Koh Phangan offers a stunning, tropical escape just 20 minutes from Koh Samui airport by boat, allowing you to experience the beauty of some of the finest beaches in the Gulf of Thailand. Much of the island is accessible by four-wheel drive jeep, although there are still some mud track roads, which can become especially treacherous after heavy rain. Other bays can only be accessed by long tail fishing boats, which you can hire for short journeys or for a whole day to take you around the island.
Renowned throughout the world for its Full Moon Party, many miss out on Koh Phangan’s more peaceful, relaxing side. Phangan is a Mecca for wellbeing with yoga, massage and fasting centres, Thai Chi and many alternative healing arts found in beautiful locations across the island.
BY contrast, Had Rin is home of the famous full moon party, and draws up to twenty thousand revellers every month who come to dance by the light of the moon, providing a thriving tourist industry for the island. A night like no other, the party has become a right of passage for travellers traversing the globe.
A peaceful alternative is to visit Thansadet, home to Phangan’s most famous national park. Thailand’s past Kings have visited the stunning waterfalls, nurturing Phangan’s fame throughout the Kingdom as a green paradise. Those with stamina can also trek to the top of Khao Ra, the island’s highest mountain for incredible panoramic views. Guides can be hired locally to help you locate the paths through the jungle. Adventurous visitors can also try kiteboarding, wakeboarding, elephant riding, mountain biking, and kayaking.
Dining out in Koh Phangan is a diverse experience. You can sample tasty hawker fare as you wander through town or indulge in fine dining at one of the island's contemporary restaurants, which serve everything from Italian and Mediterranean to sushi. Many fine Thai restaurants can also be found on Phangan, with fresh seafood available at very reasonable prices.
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