Krazy Kool Koh Phangan!
written by vstephanie
on March 17th, 2009
, 3 comments
(3 votes)
Koh Phangan is an island located off the Southern East coast in the Gulf of Thailand and having two sister islands; Koh Samui and Koh Tao. It is mostly known as the backpacker’s destination between the three.
It was my first time there, specifically to check out the full moon party. We were two girls with our backpacks, not knowing what to expect! We arrived at Thong Sala, which is the principal town of the island and also the ferry’s drop off point. It felt surreal being there and having heard so much about it!
There’s a lot to see and do here from beach hopping, snorkeling, partying, elephant trekking and checking out its secluded waterfalls. It has even been frequently visited by Thailand’s royalty, Rama V and Chulalongkorn, with the latter king visiting the island as much as 14 times during his reign and leaving an inscription on one of the rocks in the famous waterfall sight.
There are many resorts to choose from, so finding accommodation is easy unless you come in the week of the Full moon party without a booking. That would be a gamble. Food is fairly inexpensive and I suggest everyone to try the roadside chicken skewers and papaya salad (Som Tam). At night when you have munchies, find the pancake motorcycle man for a plate of yummy banana nutella pancake!
A beach worth checking out is Haad Mae Haad where a sandbar connects you to the picturesque island of Koh Ma by foot when the tide is low! And do enjoy sunsets at Amsterdam bar (my favorite), a place you should not miss when you are there! Plus the name should give you a big hint!
For more tips, pick up the pocket guide Phangan.Info, available for free everywhere on the island!
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