All you need to know to visit Koh Phangan

Accommodations in Koh Phangan

In Koh Phangan, the Full Moon Party takes takes place in Haad Rin, so it is logically the part of the island where there hotels and guesthouses are the most numerous. Used to receive massive crowd, this is the place in Thailand where tehre are the most multiple-bed rooms. If you plan to come to Koh Phangan for the Full Moon, it is essential to book your room in advance. Hotels and accommodation on the island are literally mobbed. Room rates are often more expensive during the party also. The rest of the time, it is much easier to find a room in Koh Phangan and the island is much quieter. The cheapest guesthouses in Koh Phangan, are in Thong Sala but access to the sea there is not suitable for swimming. There are also some nice and cheap resorts inland. Anyway to enjoy Koh Phangan, rent a scooter but be careful the descending and ascending roads can be very tricky and dangerous especially during the Full Moon Party when you may cross drunk drivers on the road.

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How to go to Koh Phangan ?

You can get to Koh Phangan island either by taking a boat from Chumphon or Surat Thani (Donsak pier) or taking a flight to Koh Samui and then a boat to Koh Phangan. Note that there are bus + ferry packages offered by some companies with departures from the Khao San Road district with Lomprayah (online reservations HERE) or from Bangkok South Bus Terminal. Nok Air and Air Asia offer packages from Bangkok including flight + transfer by bus or van to the pier and then ferry. Usually these are flights to Surat Thani but there are also options via Nakhon Si Thammarat or Chumphon. From Surat Thani, ferries depart from Donsak which is an hour and a half by bus from the city, the airport or railway station. The plane + bus + ferry packages via Surat Thani are often chosen by travelers because it is a good compromise between price and travel time. Flights to Koh Samui are expensive compared to other domestic flights in Thailand because Samui airport belongs to the Bangkok Airways which has a monopoly and intends to make it profitable. There are almost hourly ferrys that connect Koh Samui and Koh Tao or Koh Phangan. From Koh Samui, especially if you are aiming to stay at Haad Rin beach, I advise you to take the boat from Big Buddha Pier.

Note that since Air Asia's direct flight Chiang Mai - Surat Thani has been moved and take off in the evening, it is no longer possible to connect their flight with a ferry to Phangan island. The best option, except if you're ok to spend the night in a hotel in Surat Thani< /a>, is to take 2 seperate flights with a stopover in Bangkok. Plan enough time between the 2 flights and take a flight from Bangkok which leaves from the same airport as the one where your flight from Chiang Mai will land (there are more flights to and from Don Muang). I would say count 2h30 between the 2 flights if you do not change airport. If you take the same company for both flights, they will probably be able to transfer your checked baggage automatically during your stopover if you specify it when checking in at the company's counter.

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How to get around in Koh Phangan ?

In Koh Phangan, the songthaews are kings and quite expensive if you take them alone or not with other passengers. You can hail them on the road or find them in Thong Sala at the road and the roundabout in front of the docks. There are several routes depending on the destination but all go and stop in Thong Sala which is the capital of the island. Apart from them, there are a few motorcycle taxis but the best to get around in Koh Phangan is to rent a scooter. There are many many bikes renters. Always check the bike condition before taking it and don't hesitate to take pictures to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Festivals in Koh Phangan ?

Here is a list of the main festivals taking place every year in Koh Phangan. I mention their dates as soon as they are official on Thai Festivals page.

How to ask in Thai to go to Koh Phangan ?

I want to go to Koh Phangan / Yak paï ti Koh Phangan.
Where is Koh Phangan ? / Koh Phangan you ti naï ?