Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan in Thailand is a short boat ride from Koh Samui and is an island fringed with pristine white sand beaches. 75% of the interior is mountainous with tropical jungle. It continues to maintain its 'undiscovered' feel.  Large parts of the area have now been declared a National Park.

Whilst the backpackers still return, mainly for the world's biggest full moon party on Haad Rin beach every month, the better infrastructure and recent growth in the number of Koh Phangan private luxury villas and hotels are now attracting the more discerning visitor for a Thailand villa holiday. The Koh Phangan holiday destination has seen the emergence of increased quality dining and entertainment choices to accommodate those who have more spending power, whilst enjoying the natural environment on a Thailand island escape.

Koh Phangan has some of the finest beaches in Thailand. To compliment this a range of eco-adventures allow visitors to see the islands natural environment. There is a good choice of marine based activities including world class diving centres making Koh Phangan a perfect holiday choice for a stay in a luxury Thailand villa

For those seeking a relaxed and more tranquil experience, there are many specialist Spa and Wellness centres throughout Koh Phangan from 4 star pampering at a resort hotel to stand-alone yoga retreats

About Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand south east from Bangkok on the mainland and is Thailand's 5th largest island sitting 12km north of the popular island of Koh Samui and 70km from the mainland. It has been recognised as an island of natural beauty and spiritualism by the Thai people. The Kings of Thailand paid visits to the island many times, with one leaving his Royal Seal engraved on a rock in the north east of Koh Phangan over 100 years ago.

Like Koh Samui, the island is fringed by beautiful white sand beaches, but it is also surrounded by an amazing underwater world with 10km of living coral and 20 local dive sites. The remaining approximately 75% of the 148sq km island is quite mountainous ,covered with tropical forest. Due to it's granite structure there are several small mountains ideal for trekking and even to camp. The area continues to feel undiscovered, much of the interior has been designated as a National Park.

The original main industries of coconut cultivation and fishing are still in evidence. However, it is now a growing eco-tourism destination attracted by the charm of this beautiful island where total relaxation can be enjoyed.

Since being visited by backpackers from the seventies and eighties avoiding the increased development of the sister island of Koh Samui, popularity of Koh Phangan has increased rapidly with the awareness of the worlds biggest full moon party bringing thousands to the island every month to be entertained by DJ's on a beach in the the south.

Although it still has it’s backpacker roots ,Koh Phangan has now moved towards attracting families and package tourists with the increased development of luxury private villas and hotels.  Perfect for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains , the beautiful beaches and the crystal clear waters.

Koh Phangan is now a world class diving centre and has achieved recognition in the specialist services of Spa and Wellbeing centres and with increased eco activities such as cycling and trekking the island has something to offer everyone.

Spa and Wellness

There are many healing, fitness and yoga centres here on Koh Phangan to choose from, be it yoga classes on the beach or pilates in the studio. There are also many spa, detox and meditation retreats that are attracting many tourists from all over the world coupled with the desire for total chill out and relax and do nothing at all.

Where is Koh Phangan?

Koh Phangan is one of the larger tropical islands in the southern Gulf of Thailand, south east of Bangkok and sitting 12km away from the popular island of Koh Samui and 1 hours speedboat trip from the infamous diving destination of Koh Tao. Like Koh Samui the island is fringed by white sand beaches. 75% of the 148sq km being mountainous, with tropical jungle and the interior continues to feel undiscovered.

How to get to Koh Phangan

The simplest way to travel to Koh Phangan from the Thailand mainland is by air to Koh Samui. Flights arrive in Samui 40 times a day with Bangkok Airways from Bangkok, Krabi, Phuket, Pattaya, Singapore, Penang, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong. Samui is the nearest airport to Koh Phangan. Ferries then take you onward to Koh Phangan, with the main ferry leaving from Koh Samui's tourist pier closest to the airport. It takes 30 minutes, however it is also possible to travel by speedboat from some piers which take only 20 minutes.

For those looking to go to the full moon party only the "Haad Rin Queen" ferry leaves twice a day from Big Buddha Pier, a short distance from the airport and goes direct to Haad Rin beach.

There is an airport being constructed in Koh Phangan at the time of writing which was scheduled to be completed in 2015 however there will only be one operator originally and the flights would be a short hop from Surathani airport on the mainland closest to the island, rather than Bangkok.

There are several slower routes to the island if time is on your side.

Budget airlines such as Nok Air and Air Asia leave from Bangkok to Surathani on the mainland, which is about an 1 hour away from the ferryports which can be reached by bus or taxi.

Other slower routes is the overnight bus or train from Bangkok and usuually can buy a joint air/train/bus plus ferry ticket all in one at any travel offices in Bangkok or if arriving in Surathani without a ferry ticket there are plenty of travel outlets there to provide transport to the pier and ferry ticket. The ferryports of Donsak/Surathani have a few options for a ferry to the island with several services a day taking between 1 hour 30 minutes and 7 hours depending upon which option is chosen.

The main ferryport is at Thong Sala on the west coast and is the principal town of Koh Phangan with several banks, tourist shops and various other amenities available.

Watersports and Sea Tours

Sight Seeing Boat Trips

The stunning 42 islands of the Angthong Marine Park and the surrounding seas are home to an abundance of tropical marine life and not to be missed. A must visit is a trip to Khao Tao famous for it’s crystal clear waters full of colourful tropical fish and a divers paradise.

Kayaking

Most beaches on Koh Phangan have kayaks to rent by the hour and are great for exploring the coastline.

Diving and Snorkeling Trips

Snorkelling is possible almost anywhere on Koh Phangan. The reefs from Chaloklum Bay on the north west coast are in great condition, it’s even possible to dive directly from the beach.

Deep Sea Fishing Trips

Fishing trips can usually be organised with many of the island’s resorts or tour companies and often are brief long tail boat trips out to a few local spots with a hand line. There are also plenty of operations with quality rods and equipment.

Kiteboarding

The KBA centre on Koh Phangnan is located at Baan Tai and teach at the most suitable beaches throughout the year to be in the best area for wind conditions. During low tides, KBA can provide land boarding by kite such as kite skating and buggy courses.

Sailing Charters

Koh Phangan's waters are ideal for learning or an exhilarating ride for the experienced sailor. There are many international standard companies offering sailing trips and tuition.

Wakeboarding

A well established wakeboarding company provides wakeboarding lessons or board rentals on the north coast of Koh Phangan in the fishing village of Chaloklum an has receved great reviews.

Other Activities

Mountain Biking

Bicycles can be hired throughout Koh Phangan, the quality of such bikes does vary but there are many in very reasonable condition. The best areas to leisurely cycle are in the south and west coast with sights to see such as the Phaeng Waterfall, the Jade Buddha and Laem Son Lake.

Trekking

Perfect for trekking and camping, many parts of Koh Phangan remain untouched. There some fun treks along the coastline linking up peaceful coves and beaches, or in the jungle interior and Phaeng Waterfall National Park.

Muay Thai Boxing

There are three small stadiums in Thongsala - you’ll easily be able to watch this popular sport during your stay.

Canopy Adventure

Zip through the trees gliding along ziplines and at walk on sky bridges 22m up in the trees.

Temple Visits

Koh Phangan has a long heritage as a visiting place for Thai royalty. There are many beautiful temples to discover and numerous spots of simply outstanding natural beauty.

Thai Cookery School

A cookery school overlooking Haad Salad has 1/2 day cooking classes which involves shopping in the local market for the ingredients, providing an insight into the ingredients used and the actual cooking with your own wok and work station.

Koh Phangan Restaurants

Koh Phangan has a wonderful variety of restaurants to choose from serving mouth-watering Thai dishes. In the villages of Thong Sala, Chalaklum, Ban Tai and Haad Rin the restaurants also serve European, Israeli, Scandinavian, Mexican, Indian and Japanese cuisine.

Koh Phangan Nightlife

Haad Rin is the party capital of Phangan with the rest of the island being quiet by comparison, although there are still many pubs, bars and night clubs where you can experience live music and regular parties to your hearts desire.