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General Information
Koh Phangan is approximately 100 km away from the town of
Surat Thani. It is located between Koh Samui and Koh Tao – some 20 km
from Koh Samui and around 45 km away from Koh Tao. With the total area
of about 168 square kilometers, the island is the second biggest next to
Samui Island. Phangan Island comprises only 3 tambon: Tambon Koh Phangan,
Tambon
Bantai and Tambon Koh Tao. Currently, the population of Phangan is
11,656, the most important careers of which are coconut
plantations, fishing and tourist businesses.
Mostly its land area is of mountains, forests and plains. In the middle
of the island stretches the Khao Ra Mountains from
the north to the south, the peak of which is 627 meters high. Also in
the east are some more mountains running through to
the sea. Its virgin forests are all around these mountains. The only
plain is in the west of the island. Along the seashore
there are a lot of boulders and rock formations. Many bays and coves can
suitably be served as anchorages and tourist
attractions.
The weather is about the same all year round. From October to January
are monsoon months; there is a lot of rain and quite a
strong wind, particularly in the east of the island. Generally, visitors
can make a trip to the island throughout the year.
Regarding the name “Phangan,” it is said to come from “lang ngan” the
Thai local dialect meaning sandbank.
Phangan was raised to a sub-district in 1970 and then in 1977 it has
become a district attached to Surat Thani Province. |
