The island is located in the gulf of Thailand just 20 kilometers north of Koh Samui. The name Phangan comes from the Thai word “Ngan” (sandbar) which surrounds the island and protects the white sand beaches and beautiful coral reef that lies just off shore.
For many years Koh Phangan was inhabited only by local families of Chinese fishermen that settled here about 200 years ago. Then in the early 1980’s wandering back packers discovered the island. Word of the island’s unspoiled beauty quickly spread and more and more travelers made Koh Phangan a must see during their travels.
Today Koh Phangan hosts the world famous Full Moon Party. Every full moon night close to 10,000 people gather together on Haad Rin Beach to celebrate and have an unforgettable night.
In addition to the Full Moon Party Koh Phangan offers activities for all types of vacationers. Lay back and relax on one of the island’s many white sand beaches. Or for the more active types lace up your hiking shoes and venture up into the coconut covered hills and look out at the spectacular postcard views below. Looking for a way to get around? Well, grab a map and tour the island on a bicycle, motor bike or 4-wheeler which are all for rent by the day. Or take a more traditional approach and climb aboard a mighty elephant for a tour through the jungle.
Whatever your tropical desire you’ll find it on Koh Phangan.
Direct transfers between Bangkok and Koh Phangan by bus and boat via Chumpon are available from Seatran Discovery and Lomprayah Catamaran. See www.seatrandiscovery.com and www.lomprayah.com for further details. Alternatively you should be able to buy a combined bus and ferry ticket at most travel agencies in Bangkok or at the bus station, either via Chumpon or Surat Thani / Donsak. All ferries from Chumpon or Surat Thani / Donsak arrive at Thong Sala on Koh Phangan.
Bus From Bangkok
If you are looking for an economical way to travel take the VIP bus from Khao San Road or from the New Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road in Bangkok. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the regular “A/C” busses. Tickets are easily available in most travel agencies in Bangkok or at the bus terminal and go to Chumporn or Suratthani. Ferry fee is often included in the price but make sure to confirm it when you buy the bus ticket.
Train From Bangkok
Another way to travel is the night train from Hua Lamphong, the Bangkok Railway Station, to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are a more comfortable option for this eleven hour journey. It is a little bit more expensive than the bus but you will be well rested for the day ahead. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones and a private "first class" cabin for two people is also available. From Donsak pier near Surat Thani you can take a ferry ride to Koh Phangan.
Airplane From Bangkok
There are around 20 flights a day from Bangkok to Samui, on either Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) or Thai Airways (www.thaiair.com). There is a desk at the airport that can arrange a transfer to the pier for the next boat to Koh Phangan. Boats go to either Thong Sala or Had Rin. If you end up on the Had Rin boat, get one of the waiting taxi minibuses to take you to Thong Sala.
It is also possible to fly to Surat Thani and get the Racha Ferry from Donsak pier to Koh Phangan.
Phangan island is famous for the Full Moon Party. Besides great parties, the island also offers plenty of fun activities such as:
Snorkeling
If you enjoy snorkeling Koh Phangan has some of the best spots in the south of Thailand. Just off the northwest coast you will find the little island of Koh Ma opposite Mae Haad beach. There you will find amazing coral and colorful fish of all shapes and sizes.
Diving
Ever try scuba diving? If not, then why not get your scuba diving certificate here on Koh Phangan. We can arrange diving for beginners as well as advanced divers. There are daily diving trips to reefs and other interesting dive sites around Koh Phangan. The professional instructors will make sure you'll have a fun and safe experience
Fishing
Fishing can be a fun and relaxing sport. We can arrange fishing trips around the island or you can purchase a rod and fish off the rocks on the coast. Many of the locals out there are happy to offer help and advice on the best bait to use. One of our favorite hobbies is squid fishing off the pier in Thong Sala. Squid are attracted to the sun sparkling on the water and bite best at sunrise and sunset. Come out and give it a try.
Wind Surfing
If the breeze picks up this is a great way to have some fun. There is a wind surfing center in Ban Tai that offers rentals and lessons for all skill levels.
Kite Surfing
Learn how to Kite surf with professional instructor at our shallow safe for learning beach at Phangan Beach Resort. We have the best wind all year around. Equipment are available for rentals. Please ask front desk for more information.
Boat Trips / Kayaking
We can arrange boat trips around the island or to the neighbouring islands. Kayaks can be rented on the beach.
Paintball
Have you ever dreamed of being Rambo or a military sniper from your favorite video game? Well here on Koh Phangan you can shoot your friends in the jungle at Phangan's first and only paintball range. The paintball arena is located at the Big Mango Restaurant just outside of Thong Sala. So grab your friends and head out for a day of fun and war.
Muay Thai Boxing
Koh Phangan has several Muay Thai stadiums around the island that hold fights throughout the month. Our favorite is Kobra Stadium in Ban Tai. Around the week of the full moon party you can watch boxers from all over Thailand compete in full contact matches. If you prefer a more hands on experience, Master Trainer Kob offers private Muay Thai lessons.
Elephant Trekking
One of the tourist favorites is elephant trekking. There are two locations on the island that offer 30 to 90 minute rides through the mountainous jungles of Koh Phangan. In addition to the rides you can feed, cuddle and take pictures with the elephants. Interacting with these magnificent creatures is an unforgettable experience.
Beach Volleyball / Beach Football
Every day as the heat of the sun starts to subside, volleyball and football matches begin on the beach. It's a good way to meet new friends and and keep your body in shape during your holiday.
Wakeboarding & Kite Boarding
Wakeboarding and kite boarding is offered by several companies on Koh Phangan. Both of these activities are done in the Chaloklum or Ban Tai area as not to damage the coral reef.
Thai Cooking Lessons
Thailand has some really delicious food. Why not try your hand at learning Thai cooking. Same-Same Restaurant has a Thai cooking school which is certified by the ministry of Education Thailand. They offer courses for 1, 3 or 5 days with an English speaking chef.
Yoga
Koh Phangan is also home to several yoga schools. You can relax and revitalize your body using this ancient Indian method of exercise. Depending on how much time you have and how serious you are you can go for a single lesson or stay for up to six months learning to be a yoga instructor.
Boat Cruises
We can arrange cruises around the island, to Angthong National Park or Koh Tao. The boats are fully equipped with snorkeling equipment, bar, toilet and buffet lunch on board. This is the great way to experience the island and beyond.
Jewelry Making and Design Class
Learn how to create your very own one of a kind silver jewelry at the "Workshop Silver" located in Thong Sala. Study the techniques of traditional jewelry making right here on Koh Phangan. This is a hands on class and the students' creations are theirs to take home.
ATV
One of the island's most recent arrivals has been the "4-wheeler" or "ATV". They are a fun and exciting way to see the island and navigate some of the sandy and bumpy roads. Many places around the island offer day or weekly rentals.
Mountain Biking
A great way to see the island and get some exercise during your vacation. Rentals are available in Thong Sala and other locations around the island for about 50 Baht a day. Some of the hills and trails can be a bit adventurous so be cautious and always wear a helmet.
Massage & Meditation
At most resorts and beaches you can get a traditional Thai or oil massage. Koh Phangan also has retreat centers offering various courses in Thai massage, meditation, chakra healing, Pilates, Reiki and reflexology.
Wat Pho Herbal Sauna
This traditional herbal steam sauna is run by the monks at the Wat Pho temple in Ban Thai (on the road to Thong Nai Pan). The sauna uses the traditional method of heating natural herbs and leaves on a log fire. Herbs such as lemongrass and tamarind have many health and skin benefits.
Kao Ra Viewpoint
Kao Ra is the highest mountain peak on Koh Phangan and offers the most spectacular view of the island. There is a long winding foot trail leading up to the scenic point from the village of Ban Madua Wan. The trail can be steep in places so make sure to be cautious and wear good hiking shoes. Bring plenty of water and you may also want to bring along your bug spray. There is a guide service available at Phaeng Waterfall for about 500 Baht.
Domsila Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located on the trail from Phaeng Waterfall to Domsila. The trail begins at Phaeng Noi waterfall and continues down the stream. One of the most beautiful areas is Tan Gluai. Here you will find beautiful orchids, birds and other native jungle wildlife. If you are looking for the perfect "romantic" spot you can stay and watch a wonderful sunset. Just remember to bring a flashlight for the walk back after dark.
Chinese Temple
This Chinese style temple is found on the North-West of Koh Phangan island and has a short but interesting history. The woman responsible for building the temple is said to have had a dream in which the (Chinese) Buddha spoke to her and asked her to build a fire light for the people. When she awoke she began planning and working on the temple. It was completed in 1990 and is considered a place of luck.
Wat Phu Khao Noi
Koh Phangan has many temples. Wat Phu Khao Noi is the oldest temple on the island. The name means "The temple of the small mountain" and is located on a small mountain on the south west of Koh Phangan just outside of Thong Sala. The head monk there is very friendly and is happy to give you a tour around the temple.
If you interested in any of these activities, please ask our staff for more information.
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