Hedonism in Paradise (Koh Phangan (Thailand))

Member Name: mr_dead

Product:	Koh Phangan (Thailand)
Date:	11/06/09 (23 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great nightlife in a beautiful place

Disadvantages: a bit too much like a holiday resort

Koh Phangan - Home to backpackers, expats and Thai's alike. also home to the world famous Full moon party. The thing with Koh Phangan is that due to many years of being the alternative place to go it has become more and more like its larger neighbour, Koh Samui, a lot more commercial.

However, don't be put off by this. It is still home to beautiful mountains, beaches and has many like-minded backpackers as people looking for a break away. The island has almost everything you need.

The island becomes busier and busier towards the time of the full moon as Koh Phangan is home to the world famous Full Moon Parties, which are held on Had Rin Beach. This is a massive beach party held on a crescent shaped beach on the south east of the island. The beach is filled with 9-10 different stages / sound systems which play various types of music (mainly dance music). The event attracts 25000-30000 people each time and is certainly something not to miss.

If you are not into Hedonism and prefer things a little quieter, there are quieter beaches than Haad Rin beach (which at times can look alittle like Majorca). Haad Salad is a beach on the north west of the island which is quite peaceful as well as having lots of spots to scuba dive / snorkel in and you are never far away from jet ski's etc.

You may ask what the difference between this place and any other med beach resort is. Well the difference is that there is still a large amount of the Thai culture that remains on this island. For example there are many buddhist temples on the island, in Thongsala (where the main ferry port is from the island) there is a traditional Thai food market cooking everything you can imagine.

The one downside to this island is that the comforts of home are never too far away which for some people is not what they would choose to spend £700 on a holiday for. One of the other islands may be a little more suitable for this type of person.

I love the place though...

Summary: Love it