Koh Phangan was used thousands of years ago by passing sea gypsies in the Gulf of Thailand, but was first settled 600 years ago by monks who built a temple near present day Thongsala. Tourists started arriving on the island in the 1970s. Since then the economy of the island has moved from fishing and coconut cultivation to tourism. With the success of the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan finally became a famous place to visit.

Geography

Koh Phangan is Thailand’s fifth biggest island. It has a land area of 168 Km sq. The island is dominated by a few large peeks, virgin tropical jungle and over 20 stunning beaches. Much of the interior is protected by national park status and building regulations. Koh Phangan is a zone designated for green tourism.

Beaches

The visitor to Koh Phangan is spoilt for choice. Each beach has its own character and can be taken as a self contained unit that the visitor will only need to leave to change money, pick up a parcel etc.

In the south there is the long beach of Ban Tai. In the jungle near Ban Tai the Half Moon Party is held. From Ban Tai there is a speed service available to Koh Samui. The other major tourist area in the south is Haad Rin. This is a peninsula that has both sunrise and sunset beaches. The sunrise beach is better and this is where the Full Moon Party is located. Haad Rin is a small town with plenty of bars, restaurants and guest houses that attracts those who like lively nightlife.

The east coast has some hidden gems. Just up from Haad Rin is Haad Yuan that is only reached by walking or by boat. This is also the case with Haad Sadet. This is a beach famous for its nearby waterfall that a number of Kings of Thailand have visited.

In the north east is the double bay of Thong Nai Pan. This is an amphitheater of tree covered mountains sloping down to two perfect white sand beaches.

Also on the north coast is the delightful fishing village of Chaloklum and the legendary Bottle Beach.

Much of the west coast is undeveloped. Many of the beaches have a large tidal difference and aren’t good for swimming. The notable exceptions are Haad Salad and Haad Yao – both popular beaches, especially with those who like snorkeling.

Best Time to Go

The rains of the monsoon usually stop at the end of November. Many people go for Christmas and New Year. The weather, however, at this time is sometimes a bit overcast. The perfect blue skies start in May and go through to August. If you go in May you get good weather and low season prices!

Prices

For a basic fan bungalow on the beach you can pay as little as $10 a night. Mid-range accommodation with air-con and TV costs about $40 a night. If you want to stay in luxury resorts such as Anantara Rasananda and have your own private pool villa you should expect to pay around $1,000 a night. If you eat in local Thai restaurants you can pay as little as $2 for a plate of food. Resort food is more expensive. Similarly beer in the supermarket is cheap and three times the price in a bar. Spa treatments can be had for as little as $20.

Conclusion

If you love Thai culture and you love beaches then Koh Phangan should be on your list of ‘must visit’ places.