Ko Pha Ngan
Overview
Ko Pha Ngan (or Koh Pha Ngan or Ko Phangan) is nothing less than a tropical island paradise. The water is a brilliant aquamarine, warm under the hot tropical sky and home to swimmers, scuba divers and snorkeling boats headed out for the day, softly crashing waves and fuzzy green islands jutting up towards the blinding white-hot sun. Neon pink flowers drip off trees and onto hammocks where travelers catch a nap; the sand is as soft and pristine. Fresh fish are grilled just steps away from the shoreline, and beers go down quicker than you can say, “I never want to leave.”
Located off the eastern coast of Thailand, Ko Pha Ngan is a popular destination for backpackers for its inexpensive accommodation and wild beach raves, the most famous of which are the full moon beach parties that go down once a month on Haat Rin Beach. Elsewhere on the island you will find remote bungalow hotels, jungle trails to ocean overlooks and sea kayakers pulling into coves for a picnic lunch of fresh pineapple and phad Thai. Transportation around the island is as easy as flagging down a passing songtaew, which is basically a covered pick-up truck with two benches in the back.
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Ko Pha Ngan
Destination Reviews
What to See and Do in
Ko Pha Ngan
The action on Ko Pha Ngan is centered on the white sand beaches and warm tropical ocean that begs you to come take a dip at all times of the day. Boat and sea kayak rentals are everywhere, and you can go out to fish, snorkel, scuba dive or just sight-sea. Hiking trails lead to sweeping views of the Gulf of Thailand, and hammocks lead to finished novels and a celebratory nap. Dinner is often fresh seafood and tropical fruits, washed down with a frou-frou cocktail or a Chang beer.
The difference between the more secluded spots on Ko Pha Ngan and the party centers is striking and almost feels like two separate islands. Land on Haat Rin Beach during the monthly full moon or new moon beach parties and the wild atmosphere will slap you in the face, sell you a seashell necklace and give you a bucket of alcohol to drink. Long strands of Christmas lights, glowing body art and flaming paper lanterns mean that the beach is lit- just like the crowd. With fire twirlers, flaming jump ropes and limbo sticks, the rave is ON and the beats go all day and all night- after all, this is the world’s largest beach rave. Got your glow sticks?
Even outside of the full and new moon parties, this big beach is pretty wild and rockin’- but if you want secluded romance and a quiet Ko Pha Ngan experience, you can have that too, just head to the north part of the island.
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Ko Pha Ngan
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Ko Pha Ngan
Sunset Cove: secluded cove, amazing sunset, excellent food, bungalows, friendly staff
Mandalai Hotel: boutique hotel in small fishing village, quiet, great ocean views
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Ko Pha Ngan
Hotel Reviews
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Ko Pha Ngan
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