Koh Phangan

Just 20 km. north of Koh Samui and a short boat trip away, Koh Phangan is mountanious island ringed by secluded bays that offer ideal getaways. Its only town of any size, Thong Sala, has a bank, a post office, supermarket and shops selling beach equipment and souvenirs. This is where the ferries to and from Koh Tao, Surat Thani and Koh Samui dock.

Many of its beautiful beaches are accessible , only by boat, though pick-up trucks and motorbikes also ply the island's rough roads. Its most famous beach is Hat Rin, in the southeast corner of the island, which is the location for the world famous moon parties that attract thousands of visitors each month to dance the night away on the beach. The island's most picturesque beach is Thong Nai Pan, a double bay in the northeast of the island., which has good swimming and snorkeling sport, as well as the island's most comfortable accommodation.

Koh Phangan Attractions

Than Sadet Waterfall
A little south of Thong Nai Pan is Than Sadet, the island's most impressive waterfall, which was once a favourite place of King Chulalongkorn.

Laem Son
Laem Son lake is a popular place for both local Thais and Farang. During the hot months many people flock to the lake to cool down and relax under the shady trees.

Chinese Temple
The Chinese Temple was built in honour of the Chinese Buddha, Jaomae Kuanim, and is a place where many people come to try one's luck or trust in luck.

Wat Khao Tam
Wat Khao Tam is not actually a true temple as there are only a couple of monks in residence, but rather serves as a Buddhist Meditation Center in the Theravadin tradition.

Kao Ra Viewpoint
Kao Ra is the highest mountain peak on Koh Pha-Ngan and offers the most spectacular viewpoint on the island.

Phaeng Waterfall
Phaeng Waterfall is protected by National Park status and offers beautiful natural scenery and an energetic walk up to a spectacular viewpoint.

Koh Phangan Activities

Snorkeling & diving
There are many great snorkel and dive spots on the island, especially on the Northwest coast. One of the best spots is around the little island of Koh Ma ('Horse Island'), off Mae Haad beach at the Northwestern tip of Koh Phangan. There are several diving schools offering PADI courses around the island.

Boat trips / kayaking
Boat trips around the island or to other islands can be arranged at most resorts and travel agencies. Kayaks can be rented at most resorts and at beaches.

Quad riding / ATV
Just outside main town Thong Sala there is a quad racing track, the place is called 'ATV Exite'.

Thai boxing
Although Lumphini Stadium in Bangkok is the place to be for the real Muay Thai match, Koh Phangan also has some small Muay Thai 'stadiums' in Thong Sala and Haad Rin. You can learn the art of Muay Thai yourself at the Jungle Gym in Haad Rin and Thong Sala.

Elephant Trekking
Just outside Chaloklum you can enjoy an elephant ride through Koh Phangan's jungle.

Getting there.

There are several ways to get to Koh Phangan

Train/Bus/Boat Combinations

At Bangkok's Hualamphong station you can purchase train tickets that include a bus from the Surat Thani train station (Phun Phin) to the Ban Don pier and then a ferry to ko Pha-Ngan. These generally cost around 30 to 50 Baht more than buying each ticket separately yourself.