Koh Phangan Vacations, Koh Phangan Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Koh Phangan Vacation Guide

For the most part, Koh Phangan is a verdant, hilly, palm-tree-coated tropical paradise set in the flickering rays of the beautiful gulf of Thailand, but it will forever be known for one thing: parties. If Pinocchio’s magic island had really existed, this would be it, except for a far more adult audience. Think buckets of over-strength alcohol, clubs that go on all night and open again for breakfast in the morning, beaches full of hung-over students trying (and failing) to catch Frisbees and long dirt roads that are home to nothing except places to sleep and a long, busy line of clubs.

The full moon party (and it’s three commercial cousins) are undoubtedly the major draw, and the monthly trance-heavy events can lead to accommodation shortages (sleep on the beach, and keep a room locked on Koh Samui), massive overcrowding and the kind of decadence most have never seen before. Expect thumping trance music to dominate the night, which is also littered with spinning poi, cheers as the sun comes up and a beach full of ravers who just keep going until well after the following lunch time. The few days before and after are nothing more than a warm up or cool down for the big event, which could barely be more important in trance music circles, and even features a floating off shore bar (don’t be tempted to swim after drinking – people die this was almost every month).

Of course, there is another side to Koh Phangan: the beautiful, well-stocked and sane part of the island makes up a high percentage, and is home to sputtering waterfalls, epic hikes and plenty in the way of villages that stay well away from the relentless party scene. Even so, the nearby islands of Koh Tao and Koh Samui are arguably better options if you’re not looking for late night binge drinking or pulsing trance music.

Welcome to a party that you’ll be talking about for years, and suffering from for weeks. Trust us, you wouldn’t want it any other way.