Koh Phangan's history starts more than 2000 years ago, the first visitors were Malaysian sailors and sea gypsies, coming from the Malaysian peninsula, but its history really began only 600 years ago with the arrival of a groups of monks, impressed by the energy of the island, they built the first temple and maintained the spiritual energy of the place for centuries. They were followed much later, just 200 years ago, by Chinese immigrants who settled here and made the trade of coconut and the exploitation of tin mines (Laem Son Lake).
But Koh Phangan's history is prestigious as its is directly linked to the royal family, and the locals are proud of it. Infact, far before the tourists, His Majesty the King Rama V (1868-1910) had discovered the splendor of Koh Phangan and did visit it 14 times, especially Than Sadet waterfall, where you can still see the Royal sign inprinted in rocks. Their Majesties Rama VI, Rama VII and Rama IX (His Majesty the King, who has reigned for more than 60 years, now) did also visit Koh Phangan several times.
But since 20 years, the island has become a favorite holiday destination and islanders have changed their traditional way of living to adopt the tourism rhythm. |
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Thong Sala is the administrative capital of the island. All public offices and banks are located there, as well as the piers for the boats and ferries departing for Koh Samui, Koh Tao and the mainland. The VIP bus 99 also leaves from there. It is located in the south west, 15 km from Haad Rin and 10 km from Chaloklum.
Check our special page on transport to Koh Phangan to have information on the companies and all the timetables.
If you want to go shopping, this is the best place to do it on Koh Phangan. The shops are similar to those in Haad Rin, but less expensive. The daily
market takes place here as well, and many resorts come to buy their supplies. This is a daytime shopping area and in the evening the businesses close quite early (except for a few bars). Check our
column on Shopping in Koh Phangan for more information on the subject.
This is also a great spot to catch a beautiful sunset.
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Koh Phangan is blessed with beautiful beaches all along its coastline. Apart from the long beaches of Bantai and Bankai in the south-west, most
of the others beaches of Phangan are small or medium coves, like the famous Haad Rin or the secluded Thong nai pan. Wherever they are, long or small, all are white
sanded. Each is different from another and have its own charm. Check our special page about Beaches of Koh Phangan to have infos about them, their location and photos....
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Koh Phangan offers now a wide variety of accommodation from more simple to more sophisticated, on the beach or in the jungle, discover you holiday spot depending on your mood and your budget.
Even if times have changed since the first hippies have discovered Koh Phangan, the island is still far from the level of development Samui is. Here, the growth is slower and you can still find (for how long ?) bungalows in the same state they were 15 years ago as well as the easy life that goes with.
But don't worry, as Koh Phangan is "All-styles", it will be as easy to find a 2 to 3 dollars hut in family bungalows on the beach as a few tens dollars cottage by the swimming pool of one of the luxury resorts with AC, cable TV, and all facilities, recently opened in Ban Tai, Haad Rin, Haad Salad, Haad Yao or Thong Nai Pan.
Once in Koh Phangan you can walk along the beach to make your choice of the bungalow that suits you or decide right now and Pick your holiday accommodation among our selection of fine beach bungalows and resorts and even book online with our credit card secured payment system.
To do so, just check our special page Hotels & Bungalows in Koh Phangan.
If you prefer to stay in your own home instead of hotels, there are now many houses for rent in koh phangan, on the beach, with seaview or under the coconuts. For our selection, check our special page house rental on Koh Phangan
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