Koh Phangan is a beautiful island on the East coast of Thailand just over two hours by boat from Surat Thani town on
the mainland and covers some 190 square kilometers in area. Koh Samui is located just south of Koh Phangan and is a
twenty minute catamaran ride. The international airport is then ten minutes from the catamaran ferry terminal by
minibus. There are also several ferry lines between these two great islands and the airport at Surat Thani can be
reached by boat and bus. Koh Phangan used to be a back packers destination as party people from all over the world
flocked to the full moon party. These days we see couples, families and many different types of tourists enjoying their
stay - a trend which is intensifying each year. Click here to view pictures of Koh Phangan

Thong Sala

The main town on Koh Phangan is the port of Thong Sala, located on the West coast. This is a busy shopping area with
many restaurants, banks, markets, Thai boxing schools, Thai cooking schools and bars. A hub of activity.

Route A - The Road North from Thong Sala along the Coast to Haad Yao Click here to view a pop out map of Koh Phangan

Moving north from Thong Sala along the coast the road climbs the headland and there are stunning views out to small
islands and a sand bar which is visible at low tide. The bay here is called Ao Hin Kong and Ao Wok Tum and is divided
by a stream that feeds the sea - hence the two names. As the road descends there is beach front land which runs for a
couple of miles along the coast. Here the water at low tide is marshy, the view very photogenic and the land behind the
beach flat and spacious. The road climbs and we pass the small coved beaches of Haad Chao Phao, Ao Srithanu and
Haad Son and then descend to Haad Yao where you will find a beautiful and busy golden beach.

Route B -The New Road North from Thong Sala parallel to the Coast and onto Chalok Lam Bay

This road shows very little development and there is an amazing sense of nature driving through the trees and fields.
There are outcrops of shops and on the early part of the road the land is flat. It is set back from the sea and only in a
few areas is the sea visible from this route. There are turnings to the left taking you to the coast road. As you reach
Haad Thian, Haad Kruad, Haad Salat and Haad Mae Haad there are steeper roads down to the coast. Haad Salat is a
quiet beach best reached by boat although cars can get through and MaeHaad is just extremely beautiful - a golden
beach connected by a sandbar to a rocky small island called Koh Ma. . The island road is safe if a bit winding and the
views are spectacular - particularly coming over the hill and first seeing the mountains surrounding the Chalok Lam bay
area at the very north of the island.

From Chalok Lam a boat can take you to the hidden Bottle Beach which is in accessible by road or drive through to Haad
Khom a smaller beach location just over the headland from Chalok Lam Bay.

Route C- The Road North from Thong Sala through the Centre of the Island to Chalok Lam Bay

This is an old road, full of holes but with amazing views of the mountains. The road is currently being rebuilt and about
half has been completed so far at a cost of 70 million baht. As the road leaves the town there is a national park on the
right with a stream and water fall. The road climbs in the centre of the island to the summit with Chalok Lam Bay in
front of you. There is a Chinese and a Thai temple set in the hillside surroundings on your left and as Chalok Lam is
approached there is an Elephant Safari attraction.

Route D -The Road South of Thong Sala to Haad Rin

From Thong Sala south there is a thirty minute drive to the party beach of Haad Rin (world famous for the full moon
party). There are several great beaches along this stretch - Baan Tai, Baan Kai. Haad Rin Nok and Haad Rin Nai with
miles and miles of sandy beach, bungalows and resorts spread throughout. From this stretch of coast the island of Koh
Samui is fully visible - fantastic views and brilliant sunsets. The road from Thong Sala to Haad Rin is a main
thoroughfare- the busiest road on the island with shops, bars and many businesses springing up on a daily basis. From
the road it is a three minute walk to the beach where most resorts feature a bar and restaurant area. Just off the main
road you will find two temples - one with great views of the island and the other which enjoys festival at
various times of the year.

As Baan Kai is approached the terrain becomes hillier on the left and the road from Baan Kai to Haad Rin is steep,
winding and care is needed to traverse it. Along the road the sea views are amazing - looking over to Koh Samui and
back along the Phangan coast from height. These properties tend be located on sharply sloping land.

Haad Rin itself is a thriving resort that has grown hugely over the past twenty years. The main bay is simply stunning
with resorts backing onto the beach. Often criticized for over development Land is at a premium here. This is a real
party place - ideal for insomniacs.

Route E - The Eastern Side of Koh Phangan

Other beautiful resorts on the east of the island such as Tong Nai Pan take some ninety minutes to reach by jeep from
Thong Sala but are well worth the trek. Hidden resorts such as Than Sadet feature beautiful waterfalls and have the
Kings' initials carved upon the rocks. There are also many beautiful coves only reachable by boat - Haad Yao (not to be
confused with its namesake on the opposite coast), Haad Wai Nam, Haad Thian and Haad Yuan.

To get to these destinations on Route D - the road south from Thong Sala there is a left turning just before the Haad Rin
road gets steep. A newly built road leads to the top of the mountain and from here there are basic country roads that
take you to your destination.

As the sea is reached there are beautiful bays such as Thong Noi Pan which is promoted as a family retreat - a trend
that is now seen all over the island.

Amenities and Utilities

There are plenty of banks in Thong Sala and there is one Western Union office. Dotted around the island are many ATM
cash points - usually next to the 7-11 retail outlets which are plentiful. The main post office is based in Thong Sala with
a sub post office at Haad Rin.

There is a local hospital which is the equivalent of an accident and emergency facility with larger hospitals based on Koh
Samui.

Communications are very good with high speed internet available in many places. There is power cabling available in
most locations.

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