Koh Phangan Island

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.

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.

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.

The 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.

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 more 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 (Eastern) 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.