| Koh Phangan: The home of Thai's Famous Full Moon Party |
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Renowned throughout the world for its Full Moon Party , many miss out on Koh Phangan’s more peaceful, relaxing side. Life for many Thai’s on Phangan is still simple and traditional, with the village temple, or Wat playing a major role in their day-to-day lives. There are active farms and coconut groves, fishing communities and local markets and the bustle of Thai family life starts early in the morning while the western holidaymakers lay fast asleep. The Bronze Drum of the Dongson Culture (500 BC-100 BC), found in Samui in 1997 was hailed as evidence of settlements on Samui and Phangan more than 2000 years ago. It is believed that the island’s first inhabitants were Muslim Sea Gypsies (Pigmy, Semung & Proto-Malay) who traveled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. Later came the Chinese migrants on Hainan, about 200 years ago and there are now around 14,000 people on the island.
Thong Nai Pan on the North East coast has some of the finest beaches on the island, with Noi (small) home to Koh Phangan’s most luxurious resorts, The Panviman and Santhiya with Buri Rasa opening soon. Check out the famous Baan Pong’s Restaurant at the Flip Flop beach bar for great food and cocktails. It’s a home from home for Thailand’s top artists, models and a whole generation of travelers who have based their entire holidays around this bar year after year. Thansadet is home to Phangan’s most famous national part, where Thailand’s past Kings have visited the stunning waterfalls, nurturing Phangan’s fame throughtout the Kingdom. The north east coast is also home to the giant monitor lizards, which can grow up to three metres in length. Those with stamina can trek to the top of Khao Ra, the island’s highest mountain for incredible panoramic views. A guide can be hired locally to help you locate the paths through the jungle. The adventurous can also try kiteboarding, wakeboarding, elephant riding, mountain biking, and kayaking or of course you could just curl up in a hammock with a book. For snorkeling head for Koh Mah – boats to the best dive sites leave from around the island daily. The beach at Haad Yao, or Long Bay is a real hit with holidaymakers. For that unmistakable Phangan feeling, watch the sun set over the ocean to the sounds of laidback reggae. Thongsala is Phangan’s Thai capital with thriving markets selling fruit, vegetables and fresh fish. Tropicana Resort is a quiet relaxing base to explore the island with its reasonable room rates and friendly owners. Enterprising Thai and Foreigners have created a lively social scene in Thongsala, even building a small cinema so you can catch all the latest release and timeless classics on your holiday. A peaceful traditional Thai fishing village is found at Chaloklum, the original safe harbor for fishing boats for hundreds of years. On the road back to Thongsala is a Chinese temple created by Chinese woman who visited Phangan and built this beautiful place of worship. She can be found there reading fortune sticks. Many of the island’s coconuts are processed in the village of Ban Tai, which is also home to Wat Khao Tam, a western run Buddhist meditation centre which has beautiful views out over the island and beyond. Milky Bay in ban Tai offers lovely rooms in a tropical garden atmosphere with a stream room, gym, swimming pool and stunning views over Koh Samui . Koh Phangan is a Mecca for wellbeing with yoga, massage and fasting centres, Thai Chi and many alternative healing arts found in beautiful locations across the island. The most famous is The Sanctuary in Haad Tien, accessible only by boat. This renowned wellness centre attracts an international crowd who come to rejuvenate in this tropical retreat. There is also a herbal stream and sauna at Wat Pho in Ban Tai where you can make a donation to experience this relaxing treatment in a traditional Thai setting.
After recovering from the festivities you then have a few days to get your strength up before the Half Moon Party, which takes place one week before and one week after the full moon party. Located in indoor and outdoor arenas set in the jungle in Ban Tai, the Half Moon Festival is a high energy tribal house and trance event. And if you’re concerned about what to do in the missing week, don’t despair as The Black Moon Party takes place on at Clubland Resort for more trance music and fluorescent psychedelic Phangan style. Dining out in Koh Phangan can vary from delicious hawker street fare as you wander through town to the Thai boxing stadium to fine dining at the islands contemporary fine dining restaurant Men’u. Italian, Mediterranean, sushi, not to mention the many fine Thai restaurants are all available on Phangan, with fresh seafood available at very reasonable prices. With mountain and tropical forests making up over seventy percent of Koh Phangan this beautiful island is a perfect getaway for those looking for adventure off the beaten track. Only 12km from Samui, Phangan has developed at a much steadier pace than its sister island, and although there are rumours of a superstore and even an airport in the near future, its national parks and sandy beaches have secured Phangan in the hearts of international travelers for ever. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites          |
Much of the island is accessible by four-wheel drive jeep, although there are still some mud track roads, which can become especially treacherous after heavy rain. Other bays can only be accessed by Longtail fishing boats, which you can hire for short journeys or for a whole day to take you around the island. 
Haad Rin is home of the famous