Koh Phangan Suratthani Thailand

Koh Phangan has long been "the" favorite destination for backpackers and ravers from all over the world. They still gather on the island all year long to join the different parties that made it famous, like the Full Moon Party happening every month for 20 years on Haad Rin Beach.

But the magical spirit of Koh Phangan makes it also perfectly suitable for those travellers looking for tranquil and wilder surroundings in a preserved environment.
The island also has heaps of quieter and undeveloped spots that will remind you of Koh Samui as it was 15 years ago...
With a pinch of luxury, if you're in the mood, as many new resorts offer for just a few years now, new services like swimming pools, air conditioned rooms and even Spas and health centers, bringing them closer to the hotel standard of Koh Samui...

Just like Samui, Koh Phangan has numerous heavenly white sand beaches all along its coastline, some of them reachable only by boat. But it differs from its elder sister with its wide mountainous jungle in the center of the island, a large part of it being actually classified "national park" by Thailand.
This preservation of almost half of its surface allows the island to keep its natural and untamed character and, above all, to avoid spoiling its wonderful land-scapes by an excess of buildings.

So, whether you like beach or jungle, silence or heavy party sound, Koh Phangan will satisfy you and your soul, and you will easily find out for yourself why this island is perfect for making the vacations of your dreams.

	General Information Ko Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan, Thai: เกาะพะงัน) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand. It is famous for its full moon party at Haad Rin Beach and as a backpackers destination. Ko Pha Ngan has two sister islands: the larger Ko Samui to the south and the smaller Ko Tao to the north. Koh Phangan is located in Jangwat (province) Suratthani in the Southern Gulf of Thailand and is part of the group of islands that make up the Samui Archipelago; a group of over 40 islands fashioned in granite from age old igneous formations. The provincial capital is also called Suratthani and acts as the main overland transport hub for the islands. Koh Phangan is 70kms from the mainland and approximately 12kms away from Koh Samui which acts as the main air link to Koh Phangan. Koh Phangan is most easily accessd via Koh Samui Airport though it is slightly cheaper to fly to the regional transport hub of Suratthani. From Koh Samui a fast boat takes only 25 minutes whereas the journey from the mainland takes around eight times longer. If you come overland, the overnight train is the best option with a frist class sleeper carriage ideal for families. Buses are the most economic choice with a trip from Bangkok costing only about 650 Baht, all the way to Koh Phangan. Ferry services are more or less hourly throughout the day from Koh Samui and every couple of hours from the mainland; several boats also go regularly from Koh Tao.
	History & Facts Koh Phangan has always been a beautiful and spiritual place for the Thai people, it has been visited by no less than four Kings of Thailand; with the Great Rama V coming over 10 times, leaving his royal seal engraved on a rock at Thaan Sadet Waterfall; and the current King Bhumibol following in his footsteps. The island was uninhabited until about 600 years ago when passing monks realised its tranquillity and spiritual importance and settled in Wat Phu Khao Noi just outside Thongsala. It is Thailand’s fifth biggest island and has an area of 167km2, thus over 90% of Phangan is unspoilt tropical forest; and due to its granite structure, there are several small mountains where it’s possible to trek and even camp. There is an abundance of wildlife from monkeys to birds of paradise and then there is the amazing underwater world that surrounds Koh Phangan; with over 10kms of vibrant coral and 20 local dive sites. And if you have any energy after that, there is the nightlife that the island became internationally famous for, with the globally renowned Full Moon Party and weekly outdoor events in jungle and beachfront venues; not forgetting the daily session that goes off in Haad Rin.
	Climate December to February The cool season : temperatures can reach up to 30°C (86°F). Brief tropical rain showers occur mostly in December. This is the best season to visit Phangan. March to June The hot season : it becomes very hot - up to 40°C (114°F), with little or no rain. You will appreciate your air-conditioned hotel room during this time! July to September The pre-monsoon : it's hot with occasional rains. More or less nice weather, depending on the years, september seems to be better October and November The rain season : it's the monsoon, and you'll see more rain than any other months, though it generally doesn't rain every day, neither all day, nice hot days can even happen. It's a good idea to take a raincoat, when going outside....