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.
