Thailand

Koh Phangan (Phangan Isaland)

Know as the Island of the Parties, Koh Phangan is populated mostly by young and young at heart back packers. It started as the back yard of the neighboring island Samui, but being less expensive and less crowded it attracted the youngsters that gave it a new character. No full range of development and tourist entertainment atmosphere, no big resorts, hotels or paved roads. Just a real sensual paradise with untouched nature and vivacious parties. Don't forget to bring some nuclear weapon against mosquitoes.

 

 

How to get there:

• Speedboats leave Samui daily:
• • 08:30 - Maenam and Bophut piers to Thongsala at a cost of 250 Baht
  • 12:00 - Leave Nathon at 12.00 am, then return from Thongsala at 10.30 am for the price of 150 baht.

 

• Songserm Express operates express ferries from Thatong, Samui to Thongsala via Nathon:
• • 08:30 - The ferries leave Thatong.
  • 10:30 - Arrive at Nathon.
  • 11:00 - Leave Nathon to Thongsala.
  • 11:45 - Arrive at Thongsala.

 

They also run a car ferry service from Kanom to Thongsala via Na Thon:

• 06:30 - Leave Thongsala.
• 08:00 - Arrive to Na Thon.
• 09:30 – Arrive to Kanom.

 

The return trip from Kanom:

• • 18:00 - Leaves Kanom
  • 19:30 – Arrive to Nathon
  • 21:00 - Reache Thongsala.
    
    
• Long tail boats run from Maenam pier to Phangan at three main destinations:
• • Rin Beach for 120 baht.
  • Tien Beach for 150 Baht.
  • Thong Nai Pan for 200 Baht.

 

• For an alternative route, but a longer trip, you can take night boats from Ban Don, Surat Thani to Thongsala. The boats leave at 10.00 pm and take six hours and a half for the price of 170 Baht.

 

 

What to do:

The most convenient way to get around those non paved roads of the island is Songtaew, changing rate and no more than 100 Baht around the island. Or else you can hire a motorcycle (pretty hard and unsafe to get around though).

• Fool Moon Party: A world famous happening taking place every month on the Sunrise Beach, accompanied with Half-Moon and Quarter-Moon parties to complete the weekly reason to go wild.
• Wat Khao Tam: A small temple, located on a hill north to Ban Tai offering varied workshops and meditation sessions, as well as a Vipasana course of ten days.
• Than Sadat Waterfalls: Means "Royal Stream" as many member of the Thai royal family made frequent visit of the site. Three kings left their signatures on a rock bellow the falls, to assure you we are talking on a breathtaking spot. Guided tours on boats leaving from Hat Rin and Thong Sala.
• Phaeng Forest Park Waterfalls: Located on the rocky mountains east to Ban Maduawan, the way up there is worthwhile in itself. Coconut trees, pure white send, and deep blue see colored with blue sky are viewed from the stunning viewpoints on the way. Including a marble Buddha statue said to be one of the finest on the island.

 

 

Where to Stay:

There are 160 places to stay around the island at the cost of 100-400 Baht. The prices will change along with the location, accessories in the room and the distance of your arrival date from the next Full Moon party.

• Hat Rin: Central, popular and bubbly beach, this is the place to hang out and party while other beaches are more peaceful and some posses untouched and breath taking nature. Composed of two beaches, Sunrise on the east and Sunset on the west, Hat Rin is made of low budget accommodation without any luxuries five-star hotels. The place is loaded with restaurants, chill out bars and small dance clubs. It has been described as "a spot for travelers' community whose members truly believe in hedonism".
• Thong Nai Pan: One of the top five of Thailand's beaches was the long time favorite of King Rama IV. Old and authentic atmosphere of Thai beach village contains perfect beaches and friendly people. The southern bay Thong Nai Pan Yai is the residence of the local population and has a few resorts. The northern one, Thong Nai Pan Noi, is quieter and great for swimming and snorkeling. You can get here by a boat from Hat Rin or pick up a Songtaew.