Koh Pha Ngan
Thailand’s backpacker island is famous the world over for its full moon parties which, for more than 10 years, have given Koh Pha Ngan the title of the world’s biggest beach parties. But there’s plenty more to this chilled island, it’s reasonably unspoilt by development and one of the cheapest, most down-to-earth in all of Thailand.
All free spirited travellers and rave fans arriving in Thailand beat a path to this small island near Samui off the west coast of Thailand’s south. Even those who would rather avoid the crush of 10,000 party goers find that Koh Pha Ngan is brilliant tropical paradise for the ‘other three weeks of the month’. Here you can find private beaches that are accessible by boat only and populated by only a handful of rustic beachfront bungalows that cost less per night than a bottle of beer in a plush Phuket restaurant.
But most come for the party, which takes place on a two kilometre long beach at Haad Rin, on the southern tip of Koh Pan Ngan. Days before the full moon night, the atmosphere livens up as travellers from all over the world pack out the entire island in the busy months and descend on the beach for an wicked night of collective energy, as this beautiful tropical beach becomes lined with sound systems and bars.
Koh Pha Ngan has a unique character that isn’t found elsewhere in Thailand. It attracts the bohemian crowd, laid back and unpretentious, without all the expensive resorts, noisy tuk tuks or flesh pits of go go bars found on other islands and resort towns. The bungalows are simple, the beer is cheap and the people friendly. Each of the Koh Pha Ngan beaches have their own special character to suit different ideas of ‘tropical paradise’.
The island also has a lush and hilly interior which is great for exploring by motorbike or mountain bike, with several hiking trails, cool waterfalls and delightful coconut plantations that are unchanged in centuries of local life. On Koh Pha Ngan you can escape from it all, or delve into the party world of Haad Rin. Few people ever leave with bad memories or impressions.
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Full moon partiesIt’s what Koh Phan Ngan is famous for, join thousands of other free spirits for a raving, all night party on Haad Rin, get there early, here’s the low down... more |
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BeachesSome of the most pristine beaches of all the popular islands are found here, for patying or chilling out find out which beach is best for you...more |
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The islandThere’s more to Koh Phan Ngan than full moon parties and this tropical island boasts a lush interior and some deserted beaches, go explore... more |
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BungalowsFind a rustic bungalow on the beach for less than ten bucks, or join the crowds at Haad Rin. Budget or upmarket there’s some excellent choices...more |
See our Thai islands travel forum for more.
Traveller tale: Koh Pha Ngan’s legendary full moon party
Huge crowds of young travellers descend each month on Koh Pha Ngan’s southern tip hoping to experience the party of a lifetime...more
