 | |
| Ko Pha-ngan | |
| Capital | Thong Sala |
|---|---|
other capital on Wikidata   | |
| Residents | 13.700 (2012) |
| surface | 125 km² |
| prefix | 054 |
| no area code on Wikidata: | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | |
Ko Pha-ngan (เกาะ พะ ง้ น, pronounced: gkɔ̀ pá-ngan; also Koh Pha Ngan or Phangan written) is an east of the isthmus of Kra and about 8 km north of the neighboring island Ko Samui located island in the Gulf of Thailand. The island belongs to the southern Thai province Surat Thani.
Places and Beaches
On Ko Pha-ngan, it is not so much the towns that are the destination of travelers, but rather the beaches. The exception is Haad Rin with the full moon party. Thong Sala is, because of the port, above all a heavily frequented transit point.
West Coast
The west coast, starting in the south with the largest place Thong Sala, consists of a number of charming bays. The villages and beaches are easily accessible via the extensive road network here. The further north you travel, the more secluded and quiet the beaches become. From south to north:
- Thong Sala (ท้อง สา ลา) - The capital, located on the west coast, is the administrative and economic center of the island. There are daily speedboat connections from the city's port to Ko Samui and Surat Thani in the south and Ko Tao and Chumphon in the north. There is a hospital, shops, travel agencies and the Thai boxer arena. The beach is in the north of the city Ao Nai wok, which is particularly popular during the monsoon season (September to December) because it is protected from the winds.
- Ao wok tum and Ao Hin Kong - The two bays, not far from the capital, together form a long arch with clean, wide sandy beaches.
- Ao Haad Salad, Ao Haad Yao, Haad Chaophao and Ao Si Thanu - a number of smaller bays, some of which can only be reached on foot. Remarkable because of the diverse underwater world and the sunsets.
South coast
- Haad Rin - the site of the monthly Full Moon Party and on the way to becoming the tourist center of Ko Pha-ngan. During the day you can also take one of the numerous water taxis from here (Boat taxis), actually fishing boats ("longtails"), go to the beaches and bays on the east coast of the island.
- Ban Tai and Ban Kai - The two villages are on the southwest coast, the longest continuous beach on the island. The wide sandy beach is very shallow, making it less suitable for swimming and diving, but all the better for families with small children. On the outskirts of the village of Ban Kai there is a more secluded beach, the so-called Oxa Beach. Haad Rin in the south and Thong Sala in the north can be reached quickly and easily.
East coast
From North to south:
- Ao Thong Nai Pan - Thong Nai Pan Bay, the largest on the east coast, is divided into two parts: Thong Nai Pan Noi in the north and, separated from it by a small rocky headland, Thong Nai Pan Yai in the south. At the southern end is that Panviman Resort - So far (2004) the only luxury resort on Ko Pha-ngan.
- Haad Sadet - A small bay about 5 km south of Thong Nai Pan, with some rather simple bungalow resorts. This is where the Than Sadet, the "royal river", into the sea. A footpath leads inland to the Than Sadet waterfalls.
- Haad Thien - (also Haad Tien) is a relatively small bay, accessible by boat taxis from Haad Rin or on foot via a path through the dense forest of the mountains in the hinterland. With The Sanctuary Thailand spa resort is one of the most beautiful resorts, according to some travelers, not only on Ko Pha-ngan, but in the entire Gulf of Thailand.
North coast
- Mae Haad - The bay and the small offshore island Ko Maa] in the northeast of the island are mainly known for the coral reefs, which can only be reached with a snorkel.
- Ao Chalok Lam - (also Ao Chaloklum) is a 5-6 km long bay with several smaller beaches. The place is in the center Ban Chalok Lam with a Buddhist temple.
- Haad Kuat (English "Bottle Beach") - This bay in the north of the island is not easy to reach and is especially popular with long-term vacationers. According to many visitors, Bottle Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
background
Ko Samui, the larger neighboring island in the south, was "discovered" by travelers in the 1970s. When the airport was opened there in 1988 and the island had become an easily accessible destination for package travelers and mass tourism, Ko Pha-ngan gained increasing importance as a more remote and thus far less touristy alternative. Although something like mass tourism is now taking place in some places on Ko Pha-ngan, there is practically no package tourism. Most of the visitors are backpackers, sometimes young families.
Travelers, many of whom keep returning to Ko Pha-ngan, do so for two main reasons:
- The island is compared to the neighboring one Ko Samui or the other well-known Thai tourism destinations by the sea (Phuket, Pattaya), much less touristically developed and offers a number of clean, quiet and palm-fringed sandy beaches.
- The second reason to visit the island is the Full Moon Party, which takes place every month on the full moon Haad Rin.
language
English is understood in practically all areas relevant to tourists - from the drivers of the pick-ups that take care of local transport on land, to the staff in restaurants, to the landlords of the bungalow complexes. Prices and menus are generally at least bilingual (Thai / English). In Haad Rin in particular, since Ko Pha-ngan is also a popular holiday destination for young Israelis, there are also offers in Hebrew and, in some cases, in German and French.
Farangs, Western foreigners, can earn respect and appreciation if they learn a few words and phrases in Thai. See Phrase book Thai.
The translation of Thai into Latin script is not uniform everywhere. For many Words there are several synonymous spellings, e.g. B .:
- "Island": Ko or Koh
- "Beach": Haad or Has
- "Village": Ban or Baan
getting there
By boat
Ko Pha-ngan is only by sea to reach.
You can get to Ko Pha-ngan with regular ferries from the neighboring islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao, or the cities Surat Thani and Chumphon on the mainland. In the following the regular ferry connections (Compilation of various timetables):
- Surat Thani/ Donsak–Ko Samui/ Na Thon–Ko Pha-ngan/ Thong Sala
- Ko Samui/ Mae Nam–Ko Pha-ngan/ Haad Rin
- Ko Samui/ Haad Bang Rak (Big Buddha Pier) -Ko Pha-ngan/ Haad Rin
- Chumphon–Ko Tao–Ko Pha-ngan/ Thong Sala
For the routes to and from the capital Thong Sala, you can choose between fast connections or slower and cheaper ferries.
Coming from Bangkok the cheapest ways to get there are:
- By train to Surat Thani and from there by ferry to Thong Sala: approx. 500-600 baht (approx. € 10-12).
- Combined bus and ferry tickets are also sold on Khao San Road: around 350 baht (around € 7).
By plane
The nearest airport is on Ko Samui and is currently (2015) several times a day from Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and Singapore from.
- Bangkok – Samui (and back): approx. 7200 Baht (available if you buy it directly on the website of Bangkok Airways, also often cheaper offers).
The low-cost airlines NokAir, Thai AirAsia and Thai smile (a subsidiary of Thai Airways) offer several times a day combined flight and ferry offers from Bangkok-Don Mueang (Smile also from Suvarnabhumi) to the Thong Sala Pier on Ko Pha-ngan. After flights to Surat Thani (Air Asia, Smile, partly NokAir) or Nakhon Si Thammarat (partly NokAir), you can take the bus to the pier and from there take the ferry (Air Asia) or the high-speed catamaran (NokAir , Smile) to Ko Pha-ngan. Including transfer times, the journey takes around 5 (NokAir), 6 (Smile), or around 7 to 8 ½ hours (Air Asia). For one way the package at NokAir costs 4000 baht as standard, saver prices from 1790 baht; at Smile 3780, saver prices from 2180 Baht; with Air Asia between 1090 and 1690 Baht (except around New Year's Eve, then up to 3830 Baht). (As of December 2015)
mobility
Songthaeos, Pick-up SUVs with covered benches instead of a loading area, operate as shared taxis on all the streets of the island and can be waved to anywhere. Currently (2018) almost every trip costs 100 BHT. Trips that go beyond the distance between two beaches or places cost more accordingly. The drivers generally know every bungalow resort, no matter how small. It has a special charm to be with Water taxis, the fishermen's traditional longtail boats, to sail along the coast. Especially on the east and north coasts, they are often the only means of transport to reach certain bays.
It is also possible Mopeds and Small motorcycles to borrow. Currently (2018) automatic mopeds cost 250 BHT / day almost everywhere according to island-wide agreements. Lower prices are only negotiable for longer rental periods. Mopeds are a cheap, convenient way to get around the island. Ko Pha-ngan is not the place to learn to drive. Inexperienced drivers should take Songthaeos because of the generally poor road conditions. Gravel roads should only be used with great caution, if at all. Even on paved roads, full attention should always be paid to the road, as accidents often occur due to sand in curves.
Moped compensation scam. Often tourists are blamed for damage upon return, which has to be paid for with very large sums of money. To avoid this fraud, take photos of all sides beforehand or create a damage report with the lender before renting. In general, it seems to be safer to arrange the rental through your own accommodation. The lenders always keep the borrower's passport.
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Than Sadet waterfalls. Waterfalls that can be reached on foot from Haad Sadet in the east of the island and have been repeatedly visited by the kings of Thailand. The falls are accessible from the beach or the road. There is a small house on the road at the entrance to the waterfalls. There a lovable blind man sells cheap coconuts, drinks and food to feed himself and this place.
activities
- Sunbathing and snorkeling - Compared to neighboring Ko Samui, the island's beaches are far less touristy, quieter and less populated. In many places offshore coral reefs invite you to snorkel.
- Parties and night life - The nightlife is concentrated in Thong Sala and especially Haad Rin.
- Full moon party: Every month (approximately) at full moon, depending on the season, tens of thousands of people come to one of the largest open-air parties on Haad Rin Beach.
- Black Moon Culture: Every month at the (approximately) new moon, the Black Moon Culture takes place on the beach with a lot of electric music. The party really starts around 10 p.m. and lasts until after sunrise. Admission is 600 BHT (approx. 16 €) and cocktails a uniform 280 BHT (approx. 7.50 €).
- meditation - Some of the many Buddhist temples offer so-called to those interested Retreats at. In order to achieve a meaningful attunement to the exercises, which last at least one week, it is usually necessary to register in advance. This is specially tailored to the needs of western visitors Wat Kow Tham International Meditation Center set up.
Diving
- Haad Yao Divers. PADI diving courses and diving excursions around Ko Pha-ngan as well as by boat to diving destinations a little further out.
- Phangan Divers. Scuba diving, PADI diving courses and liveaboards (live subscription).
- Chaloklum diving. Personal PADI training and diving trips around Ko Pha-ngan.
- (PADI - Professional Association of Diving Instructors - an international association of diving instructors)
Accommodations
There are numerous luxury resorts, hotels and hostels on the island. Many accommodations consist of bungalows. The offer ranges from very simple huts without water to air-conditioned bungalows with kitchens and all sanitary facilities. A veranda and hammock are practically standard features.
- MaiPenRai bungalows. Bungalow complex on Thansadet Beach.
- Tanumcho Garden, near the Chinese temple (Thongsala-Chaloklum road). Tel.: 66 (0)89 7236294. Nice and secluded bungalows with kitchen, bathroom, large terrace and internet; Seasonally with natural pool 500 Bath / day or 10,000 Bath / month.
- SeaEasta Beach. Modern bungalow complex with a restaurant and a very flat beach. Approx. € 25 per night (bungalow for 2 people).
kitchen
The quality of the restaurants on Ko Pha-ngan is generally very good. The prices compared to those on Ko Samui or in the other tourist destinations in Thailand, as well as the accommodation, are lower. Fish dishes are definitely recommended, as fish are delivered here practically directly from the fishing boats to the kitchens.
More about Thai cuisine can be found here: Thailand # kitchen.
security
Like Thailand as a whole, Ko Pha-ngan is a very safe travel destination and also safe for women traveling alone. A few Tipps:
- ValuablesAs everywhere in the world, do not leave them in the room or bungalow, but hand them in at the reception. Pickpocketing sometimes happens during the larger parties.
- Drugs avoid. First, for the obvious reason of health hazard - the psychiatric outpatient clinic in Surat Thani on the mainland hosts groups of people who could not handle the drugs they consumed after every Full Moon Party (see also Bad trip) - and in Thailand especially because drug possession is punished with severe penalties. "Magic mushrooms", ecstasy, LSD and hashish are, or more precisely were, partly relatively easy to access, especially at the Full Moon Party - but since the early 2000s the police have intensified their controls, including with plainclothes investigators.
- The Road traffic can easily overwhelm inexperienced riders with borrowed small motorcycles. Above all, the poor condition of the roads and the sometimes steep climbs mean that countless abrasions and many broken bones have to be treated every year in the Thong Salas and Haad Rins ambulances.
- There are no really dangerous insects or spiders on the island. There are up to 15 cm tall Thai corpses (Heteromorphus scaber, moderately toxic, not fatal), millipedes and sea urchins and jellyfish in the sea. The mosquitoes transmit no malaria, but there are isolated cases of Dengue fever. For protection, we recommend insect repellants, long pants and sleeves at dusk and sleeping under a mosquito net (usually available in every room and bungalow).
- Full moon parties are especially dangerous for women traveling alone. There are numerous reports of rape by locals and other travelers.
- Ride the moped is convenient, but causes by far the greatest number of tourist injuries on Ko Pha-ngan. Helmets are compulsory.
- Quarrel with locals is never a good idea. Remain friendly and calm, otherwise disputes can escalate very quickly.
- There are none on Ko Pha-ngan Tourist police.
climate
Ko Pha-ngan is located at 9 ° 45 'north latitude, i.e. in the tropics. The average annual temperature is around 27-28 ° Celsius. The monsoons usually hit the island from September to December, with most rainy days in September and November. During this time, the bays on the east and north sides are sometimes difficult or impossible to reach by sea, while the leeward west side is relatively protected. There can be short rains throughout the year, but they usually only last a few hours and the clouds clear the blue sky again after a few days. It is driest from February to April. Hottest, often over 30 ° C, from April to July.
trips
A compilation of the ferry connections from / to Ko Pha-ngan can be found here: Ferry Timetables.
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park. A group of about 40 islands in the west of the Samui Archipelago (Mu Ko Samui) which also includes Ko Pha-ngan. Excursions are organized by practically all travel agencies on Ko Pha-ngan. It became known as the setting for the novel The Beach (not of the film that is part of Ko Phi Phi was filmed in the Andaman Sea).
- Ko Samui. Located at the narrowest point only about 8 km south of Ko Pha-ngan, with beautiful beaches and a large number of accommodations in all price ranges, from luxury resorts that offer everything you can imagine from a tropical paradise to simple bungalows without running water on the beach. Pubs, bars and restaurants ensure the nightlife, during the day you can enjoy the sun on wide white sandy beaches, do water sports or visit the interior of the island. From Pha-ngan, Samui can be reached with various daily ferries from Thong Sala and Haad Rin. There are daily connections from the airport to Bangkok, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi and Singapore.
- Ko Tao. The northern neighboring island, which is only about 21 km² in size, can be reached daily by ferry from Thong Sala (see above: getting there), is considered to be one of the best diving spots in all South East Asia. The island is in front of it Ko Nang Yuan, a group of three very small islands connected by a sandbank at low tide.
- Malaysia. The ferry connections from Pha-ngan lead to Surat Thani in the southwest or Chumphon in the North. In the south, various national parks in the primeval forests of the Malay Peninsula can be visited. From there you can also take the bus to the west coast of the isthmus (Krabi) and from there to the islands Phuket, Ko Phi Phi or Ko Lanta. Further south the train leads to Malaysia and further to Singapore and Indonesia.
- In the north, the route takes you by train or bus via the town of Chumphon Bangkok and further to the north of Thailand (see also Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai).
literature
Web links
- Phangan Magazine - Information about life on Ko Pha-ngan and the National Park
- www.phangan.info
