Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan hosts thousands of travelers every year as there are so many tourist places in Koh Phangan. Thailand is the best vacation spot in the world. One can do everything in this country and enjoy all the aspects of life, be it adventure sports, beaches, monuments or nature, it has everything. Koh Phanang is also the same. The scenic beauty of the place is just marvelous, the transport system is not the best here, so one has to often walk to their destinations. This walking, is a blessing in disguise, as one gets to explore the island properly to the core. There are a few highlands on the island making it ideal for hiking. One gets the panoramic view of the island and its beaches from the top which is mesmerizing. The scenic beauty of green lands and beaches which one gets to see from up there cannot be expressed in words. Koh Phanang is said to be the party capital of Thailand. If one has not attended one of the full moon parties of Koh Phangan, then the person’s trip was not a fulfilled one.
It is something which one will never experience anywhere in the world. Koh Phangan is a beautiful island and it also has some of the world’s best beaches. The Malibu beach is considered to be amongst the best beaches in the whole world. There are a lot of spas present in Koh Phangan. This island is the best place for a person who wants an exit from boring, hectic and stressful city life. The white sand and turquoise blue water acts as a therapist to people and help them let loose and forget about their stress. The spas here helps one relax such that they can get back to their normal life much relaxed and rejuvenated. Koh Phangan is an amazing place and one should visit all the tourist places in Koh Phangan at least once in their lifetime.
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Koh Phangan FAQ's
Travel Advice
Taxi drivers here are very smart. They’ll definitely try to deceive you if you are not alert. The idea basically is you must have an idea of the approximate fare that you are supposed to pay. Two, you must check if the driver is taking you from the shortest route or the longest route. Three you must sit only in a metered taxi. Forth, if there is no meter in the taxi, negotiate the fare in advance. Fifth, try opting for prepaid taxis over the regular ones.
Do not irritate the monkeys or the dogs on the street.
If you see a monkey, either put the put in the bag or try hiding it as much as possible.
Keep the touts at bay.
You’ll find a lot of lady boys here. If you do not want to land up in a tricky position, try to avoid them.
Be alert when you travel in tuk tuks.
Learn a view words from the local language to avoid any type of communication barriers. This also sends out a very positive message about your personality.
Buy only bottled mineral water. Check for the seal of the bottle before you make a purchase.
Never flash your valuables in a crowded place.
Drinking Laws
In Nusa Dua and Thailand as a whole, the legal age for having a drink in the bar is 20 years.
Our recommendations: What you can't afford to miss?
Guanyin Temple
Guanyin Temple is an attractive Chinese Temple that is cataloged as the 'Goddess of Mercy Shrine Joss House'. It is one of the most important places to see in Koh Pangam. Devoted to the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy - Bodhisattva Guanyin, the temple has a statue of 1000-hand Guanyin inside the palace. The Great Treasure Hall of the temple is incredibly chromatic and houses many Bodhisattvas such as Wenshu and Puxian.
Bottle Beach
This is an isolated beach that can be accessed only via a boat or via a jungle trail, from Chaloklum. Sounds interesting? Doing is believing! Located on the wild side of the island (oh, it really is wild), the beach is enveloped by lush green forests with a sea full of marine beings. In the vicinity of the beach, you can also visit some waterfalls or the rivers, where you can take a good relaxing bath. Make sure, you pick the right ones to bath as the wrong ones may have some dangerous snakes masking somewhere around. You can ask a local who can refer you to some organized tour.
Angthong Marine Park
Angythong Marine Park is an archipelago of 42 deserted islands. One can only reach them via boats from both Koh Pangam and Koh Samui. A number of number of tour operators can be found near the main city, you can contact anyone of them to take you on an excursion there. It is one natural wonder where you’ll stand agape amidst the color of the sea and the emerald green color of the islands. Enough said, Angthong Marine Park is a drug for your soul – Ambrosial Landscapes and Spectacular Views!!
Yang Na Yai
One important sight of Koh Pangam is the Yang Na Yai Tree. It is the tallest in the city. Such mammoth giants rise to more than 50 meters. It is an attractive sightseeing destination for the tree lovers. There is a tiny Wat Nok temple tucked away in the greenery. Often the tree is covered with multi hued ribbons.
Nam Tok Than Sadet
It is a beautiful waterfall of Koh Pangam features boulders engraved with the royal paraphernalia of Rama V, Rama VII and Rama IX. If legends are to be believed, this waterfall was a favorite site of King Rama V. He came over a dozen times here between the period from 1888 to 1909. The river waters from here are believed to pious and are often used in several ceremonies.
What you will like there?
Great Natural Environment
Koh Pangam brings forth to the visitors a serene unparalleled natural environment, making it is a great place for both solo and group holidays. Right from the Bottle Beach to the Anghthong Marine Park, the things that add to the serene environment of Koh Pangam are infinite.
Sail Rock
Sail rock is the crowning diving sport in Koh Pangam. For anyone who loves diving, this is one of most important things to do. You can try this adventure activity either in Koh Pangam or in the other islands of Thailand.
Snorkeling
If scuba diving is not your cup of tea, you can try snorkeling. Snorkeling is a prominent water sport towards the north of the island in Mae Hat Bay. If you are lucky, you can spot marine turtles here.
Hospitality and the kindness of the people
Thailand has a respectability for being the acreage of kindness and hospitality. The people of Koh Pangan stand true to this reputation. Nowhere else, will you ever find people this polite, friendly and smiling.
The city market
Koh Pangam’s city market is segregated in two parts. One is the section where you buy food and the other is the section where you can eat food. Something, that you’ll notice first when you get here is that the market is unhygienic. Flies will overfly candidly on vegetables, meat, fish and fruits. Fish is washed in dirty water, meat and eggs are exposed to the sun all throughout the day. You can also find an array of fruits and vegetables in different shapes and colors. Hygiene aside, if you go to the other section of the market (where you buy food), you’ll encounter an oasis of taste. Snacks, appetizers, Pad Thai prepared hot and fresh, juices and desserts, all exclusively Thai. One important tip here, Go there empty stomach!
Sunsets at Amsterdam café of Koh Phangan
Not just the best café of Pangam, Amsterdam café is also one of the best places to see here. It is situated about 1 mile away from Thong Sala. The café is divided in 2 sections (floors). One is where there is a beautiful swimming pool and the other one is where you can simply lie down and relax. On both these floors you can enjoy a breathtaking view especially during the sunset. Though called the Amsterdam Café, it is still very much Thai. You can try out savoring dishes like egg noodles pad Thai. Smoking a joint or two is accepted here. So, if you are here and looking for a hideout, this place may serve the needful.
Full Moon Party
Everyone who visits Koh Pangam cannot go back without taking part in the full moon party. It is a fun, thrilling and a crazy party that takes place every month depending upon the lunar phases at the Haad Rin Beach. You must definitely partake in the best party of the world. Be it a party pooper or a party lover, everyone will enjoy to the bits when here. However, if you enjoying partying but do not want to be a part of such a mega event, you can also enjoy at the Black Poon Party that happens 15 days post the Full Moon. This party happens in a jungle. There are also half moon parties that are conducted twice in a month. One is 7 days before the full moon party and the other is 7 days after the full moon party. When in Thailand, attending these parties is one of the most important things to do.
Arm wrestling on the beach
Arm wrestling was extremely popular during the 80’s but Koh Pangam has still kept this culture alive. This is a common site at the Haan Rin Beach during evenings where groups of men and women come here for a one by one.
Trekking
If you are done with island hopping, you can go trekking towards the great trekking trails located on Eastern Coastline of the island. From here, you can head to the tallest mountain Khao Ra or plunge into the Phaeng Waterfall National Park. Make sure you are an experienced trekker because it is easy to get lost here.
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When is the best time to visit Koh Phangan?
Millions of people swarm Thailand every year and Koh Phangan hosts a number of those tourists. Koh Phangan can be visited any time of the year so there is no particular time when one should visit it. The ideal time varies from person to person. The month wise break up for the time to visit Koh Phangan is:
October to November- Monsoon sets in during these months. As the rain starts pouring down in during these months, the tourism takes a dip. It rains for days here and acts like a party spoiler. This is not the best time to visit Koh Phangan.
December to March- The number of people visiting the island just shoots up as soon as monsoon ends. Winter slowly sets in these months. The temperature lingers around 23 degree Celsius and thus the weather condition becomes very pleasant for everyone. December also accounts for the festive month, therefore the stay becomes even more joyful.
April to May- The temperature really rises up during these months and it becomes very hot. People who are not from tropical region find it very difficult to cope with the heat during this time.
June to July- These months can be said to be the ideal time to visit Koh Phangan. The temperature begins to drop, making it pleasant for everyone, and since the monsoon starts approaching, the tourism sector also takes a dip. One can actually enjoy their trip by exploring Koh Phangan and avail heavy discounts on everything.
How to reach Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan is an island which makes it very difficult to reach there. There are not many ways by which one can reach Koh Phangan but some of them are:
- By Air- Koh Phangan does not have an airport of its own, which makes it difficult for anyone outside Thailand to reach there. One has to take a flight to Koh Samui after that one has to take a boat to Koh Phangan.
- By Rail- Thailand is very well connected within itself by railroads. So, one can board a train to Koh Samui from any city in Thailand. After getting down at Koh Samui one will have to take a ferry to Koh Phangan.
- By Water- Koh Samui is the closest city, in Thailand, to Koh Phangan. In order to reach Koh Phangan, one can take a boat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan. This is the only way by which one can reach the island.
What is the local food of Koh Phangan? Which are the best places to taste this food?
Thai food has found to be a weakness of many people, but one cannot blame them as the food in Thailand is delicious. In Koh Phangan as well, the local cuisine is Thai only, but the Thai food of Koh Phangan is very different from the rest of the Thailand. Koh Phangan is known for its curries and fish dishes. The local foods of Koh Phangan are Khao Phat, fried chicken and barbeque fish to name a few. The places where one can have these food are:
- House People
- Petty’s Place
- Ying Ying’s Kitchen
- Again and Again
What is the best public transport to commute around Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan is not connected to the mainland of Thailand since it is an island. This has made the development of public transport very difficult here. It is not very easy for the tourists, or the residents, to commute within the island. In order to be able to travel from one place, in the island, to another, one can book a cab. Cabs are the easiest mode of public transport available here. Another way in which one can travel within the island is by hiring a motorbike. This is not exactly a public transport, but since there no such arrangement in the city, it becomes an integral part of traveling around.
What is the local language in Koh Phangan and which are the most commonly used greetings?
Thailand is not a very diverse country. Almost the whole of Thailand follow the same religion, Buddhism, and everyone in the country can understand Thai. Thai is the most widely spoken language in the country as well as in Koh Phangan. Some of the common greetings in Thai are:
Hi- Swasdi
Thank you- Kob kun
Happy birthday- Sooksan wan gerd
Sorry- Ko tot
Which are the best shopping places in Koh Phangan and what are they famous for?
Although Thailand is known for its malls and shopping places, the same cannot be said about Koh Phangan. Koh Phangan is not a very populous island, making it very difficult for shops to run there. Therefore, there are practically only two markets on the island and they are:
- Thong Sala Market- This market is also open at night and is the go-to destination for shopping in Koh Phangan. One can get the same products, available in Koh Samui, at a considerably lower price. One should visit this market if they go to Koh Phangan as this is the best night market there.
- Baan Tai Market- Unlike the Thong Sala market, this market does not stay open at night. The best thing about this market is that one can get products at a really cheap price. This market has fixed prices, so there is no point in bargaining buy if someone gets lucky, then the person might get some discount.
Which are the famous beaches to visit in Koh Phangan?
The main reason why people go to an island like Koh Phangan is to enjoy its beaches. The beaches in Koh Phangan so beautiful that they seem to have directly dropped down from heaven. It is the best way relax and let go of one’s stress. The atmosphere around the beach is also very lively. Some of the best beaches of Koh Phangan are:
- Malibu Beach
- Haad Seekantang
- Haad Rin Rok
- Thong Nai Pan Yai
- Haad Khuat
- Haad Khom
- Haad Mae Haad
Where can one enjoy snorkeling in Koh Phangan?
Koh Phangan has been blessed by some exceptionally beautiful beaches. Since it is an island, one will not be able to count the number of beaches present here. Therefore, it makes Koh Phangan an ideal place for snorkeling. There are so many beaches here that one can go for snorkeling to various places on the island. Snorkelling is a fun activity and one gets to experience a lot of new things but it is not advisable to people who do not know swimming. Although proper guidance can be of help. Some of the best spots to try out snorkeling are:
- Mae Haad
- Haad Salad
- Haad Yao
- Haad Chao Pao
- Haad Thong Lang
What are the famous wildlife sanctuaries in Koh Phangan?
Wildlife soars in Thailand and there are many sanctuaries in Thailand. Koh Phangan also houses some great animals. Many photography enthusiasts come to Koh Phangan to capture the wildlife here in their camera. Some of the wildlife sanctuaries in Koh Phangan are:
- Hippie Haven
- Koh Phangan National Park
- Phangan Animal Care
What are the best places to enjoy water sports in Koh Phangan?
Water sport is an integral part of Koh Phangan. Since it is surrounded by water all around, water sports become the best way for one enjoy here. One can carry out many water sports like jet skiing, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc. The best places for carrying out these activities are:
- Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach
- Malibu Beach
- Haad Salad
- Haad Yao Beach
Which are the best amusement parks in Koh Phangan?
Everyone loves amusement parks. It is one place where they can forget about everything and just enjoy themselves. There are lots of amusement parks in Koh Phangan and some of them are:
- Wake Park Phangan
- Koh Phangan Water World
- The Challenge Phangan
- Peacock Water Park
Which are some famous hiking destinations in Koh Phangan?
There are not many hills on Koh Phangan since it is a small island, thereby reducing the number of hiking places. But hiking here is a lot of fun. One gets to see the panoramic of the surroundings from the top which is breathtaking. Some famous hiking places in Koh Phangan are:
- Khao Ra
- Paradise Waterfall
- Thong Sala
- Ban Tai
Which are the best places to watch an arm wrestling match in Koh Phangan?
Arm wrestling is the most popular sport in Koh Phangan. People from all over the island gather and carry out arm wrestling matches. The matches fought are very intense and atmosphere really heats up during these wrestling matches. One should definitely watch it while visiting Koh Phangan. Some places where one can see these matches:
- Haad Rin Beach
- Bottle Beach
- Haad Yao
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