Phangan, also known as Phangan (Kho Phangan) is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand with an area of 125 square km. The name of the island has the following origin. Particle "Ko" means "island" and the second part - "Ngan" translated as "sand spit".
The attractions of Koh Phangan are plentiful and worthy of admiration. The island is located at a distance of 56 km from the mainland, the distance from neighboring islands is as follows. Koh Phangan is 16 km away from Koh Samui and 35 km from Koh Tao.
Just as the sun is destined to rise in the sky, just as spring is destined to come after winter, so Koh Phangan, due to its incredible beauty, was destined to satisfy tourists who want to relax and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a beautiful oasis.
Koh Phangan Island and tourism
What is noteworthy is that the tourism business on the island began to function not so long ago, less than thirty years ago. However, at the moment, the island of Koh Phangan has become the epicenter of popularity among young Europeans. And all thanks to the opportunity to take part in entertaining events and vibrant parties in the southern part of the island.
This resort is universal. Because in addition to lovers of noise, music and vivid impressions, the souls of people who want to indulge in a quiet, blissful holiday in the lap of peaceful and beautiful nature can also find shelter there. The second category of tourists can find everything they want in the west and north of the country, full of harmony and exoticism.
Full Moon Party
The island of Koh Phangan in Thailand may differ from other resorts with a unique celebration called Full Moon Party - a delightful celebration held directly in the lap of nature, hundreds of participants take part in it at one time.
Events take place monthly in the middle of the night. Any such event is attended by thousands of lovers of a good holiday from different parts of the globe. Local residents claim that at the chosen point the full moon is most beautiful and attractive. The event takes place over 3 nights. The main trends in the musical accompaniment are modern styles, which young audiences love to party to.
The tradition started in 1985. Today, a pass to the celebration costs 100 baht. These rates are valid for visitors using boats to moor near the venue on the day of the celebration. People arrive from . For all other visitors, admission to the celebration is free.
Haad Rin Nok Beach
The holiday is held inside the territory Haad Rin Nok beach . At your disposal are nightclubs, cozy bars, dance areas, shops where you can buy something to eat or quench your thirst. Especially popular among young people is the plastic cocktail bucket, where fancy combinations of cocktails can be created.
Haad Rin Beach is full of hotels. But, despite their great number, on party days they are completely occupied by numerous people who want to become part of a wonderful celebration.
We can give you some practical advice: when going on a trip, you need to book a hotel room a month, or even two, in advance, so as not to really spend your entire vacation on the sand. In this area there is a transport called Songthaew - these are cars with a canopy, inside of which there are benches on which passengers sit. During festive events, a large number of these pickup trucks are busy transporting tourists. You can ride this pickup truck for 300-600 baht per passenger for one direct flight.
Having got a taste for it, and not wanting to stop purely within the Full Moon Party, local residents introduced a number of other events:
- Half Moon Party,
- Black Moon Party,
- Jungle Experience, these parties are also in demand.
What makes them different from Full Moon Party is that they take place in the middle of an island jungle and have a special specificity and goals. The timing of the events is not the same, so every tourist has the right to attend several parties at the same time. For example, the Jungle Experience takes place on the same day as the Full Moon Party.
If you are a sports fan, you will definitely like it here. Since this resort has many chances and options to relax actively and get thrills using water sports and entertainment. If you have arrived on the island in order to give peace to your soul and delight your eyes with beauty, you have at your disposal the wild beauty of pristine nature, deserted beaches that look like a piece of paradise, and a calm, quiet life.
Koh Phangan - prices
- Transportation by road from Thongsala to many parts of the island costs 140-200 baht per person.
- A scooter ride can cost from 200 baht per day.
- Residential rental costs from 300 baht per day.
- Food costs from 110 baht per tourist for one meal in a wonderful restaurant or cozy cafe.
How to get to Koh Phangan
There are the following options for the path to a resting point, where now not only your thoughts and dreams, but also you yourself can rush:
- You have the opportunity to travel to the island by air from. Koh Phangan is deprived of an airport.
- The points from which you can continue your journey after your flight are Surat Thani and.
Flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui cannot be called cheap, but they can certainly be called the fastest and most comfortable. You can get to the pier from the airport by car. Then take a ferry for a fabulous voyage to Koh Phangan.
The cost of ferry transportation is 200-300 baht one way. To avoid worries regarding the organization of the transport chain and the timing of flights, at the point of departure by air on Samui, it is recommended to take advantage of the opportunity to buy a combined ticket, which includes transportation by bus and a ferry trip.
Method 1
Let's consider the following option. You can fly to a nearby airport in Surat Thani . Our advice is to use the services of local airline companies, as their prices look much more tempting and attractive. The most profitable option is to engage the services of the following companies that have managed to establish themselves as a responsible and attentive transport service provider to the wishes of clients:
- Thai Smile,
- Lion Air,
- Nok Air,
- AirAsia.
Air carriers Air Asia and Nok Air provide the opportunity to purchase combined ticket (Joint ticket) , which includes plane + ferry + bus, is a very convenient option for people who want to pay more attention to their vacation rather than its organization.
Ticket prices from Bangkok to Surat Thani fluctuates around the level 1300 baht, for flights operating in the evening after 17.00 you can often get discounts, so you have the opportunity to get tickets for 600 baht (there are no return flights from Surat Thani).
Method 2
The next way to get to the resort is transportation by bus . Buses operate to a stop in the city of Surat Thani. Here you have the opportunity to purchase a comprehensive ticket. This will give you the opportunity to travel by bus to Donsak pier and take a ferry to Koh Phangan. If you like this method, take it into account in your budget, leaving for this trip 300 baht. In addition, there are flights departing directly to the Donsak pier. From here there is the possibility of departure by ferry.
The Bangkok-Surat Thani flight operates from the Bus Terminal in the south of Bangkok (Sai Tai Mai or Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal). Flight price approx. 500 baht, it is possible to choose a bus class.
With the help of vehicles, you can easily get to Surat Thani from anywhere in the southern part of the country: Krabi, Hat Yai and other resorts.
Koh Phangan island what to see
There is no better creation of art than what is created by nature. The beaches of the island are the most attractive and entertaining part of it. As well as beautiful waterfalls and exotic nature. For natural energy and freshness, head to Than Sadet Park. You can get there at any convenient time without any entrance fee.
Admire the multi-tiered Peang waterfall, Lake Laem Son surrounded by coconut palms. Great places to relax. Must visit Wat Thong Sala temple .
It's great to visit Koh Phangan with children. Here they will find not only a lot of interesting entertainment. But in general, such a trip is an unforgettable experience for a lifetime. Something that your child will remember at a conscious age as a children's fairy tale, a wonderful kingdom of beauty and nature... Where you will definitely want to return and bring your children.
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 are, of course, talking about the 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 with 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.
The local population numbers 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, which a modern person cannot do without.
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 that runs close to the coast runs only from Haad Rin to Chaloklum village and Haad Khom beach 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, which 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 active recreation, you like everything unusual and new, then you can enjoy elephant riding, 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 there is a wide selection of 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.
Phangan, an island in Thailand, has become very popular among tourists. People come here to relax from the bustle of the city.
The place is distinguished by deserted beaches and wild nature. Only once a month does it get crowded: on a full moon, a youth party with cocktails in a bucket is held on Haad Rin beach.
In contact with
Island on the map of Thailand
The name translates from Thai as “sand barrier”. On the map, Phangan Island or Kho Phangan looks very small, but in reality it is one of the large islands of Thailand.
It is about 15 km in diameter and its area is 170 square meters. km. It is located in the southwest of the Gulf of Thailand, 55 km from the mainland. During low tide, many small shallows appear around, forming a kind of obstacle to the waves. Thanks to this, the water on the beaches is always calm.
The landscape is not very diverse: half the territory is occupied by mountains and jungles, the rest by fields and beaches. If you look at a map of Thailand, you will see that its larger neighbor, Koh Samui, is located not far from the island of Koh Phangan.
Weather
Koh Phangan is warm all year round, but there is still a period that is not recommended for visiting the resort. The rainy season begins here from September to December. In December the rains begin to decline, and already in January dry weather sets in, ending in April. This is the best time to relax on Koh Phangan.
Separately, it is necessary to say about May and June. During these months it is also rainy here, but the weather is quite hot, you can sunbathe successfully, but it is better to refrain from swimming because of the dirty water.
A little about Thailand
Thailand is located in the southeastern part of Asia. This is a state with a constitutional monarchy, the head of which is the king. “Thai” translated into Russian means “freedom”; Thailand is the English name (“land of the Thais”).
It is not only the capital, but also a separate province; there are 77 of them in Thailand. The international name of the Thai currency is TNV; in everyday speech, Thai money is called the baht.
The peculiarity of the geographical location is its shape elongated from south to north; the distance between the extreme points is 1860 km. This explains the diversity of climatic zones. The population is multinational, but the majority are still Thais and Laotians. The country has developed agriculture; 9 million tons of rice are supplied to the world market from Thailand.
Thailand is one of the popular Asian tourist destinations. Tourism business is one of the main ones. There are different types of recreation available here: traditional, diving, searching for ways of enlightenment. This is a good place for a honeymoon, for seeking adventures of all kinds, and for a family vacation - everyone finds entertainment and relaxation for themselves.
It is important to know: they allow the transportation of a carton of cigarettes, a liter of alcohol, for excess there is a fine. And the import and export of drugs is punished extremely seriously.
Developed infrastructure and national customs coexist perfectly in one place. Tourists from Russia can vacation here without a visa, but not more than 30 days. Regulars are advised to take out insurance in advance for the entire duration of the trip.
How to get there
There is an opinion that it is impossible to get lost in Thailand. This may be true, but getting to Koh Phangan is not so easy. There are several routes, you just have to choose one of them:
- via Bangkok. There are two ways to get to the island: by plane and by tourist bus. The latter is more convenient: it will take you to the pier in Donsak, from where the ferry goes to Tong Sala - everything is simple;
- through Suarattani, the settlement closest to Koh Phangan on the mainland. There is also an airport here, the cost of tickets here is much lower, and you can buy a combined one: plane - bus - ferry;
- via Koh Samui. If you fly here from the capital of Thailand, then you need to get to the pier and transfer to water transport. Tourists from Russia land at Suvarnabhumi Airport, and the plane to Samui flies from here.
The most famous attractions
The main port and main city of the island is Thong Sala. There are large stores here, but even there the choice is small. There is a market here, but prices are higher than on the mainland. You can visit the evening market with Thai food.
You can relax, sunbathe and soak up the warm sand on the beaches of Sritanu, Ao Niad (Zen Beach) and Chao Pao.
The main attractions on Koh Phangan are parks, temples and natural beauty. Let's look at the most interesting ones.
Parks
Than Sadet National Park is named after the body of water in which it is located. The name of the park and river means "Royal River". The park owes its foundation and name to the visit of King Rama V to these places. The national park is a virgin corner of nature.
The most visited places are waterfalls, there are two of them. Than Sadet (Royal Stream) is a multi-stage waterfall. The steps are created by huge boulders; the length of this water cascade is about 3 km. Interestingly, the waterfall is considered sacred; water from it is even used for state ceremonies.
The second Phaeng waterfall is also attractive because there is an excellent observation deck next to it. But the path to the waterfall is thorny: a steep path about 300 m long leads to it. Comfortable shoes and a map of the area can make the hike easier, but not much. Near Phaeng there is a trail to the famous Mount Ra, from here in good weather the neighboring islands are visible.
Another amazing place in the park is Laem Son Lake. It is protected by the state, fishing is prohibited here, but sunbathing or relaxing in the shade of trees, bungee jumping, and swimming are allowed. Therefore, the lake is a fairly popular family vacation spot, especially on hot days. Moreover, admission is free and it is open to visitors around the clock. Perhaps the only drawback of the park is the road that leads here; during the rainy season it is almost impassable. It is better to go to the park on a tour or with a personal guide.
Safari Park is essentially an elephant nursery, located two kilometers from Chaloklum Beach. Here tourists are offered to ride elephants and watch the life of monkeys, squirrels, and snakes. Tourists are offered shows with crocodiles and snakes.
Ang Thong is not located on the island itself, but excursions are organized there. Ang Thong is a group of islands that, under the influence of natural phenomena, have acquired amazing shapes, which attracts tourists. There is also a salt lake, the Emerald Lake lagoon with a good beach, beautiful views.
Temples
For such a small island there are quite a lot of temples, which are the architectural landmarks of Koh Phangan.
Guan Yin- the temple of the goddess of mercy, personifying the feminine principle of Buddha. Erected on a hill in the traditions of Chinese architecture. It is located near the village of Chaloklam and is especially loved by women and traders. The temple is divided into several parts: the first with a statue of Guan Yin, another for meditation, and another for receiving guests. Admission is free, the temple is open only during the day. An asphalt road leads to the shrine.
Guan Yin
Wat Phu Khao Noi located near the Thong Sala pier. Elements of ancient Thai architecture, which abound in the building, create an unusual atmosphere. It's hard to find a better place to meditate. In the temple you can talk with the local monk about lofty topics. A dress code is observed here: revealing and transparent clothing is prohibited. Locals come here in the hope of finding good luck. And from the temple site a wonderful panorama opens.
Wat Phu Khao Noi
Wat Pho is located next to Thong Sala and has become popular for its herbal sauna. The healing properties of herbs and hot steam tone the body. Here you can enjoy a real Thai massage. The sauna is open in the afternoon; visitors give 50 baht as a donation to the temple.
What else can you see
Many people visit the Purina farm, where you can watch the pets and pet them, just like in a petting zoo. The mountainous terrain means the presence of observation platforms, of which there are many on Koh Phangan, but the roads leading to them leave much to be desired. Not far from Wat Phu Khao Noi there is mini golf where you can practice your accuracy.
Had Lila beaches
And the beaches with beautiful white sand are not a tourist attraction? It is important to remember that beaches are not always suitable for swimming. Strong low tides on the beaches occur during the full moon, the water can go up to 300 m. The southern and western beaches of Had Lila, Had Salad, Haad Yao Beach, and Sri Thanu are especially affected. Young people like to relax on Haad Rin, and for families it is better to visit Sri Thanu, Haad Salad, Haad Yao - there are no waves here.
Island hotels
Despite the small number of tourists on Koh Phangan, it is better to book a hotel in advance, especially during moonlight parties. Booking sites provide additional discounts. Many hotels have swimming pools, which are especially useful in bad weather.
All standard hotel services (internet, free bottled water, air conditioning, hygiene products) are provided. Upon eviction, the deposit for the key and safety of the property is returned. If the quality of housing is not important, then you can do without a reservation.
At the pier in Thong Sala, tuk-tukers even offer free delivery to your hotel. There are also bungalows on the beach with a minimum of amenities and at a reasonable price. But during the Full Moon Party, even here prices rise.
If you are going to independently vacation on the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand, then this photo article will help you decide which Koh Phangan beach to choose and which area of the island is more convenient to live in if you come on vacation or for the winter.
Choosing a beach on Koh Phangan is a very important issue, because due to low tides, some areas are unsuitable for swimming for six months.
Koh Phangan (aka Koh Phangan, aka Koh Phangan) is my favorite island in Thailand. What about in Thailand - on the whole planet. I’ve been there 8 times in different years, traveled far and wide, rented accommodation on different beaches, so I have some idea about the subject.
The content of the article:
When to go to Koh Phangan?
The tourist season on Koh Phangan is from December to March and from August to September. It is very hot here from April-May, and in October-November it is the rainy season on Koh Phangan.
Why go to Koh Phangan?
They say that Koh Phangan is the island of Karma, where what was deep inside is revealed. Its atmosphere is compared to Indian Goa, but this is only one side of the island.
On Koh Phangan, freaks in acid T-shirts, weed smokers with dreadlocks and quiet tattooed alcoholics coexist peacefully with yogis, prana-eaters and people who do not go to extremes and just came to Koh Phangan on vacation/wintering/reconnaissance.
My Koh Phangan is a ride along the hills on a scooter, along a rutted road to secret beaches. It's a fresh wind in your face and cold in the evenings. These are unhealthy fried potatoes from a bowl of oil at the market. And Had Salad. And madly in love. And Hadrin at night. And a hammock with mosquitoes. And Malibu. And I’m in love again... But all this is my island. You will have it yours.
Haad Rin beach in the south of Koh Phangan
Rental housing on Koh Phangan
Hotels and bungalows in advance or on site?
Koh Phangan is the place where it's better in advance book accommodation if you are traveling for a short period of time ( up to 1 month) and know exactly the dates of your trip.
Especially if the trip occurs in December-March or August-September.
Housing on Koh Phangan is very specific. Cheapest bungalows ( 10-20$ ), which are located near the beaches, are usually very simple and dark, and sometimes without hot water. Not everyone wants to spend their holidays there.
Cheap good hotels ( 25-40$ ) are often occupied during the season, and rooms in expensive hotels (from 80$ ) there is no point in renting on location because the prices on booking sites are the same or lower.
If you are traveling during the Full Moon Party, make sure to book in advance, because all budget options are always booked.
I once had to sleep for three nights in a hammock on my friends’ veranda, because the only available accommodation on the island was $200 hotels. Prices for the simplest bungalows had doubled or tripled, and even those storage rooms that had risen sharply in price were quickly booked by someone else while I was turning up my nose.
On normal days and in the low season, you can find accommodation on the spot (you need to ride a scooter and look, and know where exactly to look), but there is not much point in this.
I had an experience when, while on Koh Phangan, I looked for accommodation locally, asked prices at the hotel reception or in a bungalow and it turned out that the price for these same hotels on the Internet was lower than when paying on the spot. In the end, I still booked at Agoda while standing at the reception.
Full Moon Party, schedule 2017:
January 12
12th of February
March 12
11 April
May 11
the 9th of June
July 10
August 7
September 5
October 6
the 3rd of November
December 3
Which websites to book accommodation on?
Who you book with is your personal choice. If I need a hotel or condo in Asia, I use the search engine roomguru. It allows you to compare prices for the same hotel in all popular booking systems (agoda, booking, ozon, etc.) and shows where it is cheaper.
Then I book on the Agoda website (because sometimes it’s 5-10% cheaper) or Booking (because you can book without prepayment). On rumguru indicated final price per room including all taxes and surcharges.
Below are examples of prices for the Shiralea Resort hotel, found through roomguru. We see that the price for the same room when booking it on Booking is - 22$ , on agoda - 25$ , plus the booking provides free cancellation and deferred payment (you can book without paying). Therefore, it is more profitable to book this hotel through Booking.
BUT! Agoda has three big disadvantages:
- Prepayment. Payment must always be made immediately or two weeks before check-in. On booking, some hotels can be booked without payment
- Taxes. The price shown in Thailand hotel search results on Agoda does not include the Service Charge 10% and Hotel Tax 7% . The final amount to be paid can only be found out after clicking the “Book” button. But even taking into account the tax, the amount often turns out to be more profitable than on a booking. Need to check.
- Cancellation of reservation. If the booking booking conditions for most hotels provide for free cancellation, Agoda often states that the booking amount is non-refundable. If the trip is in doubt, it's better to overpay a few dollars and book on Booking.
If you go to booking on Agada, the price will increase to $165 (taxes 10+7%) House on Koh Phangan for a month or more
If you are going for the winter for several months, then you need to look for long-term houses locally. You arrive, take a bike to Thongsala (the main town of Koh Phangan) and go on a journey around the island in search of a cozy nest.
Where do the winterers live? If you need a quiet and inexpensive place, this is most likely the central part of the island in the palm groves (not on the beach), as well as the west or northwest: Sritanu, Vung Tau, Had Yao.
In the north - near the fishing village Chaloklam. In the southwest in the Thongsala area, if you haven’t found it, then go towards Ban Tai (many cheap bungalows). The beaches there are very bad, so if you need a beach near your home, then it’s better not to look at the Ban Tai and Thongsala areas.
There are many houses on Koh Phangan, but they are often booked in advance by people who constantly go to the island for the winter. If you go during the high season (November-February), then good inexpensive houses will be 80 percent occupied.
Mostly houses are not located on the beach, but in the central part of the island away from the beaches. You need to drive on internal roads and ask Thais. The average price for renting a house on Koh Phangan is 9-12,000 baht ( 250-350$ ) for six months to a year, and 12-16,000 baht ( 330-450$ ) for one month. During peak season prices may increase.
You can also look for a house for a short period of time (up to a month), but, firstly, during the season, Thais do not want to rent out houses for less than a month, and if they do, they ask for the same price as for daily rentals.
How to get to Koh Phangan and public transport
The only way to get to Koh Phangan is by ferry. There is no airport on the island. If you are coming from Bangkok or Phuket, then you can buy a bus + ferry package, if from Samui, then by ferry or boat.
You can find out prices and buy tickets to Koh Phangan from other cities in Thailand (it’s better in advance, especially if you’re going during the Full Moon Party).
If you don’t want to stand in line (for some reason there is always a line for ferry tickets), you can check prices on the Internet and book tickets in advance using the Asian local search engine for local transport. They also sell tickets from Bangkok (bus+ferry) and other cities. Find tickets to Koh Phangan ↓↓↓
Public transport on Koh Phangan is provided in the form of a taxi - songthaew. They charge from 50 to 300 baht for the trip depending on the distance. For more information about transport on Koh Phangan, I recommend reading my article about - there I write where to rent a bike or car, how much it costs, what to do if you fall off a motorbike.
Where are there no low tides on Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan means “sandbar island” in Thai. The island has very pronounced ebb and flow. They are especially noticeable with May to October, but even in winter the sea travels long distances.
Strong low tides occur on most Koh Phangan beaches in the middle of the month during full moon. On such days, the water can go 100 meters, and sometimes even 300, completely exposing the bottom. The tides are mostly low in the afternoon, so swimming is possible at most beaches before lunch. Low tides are especially noticeable in the south and west of Koh Phangan, but the northern beaches also suffer from a lack of water.
Koh Phangan beaches where you can always swim:
South: Haad Rin (Ful Moon Party Beach) - there are low tides, but you can always swim and Had Lila (neighboring) - at low tide the water is knee-deep
Northwest: Sri Thanu, Haad Yao, Had Salad - you can swim at low tides (knee-deep water)
North: Mae Had and Ko Ma, Malibu - low tides from March, not very annoying in winter
Northeast: Thong Nai Pan Yai, Thong Nai Pan Noi, Bottle Beach
East and southeast: all beaches are suitable for swimming at any time of the year, there are waves in winter
Malibu beach in the north of Koh Phangan Which Koh Phangan beach should you choose?
The choice of beach depends on your interests and needs, and whether you can drive a bike. In general, Koh Phangan is a youth island where independent travelers come. Each beach is good in its own way and each has its drawbacks.
If you drive a bike, then it really doesn’t matter where you live. The island is relatively small, so almost any beach from any point can be reached by bike in 20-50 minutes. If you you don't know how If you drive a bike, then you need to approach the choice of a beach more responsibly.
Youth party- This Haad rin(many foreigners). Young people also often live in Thong Sala. The beach there is so-so, but there is cheap food and shops. Nightlife - south Had Rin and Ban Tai, evening life - bar Amsterdam
Family holiday with children- Sri Thanu, Haad Salad, Had Yao, Mae Had, Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai (in the northeast), Haad Leela - there are no waves on all these beaches.
View of the neighboring island of Koh Ma from the observation deck above Mae Had Beach Infrastructure. The main market and supermarkets are located in the city area Tong Sala and partially Baan Tai. If you need cheap food, then it is better to buy it in Tong Sala at the market or in Tesco and Big C supermarkets. Prices in cafes in Tong Sala are also lower than on other beaches.
The infrastructure is well developed in the south on the beach Haad Rin and on the beaches Thong Nai Pan in the north-east. There are also many cafes, shops and fruit stands.
On other beaches there are mini markets, maybe one store and a couple of fruit stalls. You will mainly have to eat in cafes and restaurants at inflated prices or go to the Tongsala supermarket to shop.
Koh Phangan Beach Map
Click on the name and a description of the beach with a photo will open:
1. Thong Sala is the largest city
Thong Sala is the main and largest city of Koh Phangan. There is also a pier where ferries from Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Surat Thani arrive. This is the very first city that most people see when they come to Koh Phangan.
pros- infrastructure, a lot of young people. Minus- bad beaches.
Infrastructure
■ Exchangers and ATMs are concentrated on the main street, which begins immediately behind the pier. It is now more profitable to travel to Thailand with dollars. It’s better not to take rubles. Cards are accepted only in expensive cafes and hotels; in stores only cash is accepted. For withdrawing money from a card at an ATM, a commission of 150-180 baht is charged
■ Transport. There are about 15 car and motorbike rental points in Tongsala. The cheapest place to rent a vehicle is on the main street.
■ Lots of cafes with Thai and international cuisine. Prices for food in cafes are also higher by 20%, and sometimes 40%, than on Samui and in Thailand in general
■ Buying clothes. In Thong Sala you can buy clothes and souvenirs. If you plan to buy T-shirts for the Full Moon Party on the day of the party, then the prices for them are the same everywhere on the island (two to three times higher than on regular days).
If the Full Moon Party is still far away, then it is more profitable to buy clothes in Tongsala. Unless, of course, you have the opportunity to shop in Bangkok, where things are even cheaper.
■ Koh Phangan Hospital (Koh Phangan Hospital) is located 4 km from the center of Thongsal.
■ Bangkok Hospital Samui Clinic (Koh Phangan) branch is located 3 km from Thongsala Pier. In case of insured events, insurers usually refer you here. You can read. The main thing is not to take insurance that has assistance from GVA
■ Evening market with Thai food. Located on the main street of Tong Sala. Opens at 12 noon. Most traders come in the evening - around 5 o'clock. At the market you can buy grilled fish (70 baht), salads (50-60 baht), necks, spring rolls, chicken, donuts, fruits and Thai dishes. The market is open until 10 pm, some traders stay even later. If you want to find a Russian-speaking company for your vacation or meet someone who has lived on Koh Phangan for a long time, come to the market in the evening.
■ Food market. There is a market on the main street that sells vegetables and fruits. There are shops of local residents that sell a minimum set of products. Prices are higher than on Koh Samui.
■ 2 supermarkets. Big C supermarket on the road from Thong Sala towards Ban Tai and Tesco Lotus in Thongsala. The selection of products there is not as large as in Tesco on , but still better than nothing.
■ Apart from Thongsala, there are no other large stores on Koh Phangan. There are 7/11 shops on every beach, but even at 7/11 on Koh Phangan the prices are higher than in other chain stores around the country. At 7/11 you can buy cookies, coffee, drinks, sandwiches, water, ice cream, alcohol, tobacco and hygiene products. Here and there there are small stalls with fruit, but it is still better to buy fruit in Tong Sala at the street market or in supermarkets - they are cheaper there. 
Contingent.
There are a lot of young people, especially foreigners, on the streets and on the beach in Thongsala. The secret is that Tong Sala has the cheapest housing and infrastructure, and you can even ride a bike to good beaches.
Beach at Thong Sala.
The beach is so-so. The tides are pronounced there and the sea is dirty. Not the best place for swimming, but there is a beach, and this is a big plus. On Thong Sala Beach there is a branch of the largest kitesurfing school in Thailand, Kiteboarding Asia.
Although Thong Sala does not have a very good beach compared to other beaches on Koh Phangan, bungalows and hotels in the main town area are rarely empty. The bungalows stretch from the pier to the south along the coast.
Thongsala Beach can’t even be called a beach
Southern beaches of Koh Phangan
2 Baan Tai
If you move south from Thong Sala along the coast, the Baan Tai zone immediately begins (not to be confused with the paradise beaches of Ban Tai on Samui). On Koh Phangan, Ban Tai has disgusting beaches. There are some palm trees, branches, and garbage on the shore. Strong low tides, when the sea goes 200-300 meters away. It's shallow near the shore.
This is an area of inexpensive bungalows and hostels. The main guests are guys who came to the Full Moon Party and could not find accommodation on Haad Rin (the southern beach where the party takes place). So that people don’t get too bored, a week before the Full Moon Party on Ban Tai they hold the Full Moon Festival and Shiva Moon Party
Bungalows in Ban Tai are very cheap (250-300 baht each), but there are more expensive accommodations. I would not choose these beaches for a holiday on Koh Phangan, although there are several quite decent hotels and resorts with green areas on Bantay.
3 Baan Kai beach
Starts immediately behind the beaches of Ban Tai. The views here are more pleasant, hills.
I wouldn’t live there, but the beach is not bad for a relaxing holiday for a couple of weeks if you are looking for privacy and quiet. Huge boulders, fruit trees, palm trees, tropical greenery. There is a coral reef 200 meters from the beach.
The main problem of these beaches, as well as neighboring Ban Tai, is low tides. From April to September-October the sea is very shallow, and sometimes there is none at all. You don't buy it.
After the observation deck above Baan Kai Beach, the road leading to Had Rin begins to wind. If you're not used to it, it can be scary to drive along it.
4** Haad Rin Beach
Full Moon Party Beach. Located on the “tail” in the southeast of Koh Phangan. There is a sunrise beach - Haad Rin Nok and a sunset beach - Haad Rin Nai, between them there is a settlement where travelers usually stop.
Haad Rin Nai is a sunset beach located on the other side of Haad Rin village. There is a pier where boats from Samui arrive during the Full Moon Party.
Haad Rin Nok (Dawn Beach) hosts the famous Full Moon Party every month. I wrote more about this party and how to get to Haad Rin in the post:
Infrastructure
Since Haad Rin is the busiest and most party-oriented of Koh Phangan’s beaches, its infrastructure is well developed. There are several 7/11 stores, but the prices are higher than the stores in Thongsala. They sell clothes and souvenirs on the streets. Lots of cafes, bars and restaurants.
Who is it suitable for?
If your goal is hang out, drink, walk and have fun, then feel free to rent accommodation in Had Rin
Even though there is a party on Haad Rin Nok and the beach is considered not very clean, I really like it there because of the waves and the turquoise color of the water. There is music playing on the shore, there are a lot of young people.
If you, while in Thailand, only meet compatriots (as in, where almost everyone speaks Russian), and miss talking in English, you can fill the gap at Haad Rin - that’s where Europeans like to hang out. If you want peace and quiet, you can always escape from the noise to the rocks or to the nearby Had Lila beach.
Had Rin Beach During the party, thousands of people come to Haad Rin for several days, and the rest of the time this Phangan beach is quite deserted and calm.
If the goal is simple relax in silence, then you can go to Haad Rin, but not on the days of the Full Moon Party. The nature around the beach is very beautiful; you can go on foot to other calmer and even wild beaches.
How to get there? The road to Haad Rin is steep mountains with sharp turns, so if you are not confident in your bike driving skills, it is better to take a taxi to Haad Rin ( 100 baht from Thongsal to Songthaew). If you are comfortable with a bike, then you can rent a bike in Thongsala and then ride the bike, but be very careful. On the eve of the party, there are checkpoints on the roads. Police check people for alcohol.
Before the party there are a lot of people on Had Rin Bungalows and hotels on Full Moon Party Beach
There are a number of bungalows, prices for which start from 400 baht, and on party days they increase to 800-900 baht. There are also more expensive resorts ($100-200 per night). You can live in a bungalow right on the beach. Please note that in addition to full moon parties, Half Moon parties and other parties are held on Koh Phangan, therefore, living on Had Rin beach, you will hear music day and night.
I usually rented accommodation closer to Had Rin Nai beach (speed boats from Samui arrive there). There is a huge complex of simple bungalows for 400-800 baht per day (at booking, these bungalows can be rented for $8-15 per day). The advantage is that you can’t hear the music from the party, you can sleep peacefully, but at the same time it’s a 5-minute walk to the center of the fun.
Popular hotels in Had Rin:
5* Haad Leela Beach
Had Leela- the southernmost beach of Koh Phangan island. He is one of the most romantic and calm. Located just behind Haad Rin Nai. You can get to Haad Leela from Haad Rin on foot in about 5 minutes.
The length of the beach is 500 meters. There are wooden bridges on both sides of the beach - you can walk along them or sit in the gazebo. There are several viewing areas and a Buddhist temple. There are shops and cafes in Had Rin. It takes literally 7 minutes to get there from Had Lila.
The sea is shallow, and at high tide the water comes very close and floods the trees. The tides are clearly visible. At low tide, the water remains, but you won't be able to swim. You can only lie in the water. It will be convenient for children to learn to swim. The landscapes are idyllic. White sand, blue water, palm trees hanging over the water. Here and there on the shore there are sun loungers and hammocks for hotel guests.
You can come to Haad Leela the morning after the Full Moon Party, when it is extremely undesirable to swim at Haad Rin due to the garbage left after the party. If you are looking for a mix between a relaxing holiday and parties, you can rent an apartment on Lila Beach and go have fun in the evenings on Had Rin. In summer, it is better to choose another beach for relaxation or live on this one and go swimming at Haad Rin - there is always water there.
Koh Phangan hotels, Lila beach
On Haad Lila there are both very cheap bungalows and a couple of excellent resorts. For example, these:
I chose hotels because they had internet. Other housing on Koh Phangan in my price category was occupied at that time. By bike it’s about 10 minutes from here to normal beaches, so if you know how to drive a bike, you can look at housing in the Voktum and Hin Kong areas.
8 Sri Thanu
Sri Thanu (Baan Sri Thanu, Sritanu, Stirana) is a fishing village with developed infrastructure. Families with children love to relax on this beach; those who come to Koh Phangan for a long period of time often live in the Sritanu area.
The region of good beaches of Koh Phangan begins in Sritanu. This beach is wide, clean, with white sand. There are sunbeds with umbrellas and hammocks hanging. There are no waves. During low tides, the sea moves only 3-4 meters from the shore, so you can swim even at low tide.
The infrastructure is well developed. There are cafes, including traditional Thai cuisine, makashnits, an Indian restaurant, a lagoon with entertainment (you can jump into the lake from a mattress), yoga centers and schools. Starting this year, Sunset parties are also being organized in Sritanu, like in Arambol, only on a smaller scale. Jugglers, yogis and those simply wishing to say goodbye to the sun gather on the beach.
Bungalow in Sritanu:
11* Haad Salad
Haad Salat, aka Had Salad. This used to be one of my favorite beaches in the north-west of Koh Phangan, but now it has become too touristy and crowded.
There is some infrastructure there. There are several cafes (including a cafe with normal Thai cuisine), massage parlors, and several shops with a meager selection of food and clothing. Wooden bungalows on the shore, hotels.
This beach is more suitable for a romantic getaway or a holiday with children. There are no waves, the depth is insignificant, there is the possibility of snorkeling, you can swim to the reef, but there is no one specially under the water. The downside is the low tides, but even during low tide you can move away from the shore to lie in the water or swim.
When I first visited Haad Salad a few years ago, there were almost no people there. Now this beach enjoys unprecedented popularity, mainly among tourists from Russia and the CIS countries.
12* Mae Haad and Koh Maa Island
This is one of the most popular beaches located in the north of Koh Phangan. Here you can walk along the sand spit to another island - Ko Ma. If you are looking for a beach on Koh Phangan for families with children, you can consider Mae Had.
The water on Mae Had is clean, transparent, the entrance to the sea is gentle, and the depth is insignificant. There is plenty of housing right on the shore, there are several cafes and a couple of shops. There is nowhere to buy Thai food or fruit. The place is popular, so the prices in the cafe are overpriced.
The tides are strong, but you can swim in the sea even at low tide. Around Koh Ma you can snorkel or kayak.
Hotels on Mae Had (Koh Phangan)
13 Chaloklum
This is essentially a fishing village, which is famous for its seafood (not cheap, but fresh and tasty).
Average prices for seafood in Chaloklama cafe:
Grilled fish - 250 - 300 baht
Grilled shrimp – 300 baht per serving
The beach on one side is filled with fishing boats and there is a pier. Chaloklam has pronounced low tides, even during high tides it is quite shallow. You can swim at the western end of the bay, but it’s better to go to the neighboring Malibu Beach.
14* Malibu Beach
Not everyone knows that in Chaloklum Bay there is another paradise beach called Malibu. It has a separate entrance. It’s easy to miss the turn; you need to look for the “Malibu Beach Bungalows” sign, then turn and drive along the sandy path until it stops. There you will find white sand, small trees creating shade, hammocks, turquoise water, and mountain views.
All infrastructure (cafes, shops, market, fish restaurants) is in the neighboring fishing village of Chaloklam. There is only one restaurant on Malibu beach (expensive and tasteless for Ty), and there are hammocks hanging on the trees.
Hotels on Malibu Beach
As for housing, there is only one bungalow complex, called Malibu bungalows. Prices on agoda 30-70$, Moreover, when I was in Malibu and asked the price at the reception, they called 60-100$ , so it's better to book online.
Eastern beaches of Koh Phangan
There are several isolated beaches in the southeast and east of Koh Phangan; they can only be reached on foot or by boat for 200-300 baht. I describe them in the order in which they are presented on the map - from south to north.
15 – Haad Yuan– suitable for a quiet holiday. There are bungalows and hotels, but you can only get there on foot (2 hours) or by boat (250 baht). Prices for housing and food are inflated. The beach itself is good: white sand, there are low tides, but they won’t interfere with swimming, there are waves in the sea, there are not many people.
16 - Haad Tian eats (Haad Thian east) — a small isolated cove surrounded by palm trees and bushes. There are several hotels, a good beach, waves in the sea, you can swim all year round. Prices for food and cafes are 2 times higher than the average on Koh Phangan. A boat to Had Rin will cost 300-350 baht
17 - Haad Sadet - steep white sand beach surrounded by tropical jungle. There are several hotels and expensive resorts on the beach, but that’s where the infrastructure ends. Unlike the previous ones, this beach is approached by a new concrete road with markings, fences and reflectors.
There are several more bays between Haad Sadet and Haad Tian; getting to them is not easy, but if you want to find silence on Koh Phangan and at least a partial absence of civilization and people, then go to the eastern beaches in one of the bays. On northeast civilization begins again and the part of the island inhabited by holidaymakers - the beaches of Thong Nai Pan. The rock divides Thong Nai Pan Beach into two bays: Yai and Noah.
18* Tong Nai Pan Yai
Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai- a long beach in a bay in the extreme northeast of Koh Phangan.
Fine white sand, gently sloping entrance. There are no waves, the sea is knee-deep near the shore. You can move 100 meters from the shore - there is sea up to your chest. There are enough people, but not very many. There are cafes on the beach; there are not only tourist cafes, but also cafes with traditional Thai cuisine.
The town has a hospital branch, an ATM, pop-up shops, a 7-eleven store, and fruit stalls. Developed infrastructure. Prices in cafes and shops are 30% higher than in Thongsala.
If you need infrastructure and a swimmable sea all year round, you can consider this beach as an alternative. There are low tides here, but you can swim in the sea even at low tide. Good for a beach holiday. There are no parties or much fun.
Koh Phangan hotels on Thong Nai Pan
There are cheap bungalows and several expensive resorts with a closed area, the best of which is:
20* Bottle Beach
The road to Bottle Beach is disgusting, but the beach itself is pleasant. There is this bungalow complex on it and this one behind 11$ .
There are several cafes and a lot of young people on Bottle Beach. The ebb tides are almost invisible.
You can choose Bottle Beach for your holiday only if you do not plan to frequently visit other attractions of Koh Phangan. The road from the beach is bad; it can take up to 40 minutes to get to the highway. It’s also scary to go there on a bike. You could easily fall.
My favorite Koh Phangan beaches
I summed up the results at the very beginning of this article, when I answered the question about which beach to choose. I hope the situation with the beaches of Koh Phangan is now clear to you. All that remains is to choose your own vacation spot on Koh Phangan and prepare for the trip.
List of my favorite beaches:
1. Malibu— you can only live in one place in Malibu, so many people live in other areas of the island, and come to Malibu to swim and sunbathe. You can eat either in a cafe on the beach or in nearby Chaloklum in the fishing village
2.Haad Rin, when there are no people gathered for the party. There are also many cafes on Haad Rin, the beach itself is good (when there are few people).
3. Had Leela- you can always run away from Haad Rin
4. Beach of nudist lovers
5. Had Salad when there is no tide
6. Bottle Beach
Dangers on Koh Phangan
1. Motorbikes.
90% of people who get on a bike for the first time fall off sooner or later. Not on the first day, but after a week.
If you are a bad driver or don’t know how to drive at all, find yourself an instructor, learn how to drive, and only then get on the road, especially if you plan to drive in the south, east or northwest.
There are slides there. 22 degree tilt, sharp turns. Be sure to take out medical insurance before your trip. You can read.
2. Wild animals.
If you are traveling to Thailand or Asia in general for the first time, watch videos, films, and read about the country. Phangan is an island, 70% of which is jungle and forests, 30% is areas developed thanks to tourism near the sea.
They live in Thailand Geckos. This is their home. You can watch a video about geckos so as not to be surprised and then write such reviews:
There was a small gecko in the room. In the morning, huge geckos the size of a small cat run across the roof. They stomp and make sounds similar to hiccups.
At night, various sounds disturbed me - rats running and squeaking in the attic ( approx. most likely not rats, but geckos), some unidentified animal making terrible sounds, alternating the bleating of a sheep, a toad and a cuckoo. At times it seemed that “it” was screaming right in our room. In general, I wanted to escape from the island the very next day.
Have heavenly beaches and deep seas!
Your Mila Demenkova
The island of Koh Phangan is 45 km away from the mainland of Thailand, and very close (8 km) from it is the popular island. Phangan is not crowded, is medium in size (168 km 2), tourist infrastructure is developed only in some parts of the island, but it has magnificent beaches, clean water, and invigorating air. Most of the territory is mountainous with impenetrable tropical forests. But the underwater world is very rich in a variety of strange fish and plants, because it’s not for nothing that Koh Phangan is one of the best places for diving and snorkeling, along with.
Who better to relax here? This place is most suitable for two groups of people:
- For those who love silence and solitude
- For an active, cheeky nightlife
How so? Yes, very simple. All conditions have been created for youth recreation on the west coast on Had Rin Beach. It is here that the world-famous monthly Full Moon Party is held, attracting up to 30,000 people from different parts of our planet. The party is held on the full moon and officially lasts one day, although in fact the festivities begin 3 days before the party and last 3 days after it, i.e. in fact it lasts a whole week.
The most popular drink at this event is called a “bucket”: a bottle of whiskey, Coca-Cola and energy drink is poured into a small bucket of several liters - this is the “standard” composition, although a wide variety of “buckets” are sold. You can look at the Full Moon Party schedule a little. It is worth noting that there are parties almost every day on Had Rin Beach, they just attract far fewer people than the Full Moon Party.
Photo: flatbox/Shutterstock.com For lovers of peace and solitude, all the beaches of Koh Phangan are suitable, with the exception of Had Rin. The island itself is considered a paradise for those who want to take a break from noisy cities. You can walk barefoot on the white sand, nap in the shade of palm trees, swim in the clear sea, and bask in the sun all day. If you want to be completely alone, then you can find such beaches, although you need to get to them either by boat or through the jungle along very narrow paths. You can also choose where the atmosphere of calm and romance reigns everywhere.
There are not very many shops on Koh Phangan, mostly souvenir shops. If you want to buy something worthwhile, it’s better to go to Koh Samui; boats ply between these islands constantly. Diving is in great demand on Koh Phangan, which is why certified diving centers are open here to help anyone who wants to learn how to scuba dive.
Beach cleanliness:
Number of vacationers.
