Koh Phangan or, in the local dialect, Koh Phangan is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 56 km from the mainland of Thailand and 15 km from Koh Samui.
You are unlikely to be able to buy a package tour here, and there is an opinion about this place that a lot of not quite ordinary people live here - vegetarians who practice refusing alcohol, sex, communication, etc. In fact, such people live everywhere, and in your city, although it is far from Koh Phangan, such people live too.
In fact, there are informal personalities on Koh Phangan, but not at all in such numbers as on the beaches of Goa. The version that Koh Phangan is Thai Goa, which is often written on websites, is far from the truth.
Only remotely the atmosphere here resembles Goan
Yes, Koh Phangan has become the venue for the largest open air in all of Southeast Asia - here
hosts the monthly Full Moon Party. It happens on a full moon. Several thousand people come.
But on other days there are no freaks and meditators on the beaches, no people playing the pipe, no snakes in a basket, guys with dirty hair and shabby clothes, drugged, beggars, etc.
Koh Phangan lives an unobtrusive but rhythmic life. Even traders on most beaches are absent and do not interfere with the sun to shine on vacationers.
Fuul moon party
First, the most famous! As mentioned above, this party happens every month on a full moon night at Haad Rin Beach. On this beach, life begins to boil 3-4 days before the party. The hype ends 2-3 days after the Fuul Moon party. If you do not aspire to this event, then it is better not to come to Haad Rin on such days. 
During this lunar week, there will be crowds, noise, dirt, and 5 times the price of accommodation on Haad Rin. On other beaches of Koh Phangan, this event is not reflected in any way.
On Haad Rin itself, 3 days after the party, it’s clean, hotel prices are returning to their usual level and the entire party audience has already left.
Who lives in Koh Phangan
The local population, as it turned out, are not Thais, but Burmese. There are Thais, of course, too, but there are much fewer of them. So it's worth shining your knowledge of Thai on Koh Phangan.
Koh Phangan beaches
The beaches on Koh Phangan are very beautiful, memorable and different. Most with crystal clear water. But this is external. When entering the water on many beaches, you find a rocky bottom, which makes swimming uncomfortable or not possible at all.
Haad Rin
Haad Rin is actually a district in the south of the island, which occupies a small ledge of land. There are two beaches here: Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai. The first one is located in the eastern part, so sunrises are met here. The second is in the west of the peninsula, and here they look at sunsets.
Haad Rin Nok- a large beach, wide, sandy. This is where the Full Mo night party takes place
on party. Lovers of nightclubs, bars and dancing until the morning prefer to settle in the hotels of this beach.
Another thing Haad Rin Nai- The beach is very small. The place is quiet and secluded, but you can always walk to Haad Rin Nok and plunge into the fun. 
There are many shops, cafes, guesthouses near both beaches.
Ban Kai
If you move along the coast from Haad Rin to the northwest, next you will meet Ban Kai beach. The beach is quite wide, and between the coconut plantations, numerous hotels and bungalows are conveniently located. There are also many restaurants, bars, shops, but not as noisy and crowded as on Haad Rin.
The sand is a little rough, and the coast becomes narrow in some places, especially in the east near a small rocky promontory.
Sea disturbances are very rare, so swimming is good, despite the fact that it is very shallow here. There is a coral reef 400 m from the beach, but in the season from April to November, snorkeling is not always possible here (low water).
Ban Tai
This beach is also suitable for nightlife. Once a month, the Black Moon Culture party takes place here. It is full of cheap housing, good infrastructure. 
This is one of the longest beaches on Koh Phangan, its length is about 2 km. The sand is coarse, with stones in the surf, broken shells, a rocky bottom, shallow water, and in some places the coast is strengthened from erosion by stone fences.
The entrance to the water has a rather large slope, which nevertheless becomes very gentle after three meters. As a result, you will have to go from 50 to 200 meters to a normal depth for an adult.
Bang Charu
If you want to live closer to the administrative center of the island, then it is better to settle here. The beach is pretty clean. The coast is wide, there is a lot of sand.
Thongsala
The beach in Thongsala is not for swimming and sunbathing. There is a parking lot for boats of local residents and a port, so the sea is dirty. But housing here is naturally cheaper than in Haad Rin and on nearby beaches.
In general, Thongsala is the administrative center and main port of Koh Phangan. 
Sritanau
Moving further north we get to the Sritanau beach. There are few people here and it's clean. Nearby is Lake Laem Son - a favorite vacation spot for local and visiting Thais. 
Khaad Chao Pao
There are more vacationers here than on Sritanau, but much less than in Haad Rin. Chao Pao is a small bay. The low tides are not so strong here and you can swim in any season, although the depth near the coast is shallow.
You can see the reef and rocks, you can probably try to snorkel there.
Haad Yao
A popular beach in the northwest of Koh Phangan. The beach is really beautiful, its images can often be seen on the brochures of Koh Phangan. Lots of greenery, lots of clean and white sand. Water at low tide is not very much, but enough to swim. 
It has everything you need for a measured beach holiday. Minus - far from Thongsala and even more so from Haad Rin (opposite side of the island).
Haad Salad
Also a popular beach. Located in the bay of the same name. From here it is very close to Mae Haad beach and its business card - Mae Island. There is a coral reef in the sea near Haad Salad beach. Because of this, on the one hand, Haad Salad is suitable for snorkeling - you can rent a mask and fins and admire the corals. 
On the other hand, sometimes it is not too comfortable to swim. The entrance to the water is gentle, the depth is small, and if you move further into the sea, you can injure your feet on the fragments of coral.
To go explore the underwater world, you can contact one of the dive centers, of which there are many on Haad Salad. The average cost is 1000 baht. This amount includes equipment, a little instruction (especially useful for beginners) and a boat trip for a distance sufficient for swimming.
Mae Haad
Mae Haad beach is located at the northernmost point of the west coast of Koh Phangan and is considered one of the most beautiful and best beaches on the island. The beach is very picturesque, wide, a lot of greenery, it has very clean sand and the sea. In addition, here is the best place for snorkeling in Koh Phangan. 
Crowded during the day, in the evening the beach is empty, only those who live in local hotels remain.
They also say that you can walk along the seabed on foot and reach the neighboring island. The small island of Koh Mae is located very close to Koh Phangan. The sea near the northern coast is shallow, because of this, during low tide, the sandy bottom is exposed and a “road” is formed leading to Koh Mae.
Chaloklum
This is the bay in which the port is located and the fishing village adjoins. Therefore, the sea and the beach here are dirtier than in other areas. Chaloklum Beach is approximately 2.5 km long
In the center is a fishing village. Many street and beach restaurants in the bay serve fish and seafood dishes caught by local fishermen. 
Housing prices are more affordable here. The place is in demand mainly among surfers: in this area the waves are higher.
bottle beach
A small white sand beach is located next to Chaloklum. This beach is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful beaches not only on Koh Phangan, but throughout Thailand. At the same time, there is no paved road to this beach yet. 
People usually come here for one day from neighboring areas - just to swim in the clear sea and lie in the shade of palm trees. 
A big plus of Bottle Beach is that you can swim on it in any season, there are no pronounced ebbs and flows and the sea is always deep, unlike many other beaches of Koh Phangan.
Thong Nai Pan Noi
The beach is located in the northeast of the island. It is deeper here than on the west coast of Koh Phangan. There are few hotels and shops, as well as vacationers. To get here, you need to drive across the entire island, and off-road, for which a motorcycle is more suitable than a car. Another option is by boat from Chacloklum.
Thong Nai Pan Yai
The beach is close to Thong Nai Pan Noi when driving to the northeast. It cannot be called crowded and popular, because getting here, again, is not easy - there is no full-fledged road. If you go from Thongsala, you will have to cross the entire island. But the nature here is beautiful. The sea is shallow, calm and clean, suitable for families with children. 
Haad Sadet
The beach is located in the east of Koh Phangan. Here is a good depth, but there are waves. This place is suitable for surfing. If you want to ride the waves, keep in mind that there are no surf schools or equipment rentals on the beach, you will have to bring it with you from another point on the island. 
Haad Yuan
So we return to Haad Rin. The last in the review will be Haad Yuan beach in the southeast of the island. Next up is Haad Rin. The beach is quiet and calm, there are not many places to stay, so there are few people. Most often people come here for one day just to relax and swim in the clean and calm sea. 
The greenest island in Thailand
It is considered so. Even the kings of Thailand are among the fans of Koh Phangan. Here, even ordinary bushes, palm trees and grass have such a special green color.
What tourists come to Koh Phangan
A huge number of European youth immediately catches the eye. And Russian tourists, on the contrary, are few. They write that for the most part, Russians on Koh Phangan simply live or fly in for the winter with their children.
And returning to the youth, it is clear that our average graduate does not have the opportunity to save enough money and rush to travel around Asia for a couple of months. So European youth completely occupied Phangan.
Observation decks with bars
Koh Phangan is full of bars with viewing platforms. Well thought out. The views from the observation decks are different because they are located in different parts of the island. 
Roads on Koh Phangan
A very unexpected fact was the quality of asphalt roads on Koh Phangan. It is very high. But the terrain is mountainous, the roads are winding and narrow in places. During the rainy season, it often happens that the mountain descends onto the roadway.
Mountainous terrain and winding roads do not allow for high speeds. Those who want to drive, however, can be seen. They are distinguished by the presence of bandages and plaster. You should not experience the steepness of the turns on Koh Phangan. Here, even experienced drivers can not cope with the management. Be careful and better move between beaches on four wheels, i.e. by taxi! 
Hotels on the beaches
There are many good hotels on Koh Phangan, while the price is very low. For the amount of 1000 baht per day, you can easily find yourself a quite decent hotel on the first coastline. The hotels are mostly clean and new, lots of air conditioned rooms.
Hotels in Koh Phangan:
| Hotel | stardom | Discount | Price per night, from | Select dates |
Santhiya Koh Phangan Resort & Spa | ★★★★★ | 11 487 9 404 | ||
Zama Resort (ex. Niramon Sunview Resort) | ★★★★ | 4 355 3 345 | ||
Kupu Kupu Phangan Beach Villas & Spa by L'Occitane | ★★★★★ | 14 580 10 414 | ||
Buri Rasa Koh Phangan | ★★★★ | 10 099 8 394 | ||
The Coast Resort Koh Phangan | ★★★★ | 7 069 4 607 |
A feature of Pangan hotels is deposits. Most hotels require a deposit.
Shops, markets, fruits on Koh Phangan
7-Eleven stores are not everywhere. Tested on the following beaches: Had Rin, Thong Nai Pan Yai, Chaloklam, Had Yao, Srithanu. Also available in Thongsala. Prices are about 10% higher than the mainland ones.
Also in Thongsala near the pier there are medium-sized supermarkets: Tesco Lotus, Big C and Makro.
There are two main markets on the island. Both are again in the Thongsala area.
Favored by Russian tourists, macarons are very rare.
She is also a feature of vacation on the islands - with fruit tension. Fruit tents, with a poor choice, and not on all beaches. So it’s not easy for lovers of non-meat food in Phangan.
Phangan. Attractions
Koh Phangan is not full of attractions. Several temples and neighboring islands.
Wat Pho Temple
The temple is located near Ban Tai beach, between Haad Rin and Thongsala. Tourists often come here, but first of all, not for the views of Thai architecture, silence and tranquility of this place. 
The main goal is to visit the herbal sauna at the temple. And besides these spa treatments, here you can get a session of Thai massage.
Wat Chakloklum
Obviously, Wat Chakloklum is located near the fishing village of the same name, which was discussed above. Therefore, the temple is more popular among locals. This, in my opinion, is what makes it particularly interesting. If you happen to be in the Chacloklum area, take a look here, admire the white and gold facade and beautiful interior. 
ang thong
An archipelago is located between the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Phangan and the mainland of Thailand. This is a national park, an excursion there is very popular from Koh Samui, but you can also swim from Koh Phangan. The archipelago consists of 42 two tiny islands with a total area of only 18 sq. km. The uniqueness and beauty of this place is in its landscape: rocks, caves, rich flora. 
Season on Koh Phangan
Compared to other regions and districts of Southern Thailand, Koh Phangan does not have distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two periods when the amount of precipitation increases - from May to July and from October to December.
Ko Phangan in autumn and winter: many tourists, as a result - inflated prices for hotels. The weather is not the best, waves, the sea throws garbage and algae on the sand, low tides at night. But high season...
Ko Phangan in spring and summer: few tourists, discounts in hotels 50-70%, sunny weather, little or no waves, clear water, clean beaches, low tides during the day. Low season…
The high season on Koh Phangan lasts from November to February. It is called high not because during these months there is clear sunny weather and good sea. In winter, a large influx of tourists who fly to bask on the Thai islands. Peak season - December, New Year.
The rainiest months are October and November. And in winter on Koh Phangan, the weather is rather tolerable, there are many sunny days, but there are also many rainy, cloudy days. Probably, if you choose the winter months, then it is better to go in February-March. But on the other hand, in winter, the tide season on Koh Phangan.
How to get there
The area of Koh Phangan is 125 sq. km. There was no place for an airport on such a small piece of land.
The nearest airport to the island is on Koh Samui. Two major Thai airlines, Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways, operate regular flights here from Bangkok.
Getting to Koh Phangan is not a problem from the mainland either. In any case, you need to sail to the island by ferry. By the way, it departs from the same Donsak pier, from which ferries go to Koh Samui.
From the cities of Thailand for a trip, you can use private tourist or government buses. A ticket for the tourist bus can be bought at any agency. 
You can come to the island with your bike and even by car, then by ferry anyway.
From the Donsak pier, the ferry sails on Koh Phangan for 2.5 hours. Arrival at Thongsala pier.
Opinion about Koh Phangan
A beach holiday on Koh Phangan as a whole should be highly appreciated. Yes, many beaches are shallow, but the water is clear, beautiful blue or greenish color of the sea, few waves, white sand, beautiful views and solitude without a huge number of tourists. Lots of beaches to choose from.
Come to Thailand, and here you will have a good rest, gain new strength, and most importantly, decide how to proceed. In this article, we will tell you about Koh Phangan, how to get there, about the open-air Full Moon Party, interesting facts, weather and prices.
If you have already thought about going on a trip to the country of Siam, then by all means pay your attention to Koh Phangan as the locals call it Koh Phangan. Those who have been here at least once know that this is a real paradise on earth, and they dream of returning here again!
This island is considered one of the most popular resort areas where vacationers wish to get. You can often hear about it that this is the best place in all of Southeast Asia. Therefore, if you are thinking about a vacation in Thailand, be sure to pay attention to it.
Location, map
Koh Phangan Island on the world map will seem to you just a small spot, but once you get here, you will completely change your mind. The population is about 10 thousand people. Most of them are from China. More than 90% of the population here profess Buddhism, and the rest is Muslim.
On Koh Phangan, the area is more than half covered with mountains with forests and palm plantations. And if you are one of those who love coconuts, then you will definitely like it here! The most unusual and varied, alcoholic and non-alcoholic coconut cocktails will delight you.
How to get to Koh Phangan from Bangkok?
There is no airport on this island.
Therefore, you can fly to Koh Samui or Surat Thani. Koh Samui is an island that is located next to Koh Phangan, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways and low-cost airlines Nok Air and Air Asia fly here.
From Koh Samui or Surat Thani, you can already easily and without problems get by water transport, it will take about 2.5 hours, ferries run several times a day. Below we will tell you more about this.
You can also get from Bangkok by bus, the bus sails to the island by ferry, the ticket price is $ 20-30. The bus leaves from South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Taling Chan) Bangkok.
With the help of various online ticket sales programs, finding the most successful and optimal one for you will not be difficult at all.
How to get from Saumi to Koh Phangan
If you flew to Koh Samui, then there are many ferries between Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, you can buy a combo bus + ferry right at the airport. Ferries depart from different piers: from Samui "Big Budda" boats go to the Phangan Haad Rin, and from Nathon and Mae Nam to the main Phangan port of Thong Sala. Ferries cost 200-300 baht one way ().
The best disco in Koh Phangan
If you are not already aware, Koh Phangan is one of the top five largest and most popular islands in all of Thailand. It has one unique feature that makes it so popular and famous. As many young people might have already guessed, we are talking about the Full Moon Party (Full Moon Party).
This is such a huge and truly grandiose open-air party. This party accommodates several thousand people who will spend their time here unforgettable. A huge number of young people rush here for this very reason! And it is worth noting that not in vain! After all, you will not get such adrenaline and emotions from nightlife anywhere else! The magnificent nature around - mountains, forests, palm trees and a chic beach disco will delight any person, even if he does not like parties.
The creators of this party guarantee that you will not find anything like it on any beach! Therefore, do not miss this event if you are already here!
Rest on Koh Phangan will be for you a real holiday for the soul! Therefore, hurry up to come here and get your portion of unforgettable emotions!
Facts about Koh Phangan
The island covers an area of 170 sq. km. It is located in the southwestern part of the Gulf of Thailand, is part of the Koh Samui archipelago, is located next to Koh Samui and the province of Surat Thani. Its perimeter is approximately 50 km. Thus, you can roughly imagine what it is in size.
The name itself, translated from the Thai language, means "a barrier of sand." And this is not at all accidental! You can see that the coast of the island is different in that it is quite shallow. At low tide, sand drifts remain around it, from which a network of small islands grows. By the way, this is a very good quality. Thanks to this, no matter what the weather is here, the coastal waters remain calm, which allows you to swim in them, even with a strong wind, because the strength of the waves will not be large.
Weather on Koh Phangan
The air temperature during the day is 29-32 degrees, and at night - 24-26, which is not too different.
On Koh Phangan, the weather is notable for its good stability. Therefore, this place is very comfortable.
Prices on Koh Phangan
Prices for groceries and food in cafes are on average 15% higher than in neighboring Koh Samui, even on 7/11 prices are higher than the average for Thailand.
Housing prices, such as beach bungalows, start at 400 baht per day.
During the Full Moon Party there are special prices for accommodation, and can be twice the usual.
Beaches on Koh Phangan
The beaches of Koh Phangan are some of the most amazing places where you can relax amazingly near the water. The best of them:
- Haad Rin. This is the territory of noisy parties.
- Baan Tai. From here you can easily get to the national parks.
- Thong Sala. It is considered the main village of the island.
- Voktum Bay. It has a pleasant and calm atmosphere.
Rental housing on Koh Phangan
The main question is your accommodation on Koh Phangan. You have several options for where you can comfortably stay. It:
- House rent
- Villa rental
- Hotels.
Hotel prices
Each presented option will be convenient and comfortable for you, you just need to consider several important factors.
- Do you need a quiet or noisy area?
- Are you coming to rest with your family or company?
- For what purpose do you come to Koh Phangan - parties, relaxation by the water, sightseeing.
Answer these questions for yourself, and you can easily choose the most successful option. Be sure to book your accommodation in advance, and find all the most interesting things near it.
Video
Thailand ... A country that is generous with the sun, warmth and hospitality. The country of eternal summer and eternal smiles. They say that in Thailand it is impossible to frown and walk in a bad mood. Nature itself acts as a healer and heals from blues and depression, melancholy and despondency. Among the many paradises lost in this small country, Koh Phangan occupies not the last place. Thailand is proud of this oasis of relaxation, where the gentle sun and velvety sandy beaches invite foreign guests tired of everyday life into their arms. Have you never been there yet? What are you waiting for? The next vacation can be spent exploring the sights of this country.
Koh Phangan (Thailand) on the country map
A charming town that attracts tourists with its beauties, takes up very little space on the map. Yes, he is miniature in real life, he can not be called a giant. The area of the island is 168 sq. km. And in diameter this baby is only 15 km. But, despite such a small size, the island of Koh Phangan (Thailand) enjoys well-deserved popularity among local residents and is well known to foreign guests.
Name history
Previously, this shelter for tired tourists was called Koh Phangan. It is still often called that today. He owes his name to the word "Ko", which is translated into the language we are used to as "island", and another word from the lexicon of the inhabitants of the southern provinces - "ngan", this word means "sand barrier" or "strip".
The speaking name, because the coastal part of the resort is replete with many sandy islands and sediments. They protect the island from sometimes aggressive waves and strong monsoons.
Geographical position
The small island of Koh Phangan (Thailand) is located in Surat Thani - one of the provinces of the country. It is separated from the capital by 500 km. It is part of the famous Koh Samui archipelago, which includes about 40 islands. For such a small country like Thailand, this is a lot. From the main Koh Samui Koh Phangan is located at a distance of 15 km. The main port of the town is Thong Sala. It is also the capital at the same time.
Excursion into history
We rarely think about the past of those settlements that we visit while traveling. Meanwhile, some of them keep in the caskets of their cities whole placers of legends and interesting stories.
Phangan (Thailand) is notable for its archaeological excavations. It was they who confirmed his solid age. As it turned out, the existence of Koh Phangan has 2000 years. In the 19th century, the Chinese began to emigrate here, due to which the population growth was formed. At the very beginning of the 20th century, about 300 families lived here. Lovely, kind Thais did not pretend to European charms. They quietly enjoyed the eternal sun and the generous gifts of the sea. They were mainly engaged in agriculture and fishing. But since the mid-1980s, the situation has changed dramatically. Thailand decided to go into the tourism business. And crowds of tourists from all over the world poured into this paradise country. I liked Thailand, they began to talk about it more and more often. Today it is one of the fashionable resorts. Among the most visited regions of the country are the islands of Koh Phangan.
International airlines
Flights to this amazing country are carried out by many international airlines. Therefore, you will not have problems with the trip. Among the most notable are Lufthansa, Air France, Finnair and many others. While in Bangkok, you should pay attention to this: where the flight will take place. The fact is that all international flights arrive at the new airport. His name is Suvarnabhumi. But flights around the country are already carried out from the old airport, which is called Don Mueang.
Koh Phangan (Thailand): how to get
If you are in the country of eternal summer for the first time, do not worry: it is impossible to get lost in Thailand. It is so compact and intuitive. In the case when your goal is the island of Koh Phangan, you will have to get to it on the crossbars. Of course, from Europe you will arrive by plane. It remains only to choose the primary destination of your destination. There are several options.
- Bangkok. It is located near Koh Phangan. However, in this cozy country, everything is at hand. There is a bus from Bangkok to the island. Such a pleasure will cost from 500 to 1500 baht. Both tourist and local buses run to Koh Phangan. The first of them depart from the street, which is designed specifically for guests of the country, the second - from the usual bus station. You can not give preference to any one mode of transport. Both are equally comfortable and suitable for movement.
- Suratthani. This place also has a local airport called Surat Thani Airport. You can get to Koh Phangan by traveling by bus, and then by ferry. The trip will take approximately 2.5 hours.
- Samui. Here you will be met by the airport of the same name. From this city, getting to Koh Phangan is easy. Ferries depart in this direction several times a day. The fare is from 5 to 8 baht. Travel time is about 40 minutes.
Koh Phangan beaches
Of course, many of us are attracted to holidays in Thailand. The beaches of Koh Phangan represent a whole kaleidoscope of popular and not so popular places where you can swim in the sea waves, meditate, lying on the beach and soaking up the generous warmth of the Asian sun with every cell.
What beaches does it make sense to visit when you arrive in Koh Phangan (Thailand)?
Sights of Koh Phangan
Despite the miniature size, there was a place here for the cultural values that Koh Phangan is famous for. Thailand is a unique country that can boast of its traditions and monuments.
What do tourists in love say?
All of us, going to some unfamiliar country, stick with questions to friends and acquaintances who have already been lucky enough to visit there. Before you go to Thailand, it would also be nice to get acquainted with the opinions of experienced tourists. If Koh Phangan attracts you, the reviews will help you choose a place to stay, tell you about prices and which beach is better to prefer. People who have been there once remember their journey with a happy smile and dream of returning to this country again.
Many attractive secrets and generous gifts hide Koh Phangan. Thailand, whose photos are admired by the beauty of landscapes, has more than one such magical corner in stock. So why not start getting to know them?
Koh Phangan island, he is Koh Phangan(Koh Phangan) is located in the Gulf of Thailand, 15 km from. Translated from the Thai language, "Koh" means "island", "Phangan" - a sandy spit.
During low tides, sand bars on Koh Phangan can be seen everywhere. On Koh Phangan, ebbs and flows are pronounced, especially for the southern tip of the island. The most powerful low tides are observed during the full moon, on some beaches the water leaves for half a kilometer.
The contingent here is going to be completely different. In the middle of each month, European youth come to drink and break away. The main party is concentrated in the south on the beach of Haad Rin.
In the west and north live mainly those who came for a long time. These are various yogis, pranoeds, seekers of spiritual paths, families with small children. In general, everyone can find a place to their liking and a hangout according to their interests.
The main city of Koh Phangan is located in the southwest and is called Thong Sala(Thongsala). Ferries arrive there from the mainland and from the islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao, you can also buy souvenirs there, stock up on fruit at the market or drop by Tesco Lotus and Big C supermarkets. Currently, Makro supermarket in Thong Sala is under construction, should open soon.
There are several roads on Koh Phangan, but there is no ring road along the coast as such. The island is small, you can cross it on a bike from south to north along the road going through the center in 15 minutes, but if you drive along the west coast, it will take about half an hour to get from Thong Sala to the northern beaches.
Phangan is a very green island, about 70% of the territory is covered with jungle How to get to Koh Phangan:
There is no airport, so you can only get to Koh Phangan by ferry.
If you are coming from Bangkok, you can buy tickets at the station or at agencies on Khaosan Road, if you are sailing from Koh Samui, you can buy tickets at the ticket office on the pier (better in advance, because during the season and on the days of the Full Moon Party there are long queues at the box office ).
Recently, it became possible to buy tickets for local transport via the Internet. You can find out ferry prices to Koh Phangan and the ferry schedule for the desired date by filling out the search form:
Ferry to Koh Phangan 
Internet in Koh Phangan
Many cafes and restaurants have free Wi-Fi, which can not be said about hotels. Not all hotels and bungalows have internet, even if the hotel website indicates that there is WiFi, it is not a fact that it will be in the room. It often happens that WiFi is available only on the territory of the hotel, and its speed leaves much to be desired.
Maybe in long-term rented houses the situation with the speed of the Internet is better. Guys, if someone lived on Koh Phangan for a long time, please write in the comments, how did you solve the issue with the Internet?
When there was no internet in my bungalow, I had to work on the beach Koh Phangan prices:
Prices are 15 percent higher than on neighboring Koh Samui. Even in 7/11 stores, prices for food and drinks are higher than the average for Thailand, and fruits and vegetables are also more expensive.
Dinner in a cafe or restaurant will cost an average of 100-150 baht per person without drinks. Pizzas are sold for 200-300 baht, hamburgers - for 150-200 baht.
Prices for food at the market in Thong Sala:
Fried fish - from 70 to 180 baht per fish, depending on the size and type of fish
Papaya salad or any other salad - 50 - 70 baht
Fruit shake - 30 baht
Boiled corn - 25 baht
Grilled chicken thigh - 40 thb
Spring rolls - 10 thb each
Spring Pancake – 30 to 45 thb
Tom Yum - 70 thb
Green curry - 70 thb
Pad thai - 50 thb
Accommodation and hotels Koh Phangan
Housing on Koh Phangan is different, it all depends on your preferences. Prices for bungalows on the beach start from 400 baht per day. During the Full Moon Party (it's about a couple of days before and a couple of days after the party), Koh Phangan has special housing prices that can be twice the prices on ordinary days.
If you are planning a trip to Koh Phangan on the days of the Full Moon Party, book your accommodation in advance, because two days before the party on the island almost everything is occupied, and what is not occupied is unreasonably expensive.
The most common accommodation is wooden bungalows. The peculiarity is that not everywhere there is hot water, so you should always clarify this issue before settling.
It is better to book accommodation on Haad Rin beach, where the Full Moon Party takes place, in advance. You can compare hotel prices.
There are a number of hotels on Phangan, their prices start from 1000 - 1200 baht ( 27-40$) for a room in a 3* hotel and reach $100-200 for a room in a 5* hotel.
Before booking bungalows or hotels on Koh Phangan, I recommend reading to choose an area suitable for living.
Wooden bungalows on Koh Phangan 
What to see on Koh Phangan except for the beaches:
There are many temples, several national parks, waterfalls, yoga centers, bars, cafes (including Russian, Mexican, Italian cuisine). In this article, I will only talk about my favorite sights of Koh Phangan, which are definitely worth a visit.
Chinese Temple on Koh Phangan
This is my favorite place in Koh Phangan. There you want to dance, and thoughts line up in a row. The Chinese temple is located in the northwest on the central road leading from Thong Sala to Chaloklum village. The temple is located on a mountain with a beautiful view of the bay and Chaloklam beach.
Elephant Safari (Phangan Elephant Safari)
Koh Phangan has several elephant farms. I have never ridden an elephant myself. For some reason, it seems to me that animals hardly like to wander around in the heat with a bench on their backs for the entertainment of tourists.
Regardless of whether you want to go for a ride, or just look at the animals and feed them bananas, it's worth stopping by on a safari. Elephants on Koh Phangan are very tiny. The most popular Elephant safari is located on the main road from Thong Sala to Chaloklam near the Chinese Temple mentioned above.
Elephant safari prices 
You can buy a bunch of bananas to feed the elephants 
Opposite Phangan Safari is the Buddha's house and another elephant lives. Elephant is sick and aggressive, safari workers say 
Wat Pho Herbal Sauna
The herbal sauna is quite a popular place; travelers from Russia and the CIS countries have a special love for it. Entrance to the sauna costs 70 baht You can stay as long as you want.
For another 10 baht, you can rent a cotton pareo. Soap, scrubs and tea are sold on the territory of the bathhouse. Herbal baths are open daily from 15.00 to 19.00. Most people in the evening, if you come to the opening, then you can bathe in splendid isolation.
There are two saunas - male and female. The rooms are tiny, inside it smells of herbs. You can take a shower outside, and there are also outdoor changing cabins. The sauna is located 5 km from Thong Sala in the village of Ban Tai opposite the Wat Pho temple.
Bar Amsterdam
Located on a mountain a few kilometers from Thong Sala. This is one of those places where you can see the most amazing sunset in Koh Phangan. Also in "Amsterdam" there is a persistent smell of grass, they also sell mushroom cocktails.
Lovers of such pleasures come to the bar before sunset, listen to music, sit on the floor, drink beer and smoke weed. It is worth noting that in Thailand people go to jail for smoking weed and using drugs, but in Amsterdam all this is conditionally allowed, and the police are turning a blind eye for now.
There you can splash in the pool overlooking the sea. Swimming costs 100 baht per person.
Than Sadet National Park and Peang Waterfall and Phaeng Noi Waterfall
Than Sadet National Park is located 3 km from Thong Sala, you have to go along the main road going through the center of Koh Phangan, north towards Chaloklam. The entrance to the park is free, you can visit at any time.
On the territory of the park is the most beautiful and largest multi-tiered waterfall called Peang (Peang Waterfall). In winter, the waterfall looks very impressive, and in the spring, if it has not rained for a long time, the waterfall dries up. The maximum that you can count on is a thin trickle flowing down wet stones.
You can reach the top of the waterfall along the path through the jungle in about 20 minutes. Walking is quite comfortable even in flip flops. As usual, I climbed barefoot on wet rocks instead of walking along the trail with my friends.
Koh Phangan in Thailand (also Koh Phangan)- one of the popular tourist islands in the Gulf of Thailand in Thailand. Koh Phangan is very close to its more popular and slightly larger neighbor, Koh Samui.
The island is part of the Koh Samui Archipelago, which includes two more large islands, Koh Samui and Koh Tau, and many smaller islands.
The island is predominantly mountainous. Most of the island is occupied by tropical forests. There are several small waterfalls. Also, part of the island is used for agriculture and coconut plantations. The shores of the island are mostly rocky, but there are bays and sandy beaches.
Population the island is about 14,000 people as of 2012
- Area – 125 km²
- The approximate perimeter of the island is 40 km.
- The highest point of the island is Mount Khao Ra, 630 meters.
- The distance to the mainland is about 55 km.
- Nearby islands/distance - Koh Samui (10 km), Koh Tao (35 km).
- The main city is Thongsala.
Transport.
The island is connected to the mainland and nearby islands by ferries, the port is located in the Thongsala area. Thongsala is the central port of the island. There is also a port in the Haad Rin area, from here you can sail to the neighboring island of Koh Samui.
The island can be reached in several ways. The first, the fastest, but also the most expensive, is by plane to Koh Samui, then 15 minutes by bus and half an hour by boat (ticket purchased at the airport). The second option is by plane to the city of Surutthani. From there by bus and then by ferry (you can also buy a ticket at the airport). You can use not a ferry, but a night boat - a large boat that sails all night. The third option is by bus from the center of Bangkok and by Lompray boat. The fourth option - you can get to Koh Phangan from Phuket, only buses depart between 9-10 am.
The main transport used on the island is motorcycles and scooters, which are easy to rent. Most of the roads are concrete and two-lane, but some are in poor condition - the roads pass through mountains and often have heavy slopes and sandy surfaces damaged by heavy rains. In this regard, the most common injuries among tourists are injuries sustained from falls from motorcycles. Taxis are often pickup trucks equipped with a roof and benches.
Some beaches of the island can only be reached on foot or by boat, mostly boats depart from Haad Rin Beach and the fishing village of Chaloklum.
The island is especially popular with young people from all over the world. Most of all young people come here from European countries. The island offers its guests excellent beaches, which are more "wild" than the licked and ennobled beaches of neighboring Koh Samui or the same Phuket. Phangan is also one of the best places in Thailand for diving and snorkeling. The situation on the island as a whole is much calmer and in most places resembles a village, and on some beaches there is no tourist infrastructure at all.
Of course, Koh Phangan is somewhat inferior in terms of popularity, amenities and attractions of Koh Samui. But there is something in it that makes some tourists come back here, and not on Koh Samui. The atmosphere on Koh Phangan is different than on Koh Samui. It is not so touristy, one might even say a little “hippie”, youth.
If you are a fan of a good rest at any time of the day (including at night), then this is an ideal place to relax. Koh Phangan is famous for its moon parties Full moon party, which traditionally take place on the new moon, that is, once a month, on Haad Rin beach. At this time, crowds of young people flock here, and the Full Moon Party is highly rated among all the most famous parties in the world. You can have a blast under the huge moon, feel the fresh breeze and feel the atmosphere of the event. This party lasts about three days, so you won't be bored.
If you do not want to hear the noise of merry youth, then on Koh Phangan you can easily hide on one of the many beaches of the island, in places far from civilization to complete the exotic effect. Indeed, in the rest of the time from parties, Koh Phangan is the standard for a secluded holiday, with the azure sea and the beauty of virgin nature. You can fully enjoy the measured rest on the island, which has already become a rarity on the more popular islands of Thailand. You can hide under the shade of coconut trees, hiding from the hot sun, and walk barefoot along the sandy shores, which spread like a snow-white strip along the sea. And the variety of vegetation gives a certain touch of romanticism to the rest on this island.
Koh Phangan is translated as a sand strip. When you watch the tides, you will be able to notice numerous sand islands.
Often, guests of Koh Phangan love a comprehensive holiday: they do yoga, have fun kiteboarding in the vast sandy spit, trekking through the jungle and take boat trips.
This is the information about Koh Phangan so that you have at least some idea about the island.
As for myself, having arrived in the main village of the island of Thongsalu and spent the night there, the next day I went to Haad Rin, the one where noisy parties are held once a month.
The village of Haad Rin itself is completely uninteresting, but the surroundings around it are very beautiful.
At about one o'clock in the afternoon, after checking into the hotel and resting for a while, I went out for reconnaissance and for a walk.
First of all, I went to the beach of Haad Rin, which is more precisely called Haad Rin Nok. It was quite cloudy that day, but the sun came out at times.
