Travel to Asia

Ko Pha-Ngan is one of the 3 islands that makes up the Ko Samui Archipelago and is home to over 10,000 people. This population is, however, enhanced almost year round by budget travellers. The fact that there is no airport means that mass tourism has not fully arrived and there is a distinct lack of top end hotels. With a youthful clientele this means that the islands main centres are throbbing with life 24 hours a day.
Ko Pha-Ngan lies in the gulf of Thailand and means lots of different things to a lot of different people. The most common perception of Ko Pha-Ngan is that of the infamous party destination and to a large extent a visit there will doubtless include many a wild night. But Ko Pha-Ngan has a lot more to offer. Some of the beaches are amongst Thailand’s finest and if you venture beyond Hat Rin in the south east there is many a quiet oasis in which to set up your hammock.

Once considered much cheaper than its bigger neighbour Ko Samui, prices on the island have steadily increased and if you’re coming straight from Bangkok you notice the hike straight away. Incidentally getting from Bangkok is simplicity itself, many of the travel agents on Khao San road offer a bus/boat deal that takes you from the capital to the island for as little as 450 baht (12 euro). The trip takes about 17 hours altogether. The first leg is an overnight VIP bus trip to the ferry pickup in Surit Thani and is surprisingly comfortable.
The journey by catamaran to the island affords brilliant views of the archipelago and downstairs they even show videos. There are many touts on board offering accommodation available on the island but you would probably be better served checking out places first. Much of the accommodation on offer are for beach huts outside of Hat Rin, it seems this place sells itself.

Getting from Thong Sala where the boat docks couldn’t be easier. For 50 baht local taxi’s make the journey to Hat Rin in less than 20 minutes. And what a incredible rollercoaster trip it is.