Reasons to Visit Koh Phangan in Thailand
Koh Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand is the fifth biggest island of the Kingdom. Until a few years ago it was somewhat of a tourist backwater, attracting only backpackers and old Asia hands looking for a cheap bungalow on the beach. The backpacker vibe still exists on the island, but it also rubs shoulders with the party scene on the island and the growing high-end tourism.
Koh Phangan is just 12 km from the more famous island of Koh Samui. Although it doesn’t have its own airport, it is easy to get a flight from Koh Samui, Chumphon or Nakhon Si Thammarat to Bangkok and thus greatly reduce travel times.
The island is one of the most unspoiled in the Gulf. It has deliberately avoided the quick and unregulated expansion that has marred other tourist destinations in Thailand. It is also an island blessed with over 20 white sand beaches to choose from, each with their own character.
If you want to discover the party scene on Koh Phangan then the beaches to stay at are Ban Tai or Haad Rin. The former is home to the Half Moon Party and the Black Moon Culture Party and the later is the setting for the epic Full Moon party that attracts up to 30,000 party seekers.
There is also a growing live music scene on Koh Phangan. There is the local band ‘Job 2 Do’ that has had domestic chart success. They can sometimes be found giving a show at the Rasta Bar in Haad Yao. Then there is the Jam in Hin Kong and the Sound in Ban Tai which have regular live music nights.
For those seeking luxury accommodation and a stunning location, the best choice is Thong Nai Pan Noi which holds all 3 of Koh Phangan’s finest hotels – Rasananda, Santhiya and Panviman.
For those looking for the Thai side of the island the west coast of Koh Phangan, especially Srithanu, offers a glimpse into the workings of an island economy not dependent on tourism.
And finally, for those looking for that original hippy vibe on Koh Phangan, there are still a few inaccessible beaches without electricity that offer cheap no-frills bungalows on the beach. The best of these places are the historical Haad Sadet (visited by 3 Kings of Thailand) and Haad Yuan.
In Koh Phangan you can scuba dive, you can mountain bike and you can go mountain trekking. There’s wakeboarding, yachting and windsurfing. Many choose to study on Koh Phangan: Muay Thai and yoga are both popular. Many more choose to lie on the golden beach and just unwind. Whatever you are looking for Koh Phangan probably has it.