Koh Phangan


Koh Phangan facts

Koh means: Island in Thai language
Island size: About 168 km²
Location: Gulf of Thailand, on the South-East coast of Thailand
Province: Changwat Suratthani
Distance from Bangkok: About 700 km
From main land: About 60 km
Population: About 14,000 (officially)
Main town: Thongsala

Important numbers

Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police: 0 7742 1281
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155
Fire Department: 0 7727 2400
Koh Phangan Hospital: 0 7723 8315

Getting there

From Bangkok
By bus or rail to Suratthani province, and a ferry from one of the piers (Donsak: Seatran and Raja ferry lines) You can buy a joint ticket in Bangkok, for example on Khao San Road. You can also get here with the Lomprayah catamaran from Chumphon via Koh Tao. Lomprayah also has comfortable buses from Bangkok to Chumphon. (more information is found in the Samui information) If you are going from Samui you have a lot of alternatives; Catch a express boat, catamaran or a small ferry from Nathon, Maenam, Big Buddha, Bangrak or Bo Phut. Or, if your in a hurry, a speed boat from Maenam or Bo Phut is perfect. Please check with any travel agency or just go to the piers and buy the ticket there.

Environment

Plastic waste kill birds, turtles and other innocent animals. Please throw plastic bottles and other waste where it belongs, in a waste bin. And please, do not collect shells, stones or corals.

Please keep Koh Phangan clean and respect the natural resources on the island...

About this island

Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Siam a little North of Koh Samui. About 75 % of the island is mountains covered by tropical jungle. The coconuts are still produced and exported here and an important income, together with the growing tourist industry and fishing. There are several coconut fields here. In the south end of Ban Tai there is a big coconut storage.

Backpacking

Koh Phangan was for about twenty years somehow a hideaway for backpackers in Asia. Today you will find all kind of "farangs" or tourists from all over the world on this tropical island; Party peoples (going to the Fullmoon Party), young (and old) "love birds", globetrotters, families, divers or just people looking for a place where they can enjoy total relaxation . But Koh Phangan is still "less exploited" than its larger sister island Koh Samui and the and some beaches are almost "empty" in low season. This is still a place where you can find a peaceful holiday with a book in a hammock in a very easy going bamboo resort.

Full Moon Party

This party is one of the most famous and visited beach parties in the world. It is held monthly at Haad Rin Beach in Southern Phangan.

Beaches

Most beaches on Koh Phangan are great for swimming and snorkeling. Here is a concise list of the most popular beaches and bays:

Southern beaches

Had Rin Nok and Had Rin Nai
The most popular beach on Pha Ngan. Here you will find the famous Full Moon Party. Had Rin is actually two beaches (Had Rin Nok and Had Rin Nai) and the East side is often considered as the most beautiful beach, but also the most crowded one.

Ban Khai, Ban Tai and Ao Nai Wok
These beaches are located in the South East of the island, East of Thongsala. You will find cheap accommodation and some beach bars here. Stunning sunsets can be seen over Koh Samui.

Had Yuan, Had Thien and (East) Had Yao
These three beaches are located North of Had Rin Nok. Relaxed places only accessible by foot or by a taxi boat etc.

Other beaches in the South are: Had Yang, Had Khontee and Had Leela.

North-Western beaches

Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi, Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai
Considered to be two of the most beautiful beaches on Phangan. Great for swimming and relaxing. The road there can however almost be described as a roller coaster dirt road, but it works.

Had Kuat (Bottle beach)
Also a amazingly beautiful beach in the North West of the island, surrounded by tropical mountains and coves. Reachable by taxi boat from Ao Chaloklum.

Other beaches in the North are: West Had Sadet and Had Nam Tok (waterfall island).

North-Eastern beaches

Ao Chaloklum Chaloklum
A little more than 2 kilometers long and located in the absolute North of the island. A fishing village but also good for swimming and snorkeling when the tide allows it.

Had Mae Had, Had Salad, West Had Thien
Three beaches located North of Thongsala. You will find many diving schools here. Also some nice resorts and restaurants.

Western Had Yao
If you are looking for a paradise beach, look no further. This beach is one of the most inviting in the region. It is a wide, one kilometer wide beach which made it perfect for sports like beach volleyball etc. You will also find many good accommodations and restaurant facilities here.

Other beaches in the North East are: Had Khom, Had Thong Lang, Had Kruad, Had Son, Ao Chao Phao, Ao Sri Thanu and Ao Hin Kong.



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