Getting to Koh Phangan is easy and you have several options depending on your port of entry and the amount of money and time you want to spend. If you come from another location than Bangkok check your travel guide or a local travel agency for your options.
Airplane
By AirplaneThe quickest and most comfortable way to get here is flying from Bangkok to neighbouring island Koh Samui (which takes about 1 hour) and then take a boat from there. Bangkok Airways does about twenty return flights from Bangkok to Koh Samui daily. For more information about flights or booking you can visit the Bangkok Airways site: http://www.bangkokair.com
Train
The State Railway of Thailand offers an efficient rail service from Bangkok to the South of Thailand (southern line). The overnight sleeper trains with clean and secure carriages are the best way to go. Check the latest prices and schedules via the service link on : http://www.railway.co.th/Eng/ All trains stop in Suratthani, where you will be provided with a connecting bus to the ferry pier. The total trip by train and boat takes about 11 to 16 hours.
Once you get on the train and you only see seats and no beds, don't be afraid you entered the wrong coach. In the evening the seats are changed into beds. Also note that the on board food is quite good but relatively expensive (250 baht) and at every station local people are offering you a variety of Thai snacks which are much cheaper.
Bus
Taking a government bus from Bangkok is a good way to get to Koh Phangan. Contrary to the regular (tourist) buses, which are offered by travel agencies and TAT-agencies, the government bus has less seats and therefore a lot of leg space, wórking reclining seats and has a direct connection to the island. The bus will continue to the ferry to Koh Phangan with you so you can leave your luggage on the bus, saving you time and the hassle of changing transport. The government bus leaves from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok, where you must also buy the ticket, and will cost around 900 baht (one way).
Boat
Arriving by train or bus in Suratthani : A boat ticket from Suratthani to Koh Phangan is usually included in the 'joint ticket' you already bought when buying a train- or bus ticket in Bangkok. Joint tickets also include transport from the bus or train station to the pier.
Arriving by airplane on Koh Samui : On arrival at the cosy airport of Samui you can ask the information desk for a taxi and boat ticket to Koh Phangan.
There are several boats you can choose from : By Boat The Lomprayah Catamaran offers a high-speed service and leaves from Mae Had in the Northwest of Koh Samui and takes about 20 minutes to get to main town Thong Sala in Koh Phangan.
The Haad Rin Queen leaves from the Big Buddha pier in Bophut, near the airport and takes about 45 minutes to get to Haad Rin in Koh Phangan.
The car ferry and the Songserm or Seatran Express Boats leave from Nathon on the west side of Koh Samui and all take about 45 minutes up to an hour to get to main town Thong Sala in Koh Phangan.
Information : How to get here ?
Monday, September 04, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Things to see and Do ?
Getting around the island
Taxi
An easy way to get around the island is by taxi, or songthaew. Prices are negotiable and vary depending on the amount of people in the car.
Motorbike
The most common way to explore Koh Phangan is by motorbike. You can hire motorbikes in every village. Although there are still many dirt roads, it is possible to visit a rather big part of the island. The Southwest and Northwest area have good cemented roads.
Getting Around Please note that having a "Koh Phangan Tattoo" is a very well known expression on the island so remember to drive very carefully. For the less experienced drivers it is advised to use the rear brake instead of the front brake as much as possible.
Jeep
As there are still a lot of (steep) dirt roads, 4WD jeeps are also an excellent way to get around most parts of the island. Most of the hired jeeps are not insured, so shop around if you want insurance. Hiring a jeep is a great way for making daytrips to the more remote parts and attractions of Koh Phangan like the Than Sadet waterfall, Thong Nai Pan or Haad Rin.
Parties
The parties on Koh Phangan follow the cycle of the moon: full moon, half moon, black moon, half moon and back again.
Image Full Moon Party
Each month during full moon the beach of Haad Rin is transformed into a huge party zone. Blacklights, fluorescent colours and thousands of people dance and party under the light of the full moon. Big sound systems on the beach play everything from psy-trance to house and techno and from RnB to drum 'n bass.
Paradise Bungalows, the home of the original Full Moon Party is still the biggest and best venue with resident dj's A, Boy and Harmonizer playing house and progressive house. Starting 15 years ago the Full Moon Party made Koh Phangan famous. Because it is one of the most famous dance events in the world, you should definitely experience it. Click here for Full Moon Party dates.
Half Moon Party
The ever so popular Half Moon Party takes place twice a month, a week before and a week after the Full Moon Party and is held on a beautiful location in the Ban Thai jungle. There is a big dancing arena, two bars, UV decorations and some food stalls. Expect very good progressive and trance music and a perfect sound system.
Black Moon Party
Held once a month on the beach of Ban Tai. You can expect a nice beach party which is much smaller than the full moon party but therefore has a more intimate atmosphere. Mainly progressive and trance music.
National parks & waterfalls
Koh Phangan has two protected National Parks with waterfalls and nice jungle trekking routes: Phaeng Waterfall National Park in the centre of the island and Than Sadet Waterfall National Park on the east side of the island. Best time to visit the waterfalls is during or after the wet season or right after rain, otherwise you will only be staring at rocks.
National ParkPhaeng Waterfall National Park
Phaeng Waterfall National Park is located in the village of Madua Wan. The Park has a nice waterfall close to the entrance and some trekking routes to mountaintop viewpoints, including a long winding foot trail leading up to Koh Phangan's highest mountain peak Khao Ra (630m). The trail can be steep and difficult to follow at times, so it is recommended to hire a guide at the entrance of the park. After all the exercise you can treat yourself on a delicious home-made ice cream on the way to Thong Sala opposite the school.
Than Sadet Waterfall Than Sadet Waterfall National Park
Than Sadet waterfall or "Royal Stream" is the largest waterfall on the island, a 3km run of rock pools and streams with a royal emblem, since it was visited by several Kings of Thailand, including the reigning monarch, H.M. King Bhumibol (Rama IX). There are inscriptions on boulders near the river bed made by each of the Kings. The park has several nice jungle trekking paths as well.
Health
Massage & Meditation
At most towns, resorts and beaches you can get a traditional Thai or oil massage. Koh Phangan also has a few retreat centers offering various courses in Thai massage, meditation, cleansing programs, Reiki and reflexology.
ImageWat Pho Herbal Sauna
This traditional herbal steam sauna is run by monks at the Wat Pho temple in Ban Thai (on the road to Thong Nai Pan). The sauna uses traditional methods by heating natural herbs such as lemongrass and tamarind leaves on a big log fire. The herbs have many health and skin benefits. It is run on donations, so please don't forget to make a donation after using the sauna. ImageIt should be remembered that ladies have to wear a sarong outside the sauna and men their shorts.
Chinese Temple
On the road between Thong Sala and Chaloklum the Chinese Temple is located. The temple is the result of the dream a woman had in 1990 in which the (Chinese) Buddha spoke to her and asked her to build a firelight for the people.
Activities
Snorkeling & diving
There are many great snorkel and dive spots on the island, especially on the Northwest coast. One of the best spots is around the little island of Koh Ma ('Horse Island'), off Mae Haad beach at the Northwestern tip of Koh Phangan. There are several diving schools offering PADI courses around the island.
Image Boat trips / kayaking
Boat trips around the island or to other islands can be arranged at most resorts and travel agencies. Kayaks can be rented at most resorts and at beaches.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is offered by Phangan Adventure in Chaloklum. They also offer many other activities like kayaking-, sailing- and big game fishing trips, sunset boat trips and mountain bike trekking.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding or kitesurfing is offered by Cuttlebone Kiteboarding Center near Ban Thai (at Golden Light Resort).
Paintball
Just outside main town Thong Sala there is a nice place to play paintball with a group of friends. The neighbouring restaurant Big Mango serves good food and occasionally organises a party.
Thai boxing
Although Lumphini Stadium in Bangkok is the place to be for the real Muay Thai match, Koh Phangan also has some small Muay Thai 'stadiums' in Thong Sala and Haad Rin. You can learn the art of Muay Thai yourself at the Jungle Gym in Haad Rin and Thong Sala.
Elephant Trekking
Just outside Chaloklum you can enjoy an elephant ride through Koh Phangan's jungle.
Daytrips
ImageAng Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong ('Golden Basin') is an archipelago made up of around 40 small, mostly uninhabited islands with limestone cliffs, caves, beautiful beaches, a giant emerald saltwater lake (also known from the movie The Beach) and dense tropical rainforest. You can either book an organized day- or camping trip or hire a speedboat with a group (usually minimum of 6 people) and plan your own trip.
Koh Tao
The waters around Koh Tao offer some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the Gulf of Thailand, both for beginners and the more experienced divers. There are daily boats between Thong Sala and Koh Tao. The trip takes around 2 hours by boat. Organized dive and snorkel trips can be arranged at most travel agencies.
Koh Samui
Take a half hour boat trip to big sister island Koh Samui to go shopping at touristy Chaweng Beach or to visit the Samui Butterfly Garden, Snake Farm, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo or the golden Big Buddha statue at Bophut.
Information : Things to see and Do ?
Taxi
An easy way to get around the island is by taxi, or songthaew. Prices are negotiable and vary depending on the amount of people in the car.
Motorbike
The most common way to explore Koh Phangan is by motorbike. You can hire motorbikes in every village. Although there are still many dirt roads, it is possible to visit a rather big part of the island. The Southwest and Northwest area have good cemented roads.
Getting Around Please note that having a "Koh Phangan Tattoo" is a very well known expression on the island so remember to drive very carefully. For the less experienced drivers it is advised to use the rear brake instead of the front brake as much as possible.
Jeep
As there are still a lot of (steep) dirt roads, 4WD jeeps are also an excellent way to get around most parts of the island. Most of the hired jeeps are not insured, so shop around if you want insurance. Hiring a jeep is a great way for making daytrips to the more remote parts and attractions of Koh Phangan like the Than Sadet waterfall, Thong Nai Pan or Haad Rin.
Parties
The parties on Koh Phangan follow the cycle of the moon: full moon, half moon, black moon, half moon and back again.
Image Full Moon Party
Each month during full moon the beach of Haad Rin is transformed into a huge party zone. Blacklights, fluorescent colours and thousands of people dance and party under the light of the full moon. Big sound systems on the beach play everything from psy-trance to house and techno and from RnB to drum 'n bass.
Paradise Bungalows, the home of the original Full Moon Party is still the biggest and best venue with resident dj's A, Boy and Harmonizer playing house and progressive house. Starting 15 years ago the Full Moon Party made Koh Phangan famous. Because it is one of the most famous dance events in the world, you should definitely experience it. Click here for Full Moon Party dates.
Half Moon Party
The ever so popular Half Moon Party takes place twice a month, a week before and a week after the Full Moon Party and is held on a beautiful location in the Ban Thai jungle. There is a big dancing arena, two bars, UV decorations and some food stalls. Expect very good progressive and trance music and a perfect sound system.
Black Moon Party
Held once a month on the beach of Ban Tai. You can expect a nice beach party which is much smaller than the full moon party but therefore has a more intimate atmosphere. Mainly progressive and trance music.
National parks & waterfalls
Koh Phangan has two protected National Parks with waterfalls and nice jungle trekking routes: Phaeng Waterfall National Park in the centre of the island and Than Sadet Waterfall National Park on the east side of the island. Best time to visit the waterfalls is during or after the wet season or right after rain, otherwise you will only be staring at rocks.
National ParkPhaeng Waterfall National Park
Phaeng Waterfall National Park is located in the village of Madua Wan. The Park has a nice waterfall close to the entrance and some trekking routes to mountaintop viewpoints, including a long winding foot trail leading up to Koh Phangan's highest mountain peak Khao Ra (630m). The trail can be steep and difficult to follow at times, so it is recommended to hire a guide at the entrance of the park. After all the exercise you can treat yourself on a delicious home-made ice cream on the way to Thong Sala opposite the school.
Than Sadet Waterfall Than Sadet Waterfall National Park
Than Sadet waterfall or "Royal Stream" is the largest waterfall on the island, a 3km run of rock pools and streams with a royal emblem, since it was visited by several Kings of Thailand, including the reigning monarch, H.M. King Bhumibol (Rama IX). There are inscriptions on boulders near the river bed made by each of the Kings. The park has several nice jungle trekking paths as well.
Health
Massage & Meditation
At most towns, resorts and beaches you can get a traditional Thai or oil massage. Koh Phangan also has a few retreat centers offering various courses in Thai massage, meditation, cleansing programs, Reiki and reflexology.
ImageWat Pho Herbal Sauna
This traditional herbal steam sauna is run by monks at the Wat Pho temple in Ban Thai (on the road to Thong Nai Pan). The sauna uses traditional methods by heating natural herbs such as lemongrass and tamarind leaves on a big log fire. The herbs have many health and skin benefits. It is run on donations, so please don't forget to make a donation after using the sauna. ImageIt should be remembered that ladies have to wear a sarong outside the sauna and men their shorts.
Chinese Temple
On the road between Thong Sala and Chaloklum the Chinese Temple is located. The temple is the result of the dream a woman had in 1990 in which the (Chinese) Buddha spoke to her and asked her to build a firelight for the people.
Activities
Snorkeling & diving
There are many great snorkel and dive spots on the island, especially on the Northwest coast. One of the best spots is around the little island of Koh Ma ('Horse Island'), off Mae Haad beach at the Northwestern tip of Koh Phangan. There are several diving schools offering PADI courses around the island.
Image Boat trips / kayaking
Boat trips around the island or to other islands can be arranged at most resorts and travel agencies. Kayaks can be rented at most resorts and at beaches.
Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding is offered by Phangan Adventure in Chaloklum. They also offer many other activities like kayaking-, sailing- and big game fishing trips, sunset boat trips and mountain bike trekking.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding or kitesurfing is offered by Cuttlebone Kiteboarding Center near Ban Thai (at Golden Light Resort).
Paintball
Just outside main town Thong Sala there is a nice place to play paintball with a group of friends. The neighbouring restaurant Big Mango serves good food and occasionally organises a party.
Thai boxing
Although Lumphini Stadium in Bangkok is the place to be for the real Muay Thai match, Koh Phangan also has some small Muay Thai 'stadiums' in Thong Sala and Haad Rin. You can learn the art of Muay Thai yourself at the Jungle Gym in Haad Rin and Thong Sala.
Elephant Trekking
Just outside Chaloklum you can enjoy an elephant ride through Koh Phangan's jungle.
Daytrips
ImageAng Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong ('Golden Basin') is an archipelago made up of around 40 small, mostly uninhabited islands with limestone cliffs, caves, beautiful beaches, a giant emerald saltwater lake (also known from the movie The Beach) and dense tropical rainforest. You can either book an organized day- or camping trip or hire a speedboat with a group (usually minimum of 6 people) and plan your own trip.
Koh Tao
The waters around Koh Tao offer some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the Gulf of Thailand, both for beginners and the more experienced divers. There are daily boats between Thong Sala and Koh Tao. The trip takes around 2 hours by boat. Organized dive and snorkel trips can be arranged at most travel agencies.
Koh Samui
Take a half hour boat trip to big sister island Koh Samui to go shopping at touristy Chaweng Beach or to visit the Samui Butterfly Garden, Snake Farm, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo or the golden Big Buddha statue at Bophut.
Information : Things to see and Do ?
About Koh Phangan.
A brief introduction.
About Koh Phangan a Brief Intro Koh Phangan is many different things to many different people. There is no such thing as one Koh Phangan.
Whether you want to do hammock stretching exercises, dance all night or make yoga at sunrise, it is important to choose the right area or beach for your particular needs.
For a lot of people Koh Phangan is synonymous with the world famous Full Moon Party, which attracts up to 15,000 people every month to the beach at southern Haad Rin. However, it should be remembered that Haad Rin is just a small slice of the island's shoreline and Koh Phangan has much more to offer.
Koh Phangan is the center island of the Samui archipelago, stretching about 15 km Imagenorth to south and 10 km east to west. A large proportion is covered by coral reef fringed beaches, tropical rainforest and coconut groves. Fishing and coconut production are still an important income, together with tourism.
Koh Phangan still has the island feel that many other islands lost because of their overdevelopment. Koh Phangan is renowned for its relaxed special atmosphere and brings people from all over the world back every year.
Weather Due to its proximity to the equator, Koh Phangan has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 25° - 34° C, with lots of sunshine, high humidity and - as the word tropical rainforest implies - the occasional showers.
Roughly there are three main seasons : the dry season (mid December - April) when it is mostly dry and relatively cool, the hot season (May - September), when it can be very hot with occasional storm showers and the wet season (October - mid December), when there can be a strong and windy monsoon and a lot of rain. However, like in every country the weather can be unpredictable and local: on one part of the island you might lie on the beach while on the other side you may have to shelter for a scattered thundershower. Overall we would say the best time to visit Koh Phangan is from January to April, when both the sea and weather conditions are usually at their best.
Beaches
Many people want to know which beach is Koh Phangan's best. However every area Image and beach is different, having its own atmosphere. It really depends on what you are looking for and the season you'll visit Koh Phangan to tell which beach is best for you. Koh Phangan roughly has two tidal seasons: April to November (low) and November to April (high). In low tidal season swimming on the West coast is not always possible during certain hours of the day due to sand banks and shallow water, where as it is possible on the Northeast side of the island.
Therefore it is recommended to read about each area first to decide which beach will suit you best.
Information : About Koh Phangan.
About Koh Phangan a Brief Intro Koh Phangan is many different things to many different people. There is no such thing as one Koh Phangan.
Whether you want to do hammock stretching exercises, dance all night or make yoga at sunrise, it is important to choose the right area or beach for your particular needs.
For a lot of people Koh Phangan is synonymous with the world famous Full Moon Party, which attracts up to 15,000 people every month to the beach at southern Haad Rin. However, it should be remembered that Haad Rin is just a small slice of the island's shoreline and Koh Phangan has much more to offer.
Koh Phangan is the center island of the Samui archipelago, stretching about 15 km Imagenorth to south and 10 km east to west. A large proportion is covered by coral reef fringed beaches, tropical rainforest and coconut groves. Fishing and coconut production are still an important income, together with tourism.
Koh Phangan still has the island feel that many other islands lost because of their overdevelopment. Koh Phangan is renowned for its relaxed special atmosphere and brings people from all over the world back every year.
Weather Due to its proximity to the equator, Koh Phangan has a tropical climate with an average temperature of 25° - 34° C, with lots of sunshine, high humidity and - as the word tropical rainforest implies - the occasional showers.
Roughly there are three main seasons : the dry season (mid December - April) when it is mostly dry and relatively cool, the hot season (May - September), when it can be very hot with occasional storm showers and the wet season (October - mid December), when there can be a strong and windy monsoon and a lot of rain. However, like in every country the weather can be unpredictable and local: on one part of the island you might lie on the beach while on the other side you may have to shelter for a scattered thundershower. Overall we would say the best time to visit Koh Phangan is from January to April, when both the sea and weather conditions are usually at their best.
Beaches
Many people want to know which beach is Koh Phangan's best. However every area Image and beach is different, having its own atmosphere. It really depends on what you are looking for and the season you'll visit Koh Phangan to tell which beach is best for you. Koh Phangan roughly has two tidal seasons: April to November (low) and November to April (high). In low tidal season swimming on the West coast is not always possible during certain hours of the day due to sand banks and shallow water, where as it is possible on the Northeast side of the island.
Therefore it is recommended to read about each area first to decide which beach will suit you best.
Information : About Koh Phangan.
Koh Phangan – The Full Moon Party Island.
Koh Phangan Paradise Island - Once known as a tiny island deeply hidden in the Gulf of Thailand where life was still livable, weed was still smoke able and the term ‘Global Dance Festival’ was believed to be a fruit growing on some wicked trees somewhere overseas.
Well … about a year ago even the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Thaksin Shinavatra, criticized the loss of Original Thai Culture amongst his tax paying population being under heavy and constant influence of the so called ‘western world’!
Well … those so called ‘western values’ our PM of Thailand, Mr. Thaksin Shinavatra, was so worried about, did at least influence him in such a fascinating way that most of his tax paying fellows are a bit pissed with him at the moment. The so called ‘mob’ starts reminding the PM Thaksin of the ‘Original Thai Culture’ and its values like code of ethics, morality and leadership ability! How’s that? What happened? How could Thai nation leader Mr. Thaksin loose the golden track of the ‘Original Thai Culture’?
In this case the magic and mostly fascinating number was approximately 80 Billion Thai Baht – tax free of course! Resulting in a pissed off tax paying mob every couple of days in front of the government house in Bangkok urging PM Thaksin to pay his taxes and resign. Unfortunately PM Thaksin Shinavatra seems to have other plans with the nation in his mind.
Anyway … do you think that our modern western values of money, money and money could somehow influence the fragile eco - nomical system of a tiny island deeply hidden somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand? Or can you still discover the Original Thai Culture here on Koh Phangan with its values of ethics and morality?
In cases of service value the local Thai community on Koh Phangan has adopted very quick to the standards of the western world. The value of the services is never measured on its actual costs. Instead the current market situation and demands create the price for the service. Meaning a day time taxi around noon from Thongsala main village to Haad Rin beach costs you around 50 Baht. A night time taxi from Haad Rin to Thongsala is a complete different scenario! I’ve seen guys in the middle of the night at Chicken Corner during no moon season offering 500 Baht and begging for a taxi ride over the mountain to Baan Kai. Only earning friendly smiles from the local taxi mafia who constantly refused the taxi service for such an unacceptable fare.
500 Baht! Years ago they would have offered you a gorgeous elephant, a local hooker and a decent blow job while enjoying your elephant ride over the mountains to Baan Khai village!
This very efficient pricing system can be found all over Koh Phangan Paradise Island. An ecstasy around low moon season on the island of madness costs you around 500 Baht. Another 2 weeks later around 1.000 Baht! And MDMA during the Full Moon Party night sometimes can result in a complex financial situation depending up your local drug supplier!
By the way, recently Becki was told to write more positive news about Koh Phangan Island. So … compared to last year’s high season the price for marihuana on the local market in 2006 has remained stable! Even the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign from the Thaksin administration couldn’t negatively influence the stable price of around 25.000 Baht per kilo of marihuana. Also ANY other kind of mind altering substances are widely available for purchase on the local drug market. That’s good news, isn’t it? Though local drug suppliers criticized the decrease in sales of hallucinogens like LSD! That’s definitely something to worry about!
The Original Full Moon Party! Have been there last night for private investigations and it was again an awesome experience with the usual suspects. Thousands and thousands of disoriented young men and women, gathering at world famous Full Moon Party beach Haadrin, looking for a way to satisfy their souls. Also the local Thai community on Koh Phangan has adapted very quick to the standards of the western society by participating this monthly Full Moon celebration. The local Thai community mostly meets up between Vinyl and Zoom and is therefore declared as a SEVERE RISK AREA by Island News Headquarters!
Thais are world wide known as the race with the friendly smile and the ‘Chay Yen’ – the ‘Cold, Tempered Heart’! But somehow, mainly around Full Moon and mainly between Zoom and Vinyl, the world wide known ‘Chay Yen’ race constantly experiences difficulties with the ‘Cold, Tempered Heart’ and transforms into something known as ‘Chay Roon’ – the ‘Hot Heart’! The ‘Hot Heart’ expresses itself mainly by arguing with others to a point where physical strength is needed. This mostly results in fights, broken bottles, some blood and many, many bystanders observing the ‘Hot Heart’ mentality!
By the way, for most local Thais it is still a major mystery how another race, called ‘Farangs’, manages to celebrate monthly peaceful full moon parties without having major arguments, fights or probably kill each other. How’s that ?
Another mystery for most business men here on Koh Phangan is the massive increasing and also decreasing number of farang ATM machines coming to the island of madness. Mostly around full moon the whole place is packed and then another week later the cash register doesn’t ring as much as it used to be a week before. That’s of course a critical sign!
What’s wrong with that ‘farang’ race? Don’t they like our massive construction areas next to the bungalow anymore? Don’t they like our very affordable taxi fares anymore? Compared to Switzerland it’s pretty cheap! Don’t they like world famous Hadrin beach anymore, where it slowly starts to massively stink and smell again as the tide is getting low? Don’t they like all our rubbish which we nicely place everywhere in our fragile island eco-system? What’s happening?
Well … that’s mystery!
Information : Koh Phangan – The Full Moon Party Island.
Well … about a year ago even the Prime Minister of Thailand, Mr. Thaksin Shinavatra, criticized the loss of Original Thai Culture amongst his tax paying population being under heavy and constant influence of the so called ‘western world’!
Well … those so called ‘western values’ our PM of Thailand, Mr. Thaksin Shinavatra, was so worried about, did at least influence him in such a fascinating way that most of his tax paying fellows are a bit pissed with him at the moment. The so called ‘mob’ starts reminding the PM Thaksin of the ‘Original Thai Culture’ and its values like code of ethics, morality and leadership ability! How’s that? What happened? How could Thai nation leader Mr. Thaksin loose the golden track of the ‘Original Thai Culture’?
In this case the magic and mostly fascinating number was approximately 80 Billion Thai Baht – tax free of course! Resulting in a pissed off tax paying mob every couple of days in front of the government house in Bangkok urging PM Thaksin to pay his taxes and resign. Unfortunately PM Thaksin Shinavatra seems to have other plans with the nation in his mind.
Anyway … do you think that our modern western values of money, money and money could somehow influence the fragile eco - nomical system of a tiny island deeply hidden somewhere in the Gulf of Thailand? Or can you still discover the Original Thai Culture here on Koh Phangan with its values of ethics and morality?
In cases of service value the local Thai community on Koh Phangan has adopted very quick to the standards of the western world. The value of the services is never measured on its actual costs. Instead the current market situation and demands create the price for the service. Meaning a day time taxi around noon from Thongsala main village to Haad Rin beach costs you around 50 Baht. A night time taxi from Haad Rin to Thongsala is a complete different scenario! I’ve seen guys in the middle of the night at Chicken Corner during no moon season offering 500 Baht and begging for a taxi ride over the mountain to Baan Kai. Only earning friendly smiles from the local taxi mafia who constantly refused the taxi service for such an unacceptable fare.
500 Baht! Years ago they would have offered you a gorgeous elephant, a local hooker and a decent blow job while enjoying your elephant ride over the mountains to Baan Khai village!
This very efficient pricing system can be found all over Koh Phangan Paradise Island. An ecstasy around low moon season on the island of madness costs you around 500 Baht. Another 2 weeks later around 1.000 Baht! And MDMA during the Full Moon Party night sometimes can result in a complex financial situation depending up your local drug supplier!
By the way, recently Becki was told to write more positive news about Koh Phangan Island. So … compared to last year’s high season the price for marihuana on the local market in 2006 has remained stable! Even the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign from the Thaksin administration couldn’t negatively influence the stable price of around 25.000 Baht per kilo of marihuana. Also ANY other kind of mind altering substances are widely available for purchase on the local drug market. That’s good news, isn’t it? Though local drug suppliers criticized the decrease in sales of hallucinogens like LSD! That’s definitely something to worry about!
The Original Full Moon Party! Have been there last night for private investigations and it was again an awesome experience with the usual suspects. Thousands and thousands of disoriented young men and women, gathering at world famous Full Moon Party beach Haadrin, looking for a way to satisfy their souls. Also the local Thai community on Koh Phangan has adapted very quick to the standards of the western society by participating this monthly Full Moon celebration. The local Thai community mostly meets up between Vinyl and Zoom and is therefore declared as a SEVERE RISK AREA by Island News Headquarters!
Thais are world wide known as the race with the friendly smile and the ‘Chay Yen’ – the ‘Cold, Tempered Heart’! But somehow, mainly around Full Moon and mainly between Zoom and Vinyl, the world wide known ‘Chay Yen’ race constantly experiences difficulties with the ‘Cold, Tempered Heart’ and transforms into something known as ‘Chay Roon’ – the ‘Hot Heart’! The ‘Hot Heart’ expresses itself mainly by arguing with others to a point where physical strength is needed. This mostly results in fights, broken bottles, some blood and many, many bystanders observing the ‘Hot Heart’ mentality!
By the way, for most local Thais it is still a major mystery how another race, called ‘Farangs’, manages to celebrate monthly peaceful full moon parties without having major arguments, fights or probably kill each other. How’s that ?
Another mystery for most business men here on Koh Phangan is the massive increasing and also decreasing number of farang ATM machines coming to the island of madness. Mostly around full moon the whole place is packed and then another week later the cash register doesn’t ring as much as it used to be a week before. That’s of course a critical sign!
What’s wrong with that ‘farang’ race? Don’t they like our massive construction areas next to the bungalow anymore? Don’t they like our very affordable taxi fares anymore? Compared to Switzerland it’s pretty cheap! Don’t they like world famous Hadrin beach anymore, where it slowly starts to massively stink and smell again as the tide is getting low? Don’t they like all our rubbish which we nicely place everywhere in our fragile island eco-system? What’s happening?
Well … that’s mystery!
Information : Koh Phangan – The Full Moon Party Island.
Full moon party - Koh Phangan
The Full Moon Party started with a few backpackers raving on Haad Rin Nok in the late 80's. They danced in the magnificent moonlight and more a more people turned up every month. Nowadays there are about 6000-14000 participants who are having a good time and dancing to techno, trance, drum n' bass, psychedelic, jungle, disco, hardcore and other dance music tunes. Skilled dj's deliver the beats from the restaurant at Haad Rin Nok and from the beach.
Beware of drugs
Unfortunately this party sometimes has been associated, with some drug abuse. Even young people can be sentenced to a long time in prison if they are arrested with drugs on them, or even having it in the blood.
Both uniformed and undercover police officers are ready to intervene if they suspect drug trafficking or that people are under influence of narcotics.
Use proper shoes or sandals so you don't ruin your holiday by walking on a broken bottle etc. This actually happens. Do not accept any food or drinks from strangers and leave your valuables in the hotel's safety box etc.
Beware of pickpockets. Theft is not very common but unfortunately it happens.
When is the party ?
At every full moon if this not interferes with a Buddhist holiday etc.
Where is the party ?
Haad Rin Nok, South Koh Phangan, Suratthani.
Thailand How to get there ?
By a boat from main land via Koh Samui, or by a "speedboat" or a "slowboat" from Samui if you are staying there. Approximated Full Moon Party dates schedule
2006
July 12, August 9, September 7, October 7, November 5, December 6
2007
January 3, February 3, March 3, April 2, May 2, May 31, June 29, July 31, August 28, September 26, October 26, November 24 Important! We are not the organizers of this event. Some of the dates above might be incorrect. Please check with any travel agency in the area about a week prior to the party.
Information : Full moon party - Koh Phangan
Beware of drugs
Unfortunately this party sometimes has been associated, with some drug abuse. Even young people can be sentenced to a long time in prison if they are arrested with drugs on them, or even having it in the blood.
Both uniformed and undercover police officers are ready to intervene if they suspect drug trafficking or that people are under influence of narcotics.
Use proper shoes or sandals so you don't ruin your holiday by walking on a broken bottle etc. This actually happens. Do not accept any food or drinks from strangers and leave your valuables in the hotel's safety box etc.
Beware of pickpockets. Theft is not very common but unfortunately it happens.
When is the party ?
At every full moon if this not interferes with a Buddhist holiday etc.
Where is the party ?
Haad Rin Nok, South Koh Phangan, Suratthani.
Thailand How to get there ?
By a boat from main land via Koh Samui, or by a "speedboat" or a "slowboat" from Samui if you are staying there. Approximated Full Moon Party dates schedule
2006
July 12, August 9, September 7, October 7, November 5, December 6
2007
January 3, February 3, March 3, April 2, May 2, May 31, June 29, July 31, August 28, September 26, October 26, November 24 Important! We are not the organizers of this event. Some of the dates above might be incorrect. Please check with any travel agency in the area about a week prior to the party.
Information : Full moon party - Koh Phangan
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