Koh Phangan

    Koh Phangan lies 18km to the north of Koh Samui and it is generally much quieter and laid back. The exception to this is at Full Moon, when between 5-10,000 people arrive for the now famous Haad Rin 'Full Moon Party'.

For about four days each side of the Full Moon the island is full of backpackers, tourists and party people, as each month the beach at Haad Rin is transformed into a huge party zone. Blacklights, fluorescent colours, and dance stages are set up as thousands of people dance and party away under the light of the Full Moon. This is the biggest party in Asia and if you like to dance, should not be missed. (During March to September it is possible to anchor in Haad Rin and attend the Full Moon without the hassle of finding suitable accommodation.)

    Many of Koh Phangan's bays and coves still remain undeveloped, and some of the more remote beaches are only accessible by jungle path or by boat. Snorkeling is a popular activity at many of the island's beaches, especially at the north-eastern tip at Koh Maa. Like Koh Samui, the interior of the island boasts year-round waterfalls, and coconut and rubber plantations, all rising to dense forestation, Koh Phangan contains the largest remaining area of virgin rainforest left in all of S E Asia.

    Thong Sala

    Thong Sala The main government centre is at the town of Thong Sala. Here you will find all the major banks, ATMs, telecommunications, post office, and supermarkets. A multi-million dollar international port is currently being constructed here, though it is still possible for small craft to anchor slightly to the north, and also around the two small islands just off shore - Koh Tae Nai & Koh Tae Nawk, which both provide good anchorage and fine snorkeling.

   Ban Tai 

    Ban Tai Continuing anti-clockwise around the island, the small fishing village of Ban Tai has a chaneled harbour cut into the coral that lines the shallow beach here. Although quite narrow, this harbour may be used as an anchorage by any small craft. From Ban Tai it is possible to hire a motorbike and visit Wat Khao Tham, a cave temple and meditation retreat with stunning views overlooking the palm groves that surround the village of Ban Tai. Please dress respectfully.

    Haad Rin

Haad Rin  at the SE point of the island is a narrow peninsular of land that juts out to sea, bordered by two long stretching beaches, Haad Rin Sunset & Sunrise.

 Haad Rin Sunset is the quieter beach of the two, due to its shallow corals making swimming difficult except at high tide. The palm-lined, boulder-strewn beach here can be extremely beautiful , especially whilst viewing a famous Koh Phangan sunset.

Haad Rin Sunrise is a beautiful crescent bay with fine white sand , crystal clear water, a jungle backdrop... and many restaurants and bars, mostly catering to the backpacker scene. Home to the Full Moon party, Haad Rin is an excellent anchorage from where to watch the young and beautiful  arrive for their monthly party on SE Asia's funkiest beach. As the Full Moon approaches watch the beach change into a fire-twirling, juggling, volleyball-playing entertainment and party ground. 

 Thaan Sadet

 The year-round waterfall of Thaan Sadet cascades into the ocean at Haad Sadet beach. From the twin beaches here you can follow a trail inland along the waterfall to a series of boulders marking the initials of Kings Rama V,VII & IX of Thailand, who have all visited the falls over the last century.

Thong Nai Pan

 Thong Nai Pan is a double crescent bay with a gently sloping beach surrounded by swaying palms. Only accessible by a jungle road or by boat, it is very laid back and attracts many families as the beach is perfect for young children. With only one or two beach bars nightlife is very relaxed and easygoing.

Haad Khuat (Bottle Beach)

 Again, only accessible by boat or jungle trail this beach is perfect for those who want to get away from it all. A fine white sandy beach enclosed by granite rocks that is great for swimming and snorkeling, it is another beach gaining popularity by families with small children.

Chaloklam

 A local fishing community lives and works around this large bay and it is a great place to purchase fresh seafood. Squid can be seen drying on nets in the sun and it is very evident that fishing is still one of the main industries. This bay is a good anchorage and is an ideal place to stop and explore the northern part of the island.

Koh Maa

 On the NE tip of the island, just across from the beach at Mae Haad, lies the tiny island of Koh Maa, which, at low tide, is joined to Mae Haad by a sand bar. The western side of this small island provides some of the best snorkeling on Koh Phangan. There is a small bungalow complex and restaurant here for that 'desert island' feel when the tide comes in!

Haad Yao (long beach)

It  is said to be one of the prettiest beaches on Koh Phangan with its stretching white sand and good drop off for swimming. There is good coral off the rocks at both ends of the beach. One of Koh Phangan's dive operations is situated on this beach.

There are many more nearly deserted coves and bays to discover on Koh Phangan, some housing the odd beach hut and restaurant  to provide refreshment, while others are still left to their natural beauty, as yet untouched.

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