Words & Photos by: Saifuddin Ismailji
Located in the Gulf of South-east Thailand, the easy approach to Pha Ngan Island on arrival by air to Koh Samui or Surat Thani is to board the high speed Sea-Tran Ferry. Sea Tran also offers Discovery package with a day trip from Pha-Ngan to Koh Nang Yuan and other nearby islands. https://www.seatrandiscovery.com/
The 148 square kilometers Island with a population of 15,500 was initially inhabited by monks. Backpacker tourists found paradise on Pha Ngan Island some 20 years ago and gave it a worldwide fame with thematic Full Moon Party craze. However, more recently, the Island has been transforming into a high-end luxury destination.
Koh Pha Ngan offers an interesting mix of lodging infrastructure – from exquisite five star abode to comfortable first class hotel, and basic cottages along the beach in Thongsala and there is no shortage of budget hostels to Guest Houses.
Among the many, the Pha Ngan Arena is a unique sport hostel with a professional football field. The hostel area has a large pool, a kitchen dishing out delicious local and continental platters, pool-tables, Table-Tennis, a relaxing lounge area and air-condition and fan rooms but with no self-catering in the category of private and dormitory. www.phanganarena.com
Partnered with Casa Tropicana, the newest restaurant, just within a mile from Phangan Arena is inspired with Mexican cuisines with some Mediterranean favorites. The owners cum chef has a passion to serve and the restaurant already a favorite haunt for tourists.
Shopping (On Samui Island) Trend Fashion (next to Novotel Hotel N. Chaweng) have earned a repute being the best custom tailors on the Island. web.facebook.com/www.trendfashion.co.th
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