Phangan on the map of Thailand in Russian. Koh Phangan Island (Thailand) – useful information. Where there are no low tides on Koh Phangan
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.
Island map in Thailand
The island map provides information about beaches, attractions and even hotels. For those who plan to travel around Koh Phangan on their own, this will be a good help. You can easily choose suitable accommodation, plan walking routes, find out which beaches are for relaxation and which are for diving.
Phangan amazes with its nature and hospitality. You can talk a lot about this fabulous island, but it’s better to visit it. The amazing atmosphere makes you forget about everyday problems. Many of those who vacationed here dream of returning again. And to be convinced of the beauty of nature, we suggest looking at photos of the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand.
About the most beautiful island in Thailand, watch the following video:
Thailand... A country that is generous with sun, warmth and hospitality. The land of eternal summer and eternal smiles. They say that in Thailand it is impossible to frown or walk around in a bad mood. Nature itself acts as a healer and heals from blues and depression, melancholy and despondency. Among the many paradises lost in this small country, Koh Phangan Island occupies not the least place. Thailand is proud of this oasis of relaxation, where the gentle sun and velvet sandy beaches invite foreign guests tired of everyday life into their arms. Have you never been there before? What are you waiting for? You can spend your next vacation exploring the sights of this country.
Koh Phangan Island (Thailand) on the country map
A charming town that attracts tourists with its beauty, it occupies very little space on the map. Yes, he is miniature in real life, he cannot be called a giant. The area of the island is 168 sq. km. And this little one is only 15 km in diameter. But, despite such small size, the island of Koh Phangan (Thailand) enjoys well-deserved popularity among local residents and is well known to foreign guests.
History of the name
Previously, this shelter for tired tourists was called Koh Phangan. It is still often called that way. It owes its name to the word “Ko”, which is translated into our usual language as “island”, and another word from the vocabulary of the inhabitants of the southern provinces - “ngan”, this word means “sand barrier” or “strip”.
The name is telling, because the coastal part of the resort is replete with many sandy islands and sediments. They protect the island from sometimes aggressive waves and strong monsoons.
Geographical position
The small island of Koh Phangan (Thailand) is located in Surat Thani, one of the provinces of the country. It is separated from the capital by 500 km. It is part of the famous Koh Samui archipelago, which includes about 40 islands. For such a small country as Thailand, this is a lot. Koh Phangan is located 15 km from the main Samui. Thong Sala is considered the main port of the town. It is also the capital.
Excursion into history
We rarely think about the past of the settlements we visit while traveling. Meanwhile, some of them keep whole scatterings of legends and interesting stories in the boxes of their cities.
Koh Phangan (Thailand) is notable for its archaeological excavations. They confirmed his advanced age. As it turned out, the existence of the island of Koh Phangan dates back 2000 years. In the 19th century, the Chinese began to emigrate here, resulting in a population increase. At the very beginning of the 20th century, about 300 families lived here. Nice, kind Thais did not pretend to have European charms. They calmly enjoyed the eternal sun and the generous gifts of the sea. They were mainly engaged in farming and fishing. But since the mid-80s the situation has changed dramatically. Thailand decided to get into the tourism business. And crowds of tourists from all over the world poured into this paradise country. I liked Thailand and began to talk about it more and more often. Today it is one of the fashionable resorts. Among the most visited regions of the country are the Koh Phangan Islands.
International airlines
Many international airlines offer flights to this amazing country. Therefore, you will not have any problems with your trip. Among the particularly notable ones are Lufthansa, Air France, Finnair and many others. When in Bangkok, you should pay attention to this: where the departure will take place. The fact is that all international flights land at the brand new airport. His name is Suvarnabhumi. But flights around the country are carried out from the old airport, which is called Don Mueang.
Koh Phangan (Thailand): how to get there
If you find yourself in the land of eternal summer for the first time, don’t worry: it’s impossible to get lost in Thailand. It is so compact and intuitive. If your goal is the island of Koh Phangan, you will have to get to it by way of transport. Of course, you will arrive from Europe by plane. All that remains is to choose your primary destination. There are several options.
- Bangkok. It is located near Koh Phangan. However, in this cozy country everything is at hand. There is a bus from Bangkok to the island. This pleasure will cost from 500 to 1500 baht. Both tourist and local buses go to Koh Phangan. The first of them depart from the street, which is intended specifically for guests of the country, the second - from a regular bus station. You cannot give preference to any one type of transport. Both are equally comfortable and suitable for movement.
- Surat Thani. This place also has a local airport called Surat Thani Airport. You can get to Koh Phangan by traveling by bus and then by ferry. The trip will take about 2.5 hours.
- Samui. Here you will be greeted by the airport of the same name. From this city getting to Koh Phangan is easy. Ferries depart in this direction several times a day. The fare is from 5 to 8 baht. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
Beaches of Koh Phangan
Of course, many of us are attracted to a holiday in Thailand. The beaches of Koh Phangan represent a whole kaleidoscope of popular and not so popular places where you can swim in the sea waves, meditate while lying on the beach and absorbing the generous warmth of the Asian sun with every cell.
What beaches make sense to visit when arriving in Koh Phangan (Thailand)?
Sights of Koh Phangan
Despite its miniature size, there is also room here for the cultural values for which Koh Phangan is famous. Thailand is a unique country that can boast of its traditions and monuments.
What do loving tourists say?
All of us, when going to some unfamiliar country, pester our friends and acquaintances who have already been lucky enough to visit there with questions. Before going to Thailand, it would also be a good idea to get acquainted with the opinions of experienced tourists. If you are attracted to the island of Koh Phangan, reviews will help you choose a place to stay, tell you about prices and which beach is best to prefer. People who have been there once remember their trip with a happy smile and dream of returning to this country again.
The island of Koh Phangan hides many attractive secrets and generous gifts. Thailand, whose photos evoke admiration for the beauty of its landscapes, has more than one such magical corner in reserve. So why not start getting to know them?
Phangan or Phangan (Kho Phangan) is an island located in the Gulf of Thailand with an area of 125 square km. The name Ko Phangna comes from the Thai "Ko" - "island" and "Ngan" - "sand spit". The distance to the mainland is about 56 km, distant from the islands: Koh Samui is 16 km, Koh Tao is 35 km.
Tourism on the island is a relatively young industry, no more than 30 years old, but in such a short time the island of Koh Phangan has managed to gain popularity both among European youth with the opportunity to participate in party events in the south of the island, and among lovers of a relaxing exotic holiday (west and north).
Koh Phangan island on the map of Thailand
A special feature of the island is the (Full Moon Party) - a grand open-air event that brings together thousands of people in one place.
Sports lovers on Koh Phangan have excellent conditions for active and extreme recreation on the water. Fans of a relaxing holiday will find the wild beauty of untouched nature, deserted beaches and a leisurely, quiet life here.
Approximate prices:
- Taxi from the main pier in Thongsal to many parts of the island 150-200 baht per person;
- Scooter rental from 200 baht per day;
- Accommodation from 300 baht per day;
- Meals from 100 baht per person for 1 meal in a cafe or restaurant.
How to get there
By plane from Bangkok
There is no airport on Koh Phangan, the closest ones are Surat Thani and.
Sending from Bangkok to Samui is very expensive, but the fastest and most convenient. You can go to the pier from the airport by taxi. And from the pier you take a ferry to Koh Phangan. Ferries cost 200-300 baht one way. At Samui airport, you can buy a combo ticket (bus + ferry).
The second option is to fly to the nearby airport in Suratthani. You can fly to the airport much cheaper using the services of local airlines: Nok Air, Air Asia, Thai Smile and Lion Air. From airlines Air Asia and Nok Air you can purchase a combined ticket (Joint ticket) plane + bus + ferry. Bangkok-Surat Thani tickets cost 1,300 baht; there are often discounts for flights after 17.00, resulting in tickets available for 600 baht. (there are no return flights from Surat Thani).
By bus
Buses run to the bus station in Surat Thani, from where you can buy a package ticket that includes a bus ride to Donsak Pier and a ferry to Koh Phangan. The cost of such a ticket will be from 300 baht. There are also routes that go straight to the Donsak pier, from which you can take a ferry.
Bangkok-Surat Thani depart from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal or Sai Tai Mai. The typical cost is from 500 baht, depending on the class of the bus.
You can easily get to Surat Thani by bus from anywhere in southern Thailand: Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and other resorts. For schedules and prices, visit www.sawadee.com
By train
You can travel by train from Hua Hin and Bangkok. The train goes to Phun Pin Railway Station, near Surat Thani. The train departs from Bangkok Hualamphong railway station. The cost of the trip ranges from 150 to 1500 baht depending on comfort (from seated 3rd class to compartment).
It is most convenient to travel at night.
Very often, buses and minibuses run from the train station to the pier, from which you can cross to the island of Koh Phangan.
Sea communication
The final stage of each of the above transport is crossing by water. If you have a comprehensive ticket with the final stop on Koh Phangan, then you don’t have to worry about anything, everything will be organized for you.
Sea routes
If you decide to travel alone, you can take a ferry from any pier. Ferry services between the mainland pier of Donsak (Donsak International Port), Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan are very well developed. Ferries to Koh Phangan dock at the Thong Sala pier.
Ferry schedule
The information above is for informational purposes only as schedules may change.
Transport
The main transport on Koh Phangan is scooters and motorcycles. They can be rented from 150 baht/day. There is a taxi Songthaew on the island - pickup trucks with a roof and benches, fares from 20 baht. On the main street in Thong Sala you can rent a pickup truck from 1500 baht per day, a sedan 800 - 1000 baht per day.
It is better to go to some beaches of Koh Phangan on foot or travel on specially equipped boats (taxi-boat). The fare for one person will be 150-350 baht depending on the distance.
Beaches
Crowded Haad Rin beach. Tourists call it the beach of the rising sun. Located in the southeast of the island, it is famous for its monthly Full Moon festivals. This is where lovers of fun evenings and parties flock. From Haad Rin, you can take a small path or boat to the beaches of Naad Yuanili Naad Tian, where peace and quiet reign.
In the northeast of Koh Phangan are the beaches of Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi, surrounded by green mountains. Here you can dive into the water to discover the beauty of the underwater world.
Not far from Thong Sala, the main port of the island, is Ban Tai Beach. The beach is interesting because of the coral reef located close to the shore, which can be clearly seen by daring scuba diving enthusiasts. But it is precisely because of it and the pronounced low tides that swimming here is problematic from May to November.
But in the port itself there are small beaches at hotels. However, the proximity of the port and the ongoing Half Moon Festival and Shiva Moon Party for accommodation here does not attract tourists who come to take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Tan Sadet. This secluded beach and nearby Than Sadet Waterfall were once a favorite destination for the Thai royal family.
Hotels
There are different accommodations on Koh Phangan depending on the preferences of the tourist. Wooden bungalows are the most common type of housing. But it is worth considering that not everyone has hot water. Prices per day start from 400 baht.
▣ Housing is presented for every taste and budget. You can also rent a good guesthouse on the island, equipped with air conditioning, internet, refrigerator and TV. Its cost is very pleasing and amounts to 300-700 baht.
There are more than 290 hotels on the island. You can choose the one that suits you based on price or comfort. Prices range from 1000 to 1200 baht per room in a 3* hotel.
The most popular among tourists are:
- Le Divine Comedie, located 8 kilometers from Haad Ried beach.
- Milky Bay. The hotel with its own outdoor pool is located near Ban Tai Bay.
All hotels have free Wi-Fi (but not always in the rooms) and almost all have free parking areas. All rooms are equipped with amenities and air conditioning.
Hotel prices are approximate. Depending on the season, they increase and especially during periods of national holidays and festivals.
Attractions
All the natural beaches of the island with their waterfalls can be classified as its attractions. But the largest is Than Sadet National Park. The park is open to visitors at any time and admission is free.
The park is famous for the largest and most beautiful waterfall in Phangan called Peang. Its multi-tiered structure gives the waterfall an impressive appearance, especially in winter. In the spring, in the absence of rain, it dries up, and instead of a stormy stream of water, a thin stream of water flows down the wet stones.
The park also contains the wonderful Laem Son Lake, surrounded by coconut palms under which you can relax. The Chinese temple with the statue of Guan Yin, the Mother of Mercy of the East, is also interesting to visit.
One of the popular temples is Wat Thong Sala. Wat Pho Herbal Sauna is also worth a visit. Here you will relax, relieve fatigue after long excursions, gain new vital energy and be in a good mood.
▣ Wat Pho Herbal Sauna - herbal sauna. On the territory of the marine reserve you can visit a “small copy of paradise” - the evergreen island of Koh Nang Yuan. Here you have the opportunity to see rare inhabitants of the underwater kingdom, such as clown fish and sea angels.
Since the island is very large, there are also a lot of attractions on Koh Phangan. We will tell you more about the attractions in the next article.
Phangan Island in Thailand (Koh Phangan) located in the Gulf of Thailand in the South China Sea and is the fifth largest island in the country. Koh Phangan is connected to the mainland, the closest distance is 50 km, by regular ferry service. At the same time, less than ten kilometers separate Phangan and the famous island of Koh Samui, which is located to the south. It is Koh Samui that often becomes a permanent holiday destination, while Koh Phangan is seen as something of a nice addition and a place to go for just a few days or a day excursion. However, the island of Koh Phangan itself is quite interesting for a long-term vacation, where there are all the conditions for this.
THE CONTENT OF THE ARTICLE (you can click on the link for a quick transition)
Koh Phangan Island (Thailand) – general information
Like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan administratively belongs to the province of Surat Thani, and the island got its name from the Thai word “ngan”, which means “sand spit”, because during low tides you can see picturesque sand spits on some beaches of the island. Square Koh Phangan Islands is 167 square kilometers, which allows it to close the top five largest islands in Thailand. In terms of size, Phangan is not much inferior to the neighboring island of Koh Samui - only 1.5 times smaller. But compared to Phuket, Phangan is noticeably more compact: it is about 4 times smaller in area.
Almost 70% of Koh Phangan's territory is mountainous, covered with impenetrable tropical vegetation. The mountains themselves on Koh Phangan are not very high: the maximum height is 630 m (Mount Khao Ra). The remaining territory of the island is occupied by Koh Phangan's beaches and flat terrain suitable for traditional farming. A considerable part of the cultivated land is used as coconut palm plantations, which, combined with the unusually beautiful local beaches, give the island a truly paradise-like appearance.
Koh Phangan - weather and seasons
Despite the fact that Koh Phangan is a year-round resort, there are some peculiarities associated with the rainy season. Moreover, on Koh Phangan there are two periods of pronounced. The first begins in April and continues through June. At this time, not only does it rain often, but there is also a low water level in the sea, which during this period is also slightly cloudy. The second “wet” season can be caught by coming on holiday to Koh Phangan from September to November.
Accordingly, the optimal months for a holiday on the island are July-August and the period from December to March. This is if your priority is a beach holiday, you need bright sunny weather, minimal or no precipitation, clear sea water for snorkeling and diving, colorful photos from your holiday, etc. If the island of Koh Phangan (Thailand) interests you primarily as a venue for the famous Fool Moon Party, then you can come at any time of the year, and the music and cheerful companies will definitely not let you get bored.
Advantages and disadvantages of Koh Phangan
I warn you right away that the pros and cons of Koh Phangan listed below are somewhat arbitrary, because all people are individual and what I like may not be what you like at all. Therefore, I will try to describe the advantages and disadvantages of the island in the context of various types of recreation and the gender and age structure of tourists.
Of course, the natural beauty of the island is its most important advantage. The numerous beaches of Koh Phangan are so picturesque that they are often depicted in all kinds of tourist catalogs in the “Thailand” section, along with beaches, steep cliffs and islands sticking out of the water. Lush tropical vegetation, green mountains, snow-white beaches without umbrellas and sunbeds, turquoise sea water near the shore, beautiful waterfalls - all this makes you fall in love the first time and makes numerous tourists return to Koh Phangan again and again, at least for a few days.
Despite the large number of hotels that are now easy to find on almost every beach of Koh Phangan, the number of people vacationing on the island is still small even during the peak of the high dry season in Thailand. This gives a holiday on Koh Phangan some privacy and romance. Koh Phangan is perfect for all couples and families who prefer to relax away from the noisy companies of compatriots and tourists from other countries. There are a number of beaches on the island where you can relax all day in complete solitude.
You should forget about a relaxing holiday on Koh Phangan only on full moon days, when thousands of tourists from all over the world arrive on the island to take part in Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, which usually lasts three days. However, this event only affects Haad Rin beach and other beaches bordering it and the pier; the rest, even at this time, are quite calm and quiet. By the way, it is precisely the silence and orderliness of relaxation on Koh Phangan that for some is also a disadvantage: those who like noisy companies, streets with bars and discos, following the example of Volkin Street in Pattaya, will clearly be bored here, especially in the evenings.
Infrastructure Koh Phangan Islands It is developing rapidly, but is still far from perfect. There is only one large Tesco Lotus supermarket on the island (in the main island town of Thong Sala) with a fairly meager selection of things that cannot be found in the usual 7Eleven. Also, don’t count on good shopping in the big shopping centers on Koh Phangan, because there aren’t any there yet. But if you just need holiday essentials, groceries and fresh thailand fruits– all this is easy to find both in the village of Thong Sala and on the most populated other beaches of the island.
The island's own airport is under construction, so you won't be able to get to Koh Phangan directly: you'll have to get to the island by ferry or boat for now. However, such a boat trip usually takes 20-30 minutes, so there’s nothing wrong with that. Especially if you know the schedule and piers on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui from which transport between the islands of various sea carriers departs. By the way, this useful information can be found in an article published earlier on the site.
Another problem is the roads of Koh Phangan: if you want to visit the fairly popular and well-maintained beaches of the island, there will be no problems: high-quality paved roads will probably be built to them. But if you want to visit truly wild and uninhabited beaches, you will have to travel along dirt roads in places of terrible quality, so those who have registered for the first time and specifically on Koh Phangan should not risk their life and health when driving on such roads.
The cost of living on Koh Phangan depends on your preferences for living conditions and the availability of additional amenities. There are both expensive high-category hotels and quite budget accommodations. In addition, you can always stay in a tent and eat in the restaurant of the nearest hotel at quite affordable prices. Using the hotel search form below at the best prices, you always have the opportunity to save money and plan your vacation budget in Thailand in advance. Just choose to zoom in on the Phangan beach you are interested in on the map and find out the cost of the hotels located there.
Things to do on Koh Phangan Island in Thailand
Despite the fact that the island is quite calm and is primarily conducive to a quiet and measured holiday, there is something to do on Koh Phangan besides lying on the beach closest to your hotel. By the way, there are several dozen beaches on the island, which can be easily verified using Koh Phangan island maps in high resolution. Below is a short list of things you can do on Koh Phangan to diversify your holiday on the island.
★ Participation in the Full Moon Party. The famous beach party is held, as its name suggests, every full moon of the month on Haad Rin Beach. Deafening music, fashionable DJs, buckets of alcohol and a crazy atmosphere will be remembered for a long time even by those who in ordinary life do not really like going to clubs and discos.
★ Participation in other parties. If you think that besides the full moon party there is nothing for young people to do on the island of Koh Phangan, you are deeply mistaken :). Twice a month there are Half Moon Parties, once a New Moon Party and several other parties, information about the dates and locations of which, the cost of participation, other features and rules of behavior at such parties can be found in a separate article “Parties on Koh Phangan: places, dates, cost”.
★ Diving on Koh Phangan is one of the best in the entire Gulf of Thailand. The island offers both excursion diving, i.e. diving in the company of experienced instructors and professional diving. You can find many places to rent scuba equipment, as well as undergo professional training at one of the local schools and receive an international certificate. There are also many snorkeling spots near the island, and in the Tonga Sala area there is a local branch of the country's largest kitesurfing school.
★ Visiting the picturesque beaches of Koh Phangan with light sand, where spending time is a pleasure. While vacationing on the island, it would be foolish not to visit at least 5-7 of its beaches, each of which may differ from its neighbors in its atmosphere, water color, coastline, etc. Some will be attracted by clean and well-maintained beaches Koh Phangan Islands close to expensive hotels, while others will simply be fascinated by the wild beaches, which no one cleans up from shells thrown out by the sea and tree trunks bleached by the sun and sea salt.
★ Visiting the natural and man-made attractions of Koh Phangan. This category of entertainment includes trips to the island’s numerous waterfalls, Phangan National Park, visits to a Buddhist and Chinese temple, a fishing village and an elephant village. You can read more about this in the article “Sights of Koh Phangan and excursions on the island”, which examines the most interesting objects of Koh Phangan and lists the cost of visiting those where it is charged.
That's it for the review Koh Phangan islands in Thailand completed, more detailed information about the island's beaches, transport on Koh Phangan, parties, excursions and attractions can be found in separate articles by clicking on the links above.
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Come to Thailand, and here you will have a good rest, gain new strength, and most importantly, decide how to proceed. In this article we will tell you about Koh Phangan, how to get to it, about the open-air party - Full Moon Party, interesting facts, weather and prices.
If you are already thinking about going on a trip to the country of Siam, then be sure to turn your attention to Phangan, as the locals call it Koh Phangan. Those who have visited here at least once know that this is a real paradise on earth, and dream of returning here again!
This island is considered one of the most popular resort areas where vacationers want to go. You can often hear about it that this is the best place in all of Southeast Asia. Therefore, if you are thinking about a holiday in Thailand, be sure to pay attention to it.
Where is it located, map
The island of Koh Phangan on the world map will seem like just a small spot to you, but once you get here, you will completely change your mind. The population is about 10 thousand people. Most of them are from China. More than 90% of the population here professes Buddhism, and the rest is Muslim.
On Koh Phangan, more than half of the area is covered with mountains with forests and palm plantations. And if you are one of those who loves coconuts, then you will definitely love it here! The most unusual and varied, alcoholic and non-alcoholic coconut cocktails will delight you.
How to get to Koh Phangan from Bangkok?
There is no airport on this island.
Therefore, you can fly to Koh Samui or Surat Thani. Koh Samui is an island located next to Koh Phangan; Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and low-cost airlines Nok Air and Air Asia fly here.
From Samui or Surat Thani you can easily and without problems by water transport, it will take about 2.5 hours, ferries run several times a day. Below we will talk about this in more detail.
You can also get from Bangkok by bus, the bus goes to the island by ferry, ticket price is $20-30. The bus leaves from South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Taling Chan) Bangkok.
With the help of various online air ticket sales programs, finding the most successful and optimal one for you will not be difficult at all.
How to get from Saumi to Koh Phangan
If you fly to Koh Samui, there are many ferries between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan; you can buy a bus+ferry combo right at the airport. Ferries depart from different piers: from Samui "Big Budda" boats go to Phangan's Haad Rin, and from Nathon and Mae Nam - to the main Phangan port of Thong Sala. Ferries cost 200-300 baht one way ().
The best disco on Koh Phangan
If you don’t know yet, Koh Phangan is one of the top five largest and most popular islands in all of Thailand. It has one unique feature that makes it so popular and famous. As many young people might have already guessed, we are talking about the Full Moon Party.
This is such a huge and truly grandiose open-air party. This party can accommodate several thousand people who will spend an unforgettable time here. A huge number of young people rush here precisely for this reason! And it’s worth noting that it’s not in vain! After all, you won’t get such adrenaline and emotions from nightlife anywhere else! The magnificent nature around - mountains, forests, palm trees and a chic beach disco - will delight any person, even if he does not like parties.
The creators of this party guarantee that you will not find anything like it on any beach! Therefore, do not miss this event if you are already here!
Holidays on Koh Phangan will be a real holiday for your soul! Therefore, hurry up to come here and get your portion of unforgettable emotions!
Facts about Koh Phangan
The island covers an area of 170 square meters. km. It is located on the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand, part of the Koh Samui archipelago, located next to Koh Samui and the province of Surat Thani. Its perimeter is approximately 50 km. So you can roughly imagine what size it is.
The name itself, translated from Thai, means “barrier of sand.” And this is absolutely no coincidence! You will notice that the coast of the island is distinguished by the fact that it is quite shallow. During low tide, sand deposits remain around it, from which a network of small islands grows. By the way, this is a very good quality. Thanks to this, no matter what the weather is here, the coastal waters remain calm, which allows you to swim in them, even in strong winds, because the force of the waves will not be strong.
Weather in Koh Phangan
The air temperature during the day is 29-32 degrees, and at night - 24-26, which is not too different.
The weather on Koh Phangan is quite stable. Therefore, this place is very comfortable.
Prices on Koh Phangan
Prices for groceries and food in cafes are on average 15% higher than in neighboring Samui, even 7/11 prices are higher than the Thai average.
Prices for accommodation such as a bungalow on the beach start from 400 baht per day.
During the Full Moon Party there are special prices for accommodation, and can be twice as high as usual.
Beaches on Koh Phangan
The beaches of Koh Phangan are some of the most amazing places where you can relax near the water. The best ones:
- Haad Rin. This is the territory of noisy parties.
- Baan Tai. From here you can easily reach national parks.
- Tong Sala. It is considered the main village of the island.
- Voctum Bay. It has a pleasant and calm atmosphere.
Renting housing on Koh Phangan
The main question is your accommodation on Koh Phangan. You have several options for where you can stay comfortably. This:
- House rent
- Villa rental
- Hotels.
Hotel prices
Each option presented will be convenient and comfortable for you, you just need to take into account several important factors.
- Do you need a quiet or noisy area?
- Are you coming to relax with your family or company?
- What is your purpose for coming to Koh Phangan - parties, relaxing by the water, visiting the sights.
Answer these questions for yourself, and you can easily choose the most suitable option. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance and find all the interesting things nearby.