Joanna James
Parties are its iconic attraction, but that's not it, there's more to Koh Phangan than the clamour of parties. The thick jungle and stunning beaches are other elements of the island's tourist scene.
One of the amazing things the island offers is the nightlife. It is lively and full of pep. While every beach has got its own mark in terms of Koh Phangan nightlife, Ban Tai Beach adds special details to it. There's a reason why the island is known to locals as the Fun and Party Central of Thailand – during the day, like other beaches, you can see a picturesque beauty with features like aquamarine waters of the sea, the white beach sand and the palm trees, but come nightfall, the place becomes a completely different avatar. If you are staying at a place like Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas, you'll be treated to delicious bits of the local cuisine; however, the restaurants dotting Ban Tai Beach take dining to the next level.
One of the things to do on Koh Phangan is shopping and sampling street food. When it comes to both those things, a name that comes up invariably is Thong Sala night market. The whole market area is lined with vendors selling various sorts of street food; there's so much of it, you wouldn't know where to begin. Every ounce of food is freshly made and snapped up by locals and foreigners. Locals come to the market as part of their Koh Phangan lifestyle; foreigners are there to experience something new. Whether or not you are a vegetarian, there are plenty of dishes for you to choose from.
The island is surrounded by a charming coastline with the gift of amazing beaches. Haad Rin Beach is one such beach and a must-visit too. What's significant about this particular beach is that this is the venue for the Full Moon Party that the party lovers get worked up for. The party scene started in the 1980s – at the time it didn't make as much noise as it does now – and now the event welcomes about 15,000 people from every corner of the world. When it's around the time for the acclaimed party, every nook and cranny of the area is filled with people. While there's no chance for calmness around that time, it is also the time of the month when Haad Rin Beach comes alive with all its vigour.
Apart from the lively beaches, one other place anyone should visit is the Challenge Phangan Waterpark. Once you are inside the park, there's no chance for inaction – the park is a place for those on the lookout for their next adrenaline fix. Even if you are more of a relax-at-the-beach kind of person, you must experience what's offered by the Challenge Phangan Waterpark. The place is located in Seetanu. From belly flops to falls to kitesurfing and paddleboarding, the park caters to your adventurous spirit. The place is open from 10 am to 6 pm, from Tuesday to Sunday.
Thai food is a delight to everybody. Anyone who's been to Koh Phangan knows that the island is as much about food as it is about beaches and parties. Tourists fall in love with what they eat at restaurants and night markets. You can address your food cravings as much as you want while touring the island, but what if you can take the food tour to your home country and surprise family and friends? You can do that if you learn to cook Thai food at C&M Study Centre. There are short courses you can take, and by the time you are done, you'll be able to make a delicious Thai meal all on your own.
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.
