Пханган

On Phanagan you will find a unique atmosphere, diverse beaches, untouched nature . Once a month, the famous full moon parties are held there. Many travelers visit the island just for them. The infrastructure allows you to relax in comfort, but civilization is only developing here - roads and resorts are being built. But the best hotels in Phanang are already receiving good reviews from guests. Modern hippies and backpackers often come here - supporters of independent tourism.

✔️ A bit of chronology and facts

The island is located in the Gulf of Thailand. Samui, another famous tourist destination, is nearby. An artifact of the Dongshon culture was found there. It was a bronze drum dating back to 500-100 BC. This find allows us to assert that these islands were already populated at that time. Historians assume that the first settlers were the Mokens, sea nomads from the Malay Peninsula.

Phanagan has long been a famous tourist destination . Back in the 19th century, King Rama V loved to visit it. By the 1970s, the main occupations of the locals were fishing, growing coconuts and mining tin. The first two are still an important part of Thai life, but the latter has ceased to exist, which allowed tourism to develop.

✔️ Entertainment Features

This place is intended for a quiet beach holiday , diving, snorkeling, walks in nature. There are many places where you can retire and be alone with yourself and the world around you. For lovers of more active leisure, the above-mentioned and other parties are held.

At the same time, the island is considered a spiritual place. There are many Buddhist temples here, and various retreats are held. Those who wish can go in search of themselves, meditate, practice yoga, relax during massage or floating sessions. Prices for holidays on Phanagan are different. It all depends on where you live. You can choose a more expensive resort or a modest bungalow. The season also affects the cost.

✔️ Possible transfer options

The island does not have its own airport, so you will have to get there with transfers. It is only 55 km to the mainland, but the most convenient way is to fly to Samui on a domestic flight from anywhere in Thailand, and then sail from there by speedboat or ferry. The distance is 23 km. The inconvenient road is one of the disadvantages of this destination. However, if you like deserted landscapes or want to get to the bright Full Moon Party, it is worth it. You can arrange a transfer with the host company or hotel, if it provides such services.

✔️ Weather conditions

The region has a tropical climate. The temperature is approximately the same all year round. There are two seasons in this part of the country. The period from late December to March is considered dry. At this time, most tourists arrive and prices rise. But the period from May to October is even more comfortable, the cost of rest falls, the fruit season begins. The best time to find and choose a tour online to Phanagan is from August to September, since from May to July there are short-term rains. Showers that interfere with a comfortable rest come from October to November or early December.

✔️ What to bring back from your trip

Shopping on Phanagan is quite budget-friendly, but imported goods are more expensive than in Bangkok. The main places of trade are considered to be the cities of Tongasala, the largest settlement on the island, and Haad Rin. A traditional souvenir from this region is a hammock. They also sell standard tourist goods, paintings by local artists, silk products and clothing, antiques, jewelry and costume jewelry, and fruits. When buying valuables, make sure they are authentic. At the markets, be sure to try the local street cuisine. The Thais have mastered the culinary art to perfection and will surely surprise you with unexpected tastes.

✔️ Search and selection of tours online to Phanagan, reasons to buy a tour or a trip

This place is more suitable for young people and those who want to spend their vacation away from civilization in the bosom of picturesque nature. Families with children can also come, but you need to choose hotels located away from the beaches where parties take place.

▶️ Beach holidays

There are many places for swimming on the island. Everyone will find a location to their taste. There are equipped and wild areas, beaches for swimming and only for walking, spacious and small. They are worth buying a tour to Phanagan for. Which place to choose depends on your plans and goals.

The northern coast is best for watching sunsets. There are many snorkeling spots here. The atmosphere is peaceful, you can enjoy a relaxing holiday and unity with nature. In this part of the island is the village of Chaloklum. Its residents are fishermen. The beaches here include:

◼️ Mae Haad, small, picturesque. Opposite is the island of Koh Maa - the best place for snorkeling and diving on Phanagan. It is connected to the beach by a sand spit, at low tide you can walk to the island. It can be noisy here when tourist ships from neighboring Samui arrive. The rest of the time it is quiet here. There are several cafes on the shore, offering massage sessions to those who wish.
◼️ Malibu and Coral Beach are similar areas with white sand, an atmosphere of relaxation and privacy. They are located in cozy bays on both sides of Chaloklum Beach , which is a base for divers, but is not suitable for swimming. There are many cafes, bars, and dive centers.

The northwestern and western parts of the island are known for a livelier atmosphere. There are shops and yoga centers. From the beaches here are located:

◼️ Haad Yao and Haad Salad , which are considered the most idyllic on Phanagan. Here you will find picturesque tropical views, a beach with white sand, beautiful sunsets, and peace.
◼️ Haad Chao Phao in the fishing village of Srithana. Tourists often choose this place for wintering. In the local waters there are picturesque coral reefs, there are restaurants on the shore, and yoga classes and retreats are held.

On the southwest coast is the main port and city of the island - Thongsala . In this part there are no beaches where you can swim.

The south is known for parties, in particular, the famous Full Moon Party. It is held on the beach Haad Rin . It is one of the most beautiful on the island. It is located on the southern cape and is divided into two parts - for meeting the sunrise and sunset. Nearby there is a tourist settlement with a variety of accommodation options, cafes, bars, restaurants, shops and other infrastructure. Other beaches on this coast: Haad Leela is the second place where you can swim. Baan Tai and Baan Kai are suitable only for water activities. Kitesurfers love to have fun here.

On the east coast, most of the beaches are wild. The road is paved only to Thong Nai Pan Yai , Thong Nai Pan Noi and Bottle Beach. The latter is considered one of the most beautiful in Asia: a strip of white sand, emerald sea, tropics provide an incredible picture and atmosphere of relaxation and unity with nature.

▶️ Ancient landmarks

There are many shrines on the island, mostly Buddhist. However, there are not many ancient buildings. It is worth noting Wat Phu Khao Noi, considered the oldest on Phanagan. It is located on a hill 3 km from Thongsala. The complex consists of several ancient buildings that have recently been restored. The sacred place is also a meditation center. The main temple is surrounded by pagodas. Here you can admire the fascinating panoramic view, see a beautiful example of Buddhist architecture and communicate with the monks.

Another ancient place is the Wat Madua Wan temple. According to legend, Buddha left his mark here many years ago. This shrine is also located on a hill. A decorated staircase leads to the top. And the temple itself is an architectural monument.

▶️ Nature

The island is mostly mountainous, covered with tropical forest. There are several waterfalls, the coast is often rocky, there are many bays. Part of the territory is used for growing coconuts and agriculture. The island is not very large, its area is 125 km². The highest point is at 630 m. Most of the island is reserved for national parks that protect virgin tropical nature, its unique fauna and flora.

In addition to walking on land, you can go explore the waters. Diving and snorkeling in the local waters are one of the important parts of leisure. Nearby is the Angthong National Marine Park. There you can visit wild islands and see the amazing underwater world. Sea turtles, reef sharks, barracudas and other colorful fish live near Phanagan. There are dive sites with a descent from 20 to 40 m. Reef gardens are rich in a variety of soft and hard corals.

▶️ Additional entertainment

Ancient shrines are not the only ones worth visiting. Be sure to visit the Chinese temple of Guan Yin. It is the largest and most popular on the island. It was built in 1992. This complex amazes with its elegant architecture and resembles a Taoist shrine. Here you can touch the Chinese culture, simply enjoy the beauty and take spectacular photos.

Next to the above-described temple there is another one - Wat Pha Sang Tham. It is located among lush jungles and decorated with statues of Buddha, elephants, images of saints, "spirit houses".

Many people buy tours to Phanagan because of the nightlife of the island. It has a great influence on the development of tourism in this place. The main event is the already mentioned monthly Full Moon Party. It is held every time on the full moon. The event is held under sets of electronic music, there is a lot of alcohol, fun, dancing. Sometimes the party gathers tens of thousands of people.

This place is suitable for a quiet holiday. If you are interested in more active leisure, you can buy a weekend tour to Phanagan during the Full Moon Party, have fun at this famous event and go on to travel further around Thailand.