Koh Pha Ngan is one of three small islands of the Samui Archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand. This group of islands consist of Koh Samui the biggest and most developed island, Koh Pha Ngan the smaller backpacker island, and Koh Tao the smallest island most popular for it's scuba diving. Koh Pha Ngan is much more than just a backpacker party haven which hosts the famous Full Moon Party. Koh Pha Ngan is a very unique and special place and it scores very well on my World Travel Scale from 1-5.
Travel Score = 4.5
Affordability= 5
Food= 5
Culture = 4
Safety = 4
Hotel Value= 5
Activities = 4
Transportation = 2.5
Koh Pha Ngan rates high in affordability. Thailand in general rates very high in affordability. With a range of products from bottled water to grilled pork sticks for under 40 cents, you'll see your money going a long way. Even your flight from Bangkok to this area of the country can be purchased for as little as $25 US from Nok Air.
The hotels and hostels are equally impressive when it comes to value and affordability. I enjoyed staying at Coral Bungalows; a beach front resort with swimming pool, restaurant, bar, and even their own bamboo massage room. For $7.50 for a private fan bungalow you can't go wrong! All throughout the island you can find hostels offering up a bed in a dorm for as little as two dollars!
The food in Koh Pha Ngan like in most of the country is Thai food. If you like Thai food you will be one very happy camper. Prices in most restaurants and street stalls range between $1.25 and $3.00. There are many restaurants specializing in seafood, Italian, Indian, and Israeli cuisine. Enjoying a freshly caught seafood dinner on the beach offers a very romantic evening for any couple.
Transportation on the island does not match the value that you would expect when compared to other aspects of life in Koh Pha Ngan. The safest way of getting around the island is by taxi and taxi boat. The taxis here are outfitted pick-up trucks. They have very set prices and negotiating doesn't get you far. To go from the south coast to the north coast of the island takes about 40 minutes and will cost you approximately $15. Not bad compared to western prices, but in the city of Bangkok this would cost you about half as much.
The most convenient way of getting around the island is also the most dangerous. Renting a motor bike for $7.50 a day is what many people do, this gives you freedom to explore and see the island at your own pace. They don't ask for a license, you don't need any motor bike experience, many roads are steep and of poor quality, and they drive on the left side of the road.
Unfortunately many tourist die each year thinking they're invincible before getting on a bike. You can see tourist all over the place with road rash and worse. They even have clinics set up all throughout the island to bandage the wounded. In my three weeks there I saw dozens of people injured from motor bike accidents and listened to one story after another. My friend Thomas from the Czech Republic almost died, as his bike fell on top of him, punctured an artery near his foot and he almost bled out on the side of the road!
The Thai culture is Buddhist and very warm and friendly. Culturally the island has been watered down a bit with it's pro party tourist influence, but overall it is Thailand and they don't call it the Land of Smiles for nothing. The people here seemingly do not have much in terms of financial wealth but they are very rich in spirit and seem to always be in a friendly mood. Throughout the island you can find beautiful temples and monuments highlighting their Buddhist religion.
The island is very safe if you make good decisions. On that note, there are plenty of young poor decision makers coming here to have a good time. Besides wrecking yourself on a motor bike, many partake in an alcohol and drug fueled party scene. Being home of the Full Moon Party attracts the young backpacker/tourist looking to have an exciting night. Unfortunately about six people each year die during this party due to drug overdose, drowning, or some other kind of accident. Petty theft and other crimes are often a non issue on the island but it's always wise to take precaution.
Koh Pha Ngan is full of fun activities to keep you busy during your entire stay. There are different kinds of island tours, over a dozen awesome beaches to explore, hiking to waterfalls, elephants to ride through the jungle, snorkeling, kayaking, wake boarding, kite surfing, deep sea fishing, and many cool bars and restaurants to go too that offer spectacular views.
Koh Pha Ngan is home to the Full Moon Party which fills up the island for about 5 days each month, resulting in every hotel raising their prices at this time. The Full Moon Party is basically an MTV spring break party fest with thousands partying until the sun comes up on Haad Rin Beach. All sorts of drugs and alcohol make their way to the hands of party goers. This all sets the stage for one crazy scene. Some people come to the island just for this, and others leave just before it begins!
Overall Koh Pha Ngan is a total gem of a travel destination and has excellent weather almost year round to compliment it's many gorgeous beaches. With smart decision making skills you'll have a great time here, enjoy great food, and not even have to worry about your budget. The Island of Koh Pha Ngan gets two big thumbs up and I highly recommend a visit!
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