Koh Phangan travel info
Koh Phangan, or 'Sand Bar Island', is located in the Gulf of Thailand only 12kms from Koh Samui and 70kms from the mainland. It is situated in Surat Thani province and the main jumping-off point to the island is from the port near Surat Thani town, which is a major transport hub for the region as it is serves by numerous bus and train connections while boasting an airport.
The island is famed for its internationally renowned Full Moon Party, tropical sandy beaches and national parks, as well as the sand bars which gave it its name. It is 168 square-kilometres with 70 per cent of the island made up of tropical forest, and certain areas are as beautiful as anything you will find in Asia.
 | Health & safetyThere are few safety concerns on Koh Phangan that visitors need to worry about as long as they take sensible precautions, but we've listed a few of the key points here for your knowledge...more |  | Weather & seasonsThere is no bad time of year to visit Koh Phangan as every season has its own benefits, be it cheaper accommodation prices, less rainfall or fewer people to share your paradise beach with...more |
 | CostsThailand is an incredibly cheap place to visit by Western standards, and backpackers can get by on very little in Koh Phangan. But lots of luxury options are cropping up too...more |  | VisasMost people coming to Koh Phangan from abroad rely upon a 30-day visa-upon-arrival issued at any of the international airports, but long-stay visitors need to make prior arrangements...more |
More on Koh Phangan travel
Although Koh Phangan has changed rapidly since the arrival of the first backpackers 20 years ago, there are still many active farms and coconut groves, fishing communities and local markets.
The bustle of Thai family life starts early in the morning while the Western holiday makers lay fast asleep at the mercy of their Sangsom bucket hangovers. What Koh Phangan has sacrificed in the recent proliferation of fast food restaurants and convenience stores, it more than makes up for with outstanding natural beauty, first class hospitality and myriad fun activities for the entire family
Koh Phangan is also a mecca for well-being. A group of wandering monks decided the same over 600 years ago when they settled at Wat Phu Khao Noi, near Thongsala, and today the island is also home to many yoga, massage and wellness centres, set in beautiful locations across the island. Many people come here to enjoy these courses and return to their homelands with a renewed sense of peace and serenity.
