Koh Phangan is Thailand’s fifth biggest island. It forms part of the Samui Archipelago along with Koh Tao and Koh Samui. Koh Tao is the most remote and least developed of the islands. It is famous for its scuba diving. Koh Samui is the most developed of the islands and Koh Phangan is somewhere in between.
Koh Phangan has good infrastructure and transport links but lacks an airport or a decent hospital. During the 1980s and early 1990s Koh Phangan seemed to be little more than a place where backpackers found cheap beach accommodation. As the Full Moon Party grew so Koh Phangan gradually drew more tourists.
There are over 20 great beaches to choose from on Koh Phangan. There are the loud and brash beaches of Haad Rin in the south. There are the up-market beaches of Thong Nai Pan in the north east where you can find luxury accommodation. In the north there is the quaint fishing village of Chaloklum. And along the east coast there are beautiful beaches such as Haad Yao, Haad Thian and Haad Salad. There is a coral reefs just off these beaches that offer excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Snorkeling and lying on beautiful beaches are not the only activities on offer on Koh Phangan. Nearby are a number of great dive spots such as Sail Rock, Chumphon Pinnacle and Ang Thong Marine Park. There are a number of good dive schools. Recommended is H20 Scuba School on Thong Nai Pan Noi.
There are also over 20 temples to visit on Koh Phangan. The monks at Wat Pho in Bantai still prepare traditional herbal saunas. There are also the historic waterfalls of Than Sadet where 3 Kings of Thailand have carved their initials.
For those seeking night life, there is not only the Full Moon Party but also the Half Moon Party and the Black Moon Party. The bars in Haad Rin, Bantai and Thongsala also offer plenty of fun.
You can have a great holiday in Koh Phangan at a very reasonable price. If you have never been you should consider visiting.
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