Koh Phangan Travel Guide

“Koh” or “Ko”, spoken “góh” is Thai and means “island”.

Ko Phangan (เกาะพะงัน) is located in the Gulf of Thailand in the southeastern province Surat Thani.

South of Phangan is located in about 15 km distance, to the larger sister island Koh Samui. In the North, about 35 km away, is the smaller Koh Tao.

The total area of ​​Phangan is about 125km², making it the fifth largest island in Thailand. Officially, around 20,000 people live on Pha-Ngan, with real numbers likely to be higher. The name Pha Ngan is due to the sandbanks, which are upstream of the coast.

Sandbank means “ngan” in southern dialect. Long before Western tourists discovered the small paradise island in the Gulf of Thailand, Phangan was a popular destination for Thai kings. Rama V visited the island 14 times during his reign and gave the National Park Than Sadet his present name.

Phangan is a tropical paradise not only of lonely, white and fine sand beaches Surrounded by turquoise waters, it also offers pristine jungle, rocky coastline and mountainous land to explore. A large part of Phangan, 65,93sqm, is a designated National Park — The “Than Sadet — Ko Phangan National Park”.

Koh Phangan: Orientation

Ko Phangan is a place where every wish for a vacation comes true and thanks to the manageable size it can be explored spontaneously.

On the other hand, getting around on the island without a scooter can be a bit exhausting, so it makes sense to spend the night on the “right” beach.

Here you can find more Information about the most popular beaches and places on Koh Phangan. Also worth knowing: Climate on Koh Phangan.

Arrival and Departure

There are several ways to reach the island. The fastest way is currently a flight to Koh Samui in conjunction with the Lomprayah catamaran or a speedboat. However, this is also the most expensive way to get to Koh Phangan. An airport on Koh Phangan has been discussed and announced for many years but an opening is not going to happen soon.

Read more: How to get to Koh Phangan

Attractions and activities on Koh Phangan

Worth seeing on Koh Phangan is of course first of all nature! There are also some temples to discover:

Temples on Koh Phangan

Please dress accordingly when visiting temples and Buddhist sites — No sleeveless shirts or blouses and pants or skirts that cover at least the knees. When entering a temple, take off your shoes!

Wat Phu Khao Noi

The oldest temple of the island Wat Phu Khao Noi is located on a hill near the state hospital.

Chinese Temple

The Chinese temple on the road to Chaloklam was first completed in 1992. An American of Thai origin received the order to build the temple in the dream of a Chinese Buddha.

Wat Pho

At Wat Pho, the monks run a traditional herbal sauna, usually open by 3–6pm. Pho Temple is on the road to Thong Nai Pan.

Wat Thong Sala

Wat Thongsala is not particularly impressive for visitors but it is the center for ceremonies and temple festivals on the island.

Jade Buddha

Not far from Phaeng waterfall You will find a small temple complex where the Jade Buddha can be visited.

Wat Khao Tham

Wat Khao Tam is located at the top of a mountain in Bantai. Access is signposted on the main road. Wat Khao Tham offers various meditation classes, also for foreigners.

View Points

The best because highest vantage point is certainly the mountain Khao Raa. The peak can only be reached on foot via a jungle path: Climb to Khao Raa, If that is too exhausting, also gets a great view over the island from the lookout above the Phaeng waterfall, You do not want to give up a refreshment to the view? Go to Top Rock bar! This is located on the beach road in Plailaem, just behind Thongsala.

Waterfalls

The most famous Waterfall on Koh Phangan is the Than Sadet waterfall. The road to the beach and Haad Sadet beach is now completed, which makes the journey a lot easier.

In 1888, King Rama V. visited the Thaan Sadet waterfall for the first time. He left an inscription on a rock that you can still see today. To 1909, King Rama V. returned to Koh Phangan 12 times and the current royal family also visited the Than Sadet National Park.

Another beautiful waterfall can be found near Maehad. The Wangsai waterfall has some pools where you can swim.

Diving, snorkeling and water sports

Even if Koh Tao is advertised as the diver’s paradise, there are many diving schools on Koh Phangan as well. With the Angthong Marine Park and Sail rock most dive trips go to the same destinations like from Koh Tao anyway.

Yoga and meditation

There is a very big one Yoga scene on Koh Phangan, Especially in and around Srithanu There are several yoga resorts and lots of workshops and classes are offered.

As you can see, you won’t get bored on Koh Phangan!

Here is a more extensive list of Things to Do on Koh Phangan: All activities…

Of course, the party fans will also get what they need — after all, the island is well known for the original Full Moon Party!

But there are also many other Parties that are now even more popular with residents and returnees! The party scene offers something for everyone: Whether you are into trance, (deep) house, psy or live music, the offer is more than enough (more about that here).

Originally published at my-kohphangan.com on January 2, 2013.