When talking about Koh Pangan (เกาะพะงัน), most people think of a destination only for backpackers and young people enjoying the Full Moon Party on Had Rin every month. This was the main reason I never really had the urge to visit the island before. After visiting Koh Pangan last weekend for the first time, I realised I have misjudged the atrraction of the island. Koh Pangan is quite bigand parties are just a small part of what it has to offer (although they were no parties during this time due to the pandemic).
I have been staying in the neighboring Samui island for the past three months and my first impression of Pangan is that it is more lush and peaceful than in Samui. If relaxing in a hammock or reading a good book is your preferred type of holiday activity, this island is almost perfect.
In 2020, Koh Phangan was voted the third best island in Asia, according to the readers’ choice awards by travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler. The island boasts a blend of nightlife and beautiful natural scenery. Most beaches are perfect coves flanked by mountains.
I only spent a short three-day holiday here, I didn’t go around much as I wanted to de-stress by doing a digital detox and read the book I have bought over a month ago and didn’t have a chance to finish. I stayed in Salad beach, it was the most peaceful beach I have ever visited in Thailand.
Although it is a quiet time and many restaurants are closed, I enjoyed the food scene in Pangan. I had good Thai lunch in Koh Raham restaurant, it is an interesting decorated restaurant on a small rocky outcrop of Haad Son Beach. I found a lovely café near Salad beach called Bubba – the food was tasty and the freshly ground coffee was fantastic.
I had a good smoothie bowl in a nice café What’s Cup that offers amazing view of white sandy Haad Yaao beach, and I was satisfied by a very good cozy Italian restaurant Nena in Wok Tum area. And if you want to enjoy evening drinks with music or indulge the exotic sunset dining experience, you must go to L’Alocove on Hinkong beach. The atmosphere is cozy and warm but also wild and romantic.
There are still many corners of Koh Phangan to explore. I look forward to going back.
I would like to share some pictures of my weekend getaway, I hope that you will enjoy them. They might bring you some good memories of Thailand.
Have you been to Koh Pangan? What were the highlights of your trip? Please share with me in the comments.
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Was a big pleasure to read this, and the photos are so good. I was just thinking about some place to escape to. I was in Kaw Pagnan years ago, and made the terrible mistake of going to the Full Moon Party (another story).
I’m taking your incredible online course with K Pear right now, but I could always take the laptop, or just use the phone.
Any other COVID-19 aspects or precautions you can share? It might be awhile before farang can get vaccinated here in Thailand. Is that a problem for going to Surat Thani?
Anyway, thanks so much for this.
I have been to Koh Phangan a couple of times but never to Salad beach. It’s seems you had a great time there: chilling out and having good food. Just a perfect holiday!
Thanks for so many years teaching us Thai!
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Beautiful photos!
Why you need to de-stress? I mean I get it, everyone should get some rest and chilling time for time to time but is your job more stressful nowadays?
Take care!
Thank you for reading my post. Yes, I work long hours (9-10 hrs) on my laptop and phone for creating and marketing my language courses; making new contents daily, editing videos, updating my site, writing new posts, using a lot of social media, emailing, responding to messages. Too much screen time is stressful.
Understood!
It’s jus… t when we see your awesome photos of pools and beaches and restaurants it sometimes might lead us to believe people living there can enjoy and chill all day long but I know it’s not true. Work is work. 😉
Thank you for sharing the photos of Koh Pangan, Kru Mod. My last trip back to Thailand since I finished my Project work there is almost 6 years ago. How time flies, can’t wait to be able to bring my wife back there for a holiday and also try visit this island – the photos you took of the island are just beautiful!
Sawatdee ka Khun Ronnie, I am happy to hear that you enjoyed my pictures. I hope you and your wife can visit Thailand in the near future.
Lovely pictures, Thanks for showing them. What was the name of the place where you stayed? Expensive?
How do you get there from Bangkok?
Thank you for reading my post. I stayed in Salad Hut resort. The Covid price is inexpensive (50% off the normal price) – their air-con bungalows are ranging from 1,500 – 2,500 Baht including breakfast.
I currently live in Samui island so I crossed the ferry. There are many ways to get to Pangan from Bangkok:
[1] Fly + Ferry : Fly to Samui (by Bangkok Airways) and take a ferry/speed boat to Pangan
[2] Bus + Ferry : Check the site https://www.lomprayah.com
[3] Train + Ferry : Board the train at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok, this train will take you all the way south to Surat Thani Railway Station. From there, you will board a van or bus which will take you to the pier in Surat Thani, from where you will then board a ferry to the beautiful island of Koh Phangan.
Quite a peaceful and tranquil location to getaway from the typical small island crowd. Haven’t been to this particular island, but certainly would should the occasion arise.
Thank you for reading my post. You will definitely love Pangan island if you enjoy a peaceful beach holiday. 🙂
Your photos and commentary are very enjoyable and make me wish I was there!
Sawatdee ka Khun Greg, thank you for reading my post. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed my photos. I hope you can visit Thailand soon. 🙂