Enchanting beaches, wild vegetation and interesting markets: this and much more is the island of Koh Phangan in Thailand. Ready to go and discover a unique place?
I have been in Thailand in August, it is said to be the worst season, but on the islands I found only a little humidity, sometimes a few clouds, a scorching sun, but a very pleasant temperature.
The best period seems to be from December to March, but I recommend it all year round.
An island that I recommend you visit is Koh Phangan: let's go and discover it!
The island of Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island located in the southwestern end of the Thai Gulf, a few kilometers from its older sister Ko Samui.
The name derives from the term "Ngan" which means sandbar in the dialect language spoken in part of southern Thailand.
It is internationally famous for its Full Moon Parties which are held in Had Rin and attract countless young tourists, but it is an island that can give you much, much more.
It is by no means small, as I had estimated before departure. You can stay there 3/4 days, but also a whole week, there are many beaches to visit and many special corners.
The four areas of Koh Phangan
A South you find Haad Rin, home of the Full Moon Party, a small village full of clubs, definitely the most touristic area.
In the part west, here you are Thong Sala, the largest center on the island, where ferries arrive. A little to the south is located Baan Tai, where I decided to stay, a really nice village between various clubs and restaurants on the beach. A quiet and convenient area for everything.
In the central part, plus a north, there is the fishing village of Chaloklum, full of restaurants overlooking the sea, as well as a long beach of white sand and clear water.
Area is the island is much wilder, more natural and quiet but also hardly connected; in some areas there are no asphalted roads yet. The beaches here are probably the most beautiful and the least explored.
The atmosphere of the island
The vegetation on the whole island is lush and wild, you will happen to see some elephants and perhaps some monkeys.
The sea is green, as it can be green only in Thailand, calm, low and very subject to different tides during the day. The beaches have truly postcard sceneries.
People are welcoming and kind and really live "in another world", a world where time is marked by sunlight, where you eat at all hours and where every reason is a good reason to celebrate.
Where to eat
You will find many delicious restaurants where you can taste the local specialties, drink lots of freshly made fruit juices, excellent fresh coconuts and tasty drinks. Rent a moped right away, it will cost very little and they will get it directly where you will stay. The roads are a bit like roller coasters, with lots of steep climbs and descents. So head on your shoulders please.
The island is full of small resorts and guest houses built delicately on the beach, some are really beautiful and the prices are very low cost.
There are a number of markets and groceries scattered around the island.
In particular I point out the beautiful but periodic one of Thong Sala, where you will find street food to taste (fried insects included), handcrafted pieces, fabrics and even a little vintage. Then you will find others that open permanently in the evening for dinner time, for example a Baan Thai. Perfect for a pre-dinner tour and an aperitif.
The beaches of Koh Phangan
As for the beaches, some are really impressive, it is worth trying to get around as much as possible. The beaches of Had Rin they are the youngest and most lively, and obviously messed up too.
Those to the east are almost untouched and wilder. Like the famous Bottle Beach where you will have to arrive with a longboat taken from a nearby beach or do a strenuous mixed rally trekking by scooter or jeep on the very rough dirt road.
Still to the east, but more easily accessible independently, are the large ones Thong Nai Pan Noi, Thong Noi Pan Yai and the small but beautiful Thaan Sadet. Don't miss them.
To the north you will find the much photographed one Mae Haad Beach where an islet is connected to the beach by a thin strip of sand.
Those on the west coast are a good middle ground: alive but less crowded than those in the south. Secret Beach it is perhaps the most delicious and romantic, even if not so "secret" anymore.
And for an aperitif, look for a place facing the sea on the sunset side, there are some that will make you dream.
