Koh Phangan
Thailand
Backpacking Koh Phangan
Information on Koh Phangan, sights to see, nightlife, activities and more.
Ko Phangan, with an overall area of 167sqkm, is Thailand’s fifth biggest island. Located 70km from the mainland and just 12km from Koh Samui, Phangan does not have an airport and relies heavily on ferries from the mainland and Koh Samui. Predominantly made up of granite, Koh Phangan’s almost unspoiled beauty is accented by a hilly, lush tropical jungle interior, many idyllic, long white-sand beaches and over 20 nearby dive sites. The main disembarkation points from the ferry are Thongsala and Haad Rin. Transportation is mostly provided by ‘song teaows’, converted pickup trucks that drive the hilly roads and rental jeeps and motorcycles while private taxis can also be hired. Ko Phangan’s main claim to fame is largely due to its many Full Moon Parties and just about any other moon beach parties, with the Full Moon celebrations attracting from 10,000 to 30,000 partiers each month. This is a pretty big party destination, especially around the madness that is the Full Moon Party but, if you head to the northern or eastern beaches on the island, they tend to be a lot more low-key and relaxed. If you are looking for yoga or nature resorts there are plenty available on the island. So don’t let the island’s party reputation put you off as there is more to this island than just partying.
Must See
The Island by Motorbike - In Koh Pha Ngan, hiring a mountain bike or a motorbike is a great way to get to explore. Coastal roads, jungle trails, tracks to deserted beaches; Koh Phangan has lots of hidden gems for you to discover. Whilst the shores of Koh Pha Ngan boast unspoiled sands, the interior of the island is mostly covered in jungle and national park. 90% of Koh Pha Ngan is, in fact, untouched natural rainforest, home to wild monkeys and tropical bird life! A visit to the waterfall Nam Tok Than Sadet is a must.
The Beaches - Had Rin is the most developed beach on the island but, with over 30 beaches to choose from, you can have anything from touristy and developed, to deserted and secluded beaches all to yourself.
Ocean Life - There’s some great snorkeling on the West coast straight from Haad Yao or Haad Salad or Mae Haad in the north. Snorkel trips usually run from 11am-5pm and include transportation by boat, snorkeling, swimming, and lunch. If you want to dive most backpackers head to Koh Tao, but it is possible to visit the same dive sites from here.
Must Do
Full Moon Party - The Full Moon Party is world-famous and it takes place at the crescent cove of Haad Rin Beach on the southernmost tip of the island. More than 12 powerful sound systems turn the 800-metre beach into a most lively open-air nightclub once a month, with a festival-like atmosphere, great music and plenty of booze. This one-of-a-kind event is routinely listed on bucket lists as one of the essential Thailand experiences that you have to see and experience once in a lifetime. As many as 30,000 partygoers gather on the famous strip of sand and party. Local and international DJs man the many bars and stages set up on the shoreline, playing anything from dubstep to drum and bass, house to hip-hop, techno to trance and reggae to rock and pop classics. It has become a tradition to paint yourself up in neon body paint and there are plenty of UV strip lights around making bodies sparkle and glow through the night. The beverage of choice is the bucket. This consists of a bottle of hard liquor (usually either whiskey, vodka or local sugarcane rum like Sangsom or Hong Thong), a bottle of Red Bull and some ice.
Nightlife
Ko Pha Ngan is most commonly known for its famous Full Moon Parties. However, now that the island attracts more than 10,000 visitors each month. The huge growth in tourism has resulted in the development of a wide range of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. If you’re coming here solely for the nightlife, then make sure to stay at Haad Rin. Haad Rin hosts the largest selection of bars and nightclubs on the island. The area around Haad Rin is what you would describe as energetic and the go-to-place for cheap booze, lively atmosphere, and late-night partying.
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