Koh Phangan
Ko Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan, Thai: เกาะพะงัน) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand. Ko Pha Ngan has two sister islands: the larger Ko Samui to the south and the smaller Ko Tao to the north.
* Area: about 168 km²
* Estimated perimeter: 50 km EST. (10hrs average walking time)
* Province: Surat Thani
* From mainland: about 55 km
* From Ko Samui: about 15 km
* From Ko Tao: about 35 km
* Population: 11,846 (2004)
* Main town: Thong Sala
History
The Bronze Drum of Dongson Culture (500BC - 100BC) that was found on Ko Samui in 1977 is evidence that there were settlements of people on Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and their islets from more than two thousand years ago. Some historians and archaeologists believe that the first group who migrated to Ko Pha Ngan were the Muslim sea Gypsies (Pygmy, Semung, and Proto-Malay) who travelled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. However, nowadays there are few Muslims who live on the island. The name of Ko Pha Ngan comes from the word 'Ngan', the southern dialect meaning 'sand bar', for there are many sand bars offshore around the island.
Administration
Ko Pha Ngan together with Ko Tao forms the district (amphoe) Ko Pha Ngan. The district is subdivided into three subdistricts (tambon):
1. Ko Pha-ngan เกาะพะงัน
2. Ban Tai บ้านใต้
3. Ko Tao เกาะเต่า
Originally the island was administrated from Ko Samui district. The minor district (King Amphoe) Ko Pha Ngan was established on October 1 1970, then consisting of the two tambon Ko Pha Ngan and Ban Tai. It was upgraded to a full district on April 12 1977.
Parts of the tambon Ko Pha Ngan and Ban Tai form the township (thesaban tambon) Ko Pha Ngan. There are further three Tambon administrative organizations (TAO).
Attractions
As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Ko Pha Ngan serves as the perfect getaway retreat, where one may go relaxing on quiet deserted beaches, snorkeling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Ko Ma, trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture, or seeking adventure in the nearby Ang Thong archipelago composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai.
It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon parties and a hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers and budget tourists are beginning to give way to families and more mainstream tourists as all the beaches are fully developed. Many of the more costly resorts offer such facilities as daily yoga, yoga teachers' training, meditation, a variety of healing, healthy & natural therapies, spa massage & pampering services and herbal steam rooms.
Other activities available on the island include scuba diving with a number of companies offering very reasonably priced training courses and excursions, snorkelling, especially off the Mae Haad sandbar in the north west, wakeboarding, archery, fishing, walks in the national park or simply relaxing...
Additional information on Koh Phangan:
Please note the following external links are not affiliated with Green Phangan and the views on those sites do not necessarily refelect the views of Green Phangan.
PHANGAN.INFO
Phangan Explorer
Hadrin.com
Phangan-guide.com
kohphangan.com
kohphangannews.org
