ThailandThis article has been translated from Russian language using an artificial intelligence-based translation algorithm. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the quality of the translation. You can read the original of this article in Russian here, and ask questions on the topic of our travel forum in English here.
General information about O. Phangan
Koh Phangan in Thailand (also Phangan, English Ko Pha Ngan / Koh Phangan) is one of the popular tourist islands in the Gulf of Thailand in Thailand. Phangan is very close to its more popular and slightly larger neighbor – Koh Samui (the position of Phangan Island on the map of Thailand). Both islands are separated by only 8 kilometers, and Phangan is about 45 kilometers from the mainland. The island's area is 125 square kilometers, which is one and a half times smaller than Koh Samui's neighbor and almost four times smaller than Phuket Island. Most of the island's territory (about 70%) is mountainous (the mountains are not high at all), covered with dense tropical jungles. The rest of the island is beaches and fields.
Russian tourists rarely consider Phangan Island as an independent resort, but rather look at it and another neighboring island of Tao (Ko Tao) as an addition to a holiday on Koh Samui, from where on Phangan, "outings" are made in the form of diving and snorkeling excursions, as well as Full Moon Party parties. Tourist vouchers to the island of Phangan from Russia are not very widely represented. Nevertheless, Phangan Island is a full-fledged independent resort with its own characteristics and an atmosphere different from others Resorts in Thailand. The island is especially popular among young people from all over the world.
The island offers its guests excellent beaches, which are more "wild" than the sleek and gentrified beaches of neighboring Koh Samui or the same Phuket. Phangan is also one of the best places in Thailand for diving and snorkeling. The situation on the island as a whole is much calmer and in most places resembles a village, and on some beaches there is no tourist infrastructure at all.
Of course, Phangan is somewhat inferior in popularity, facilities and attractions of Koh Samui. But there is something in it that makes some tourists come back here, and not to Koh Samui. The atmosphere on Phangan is different than on Koh Samui. It is not so tourist, you can even say a little "hip", youth.
If you are a lover of a good rest at any time of the day (including at night), then this is the perfect place to relax. Phangan is famous for its lunar parties Full Moon Party, which traditionally take place on the new moon, that is, once a month, at Had Rin Beach. At this time, crowds of young people flock here, and Full Moon Party is highly regarded among all the most famous parties in the world. You can come off to the fullest under the huge moon, feeling the fresh breeze and feeling the atmosphere of the event. Such a party lasts about three days, so you won't be bored. Also, fans will enjoy the traditional "alcohol buckets" at Phangan parties. By the way, there are three types of such parties: Full Moon Party, Half Moon Party and Black Moon Party, although Full Moon remains the most popular and popular. For the Full Moon Party schedule, see below.
If you do not want to hear the noise of young people having fun, then in Phangan you can easily hide on one of the many beaches of the island, in places far from civilization to complete the exotic effect. After all, the rest of the time from parties, Phangan is the benchmark for a secluded holiday, with an azure sea and the beauty of virgin nature. You will be able to fully enjoy the regularity of rest on the island, which has already become a rarity on the more popular islands of Thailand. You can hide under the shade of coconut palms, sheltering from the sultry sun, and walk barefoot along the sandy shores, which spread like a snow-white shawl along the sea. A variety of vegetation and flowers give a certain touch of romanticism to rest on this island. You will also have the opportunity to plunge into the national atmosphere of Thailand, strolling through the island's bars in the evenings, and traditionally relaxing on Thai mats.
Phangan translates as a sandy strip. When you watch the tides, you will be able to notice the numerous sandy islets that protect the island from the monsoon. It is noteworthy that you can relax on Phangan in Thailand at any time of the year, because the climate is always very favorable.
For lovers of exotic holidays, there is an opportunity to try yourself in diving among the surroundings of the island. Phangan also attracts fans of snorkeling. The gorgeous variety of marine flora and fauna is sure to leave unforgettable sensations in your heart. In your free time from relaxing on the beach, you can visit the island's national park, which is famous for its waterfalls. You will be able to see with your own eyes a Chinese temple and an elephant village. After such an acquaintance with the sights, you can resort to a boat trip through the picturesque places of Phangan. And thanks to the proximity of Phangan to the island of Koh Samui, you can expand your excursion program and get acquainted with the sights of Koh Samui.
In your free time, you can do shopping on Phangan. Of course, here you will not find a variety of shopping centers, but in countless shops you can buy a lot of interesting sea souvenirs, including the "branded" souvenir of Phangan – a handmade hammock.
By the way, Phangan is also famous for a huge number of tattoo parlors, which are always filled with visitors.
Often, guests of Phangan love a comprehensive vacation: they do yoga, have fun kiteboarding on the expanse of a sandbar, do trekking through the jungle and take incredible boat trips.
If you are ready to travel to Phangan, then you can find information on our website:
- how to get to Phangan
- hotels and beaches of Phangan Island
- sights of Phangan
- how to get from Koh Samui to Phangan
- Phangan Island map
Phangan weather, tourist seasons
Koh Phangan is a year–round resort. It is warm and cozy here all year round, but it should also be said about the features. There are two rainy seasons on Phangan, in which visiting the island is not as good as the rest of the year.
Rainy season (low season) takes place here from September to December. The rainiest months are October and November, and in December the amount of precipitation is already declining, and in the middle of the month the weather is already quite comfortable. Another rainy season falls in April-June. And although there is not so much precipitation at this time and there are plenty of sunny days, but at this time the water level is also low. In addition, during this period, the water in the sea does not become completely clean. For sunbathing and participating in the Full Moon Party, this is not a hindrance at all, but for those who like to swim, it is better to refrain from relaxing on the island at this time.
Dry season (high season) runs from December to March and in July-August. This is the best time to visit the island for both beach holidays and entertainment. If you have to choose the time of visiting the island, it is better to choose one of these periods.
Seasons in Phangan by month, when is the best time to go
| Jan | Feb | March | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
* the best time to visit;
acceptable time to visit;
not recommended time to visit
Phangan weather schedule by month, when is the best time to go
Phangan weather and forecast
Phangan Time
The time difference between Phangan Island and Moscow is +4 hours in winter and summer.
| Москва: +4 | Самара: +3 |
| Казань: +4 | Нижний Новгород: +4 |
| Екатеринбург: +2 | Новосибирск: 0 |
| Иркутск: -1 | Владивосток: -3 |
Full Moon Party Schedule
- 13 January 2025 (Monday)
- 13 February 2025 (Thursday) Full Moon phase on 12 February coinciding with Makha Bucha day
- 13 March 2025 (Thursday)
- 12 April 2025 (Saturday)
- 12 May 2025 (Monday) Full Moon phase on 11 May coinciding with Visakha Bucha day
- 10 June 2025 (Tuesday)
- 12 July 2025 (Saturday) Full Moon phase on 10 July coinciding with Asalha Puja day, and 11 July is the Buddhist Lent.
- 9 August 2025 (Saturday)
- 7 September 2025 (Sunday)
- 8 October 2025 (Wednesday) Full Moon phase on 10 July coinciding with the end of Buddhist Lent.
- 5 November 2025 (Wednesday) Loy Kratong day.
- 5 December 2025 (Friday)
- 31 December 2025 (Wednesday) New Years 2026 Countdown Party
You can always find the current Full Moon Party schedule here