Ko Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan, เกาะพะงัน) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand. It is famous for its full moon party at Haad Rin Beach and as a backpackers destination. Ko Pha Ngan has two sister islands: Ko Samui in the South and Ko Tao in the North.
History
The Bronze Drum of Dongson Culture (500BC - 100BC) that was found on Ko Samui in 1977 is evidence that there were settlements of people on Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and their islets from more than two thousand years ago. Some historians and archaeologists believe that the first group who migrated to Ko Pha Ngan were the Muslim sea Gypsies (Pygmy, Semung, and Proto-Malay) who travelled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. However, nowadays there are few Muslims who live on the island. The name of Ko Pha Ngan comes from the word 'Ngan', the southern dialect meaning 'sand bar', for there are many sand bars offshore around the island.
Administration
Ko Pha Ngan together with Ko Tao forms the district (amphoe) Ko Pha Ngan. The district is subdivided into three communes (tambon):
Attractions
As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Ko Pha Ngan serves as the perfect getaway retreat, where one may go relaxing on quiet deserted beaches, snorkelling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Ko Ma, trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture, or seeking adventure in the nearby Ang Thong archipelago composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai. Ko Pha Ngan has over 250 resorts to choose from, ranging from the budget 80 Baht a night beach hut without private toilet to luxury air-conditioned accommodation with private swimming pool.
It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon parties and a hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers, budget tourists and aging hippies are beginning to give way to families and more mainstream tourists but the beaches are still beautiful and undeveloped. The full moon party scene still runs with a cast of thousands in high season - all on the beach. Hedonists everywhere still flock to the world's biggest beach party every month. The music from the multiple sound systems is mostly ear-splittingly loud trance and house, and a predominantly youthful crowd dance 'til dawn on party nights. This may not be to everyone's taste, certainly, but it's definitely a unique cultural experience. Other events such as the Half Moon Party and Black Moon Party also attract large crowds. However, it is still possible to visit the island and avoid the full moon party altogether, with dozens of quiet, secluded resorts and beach huts dotted all over the island for a variety of prices. Many of the more costly resorts offer such facilities as daily yoga, yoga teachers' training, meditation, a variety of healing, healthy & natural therapies, spa massage & pampering services and herbal steam rooms.
Other activities available on the island include scuba diving with a number of companies offering very reasonably priced training courses and excursions, snorkelling, especially off the Mae Haad sandbar in the north west, wakeboarding, archery, fishing, walks in the national park or simply relaxing in the company of other farangs or the friendly locals.
Trivia
Ko Pha Ngan was featured in Alex Garland's 1997 novel The Beach. Some observers and critics contend the depiction was unrealistic, creating a negative image of Pha Ngan as a tourist trap.
Ko Pha Ngan is also mentioned in the song Magick by new rave band Klaxons', but probably more as a reference to the 1997 novel The Beach than the island itself.
See also
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