phangan cottages

There are two main towns on Koh Phangan. Thongsala is considered the capital and is where the main ferry port and amenities are located. Haadrin is where the Full Moon Party happens every month and as such is a hive of activity and also the main party spot on the island.

Aside from the busy spots on Koh Phangan, it is still possible to experience the joys of a beautiful beach, wild jungle and amazing sea life the island has to offer.

All trips, tours, rentals and onward travel, such as boat and plane tickets, can be booked with me directly or via The Phangan Cottages office. If you would like to speak with me please call Dan on +66 (0)89 900 1888 or call the office and ask for Dan on +66 (0)77 238 500

There are a variety of guided tours which are available. There are some very professional companies operating on the island. However if you would like to make your own way on the island, jeeps and motorbikes can be rented. Jeeps are typically 1000B per day and scooters 200B per day. Larger 4x4s such as Toyota Hilux are also available for rental and prices vary depending on the make and model as well as length of rental period.

I have listed below some of which I consider to be the best ways to explore and enjoy Koh Phangan.

• Day trip to Haad Yao, Haad Salad and Mae Haad. Three of the nicest and accessible beaches on the island. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling or simply relaxing on these beaches. There are a variety of restaurants and bar on all three, to keep you going for the day. The roads are concreted so scooters should be OK.

• Boat trip around Koh Phangan. Probably the best way to view the whole island and visit some of the places that aren't accessible by road. The trips are typically 700B per person and include lunch and soft drinks as well as snorkeling equipment.

• An expedition to the highest peak on Koh Phangan, Khao Ra. A guided tour to the peak and back can be arranged for 300b per person.

• A day trip to Angthong national Marine Park is another great experience. You can visit the inner sea made famous in the book and film The Beach, as well as visiting the caves and generally exploring some of the 42 island which make up the marine park. There are several companies which offer the tour via speedboat. Most tours include food and drink all day and start from 1600B per person.

• A guided day trip can also be arranged which can include elephant trekking, visiting the Chinese temple, exploring beautiful beaches, climbing to breathtaking view points on the island and visiting waterfalls. The trips can be half day or full day trips depending on the activities you would like to include. Soft drinks and lunch are typically included in the price. The companies which I use all carry full insurance.

• Day trip to Thong Nai Pan. Possibly the best two beaches on the island, the small town offers many restaurants, shops and bars to keep your self refreshed. This is also where the 5 Star resorts are located on the island both of which offer international quality service and cuisine. Although you can still grab 40b noodles or a green curry on either of the beaches. Also the road to Thong Nai Pan isn't fully concreted and can be very treacherous especially if there has been heavy rain. I would advise jeep or 4x4 hire for this trip.

There are a variety of other activities available on the island including

• Wakeboarding

• kite boarding

• Muay Thai training camps

• yoga retreats

• Spas

• Jungle canopy adventures

• Cookery classes

• Scuba Diving

Also The world famous Full Moon Party (the biggest beach party in the world) happens on Haadrin Beach every month. There are also The Half moon Party (1 week before and after Full Moon Party) The Black Moon Party (2 weeks after Full Moon Party) as well as many others. Keep your eye out for the signs and hoardings which are on display on the main roads on Koh Phangan, typically the Baan Tai road area as this is the busiest road on the island.

Useful telephone numbers

Police station - 077 377 114

Emergency number - 191

Koh Phangan Hospital (govt hospital) - 077 377 034

Phangan Medical Centre - 077 239 599