Koh Phangan is evidently not the ideal vacation destination for seniors or families. Let’s face it: here we have one of the world’s most infamous party islands — hence, rather more suitable to the young clientele. Koh Phangan is located only 12 kilometers north of Koh Samui. You will get there by boat from e.g. Surat Thani or Chumphon. Most accommodation offerings are modest and uncostly. Obviously, which shouldn’t come as a surprise, large quantities of backpackers find their way out to the island.
Wild, Crazy and High Full Moon Parties
So, what is the most famous feature of THE Thai party island? That would undoubtedly be the Full Moon Parties. Should you decide to go to Koh Phangan during a full moon period, you will find yourself in the midst of a huge, psychedelic, wild and crazy never-ending rave party. The first full moon party on Koh Phangan was held more than 20 years ago, although slightly more modest in scale than today’s versions, often involving crowds of more than 10,000 participants.
It would be more than just a little dishonest claiming Koh Phangan belongs to the most conservative parts of Thailand. To put it more frankly, it is not particularly difficult to find most common party drugs here. Even if it goes without saying these digitally enlightened days, the not-that-great side effects are abounding on the island during the parties, so a rather big portion of caution is not out of sync. The full moon concept has been extended to a Half Moon Party as well as a Black Moon Party, to ensure there is a reason for having a party most of the time. The center of the moon-related parties is to be found at Haad Rin.
Non-Party Alternatives
As a matter of fact, almost 70 per cent of Koh Phangan is covered with mountains and tropical forests. The roads, if existing at all, are anything but great. Undeniably, Koh Phangan boasts more than 30 beaches, of which quite a few are desirable indeed. Haad Khuat, or Bottle Beach, would be an option for those having lost the desire of being 24/7 party animals during their stay on the island.
