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Koh Phangan Guide

Koh Phangan Ferry Port

With the opening of Koh Phangan Airport yet to be unveiled, ferry travel is considered the best way to reach Koh Phangan, with hundreds of thousands each year making the crossing from nearby islands and popular parts of the Thailand mainland. The port is located on the southwest coast of the island and is known locally as Thong Sala Pier; it is generally very busy due to the popularity of the island and its close proximity to the famous Ban Had Rin beach. There are several crossings per day and each ferry boat typically carries around 180-300 people each time, creating a lively buzz around the area. The island is nearly always swarmed with backpackers and has become a notorious holiday destination for young travellers looking to discover Thailand’s party scene. Some regard the island’s reputation as the home of full moon parties, especially the infamous nights at Hat Rin, as a misconception distracting uninformed visitors from the hidden gems Koh Phangan has to offer. In an effort to attract a more upmarket clientele, areas such as Hat Thong Nai Pan Noi boast extravagant resorts with high quality restaurants and luxurious accommodation. For transport to and from the port, the only official taxi service is via songthaew (a pick-up truck type vehicle shared with other passengers) that are generally very reasonably priced. Many motorcyclists will offer tourists a discounted price but they are considered dangerous, unreliable and can also cause a fine from the police, so are best to be avoided.