| #ffffff;" /> | | | | 2. A rare opportunity to experience the |
| The islands of southern Thailand are widely known | | | | “old school” island paradise. Even |
| as “Island Paradise”. Their | | | | the sworn lovers of Thailand will agree, that the |
| picturesque beaches, moderate tropical climate | | | | days when the “paradise islands” |
| and unique, relaxing lifestyle are account for their | | | | were the place in which one can sit on a deserted |
| reputation. Travelers from all over the world | | | | beach and share his or her thoughts with a single |
| come to these southern Thailand islands to | | | | coconut tree, are a thing of the past. Still, in Koh |
| experience the famous ‘transition to | | | | Phangan one can find some |
| another dimension’, as they gradually | | | | “reservations” of remote |
| absorb the overwhelming serenity and ephemeral | | | | picturesque beaches with a limited choice of |
| separation from the dynamic and straining modern | | | | accommodation, such as Haad Thong Reng, Haad |
| life style. | | | | Yao and Haad Sadet. Some of these forgotten |
| In the eyes of the inexperienced traveler, | | | | venues feature about three dozens bungalows |
| stranded at the very first stages of planning his | | | | hidden in the midst of the jungle. These |
| or her trip to Thailand, all “paradise | | | | “old school” beaches make you |
| islands” may look exactly the same: all the | | | | feel like merging with a “real” |
| islands are tropical (in the classic sense and climate | | | | paradise, created by true nature and not by wise |
| wise), picturesque and serene. But in fact, a more | | | | and experienced tourist industry entrepreneurs. |
| thorough perspective would gradually reveal the | | | | 3. Overwhelming diving sites.The Gulf of Thailand |
| fact that each island, just like every individual | | | | is considered to be an excellent diving area, due |
| traveler, has its own set of unique qualities. The | | | | to its clear lucid water and the huge variety of |
| cost of stay in some islands can turn out to be a | | | | underwater life. Until recently, the consensual |
| surprisingly expensive experience, whereas visiting | | | | opinion was that the only place for |
| other islands can become quite a bargain; some | | | | “real” scuba divers in the Gulf of |
| islands are dramatically peaceful while others are | | | | Thailand is Koh Tao Island, next to Koh Phangan. |
| loaded with exciting nightlife activities; some islands | | | | Nowadays, more divers are choosing Koh |
| provide the perfect conditions for divers while | | | | Phangan as the launching ground for their |
| others are ideal for backpackers. | | | | preferable diving sites: a small island Koh Ma, |
| After years of intensive research, and after | | | | connected to Koh Phangan by a sand bar; the |
| exploring every dark corner on every island in | | | | neighboring beaches Haad Salad, Haad Yao & |
| southern Thailand, I can safely say that Koh | | | | Haad Chaophao, offering a huge variety of tropical |
| Phangan is no doubt and by far the perfect choice | | | | fish and coral reefs; and Ang Thong National |
| for the perfect vacation. Koh Phangan is the | | | | Marine Park - a group of 42 islands, protected as |
| perfect choice because unlike its counterparts, | | | | a National Park. |
| Koh Phangan has an unexplainable unique ability to | | | | 4. The Full Moon Party. The full moon party, held |
| adopt itself to the likes and needs of every | | | | in Koh Phangan since 1989, attracts thousands of |
| individual traveler in the limits of being an island | | | | travelers every month coming from all corners of |
| (except from providing the ultimate urban | | | | the globe. Even if you are not the classic |
| environment. But nobody visits the Thai islands to | | | | partygoer - the full moon party could be a unique |
| relive his urban daily lifestyle). | | | | and unforgettable opportunity to join thousands of |
| Here are the five elements that make Koh | | | | joyful, exhilarated people dancing together in the |
| Phangan the ultimate vacation choice: | | | | most beautiful place in the world to the sounds of |
| 1. Best value for your money. Until recently, Koh | | | | the best music. |
| Phangan had a strong reputation of a | | | | 5. To experience radically unique travel activities. |
| backpackers’ island. Consequently, the | | | | Koh Phangan is quite a small sized island (about |
| island’s costs of living had been adjusted | | | | 170 km2), but it offers a myriad of activities. You |
| to its target audience. Food and accommodation | | | | can come on a Sunday, as a backpacker to |
| on the island are surprisingly cheap, so that even | | | | Sunrise Beach, become a professional diver on |
| the average backpacker with a budget of 30$ | | | | Monday in Koh Ma and turn into a seasoned |
| per day can provide himself or herself with a | | | | partygoer on Tuesday as you take part in the |
| reasonable, almost western life standard on the | | | | exhilarating full moon party. If you’re able |
| island, which includes air conditioned rooms and | | | | to wake up on Wednesday morning, you can |
| delicious cuisine. During the last several years, as | | | | meet local people in the fishermen’s village |
| more spoiled tourists discovered this island, local | | | | Chaloklum to learn and experience their traditional |
| entrepreneurs began to invest in luxury | | | | way of life. Additionally, you can join forces with |
| accommodation. Nevertheless, the best quality | | | | your sportsperson alter ego and go trekking on |
| accommodation in Koh Phangan is still cheaper, on | | | | Thursday; and on Friday you’ll have the |
| average, compared to the same standard | | | | unique opportunity to pretend being a Mowgli riding |
| accommodation offered on it counterparts. | | | | an elephant’s back in Phangan Safari. |