Koh Phangan Thailand resort hotel accommodation

Koh Phangan is a unique and very special Island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is sheltered from heavy weather and maintains one of the best climates in the region.

The Island's cultural tradition goes back over 600 years when the first monks settled here, building temples at sites that remain today and there is a vast amount of heritage to explore.
The jungle interior is still untouched in many areas and there's a magnificent variety of wildlife to see including the giant monitor lizards in Than Sadet National Park. Or at Koh Ma's National Marine Park there are turtles, shoals of tropical fish and a vibrant live reef teeming with mesmerising corals.

The town of Haad Rin has is home to a vibrant mix of friendly Southern Thai hospitality and Koh Phangan's unique party culture, creating a place and vibe that are originated and could only be found at the Full Moon Party. The event has brought the Island global fame and Haad Rin has become one of the biggest party centres in the world.

The town has grown to accommodate these visitors and Haad Rin has a great variety of restaurants, accommodation and nightlife options. There are over twenty clubs, scores of bars and a multitude of eateries serving every cuisine under the sun, from Mexican to Indian or whatever else you fancy.

To reach Koh Phangan, you will either be arriving at Suratthani on a bus, train or plane; at each drop off point there are tour guides to show you the way to the ferry terminals.

For those that are not on a budget Koh Samui has an international airport run by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways have services arriving in Suratthani.

All travel arrangements can be made at most travel agents once you arrive in Thailand where you can purchase a combined Bus/Train/Boat ticket.

From Suratthani you will arrive at the main port town of Thongsala. Phangan Buri Resort is about 20 minutes drive from Thongsala; taxis regularly depart from Thongsala to Haad Rin.

If coming from Koh Samui there is a ferry service from Big Buddha Pier which arrives directly at the Haad Rin Pier. From there it is possible to take a short walk along the beach or take a 5 minute taxi ride to Phangan Buri Resort.

Click for large map | map 1 | map 2 |

Koh Phangan Beaches – Heaven on earth

By Phanganburi Resort

Koh Phangan is another ideal destination for the travelers who prefer less crowded, more private beaches set in a laid-back atmosphere. However, this is also a very hip place to be as the island hosts the world famous, and perhaps the biggest beach party on this planet – The full moon party on Hat Rin. Covering an area of 191 square kilometers, Koh Phangan is located 20 kilometres directly north of Koh Samui, or approximately 100 kilometres from Suratthani mainland. Interesting attractions include secluded and virgin beaches around the island, a hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham (ideal for meditation), Than Sadet Waterfall, and the Namtok Phaeng National Park. Renting a motorcycle to explore the island is recommended as there are a lot of things to see and do.

Koh Phangan was before the backpackers’ destination, Nowadays a 'more mixed range' of visitors arrives here. One thing most of them have in common is they want to find a relaxed and easy going place. One exemption might be the Full moon party when Haad Rin Nok transforms to a dance-floor made of sand. If you don't want to participate or even listen to the music, don't worry. Koh Phangan is a relatively large island, so you can easily find a quiet place here, even when the moon is round.

The beaches on Koh Phangan are still some of the best in the Gulf of Thailand, and remain more popular for people wishing to avoid the crowds of Thailand beaches. Not all have been developed, so there are still those quiet deserted beaches which can be very attractive. There is also snorkelling to be done, with many beaches having live-coral formations.

Koh Phangan Beaches

Haad Rin Beach – Koh Phangan

The most well known beach on Koh Phangan is Haad Rin Beach and it is actually two beaches; Had Rin Nok on the South East is considered as one of the best beaches on Koh Phangan. The famous full moon party is held here every month and about 10.000 people comes here then. (30.000 during New Year) but normally this is an almost paradise-like and relaxed place. Had Rin Nai is in South-West and is also called Sunset beach.

Ao Ban Tai and Ao Ban Khai – Koh Phangan

Two long nice beaches on the South-West coast of Koh Phangan. The view is often extraordinary, especially at sunset. Perfect for beach walking.

Haad Yao Beach – Koh Phangan

One of the most beautiful beaches on this island and by some considered as one of the best in Thailand. It is about a kilometer long and rather wide and located on the West coast of the island. Perfect for beach sports and beach parties. Many great resorts and restaurants are located here. We definitely recommend a trip here.

Other Koh Phangan beaches

Chaloklum in the North, Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai in the East and also Haad Yuan and Haad Yuan in the South-East are other beaches that we would like to recommend.

How to get to Koh Phangan

There is no direct flight or bus or train from Bangkok to Koh Phangan. The passengers are required to travel to Samui by air or by bus or by train to Suratthani and from Samui or Suratthani, there is the ferry transfer to cross over to Koh Phangan.

By Bus from Bangkok to Koh Samui

If you would like a more economical way to travel, take the VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the New Southern Bus Terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the so-called A/C bus. The tickets are easily available in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. Ferry fee is often included in the price. Please confirm it when you buy the bus ticket.

By Train from Bangkok to Suratthani

Another way to travel is the night train from Hua Lamphong, the Bangkok Railway Station to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are more comfortable to take a ride in this long-hour journey. It is a little bit more expensive than the bus, but you will enjoy a good sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons is also available. From Suratthani, you can take a ferry ride to Koh Phangan.

Ferry The fastest ferry leaves from Donsak pier on the main land. The ferries are not luxurious in any way, but you will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep. Some Thai guys on some ferries may try to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is great. It can be a blank or a prize in that "lottery".

Boat Services to Koh Phangan

From Koh Samui

There are approximately 10 daily transfers to Koh Phangan. Boats depart between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The trip takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the weather conditions. Boats leave from Thong Sala Pier and Haad Rin on Koh Phangan to Koh Samui Pier including Na Thon Pier, Mae Nam and the Big Buddha.

Phanganburi Resort: 120/1 Haad Rin Nai Beach, Koh Phangan, Surathani, 84280 Thailand
Tel: +66 77 375 481-89 Fax: +66 77 375 482 Email: reservation@phanganburiresort.net