Ko Phangan

The island Ko Phangan is located 60km
off Thailand‘s mainland in the Gulf of
Thailand.
Right behind Ko Samui it is the second
largest island of the Samui Archipel,
situated about 20km in northeastern
direction from Ko Samui.
Major parts of the island are covered
by mountains and tropical forests. The
highest peak with 620m is Kao Ra in
the north.

The island‘s capital name is Thongsala representing also the most important harbour of the island.

There are about 14.000 residents on
Ko Phangan. Almost half of them living
in Thongsala that offers numerous
places to shop, restaurants, internet
cafes and much much more.

Fishing and culturing palms are even
still nowadays the most important
industries and sources of income right
after tourism. Another agricultural
product of the island is rubber.

Approximately 95% are followers of
Buddhism effecting the daily life
substantially.

Climate
The temperatures are stable all year
around despite the tropical environment
and even during rainy season it is
pleasantly warm due to the equator
being so close by.

There are three seasons in the
southern part of the Gulf of Thailand:
Dry season from the middle of
December to April being the driest and
coolest time of the year.
Hot season from May to September
brings hot temperatures and occasional
showers.
Rainy season from October to the
middle of December.

Leisure
Sunbathing and snorkeling - Ko
Phangan offers calm and remote
beaches enabling the visitors to relax
and recuperate perfectly. Scuba divers
are going to find their paradise as well
due to numerous nice diving spots
surrounding the island and close by
coral reefs.

Parties and Nightlife - can mainly be
found on Thongsala, specifically Haad
Rin which is where also the famous Full
Moon Party takes place. Information
and dates in terms of the party can be
found here.

In times of the parties we recommend
reservation well ahead because most
of the bungalows will be fully occupied.

Meditation - Some Buddhist temples
offer so-called “Retreats” to anyone
interested in this subject. Booking in
advance of those one week or even
longer sessions are usually necessary.
To cater for the needs of Western
visitors Wat Kow Tham International
Meditation Center is specifcally
prepared.

Travel
Ko Phangan can only be reached by
boat. The closest airport is on Ko Samui
and there are several flights a day from
Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and
Singapore.

Ferry boats offer transfer to Ko Phangan
from the neighbouring islands Ko Samui
and Ko Tao regularly. Also transfer from
the mainland is possible by ferry boat
from Surat Thani / Donsak or from
Chumphon by Lomprayah High Speed
Catamaran.

Securitiy Advice
Ko Phangan is like whole Thailand a very
safe place to spend the holidays even
for single females travelling by
themselves. Nevertheless, some caution
is recommended:
Valuables should be deposited at the
reception desk rather than kept in the
bungalow or room.
Drugs should generally be refrained
from. Punishment for the possession of
drugs is severe in Thailand.
Traffic can be overly demanding
particularly for unexperienced users of
rented scooters and motorcycles.

There are no specifically dangerous
insects or spiders on Ko Phangan.
Mosquitos in the area do not cause
Malaria but occasional cases of Dengue
Fever. For protection repellants should
be applied and at sunset long sleeve
and leg garments be wore. At night use
of mosquito nets is recommended.