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Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is a medium sized Island 15 km north of Koh Samui in the western Gulf of Thailand. Although Koh Phangan has become famous for its Full Moon Party, the Island is still a great destination for those not looking to party. There are plenty of activities, restaurants and beaches spread out around the Island.

There are a number of small villages on Koh Phangan. Most of them have shops selling the basics. Ban Thongsala, where the ferries arrive and Hat Rin are the 2 biggest towns and will have the most amenities and services.

Ferry service to the Island is available from different places on Koh Samui as well as Koh Tao, Surat Thani and Chumphon.

Full Moon Party: Every month during the full moon, Koh Phangan hosts a huge beach party on Hat Rin at the far south of the Island. The beach is lined with bars that crank out the tunes on huge sound systems to over 10000 fun seeking ravers and partiers dancing on the beach. DJ's are flown in from around the world for this fun and crazy event. Book hotels early, don't sleep or head back to your hotel on Koh Samui in one of the fast all night boats. Avoid swimming in the morning as most people have used the bay as a toilet and the onshore breeze keeps it in the bay. If you want some peace and quiet, avoid this area during the full moon and head to the north of the Island.

Beaches: Koh Phangan has plenty of beaches, some within easy reach and some that are a little harder to get to. Most of the beaches are perfect for lounging, swimming and snorkelling. Almost all of the beaches have a full range of amenities including bungalow outfits, kayak rentals and boats for charter. Clockwise from the southern end here are a few of the beaches: Hat Rin is the southernmost beach and is a popular one. Snorkelling is good at the rocky ends. It is the location of the Full Moon Party and not the best place for a quiet relaxing vacation but great if you want to party. Between Hat Rin and Thongsala are Hat Ban Tai and other nearby beaches with nice white sand and great sunsets. North of Thongsala is Ao Wok Tum with plenty of long white beaches and snorkelling areas. Ao Chaloklum is a large bay with nice beaches at the very north of the Island. To the east of Au Chaloklum is the beautiful and secluded Hat Khuat or Bottle Beach. The beach is accessable by boat although there is a trail that you can use to hike in. Great for swimming and snorkelling. The east coast has less sand and more rocks than the west coast but is still beautiful. Ao Thong Nai Pan lies a little to the south of Hat Khuat amidst a mess of scenic capes and coves. A very rough road can get you to the bay but by boat is better. Going further south, Hat Sadet is a quiet, remote little beach that is a perfect forget about that job back home place. A little further south is Hat Yang and then Hat Yuan. Both are a short boat ride away from Hat Rin with good snorkelling.

Snorkelling and Diving: Good snorkeling sites can be found everywhere on Koh Phangan with the easiest access from the beaches on the west coast. There are also snorkelling trips to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park a little to the west. Diving is big here with many companies operating from all over the Island. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park and Koh Tao are favourite places for diving trips. So stop in to one of the dive shops and pick your dive site.

Trekking: Lots of options for trekking on Koh Phangan included guided ones. There are trails leading to and around all of the waterfalls as well as up some of the mountains where the views are spectacular. You can also go on an Elephant Trek in the north near Ao Chaloklum.

Boat Trips: You can book a tour or rent a longtail boat and go around the Island, visit a secluded bay for lunch, have a sunset cruise or find a good spot to snorkel the day away. There are a few different tours being offered but it is much better to charter your own longtail from one of the beaches. There are also a number of kayak trips to explore the coast or National Parks.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park: 35 km east of Koh Phangan are 42 Islands that make up this National Park. The variety of coral and sea life as well as the dwindling mangroves make this a great place for snorkelling and diving day trips. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Than Sadet - Ko Phangan National Park: Most of Koh Phangan and the surrounding small rocky Islands belong to this National Park. There are a number of popular waterfalls in the park including Namtok Phaeng in the centre of the Island and Namtok Than Sadat near the east coast. Namtok Than Sadat is the more famous as it was a favourite of King Rama V who visited it over 10 times. Two other kings, including the current one have also visited the waterfalls. The waterfalls are best visited in the rainy season or after rain. There are hiking paths and a restaurant at both waterfalls but no accommodations.

Koh Tao: This turtle shaped Island (I think it is more peanut shaped) is 40 km to the north of Koh Phangan and can be visited on a day trip. There are a lot of dive outfits operating out of Koh Tao as the surrounding waters are perfect for diving. If you have a couple of days to spare, the Island is a good place to stay.

Koh Samui: Chances are if you are coming to Koh Phangan, you will pass through Koh Samui which is 15 km south and has the nearest airport. Only half an hour away by boat, Koh Samui is an easy spot to go for some shopping, lunch, go see the snake farm or just wander around.