The island of Koh Phangan
The island is located in the gulf of Thailand just 20 kilometers north of Koh Samui. The name Phangan comes from the Thai word “Ngan” (sandbar) which surrounds the island and protects the white sand beaches and beautiful coral reef that lies just off shore.
For many years Koh Phangan was inhabited only by local families of Chinese fishermen that settled here about 200 years ago. Then in the early 1980’s wandering back packers discovered the island. Word of the island’s unspoiled beauty quickly spread and more and more travelers made Koh Phangan a must see during their travels.
Today Koh Phangan hosts the world famous Full Moon Party. Every full moon night close to 10,000 people gather together on Haad Rin Beach to celebrate and have an unforgettable night.
In addition to the Full Moon Party Koh Phangan offers activities for all types of vacationers. Lay back and relax on one of the island’s many white sand beaches. Or for the more active types lace up your hiking shoes and venture up into the coconut covered hills and look out at the spectacular postcard views below. Looking for a way to get around? Well, grab a map and tour the island on a bicycle, motor bike or 4-wheeler which are all for rent by the day. Or take a more traditional approach and climb aboard a mighty elephant for a tour through the jungle.
Whatever your tropical desire you’ll find it on Koh Phangan.
How to get to Koh Phangan
Direct transfers between Bangkok and Koh Phangan by bus and boat via Chumpon are available from Seatran Discovery and Lomprayah Catamaran. See www.seatrandiscovery.com and www.lomprayah.com for further details. Alternatively you should be able to buy a combined bus and ferry ticket at most travel agencies in Bangkok or at the bus station, either via Chumpon or Surat Thani / Donsak. All ferries from Chumpon or Surat Thani / Donsak arrive at Thong Sala on Koh Phangan.
Bus From Bangkok
If you are looking for an economical way to travel take the VIP bus from Khao San Road or from the New Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road in Bangkok. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the regular “A/C” busses. Tickets are easily available in most travel agencies in Bangkok or at the bus terminal and go to Chumporn or Suratthani. Ferry fee is often included in the price but make sure to confirm it when you buy the bus ticket.
Train From Bangkok
Another way to travel is the night train from Hua Lamphong, the Bangkok Railway Station, to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are a more comfortable option for this eleven hour journey. It is a little bit more expensive than the bus but you will be well rested for the day ahead. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones and a private "first class" cabin for two people is also available. From Donsak pier near Surat Thani you can take a ferry ride to Koh Phangan.
Airplane From Bangkok
There are around 20 flights a day from Bangkok to Samui, on either Bangkok Airways (www.bangkokair.com) or Thai Airways (www.thaiair.com). There is a desk at the airport that can arrange a transfer to the pier for the next boat to Koh Phangan. Boats go to either Thong Sala or Had Rin. If you end up on the Had Rin boat, get one of the waiting taxi minibuses to take you to Thong Sala.
It is also possible to fly to Surat Thani and get the Racha Ferry from Donsak pier to Koh Phangan.
Getting to Bottle Beach from Thong Sala
You will need to get a local taxi / songthaew to take you to Chaloklum, and from there get a long tail boat round to Bottle Beach. If you tell the taxi driver that is where you are headed, he will drop you at the right place to find a boat.
Alternatively, let us know when you are arriving and we can arrange to pick you up at the pier.