Koh Pha Ngan
Thailand

So let`s face it, 99 % of all backpackers travel here to experience the moon parties...

A common sight is that travelers party all night, snor and sunbath during the day, curse that they got sunburned because they passed out on the beach, THEN they party again!

Many of the single travelers do this, and we can't actually blame them. I mean who wouldn't throw themselves over those hot backpacker hunkies and babes on Koh Pha Ngan.

But there are of course backpacker couples who like a beer or so, testing out the moon parties and make out the rest of the evening.

Then you have the hippies who have been to Koh Pha Ngan a couple of times before, who return because of the relaxed atmosphere and the cheap weed/mushroom on the island.

But Koh Pha Ngan has other things to offer besides parties and drugs!

The island has a unbelievable gorgeous scenery and there`s no shortage of cool activities!

Where to sleep

There are loads of bungalows/resorts on Koh Pha Ngan. You can find budget options at most beaches, but they fill up quickly. Many backpackers and tourists travel to Koh Pha Ngan to celebrate Christmas and New Year`s. So, you have to book early, especially if you come here during the peak season.

Accommodation in Had Rin

Seaside

Price per night: 300-500 B

If you want a more secluded place in Had Rin, try Seaside. Very nice huts with large bathrooms and the huts are surrounded by a lovely garden. It`s a 10 minutes walk from Had Rin town.

Phone nr: (086) 940 3410.

Coral Bungalows

Price per night: 500-1500 B

It`s a lively and popular place because of their parties and facilities. Like pool parties 3 nights a month, Buffet parties, Thai massage, bike/jet ski rentals, fitness gym, swimming pool and a short walk to the Boxing Stadium. They also have a beachfront restaurant/bar, internet access, travel agency and a movie lounge which is always packed.

And their restaurant serve Thai, Italian, Mexican and Western food!

Phone nr: (077) 375 023

Visit their website.

Leela Beach Bungalows

Price per night: 300-600 B

A popular place. Nice, solid wooden bungalows with large bathroom and mosquito nets. They have a restaurant and a bar packed with backpackers at nights. Choose between Jungle side, Beachside or Big Rock bungalows. If it sounds interesting, you can book here.

Phone nr: + 66 8199 51304, + 66 77375094.

Accommodation on Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach

Pen`s Bungalows

Price per night: 450-1500 B

At Pen`s you`ll find very simple bungalows 20 meters from the shoreline, while the nicer ones are right on the beach.

Our simple bungalow had a large bathroom. And we had to flush down with buckets of water... As I said..simple!

And there`s a restaurant next to the beach where they serve Thai and Western dishes. And if you want to surf, they have internet as well.

Phone nr: 66 (0) 77 238 592, 66 (0) 77 445 093.

Pingjun Resort

At Pingjun Resort

Back in November 2007 we heard that Pingjun was going to be rebuilt into a real resort with pool and everything. It didn`t look like a resort back then, so I couldn`t see why it was called that. Anyway, I have no idea if it has been rebuilt or if the name is changed. So, if you know anything about this, please use this form to contact me.

But I can tell you that Pingjun`s bungalows had hammocks where we could relax all day long!

And the bungalows were large enough with a simple attached bathroom.

For 300 B it was worth its value.

Another plus was their restaurant where they served Thai and Western meals at reasonable prices. We ate delicious fish meals, Pad Thais, fried bananas, spring rolls, chicken curries, pancakes and cheese toast. And you must try their fruit shakes!

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Where to eat and relax

Had Rin has it all: restaurants and cafes. If you`re not staying in Had Rin, check if the place you`re staying at has a restaurant. They usually have one... Otherwise, there are small cheap restaurants around Koh Pha Ngan.

Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach

Som's Restaurant

Eat cheap and delicious Thai meals at Som`s Restaurant. It`s run by a sweet family and serve excellent Thai meals. I especially enjoyed their fish ball soup (20 B).

Pizza Baguettes

Craving for some cheap Western food?

If you walk on the road behind Pingjun`s and head towards Nu Bar, you`ll see a small restaurant on your left side.

They had excellent pizza baguettes for 50 B! And they had a small selection of books which you could borrow.

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Where to party

Click here to read about the amazing Half Moon Party!

Are you ready to join the Full Moon Party?

Heading for Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach and the parties there?

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Activities on Koh Pha Ngan

Visit the most beautiful beach on the island -- Thong Nai Pan Noi beach!

If you`re staying at Thong Nai Pan Yai and want some exercise, head north. Then walk over the hill through the jungle…and voila.. there you are!

We walked over the hill once and it wasn`t hard to find the way. I remember that we had to walk through a resort, but I honestly don`t remember the exact route, so ask around. If you`re lazy, take a
5 minutes Songthaew ride.

Than Sadet

Visit the unique Than Sadet Waterfall on the east coast of Koh Pha Ngan. It`s the biggest waterfall on Koh Pha Ngan. There are water pools where you can take a swim or big enough to hop into.

The waterfall is known for its royal visits and King Rama the 5th`s inscription on a huge stone. The waterfall is located in Thai Sadet National Park.

Adrenaline or Peace?

Koh Pha Ngan offers you this: Diving, Thai boxing, yoga, meditation, jewellery making and so much more. Here are some of your options:

Diving

I don't have personal recommendations because I was on a tight budget on this trip. But here are the ones I've heard about from travelers on the road.

MTF Diving on Koh Pha Ngan

Chaloklum Diving

Pha Ngan Divers

Muay Thai Boxing

Horizon Muay Thai. They also have Thai massage courses and cooking courses.

Yoga

Agama Yoga.

Yoga Retreat. Hatha yoga, Chakra healing, Pilates, Vegetarian Ayuvedic Restaurant, Thai cooking class and Detox program.

Pyramid Yoga. Classical Hatha Yoga retreats and healing.

Jewellry Making:

Between all the partying on Koh Pha Ngan, I heard about this fabulous work shop. I love to make jewellry myself in my spare time, so I wanted to sign up for a class. But I'm sorry to say that I didn't get that far...

Here's a short description about the workshop!

The owner of Workshop Silver is Yot who has been designing and making jewellery on the island for 15 years. Choose from the large selection of stones ranging from moonstone to turquoise to create jewellery that is uniquely you or choose from Yot's own creations.

Work Shop Silver Koh Phangan

Where: Thongsala & Had Rin

E-mail: workshopsilver(at)yahoo.ie

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You`re done with Koh Pha Ngan, where do you want to go next?

Are you going (back) to Bangkok?

Heading for Koh Phi Phi?

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