Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand

Ko Pha Ngan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand. It is famous for its full moon party at Haad Rin Beach and as a backpackers destination. Ko Pha Ngan has two sister islands: the larger Ko Samui to the south and the smaller Ko Tao to the north. The main town is Thong Sala.

Attractions at Ko Pha Ngan inlcude the Than Sadet-Ko Pha-Ngan National Park, waterfalls and lookouts in the interior of the island, the herbal sauna at Wat Pho, snorkeling at Ko Ma and the Elephant Camp on the way from Baan Tail to Thong Nai Pan.

Things to See & Do

* Diving and snorkeling
* Elephant camp
* Than Sadet-Ko Pha-Ngan National Park
* Salad Beach
* Waterfalls

General information

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – Baht (THB)
Language – Thai
Land Area – 168 km²
Population – 13,000 approx
Electricity – 2 perpendicular flat pins USA style or with a round pin below
Time - GMT plus seven hours
International Country Telephone Code – +66

Port Location – The main port is located at Thong Sala, the island’s capital.

Travel Links – The closest airport is Ko Samui (USM) which has frequent flights from Bangkok and Phuket, daily flights from U-Tapao and Singapore, and several direct flights each week from Chiang Mai and Kuala Lumpur.

There are at least 3 ferries a day from Ko Samui's "Big Buddha" pier directly to Haad Rin. Ferries also leave from Nathon and Mae Nam piers to Thong Sala several times a day.

Overnight train from Bangkok is an interesting option. Trains arrive in Surat Thani or Chumphon, and from there you can transfer by bus and then boat. Chumphon is the option if you're planning to stop by at Ko Tao but if you're heading straight to Ko Phan Ngan consider Surat Thani. Both stations are on the south-bounding Hay Yai line but arrival times in Chumphon (when using night trains) are early in the morning.