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Introducing Ko Pha-Ngan
Ko Pha-Ngan is famous for its ability to party, attracting a crowd of nature lovers and shoestring wanderers – the kind of folks happy to sleep in a simple reed woven bungalow or in a hammock strung between two palms. Ko Samui’s rebellious little sister attracts backpackers like no other place in Thailand for its no-worries attitude and famous Full Moon parties. This is the kind of place where young revellers can slurp their booze buckets without interruption until dawn, then nurse terrible hangovers while snoozing on white hot sand.
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A half-hour boat ride north, 193-sq-km Ko Pha-Ngan boasts the same stupendous scenery found on Ko Samui, minus the glitz. The lack of an airport and relative absence of good roads have spared it from package-tour development, although the island is changing and one top-end resort has already set up shop. The view from the island’s most popular beach, Hat Rin, yields rows of rather ramshackle bungalows and colourfully painted beach bars. Long-tail boats float alongside lazy swimmers in the clear green water. And while there are comfortable air-conditioned places, you’ll have to look long and hard to find an in-room satellite TV or ornate furnishings.
Despite the throngs that flock here on a daily basis, Ko Pha-Ngan is a casual island with a sort of hippy fun-loving vibe, where backpackers still dominate the tourist trade. Those searching for a remote paradise can find it on many of the island’s secluded beaches, where simple huts are the only accommodation and nights are passed in a make-your-own-fun fashion. If you’re looking to party, as many coming to Ko Pha-Ngan are, head to Hat Rin, home of the legendary Full Moon parties, the biggest beach party in the world. Although nowadays it seems any phase of the moon is an excuse to get out the fire sticks, set up the mats on the sand and pump up the trance music – nightlife is huge here, and scantily clad revellers party on buckets of cheap Thai whisky on a regular basis.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
