Overview
Take a trip to Koh Pha Ngan on your Thailand Vacation
Koh Pha Ngan is an island found in Southeast Thailand. Located in the Gulf of Thailand, in Surat Thani Province, Koh Pha Ngan is situated between two sister islands – the larger Koh Samui to the south and Koh Tao to the north.
Covering an area of 168 sq km, Koh Pha Ngan is a land of coconut trees, white sand beaches, and a mountainous interior, with the largest peak, Khao Ra sitting at 620 metres.
More than half of Koh Pha Ngan is designated as a national park, and 82 sq km consists of rainforests, with plenty of flora and fauna, allowing for deep sea diving and snorkelling on a Thailand vacation.
Koh Pha Ngan, along with its sister islands and nearby islets, were thought to have been discovered many centuries ago by Muslim sea gypsies who came by boat from the Malay Peninsula. Koh Pha Ngan had since become a longtime favourite destination for past Thai kings, including King Rama V, who visited Koh Pha Ngan 14 times during his reign.
Koh Pha Ngan is famous for its Full Moon Party, an electronic dance music festival held every month at the full moon in Haad Rin, at the island’s south end. This, along with other regular dance parties held during the month, attracts many backpackers to Koh Pha Ngan on trips to Thailand, some of whom also visit the island for its thriving retreat and meditation industry. In fact, many Buddhist temples can be found on the island.
Koh Pha Ngan has also started offering more family-friendly tourist experiences, further promoting the island’s natural attractions, including water activities, adventure tours and various elephant camps.
With so many attractions offered by this island and only 15km from Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan makes an ideal day or stopover excursion for those looking for a fun and relaxing experience on Thailand tours.
Koh Pha Ngan is famous for its Full Moon Party, an electronic dance music festival held every month at the full moon in Haad Rin, at the island’s south end. This, along with other regular dance parties held during the month, attracts many backpackers to Koh Pha Ngan on trips to Thailand, some of whom also visit the island for its thriving retreat and meditation industry. In fact, many Buddhist temples can be found on the island.
Koh Pha Ngan has also started offering more family-friendly tourist experiences, further promoting the island’s natural attractions, including water activities, adventure tours and various elephant camps.
With so many attractions offered by this island and only 15km from Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan makes an ideal day or stopover excursion for those looking for a fun and relaxing experience on Thailand tours.
At a Glance
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ThaiCurrency
Thai Baht (THB)What do the experts say?
Thailand is a friendly destination with fun & warm people, great food, and impressive cultural and beach experiences. Simply wandering neighbourhoods, visiting temples, shops & viewpoints, and eating at local restaurants are what I enjoy most when visiting Thailand. The south of Thailand is a special location with beautiful scenery and a seemingly laid back lifestyle, so visiting this area is always a special and memorable experience.
The experience of travelling from island to island on longtail boats in the south of Thailand is something that still resonates with me after many years.
For families, visiting a sustainable community in Koh Yao Yai can bring the trip to life with local interaction. For honeymooners, personalizing memorable experiences with special menus, in-room dining and more can really elevate the experience for Goway guests.
All the people that I met at the hotel, restaurants, and parks were always smiling at me. I can feel that they are grateful to all international tourists. A Thai smile inspires me most and makes me want to revisit.
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