Koh Phangan - Laidback and full of fun
Koh Phangan has been famous for its Full Moon Party for many years but today the island has much more to offer visitors. Located about 14 km north of its bigger sister island of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan remains a laidback haven for backpackers however in recent years it is attracting the more upmarket traveller. It is said that the island is about 10 years behind Koh Samui in terms of development but in many ways it is catching up. There are now several opulent 5-star resorts on the island and many new modern luxury holiday villas available for rent.
What to do in Koh Phangan?
Apart from the famous (and some may say infamous) parties Koh Phangan provides a whole slew of interesting attractions and activities for travellers. The beaches here like Bottle Beach, Haad Salad and Thong Nai Pan Yai are absolutely amazing and generally less crowded than those on neighboring Koh Samui. Much of the island is still covered in mountainous forest and there are many hiking trails leading to viewpoints and waterfalls that are well worth the effort. Some of the activities available include scuba diving, boat trips, trekking, cooking classes, yoga lessons, or simply relax on the beach.
Rent a deluxe villa on Koh Phangan
When you are on a holiday, comfort is everything you are looking for and more than that is peace of mind. If you are that kind of person, you should look for Holiday Villas to rent in Koh Phangan. Today there are many options available from still the quaint little traditional huts to large contemporary luxury holiday villas. Most villas will offer stunning sea or mountain views and come with a private pool. The more upmarket villas will provide exceptional services such as personal chefs, indoor gyms, jacuzzis, full western kitchens, sunbeds/chairs and of course Wifi. After a long day of partying these comforts can be very welcome to the weary traveller.
Haad Yao Beach
A beautiful long white sand beach fringed by a vibrant coral reef,
just north of Had Chao Phao on the western part of the island. The
beach has been popular for some time and is well developed with both
budget and high-end accommodation and a wide selection of bars and
restaurants.
Had Yao is a good base from which to explore the surrounding
beaches, check out the marine-life in the coral reef that stretches
along much of the west coast, or go inland to Laem Son lake and Wang
Sai waterfall.
Nightspots: There are plenty of cool bars on the beach itself, and
the large Eagle Pub built into the rocks at the Southern end is a good
spot to hang out with a well-stocked bar, tasty steaks on the menu and
DJs getting the party going later on. Slightly further afield, the Hin
Kong Club is a huge well-established palace of fun.
Places to stay: There are still some real island-style thatched huts
for very low rates available on Had Yao. For something mid-priced Dream
Hill Resort, just 5 minutes off the beach, is a small family-run
bungalow resort with lovely little wooden chalets perched on a hill
overlooking the bay.