Ko Pha Ngan
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Ko Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan, Thai: เกาะพะงัน) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand. It is famous for its full moon party at Haad Rin Beach, as a backpackers destination and for its international meditation center [Wat Kow Tahm]. Ko Pha Ngan has two sister islands: Ko Samui in the South and Ko Tao in the North.
- Area: About 168 km²
- Province: Surat Thani
- From Ko Samui; About 15 km
- From mainland: About 60 km
- Population: 11,846 (2004)
- Main town: Thong Sala
Short History
The Bronze Drum of Dongson Culture (500BC - 100BC) that was found on Ko Samui in 1977 is evidence that there were settlements of people on Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and their islets from more than two thousand years ago. Some historians and archaeologists believe that the first group who migrated to Ko Pha Ngan were the Muslim sea gypsies (Pigmy, Semung, and Proto-Malay) who travelled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. However, nowadays there are few Muslims who live on the island. The name of Ko Pha Ngan comes from the word 'Ngan', the southern dialect meaning 'sand bar', for there are many sand bars offshore around the island.
Administration
Ko Pha Ngan together with Ko Tao forms the district (amphoe) Ko Pha Ngan. The district is subdivided into three communes (tambon):| Nr. | Name | Thai name | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Ko Pha-ngan | เกาะพะงัน | |
| 2. | Ban Tai | บ้านใต้ | |
| 3. | Ko Tao | เกาะเต่า |
Attractions
As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Ko Phangan serves as the perfect getaway retreat; relaxing on quiet deserted beaches, snorkelling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Ko Ma; trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture; seeking adventure in the nearby Ang Thong archipelago composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai - the salt water blue lagoon lake featured in The Beach by Alex Garland. Koh Phangan has over 250 resorts to choose from, ranging from the budget 80 Baht a night beach hut without private toilet to luxury air-conditioned accommodation with private swimming pool.
It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon parties and hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers, budget tourists and aging hippies are beginning to give way to families and more mainstream tourists but the beaches are still beautiful and undeveloped. The full moon party scene still runs with a cast of thousands in high season - all on the beach. Hedonists everywhere still flock to the world's biggest beach party every month. The music from the multiple sound systems is mostly ear-splittingly loud trance and house, and a predominantly youthful crowd dance 'til dawn on party nights - not to everyone's taste certainly, but it's definitely a unique cultural experience. Other events such as the Half Moon Party and Black Moon Party also attract large crowds. However, it is still possible to visit the island and avoid the full moon party altogether, with dozens of quiet, secluded resorts and beach huts dotted all over the island for a variety of prices. Many of the more costly resorts offer such facilities as daily yoga, yoga teachers training, meditation, a variety of healing, healthy & natural therapies, spa massage & pampering services and herbal steam rooms.
See also
External links
- [[wikitravel:| travel guide]] from Wikitravel
- [Ko Pha Ngan] at the Open Directory Project
- [Ko Phangan .com]
- [Koh Phangan .net]
- [Full moon party]
| Amphoe of Surat Thani |
| ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphoe: | Mueang Surat Thani - Kanchanadit - Don Sak - Ko Samui - Ko Pha Ngan - Chaiya - Tha Chana - Khiri Rat Nikhom - Ban Ta Khun - Phanom - Tha Chang - Ban Na San - Ban Na Doem - Khian Sa - Wiang Sa - Phrasaeng - Phunphin - Chai Buri | ||
| King Amphoe: | Vibhavadi | ||
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