Koh Phangan is an island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand located about 100 km from the coast of Southern Thailand Surat Thani Province and about 15 km from the famous resort island of Koh Samui.
Koh Phangan is the largest of Samui's neighboring islands with an area of 168 square km. Over 70% of its total area is mountains and tropical forest the lowlands is mountains and coconut fields.
About 8,000 people live on Koh Phangan. Some are Chinese, whose ancestors migrated from China more than hundred years ago and the main population lives in Thong Sala Town. More than 95% of the population are Buddhist but there are a few Muslims in Ban Tai Village.
Standard Thai is used as the official language but the southern dialect is more widely spoken among the local people. English is understood in business circles and tourist areas.
Koh Phangan is a district (Amphoe) of the Surat Thani Province in the Southern Region of Thailand. The Most important produce of Koh Phangan is coconuts. Each month Koh Samui and Koh Phangan produce more than 1 million coconut exports to Bangkok. Others prominent island product is fishing and of course there is the growing tourism business which now offers all kind of accommodation - from simple bungalows to 5 star resorts and hotels..
Koh Phangan is famous for it's monthly full moon parties which attracts thousands of people dancing through the night, sach as Full Moon Party, Half Moon Parties, Black Moon Party, Shiva Moon Party..
 How to get there
From Koh Samui
Airport
Flights to Koh Samui are via Bangkok Air and can be direct from other countries as it is an international airport.
Catamaran
The airport is located just 5 minutes by taxi to Mae Nam beach where a short 20 minute Catamaran journey can be taken to Thongsala on Koh Phangan. This is using the Lomprayah ferry company and costs 250 Baht per person. There are boats at 08.00, 12.30 and 17.30. To check up to date info please click here
Ferries from Nathon
There are also many ferries from Nathon the main port on Samui which take about one hour. There are also car ferries (Seatrans) and so there are possibilities to hire a car at the airport and drive to Koh Phangan. Ferry companies include Seatrans ,Songserm, Raja Ferry, Phangan Cruise. These boats are very regular with one or two boats every hour from 08.00 – 18.30 every day.
Do Not
Please do not use the Samui – Haad Rin ferry service as Morning Star Resort are not allowed to collect from Haad Rin. Phangan Island is regulated for Taxis and pick up is only allowed from Thongsala. If you do arrive via Haad Rin then you will need to make your own way by Taxi to Thongsala.
From Surat Thani
Airport
Surat Thani airport in used by several airlines including Thai Airways and Nok Air. It is a 75 minute flight from Bangkok.
There are connections by bus and boat to Koh Phangan (from the port of Don Sak) and these tickets can be purchased in advance from a travel operator or at the airport or indeed at most travel agencies in Thailand. It takes about 90 minutes from the airport to the ferry terminal and then it is a 2 hour 30 minutes journey to Koh Phangan by sea.
Train
Surat Thani can also be reached by train or bus. The train station is at Phun Phin located just outside the city and the bus station is in central Surat Thani. Connections to Koh Phangan are available at both locations.
Ferry from Don Sak
Ferry companies include Seatrans ,Songserm and Raja Ferry. These boats are regular with at least one boat every hour from 08.00 – 18.30 every day. The boats leave from Don Sak which is just outside Surat Thani and the transfer to Don Sak is included within your ticket cost from either the airport or the railway station when buying a combined ticket.
Night Boat from Surat Thani
There is also a night boat that departs just before 11.00 pm from the center of Surat Thani. This is located just behind the main booking office from where all the buses depart to Koh Phangan for the day time boats. |
10th January 2009
