Lush
Diverse
A beautiful introduction to the islands.
Koh Phangan was my first taste of the gorgeous islands I could look forward to in Thailand. Overall, I visited Koh Phangan, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Samui and Koh Tao.
We spent a few days here in Koh Phangan after arriving in Bangkok, but before beginning the TESOL program. For others doing the teach in Thailand thing, I’d actually recommend waiting to do excursions until after you’ve been living there for a little while. By then you’ll have a better feel for when you’re being ripped off, etc. 🙂 I got got many times on this trip, and later looked back thinking wait a minute…
It was a little cloudy when we went, but that never took away from the beauty.
We of course went to the Full Moon Party (twice actually…but more on the second time later). The hostel we stayed at, Ban Tai Backpackers, provided rides to and from the party and had a little pre-party in the downstairs lounge. So I’d recommend that place if the Full Moon Party is a central part of your plans.
But, honestly? I wouldn’t plan a whole trip around this event. It’s definitely a great time, but honestly didn’t live up to the hype for me. I had better nights out in Phuket and Bangkok!
Koh Phangan was probably my least favorite of all of the islands I visited…but it’s like comparing beautiful, gorgeous, and stunning. 🙂 Still loved it at the end of the day.
There’s something for everyone here; you’re always one motorboat ride away from another beach with a different vibe and a stunning view. Worth a visit!
♥
(photos by me)