Koh Pha Ngan - Surat Thain

Koh Pha Ngan - Surat Thain

Koh Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan) 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. Koh Pha Ngan has two sister islands: Koh Samui in
the South and Koh Tao in the North.

Short Story about Koh Pha Ngan
The Bronze Drum of Dongson Culture (500BC - 100BC) that was found on Ko Samui in 1977 is evidence that there
were settlements of people on Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and their islets from more than two thousand years ago.
Some historians and archaeologists believe that the first group who migrated to Koh Pha Ngan were the Muslim sea
gypsies (Pigmy, Semung, and Proto-Malay) who travelled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. However, nowadays
there are few Muslims who live on the island. The name of Koh Pha Ngan comes from the word 'Ngan', the southern
dialect meaning 'sand bar', for there are many sand bars offshore around the island.

As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Koh Pha Ngan serves as the perfect getaway retreat,
where one may go relaxing on quiet deserted beaches, snorkelling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Koh
Ma, trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture, or seeking
adventure in the nearby Ang Thong archipelago composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural
caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai. Koh Pha Ngan has over 250 resorts to choose from, ranging from the budget 80
Baht a night beach hut without private toilet to luxury air-conditioned accommodation with private swimming pool.

It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon
parties and a hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers, budget tourists and aging hippies are beginning to give
way to families and more mainstream tourists but the beaches are still beautiful and undeveloped. The full moon party
scene still runs with a cast of thousands in high season - all on the beach. Hedonists everywhere still flock to the
world's biggest beach party every month. The music from the multiple sound systems is mostly ear-splittingly loud
trance and house, and a predominantly youthful crowd dance 'til dawn on party nights. This may not be to everyone's
taste, certainly, but it's definitely a unique cultural experience. Other events such as the Half Moon Party and Black
Moon Party also attract large crowds. However, it is still possible to visit the island and avoid the full moon party
altogether, with dozens of quiet, secluded resorts and beach huts dotted all over the island for a variety of prices.
Many of the more costly resorts offer such facilities as daily yoga, yoga teachers' training, meditation, a variety of
healing, healthy & natural therapies, spa massage & pampering services and herbal steam rooms.

Other activities available on the island include scuba diving with a number of companies offering very reasonably
priced training courses and excursions, snorkelling, especially off the Mae Haad sandbar in the north west,
wakeboarding, archery, fishing, walks in the national park or simply relaxing in the company of other farangs or the
friendly locals.