Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan, Thailand

Koh Pha-Ngan, or Pha-Ngan Island (เกาะพะงัน), another wonderful island of Gulf of Thailand, which located in Surat thani province, Koh Pha Ngan is halfway between two islands; Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is also known as the land of coconut trees, and the world-famous full moon party at "Haad Rin Beach". The Full Moon Party is monthly dance music festival set on Haad Rin which is held in every full moon night every month. The event primarily features electronic dance music. This world-famous beach party brings thousands party lovers all around the world to the island, especially in the high season in December to March. And that is the best time to visit the island, when the water is high, clean, clear and good for swimming. It's also good time for you to enjoys of the lovely coconut trees, relax under the shade of coconut trees by white sand beaches and absorb the spirit of the nature.

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How to get there:

By Bus;

The best way to get to Koh Phangan is by Bus (Government Buses) to the Na Dan ferry piers: Bus terminal in Bangkok. Buses also arrive in Surat Thani, from the capital of Surat Thani Province, you you can buy a ticket for a bus + boat ride (ferry + transportation to Don Sak pier). The ferry stop at Koh Samui first, and will drop you off at the pier of Thong Sala. If there is no available listed above (if you've arrived to the bus terminal a bit late in the evening before a weekend or holiday), you can also try a bus to Chumphon and board a ferry there, see "By train". You can buy a ticket on the bus station, it will cost same as if purchased separately (and the bus arrives 2-3 hours before ferry departure, so you shouldn't be late).

Buses from Khao San Road, from here you can buy the joint ticket. A very good but pricier option, is using the morning bus (6AM) and ferry combination from the Lomprayah company arriving to island around 4:30PM with one way ticket price 1,300 baht. A reputable company with an office near Khao San Road, and the option to book online through their website. The air-con bus is very new and quite comfy. There is also overnight bus + catamaran combo BUS leaving Khao San Road, at 9:PM, arriving to island around 11AM. 

By Plane;

The closest airport is Samui International Airport (USM). The transportation to the ferry dock is easy to find at the airport. Ferries depart several times a day with the last one around dusk.

By Boat;
From Koh Samui's pier directly to Haad Rin. Ferries also leave from Nathon and Mae Nam piers to Thong Sala by several times a day. For fast Lomprayah Catamaran 3 times a day, and Songserm Express (cheaper than Lomprayah Catamaran;twice a day.

From Koh Tao; there is fast Lomprayah catamaran operating twice a day to Koh Tao for 450 baht at 08:30 and 13:00 or leaving Koh Tao for Koh Pha Ngan at 09:30. The ride between these islands takes 1.25 hours. 

Get around on Koh Pha Ngan

Once you entered to Koh Pha Ngan, it's a must to explore the beauty of Pha Ngan Island, through exciting day, evening and adventure tours. Experience, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, speed boat excursions to "Ang Thong National Marine Park", muay Thai, fishing trips, cultural tours, elephant riding. Enjoy the beauty of nature that the Ko Maa area has to offer and have a relaxing boat trip, with so many things to see and do your time on Koh Pha Ngan will be truly memorable.

• Visit the beautiful waterfalls and lookouts in the stunning interior of the island. 
• Visit Ko Maa off the northwest coast of Koh Pha Ngan. It offers one of the best snorkelling places on the island. Also other places to do snorkelling are "Haad Khom beach" and "Haad Yao beach"
• There are elephant camps on the way from Baan Tai to Thong Nai Pan for elephant trekking.
• Full Moon Party, if your after party heaven you can't do better than Haad Rin; an expanded village of beach bars and cheap chicken burgers, It is most popular one night a month, they called "it is a feast". The night of the Full Moon Party, the beaches packed with trance, dance, electronic music, buckets, and every bars are hoping. Had Rin offers a variety of entertainment venues, some people says 'It's home to the Full Moon Party, or 'houses of thousand beach party's lover'. There are a lot of major sound systems running the length of Had Rin beach, catering for thousand people all around the world and, some talented DJ's pass through, banging out their wares to the raging lunar explorers that have landed on planet party. 'Before going to the Full Moon Party, make sure you book your accommodation for the Full Moon Party ahead, because there is a limited availability.
• Jungle Experience at Ban Tai. In the jungle near Baan Tai, Jungle Experience features the best of underground electronic beats; house music, tech house and progressive house. Here you can find plenty of areas to sit down and chill-out complete with decorations, laser and lighting, dancers and performance artists, as well as professional world-class DJs. 
• Those who are into hiking can be done all around the island. There is a trail that leads between Haad Rin and Haad Tien, The route can become difficult, and bringing enough water is necessary. If you are feeling adventurous, ride a motorbike to the end of the concrete road at Haad Khom from where you can hike through steep terrain and jungle on the coast to isolated 'Bottle Beach'. Another good trail is to the best viewpoint on the island "Khao Ra Viewpoint", on the highest hill on the island.
• Scuba Diving, Pha Ngan has lovely sites around the island which are perfect for both the beginners and trained divers. From easy dives off the beach to longer trips by boat you can experience the world of tropical diving. The waters around Koh Pha Ngan are much nicer than most people know (super clear-water), fine hard corals with a good range of reefs and tropical/pelagic fish. "Sailrock" (p.s. You can find many dive schools throughout the island).

Please stay safe on Koh Pha Ngan

Get Out; 

Surat thani is the closest city on the mainland.

Koh Samui the biggest and most touristy island on the east coast of Thailand, many boats departing for there from 200 baht (Songserm Express).

For contact; there are internet cafe's; last time I was there and they charged for internet 1 baht per minute, they also provide international calls, and flight confirmation.