Koh Phangan or Phangan island
is one of the idyllic islands which lies to the north of Koh Samui in the gulf of Thailand but has not reached the developmental stage of Koh Samui yet. It is more rustic and laid back. This makes Koh Phangan appeal to many tourists. It is about two-thirds the size of Koh Samui with a mix of sandy coves and rugged forested interior. Two-thirds of the Island is taken up by a long mountain ridge which is covered with a dense tropical rain forest and still relatively unexplored. On one side of Koh Phangan, the mountains drop steeply into the sea while on the other side has picturesque bays with snowy white sandy beach. Koh Phangan is also very famous for its Full Moon Party, for which people and DJs come from over the world every month. Several tables are set upon Haad Rin and thousand of lamps are lit. You will find all kinds of music here.
Natural Tourist Sites in Koh Phangan
The fascinating natural beauty of the beaches around Koh Phangan causes it, the “Land of the Coconut”, to be visited by tourists incessantly from every corner of the world. The beaches range from the tranquil to the more populated and active. The northernmost as well as the southernmost beaches are acclaimed for their natural beauty and peacefulness while the eastern and southeastern coasts are more colorful with activities and tourisits.
Thong Sala Gulf
Up the coast to the port town of Thong Sala you will find the largest village on Koh Phangan. It is compared to “the front” of Koh Phangan because it is the business center, government departments and the place to do the traditional activities of the villagers. Moreover, it is the transportation center. There are piers that can take you to other near islands such as Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. Most of other idyllic beaches can be reached by boat which can be hired in this port town. Close to the piers, there are restaurants, hotels, other accommodations and a number of travel agencies. The local car and motorbike are at the service to take the journey around Koh Phangan. Other rental car services are next to the piers.
Location & Getting There: The Gulf is to the west of Koh Phangan. There is a ferry from Koh Samui to the piers of Thong Sala taking 1 hour. There is also Lomprayah High Speed Ferry from Bophut, Koh Samui to the piers of Thong Sala taking 30 minutes. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Ban Tai Beach
Ban Tai beach stretches across the southwest border line of Koh Phangan. It is the longest beach on Koh Phangan. From here you can see the beautiful Koh Samui. The ancient community here was Muslims who came from Nakorn Sri Thammarat and Pattani. They earn their living by fishing like their ancestors did. At the south end of the beach there is a pier where many people gather in the morning to buy and sell fresh food from the sea at a reasonable price.
Location & Getting There: Ban Tai beach is located in the southwest of Koh Phangan and about 2 kilometers from Thong Sala and public transportation is ev ery day at service. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Rin Beach (Haad Rin)
This wide sandy beach in the south of Koh Phangan is one of the most beautiful ones. Haad Rin is actually comprised of two popular beaches; Rin Nai beach on the west side of the peninsula and Rin Nok beach on the east side. From Rin Nai beach the picture of Koh Samui comes very clear to your eyes. This is also a great point to catch the sunset. On this beach, a small pier is carrying a lot of passengers to/from Big Buddha pier, Koh Samui everyday. Rin Nok beach is well known among Thai and foreign tourists for its Full Moon Party.This spot is ranked as the third most beautiful spot in the world to view the full moon. That is why a great number of tourists from all over the world flock here to take part in the famous celebration every full moon night.
Location & Getting There: Haad Rin is located on the southwestern tip of Koh Phangan and 12 kilometers south from Thong Sala. You can catch a local bus from Thong Sala to the beach or take a ferry directly from Big Buddha pier, Koh Samui to get here. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Chaloklum Bay
It is a good place for the fishermen to bring their boats alongside this wharf because the water here is so deep. It is also a good place to tie up to when the winds get too strong. This deep seaport serves as a place where the fishermen stop during their transfer of fresh water to the other neighboring islands. Moreover, it is the biggest site where the fishermen of the island live. Besides fresh seafood, the villagers sell dried squid which is their most famous product. Here, you can enjoy the colorful and lively scene of the fishermen’s lifestyle. Many snorkelling shops are available. Sightseeing around the island, snorkelling and fishing squids during the night are interesting activities among the tourists.
Location & Getting There: The beach is located on the north side of Koh Phangan and about 15 kilometers from Thong Sala. Local buses are available daily to/from the beach. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Thansadej Beach
The beach here is not quite long but beautiful and tranquil. The water is clear and not so deep that it is a great place for a swim. The beach is very close to the Thansadej Potection Unit where the Thansadej Waterfall (link to Thansadej Waterfall) is located. This waterfall is considered one of the most important sites to visit on Koh Phangan.
Location and Getting There: Thansadej beach is on the east side of Koh Phangan and about 13 kilometers from Thong Sala. You can catch a local bus from the port of Thong Sala. From Koh Samui, you can take a rapid speed boat or a longtail boat to get there and back. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Mae Haad Beach
This northwestern beach still maintains its transquililty. During periods of low tide, the water is shallow enough to walk across to the island named “Ma”, which is also another most beautiful beach on Koh Phangan.
Location & Getting There: The beach is located on the northwest side of Koh Phangan, near Salad beach. It is about 15 kilometers by a local bus from Thong Sala. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Thongnaipan Bay
This beach with its fine white sand, peaceful and natural atmosphere still is unspoiled because it is located far from the city. There is also another beautiful and peaceful beach just north of here named Thongnaipannoi. It is worthwhile to pay a visit here for those who love to snorkel in shallow water.
Location & Getting There: It is located on the west side of Koh Phangan and about 25 kilometers from Thong Sala. Traveling by land is not recommended, especially during the rainy season because some parts of the route are very hard to pass through. The best way to access to the beach is by water. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Sri Thanu Beach
This transquil beach is on the west side of Koh Phangan. This is another great spot for those who like peace and quiet and to just relax surrounded by nature. The water here is clean, limpid, and not too deep to have a swim. However, it must be careful during the monsoon season because of the strong wave and wind.
Location & Getting There: It is located the west side of Koh Phangan and about 12 kilometers by local buses to the beach from Thong Sala port. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Yaw Beach
The length of this beach is about 1 kilometer. It is the beautiful place for snorkelling and having a swim. Here, the tourists can enjoy the beauty of the sunset.
Location & Getting There: The beach is located on the west side of koh Phangan and about 13 kilometers from Thong Sala. Local buses are available to the beach. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Tae Nai Island
This small island is just 400 meters from Thong Sala Bay. You can hire a boat to take you around this island. There are a beautiful sandy beach called “Chan Siaw” as well as other places of interest such as Phra Cave and Talu Cave. Moreover, around the area of Taykho cliff on the back part of the island is a great place to take a sunset at the end of the day.
Location & Getting There: Koh Tae Nai is only 10 minutes by boat from Thong Sala port. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Phaeng Waterfall National Forest Park
This set has been proclaimed the national park in 1977. The waterfall runs down from the high hill and hits the hillocks, causing the white and small bubbles of water. During the rainy season, the steam is strong and abundant. The villagers utilise its water in the agriculture, farms and other utilities. This pleasant and beautiful waterfall attracts many tourists.
Location & Getting There: The waterfall is located on the east side of Koh Phangan and about 5 kilometers from Thong Sala. Local buses are available daily. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Thansadej Waterfall
It is the biggest waterfall of Koh Phangan. His majesty the kings of the Chakri dynasty such as King the fifth, the sixth, the seventh, the ninth and Queen Rampaipannee have visited this waterfall and have given the name to the waterfall. They have also inscribed their abbreviated titles and date which they have visited on the stone near the waterfall. King Chulalongkorn (King the fifth) has been to this waterfall for 14 times. Near the waterfall, there is a rest pavillion which the Department of Fine Arts has then repaired and has registered it as an ancient place. The waterfall originates from the stream of water running down from the mountain over the lowered rocks. Its restful atmosphere is good for taking a rest. The Royal Forest Department has proclaimed this waterfall the national park because of its variety of the forest nature. The tourists should not miss to visit this place.
Location & Getting There: The waterfall is located on the east side of Koh Phangan and about 15 kilometers from Thong Sala. You can access the place both by land and by water. However, using land conveyances is not recommended as the route is tough and steep. Local buses from Thong Sala port are available two times a day. During the rainy season, the route by water is not recommended. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
Paradise Waterfall
This small waterfall on the north side of Koh Phangan originates from the peak of the high mountain of the island. There is a big shallow lake downstairs where you can have a swim. Its atmosphere is tranquil and pleasant.
Location & Getting There: It is located on the north side of the island. Local buses are available everyday from Thong Sala port. The entrance of the waterfall is about 3 kilometers before the Chaloklum Village, then, walk up to the hill about 200 meters. From Haad Yuan, please contact our tour counter service.
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