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Ko Pha-ngan - A tropical Paradise
Ko Phangan has a terrible history of protecting tourists, "to say the least," please research before you think about coming here. Corruption has made the area a very dangerous place to come.
Ko Pha-ngan
Koh Pha Ngan is one of the top destinations in the Gulf of Thailand, along with its sister islands Koh Samui and Koh Tao. It attracts thousands of visitors every month who come to enjoy the famous Full Moon Party, a massive and wild celebration that happens on every full moon night. But there is more to Koh Pha Ngan than just partying: it also boasts stunning beaches with white sand, palm trees and crystal-clear water, as well as a rugged interior with dense jungle and scenic viewpoints to discover.
Full Moon Party
A massive and wild event that attracts backpackers from all over the world. The party takes place every month on the night of the full moon, on Haad Rin Nok beach, located at the southeastern tip of the island. The party starts at dusk and lasts until dawn, with plenty of alcohol and music. The beach becomes a huge dance floor, where performers entertain the crowd with juggling, fire shows and fireworks.
Ang Thong Marine National Park
This park consists of 42 small islands that are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The islands are protected from development, so you can enjoy their natural beauty and tranquillity. You can explore the park by taking a speedboat or a boat tour that will take you to different islands, where you can snorkel, swim, and relax. Click here to browse tours available to book
Several Walking trails
Ko Pha Ngan is an island with many mountains and hills. This makes it a great place for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the land. From some of the highest points, you can see amazing views of the sea, the sky, and the surrounding islands.
For a more relaxed experience, you can also visit some of the bars near the beach that offer panoramic views. Some of the best places to find these bars are Haad Plai Laem, Haad Salad and Mae Haad beaches.
Climbing Khao Ra mountain
The highest peak on the island is an awe-inspiring mountain reaching a height of 625 meters above sea level. The panoramic views from the top are breathtaking, making it a must-visit spot for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts. The trail leading up to the peak is well-marked and not too strenuous, although it requires a reasonable level of fitness to complete. The round trip takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on your walking speed, and offers ample opportunities to appreciate the island's natural beauty. It is highly recommended to bring enough water to stay hydrated, a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and of course suncream.
An island boat tour
You can take a tour of some of the top spots on the island. You can book this tour through any of the local agencies on the island or rent a traditional long-tail boat on Haad Rin Beach to arrange your own trip. However, it's important to be mindful not to choose too many beaches, as you may not have enough time to fully enjoy each one.
Well Being Escapes
This island offers a variety of activities that focus on well-being and spirituality, such as spa treatments, yoga classes, keto resorts, meditation, and more. You can choose from different options that suit your schedule and preferences, whether you want to spend a few hours or several days.
Welcome to Koh Phangan - a tropical paradise in Thailand. You Know Thailand.com is your ultimate guide to discovering the best experiences on the island. From activities to transport, accommodations, and tours, we've got you covered. Plan your adventure with ease and explore all that Koh Phangan has to offer.
TRANSPORT
Buses and connecting ferries are available from various locations in Bangkok, including the airports. You can use the Asian Public Transport widget provided below by 12Go to book your tickets conveniently. If you are not departing from Bangkok, simply modify the "Origin" field on the form. This process is made easy for you, with clear instructions available on the 12Go website.
ACCOMMODATION
Haad Rin
This beach hosts the famous Full Moon Party every month, where you can dance and have fun with people from all over the world. You can also enjoy fire shows, beach bars, and casual restaurants that cater to backpackers. Haad Rin has two beaches: Sunrise Beach, where the party happens, and Sunset Beach, where you can relax. You can find affordable accommodation in Haad Rin, with many options for backpackers who want to socialize and make new friends.
Thong Sala
Thong Sala is the main port of Koh Phangan, where you'll arrive when you come to the island.
Thong Sala has some of the best restaurants in Koh Phangan, especially if you love seafood. You can also find a variety of cuisines, from Thai to Western, and enjoy the local market and the night market, where you can taste delicious street food at cheap prices.
Thong Sala has accommodation options for every budget and preference. Thong Sala attracts both backpackers and luxury travellers.
Thong Sala is a fun and diverse area that offers a bit of everything. It also has a good party scene, but not as intense as the Full Moon Party!
Srithanu
A fishing village with a lot of charm and character. You can enjoy the beautiful beaches, the tranquil lake, and the delicious local cuisine.
Srithanu has a freshwater lake called Laemson Lake, where you can see various kinds of fish and birds. You can also rent a boat and explore the lake at your own pace. It is a great place to relax and appreciate nature.
Srithanu also has a lot of authentic Thai restaurants and markets, where you can taste fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.
Srithanu is not a party destination and resorts tend to be more upmarket, so if you are looking for a quiet and cultural experience, this is the place for you. You can avoid the crowds and the noise, and enjoy the island at its best.
Baan Tai
A lively beach destination with stunning views of turquoise water and white sand. It has a vibrant nightlife scene with beach bars, clubs, and restaurants serving authentic Thai dishes and Western favourites. Baan Tai is a popular choice for budget travelers with many affordable hostels and bungalows available.
Mae Haad
This area has several resorts with stunning views of the beach. Mae Haad is more about luxury and tranquillity.
One of the advantages of staying in Mae Haad is that it is less crowded and more pristine than other beaches in Koh Phangan. You can enjoy the quiet beauty of nature, the white sand, and the clear water. There are also some excellent spots for snorkelling nearby, or you can just lounge under the palm trees.
Mae Haad is not a place for party-goers, but that's exactly why many people love it. It is a perfect escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life.
Chalok Lam:
A Natural and Cultural Gem in Koh Phangan
Chalok Lam is a great choice for travellers who want to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Koh Phangan. This former fishing village has a long and scenic beach that offers stunning views of the mountains and the sea.
Chalok Lam has a variety of dining options that serve fresh seafood and local dishes, as well as accommodation that suits any budget and preference.
Chalok Lam is a quiet and peaceful town that values its traditions and tranquillity.
Chalok Lam is one of the best places to stay in Koh Phangan if you want to relax and immerse yourself in the authentic island culture.
Haad Salad
Tranquil beach on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan, away from the noisy Full Moon Party scene. It is one of the most scenic and serene spots on the island, with soft white sand and clear turquoise water.
The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and tropical forest, where you can explore nature trails and hidden waterfalls. You can also enjoy snorkelling and diving in the coral reef that lies just offshore, where you can see colourful fish and marine life. There is a dive centre on the beach that offers courses and trips for all levels of experience.
Haad Salad has a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences, from cosy bungalows to luxury resorts. You can also find some nice restaurants and cafes along the beach, where you can savour local and international cuisine. Haad Salad is a perfect place to relax and unwind in a peaceful paradise.
If you are looking for a short-term rental in Koh Phangan, you have plenty of choices. One of the best platforms to find and book your ideal accommodation is VRBO, the world's leading marketplace for vacation rentals. Whether you want a cosy bungalow, a spacious villa, or a beachfront condo.
TOURS
Koh Pha Ngan attracts millions of tourists every year. Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, culture, or relaxation, you will find something to suit your taste and budget on this island. To help you plan your trip, I have collected the best tours in Koh Pha Ngan from all the major tour booking sites. You can browse them here and compare prices, reviews, and availability. You can choose from a variety of activities, such as safari, snorkel, marine park, island cruises, floating markets, and bamboo island tours.
The Safari tours often take you to the jungle, waterfall, viewpoint, temple, and coconut farm.
The snorkel tours usually take you to the best snorkelling spots such as Haad Salad, Koh Ma, and Mae Haad.
Marine Park tour often takes you to Ang Thong National Marine Park to enjoy kayaking, hiking, swimming, snorkelling, and Emerald Lake.
Island Cruises: Cruise around Koh Pha Ngan and its islands, sunbathe, swim, snorkel, and visit beautiful beaches and bays like Haad Rin, Thong Nai Pan, and Bottle Beach.
Floating Markets Tour: Experience Thai culture and cuisine on a tour of Damnoen Saduak and Amphawa, two famous floating markets. Taste street food and snacks.
Bamboo Island Tour: Visit Koh Phai, also known as Bamboo Island, a secluded island with white sand beaches and crystal clear water. Relax, swim, snorkel, or explore the island. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach.
NEARBY
Koh Samui is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand. It is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and lush tropical forests. Snorkelling, diving, hiking, golfing, and spa treatments.
Koh Tao is a beautiful island with great scuba diving, snorkelling, stunning beaches, and lush nature. Visitors can also enjoy rock climbing, hiking, cooking, yoga, and more. It's a perfect place to have fun and learn new skills.