Koh Pha-Ngan is situated in the
Southern Gulf of Thailand, 100km from Suratthani, the district
centre. The nearby Island of Koh Samui has an international airport
that receives flights from all over Thailand and Asia. Koh Pha-Ngan
is a 15km boat journey from Koh Samui with ferries all day.
There are two seasons in Southern
Thailand: wet and dry. Although there are two different seasons the
temperature on Koh Pha Ngan tends to remain faily constant year
round.
It's best to avoid the wettest months
of September and November, although as the weather conditions are
determined by the monsoons this can change and December can end up
being very wet as well.
The dry season tends to be from
February to April. There is some rain year-round, but you'll find
the rain may only last a couple of hours a day which makes it
manageable.
The island tends to be most crowded
between the months of November, December, February, March and August
while January and July can also be busy sometimes. Consider arriving
in April, May and June if you would like to avoid the crowds and
take advantage of lower prices. If you are looking for a beach
holiday with lots of sunshine then, although cheap, the months
October and September are best to miss.
Attractions
Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan
Ao Si Thanu
Located at
Mu 8, Pha-ngan District, approximately 10 kilometers from
the District Office is the one of the most beautiful beach
of Ko Pha-ngan. To reach this beach, take a songthaew from
Thong Sala Pier for a fare of 40 bahts / trip / person.
Ao Thian
Part of Ko
Tao, Ao Thian can be seen from a viewing point located on
the hilltop of Ta To Cape.
Ao Thong Nai Pan
Located at
Mu 5, Ban Tai Sub-district, approximately 23 kilometers from
the District Office is the second most beautiful beach on Ko
Pha-ngan. To reach this beach, either take a boat or
songthaew from Thong Sala Pier. The songthaew fare is 80
bahts / trip / person while that of chartered boats is up to
negotiation.
Ban Chalok Lam
The village
is situated along the bay to the north of Pha-ngan Island.
The area is lined with shops selling merchandise and
souvenirs with the most popular item being dried squid.
There are songthaew services from Thong Sala Pier with a
fare of 50 bahts / trip / person.
Hat Rin
Located at
Mu 4, Ban Tai Sub-district, approximately 12 kilometers from
the District Office is the most beautiful and famous beach
on Ko Pha-ngan – Hat Rin. The white sandy beach stretching
for 2 kilometers is accessible by a long-tailed boat from
Thong Sala Pier and Ban Kai. The fare is approximately 30
bahts and 20 bahts respectively. The Full-moon Party, with
over a thousand party lovers in attendance is held on this
beach.
Ko Nang Yuan
The island
is nothing but a group of three small islands located to the
north of Ko Tao. Offering stunning and breathtaking views,
the islands are connected by a three-way stretch of pure
white powdery beach.
The rich
marine life at Ko Nang Yuan is similar to that of Ko Tao.
With a wide variety of coral formations, the island is also
an ideal diving and snorkeling spot. Accommodations and
facilities are available with daily boat service to and from
Ko Tao.
Ko Pha-ngan
Another
ideal destination for 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, Ko Pha-ngan is
located 20 kilometers directly north of Ko Samui, or
approximately 100 kilometers from Surat. The best time to
visit Ko Pha-ngan is from February to September. Interesting
attractions include secluded and virgin beaches around the
island, a hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham which is ideal
for meditation, Than Sadet Waterfall, and the Namtok Phaeng
National Park. Renting a motorcycle to explore the island is
recommended as there is a lot to see and do.
