Koh Phangan

เกาะพะงัน

An island about 30 minutes by ferry north of Koh Samui. Hat Rin's Full Moon Party is world-famous, while the island's north offers jungle beaches and a yoga village.

Koh Phangan lies about 15 km north of Koh Samui and covers roughly 125 square km. Since the 1980s it has been famous worldwide for its Full Moon Party, held on the night of each full moon at Haad Rin on the southeast tip. Thousands to tens of thousands of visitors, their bodies painted with fluorescent colors, dance through the night between more than a dozen sound systems on the sand. Highlights include fire-skipping, glow shows, and buckets of cocktails (“buckets”). Entry costs 100–200 baht. It is considered the largest beach party in Southeast Asia. The island also holds Half Moon, Black Moon, and weekly jungle parties.

But Koh Phangan is more than parties. The beaches on the west and north coasts, including Haad Yao, Haad Salad, Mae Haad, Bottle Beach, and the sandbar of Koh Ma opposite Mae Haad, are quiet and beautiful. The area around Sri Thanu has yoga schools, meditation centers, and vegetarian restaurants, and is known as the “Yoga Village.” It is a hub for digital nomads and long-term residents. Inland, the island has the Phaeng Waterfall and viewpoint, and Than Sadet Waterfall, which King Rama V is said to have visited. On the northeast coast, the twin bays of Thong Nai Pan are home to upscale resorts.

Day trips from Koh Samui are possible, and party-night boats run from Mae Nam and Bophut piers. However, staying 2–3 nights and renting a scooter to circle the island is recommended. The mountain roads are steep and accidents are common, so ride carefully.

Getting there: From Mae Nam Pier on Koh Samui, Lomprayah or Seatran speedboats take about 30 minutes (around 300–400 baht). Ferries from Bophut or Nathon piers take 45 minutes to 1 hour. On Full Moon nights, shuttle boats and package tickets run from Koh Samui.

Note: Accommodation in Hat Rin during the Full Moon period must be booked several weeks in advance and often has a minimum stay. At the party, watch your drinks and belongings, do not swim in the sea, and avoid injury when fire-skipping. Do not use drugs, as Thailand enforces its drug laws strictly. The island's roads are steep, and motorbike accidents are very common. Taxis are expensive once you leave Hat Rin, but you can negotiate the fare.

Koh Phangan

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