Koh Phangan Overview Travel Guide

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Koh Phangan, originally made famous for its energetic Full Moon Parties on Haad Rin beach, has now become a travel destination for more than the backpacking travelers who first started the beach party traditions. With several of the beautiful beaches served by luxury hotels and resorts as well as smaller beach huts Koh Phangan is now putting itself on the map as a relaxing island destination without losing its fun beach party atmosphere. [more]

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Experience Koh Phangan's favorite sights as others see them. Let our visual picture tour of Koh Phangan help you choose the best places to visit in Koh Phangan:

Whether you are the kind of traveler who wishes to explore the hidden depths of a mysterious country or only want a beautiful place that will pamper your every whim, Koh Phangan has just what you need.

Koh Phangan is where the savvy luxury traveller can be among the first to stay in the newly built world-class resorts. It is where the adventurous backpacker can find mysterious ruins deep in the mist-shrouded rainforest. It is where the budget traveller can stay in a simple bungalow and take in one of the most beautiful full moon-rises in the world.

The Hidden Haven of Thailand

Koh Phangan has been a hidden haven for the discerning tourist and budget backpacker since the 60's. People found their way to Koh Phangan largely through word of mouth until the 1990's, when the full moon parties introduced this pristine island to the wider world. Once visitors found the sparkling waters, the calm, laid-back way of life, the gorgeous sunsets and moonrises, and the lush beauty of the interior, Koh Phangan became the must-see destination for the worldly tourist in the know.

Background

Koh Phangan is one of the biggest little islands you will ever see. It ranks as the second largest island in the Gulf of Thailand, after Koh Samui, and covers approximately 168 sq km-70% of which is mountainous. The remaining 30% is mostly beaches and some coconut groves. Together with Koh Samui, Phang Nagan ships 1 million coconuts to Bangkok, making the coconut industry second in importance (after tourism) to the local economy. Koh Phangan is located approximately 100km from the mainland.

Koh Phangan in Modern Times

The majority of people who make Koh Phangan their permanent home live around Thong Sala. The island has approximately 10,000 permanent residents, which are a mix of Thai, Chinese, ex-pats, and everything in between. Most people who live in Koh Phangan are Buddhist, though there is a small community of Muslims in the village of Baan Tai.

Besides tourism and coconuts, Koh Phangan supports itself by fishing.

The full moon party may have birthed a dozen world-class restaurants, hotels, resorts, and assorted services all along the more popular beaches, but this is still a place where most people follow the rhythms of day and night-they get up with the sun and go to bed as the moon rises.

Finding a good quality place to stay isn't difficult. This island of approximately 10,000 people has over 250 places that will accommodate you, from simple huts on the beach to decadent resorts dedicated to fulfilling your every whim. If you would like to buy your own piece of paradise-either as a holiday home or your home away from home-the real estate agents on Koh Phangan can assist you.