Ko Pha Ngan
Gulf Island Known For The Full Moon Party At Haad Rin · Ko Pha Ngan, Surat Thani
Ko Pha Ngan is a hilly, jungle-covered island in the Gulf of Thailand, just north of Ko Samui and south of Ko Tao, known around the world for the Full Moon Party, an all-night beach party on Haad Rin at the island's southern tip held around each full moon, when thousands of travellers dance on the sand to rival sound systems until well after sunrise. Half Moon and jungle parties fill the nights in between. Yet most of the island is quiet: the north and east coasts have secluded bays such as Bottle Beach and the twin beaches of Thong Nai Pan, reached by steep roads or boat; the west coast around Sri Thanu is the centre of a large yoga, meditation and wellness scene; and the interior hides waterfalls such as Than Sadet, where Thai kings have carved their initials in the rock. Thong Sala is the main town and port, with ferries to Samui, Ko Tao and the mainland. Boats also run to Ang Thong marine park, and the islet of Ko Ma joins the island by a sandbar. The rainy season is roughly October to December.
Haad Rin, Ban Tai, Ko Pha Ngan, Surat Thani, 84280, Thailand
NO OPENING TIME HERE WAS CHECKED. The typical pattern: beaches are open at all hours; the Full Moon Party runs from about dusk to after dawn on or near the full moon, moved when it clashes with a Buddhist holiday; Half Moon and jungle parties run through the night on their own dates. Ferries to and from Samui and Ko Tao run from early morning to late afternoon or early evening, with the last boats often leaving by about 5 to 7 pm, extra boats around party nights, and fewer or cancelled sailings in rough weather. Thong Sala's night market opens daily in the evening and the walking street runs on Saturday evening. Than Sadet is best in daylight. The traps that ruin a day are a party date moved from the night you assumed, missing the last boat back to Samui, shops refusing alcohol outside legal hours and longtails cancelled to Bottle Beach in rough seas. Confirm current times before relying on them.