Koh Phangan - The Home of the Full Moon Party
Koh Phangan offers a haven for holiday makers looking to enjoy nature, superb beaches, comfortable accommodation and then party at one of the most famous beach venues in the world.
The Island is just thirty minutes by taxi and boat from Koh Samui airport which makes connections fast and easy.
Haad Rin is on the southern peninsula and this is the venue for the FMP with its maze of restaurants, bars and clubs on the beach and the back streets of the town. Thirty thousand revellers gather each month to celebrate on the beach and there are also smaller scale parties such as the half moon (twice per month) and black moon party (once per month).
Moving northwards along the coast are the beaches of Ban Tai and Ban Kai with over 8 miles of sandy beaches that stretch into the distance with the coast and lights of Koh Samui twinkling in the distance. The port of Thongsala is then found in the middle section of the west coast with many more bars, shops and restaurants. This is the main home of the Islanders.
Moving further northwards are found Hin Kong and Wok Tum bays and the beaches of Sri Thanu, Haad Chao Phao, Haad Son, Haad Yao, Haad Salaad and Mae Haad. Each beach destination has a unique character and is fun to explore on scooters, bicycles or jeeps from whichever part of the Island you are located.
On the very northern coast is the picturesque fishing village of Chaloklam - a 4 kilometre bay with huge mountains framing the area and creating a magnificent natural spectacle.
The east coast of the island is reached by boat or over the mountains by car and there are many destinations such as Thong Nai Pan and Than Sadet (with a famous waterfall engraved with the king of Siams initials).
Koh Phangan was originally a backpacker’s destination but now offers a full range of resorts, hotels, bungalows, villas and hostels to suit all budgets. There are elephant training camps, diving schools, Thai boxing camps, yoga centers, meditation classes, water sports, trekking. Thai cooking courses and so much more to enjoy.
The January and February full moon parties this year were two of the best attended in the events history. Resorts were fully booked all over the Island and last minute party goers had to either stay on Koh Samui and catch the ferry across or sleep rough on the beach.
Advance booking is now a must on the island – some resorts are full up to 4 months ahead and the rest 2 – 4 weeks ahead of full moon night. Gone are the days when accommodation consisted of a room and a bucket. These days there are swish, modern resorts offering comfort and splendour.
Out of full moon the island is an ideal family destination with miles and miles of beautiful beaches, wonderful nature and plenty of activities.
The resort pictured is B52 Beach Resort on the west coast of Koh Phangan. A superb family resort.