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.
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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.
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.
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 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.
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, 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.
(Ko Phangan) belongs to the province of Surat Thani and is located in the southern part of the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea, 100 km from the coast. Near Koh Phangan there is a famous tourist island, and 15 km from Koh Phangan is the capital of Thailand, Bangkok. Koh Phangan is part of the Samui archipelago, which has 40 islands.
Koh Phangan is a small island, its area is 168 sq. km, and its length is 15 km. This is a mountainous island, mountains occupy 70% of its territory. There are also a lot of coconut palms and tropical forests and jungles. But nevertheless, there are a lot of imported coconuts on Koh Phangan from other provinces of Thailand, which can be recognized by their appearance; they are always completely trimmed, white, and are cheaper, 20-30 baht/piece. And local Phangan ones are sold whole and at a higher price, usually 40 baht per piece.
The capital of Koh Phangan is Thong Sala, which is also the main port; ferries from Samui, Don Sak (Surat Thani), etc. arrive here.
The population of Koh Phangan is more than 8,000 people. There are a lot of foreigners here, mostly Chinese. And also quite a few Russians. 95% of the population are Buddhists, and a very small part professes Islam.
— The name of the island of Koh Phangan translates as *sandy strip*.
— Koh Phangan is protected from waves; even in summer the sea here is completely calm, unlike Phuket.
— Koh Phangan is famous for its open-air Full Moon Party, which takes place on and lasts until 3 am.
— There are schools and diving centers on the island.
— And also many beaches, about the main ones read and watch in more detail.
— There are many interesting islands around Koh Phangan, which can be reached by boat.
— On the island of Koh Phangan you can ride elephants, go to the zoo, have a massage, visit waterfalls (waterfalls are better in winter, because they dry up in summer), view points, do yoga, go to a session on remembering a past life under hypnosis (1300 baht), visit, etc. In general, Koh Phangan has many attractions.
— Sometimes there are problems with renting bikes on Koh Phangan. And this is the only place in all of Thailand. After you return the bike, the owners begin to fumble and invent that you left scratches on it, pointing to old ones that already existed. Therefore, I would advise photographing the bike immediately in front of the owners, so that it would be easier to resolve this issue later. On Samui, Koh Chang, etc. nothing of the kind was observed.
— The roads on Koh Phangan are not very good. There is no asphalt here, only concrete, a lot of holes and holes, too sharp turns, and also a lot of sand. This is where most falls happen in the sand. You need to know the road on Koh Phangan perfectly so as not to fall. For example, in Phuket and on the islands of Lanta and Koh Samui, this is not the case; driving there is much safer, given that there is heavy traffic in Phuket. Almost everyone falls on Koh Phangan, even very experienced drivers. Even the official guide to Phangan says about Free Phangan Tattoo, i.e. about the free Phangan tattoo that you will probably get if you visit this island and fall off your scooter. So be very, very careful. I hope that if you fall, you fall gently and without serious injury. For example, I badly smashed my knee in 2011, there was a real hole in it... I had to lie at home for a whole month! Since here, as in other tropical countries, there is high humidity, the wounds heal somewhat slower than in Russia, and therefore you need to immediately go to the hospital so that the wounds are washed well so that they do not fester, otherwise healing will be delayed for a long time. But refuse the antibiotic pills that the Thais will force on you, because you may not need them, and the wounds will heal on their own. The main thing is not to keep them under a bandage, but let them be open, and that’s the only way they can heal.
— Phangan has very tasty air, different from other places in Thailand. Some coniferous plants grow here, so the air is special and unique! And since there is little transport here, the air is much cleaner than, for example, in Phuket, where there are a lot of cars. But, again, the roads in Phuket are much safer because all the roads are in excellent condition.
— In 2011, construction of an airport began on Koh Phangan, and now it will be easier to get here.
— There are a lot of houses for rent on Koh Phangan. Prices vary, the cheapest options start from about 6,000 baht per month. The longer you rent a house, the cheaper the rent. The Internet here is not as good and fast as in Phuket, but overall it is normal, much better than in the Philippines. The advantage of Phangan is that here you can live on the very, very seashore.
I really liked the island of Koh Phangan, there is some incredible atmosphere there! Very sincere and cozy. I have never seen anything like this on any island in Thailand.
