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Ko Pha Ngan

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In the Gulf of Siam, around 60km off the shore of the Kra Isthmus lies the tiny island of Ko Phangan (also known as Ko Pha Ngan). The 14,000 strong Thai community occupying Ko Pha Ngan's 103 square miles of land welcomes thousands of visitors to the shores each year. Tourists often come especially for the famous 'Full Moon' parties that occur on Haad Rin beach on the south eastern coast of the island.

Apart from these parties, Ko Pha Ngan's economy is led by the cultivation of coconuts and its people lead a trouble free life. This island becomes a very spiritual and sensual place during the peak summer months with music fans flocking to the full moon parties which are filled with techno and psy-trance, bright lights, sunsets and sunrises along with the other parts of the island which focus more on relaxation, with yoga lessons on the beach, spas, massages, meditation and other forms of alternative healing and therapy.

Simply because Ko Pha Ngan has a reputation for hardcore parties, that doesn't mean to say that these are spread all over the island. In fact, the parties are concentrated in one area, leaving three quarters of the island for mountain ranges and tropical jungles. Families are given the opportunity to enjoy one of Thailand's most beautiful islands in peace and relaxation on the golden beaches and up high in the lush green hills.

Areas

Thong Sala

This is Ko Pha Ngan's 'capital' town on the south west side of the island. It has the highest population density on the island and provides a location for the main harbor where ferries and smaller boats journey in and out of the shores. There are plenty of hotels, bars, restaurants and leisure activities for visitors in Thong Sala.

Haad Rin

The full moon parties happen on the beaches of Haad Rin whenever (surprisingly) there is a full moon, once a month! There are several bars and nightclubs in this area and the atmosphere and amenities are geared towards the young and carefree, who come here to party each month.

Haad Salad

This area, at the north eastern side of the island, is the best choice for those looking to relax in high quality accommodation and on quiet beaches. Haad Salad has its own tranquil and staggeringly attractive beach cove, where visitors can have massages and do yoga in the sun.

Weather

During March to July the temperatures of the islands just off the Kra Isthmus shoot up to around 28 to 29ºC and the winds calm down. These are the best months in which to visit, in order to avoid the heavy rains which occur from September to November.

Getting There

There is no airport on the island of Ko Phangan, so your best bet for getting to the destination is to catch a bus, drive or fly to Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi or 'BKK' airport) and decide on a form of transport from there. Alternatively, fly to the nearby island of Ko Samui and catch a connecting link. There is a wide choice, including catamaran, ferry or express boat, which all dock at Ko Pha Ngan's harbor in the town of Thong Sala.

By Boat

There are several ferries leaving from and arriving at the capital town of Thong Sala or Haad Rin each day. These services operate to and from Ko Samui and the mainland province Surat Thani. Once you disembark you can get a taxi, hire a motorbike or catch another smaller boat to another destination on the island.

Getting Around

By Taxi

Otherwise known as Songthaew's, Ko Pha Ngan's main road transport is the taxi. This can prove a very cheap way of getting around the island and even a less intrusive one as you will not need to find a place to park and you can ask for information on the best areas from the knowledgeable drivers.

By Motorbike

There are plenty of places dotted all over the island offers tourists the chance to hire out a motorbike for the duration of their stay. If you know how to ride and are confident in navigating the roads of the island then this is an inexpensive and quick way to explore.

By Boat

Ko Pha Ngan's primary method of transport is on the water and catching a ferry or catamaran around the island to its different ports is a relaxing way to get around. The shores are always calm and there are plenty of boats to go around, so negotiate a price and off you go!

Sights & Activities

Diving

Many visitors travel to the island of Ko Pha Ngan each year simply to see the hard corals, tropical fish and go diving. The Ang Thong national marine park offers a great opportunity to learn how to scuba dive and if you're already experienced and have your own equipment then head down to the shores of Ko Ma and Sailrock.

Full Moon Party

Once a month the beach of Haad Rin holds the islands largest party. With live house, techno, psy trance and drum and bass the shores come alive with the young and wild, who party all day and all night, never caring whether the sun is up or down. The atmosphere of one of these parties is certainly something to behold and there are often people offering visual arts equipment and lessons such as fire poi, staff and juggling.

A Day Trip

One of the best ways to see the island in its full glory is to take a day trip right around the island in a Safari Boat. For only 1200 baht (just under £20) you will be taken to an Elephant camp, a traditional Chinese temple, to two idyllic beaches, waterfalls, snorkeling and diving off the coast of Ko Pha Ngan. With meals, drinks, equipment and even insurance thrown in, there's nothing that the Safari Boat staff have missed out.