About Koh Phangan
Are you planning a vacation to Thailand? Want to get off the beaten path, and away from the commercial areas? If you’re looking for the natural beauty of Thailand, this article will help you plan a Thailand vacation.
Koh Phangan is in many ways similar to Koh Chang: both are island paradises located in the Gulf of Thailand. And both islands have managed to develop in such a way as too avoid the crass commercialism and environmental damage that is evident in such Thai tourist destinations as Phuket and Koh Samui.
Koh Phangan is Thailand’s fifth biggest island. It is situated 70 km from Suratthani on the mainland and 12 km from Koh Samui. The island has an area of 167 km sq of which 90% is untouched tropical forest. The permanent population of the island is around 12,000. The infrastructure on the island is good, most of the roads are concrete, most of the beaches are connected to the island power grid and there is a hospital and several health clinics. The big difference between Koh Phangan and neighbouring Koh Samui is that Koh Phangan doesn’t have an airport and doesn’t have an island ring road. These two factors discourage both over-development and louts on mopeds. Other than the several monthly parties (the most famous of which is the Full Moon Party in Haad Rin) the island’s 20 odd beaches remain quiet and tranquil places free from infamous ‘beer bars’ and westerners cruising ‘the strip’. There is entertainment in Koh Phangan but it is more laid back and nothing like Pattaya or Chaweng on Koh Samui.
There is a good selection of accommodation in Koh Phangan ranging from traditional basic backpacker bungalows on the beach to mid-range resorts offering air-con, satellite TV and communal swimming pools to 5 star hotels offering luxury villas with private pools and full maid service. There is accommodation to suit all budgets and most of it is near a beautiful white sand beach and clear warm water. Prices range from 250 Thai Baht to 30,000 Thai Baht a night.
The island of Koh Phangan also has a variety of activities to enjoy which include elephant rides, mountain trekking, hiking to waterfalls and scuba diving the extensive coral reef found off the west coast.
And where ever you are in Koh Phangan you are never far away from unspoiled nature and friendly Thai hospitality.
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