Koh Phangan - Ibiza of the Orient
As Koh Samui has gradually succumbed to mainstream tourism, Koh Phangan remains the most popular backpackers island in the Gulf of Thailand. Covering an area of around 190 square kilometers, its mountainous terrain is covered in dense jungle, with granite outcrops scattered around the coast. There are plenty of beaches – although they tend to be small, secluded bays rather than the long, sweeping white beaches which characterize Koh Samui.
Most of Koh Phangan is 8,000 residents live in and around the main port of Thong Sala. For most visitors Thong Sala is a transit point to elsewhere on the island. On arrival, you'll find a large number of Longtail boats waiting to transport visitors to the various beach resorts.
Longtails are the way to travel around Koh Phangan for the simple reason that the road system appalling, consisting as it does largely of deeply rutted dirt tracks which are hazardous at the best of times and positively lethal after rainfall.
It was not until the inauguration of the island's famous Full Moon parties in the '80s that travelers began arriving in large numbers. Clubbers and ravers stayed on, earning Koh Phangan its reputation as the 'Ibiza of the Orient' but there is also a well established alternative scene, with Tai Chi, meditation, open-air yoga and other New Age pursuits. Most of these activities are centered on the two Haad Rin beaches on the southeast coast.
Diving around Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan, like Koh Samui, is a good departure point for the sites at the northern end of the Angthong Marine National Park. A few excursions per day run to the local sites around Koh Tao. It takes about 3 hours to reach Koh Tao's southern sites.
Visibility around the island averages only 4 meters, with the highest expectancy being 25 meters. Visibility tends to be better between the months of May and October.
Marine life around the reefs is fair, but the sites are seldom visited by pelagics. There are occasional sightings of small juvenile reef sharks, turtles and rays. Only small coral colonies and boulders are found.
|
