The name Phangan comes from the Thai word “Ngan” (sandbar) which surrounds the island and protects the white sand beaches and beautiful coral reef that lies just offshore. For many years Koh Phangan was inhabited only by local families of Chinese fishermen that settled here about 200 years ago. Then in the early 1980s wandering backpackers discovered the island. Word of the island’s unspoiled beauty quickly spread and more and more travelers made Koh Phangan a must-see during their travels. Koh Phangan offers activities for all types of vacationers. Lay back and relax on one of the island’s many white-sand beaches. Or for the more active types lace up your hiking shoes and venture up into the coconut-covered hills and look out at the spectacular postcard views below. Looking for a way to get around? Well, grab a map and tour the island on a bicycle, motorbike, or 4-wheeler which are all for rent by the day. Or take a more traditional approach and climb aboard a mighty elephant for a tour through the jungle.

Voted #3 Best Island in South Asia by the Traveler Choice