- Destinations
- Asia
- Thailand
- The Coast
- Koh Pha Ngan
Koh Pha Ngan
The beautiful little island of Koh Pha Ngan is a fantastic
holiday destination lying in the centre of the Gulf of Thailand,
about 62 miles (100km) from the mainland, and home to 8,000 or so
people and hundreds of thousands of coconuts. Coconut exports and
fishing have long been the mainstay of the locals, but in recent
years tourism is becoming increasingly important as visitors flock
in on ferries, lured by the island's magnificent beaches and the
world renowned monthly Full Moon Party.
The site of Koh Pha Ngan's legendary parties is the
crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island's south-east
corner, which is besieged by up to 10,000 people from around the
world at full moon each month. As dusk falls thousands of lamps are
lit on tables along the beach and the music is cranked up, sending
party-goers into a frenzy under the rising orb of the moon.
Visitors on holiday in Pha Ngan generally stay in one of about
200 thatched bamboo bungalows that line the island's beaches and
are let out for a pittance. Those after more luxury can choose from
three holiday resort hotels: First Villa at Ban Tai Beach, the Pha
Ngan Chai Hotel in the main town of Thongsala, and the Thong Nai
Pan Beach Resort at Thong Nai Pan beach. Wherever you stay, the
holiday is wiled away pleasantly with snorkelling, swimming or
relaxing on the white sands.
Facilities in the Koh Pha Ngan town of Thongsala are limited,
but there is a bank, police station, clinic and pharmacy.
Motorcycle taxis can be waved down, or mountain bikes hired to
explore the more remote beaches. Some beaches can only be reached
by sea, and water taxis are available in the town.
Information & Facts
Activities
The enticing warm waters off the white sand beaches that
surround Koh Pha Ngan are the main source of activity for visitors,
who enjoy boat rides, snorkelling on coral reefs or just bathing in
between spells of soaking up the sun. The interior of the island,
with its rutted roads through coconut plantations, past crystal
waterfalls, viewpoints and little villages, cries out to be
explored on hired motorbikes. The Pang Waterfall National Park
offers beautiful walking trails. Those looking for a more spiritual
holiday experience can visit the renowned temple and meditation
complex of Wat Kow Tahm, between Thongsala and Had Rin, offering
courses and retreats.
Language
Thai is the official language, although English is widely
spoken in tourist areas.
Money
The unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is divided
into 100 satang. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks,
hotels and bureaux de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs
are available in most cities and tourist resorts. Most large hotels
and shops accept travellers cheques, but a better rate will be
given at banks. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and
larger businesses.
Negatives
During the dry and rainy seasons mosquitoes can be a nuisance so
be sure to pack plenty of mosquito repellent.
Night Life
While on holiday, most nights in Koh Pha Ngan's remote bungalow
resorts are fairly peaceful, with a few beach bars playing music to
serenade the incredible sunsets. At full moon, however, Haad Rin is
the place to be, when a dozen or more sound systems blast the beach
that becomes packed with thousands of hedonistic party animals.
Along with visiting top class DJs, the entertainment is enhanced by
jugglers, fire-eaters and frenzied dancers of all descriptions,
while beach traders keep everyone fed and lubricated. The notorious
Pha Ngan Full Moon parties are the ultimate experience.
Restaurants
There are plenty of storefront restaurants along the streets of
Koh Pha Ngan's main town, Thongsala, and along the beachfront at
Haad Rin, ideal for a quick and tasty meal. Most serve a mix of
Thai and western dishes. Street vendors are the cheapest option for
local snacks. One of the most popular gathering places on the
island is the Outback Bar on Thongsala's main street, which has a
vast menu, pool tables, and a large screen TV showing satellite
news and sports events. Another popular eatery is the Same Same
restaurant at Ban Tai, offering basic favourites like burgers,
pizza, pasta and steaks as well as Thai dishes.
Shopping
On Koh Pha Ngan, most shops and kiosks are in Thongsala and Haad
Rin, stocking a range of cheap clothing and novelties, mostly aimed
at holiday backpackers. Local handicrafts are plentiful,
particularly batik. There are some photo shops and small
supermarkets, including a 7-Eleven.
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