Getting to Koh Phangan

There is no airport on Koh Phangan.  There are many travelers whose only time spent in Koh Samui is to wait for a Koh Phangan bound ferry at Big Buddha pier which is very close to the airport.  There are other points of embarkation to Koh Phangan including points along mainland Thailand but the easiest for most people is to fly into Samui Airport and book the ferry.

There are a couple different companies offering a trip from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan so it is important you know their schedules according to your itineraries.  I took a standard boat with what seemed to be a hundred or so fellow travelers on it.  It was the standard island transport boat which had indoor and outdoor seating, a small snack bar and bathroom facilities.  The trip from Samui to Phangan takes around 30 minutes unless you book a private speedboat which costs a ridiculous 7000+ baht.

There are a few different piers on each island in which you can get from Samui to Phangan and vice versa.  I took the ferry from Big Buddha pier to Thong Sala pier which is in the center of Phangan.

Upon arrival you will no doubt see non-stop reminders of what Koh Phangan is famous for.  There are signs advertising the full moon and associated parties everywhere.  It is nothing like Koh Samui’s over development induced signage overload but you will notice them even in Thong Sala which is about an hour drive away from Haad Rin Nok beach on Southeastern Phangan which is the home of the infamous Full Moon Party.

After arriving on Thong Sala pier there are beautiful deserted beaches and fishing boats to the right and the town is directly in front.  There is nowhere to get lost as if you walk straight you will see numerous stores.

You have several transportation options after your arrival.  I saw many young travelers who I assume were on their way to Haad Rin the town/beach of the Full Moon Party getting in the back of ’sawng teeo’ which are pick-up trucks converted to taxis with 2 benches lining their bed.

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Source: koh Phangan Snorkel Salad Beach コパンガン サラダビーチで ...

Koh Phangan is at least ten years behind Samui in terms of development, which lends the island a lot of charm, and some would say it's more picturesque than Samui itself. The main tourist beach Had Rin is busiest on Full Moon nights, but is well worth a visit the rest of the month too for its chaotic jumble of bars, clubs, restaurants and handicraft shops.

Source: Koh Phangan Full Moon Party Thailand | Product Reviews, Best Price ...

Bangkok–12 May–Best Western International

Best Western International – The World’s Largest Hotel Chain? – has signed on its newest resort in Thailand and in doing so, also added a new destination to its growing portfolio around the Kingdom. Following a renovation project, the Phanganburi Resort & Spa on Koh Phangan is set to open in November 2010. “Our newest resort is ideal for party-goers who want to enjoy a peaceful sanctuary after a wild night. The Best Western brand is the perfect match for the resort, as the market to Phangan seeks comfortable and affordable, value-for-money resorts. Best Western International’s standards will also position the property well to entice guests from Germany, France, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Israel, Australia and the US which are the main markets to Phangan,” commented Best Western International’s Senior Manager for International Development — Asia, Mr. Rashane Sala-Ngarm.

Source: Thainy – Thailand Blog » Best Western International Adds a New ...

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