Joanna James
Even though it has gained its reputation as the location of the full moon party, Koh Phangan has much more to offer.
A considerable proportion of Koh Phanang is made up of beaches fringed with a coral reef, groves of coconut and tropical rainforest. The Islanders mainly look to fishing, coconut trade and tourism to earn a living. The natural beauty of Koh Phanang makes it a strong contender for one of the best holiday destinations in Thailand.
Compared to most of the popular beach destinations in Thailand, Koh Phangan is relatively 'underdeveloped' which translates into a blissful beach island experience that it offers to visitors. The effervescent life of the marine creatures that live comfortably amongst the coral reef in Koh Phangan is a gift of nature to explorers. The beach itself is fringed with elegant palm trees and laden with soft sand to provide an idyllic backdrop for a leisurely holiday. Many travellers choose to revisit their favourite Koh Phangan resort for this very reason.
The first ever Full Moon party took place in Haad Rin beach, a crescent cove in the south of Koh Phangan that unleashed the full force of the full moon party on to travellers. Today, Full Moon parties take place monthly under the watchful gaze of the full moon with powerful music and plenty of intoxicants flowing to attract eager party goers. Full Moon parties usually attract around 30,000 odd people to party on the beach and let go of their inhibitions in one glorious night as they dance in the light of the moon. The entry fee to the Full Moon party in Koh Phangan is 100 baht per person. Partygoers can enjoy themselves without worrying about transport back to their resort for cab drivers wait just outside the venue to accommodate them. However, those who plan to attend the Full Moon party should arrive a couple of days ahead of the party and settle into a resort such as the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas on the island.
Haad Rin has a large collection of bars and clubs and in fact, it is the most concentrated collection of such in Thailand. The nightlife ambience of Koh Phangan and more specifically Haad Rin can please anyone and it usually puts on an energetic vibe once the party gets started. Visitors can access the Half Moon parties that take place in Ban Tai easily via a cab ride of approximately 30 minutes from Haad Rin.
Koh Phangan is truly an island with its charm as well as its slow-paced lifestyle. People drive slowly, and restaurant staff is slow to act. As inconvenient as some may find this, it can actually be part of the island's appeal as this leisurely pace can usher in peace and quiet to those who seek to escape their busy lives.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
