| Koh Phangan |
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| Koh Phangan is located about 55 kilometers from the mainland and lies about seven kilometers east of Koh Samui. The island is about one-third smaller than Koh Samui, but has a similar structure with sandy beaches, easily accessible coral reefs and a mountainous, forested interior. Koh Phangan is still a very idyllic island and because of the poor road network touristic unknown. |
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| Koh Phangan is about 168 square kilometers big and is home to 13,000 residents. Thong Sala is the largest village, adjacent to the largest port on the island. The highest point on the island is Khao Ra with approximately 630 meters above sea level. Locals live mainly from fishing and tourism. The streets are only partly and poorly built, making it difficult to travel to specific sites or beaches by car or motorcycle. But the island offers a quiet environment, which makes the bad roads forgotten. In addition, Koh Phangan has its own hospital, a police station and a post office. |
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| Beaches |
Koh Phangan offers an abundance of beautiful sandy beaches around the island. The best developed parts are in the north-west of the island at the Salad Beach and the Chalok Lum Beach as well as the beaches at the southern tip at Haad Rin Beach, Ban Thai Beach and Ban Khai Beach. These beaches are located opposite the beach Bhoput on Koh Samui and offer great views onto the larger neighboring island. Usually, the beaches with an entertaining night life are located more in the south, the north is the place to relax and unwind with a quiet atmosphere.
North
Chalok Lum
In the north of Phangan is the Chalok Lum Beach. This beach stretches over 3 kilometers and is bordered by two mountains. The beach offers fine white sand and very clear water. Not far from the beach there are a few small restaurants and bars that are built in Thai style. Once the beach was inhabited only by fishermen and has only recently been opened up to tourism. In this section are a few resorts such as the Chaloklum Bay Resort and the Mandalay Hotel.
Chao Phao
A 10 minute drive away from the docks of Thong Sala is the Chao Phao Beach. Owing to his curve-like course and the beautiful sunsets that can be observed from the section, the beach has among travelers a very good image. For variety a coral reef lies only about 100 yards away. The exclusive Sunset Hill Resort & Spa is located on the beach.
Haad Khuat
Also known by the name "Bottle Beach. This really quiet and lonely section is very popular with travellers in the off season, as even then it is possible to swim here without restrictions. The beach is surrounded by mountains and it needs a boat or a 2 km hike to get there. Accommodation in a simple style operated by Thai families is available on the beach.
East
Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach
The beaches are accessible from a bumpy poorly built road or more easily by boat. The very beautiful place is compensating for the inconvenient trip to the twin beaches. Early risers are rewarded with a stunning sunrise. The shorter but better-known Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach has some nice restaurants and a few chic bars. At Thong Nai Pan Yai, who has retained much of the natural origin are located a few but well-spaced resorts such as the Santhiya Resort.
South
Haad Rin
The beach consists of two sections and is probably the best known part of Phangan Island due to the monthly Full- Moon- Party. At this event, about 10,000 people come to the beach to celebrate. Otherwise, the beach is particularly due to the beautiful sunsets that can be admired here popular by all visitors. The beach is long and wide, and is also suitable for swimming during low tide. Also holiday maker can see from here over to Koh Samui. The beach has a small port which receives tourists from Koh Samui. The accommodations range from luxury resorts such as the Phanganburi Resort to simple bungalows near the beach.
Ban Tai and Ban Khai Beach
The long beaches are offering particularly at sunset an impressive and romantic atmosphere. From the small village of Ban Tai travellers can organize boat tours to the other islands. The difference to the well-attended Haad Rin Beach can be felt quickly at the 8-kilometer-long sandy beach which is very popular with peace-seekers. The resorts are generously distributed from each another, thus there are no crowded sections.
West
Haad Salad
Haad Salad is a peaceful and secluded beach offering fine white sand and clear water. With a coral reef just 150 meters away this section is also ideal for snorkeling. According to a local tale this bay was used as a port by pirates to hide their booty. In this section are accommodations in all price ranges available.
Haad Yao
Considered by some to be the best beach in Thailand is the only 1 km long beach a real paradise. Here some luxury hotels and bungalows have been established with some built very nice into the hill behind the beach. The beach is big enough for all beach sports activities such as beach football and beach volleyball. The nightlife offers a few good bars. |
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| Activities & sight-seeing |
In addition to the beaches of the island there is a lookout point and some waterfalls to admire.
Trekking
The island offers many vantage points which one can reach on foot. The highest point of Koh Phangan is Khao Ra with its 630 meters. The trails are not always easy to commit, so hikers should always wear sturdy shoes.
Waterfalls
Spread over the island are many waterfalls. The Phaeng Waterfall and Thaan Sadet Waterfall are the most famous ones on the island. For Phaeng Waterfall, the track can only be taken on foot. A good time to visit the waterfall is after a strong rain shower, when the waterfall is more visible. Also for Thaan Sadet Waterfall, hikers must take a non-simple route to reach it. This waterfall is very popular with the royal family and especially with King Rama V who has visited the waterfall several times.
Mountain Biking
With a mountain bike are the poorly maintained roads no obstacle. To this end, the mountain biking can be perfectly combined with a sightseeing tour. The island has several temples, viewpoints and the Laem Son Lake that can be easily reached by bicycle. The lake in the North West provides the necessary refreshment after an interesting tour. |
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| Getting there & getting around |
Koh Phangan can be reached from the mainland of Chumphon and Surat Thani. From Bangkok, both cities are accessible by train or by bus. From the famous Khaosan Road in Bangkok travellers can book a service bringing them with a van directly to the pier, continuing from there with the company's own boat to Koh Phangan. More ferries heading to the island from Koh Tao and Koh Samui. Haad Rin Beach can be reached directly from Boput Beach on Koh Samui, while the rest of the ferries or speedboats arrive at the pier in Thong Sala.
Locally there is a choice between songthaews, motorbikes and long- tail boat. The fee for renting motorcycles is between 300 and 700 THB per day. |
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| Climate |
| The months from October to December bring the most rain and a rough sea. It can happen at this time that the ferry service will be put on hold. The months from January to May are best suited for diving, snorkeling and swimming. But also from August to September the weather conditions are very good and therefore fall into the high season for hotels. |
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updated:
04.06.2011 |
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