Joanna James
Koh Phangan is a stunning island located right in the Gulf of Thailand which is well known for its Full Moon Party at the Hat Rin Beach. This island is also flanked by two other islands and has grown in popularity as the booming tourism industry has provided a multitude of new opportunities for citizens.
Beginning in the 1980s the island of Koh Phangan began organizing a series of beach parties that occurred on the night of, before or after a full moon. As an event that was predominantly attracting tourists, it was hosted at the Hat Rin beach and was a major driver in developing the tourism industry in the island that helped the livelihoods of many locals.
While it initially drew about 20-30 people it is now reported to bringing together about 5000 to a staggering 30,000 people each month. This huge demand for the event has been a major reason that people have it a part of their itineraries when travelling to the South Eastern region of Asia.
It is most certainly an experience to be savoured and once the world resets into a safer normal, there will certainly be many parties to be witnessed in their full glory!
One thing to keep in mind is that it is impossible to enter this island via a plane. Therefore, you will have to arrive at either Bangkok or Phuket and then take some form of transport, either coach or taxi, until you arrive at the ferry to Koh Phangan. There has been an attempt to develop an airport facility given the high popularity of this location and there are plans underway to create the infrastructure to handle up to 1000 passengers a day.
This would be a brilliant addition to the island given that it receives up to 500,000 visitors each year!
Additionally, when you are on the island, the only form of transport you can count on is the converted pickup trucks called 'songthaews' that function as taxis.
Koh Phangan easily offers some of the best waters for snorkelling the area. With pristine waters and an abundance of marine and coral life, people can spend many hours diving into the surrounding ocean to spend some time witnessing the mesmerizing beauty hidden underneath.
The north and the west coasts are considered to offer the best spots for snorkelling and there are many dive centres established as well that helps visitors get up close and personal with the wonders of the waters.
If you are staying at a Koh Phangan beach resort such as the Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas and you ask for a recommendation of the best place to go snorkelling you will be directed to Sail Rock, which is located about 15km from Koh Phangan and should be at the top of your list
It is not usual for a small island like Koh Phangan to hold waterfalls but this is exactly what makes the island such a popular attraction. People who visit can choose from an array of activities. They can simply opt to relax by the beach, go for a full moon party or spend a few days hiking to many of the several waterfalls on the island.
One of the most popular waterfalls is the Paradise Waterfall located near the Chaloklum Bay, but there are many others such as the Than Prawet Waterfall as well as the Than Praphet Waterfall. Each offers a unique experience for visitors and it is recommended that if you hope to have an optimum experience, to visit after the high season which offers better weather for hiking.
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