Koh Phangan

An island north of Koh Samui, famous for the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin; Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan in the north are tranquil, and yoga and wellness culture runs deep.

Koh Phangan lies in the western Gulf of Thailand, about 15 km north of Koh Samui, in Surat Thani Province. Thailand's fifth-largest island, it covers about 125 sq km, with a forested, hilly interior and dozens of bays along its coast. The island divides roughly into a few areas: the Haad Rin peninsula at the southeastern tip hosts the monthly Full Moon Party and is the nightlife hub; the west coast around Srithanu, Haad Yao and Coral Beach is the place for sunsets, with yoga, meditation and vegetarian restaurants clustered there; in the north, Koh Ma, Bottle Beach and Thong Nai Pan have clear water and a quieter vibe, ideal for snorkeling and relaxing; and the center of the island is Than Sadet National Park, with waterfalls and hiking trails. Getting there: speedboats from Koh Samui take about 30–60 minutes; from Surat Thani or Chumphon you can take combined bus-and-boat tickets, and boats also connect to Koh Tao. The pier is at Thong Sala in the southwest. On the island, people get around by motorbike, songthaew and taxi; the roads in the north and east are steep and winding, so inexperienced riders shouldn't ride, and places like Bottle Beach can also be reached by longtail boat. The dry season from December to April brings the best sea conditions, while the northeast monsoon brings heavy rain in October–November and big waves on the east coast. Room rates around Haad Rin rise for several days around each Full Moon Party, so book ahead; there are also Half Moon and Jungle parties. Plan 3–5 days; if you're not here to party, stay at the bays in the north or west. Tips: Thailand's drug laws are extremely strict, keep an eye on your belongings during parties, and watch out for rip currents in the sea.

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