Category: Asia

Ko Pha Ngan or Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, located in the south-east of Thailand, just north of Ko Samui. It belongs to the province of Surat Thani. The island is a tourist destination known for its beaches and for the Full Moon Party, party grouping a musical mix that takes place on the beach of Haad Rin, southeast of the island, every month with the full moon. Now the island is primarily a tourist destination but fishing and coconut are important for the local economy. Due to its topography, population lives in coastal and mountainous interior is almost inaccessible. More than half of the island is part of a national park and the island has more than 80 km2 of virgin rainforest with a wide variety of flora and fauna. It is also considered a spiritual place with several Buddhist temples with industry for retirement and meditation booming.

Tips

The most convenient way to move around is the scooter, especially if one wants to visit non-tourist areas of the island. The island has many beautiful beaches of white sand along its coastline, some of which are still accessible only by boat.
December to February is the ideal time to visit the island, sunny but not too hot with little chance of rain.
Whatever you are looking for, you’ll have no trouble finding it in Thong Sala and Haad Rin shops, or the recently opened stores along the main road.

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Ao Nang is located in the Andaman Sea, considered one of the best Thailand’s beach destination, predominately a family and sports destination. It’s not a place for people who wants to make the party or have a wild nightlife, there are only a few relaxed bars and two nightclubs. The southern half of the beach is not yet bordered by a road. Ao Nang is busy but hasn’t lost that laid back, friendly small-town feel; it is developed but still retains its original beauty and charm. You can find good italian restaurants, spas, beauty shops, where you can have massages for a good price. Thai food is abundant too and is available 24 hours a day. You can have all sort of accomodation, from traditional wooden bungalows to luxury 5 star spa resorts. You can also find lots of activities: snorkelling, kayaking, island-hopping, climbing, diving, fishing parks, elephant trekking, cooking classes, massage classes, temple visits and of course visit the other beaches and places by boat.

Tips

Railay, one of the best beaches, is only 15 minutes by boat from Ao Nang. Another good excursion is Koh Phi Phi.
If you like history and religion, you can also visit interesting temples.
Going to traditional Thai restaurants is also pleasant but you will have a lot of opportunities to eat Thai food in local markets or with street vendors.

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