Phangan Island Weather and Hotels Blog

Full Moon Party on Maya Bay

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 08:14:00 +0000

The Koh Phangan full moon party is an iconic destination and event for many visitors to Thailand especially those travellers, backpackers and uni students who want to party on the beach.

Phi Phi Island can get a lot quieter during the full moon party and for many, THIS is exactly the time to visit. My favourite is the Maya Bay Camping when on a full moon, the moon appears over the top of the cliffs by 10 pm.. magical. Also the rates in the hotels in low season can be very good value.

twitter.com/ThePerfectBeach

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 12:02:00 +0000

A lot of twitter going on about the next full moon party 2009 Thursday 6 August. Check out twitter.com/ThePerfectBeach

also check out the check list

west phangan

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:21:00 +0000

RE: Chao Phao Beach on West Koh Phangan?: It's not isolated at all. It's actually a nice beach with bungalows/re.. http://bit.ly/u92wZ

for all the latest hotel-travel-phangan.com

Koh Phangan Hotel transfers

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:46:00 +0000

Cool new inexpensive Koh Phangan Hotel transfers from Samui airport and to the pier + ferries out to Koh Phangan and alot more

I'm lovin it..............

Simples

Off the beaten track in Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:01:00 +0000

I love getting off the beaten track because you see something different.On Koh Phangan if there are plenty of if opportunities to get to the remote areas as most of the island is mountainous.

One of my favourite drives on Koh Phangan is over the hill and mountain passes to bottle beach in the northeast of the island. As You go up over the unmade roads keep you guessing lengths over what all of Thailand was probably like before there was cars and any kind of development in Thailand.

If some of the views of jungle and the ocean a breathtaking and though I wish to spend more time there it is a strange feeling that this is not my place, I am an urban animal and whatever and wherever I go in nature I am never really at home.

Haad Khuad Resort

free thai visas

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 06:59:00 +0000

BANGKOK: -- Continuing its efforts to expedite the revival of the Thai travel and tourism industry, the Royal Thai government has agreed to exempt the fee for tourist visa applications for a three month period, effective 5 March, 2009 to 4 June, 2009.

All foreigners who apply for Tourist Visa at the Royal Thai Embassies and the Royal Thai Consulates-General worldwide, including eligible foreigners who apply for Visa on Arrival at designed checkpoints, will be exempted from tourist visa fee from 5 March to 4 June B.E.2552 (2009).

Such arrangement is for Tourist Visa single entry only.

-- Tourism Authority of Thailand 2009-02-27

Bus and boat from Chaweng to Haad Rin

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:45:00 +0000

I took the bus from Chaweng to get to Haad Rin recently and it was a doddle. I was staying BB Chaweng and we got a ticket form the reception for Haad rin the next day.

The bus came island style, a bit late but in plenty of time for the ferry. We got on this rediculously large bus but I after we realized why. After about 5 more stops at different hotels the bus filled up. When we got out to Big Buddha pier we showed our tickets to the ferry man and he lead us off down the old wooden pier to our ferry the Haad Rin Queen.

This was a fine old wooden ferry which plodded out to Koh Phangan, time to take in the views and get into the slow style of island life even more.

The Haad Rin Queen took us right in to Haad rin west and we had done it. Our hotel was right there and the famous full moon party beach just 200 meteres away.... easy peasy lemon squeasy!!!

Santhiya Resort And Spa

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:46:00 +0000

Santhiya Resort And Spa has a 3 FREE Night - Stay 10 Pay 7 off on at the moment and is such a beautiful resort On the remote north east corner of Koh Phangan. This is the perfect place for honeymooners who need to perfect getaway to find some peace and quiet on one of Thailand's most romantic Island's.

Koh Phangan ferry

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:18:00 +0000

I took the lompraya Ferry from Thong Sala to Samui last month and it was a fast modern ride that got me to Samui airport very smoothly. The pick up on Samui was handled very professionally and I made my 5.45pm flight with time to spare.

The other ferry from Big Buddha Beach to Haad Rin was an old wooden boat which was great slow way to get out to Phangan but when youare on a time budget use the lompraya Ferry from Thong Sala

Haad Rin Koh Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 14:11:00 +0000

I love this place, Haad Rin at it's best.... sunbathing during the day and partying all night. I prefer this place when the party has gone as it is less stressful for mellow. I use this site to Book hotels in Haad Rin.

Haad rin shopping and pizza

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:10:00 +0000

I like the shops in Haad Rin as they are the perfect place to pick up small gifts for when you return home. There’s lots of cool clothes, trinkets, reminders, T shirts, from the unusual to the bizzare. Haad Rin after all is home to one of the most famous party weekends in the world. During the full moon party the whole village is alive with hip, cool and trendy where anything goes.
If you are looking for something novel or chic to give your friends when you return home, this certainly made by either place for you.

weather at full moon party

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:38:00 +0000

Not the best weather as it is cloudy and has been for a few days. \Every december it is like this as the south china seas are stirred up and the cyclonic weather from Phillipines throw the tail ends of the weather into the gulf of Siam. It's patchy butthe weather is never really perfect in December.

The full moon party has just gone and it was the usual wild affair... loads and loads and loads of partying!!

on the beach, full moon party

noreply@blogger.com (pdr123) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 16:03:00 +0000

I got some pictures downloaded from my camera from Vimarn Samut. It's just 10 minutes walk along the beach and you are right in the heart of the party.The party is in a couple of days and the place is looking very full already... it's going to be a big one!!

Koh PHANGAN WEATHER

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 06:47:00 +0000

Back on the ground and running again!!

Just got back here and am staying at the Vimarn Samut near Had Rin. It's an ok place with lovely views of the SamUI Island.

God, I love this place!!

Back on the blog when I get settled which will be soon. I am getting back into the place like a duck to water.

Partying on Phangan in July 2008

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Koh Phangan is the place to be in Thailand south of Bangkok when the moon reaches her complete state, and the days leading up to that. Everyone on the backpacker trail either has been to the full moon party, is going, or is not a real backpacker. Picture a beach, huge sound systems thumping beats, endless stalls that sell alcohol buckets with names like the real fuck bucket and Get FUCKED up!, thousands and thousands of party-goers, a small army of fire artists and an area to crash in if you're down and out. Could it get any better?

Fantasea Resort Koh Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 02:51:00 +0000

Fantasea Resort offer excellent value for money. I have actually stayed at this resort every year for the past 5 years. It offers a fantastic beach front bungalow setting on the Northern coast of Koh Phangan. Ideal for partying at the full moon jamboree on the other side of the island and then chilling out in Chalok Lam Bay.

The Bungalows have been upgraded recently and feature these Disney like A frames that are the best in the bay with full modern amenities such as air con and satellite TV etc.

Fantasea Deluxe Beach Bungalows

The restaurant is again on the beach, almost in the sea and serves some really tasty Thai and International food. The management are really nice and speak broken English which makes it more exciting for my liking. There is a dive center just 400 meters away and an elephant trekking camp on the outskirts of the village.

In the village seafront are lots of cafes and small bars that are very Thai although some more funky ones are just being built.

I'd recommend it to everyone.

Phangan suffers some rainfalls

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 02:16:00 +0000

A low pressure cell covers upper Vietnam, and the moderate Southwest monsoon prevails over the Gulf of Thailand, Samui and Phangan Island.

Scattered thundershowers with isolated heavy rainfalls are likely today. Waves in the Gulf of Thailand will be up to one meter.

Today's Phangan weather

noreply@blogger.com (jts) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 04:33:00 +0000

It's a fairly blue sky with a few white patches in it. Yesterday was also a good day, with a shade of rain and a bit of sunshine here and there.

Today! Half Moon Party in Phangan

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:14:00 +0000

Today is again Half Moon Party here on Koh Phangan.

A little bit too late if you are not on your way... but to not forget the dates of the next Half Moon Parties, have a look at this Party Schedule flyer.

Links of Interest:

Half Moon Party information and party dates

Phangan Island Beaches

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:56:00 +0000

Koh Phangan is just north of Koh Samui - 20 minutes by Catamaran boat. The media portrays Koh Phangan as purely a Full Moon party island but in actual fact there are numerous resorts and fantastic beaches away from Haad Rin on the South. For example moving North from the port of Thongsala along the West Coast are beaches such as Haad Yao and Haad Son that offer excellent entertainment and views. Mae Haad beach is simply stunning.

Moving south from Thongsala are beaches such as Baan Kai and Baan Tai with amazing views of Koh Samui in the near distance. When the lightening storms highlight the bigger island it is amazing. The Eastern side of the island is more remote and the roads to reach it are hard but upon reaching your final destination there are beauties to behold. For example Thong Nai Pan Noi has been listed as one the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Than Sadet has an amazing waterfall that was visited by a past King of Thailand and has his initials burned into the rocks.Koh Phangan as a whole is being developed now with higher class hotels appearing every year, but it is still more relaxed than Koh Samui or Phuket. Best things to do include a diving or a snorkeling trip to Ang Thong National Marine Park, visit to Bottle Beach, a trip to one of the temple (early in the morning to witness the ceremonies), lay on the beach or hike to one of the waterfalls.So whether you are partying hard or just chilling out Koh Phangan has much to offer all.

Links of Interest:

Rain in Haad Rin, sunny in Thong Nai Pan Beach

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 09:02:00 +0000

We arrived on the island on a extremely wet day and spent two nights in Haad Rin on the south of the island which were also V-wet but it was nice to get cosy in our big luxury bungalow...

Full Moon Party Trip Report

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 08:29:00 +0000

Koh Phangan is home to the world’s largest beach party. Ritualistically every full moon, the town of Haad Rin throws an all-night extravaganza to celebrate the majestic height of the lunar cycle. At its biggest, upwards of 10,000 people show up to pay homage to the beauty of the moon and the magic of the human spirit. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to take part in this wild endeavor.

From Brad:

Since it is on the other side of the island, I took a hi-speed longboat packed with ambitious partyers over to Haad Rin. The moonlit cruise across the ocean totally sets the mood for the late-night event. The sky echoes feelings of Halloween mischief. Anxiously, the boat hums through the salt water; casually sprayed, but never frightened.

Approaching a beach of thousands of people dancing and screaming is quite a thrilling experience. It is a scene of total mystery. What happens at such an eruption of human enthusiasm?

All night long, people drench themselves with their appetites. Whether they are dancing or watching the performers (see photo of man dancing with fire!), everyone seems to be having a fantastic night. Personally, I spent most of the evening lying at small tables on bamboo mats lit by candle-light talking with whomever sat next to me. You chat about whatever comes up, then moments later it happens all over again with a new group of people. Conversations just arise out of the moment, turn their course, and then seem to disappear as quickly as they came. It’s impossible to exhaust the possibilities of dialogue in a situation like that.

Maybe the most amazing point of the night happened on the sunrise boat-ride home. As you watch the sun pour itself out over the ocean, you become reminded of the grand cycle of the stars. As you were once consumed by the mayhem of the Full Moon, you now find yourself staring at the clearest image you could ever know: the sun.

And at that moment, you remember what it feels like to be alive...

Planning your trip to join the next Full Moon Party

noreply@blogger.com (jts) — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 06:49:00 +0000

With around 10,000 to 20,000 thousand visitors descending on Koh Phangan each month all year round, many resorts have special conditions regarding minimum nights stay. Especially those on Haad Rin beach.

You can get to and from the FMP easily from any resort on the island. This is often the choice of returning visitors as it means the choice to party or to relax is up to you.

With the pre Full Moon Party warm up starting a few days before the big night we often recommend Haad Rin to those not planning to sleep for a few days!

Links of Interest:

Sunrise on Thong Nai Pan Beach in June

noreply@blogger.com (hotelATM) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 10:08:00 +0000

Even though the Koh Phangan weather forecast insists on rainy days for tomorrow and the next day, Phangan Island' east coast will offer generally great opportunities to watch the sun rise from the Gulf of Thailand.

A beach especially well suited for this eraly morning undertaking would be Thong Nai Pan, located in the center of the east coast. Thong Nai Pan can be easily accessed from Chaloklum to the north or Haad Rin to the south.

The great towering cloud formations of on-rolling monsoon fronts offer a great panorama on which the sunlight is reflected in the most amazing red and yellow color tones. Waking up at this hour will be well worth it!

Probably the most recommended hotel on Thong Nai Pan Beach for a medium-sized budget would be the Havana Beach Resort. This is a 3-star resort offers a spa, air-conditioned rooms and several restaurants. The entire resort has Wi Fi internet connectivity, so you can confidently bring your laptop. Currently, room rates are around THb 2,800 per night in the Standard Room.

Links of Interest:

Heavy rain and stron wind and waves in the Gulf

noreply@blogger.com (jts) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:03:00 +0000

The following is a warning from the Thai Meteorological Department:

The low pressure cell over the tip of Indochina will cover Cambodia and the upper Gulf of Thailand by today. More rain is likely with isolated rainfall over the coast of the East and the South.
People in Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun should beware of heavy rain conditions.
Widespread rain is expected in the Gulf with strong wind-wave about 2 meters and greater than 2 meters in thundershower areas. All ships should proceed with caution in the areas.

Links of Interest:

Warnings from the Thai Meteorological Department