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Koh Phangan is my favourite island within the Gulf of Thailand. It’s well-known for the complete moon get together which was one of many first issues I realized about Thailand (sadly sufficient) nevertheless it gives a lot extra. The total moon get together is just within the very south of the island and happens as soon as a month. The remainder of the time, there are ton of fantastic seashores, incredible climbing, and scrumptious meals to eat. Koh Phangan has additionally develop into a digital nomad hotspot in recent times attracting a number of long run keep individuals.
I actually appreciated Koh Phangan and located it to be far more stunning and stress-free than their western counterparts in Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. I spent every week within the island on my journey round Thailand and might positively advocate visiting!
Learn how to get to Koh Phangan
Attending to Koh Phangan generally is a little bit of a mission. Whereas the journey is sort of frequent and simple to ebook, it simply takes a very long time to succeed in Koh Phangan.
By Ferry from Surat Thani
The primary technique is to fly into Surat Thani airport and take the bus to the ferry terminal. There are a number of every day flights to Surat Thani from hotspots like Bangkok or Chiang Mai for very low cost on AirAsia. Conversely, you may also take a bus from Bangkok to Surat Thani however it will take 11-12 hours so I don’t advocate this technique.
From Surat Thani, you’ll then take a shuttle switch to the ferry terminal at Donsak Pier which is about 2 hours away. From the pier, you’ll then board your ferry which is one other 2.5 hour journey. All in all, you possibly can price range about 5 hours from touchdown on the airport to arriving within the Thong Sala pier of Koh Phangan.
The worth for this switch varies relying on the ferry firm you ebook. You possibly can prebook this switch on-line or buy the tickets straight on the airport the place you can see quite a few stands for corporations promoting the switch. I paid 500 THB for the shuttle and the ferry and prebooked the switch on 12go.asia. The ferries cease operating round 18h so ensure you plan accordingly, in any other case you might need to remain the evening in Surat Thani.
By ferry from Koh Samui
The best method to get to Koh Phangan is by flying into the island of Koh Samui. Koh Samui is the larger brother island of Koh Phangan is positioned simply 1h by ferry south. From the airport, it’s a brief 10 minute drive to the pier the place you might have a number of ferry corporations operating the journey between the 2 islands.
I took this journey on my manner out of Koh Phangan as a result of I didn’t wish to repeat the identical journey from Surat Thani so I booked flights out of Koh Samui. I paid one other 500 THB for this journey which incorporates the ferry to Koh Samui and the shuttle switch to the airport.
Throughout excessive season, I’d extremely advocate reserving these ferries upfront as a result of there’s nothing worse than displaying up and being advised the ferries are booked for the day!
Finest time of yr to go to Koh Phangan
The islands within the south get pleasure from cut up seasons relying which facet of the nation you’re on. The Andaman sea to Thailand’s east enjoys the alternative season because the Gulf of Thailand. One of the best instances to go to the Andaman sea (Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Similan islands, Krabi) are between November and April. Conversely, one of the best time to go to the Gulf of Thailand (Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, Koh Tao) is April to October.
I visited Koh Phangan within the off season months in December however the climate was virtually excellent your entire time. Conversely, I’ve had buddies which have visited in June and had been greeted to torrential down pours day in and time out. Whereas there are “seasons” to visiting Koh Phangan and the Gulf of Thailand, it’s the tropics so you possibly can by no means have something assured!
The place to remain in Koh Phangan
There are quite a few resorts, non-public rooms, price range lodging, bungalows and homes on Koh Phangan. We now have stayed in a number of lodging as now we have additionally been to the island a number of instances. On common we paid €15-20 per evening for each of us for a beachfront bungalow with fan and fundamental lavatory.
You will get a mattress in a hostel for as little as €5 per evening. However you may also hire a villa with a pool or keep in one of many luxurious resorts. On Koh Phangan you can see the fitting lodging for each price range.
Our lodging:
Particular lodging on Koh Phangan:
Learn how to get round Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is a comparatively massive island that’s principally unconnected with one another by public transport. There aren’t many choices to talk of from what I gathered and the one mode of transport across the island is by scooter, songthaew (native shared taxis) or by non-public taxi.
The native songthaew taxis depart at designated instances all through the day however principally join the principle cities of Koh Phangan. Taxis are fairly priced however you possibly can’t use Seize or any experience hailing apps on the island making them unreliable.
One of the best technique of getting round Koh Phangan is unquestionably by scooter. You possibly can hire scooters on Koh Phangan just about wherever. The costs will differ relying on the time of yr however you possibly can count on to pay between 150 and 250 THB for a fundamental 125 cc scooter.
Koh Phangan has vast paved roads that make scooter using very simple and gratifying. There’s hardly any site visitors on this island (besides throughout peak instances) so that you don’t have to take care of the craziness like in Bali, Indonesia for instance.
Full Moon Celebration of Koh Phangan
The Full moon get together is known around the globe for being one of many craziest and epic events in Thailand. That is actually the very first thing I knew about Thailand simply from phrase of mouth. It occurs on the evening of the complete moon so virtually each month. It’s positioned on Haad Rin Seashore which is definitely fairly stunning. It’s changed into an enormous out of doors seashore get together on the eve of the complete moon.
Bars are stuffed with get together goers of all ages (principally youthful let’s be trustworthy), sand buckets stuffed with liquor and blend, and Singha beers on free stream. The get together goes to the early morning hours of the day and you may count on to see 1000’s of individuals on the seashore.
On the get together there may be principally digital music on the ears. Every so often even internationally recognized DJ’s come to the island. The get together then goes on till dawn the following day. The Full Moon Celebration on Koh Phangan often takes place precisely on the complete moon day of the month. Sometimes the get together can also be postponed due to non secular days. E book your lodging accordingly upfront. Relying on the time of yr, it may well get fairly crowded on the island.
I visited in December 2021 throughout COVID and this get together is in fact not taking place till additional discover!
Finest Seashores in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is spoiled with unimaginable seashores everywhere in the island. I’d say the seashores in Koh Phangan are nicer than those in Phuket. Maybe it’s not as stunning as a Koh Phi Phi Leh however for the way simple it’s to get to, Koh Phangan gives a few of the higher seashores in Thailand.
I explored the gorgeous Chaloklum Seashore and the considerably hidden Bootle Seashore. You possibly can attain it by boat or by scooter on very tough gravel roads (at the least that’s the way it was again then). We didn’t discover the seashore that lovely, there are actually nicer seashores. We wouldn’t take the horror path by way of the jungle once more. However this seashore additionally has its stunning corners.
South of Koh Phangan
Within the very south and south-east of the island is the beautiful Leela Seashore and Haad Rin Seashore . The sand at Leela Seashore is extremely white, the water crystal clear and turquoise. You’ll be amazed! Within the east of the island is Than Sadet Seashore . This one is a little bit gem. The palm bushes attain for the sky, the restaurant is cozy and the lodging are unique. The rocks on the left and proper in addition to the picket bridge, which leads you over the small arm of the river, are significantly stunning
Northwest of Koh Phangan seashores
I discovered the seashores within the northwest of Koh Phangan to be essentially the most stunning. These all had vast sandy seashores with stunning palm bushes, cliffs, and crystal clear water. Throughout excessive season nevertheless, you possibly can count on these seashores to get fairly busy which could make it much less gratifying.
One in all my favourite spots is the so-called “Secret Seashore” . It’s in no way “secret” however merely stunningly stunning. We significantly appreciated the rocks within the water, the clear sea, the colours and the peace and quiet. Haad Salad can also be a lovely seashore proper subsequent to the What’s Cup cafe.
Bottle Seashore Viewpoint
For one of the best views of Koh Phangan with an added hike, go to the Bottle Seashore Viewpoint in Koh Phangan’s north. You possibly can drive near the doorway level with a scooter after which stroll one other 20 minutes by way of the bush to the perspective. From the perspective, you might have a surprising view of Bottle Seashore and the Gulf of Thailand!
I discovered the 2 seashores Thong Nai Pan Yai & Thong Nai Pan Noi very stunning. These are positioned within the east of the island and are simply accessible by highway. On Noi Seashore you can see virtually solely luxurious resorts, whereas on Yai Seashore there are good and cheaper lodging. The seashores are stunning and definitely price a go to!
Haad Sadet
Haad Sadet is one other very off the crushed path seashore on Koh Phangan’s east coast. This seashore could be very distant so that you gained’t discover the standard crowds right here. It’s positioned within the Namtok Than Sadet Nationwide Park and also you’ll should pay an entrance charge to enter this park.
The seashore itself is sort of fairly nevertheless it’s most likely not as stunning because the seashores on the west coast. There are some bungalows the place you possibly can keep in addition to a nudist seashore close by.
Silver Cliff Restaurant viewpoint
My favourite a part of this seashore is the restaurant on the clifftop. It’s a brief stroll from the seashore however the views listed here are unimaginable. I had lunch and coconuts right here and it was completely gorgeous.
Finest Cafes in Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan has seen an enormous inflow of top quality cafes in recent times. There are actually loads of stunning, fashionable, and digital nomad pleasant cafes positioned all all through the island. In fact, Koh Phangan’s cafe choice nonetheless pales compared to Bali’s cafes however you gained’t depart disenchanted!
Bubba’s Espresso
Bubba’s espresso is without doubt one of the most well-known cafes on the island. They serve superb brunch type meals from everywhere in the world in addition to make scrumptious espresso. They’ve a number of places on the island however you possibly can count on the identical high quality in all places. I got here right here quite a few instances for his or her breakfast gadgets as there isn’t a lot native Thai dishes to talk of on the island.
You possibly can count on a big crowd at this cafe as it is rather fashionable with vacationers and digital nomads alike.
Orion Cafe
Orion cafe positioned within the northwest of the island is the proper place to chill out and chill by the seashore. It’s positioned actually in entrance of the seashore and is a highly regarded spot with the digital nomads. There’s ample seating and plush couches for these in search of a cushty spot to work.
What’s Cup
What’s cup might be my favourite cafe on the island. Positioned within the northwest of Koh Phangan close to to Haad Salat seashore, this cafe is the last word spot to have espresso and brunch meals with a view. Actually, take a look at this photograph under and inform me which you can’t discover the which means of life with this view!
This place will get very busy within the late mornings so be sure that to return early for one of the best tables. The meals can also be remarkably tasty which makes the view even higher. I beloved working from right here because it was a calming place after the morning rush and the views had been spectacular.
What to eat in Koh Phangan
As with wherever in Thailand, you’re by no means distant from superb scrumptious meals and naturally that is the case in Koh Phangan as nicely. As it’s a massive island, you’ll discover all of the Thai classics in addition to quite a few western type eating places to combine it up. These are a few of the highlights of the eating places I visited however there are numerous extra that I didn’t have time to go to!
Phantip Evening Market in metropolis heart
You possibly can’t go unsuitable with road markets in Thailand. Actually by no means.
Phantip evening market is the principle evening market in Koh Phangan. There are a number of smaller ones positioned outdoors of the principle city however positively stick to this one.
As with all evening market, you possibly can look forward to finding all of the scrumptious choices right here from cooked meals like Pad Thai, Pad see ew, Pad Gra Prao, inexperienced curry and many others. to road dishes like satays, Thai pancakes, mango sticky rice, fried rooster, and far more.
Fisherman’s Restaurant and Bar
This was most likely my favourite restaurant on your entire island. It’s a barely extra upscale seafood restaurant positioned on the seashore south of town heart. This restaurant has a lovely seashore in entrance with quite a few Thai type lengthy boats laid out on the seashore for tables and lounge seating.
The meals itself is totally incredible with a few of the strongest and tastiest curries I’ve had in Thailand. Be certain to get the combination seafood curry which was most likely among the finest issues I’ve eaten throughout Thailand. The restaurant additionally serves incredible cocktails which is difficult to search out. Costs are on the upper facet however is to be anticipated with the sort of setting.
Be certain to make a reservation earlier than hand!
Siri’s Island Cafe
Positioned simply north of the Thong Sala metropolis heart, Siri’s island cafe is the spot to go for scrumptious Khao Soi. I lived off of Khao Soi in northern Thailand and was actually craving these scrumptious noodles as quickly as I had left. Siri is without doubt one of the solely locations on the island that served this scrumptious noodle soup. The proprietor was additionally very pleasant.
Pum Pui
For scrumptious Thai meals that everyone knows, go to Pum Pui within the northwest of the island. This restaurant serves all of the classics however is without doubt one of the greatest locations to do it.
Bann Boontom Somtum & Gallery
Probably one of the best genuine Thai restaurant on the island! This place makes a speciality of northeastern isaan delicacies, however has its personal distinctive type. That is actually completely different from most Thai eating places on the island directed at foreigners and vacationers. This was the actual deal spicy and scrumptious Thai taste that I had not tasted beforehand.
Be certain to strive the varied Larb dishes in addition to the fried pork!
Go to Koh Tao Island
If in case you have a number of extra days, I’d additionally advocate visiting the island of Koh Tao. It’s world well-known for its diving though the corals have seen higher days with the onset of local weather change. Previous to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Koh Tao was generally known as an absolute manufacturing unit for open water programs. It was filled with dive colleges and the dive and get together life-style was the best way right here. It was so overpacked with diving that nearly a 3rd of all open water certifications on this planet had been achieved in Koh Tao. That’s completely insane.
The island is way smaller than Koh Phangan and many individuals favor this vibe. Koh Tao could be reached by ferry from Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, or Surat Thani. The quickest method to attain Koh Tao from Bangkok is to fly to Koh Samui and take the ferry to Koh Tao.
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