Why visit Koh Phangan?

by Simon

Why visit Koh Phangan?
The islands in the south of Thailand are known to many as a "Island Paradise". The postcard like beaches, nearly all year good weather and unique lifestyle are just a few of the reasons why people keep coming here. Travelers from all over the world visit these islands since more than 20 years to experience a relaxing and unique holiday.

for an inexperienced tourist all these "paradise islands" Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, may look pretty much the same:

all islands covered by tropical forest
beaches are picturesque with coconut palm trees on beaches
clear water, swimming at most beaches possible

But a detail view reveals that each island, has its own qualitity and different feeling. For example accommodation expenses can turn out to be a surprisingly different on each island and even on each area of the island. Koh Phangan is considered relative peaceful and ideal for backpacker, while Koh Samui is loaded with exciting nightlife activities. Koh Tao on the other side provides the perfect conditions for divers.

After years of living on Koh Phangan and visiting both Samui and Koh Tao often, I believe that Koh Phangan is the perfect choice for the unforgettable hoilday. Koh Phangan is the right choice because it's not overdeveloped like Samui, but still at the same time offers a lot to the likes and needs of every individual traveler. You won't find a McDonald or KFC on the island, nor TESCO Lotus or any other big department stores, but I believe tourists that come to an tropical island, are not in search of the latest designer fashion or fast food.

Reasons that make Koh Phangan the right choice for your next holiday:

Until recently, Phangan has made itself a name as a 'backpackers' destination. Cost of living on the island is considerable cheaper than on Samui or Koh Tao. Food and accommodation on the island is not expensive, even with a budget of 25 Euro per day, someone can provide himself or herself with a nearly western style standard, that includes even an air conditioned room, delicious cuisine and a rental motorbike. The recent development is that now more spoiled tourists discover Phangan, local business began to adjust to the new kind of clientele, offering now luxury accommodation und some more expensive restaurants. Nevertheless, you will be still able to find budget accommodation all over the island.


Phangan just have the right mix of possibilities, offering something for every individual taste. If you like to party all night, meet people from all over the world the island, especially Haad Rin, has a lot to offer. On the other side if you are looking for a quite relaxed holiday, Phangan is the right choice as well, since there are still plenty of of remote picturesque beaches with only a limited choice of accommodation, such as Haad Thong Reng, Haad Yao and Haad Sadet.


The Gulf of Thailand is an excellent diving area, because of it's clear water and the large variety of life in the water. Not far from Koh Tao Island, the 'Diver's Favorite Spot', Phangan also has to offer great diving sites, like Koh Ma, a small island connected to Koh Phangan only by a sand bar on low tide and the neighboring beaches Haad Salad, Haad Yao and Haad Chaophao, offering a huge variety of tropical fishes and coral reefs.


The first Full Moon Party was in 1989, since then the party attracts thousands of travelers every month coming from every part of the world. Even if you are not a partygoer - the full moon party could be a unique and unforgettable opportunity to watch thousands of drunk or drugged people dancing together and turning a beach into a giant trash can, to the mixed sounds of many bad adjusted loudspeaker systems..
To summarize it all, Phangan is just the perfect place for many different tastes of visitors. You can find here a your own personal paradise.

Useful Links:

http://www.PhanganIsland.com - Long term Rentals, Vacation Homes, Property on Koh Phangan

http://www.PhanganBungalows.com - Bungalow Resort, Hotels and Spas to book online

http://www.PhanganIslandGuide.net - Information about Koh Phangan

About the Author
Living for more than 9 years on Koh Phangan