A Guide to Koh Phangan
     
             Koh Phangan , An island situated in the Gulf of Thailand is internationally known for the full moon party on Haad Rin that calls over 10,000 party goers each month to experience its wild nights. Koh Phangan covering 168 sq km is approximately 100 km from Surat Thani on the mainland. It can be reached by boat from Surat Thani in 2.5 hours and Koh Samui in 45 minutes. The island is teemed with natural beauty; powdery white sand beaches fringed by coconut trees around the island. On the contrary to the wild party on Haad Rin, some remote beaches provide tranquil and laid-back atmosphere. As high development has been brought to the island, there are good variety of facilities, restaurants and accommodation offers a wide range of choice from very basic bungalows to 5-star resorts. Due to the abundant natural resources, abounding activities will not let you get bored whether on land or water namely visiting nearby islands, diving, visiting temples, hiking to the waterfalls, attending meditation centre and many more.

Where you want to stay?

Ao Chaloklum (อ่าวโฉลกหลำ)

         Is a 2km long beach with a fishing village in the middle where the fishermen keep their Longtail boats. Swimming is only possible in the high tide season from December to March.

Accommodations range from fan bungalows to more up-market resorts and several restaurants and bars can be found along the beach. There are also several diving schools located at the village to introduce you to the colorful underwater world.

Haad Rin (หาดริ้น)

          In the southern part of Koh Phangan consist of two main beaches: Had Rin Nai (sunset beach) on the west coast and Had Rin Nok (sunrise beach) on the eastern coast. Had Rin Nok is the home of the world famous Full Moon Party and is good for swimming and snorkeling.

          Accommodations, bars, clubs, restaurants and shops are located between and on the beaches and can get quite crowded during the Full Moon Party period. The Had Rin Pier is situated at Had Rin Nai and it takes a 10 minute walk to Had Rin Nok.


Thong Nai Pan (ท้องนายปาน)

         Has 2 bays: Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai of which the latter one is the longer of the two beaches. They can be reached by a steep dirt road through the jungle or by boat.

        It is a quiet area and very popular by travelers to watch the sunrise and just relax on the white soft sanded beach. There are some bars and restaurants to enjoy a drink and a nice dinner and accommodations range from fan bungalows for the budget traveler to 4 star resorts offering all the facilities you can which for.


Haad Salad (หาดสลัด)

          Located at the west coast is a secluded beach, a well know dive site and is good for swimming from December to March. There is a reef just 150 meters of shore providing good snorkeling opportunities and you can watch beautiful sunsets from the beach while sipping a drink at one of the beach bars. Accommodation is available from budget bungalows to air-conditioned villas.