grandiose open-air party that gathers several thousand people in one place. None (famous for its nightlife) or anything like that. Only one of the Phi Phi beaches has something similar, but only on a much smaller scale.
The island of Koh Phangan is located in the southwest of the Gulf of Thailand, 100 km from the coast of Thailand (Surat Thani province) and 16 km north of Koh Samui. Its total area is 170 sq. km, perimeter about 50 km. The name comes from “Ngan”, which translates from Thai - “sand barrier”. This definition was not chosen by chance, since the coast of Koh Phangan is quite shallow and at low tides sand deposits are exposed around it, which form a network of small islands. There is a big advantage to such “barriers of sand” - in any weather, the coastal waters are calm and you can swim in them even in strong winds, since the sand dunes reduce the force of the waves.
The island's landscape is 65% mountainous, covered with forests and coconut palm plantations.
Quantity local residents has about 10,000 people, mostly immigrants from China who settled on this land more than 100 years ago. The vast majority of local residents profess Buddhism and only 6% are Muslims.
Phangan is the favorite island of the kings of Thailand; they visited it much more often than other resorts.
Koh Phangan island on the map of Thailand
Story
Archaeological excavations indicate that the first settlements on Phangan were at the beginning of the 1st century BC. According to historical data, these were “ sea gypsies" - pirates from the south. Their descendants still live here, but are now engaged in fishing. In the century before last, the Chinese began to move to Phangan from the island of Hainan, who made coconut oil and sent it by ship to the capital of Thailand - Bangkok.
The modern history of Phangan dates back to the early 80s of the last century, when the first tourists appeared here. Over time, local beauty began to attract more and more people and the island began to expand, hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and banks appeared.
At the moment, Koh Phangan combines the beauty of untouched nature and all the benefits of civilization (with the exception of some “wild” beaches).
There are spa salons, massage parlors, night discos, high-speed Internet and much more that you can’t do without. modern man.
How to get to Koh Phangan
There is no airport on Koh Phangan. The easiest and fastest way to get there is to fly to the neighboring island of Koh Samui, and from there take a boat ride.
Cheap flights to Bangkok
You can buy air tickets to Thailand as profitably as possible using special search engines that collect data from all airlines.
If you would like to save on a rather expensive flight to Koh Samui, then it is better to use alternative airports in Chumphon, Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat. From there you can get there by minivans and buses, and then by ferry.
You can also get there from any corner of Thailand by buses, minivans, trains and, at the end of the route, ferries. Tickets are sold at travel agencies and bus stations. If you don't want to bother with this, you can.
Transport
Transport and roads of Koh Phangan are a separate issue. There is no circular paved road encircling the entire island. The paved highway running next to the coast is only from Haad Rin, to the village of Chaloklum and Haad beach Khom in the north. The entire east and northeast turned out to be in “flight” - it seems like you start driving on asphalt, but after a few kilometers it stops and the gravel-sand extreme begins. The road winds up and down, right and left, so riding a moped on it can be dangerous.
If you have never ridden a motorbike, then under no circumstances go along the broken roads to the east and northeast of Koh Phangan. True, they are being built in this area, but very slowly. A smooth highway without serious ups and downs is available only in the area from Baan Kai to approximately the center of the western part of the island. There is also a good road through the center of Koh Phangan from Thongsala to Chaloklum. When approaching Haad Rin, very steep ascents and descents begin (albeit paved). You should be especially careful on them after sunset, when the headlights of oncoming cars can blind you.
On the roads of Koh Phangan you can travel by tuk-tuks (cost 100-250 baht depending on the distance), motorcycle taxis, rented motorbikes or cars.
Beaches
Koh Phangan is the most versatile tourist resort in terms of beaches, where people with completely different tastes and ideas about an ideal holiday can be happy. Their number has exceeded two dozen, each with its own characteristics and differences.
Some places on the island are very party, they will be ideal for young people and entertainment lovers. This is primarily the eastern Haad Rin Nok, where every month on the full moon the world-famous Full Moon Party takes place. In the open air, on the seashore, a grandiose disco is held, where several thousand people have a blast. In fact, there are parties on Koh Phangan every day, they are just on a smaller scale than during the Full Moon Party.
The Black Moon and Half Moon Party are also very popular. The latter is carried out in the jungle, where there is no housing within a radius of one or two kilometers. In general, the theme of parties on Koh Phangan is very developed and if your vacation does not include a Full Moon Party, then don’t worry - there are various parties held almost every other day: Shiva Party, Parties by the pool, at the waterfall, etc. If you want, you definitely won’t leave without vivid impressions!
But there is another Koh Phangan, where even in the midst of the Full Moon Party it is quiet and calm, and on the coast in any season you will not meet many people. These beaches are located west of the town of Thongsala and 10-15 km from Had Rin.
There are also completely “wild” places on the island that can only be reached by motor boat, or along a narrow path passing through the mountains. True, they cannot be called completely wild, since there are several hotels and a couple of restaurants there. This is where the infrastructure ends; you won’t find any bars or discos there. Such inaccessible corners are located in the east and northeast of the island.
Koh Phangan Island is also suitable for couples with children, since everything is provided for the little ones - there are pharmacies, shops, and a hospital.
In this regard, the best area is Thongsala, where the main pier of Koh Phangan is located, where boats from the mainland arrive. This is the most developed place on the island, the largest selection of housing, eateries, all major bank branches are also located here. On the other hand, this is largely a Thai area, so you won’t find nightclubs and discos within the town; it’s quiet and peaceful here at night (there is activity only next to the night market and further along the road to Ban Tai and Ban Kai). The only downside to Thongsala is that the beach is full of boats, so it's not particularly suitable for swimming. But there is also good news. Just a 15-minute walk to the west and you will find yourself on the excellent and secluded Nai Wok beach. You can live here, and if you need pharmacies or shops, then walk to Tongsala.
What to do on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is good for diving and snorkeling. There are equipment rental offices, and experienced instructors will help you take your first steps to scuba dive.
if you love leisure, you like everything unusual and new, then at your service there are elephant rides, kayaking, safaris, mini golf, water skiing and motorcycles (not on all beaches) and much more. If you have never tried this, then experienced instructors will teach you everything.
Koh Phangan is not as rich in attractions as neighboring Samui. However, you can go to waterfalls, observation decks or look at temples (there are both Thai and Chinese). To travel to some waterfalls and viewing platforms, it is better to hire a taxi than to get there on a rented motorbike, since the path will not be easy, and on some sections of the road even dangerous.
For gourmets who know a lot about food, there are many different restaurants on the island of Koh Phangan, where widest choice dishes of national and European cuisine.
If you are not planning a trip only to Koh Phangan, then we offer you.
Important information
- When renting a motorbike, be extremely careful. Drunk or high oncoming drivers can pose a danger, especially on party days, in addition to poor quality roads.
- When going to a party, do not take extra money or valuables with you - there are cases of theft.
Climate and weather on Koh Phangan
Phangan's climate is similar to the neighboring islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Throughout the year, the average temperature varies slightly from a maximum of 29-32 during the day, to a minimum of 24-26 degrees Celsius at night.
Koh Phangan, or Koh Phangan in local parlance, is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 56 km from mainland Thailand and 15 km from Koh Samui.
You are unlikely to be able to buy a package tour here, and there is an opinion about this place that a lot of unusual people live here - vegetarians who practice abstinence from alcohol, sex, communication, etc. In fact, such people live everywhere, and in your city, although it is far from the island of Koh Phangan, such people live too.
In fact, there are informal personalities on the island of Koh Phangan, but not in such numbers as on Goa beaches. The version that Koh Phangan is the Thai Goa, as is often written about on websites, is far from the truth.
The atmosphere here is only vaguely reminiscent of Goan
Yes, the island of Koh Phangan has become the venue for the largest open air in all of Southeast Asia - here
There is a monthly Full Moon Party. It happens on a full moon. Several thousand people gather.
But on other days there are no freaks and meditators on the beaches, no people playing the pipe, no snakes in a basket, no guys with dirty hair and shabby clothes, drugged by something, beggars, etc.
The island of Koh Phangan lives an unobtrusive but rhythmic life. Even merchants are absent on most beaches and do not interfere with the sun shining on vacationers.
Fuul Moon party
First, about the most famous! As mentioned above, this party happens every month on the night of the full moon on Haad Rin Beach. On this beach, life begins to boil 3-4 days before the party. The excitement ends 2-3 days after the Fuul Moon party. If you are not eager to attend this event, then it is better not to come to Haad Rin on such days. 
During the indicated near-full-moon week, there will be crowds, noise, dirt, and accommodation prices inflated by 5 times on Haad Rin. This event is not reflected in any way on other beaches of Koh Phangan.
In fact, Haad Rin 3 days after the party is clean, hotel prices return to normal levels and the entire party crowd has already left.
Who lives on Koh Phangan
As it turns out, the local population is not Thais, but Burmese. There are Thais, of course, too, but there are much fewer of them. So it’s worth showing off your Thai knowledge on Koh Phangan.
Beaches of Koh Phangan
The beaches on Koh Phangan are very beautiful, memorable and different. Most with crystal clear water. But this is external. When entering the water on many beaches you find a rocky bottom, which makes swimming uncomfortable or not possible at all.
Haad Rin
Haad Rin is actually a small area in the south of the island, which occupies a small promontory of land. There are two beaches here: Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai. The first one is located in the eastern part, so sunrises are seen here. The second is in the west of the peninsula, and here they watch sunsets.
Haad Rin Nok – big beach, wide, sandy. This is where the Full Mo night party takes place
on Party. Lovers of nightclubs, bars and dancing until the morning prefer to stay in hotels on this beach.
Another thing Haad Rin Nai– the beach is very small. The place is quiet and secluded, but you can always walk to Haad Rin Nok and plunge headlong into the fun. 
There are many shops, cafes, and guesthouses near both beaches.
Ban Kai
If you move along the coast from Haad Rin to the northwest, you will next come across Ban Kai beach. The beach is quite wide, and numerous hotels and bungalows are conveniently located between the coconut plantations. There are also many restaurants, bars, shops, but not as noisy and crowded as Haad Rin.
The sand is a little rough and the shore becomes narrow in some places, especially in the east near the small rocky headland.
The sea is very rough, so swimming is good, despite the fact that it is very shallow here. There is a coral reef 400 m from the beach, but in the season from April to November, snorkeling is not always possible here (low water).
Ban Tai
This beach is also suitable for nightlife. Once a month the Black Moon Culture party takes place here. There is plenty of cheap housing and good infrastructure. 
This is one of the longest beaches on the island of Koh Phangan, its length is about 2 km. The sand is coarse, with stones in the surf, broken shells, a rocky bottom, shallow water, and the shore is in some places protected from erosion by stone fences.
The entrance to the water has a rather large slope, which nevertheless becomes very gentle after about three meters. As a result, to a depth normal for an adult, you will have to walk from 50 to 200 meters.
Bang Charu
If you want to live closer to the administrative center of the island, then it is better to settle here. The beach is quite clean. The coast is wide, there is a lot of sand.
Thongsala
The beach in Thongsala is not for swimming or sunbathing. There is a parking lot for local boats and a port here, so the sea is dirty. But housing here is naturally cheaper than in Haad Rin and on the nearby beaches.
In general, Thongsala is the administrative center and main port of Koh Phangan. 
Sritanau
Moving further north we get to Sritanau beach. There are few people here and it is clean. Nearby is Laem Son Lake – favorite place recreation for local and visiting Thais. 
Haad Chao Pao
There are more vacationers here than on Sritanau, but much fewer than in Haad Rin. Chao Pao consists of small coves. The tides here are not so strong and you can swim in any season, although the depth near the shore is shallow.
You can see the reef and rocks, you can probably try snorkeling there.
Haad Yao
A popular beach in the northwest of Koh Phangan. The beach is really beautiful, its images can often be seen on advertising brochures on the island of Koh Phangan. A lot of greenery, a lot of clean and white sand. There is not much water at low tide, but enough for swimming. 
There is everything you need for a measured beach holiday. The downside is that it’s a bit far from Thongsal and even more so from Haad Rin (the opposite side of the island).
Haad Salad
Also a popular beach. Located in the bay of the same name. From here it is very close to Mae Haad beach and its calling card - Mae Island. There is a coral reef in the sea near Haad Salad Beach. Because of this, on the one hand, Haad Salad is suitable for snorkeling - you can rent a mask and fins and admire the corals. 
On the other hand, sometimes it is not very comfortable to swim. The entrance to the water is gentle, the depth is shallow, and if you move further into the sea, you can injure your feet on fragments of coral.
To go explore the underwater world, you can contact one of the dive centers, of which there are many on Haad Salad. The cost is on average 1000 baht. This fee includes equipment, a little instruction (especially useful for beginners) and a boat ride for a sufficient distance to sail.
Mae Haad
Mae Haad beach is located in the most northern point west coast of Koh Phangan and is considered one of the most beautiful and best beaches on the island. The beach is very picturesque, wide, a lot of greenery, it has very clean sand and sea. Also here the best place for snorkeling on Koh Phangan. 
During the day it is crowded, in the evening the beach is empty, only those who live in local hotels remain.
And they also say you can walk along the seabed and reach neighboring island. Small island Koh Mae is located very close to Koh Phangan. The sea near the northern coast is shallow, because of this, during low tides the sandy bottom is exposed and a “road” is formed leading to Koh Mai.
Chaloklum
This is a bay in which there is a port and an adjacent fishing village. Therefore, the sea and beach here are dirtier than in other areas. The length of Chaloklum Beach is approximately 2.5 km
In the center there is a fishing village. Many street and beach restaurants in the bay offer dishes prepared from fish and seafood caught by local fishermen. 
Housing prices here are more affordable. The place is popular mainly among surfers: the waves are higher in this area.
Bottle Beach
A small white sand beach is located next to Chaloklum. This beach is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful beach not only on the island of Koh Phangan, but throughout Thailand. However, there is no paved road to this beach yet. 
People usually come here for one day from neighboring areas - just to swim in the clear sea and lie in the shade of palm trees. 
The big advantage of Bottle Beach is that you can swim there in any season, there are no pronounced ebbs and flows and the sea is always deep, unlike many other beaches on Koh Phangan.
Thong Nai Pan Noi
The beach is located in the northeast of the island. It's deeper here than on the west coast of Koh Phangan. There are few hotels and shops here, as well as vacationers. To get here, you need to drive across the entire island, off-road, for which a motorcycle is more suitable than a car. Another option is by boat from Chakloklum.
Tong Nai Pan Yai
The beach is located near Thong Nai Pan Noi when heading northeast. It cannot be called crowded and popular, because getting here, again, is not easy - there is no proper road. If you travel from Thongsal, you will have to cross the entire island. But the nature here is beautiful. The sea is shallow, calm and clean, suitable for families with children. 
Haad Sadet
The beach is located in the east of Koh Phangan. There is good depth here, but there are waves. This place is suitable for surfing. If you want to ride the waves, keep in mind that there are no surf schools or rental equipment on the beach; you will have to bring it with you from another point on the island. 
Haad Yuan
So we return to Haad Rin. The last one in the review will be Haad Yuan Beach in the southeast of the island. Next up is Haad Rin. The beach is quiet and calm, there are not many places to stay, and therefore there are few people. Most often people come here for one day just to relax and swim in the clean and calm sea. 
The greenest island in Thailand
So it is considered. Even the kings of Thailand are among Phangan's fans. Here, even ordinary bushes, palm trees and grass have such a special green color.
What kind of tourists come to Koh Phangan
The huge number of European youth immediately catches your eye. On the contrary, there are few Russian tourists. They write that for the most part Russians simply live on Koh Phangan or fly in for the winter with their children.
And returning to the youth, it is clear that our average graduate does not have the opportunity to save enough money and rush off to travel around Asia for a couple of months. So the European youth completely occupied Phangan.
Observation decks with bars
The island of Koh Phangan is full of bars with observation decks. Great idea. The views from the observation decks are different because they are located in different parts of the island. 
Roads on Koh Phangan
A very unexpected fact was the quality of asphalt roads in Koh Phangan. It is very high. But the terrain is mountainous, the roads are winding and narrow in places. During the rainy season, it often happens that the mountain comes down onto the roadway.
Mountainous terrain and winding roads do not allow high speeds. Those who want to drive are nevertheless visible. They are distinguished by the presence of bandages and plaster. You shouldn't experience the steep turns on Koh Phangan. Even experienced drivers can't handle driving here. Be careful and better move between beaches on four wheels, i.e. by taxi! 
Hotels on the beaches
There are many on Koh Phangan good hotels, and the price is very low. For 1,000 baht per day you can easily find a decent hotel on the first coastline. The hotels are mostly clean and new, with many rooms with air conditioning.
Hotels in Koh Phangan:
| Hotel | Stardom | Discount | Price per night, from | Select dates |
Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort and Spa | ★★★★★ | 11 487 9 404 | ||
Zama Resort (ex. Niramon Sunview Resort) | ★★★★ | 4 355 3 345 | ||
Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L'Occitane | ★★★★★ | 14 580 10 414 | ||
Buri Rasa Koh Phangan | ★★★★ | 10 099 8 394 | ||
The Coast Resort Koh Phangan | ★★★★ | 7 069 4 607 |
A special feature of Phangan hotels is deposits. Most hotels require a deposit.
Shops, markets, fruits on Koh Phangan
7-Eleven stores are not available everywhere. Tested on the following beaches: Had Rin, Thong Nai Pan Yai, Chaloklam, Had Yao, Srithanu. Also available in Thongsala. Prices are about 10% higher than mainland prices.
There are also medium-sized supermarkets in Thongsala near the pier: Tesco Lotus, Big C and Makro.
There are two main markets on the island. Both are again in the Thongsala area.
The makashnitsa that Russian tourists love are very rare.
Another feature of holidays on the islands is that there is a problem with fruit. Fruit stalls, with a poor choice, and not on all beaches. So it’s not easy for those who love non-meat food on Koh Phangan.
Phangan. Attractions
Koh Phangan Island is not full of attractions. Several temples and neighboring islands.
Wat Pho Temple
The temple is located near Ban Tai Beach, between Haad Rin and Thongsala. Tourists often come here, but not primarily for the views of Thai architecture, the silence and tranquility of this place. 
The main goal is to visit the herbal sauna at the temple. In addition to these spa treatments, you can get a Thai massage here.
Wat Chakloklum
Apparently, Wat Chakloklum is located near the fishing village of the same name, which was discussed above. Therefore, the temple is more popular among the locals. This is what, in my opinion, makes him especially interesting. If you find yourself in the Chakloklum area, stop by and admire the white and gold façade and beautiful interior.
Ang Thong
An archipelago is located between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and the Thai mainland. This national park, an excursion there is very popular from Koh Samui, but you can also sail from Koh Phangan. The archipelago consists of 42 two tiny islands with a total area of only 18 sq. km. The uniqueness and beauty of this place is in its landscape: rocks, caves, rich vegetable world. 
Season on Koh Phangan
Compared to other regions and areas of Southern Thailand, Koh Phangan does not have distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two periods when rainfall increases - from May to July and from October to December.
Ko Phangan in autumn and winter: There are a lot of tourists, and as a result, hotel prices are inflated. The weather is not the best, waves, the sea throws garbage and algae onto the sand, low tides at night. But high season...
Ko Phangan in spring and summer: few tourists, discounts in hotels 50-70%, sunny weather, few or no waves, clear water, clean beaches, low tides during the day. Low season...
The high season on Koh Phangan lasts from November to February. It is called high not because during these months there is clear sunny weather and good sea. In winter, there is a large influx of tourists who fly to the Thai islands to bask. Peak season - December, New Year.
The rainiest months are October and November. And in winter the weather on Koh Phangan is rather tolerable, there are many sunny days, but there are also a lot of rainy and cloudy days. Probably, if you choose the winter months, then it is better to go in February-March. But in winter time tide season on Koh Phangan.
How to get there
The area of Koh Phangan is 125 sq. km. No place for an airport was found on such a small piece of land.
The closest airport to the island is on Koh Samui. Two major Thai airlines operate regular flights here from Bangkok - Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways.
Getting to Koh Phangan is not a problem from the mainland either. In any case, you need to take a ferry to the island itself. By the way, it departs from the same Donsak pier from which ferries go to Samui.
From the cities of Thailand, you can use private tourist or government buses to travel. Tourist bus tickets can be purchased at any agency. 
You can come to the island with your bike or even by car, then still by ferry.
From Donsak Pier the ferry takes 2.5 hours to reach Phangan. Arrival at Thongsala pier.
Opinion about the island of Koh Phangan
Beach holidays on Koh Phangan as a whole should be highly rated. Yes, many beaches are small, but the water is clear, a beautiful blue or greenish color of the sea, few waves, snow-white sand, beautiful views and privacy without a huge number of tourists. There are a large number of beaches to choose from.
Koh Phangan in Thailand (also Koh Phangan) is one of the popular tourist islands in the Gulf of Thailand in Thailand. Koh Phangan is located very close to its more popular and slightly larger neighbor - Koh Samui.
The island is part of the Koh Samui Archipelago, which includes two more large islands Koh Samui and Koh Tau, and many smaller islands.
The island is predominantly mountainous. Most of the island is occupied by tropical forests. There are several small waterfalls. Also, part of the island is used for agriculture and coconut plantations. The coast of the island is mostly rocky, but there are bays and sandy beaches.
Population The island population is about 14,000 people as of 2012
- Area – 125 km²
- The approximate perimeter of the island is 40 km.
- The highest point of the island is Mount Khao Ra, 630 meters.
- The distance to the mainland is about 55 km.
- Nearby islands/distance - Koh Samui (10 km), Koh Tao (35 km).
- The main city is Thongsala.
Transport.
The island is connected to the mainland and nearby islands by ferries; the port is located in the Thongsala area. Thongsala is the central port of the island. There is also a port in the Haad Rin area, from here you can sail to the neighboring island of Koh Samui.
The island can be reached in several ways. The first, the fastest, but also the most expensive is by plane to Koh Samui, then 15 minutes by bus and half an hour by boat (ticket purchased at the airport). The second option is by plane to the city of Surut Thani. From here by bus and then by ferry (you can also buy a ticket at the airport). You can use not a ferry, but a night boat - a large boat that sails all night. The third option is to take a bus from the center of Bangkok and take the Lompraya boat. The fourth option is that Koh Phangan can be reached from Phuket, only buses depart between 9-10 am.
The main transport used on the island is motorcycles and scooters, which are easy to rent. Most of The roads have a concrete surface and two lanes, but some of them are in poor condition - the roads pass through mountains and often have a strong slope and a sandy surface damaged by rainfall. In this regard, the most common injuries among tourists are those caused by falling from motorcycles. Taxis are often pickup trucks equipped with a roof and benches.
Some of the island's beaches can only be reached on foot or by boat, most boats depart from Haad Rin Beach and the fishing village of Chaloklum.
The island is especially popular among young people from all over the world. Most of the people who come here are young people from European countries. The island offers its guests excellent beaches, which are more “wild” than the polished and refined beaches of neighboring Samui or Phuket. Koh Phangan is also one of the best places in Thailand for diving and snorkeling. The atmosphere on the island as a whole is much calmer and in most places resembles a village, and on some beaches there is no tourist infrastructure at all.
Of course, Koh Phangan is somewhat inferior in popularity, amenities and attractions to Samui. But there is something about it that makes some tourists return here, and not to Koh Samui. The atmosphere on Koh Phangan is different than on Koh Samui. It is not so touristy, one might even say somewhat “hippie”, youthful.
If you are a lover of good rest at any time of the day (including at night), then this is an ideal place to relax. Koh Phangan is famous for its moonlight parties Full Moon Party, which traditionally take place on the new moon, that is, once a month, on Haad Rin Beach. At this time, crowds of young people flock here, and Full Moon Party is highly rated among all the most famous parties in the world. You can have a blast under the huge moon, feeling the fresh breeze and feeling the atmosphere of the event. This party lasts about three days, so you won’t be bored.
If you don’t want to hear the noise of young people having fun, then on Koh Phangan you can easily take refuge on one of the island’s many beaches, in places far from civilization to complete the exotic effect. After all, during the rest of the party time, Koh Phangan is the standard for a secluded holiday, with azure sea and the beauty of virgin nature. You will be able to fully enjoy the calmness of your holiday on the island, which has already become a rarity on the more popular islands of Thailand. You can hide under the shade of coconut trees, sheltering from the hot sun, and walk barefoot around sandy shores, which spread in a snow-white stripe along the sea. And the diversity of vegetation gives a holiday on this island a certain touch of romanticism.
Koh Phangan means strip of sand. When you watch the tides, you will notice numerous sandy islands.
Often, guests of Koh Phangan love a comprehensive holiday: doing yoga, having fun kiteboarding on the expanse of the sand spit, trekking through the jungle and taking boat trips.
This is information about Koh Phangan so that you have at least some idea of the island.
As for myself, having arrived at the main village of Thongsalu island and spent the night there, the next day I went to Haad Rin, the same one where noisy parties are held once a month.
The settlement of Haad Rin itself is not at all interesting, but the surroundings around it are very beautiful.
Around one o'clock in the afternoon, having checked into the hotel and having rested a bit, I went out to explore and go for a walk.
First of all, I headed to Haad Rin Beach, which is more precisely called Haad Rin Nok. It was quite cloudy that day, but the sun came out from time to time
Come to Thailand, and here you will have a good rest, gain new strength, and most importantly, decide how to proceed. In this article we will tell you about Koh Phangan, how to get there, about the open-air party - Full Moon Party, Interesting Facts, weather and prices.
If you are already thinking about going on a trip to the country of Siam, then be sure to turn your attention to Phangan, as the locals call it Koh Phangan. Those who have visited here at least once know that this is a real paradise on earth, and dream of returning here again!
This island is considered one of the most sought after resort areas, where vacationers want to go. You can often hear about it that this is the best place in all of Southeast Asia. Therefore, if you are thinking about a holiday in Thailand, be sure to pay attention to it.
Where is it located, map
The island of Koh Phangan on the world map will seem like just a small spot to you, but once you get here, you will completely change your mind. The population is about 10 thousand people. Most of them are from China. More than 90% of the population here professes Buddhism, and the rest is Muslim.
On Koh Phangan, more than half of the area is covered with mountains with forests and palm plantations. And if you are one of those who loves coconuts, then you will definitely love it here! The most unusual and varied, alcoholic and non-alcoholic coconut cocktails will delight you.
How to get to Koh Phangan from Bangkok?
There is no airport on this island.
Therefore, you can fly to Koh Samui or Surat Thani. Koh Samui is an island located next to Koh Phangan; Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and low-cost airlines Nok Air and Air Asia fly here.
From Samui or Surat Thani you can easily and without problems by water transport, it will take about 2.5 hours, ferries run several times a day. Below we will talk about this in more detail.
You can also get from Bangkok by bus, the bus goes to the island by ferry, ticket price is $20-30. The bus leaves from South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Taling Chan) Bangkok.
With the help of various online air ticket sales programs, finding the most successful and optimal one for you will not be difficult at all.
How to get from Saumi to Koh Phangan
If you fly to Koh Samui, there are many ferries between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; you can buy a bus+ferry combo right at the airport. Ferries depart from different piers: from Samui "Big Budda" boats go to Phangan's Haad Rin, and from Nathon and Mae Nam - to the main Phangan port of Thong Sala. Ferries cost 200-300 baht one way ().
The best disco on Koh Phangan
If you don’t know yet, Koh Phangan is one of the top five largest and most popular islands in all of Thailand. It has one unique feature that makes it so popular and famous. As many young people might have already guessed, we are talking about the Full Moon Party.
This is such a huge and truly grandiose open-air party. This party can accommodate several thousand people who will spend an unforgettable time here. A huge number of young people rush here precisely for this reason! And it’s worth noting that it’s not in vain! After all, you won’t get such adrenaline and emotions from nightlife anywhere else! Magnificent nature there are mountains around, forests, palm trees and a chic beach disco, will delight any person, even if he does not like parties.
The creators of this party guarantee that you will not find anything like it on any beach! Therefore, do not miss this event if you are already here!
Holidays on Koh Phangan will be a real holiday for your soul! Therefore, hurry up to come here and get your portion of unforgettable emotions!
Facts about Koh Phangan
The island covers an area of 170 square meters. km. It is located in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand, part of the Samui archipelago, located next to Koh Samui and the province of Surat Thani. Its perimeter is approximately 50 km. So you can roughly imagine what size it is.
The name itself, translated from Thai, means “barrier of sand.” And this is absolutely no coincidence! You will notice that the coast of the island is distinguished by the fact that it is quite shallow. During low tide, sand deposits remain around it, from which a network of small islands grows. By the way, this is a very good quality. Thanks to this, no matter what the weather is here, the coastal waters remain calm, which allows you to swim in them, even in strong winds, because the force of the waves will not be strong.
Weather in Koh Phangan
The air temperature during the day is 29-32 degrees, and at night - 24-26, which is not too different.
The weather on Koh Phangan is quite stable. Therefore, this place is very comfortable.
Prices on Koh Phangan
Prices for groceries and food in cafes are on average 15% higher than in neighboring Samui, even 7/11 prices are higher than the Thai average.
Prices for accommodation such as a bungalow on the beach start from 400 baht per day.
During the Full Moon Party there are special prices for accommodation, and can be twice as high as usual.
Beaches on Koh Phangan
The beaches of Koh Phangan are some of the most amazing places, where you can have a wonderful relaxation near the water. The best ones:
- Haad Rin. This is the territory of noisy parties.
- Baan Tai. From here you can easily reach national parks.
- Tong Sala. It is considered the main village of the island.
- Voctum Bay. It has a pleasant and calm atmosphere.
Renting housing on Koh Phangan
The main question is your accommodation on Koh Phangan. You have several options for where you can stay comfortably. This:
- House rent
- Villa rental
- Hotels.
Hotel prices
Each option presented will be convenient and comfortable for you, you just need to take into account several important factors.
- Do you need a quiet or noisy area?
- Are you coming to relax with your family or company?
- What is your purpose for coming to Koh Phangan - parties, relaxing by the water, visiting the sights.
Answer these questions for yourself, and you can easily choose the most suitable option. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance and find all the interesting things nearby.
Video
Koh Phangan has white soft sand, a clean and calm sea, mountains and forests. It seems that there is no more suitable place for a secluded, have a relaxing holiday for soul and body. It seems to me that this is so. But besides this, Koh Phangan is the epicenter of reckless, unbridled fun, which is why the island is called Thai Ibiza. The largest open air event in the country and even in all of Southeast Asia takes place here – the monthly Full Moon Party. This full moon party has become so popular that it attracts several thousand people every month.
Attending the Full Moon Party was the main goal of my trip to Koh Phangan, but it turned out that the party is not the only thing worth traveling to this island for.
How to get there
By plane
Clue:
Koh Phangan - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow − 4
Kazan − 4
Samara − 3
Ekaterinburg − 2
Novosibirsk 0
Vladivostok 3
How to get there
Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 56 km from the mainland and 15 km from the larger and more popular tourist island. From the Thai capital you can get here by plane and bus, and then by ferry.
By plane
The area of Koh Phangan is 125 sq. km. There is no airport on such a small piece of land. Therefore, from Bangkok you first need to fly to one of the four air hubs located in relative proximity to Koh Phangan.
The closest airport to the island is on Koh Samui. Two major Thai airlines operate regular flights here from Bangkok - Bangkok Airways And Thai Airways. Ticket prices start from 100 USD or 3500 baht - not cheap, in my opinion. Thai Airways also operates flights to Samui with a connection in Bangkok, which can last up to a day. Prices for two-segment tickets from Moscow are almost 30 thousand rubles, although if you check different dates, you can find cheaper ones, from 26,700 rubles. Ticket price options can be viewed.
Both airlines operate flights from Bangkok. international airport Suvarnabhumi, where most airliners from other countries, including Russia, arrive. This airport is good because you can get here by metro without transfers by bus or taxi.
Low-cost airlines in Thailand
If you want to save money, you can use the services of low-cost airlines that fly from Bangkok to the centers southern provinces Thailand: Surat Thani, Chumphon and Nakhon Si Thammarat. 
Flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani are operated by the famous Asian low-cost airline AirAsia: several flights per day for a bus price - from 890 baht (26 USD). And also Nokair and Indonesian LionAir. Ticket prices range from 23.5 and 25 USD (800 and 850 baht), respectively. Another Thai low-cost airline, Thai Smile, will fly to Surat Thani for almost 30 USD (1050 baht).
Nokair (23 USD, from 790 baht) and LionAir (25 USD, from 850 baht) fly from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Nokair also operates flights from the capital to Chumphon- the center of the province of the same name, which includes the Chumphon archipelago. Prices for this route are higher – from 32 USD (1100 baht).
Total: four low-cost airlines fly to Surat Thani (plus the national Thai carrier Thai Airways, but its tickets cost from 73.5 USD (2,500 baht), two to Nakhon Si Thammarat and one to Chumphon.
All low-cost airlines (except Thai Smile) are served by the old Bangkok Don Muang Airport. From the city you will have to get here by metro, and then by bus, tuk-tuk or taxi. There is a free shuttle from Suvarnabhumi to Don Mueang. If you need to move from one airport to another, this is the most convenient way. However, keep in mind that due to traffic jams, which are not uncommon in Bangkok, the journey may take two hours. Remember this when planning your route so as not to miss your plane.
AirAsia has a convenient option - a combined ticket, which includes a bus transfer from the airport to the pier and a ferry to the islands. Departure from Bangkok, arrival in Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat, then by bus to Donsak pier, from there by ferry.
From all of the above points, ferries and high-speed catamarans, the so-called speed boats, go to Koh Phangan. More on this below.
By bus
By ferry
In my opinion, the most convenient way to get to Phangan is through Surat Thani: from here you can sail directly to Phangan or make a stop on Samui. By the way, sometimes this stop is forced: there are fewer ferries to Koh Phangan than to Koh Samui, they run less frequently, and if you are late for one of them, you will have to go all the way through this island. In this case, you will first arrive in Koh Samui and then take a boat to Koh Phangan (the islands are connected ferry crossing). This is exactly what happened to me: I was late for the direct ferry to Koh Phangan and had to walk around Samui for almost 6 hours.
The pier in Surat Thani is called Donsak pier. This is a real maritime transport hub, from where they depart passenger ships to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and small islands nearby. It has several piers located in different places, from where ferries and catamarans run to various points: to Koh Phangan, to piers on Samui, etc. If you are traveling on a tourist bus, tell the driver where you are going. He will make a stop near the desired pier. If you get to the pier by taxi from the airport or bus station where state buses arrive (Donsak is 45 km from the city center), also tell the driver about this in advance - he will take you to the right place.
The Donsak–Khangan route is served by several ferry companies:
- FerriSamui (6.2 USD, 210 baht),
- Seatran (13.2 USD, 450 baht),
- Raja Ferri Port (6.2 USD, 210 baht).
Travel time is 2.5 hours. Ships arrive at the pier of the city of Thongsala - the main settlement islands.
FerriSamui (13.5 USD, 460 baht) and Seatran (20.5 USD, 700 baht) are transported from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Koh Phangan. Travel time is from 5 to 8.5 hours. It takes so long because the route is built through the Donsak pier, and the duration of the trip depends on the ferry departure time. But there is one plus here: the ferry ticket includes transfer from the city airport to the pier.
To get to Koh Phangan from Chumphon, you can use the services of the same FerriSamui (21 USD, 720 baht) or Songserm (23.5 USD, 800 baht). The pier in Chumphon is called Mataphone. From here, ferries do not go directly to Koh Phangan; they make a stop at the nearby island of Koh Tao. You will not have to transfer to another ship. Travel time is 4.5 hours.
Clue:
Koh Phangan - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow − 4
Kazan − 4
Samara − 3
Ekaterinburg − 2
Novosibirsk 0
Vladivostok 3
Koh Phangan - monthly weather
Clue:
Koh Phangan - monthly weather
When is the season? When is the best time to go
Compared to other regions of Southeast Asia and areas of Southern Thailand, there are no distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two periods when rainfall increases - from May to July and from October to December. For those who are used to relaxing on, it seems to me that it will be a little unusual, because... when there is heavy rain (June-September), Koh Phangan is relatively dry. But Samui regulars won’t have to adapt – the weather on the islands is the same.
Koh Phangan in summer
During the summer months, the island receives little rainfall compared to other areas of the country. In May and July there are the most of them - 140-160 mm. The rains are mostly short-lived and fall at night. The air temperature warms up to +36 degrees. The truly humid period is still far away, but the air at this time is still humid. In summer, it’s good to sunbathe on Phangan, but swimming in the sea is not very comfortable: due to the monsoon, the amount of plankton in the water increases. In addition, during the summer months there are strong daytime tides.
To escape the heat, I recommend heading to Tan Sadet National Park. Dense vegetation provides shelter from the scorching sun, and due to the greater amount of rain compared to the winter and spring months, the waterfalls become wider. At this time of year there are still many tourists on Koh Phangan who prefer admiring nature to a beach holiday.
Koh Phangan in autumn
As autumn approaches, the amount of precipitation on the island increases. If in September, as in summer, there are few of them, then in October it rains often. Their peak occurs in November - this is the time of daily showers for many hours. The air temperature drops and can drop to +25 degrees. The water in the sea is muddy, and the gusty wind is blowing big waves.
There are very few vacationers during this period; there is practically nothing to do on the island. Swimming and sunbathing will not be possible due to the weather; country dirt roads are washed away by rain; incessant downpours make it difficult to get anywhere.
Koh Phangan in spring
In spring, the weather on Koh Phangan is very comfortable. The sky is clear, there is little precipitation, the sea is clean and calm, the air temperature is high - up to +32 degrees. It rains, but mostly at night and lasts about an hour. There are the fewest of them in March. This time is suitable for a beach holiday, and trips around the island will also be comfortable.
Spring is a good time to visit Koh Phangan also because in April the island, like the rest of the country, celebrates Thai New Year Songkran.
Koh Phangan in winter
In winter, the climate on the island changes. At the beginning of the season, in December, there is still a lot of rainfall, but gradually it becomes less and less, and in February there is almost no rain. The dry season means there are no clouds in the sky and no waves in the sea - an ideal time for a beach holiday. Air temperature – +28-30 degrees.
In my opinion, February and March are the most best time for a holiday on Koh Phangan. I’m not the only one who thinks so: this is the time when most vacationers come to the island.
Koh Phangan - monthly weather
Clue:
Koh Phangan - monthly weather
Conditional areas. Descriptions and features
There is no special division into districts on Koh Phangan. There is Haad Rin, Thongsala and everything else. When choosing an area, you need to be guided by two things. The first is your wishes and plans for your vacation. If you want noisy parties, then it is better to choose Haad Rin and the small beaches nearby. If you want peace and privacy, then your choice is the small beaches in the north and east of the island.
The second thing to keep in mind is the season and length of stay. This is important because some coastal areas of the island experience long low tides. If you are planning a holiday on Koh Phangan summer time, it is better to choose small cove beaches on the east coast - there are almost no low tides there.
- Haad Rin. This is not only the largest and most popular beach in Koh Phangan, it is an entire area. Most vacationers and winterers prefer to settle here. There are many hotels, hostels, restaurants, cafes and shops in the Haad Rin area. In addition, from here you can quickly get to the main town of Koh Phangan - Thongsala. And from Haad Rin Pier you can go to Koh Samui.
- Thongsala is the center of the island. It is located in the southwest. Have a nice beach there is no recreation here, but, like in any city, there are bank branches, clinics, shops and a market. Thongsala is a port city, albeit a small one. It connects Koh Phangan with neighboring islands and the “mainland”.
For myself, I chose Haad Rin to be at the epicenter of the island’s nightlife and easily find myself at the Full Moon Party.
What are the prices for holidays?
Koh Phangan does not sell package tours, so there are no large chain hotels here, and accommodation is much cheaper than on Samui and Phuket. There are small hotels, apartments, hostels and bungalows to suit every taste and budget.
People most often come to Koh Phangan for a long period of 2-4 months, and many places are aimed specifically at winterers. The cost of living in a bungalow or hostel is on average 9-12 USD (300-400 baht) per day. A hotel room will cost 14.7-20.5 USD (500-700 baht). For long-term rentals - discounts. Also, housing will cost less in the off-season: from May to November. It is convenient to choose and book accommodation on. You can look at prices for apartments, and compare the cost of hotel rooms by.
It is worth considering that prices for housing, especially budget ones, increase a few days before the Full Moon Party, because... Many tourists come to the island for the festival. This also means that you may not find a free room 2-3 days before and after the party.
But seasonality and the approach of the main event of the month have almost no effect on food prices. The average bill in a cafe is 6-8 USD (200-300 baht).
Main attractions. What to see
Top 5
Koh Phangan is not rich in attractions, but if you decide to spend at least a month here (a beach holiday will probably get pretty boring after 30 days), I think you will have something to do and see. Here are my tips.
Than Sadet National Park
Perhaps this is the main attraction of the island. The name of the park is translated from Thai as “Royal River”. It’s not difficult to guess by the name of the river flowing here. In the park there are two waterfalls formed by the waters of the Royal River, a lake and the highest point of Phangan - Mount Ra (630 m).
Tan Sadet and Phaeng waterfalls
The waterfalls are located in national park. Tan Sadet is the largest waterfall on the island. It is part of the river, formed right in the riverbed due to the difference in altitude (the area here is hilly). Streams of water cascade down and continue flowing.
Paeng is also very handsome. There is a steep path leading to it, so the climb will take some time. But next to the waterfall there is a Observation deck, with which you can admire beautiful view to streams of water. From here you can climb Mount Ra - the journey will take about two hours at a leisurely pace.
Fishing village of Chaloklum
Situated in the north of the island, on the shores of a small bay of the same name, this village is one of the few remaining traditional fishing villages in the Chumphon archipelago. Here, as before, the entire life of people is built near the water and is entirely dependent on the sea.
Chinese Guan Yin Temple
This old temple bears the name of a Chinese goddess. According to mythology, she patronizes women, children and those whose activities are related to trade. Guan Yin Temple is located in the northern part of Koh Phangan.
Wat Phu Khao Noi Temple
This temple is the oldest on the island. Located on a small hill near Thongsal. Opens from the temple grounds panoramic view to surrounding areas.
Beaches. Which ones are better
Phangan was chosen by winterers of two categories: fans of parties and lovers of nature and solitude. Everyone who does not belong to one of these groups most often comes to Koh Phangan for a short period of time, for reconnaissance. And if your visit is not a one-day excursion from Samui, choose a beach for relaxation according to your preferences.
Most of Koh Phangan's beaches have fine sand, calm shallow seas with clear water and a gently sloping shore. All this, it seems to me, creates good conditions for swimming, and developed infrastructure - for good rest. We will consider the most best beaches, moving north from Haad Rin clockwise.
Haad Rin
The Haad Rin area is located in the south of the island and occupies a small peninsula, an outcropping of land. It includes two beaches: Haad Rin Nok And Haad Rin Nai. The first one is located in the eastern part of the peninsula, so sunrises are seen here. The second is in the west of the peninsula, and here there are sunsets.
These beaches are called Sunrise Beach and Sunset Beach. Haad Rin Nok is a large beach with a wide strip of sand. The Full Moon Party is held here every month. Lovers of nightclubs, bars and dancing until the morning prefer to settle on this beach. This place is not suitable for a quiet, secluded holiday. Haad Rin Nai is a very small beach. It is quiet and secluded here, but if you wish, you can walk to Haad Rin Nok and plunge headlong into the fun. This is exactly what I chose for my stay on Koh Phangan.
Both beaches are adjacent to the village of Haad Rin, where there are many shops, cafes, and guesthouses.
Ban Khai
If you move along the coastline from Haad Rin to the northwest towards Thongsal, you will next come across Ban Kai beach. There are also many restaurants, bars and shops here, but not as noisy and crowded as Haad Rin.
Ban Thai
This beach is also suitable for nightlife. Once a month the Black Moon Culture party takes place here.
Bang Charu
If you want to live closer to the administrative center of the island, then, I think, it is better to settle here. The beach is much cleaner than in Thongsala itself, and the town can be quickly reached along a paved road that runs nearby parallel to the coastline.
Thongsala
The beach at Thongsala is not suitable for swimming or sunbathing. There is a port and a parking lot for local residents' boats, so the sea is dirty. But housing here is cheaper than in Haad Rin and on the nearby beaches.
Sritanau
This beach is located north of Thongsal. It is not crowded and clean. Nearby is Laem Son Lake, a favorite vacation spot for Thais.
Haad Chao Phao
Further north is Chao Pao Beach. There are more vacationers here than on Sritanau, but much less than in the Haad Rin area. Since Chao Pao is a small cove located on the west coast of the island, the tides are not so strong here and you can swim in any season. Although the depth near the shore is shallow.
Haad Yao
A popular beach in the northwest of Koh Phangan. It has everything you need for a relaxing beach holiday. The downside is that it’s a bit far from Thongsal and even more so from Haad Rin (the opposite side of the island).
Haad Salad
Also a popular beach. On average, housing prices here are higher than in neighboring areas (Haad Yao to the south, Mae Haad to the north). From here it is very close to Mae Haad beach and its calling card - Mae Island. There is a coral reef in the sea near this beach. Because of this, on the one hand, Haad Salad is suitable for snorkeling - you can rent a mask and fins and admire the corals. On the other hand, sometimes it is not very comfortable to swim. The entrance to the water is gentle, the depth is shallow, and if you move further into the sea, you can injure your feet on fragments of coral.
To go explore the underwater world, you can contact one of the dive centers, of which there are many on Haad Salad. The average cost is 30 USD (1000 baht). This amount includes equipment, short instruction (especially useful for beginners) and “casting” to depth - a boat trip to a distance sufficient for swimming.
Mae Haad
Even if you decide to settle in the south of the island in the Haad Rin area, it’s worth driving through the whole of Koh Phangan to spend a couple of days on this beach. For what? To walk along the seabed and reach the neighboring island. Little Koh Mae is located very close to Koh Phangan. The sea near the northern coast is shallow, because of this, during low tides the sandy bottom is exposed and a “road” is formed leading to Koh Mai.
If you get tired of the beach holiday, Mae Haad is a quick drive to Chaloklum, a traditional Thai fishing village.
Chaloklum
This is a bay in which there is a port and an adjacent fishing village. Therefore, the sea and beach here are dirtier than in other areas. Because of this, housing prices here are more affordable. In Chaloklum you can buy fresh seafood inexpensively from local fishermen. The place is popular mainly among surfers: the waves are higher in this area.
Bottle Beach
A small white sand beach is located next to Chaloklum. People usually come here for one day from neighboring areas - just to swim in the clear sea and lie in the shade of palm trees.
Thong Nai Pan Noi
The beach is located in the northeast of the island. It is deeper here than on the west coast of Koh Phangan and even than on neighboring Tong Nai Pan Yai. There are few hotels and shops here, and few vacationers. To get here, you need to drive across the entire island off-road, for which a motorcycle is more suitable than a car. Another option is by boat from Chakloklum.
Thong Nai Pan Yai
Further to the northeast is Tong Nai Pan Yai. The beach is located near Thong Nai Pan Noi. It cannot be called crowded and popular, because getting here is not easy - there is no proper road. If you travel from Thongsal, you will have to cross the entire island. But the nature here is beautiful. The sea is shallow, calm and clean, suitable for families with children.
Haad Sadet
The beach is located in the east of Koh Phangan. There is good depth here and there are waves. This place is suitable for surfing. If you want to ride the waves, keep in mind that there are no surf schools or rental equipment on the beach; you will have to bring it with you from another point on the island. On average, renting a full set of kite surfing equipment will cost 100-120 USD (3500-4000 baht) for a full day, windsurfing boards - 25 USD (850 baht).
Haad Yuan
Located in the southeast of the island, near the Haad Rin area. It is quiet and peaceful here, there are not many places to live, and therefore there are few people. Most often people come here one day just to relax and swim in the clean and calm sea.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Wat Pho Temple
This temple is located near Ban Tai Beach, between Haad Rin and Thongsala. Tourists often come here. But not only to admire Thai architecture or enjoy the silence and tranquility of this place. The main goal is to visit the herbal sauna at the temple. In addition to these spa treatments, you can get a Thai massage here.
Wat Chakloklum
Apparently, Wat Chakloklum is located near the fishing village of the same name, which was discussed above. Therefore, the temple is more popular among the locals. This is what, in my opinion, makes him especially interesting. If you find yourself in the Chakloklum area, stop by and admire the white and gold facade and beautiful interior.
Nearby Islands
- While relaxing on Koh Phangan, you can go to the island for a day - only 15 km and 30-45 minutes by speed boat or ferry. Here more entertainment, attractions and shops.
- An archipelago is located between the mainland of Thailand and the islands of Koh Phangan. Ang Thong. This is a national park where you can go on excursions. The archipelago consists of 42 two tiny islands with a total area of only 18 sq. km. The uniqueness and beauty of this place is in its landscape: rocks, caves, rich flora. On the island of Mae Ko there is a cave with salt lake inside, and at Wua Ta Lab you can climb the rocks and admire the view.
- There is a small island 35 km north of Koh Phangan Koh Tao. There are no strong currents in the sea near the island, the water is calm and clean, and the underwater world is rich and colorful. All these are ideal conditions for diving, especially for beginners. There are a lot of dive schools here. You can quickly get to Koh Tao by high-speed catamaran and spend a couple of days here.
Food. What to try
There is no shortage of cafes and restaurants on Koh Phangan, especially in the Haad Rin and Thongsala areas. The menu usually includes European, Indian and Thai dishes. Prices depend on the class of the establishment, but, in general, they are 10 percent lower than in neighboring Samui, where there are many more tourists, including “package tourists”.
In Thongsala, Haad Rin and on large beaches there are mobile stalls with street food: fruits, coconuts, rotti pancakes, rice or noodles with vegetables and meat (“khao pat thai” and “pat thai”).
If you want to eat where the locals do, head to Thongsala. There is a city market with a makeshift food court. Traditional simple Thai food will be prepared right in front of you: the same rice, noodles, pancakes, seafood. Of course, it will cost less than in a cafe. Be aware that the food may be spicy.
Features of mentality
It is called the land of smiles because of the friendliness and smiling nature of the Thai people. Sometimes this smile is misleading: it seems that there are no kinder and more hospitable people. Of course, there are many truly kind and polite Thais who are ready to help, but still a smile is part of etiquette, nothing more. Working for the benefit of tourists leaves its mark: for locals, foreigners are, first of all, a source of income, sometimes honest, sometimes not. This is typical for the whole country (and Koh Phangan is no exception), especially for southern regions, where there are more tourists. To be fair, I want to say that in the north of Thailand the mentality of the locals is different. There are fewer intrusive traders and cunning scammers here, people are more open and kind.
Holidays
Koh Phangan celebrates traditional Thai holidays, just like in other regions of the country. But the most famous event on the island is Full Moon Party. This is a gigantic party that takes place right on the beach - on the largest and most famous on the island - Haad Rin. The Full Moon Party is held once a month, on the full moon - it is believed that the full moon is best seen on Koh Phangan. This event attracts up to 50 thousand people every month. Full Moon Party - club music, the best DJs who often come to Koh Phangan specially to perform at the party, light and laser shows, dancing on the sand under the starry sky, a lot of alcohol and, unfortunately, drugs.
Koh Phangan is an island club, an island party. Regulars loved the Full Moon Party so much that over time, other “lunar” festivals became a tradition - Half Moon Party And Black Moon Culture. The first, as you might guess from the name, is dedicated to the transitional phases of the Moon - before and after the full moon. It is held twice a month in one of the island's clubs. The second is a party, which is also held once a month in one particular club, it has nothing to do with the “black moon” or lunar eclipse.
Safety. What to watch out for
The terrain on Koh Phangan is mountainous, and the roads have endless ups and downs, sometimes steep, turns and serpentines. In some places the roads have no asphalt surface. Therefore, the first thing you should be wary of on Koh Phangan is reckless drivers. It happens that a scooter or motorcycle rushes so fast or appears unexpectedly that the biker and pedestrian simply do not have time to notice each other. Alcohol and drug use is widespread on the island and is not controlled by anyone. This creates additional danger on the roads. I have repeatedly witnessed accidents, fortunately minor ones, caused by drunken bikers returning from another party.
On Koh Phangan, there are frequent cases of Thais deceiving vacationers. Most often this happens when traveling by taxi and making payments at the market. Be careful, check prices, check your change.
Things to do
Things to do
Not on Koh Phangan major cities and iconic landmarks. The island is suitable for a relaxing beach holiday. But you can also diversify it. For example, you can rent a mask and fins and go explore the underwater world of the Gulf of Thailand. Equipment rental points are available on all large and popular beaches. You can also devote time to taking care of your body: spa, Thai massage, yoga. There are spas and massage parlors in many bungalow complexes and hotels, as well as in Haad Rin and Thongsala. There are also yoga and Pilates studios in these villages and on some beaches: Ban Tai, Chao Pao, Sritanau and Chakloklum.
If you can't imagine a day without sports, attend an introductory Muay Thai training lesson. There are several training halls in Haad Rin and Thongsala. You can also watch matches here.
Another idea for an educational pastime is cooking courses. In a couple of hours of lessons you will be taught how to cook Thai dishes.
Shopping and shops
There are no big ones here shopping centers. There are many small shops in Thongsala where you can buy beach accessories, souvenirs and other small goods. 7/11 stores are located everywhere, even in remote areas of the island. There is a large Tesco Lotus supermarket in Thongsala.
Bars
- ESCOBAR is a bar in Thongsala. Billiards tournaments and other competitions with prizes for the winners, as well as themed parties are often held here.
- Guys bar holds weekly parties on Fridays. is located near Haad Yuan Beach in the southeast of the island. You can only get here by boat from Haad Rin Pier. Cost – 6 USD (200 baht), travel time – about 15 minutes.
- Drop In Bar is the oldest establishment on Koh Phangan. It opened in 1989 and has since grown from a small beach bar to a well-established night club. Located on Haad Rin Beach.
- Mac’s Bay is a bar at the hotel of the same name on Ban Tai beach. The monthly Black Moon Culture party takes place here.
- 4U is a small and cozy bar in Thongsala, opened several years ago by the Frenchman Fredo who settled on Koh Phangan. Here you can gather with a group of friends, drink beer and burgers and watch sports matches on TV.
- The Local Bar is a bar where Thais themselves like to gather. But this does not mean that Europeans will not like it there. Quite the contrary, foreigners also chose this place. Located on the main street in Thongsala, close to the port.
Clubs and nightlife
Extreme Sports
Koh Phangan is not very suitable for surfing or diving - there are almost no high waves here, and the depth of the coastal waters is shallow. However, the weather here is suitable for kite surfing. Several kite schools, where you can take lessons and rent equipment, are located on the west coast of the island, on the beaches between Thongsala and Haad Rin.
How to get around the region
The best way to get around the island is on mopeds and motorcycles. It’s faster and more convenient, especially since in some places the asphalt roads turn into gravel. You can rent a bike in Thongsala, Haad Rin and near major beaches at any rental company office. There are rental points at bungalow complexes and hotels. Cost – 3-4.5 USD (100-150 baht) per day. Be careful when choosing a bike so as not to run into scammers. Inspect it, take a photograph and point out to the manager all dents, scratches and chips on the body, take photographs of all defects. Very often, when returning, company employees try to impose a fine for previously caused damage.
Taxi. What features exist
Taxi is not a very convenient way to travel. Due to bad roads, drivers may refuse to take you somewhere; in addition, the cost of travel is high. Taxi drivers do not like to use the meter and overcharge tourists. On average, a trip around the island will cost 15-20 USD. This is approximately 500-700 baht.
Public transport
From public transport There are only songthaew minibuses on the island. But this method of transportation is not very good either. The songthaew will not always take you to the right place. Travel is also not cheap. For a short trip from Thongsal to Haad Rin they ask for 3 USD (100 baht).
Transport rental
In the paragraph about taxis and transport in general, I already wrote that a car is not everywhere and can always get through, so this type of transport is not popular.
How to get around the region
Koh Phangan - holidays with children
There are no hotels on Koh Phangan that are aimed at families with children. Nevertheless, people come with children - for a long time or for several days. For family vacation you can choose apartments on one of the beaches with clear sea and small depth. It is worth keeping in mind that there are no specially equipped children's areas and water activities on Koh Phangan.
In general, Koh Phangan is not very good for families with children: there are many noisy places, the infrastructure is aimed at young people, and it is not always possible to get to the right place comfortably. If you are faced with choosing a place for a family holiday, it is better to prefer neighboring Samui.
Ski holiday
Ski holiday
5 must-do things in this region
- Attend the Full Moon Party. Even if you are not a fan of clubs and an ardent opponent of alcohol, this grandiose event is worth watching. You can become a full-fledged participant by coming to Haad Rin and starting to dance (no one forces you to drink). Or you can come or come from neighboring areas and watch the light show and listen to music.
- Visit the herbal sauna at the temple. There is a herbal sauna at Wat Pho that anyone can use. Visitors can enjoy a full-fledged spa treatment: a traditional Thai hot sauna with medicinal herbal mixture. You can also book a Thai massage here. The herbal sauna is open every day from 15 to 18 hours, the cost is 1.5 USD (50 baht). Massage is paid separately, the price depends on the duration.
- Go to a massage parlour. In Asian countries, different types of massage are very popular. And each has its own traditional one: Chinese foot massage, Balinese with aromatic oils, Thai body massage, etc. Here on Koh Phangan you can try a wide variety of massage practices. And of course, when you are in Thailand, go to the masters of Thai traditional massage, which is unlike any other. There are massage rooms near any beach, in hotels, hostels and bungalow complexes. The cost depends on the duration - on average it is 0.25-3 USD (8-100 baht). And the intensity depends on your desire.
- Dine at the Thongsala street food market. Every Saturday, traffic is blocked on the street adjacent to the port in Thongsala. From 16:00 to 20:00 the Street food market takes place here. There are many stalls with traditional Thai, Chinese and Indian food that you can buy and eat right here. You can also buy souvenirs at this impromptu market.
- Enjoy the beauty of nature. The nature of the tropical islands is bright and colorful. There are many places on Koh Phangan where you can see natural attractions. Drive around the island in search of secluded coves, climb to waterfalls and to the top of Mount Ra in Tan Sadet National Park, snorkel near the Ang Thong Islands, scuba dive near Koh Tao - the beauty of Thailand will appear before your eyes.
