Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan, Thailand

As Koh Samui has gradually succumbed to mainstream tourism, Koh Phangan remains the most popular backpacker's island in the Gulf of thailand. Covering around 190 sq km, its mountainous terrain is covered in dense jungle, with granite outcrops scattered around the coast. There are plenty of nice beaches, many in small, picturesque bays. Most of the island's amenities are found in around the town of thong Sala and Haad Rin beaches.

it was not until the inauguration of the island's famous Full Moon parties in the 1980s that travellers began arriving in large numbers. Clubbers and ravers stayed on, earning Koh Phangan its reputation as the lbiza of the Orient but there is also a well established alternative scene, with Tai Chi, meditation, open-air yoga and other New age pursuits. Most of these activities are centred on the two Haad Rin beaches on the southeast coast.

Driving around Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan, like Koh Samui,is an ideal departure point for sites in the ang Thong Marine National Park, the Samran Pinnacles and Sail Rock. But as they are nearer, divers benefit from shorter journey times and being first to arrive at the sites. It also exclusively opens up night diving opportunities at Sail Rock! Two-day excursions run to the sites around Koh Tao. It takes about 3hrs to reach Koh tao's southern sites.

visibility around Koh Phangan averages only 4m; the highest expectancy is 25m. Marine life around the reefs is fair, particularly with small-medium sized fish, but sites are seldom visited by large pelagics. There are occasional sightings of small juvenile reef sharks, turtles and rays.

How to get there

Koh Phangan is reached by road, rail, air and sea.

By bus:  Daily VIP air-conditioned buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal. The journey to Surat Thani takes 12 hours. Buses connect with the Express Boat in Surat Thani, or continue for information contact Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal, Tel: +66 (0)2 435 1199, (0)2 435 1200

By boat: Express boats depart five times daily from Surat Thani pier, and there is a passenger ferry (day and night) from Donsak. The journey to Koh Phangan takes two and a half hours. All boats arrive at Thong Sala jetty. Express Boats leave Koh Samui's Nathon pier regularly between 07.00hrs and 17.00hrs and arrive at Thong Sala 45 minutes later. Boat also depart from the pier in Bophut and arrive at Haad Rin beach 30 minutes later. Two high speed catamarans depart Samui twice daily (weather permitting). For further information conract Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran, Tel +66(0)77 247401 or Seatran Discovery Tel: +66(0)77 246086-8.

By train: There are two train service from Bangkok to Surat Thani. The Express train leaves Bangkok Hua Lumphong Railway Station every hour or so and takes around twelve hours. The Sprinter train departs five times daily and takes around nine hours. For further information regarding train services contact Hua Lumphong Railway Station Tel: +66(0)2 223 7010

By air: There are no airports on Koh Phangan. The nearest airport is on the neighboring islands of Koh Samui. For further information contract Bangkok Airway, Tel: +66(0)2 265 5678