Koh means island in the Thai language and the phrase is traditionally used to describe a rock that rises from the ocean. Famous 'Kohs' in the Kingdom include Samui, Tao and PiPi on the Andaman coast. Phuket, Thailand's largest island does not generally carry the prefix, because a causeway connects it to the Thai mainland and the island is also considered a province.
Like the above mentioned destinations, the island of Phangan, which it is more commonly called by locals, is far more than a large rock in the sea. It is one of the Kingdom's most unspoilt and attractive beach destinations and fast becoming a top choice for tourists and long stay visitors looking for an untainted island retreat with the added bonus of wide ranging facilities and services.
Mountainous topography and plentiful forests account for around seventy percent of the island landscape. This makes Koh Phangan an idyllic retreat for those in search of somewhere that still enjoys that desert island feel. Despite its relative remoteness when compared to larger tourist islands like Phuket and Samui, Koh Phangan can also now be considered a full service tourist destination. The choice of accommodation, food and entertainment is vast, and visitors can choose their holiday preferences with everything from authentic local experiences to top notch international indulgences available, all within a relatively small area.
Unlike some other popular destinations around the globe, Phangan has thus far managed to hold on to its distinctive, natural appeal. The island boasts some of the cleanest and least crowded beaches in Thailand, with many coves and bays still only accessible by boat. Although visitors can now take advantage of new additions such as big chain retail outlets and high-end restaurants, a large percentage of the population continue to live as they have for decades, with farming and fishing forming the mainstay of the local economy beyond the tourist dollars.
The island's main administrative centre is Thong Sala, a modest port town with a bustling fresh food market and a main street lined with local shops and outlets aimed at arriving and departing visitors. A more peaceful, traditional atmosphere is prevalent further up the northwest coast in the fishing village of Chaloklum, which has also become a popular choice for those in search of health, wellness and an alternative lifestyle. As you continue up the northwest side of the island, a number of bays have developed into self contained tourist villages, offering a range of accommodation, water sports activities and good restaurants.
The Northeast coast of Koh Phangan is more remote and less easily accessible, but also offers a wide range of facilities and experiences. High-end resorts now grace the sands of Thong Nai Pan, while in smaller locations like places like Bottle Beach, Had Thien and Had Yuan, peace is the principal attraction, which has also inspired a growth in wellness and fasting programmes. On the other side of the island, Baan Tai is a quaint beachside community located half way between Haad Rin and Thongsala. Most of the accommodation in this area also offers Thai and western food, while the the village that lines the main street has grown into something of a contemporary hippy community, with a bakery and a selection of modest western cafes. Haad Rin is known worldwide for its famous monthly Full Moon Parties. Situated between two generous stretches of soft sand, it has developed into a thriving tourist town with a range of shopping outlets selling beach wear, jewellery and souvenirs, as well as a good choice of restaurants and bars, some small medical clinics and a selection of supermarkets selling local and imported foodstuffs.
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