Koh Phangan, Thailand

Introduction to Koh Pha-ngan

Koh = island
Pha = meet or find
Ngan = sandy beach which can be seen at low tide

Koh phangan is an island paradise in the Gulf of Thailand located about 100 km. from the coast of Southern Thailand’s Surat Thani Province and about 15 km from the famous resort island: Koh Samui. It is the largest of Samui’s neighboring islands with an area of 168 square km. Over 70% of its total area is mountains and tropical forest. The lowlands are beaches and coconut fields.
About 8,000 people live on Koh Pha-ngan. Some are Chinese whose ancestors migrated from China more than hundred years ago. The main population lives in Thong Sala Town. Standard Thai is used as the official language, but the southern dialect is more widely spoken among the local people. English understood in business circles and tourist areas. More than 95% of the population is Buddhist, but there are a few Muslims in Baan Tai village. The most important product of Koh Pha-ngan is coconut. Each month Koh Samui and Koh Pha-ngan produce more than 1 million coconuts for export to Bangkok. Another prominent island industry is fishing and of course the growing tourism business.

History

Koh Pha-ngan has always been a beautiful and spiritual place for the Thais, it has been visited by no less than four Kings of Thailand; with the Great Rama V coming over 10 times, leaving his royal seal engraved on a rock at Thaan Sadet Waterfall: and the current King Bhu-mibol following in his footsteps, The island was uninhabited until about 600 years ago when passing monks realized its tranquility and spiritual importance and settled in Wat Phu Khao Noi just outside Thongsala. It is Thailand’s fifth biggest island, Thus over 90% of Phangan is unspoilt tropical forest; and due to its granite structure, there are several small mountains where it’s possible to trek and even camp. There is and abundance of wildlife from monkeys to birds of paradise and then there is the amazing underwater world that surrounds Koh Pha-ngan; with over 10 kms of vibrant coral and 20 local dive sites. And if you have any energy after that, there is the nightlife that the island became internationally famous for, with the globally renowned Full Moon Party and weekly outdoor events in jungle and beachfront venues; not forgetting the daily session that goes off in Haad Rin.