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Gulf of Thailand island paradise

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    KOH PHANGAN HOLIDAY

    Koh Phangan (sometimes spelt Ko Pha Ngan) in Surat Thani Province, Thailand sits within the Gulf of Thailand nearby Ko Samui and has a global reputation for being the go-to destination for Full Moon Parties for the past 30 years. More than a backpacker destination, Ko Pha Ngan hotel accommodation is vast, ranging from low-cost hostels around the party neighbourhoods to mid-range bungalows, budget hotels, higher-end hotels, pool villas and beachfront resorts. During the rainy season when there are fewer travellers to Ko Phangan, you could get lower deals or booking discounts, as hotel prices vary based on the season.

    Ko Pha Ngan has several beautiful beaches with soft white sands and azure blue or emerald warm waters. Haad Rin beach is the location of the full moon parties. But during the day, the beach has a range of things happening such as beach football, beach volleyball, and bikini contests, as well as water sports including jet skiing and sea kayaking. Baan Tai beach is a slightly quieter version of Haad Rin but still has a very lively bar and beach club scene. For those looking for a more laid-back stay, try Chalok Lam Beach, Mae Haad, Thong Sala, Haad Yao and Haad Salad. Thong Nai Pan Beach is low-key and has waterfalls nearby, lush vegetation and lots of wildlife. Srithanu beach has calm waters and caters to high-end resorts. Many accommodations offer activities like yoga classes or a cooking class on Thai food for a few days at no extra cost per person.

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    THG Recommended Hotels in Koh Phangan

    THE COAST RESORT – KOH PHANGAN
    THE COAST RESORT – KOH PHANGAN
    • THE COAST RESORT – KOH PHANGAN
    • THE COAST RESORT – KOH PHANGAN
    • THE COAST RESORT – KOH PHANGAN
    • THE COAST RESORT – KOH PHANGAN
    The COAST Adults Only Resort and Spa - Koh Phangan is situated on the tranquil Sunset Beach and only 15 minutes walk from Haad Rin town, the centre of the island’s nightlife.
    Buri Rasa Koh Phangan
    Buri Rasa Koh Phangan
    • Buri Rasa Koh Phangan
    • Buri Rasa Koh Phangan
    • Buri Rasa Koh Phangan
    • Buri Rasa Koh Phangan
    • rating star
    Relaxed beachfront luxury at Buri Rasa Koh Phangan. This friendly eco-resort situated on the beach of Thong Nai Pan Noi, has 65 lavish rooms with pool or ocean views with private entrances, full amenities and even a turndown service.
    Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
    Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
    • Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
    • Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
    • Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
    • Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
    • Panviman Resort Koh Phangan
    Set overlooking the exceptional crescent-shaped bay of Thong Nai Pan Beach, Panviman Resort Koh Phangan offers superior rooms and deluxe cottages for couples and families looking for a tranquil tropical escape away from rowdy crowds.
    Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas Premium
    Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
    • Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
    • Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
    • Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
    • Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
    • Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas
    Welcome to paradise on Earth! Located on Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach on Koh Phangan
    Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa
    Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa
    • Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa
    • Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa
    • Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa
    • Summer Luxury Beach Resort & Spa
    Situated on Bantai Beach overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the Summer Luxury Resort & Spa is a cosmopolitan resort offering the finest services
    Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane
    Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane
    • Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane
    • Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane
    • Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane
    • Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane
    • Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane
    Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L’Occitane is a chic spa resort orchestrated to make your holiday experience on Phangan island unforgettable.
    THE CABIN
    THE CABIN
    • THE CABIN
    • THE CABIN
    • THE CABIN
    • THE CABIN
    Enjoy island life to the fullest at The Cabin Beach Resort in Koh Phangan. Sitting on the private Leela Beach, the resort offers industrial lofts and beachfront cabins with sea views and full amenities for your ulitmate comfort.

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    THG Recommended Attractions in Koh Phangan

    Discover more attractions in Koh Phangan

    Additional Things to Do in Koh Phangan : Koh Phangan Holiday

    Full Moon Party

    Ko Pha Ngan has played host to the original and infamous Thailand full moon party for over 20 years. These raucous festivities attract up to 30,000 partygoers each month flooding Haad Rin beach with booze, recreational substances, loud music, bodies and litter.

    Khao Ra Mountain

    Khao Ra Mountain in Ko Pha Ngan can be hiked in about three hours with amazing views from the lookout. It’s the highest point on the island and 627 metres in height. It can make for a serene yoga retreat venue as well as a wonderful place to meet the rising sun in the early morning. By the road, you would see a sign towards the starting point to the viewpoint, where there is a parking lot and where you pay the price of entrance, at 20 Baht per person. There are excellent viewpoints all around the island for fun things you’d like to do – check out Haad Yao, Haad Rin, between Haad Mae Haad and Chaloklum Bay. You can check with your accommodation on the popular route to take to save yourself time from searching for a good route.

    Sramonora Waterfall

    Sramonora hosts the legendary waterfall all-night parties just before and after the famous parties at Haad Rin. At night these falls glisten under the moonlight creating a truly breathtaking atmosphere. There are two rock pools, one large and one smaller. Entrance is free, you do not pay anything.

    Yang Na Tree

    Also known colloquially as the resin tree, is a tropical forest tree, this statuesque native tree is the tallest on the island, reaching close to 50 metres in height. It is located close to Wat Pho temple in Baan Tai, and definitely worth visiting to admire nature’s majestic gift.

    Thong Sala Night Market

    Welcome to the ultimate foodies’ paradise especially if you love Thai food. Thong Sala Night Market is one of the traditional Thai night markets serving a delicious array of local fresh delicacies, Thai food and global dishes ready for your indulgence, where the price of your favourite dish is reasonable, as are most of their servings. You can save some of your budgets and get delicious Thai food at the same time! It is our go-to spot most evenings for dinner, with every kind of food menu you can think of.

    Diving at Sail Rock

    The rock is about an hour’s boat ride from Ko Pha Ngan and is quite a deep dive with some strong currents but with excellent visibility. Sail Rock is one of the most famous dive sites in Thailand. Common sightings include colourful corals, vibrant schools of fish, manta rays, barracuda and the rarer visit of whale sharks. For beginners who want to learn, there is a course for adults at the price of 700 Baht per person, plus additional terms on the diving day itself.

    Summary continued

    The island itself is full of lush jungle green vegetation that can be explored on foot where you will discover waterfalls and wildlife. Khao Ra Mountain can be hiked in about three hours with amazing views from the lookout. It’s the highest point on the island and 627 metres in height. There are excellent viewpoints all around the island – check out Haad Yao, Haad Rin, between Haad Maehaad and Chaloklum Bay.

    There are plenty of good snorkelling and diving opportunities with PADI scuba diving courses available. You can try sea kayaking or take a day trip sailing to Ang Thong National Park.

    FLIGHTS TO KOH PHANGAN

    There is no airport on the island. Wherever you will be coming from, Australia, the UK, US or European country, you will first enter the country through the major international airports. From there you take domestic flights to the nearest airports to Koh Pha Ngan.

    Thailand has 38 airports and 7 of which are international airports. 6 of these international airports are in Bangkok – Don Mueang International Airport, Samutprakarn – Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Phuket International Airport, Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Rai – Mae Fah Luang International Airport, and Hat Yai International Airport all under the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited supervision. The U-Tapao International Airport, on the other hand, is managed and run by the Royal Thai Navy.

    There are numerous popular airlines making flights to Ko Pha Ngan through Bangkok, Surat Thani, Koh Samui and Phuket. From those local destinations, you can choose a bus, van, taxi or private rental car, ferry to get to Ko Pha Ngan.


    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Koh Phangan known for?

    Ko Pha Ngan is the 5th biggest island of Thailand and one of the most beautiful. It is known for the legendary Full Moon Party attracting up to 30,000 visitors every month, and in recent years also the Black Moon Party, a Full Moon party on New Year’s Eve.

    Can you stay in Ko Pha Ngan?

    Definitely! Ko Pha Ngan prices are relatively lower or have more flexibility, you will discover in search results. There is a huge array of hotel options, there are even family-friendly hotel choices if you come with your children, infants, the whole family.

    Can you fly to Ko Pha Ngan?

    There are no direct flights to the island. You can gain access via Surat Thani Airport.

    How do you get to Ko Pha Ngan from UK?

    There are several ways of getting to Ko Pha Ngan from London. There are flights from London Heathrow to Ko Samui, from where you get on a ferry Or flights from London Heathrow to Phuket, then ferry, bus and ferry trips to the island Or from London Heathrow to Surat Thani, then a bus and ferry to the island Or from Heathrow to Nakhon Si Thammarat, then a bus and ferry or from Heathrow to Krabi, then a bus and ferry

    How do I get from Bangkok to Ko Pha Ngan?

    The quickest and most comfortable approach is a direct flight from Bangkok to Ko Samui then a boat or ferry to Ko Pha Ngan. This route takes around 3-5 hours.

    Is Ko Pha Ngan a party island?

    Ko Pha Ngan is not just a party island, it is The party island in Thailand, as the origin of the monthly Full Moon Party that has gained global fame in the past thirty years or so, attracting from 10,000-30,000 revellers! In recent years have been born the Half-Moon Party, the Jungle Party and others more.

    Is Ko Pha Ngan expensive?

    Ko Phangan island is more expensive than the Thailand mainland and its neighbour Koh Samui. This is especially apparent around the high season, the time of the parties when prices can increase significantly. Ko Pha Ngan accommodations are vast with something to match every budget.

    How do you get to Ko Pha Ngan?

    From Bangkok, get a flight to Koh Samui and then take a speed boat or ferry to Ko Pha Ngan. The entire trip will take about 3-5 hours. Another option is by train or bus to Surat Thani city then boat or ferry to the island. From Koh Samui, it’s about a 40-minute ferry ride to Ko Pha Ngan. From Phuket, you can catch a flight to Koh Samui, which only takes 55 minutes then onward to a ferry from there. There is no airport on Ko Ph Ngan, so the closest airport is Koh Samui. A cheaper option is to catch a bus to Surat Thani port then take a ferry to the island from there. The whole trip should take around 8 hours including transfers.

    Is Ko Pha Ngan safe?

    Ko Pha Ngan is considered to be safe overall. However, it is best to operate with caution after the times of the full moon parties when drunk driving is common and motorcycle accidents are frequent. Regular visitors recommend renting transport and just follow the standard travel procedures for safety and secure travel insurance before going on your trip to Ko Phangan Thailand.

    How many days do you need in Koh Phangan?

    This depends on what you plan on doing on Ko Pha Ngan. Most hotels require a minimum three-night stay around the times of the full moon parties. However, there’s more to this island than just partying. There are some good snorkelling and diving spots, boating around the island on one of the long tail boats, hiking Khao Ra mountain for a date with the morning sun, or to one of the islands’ seven waterfalls, sea kayaking, and gorgeous beaches to unwind on. Or you can take a cooking class in the activities offered by some accommodations.

    Where is the best neighbourhood to stay in Koh Pha Ngan?

    Depends on what you are looking for. If you are wanting backpackers and party central then stay around Haad Rin beach (where the full moon parties happen) or Baan Tai beach, which is a slightly quieter version of Haad Rin but still has a very lively bar and beach club scene. Both areas of Koh Pha Ngan have a full range of accommodation options from hostels and bungalows to hotels. For those looking for a more laid-back stay, try Chalok Lam Beach, Mae Haad, Thong Sala, Haad Yao and Haad Salad. Chalok Lam is a 3-kilometre strip of golden sand with a stunning mountainous backdrop and is best for chilling out. Mae Haad Beach is quieter with higher-end accommodation. Haad Yao is a lovely white sand beach with excellent snorkelling at its coral reef, but no after-dark scene. Thong Sala is where the boats coming to the island disembark. It offers a good range of hotels and resorts. For a mix of exploration and relaxation, Thong Nai Pan Beach is low-key but has waterfalls nearby, lush vegetation and lots of wildlife. It is full of bungalows and resorts that are on the pricier side than in the party areas of Koh Pha Ngan. Srithanu beach has calm waters and caters to high-end resorts.

    Is Koh Pha Ngan worth visiting?

    Yes! There is more to this little paradise than just full moon parties. Koh Pha Ngan beaches are sensational with powder-soft sands and azure coloured warm waters. The island itself is full of lush green vegetation that can be explored on foot where you will discover waterfalls and wildlife. Khao Ra Mountain can be hiked in about three hours with amazing views from the lookout. There are plenty of good snorkelling and diving opportunities with PADI scuba diving courses available.

    Full moon party Koh Pha Ngan- is this all there is to do?

    This Gulf of Thailand island paradise has much more to offer than just parties. Koh Pha Ngan has several beautiful beaches with white soft sands and azure blue or emerald warm waters. The island itself is full of lush green vegetation that can be explored on foot where you will discover waterfalls and wildlife. Khao Ra Mountain can be hiked in about three hours with amazing views from the lookout. There are plenty of good snorkelling and diving opportunities with PADI scuba diving courses available. You can try sea kayaking or take a day trip sailing to Ang Thong National Park.

    What’s the weather like on Koh Pha Ngan?

    Koh Pha Ngan weather is warm all year round with both and wet and a dry season. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April. However, be aware that most of the waterfalls dry up during this season. April to June is the hottest time with temperatures verging on sweltering.

    When is Koh Phangan full moon party?

    Full moon parties dates coincide with the Full Moon date of every month on Haad Rin Nok Beach. The entry price per person costs 100 Baht.

    When is Koh Phangan half moon party?

    Half-moon parties occur every two weeks, either side of the Full Moon party. These are in a different location to the main Moon parties. Instead, they take place in a forest near Ban Tai village.

    How big is Koh Phangan?

    The island of Koh Pha Ngan is approximately 125 km².

    How to reach Koh Phangan?

    From Bangkok: The fastest way is to catch a flight to Ko Samui and then take a speed boat or ferry to Koh Pha Ngan. This entire trip will take about 3-5 hours. Another option is by train or bus to Surat Thani city then take a boat or ferry to the island. From Koh Samui: It’s about a 40-minute ferry ride from Ko Samui to Koh Phangan. From Phuket: You can catch a flight to Ko Samui, which only takes 55 minutes and then take a ferry from there. There is no airport on Koh Phangan, so the closest airport is Ko Samui. Or catch a bus to Surat Thani port then take a ferry to the island from there. The whole trip should take around 8 hours including transfers. You can access cheap flights (or trending flights) that can be arranged, or if you are taking a car, direct flights to accommodate your transport. Search the THG site to access our travel specialists. You can discuss these deals with our travel specialists when you decide on Kohh Pha Ngan, plan your itineraries, activities and other preferences. These will be made clear, leaving you with no stress and just fun to look forward to in your coming holidays with your children.

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