T.I.C.D.: Mu Ko Samui (Part II: Ko Phangan & Ko Tao)
The funky northern part of the Samui Archipelago, condensed.
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Resuming Surat Thani province…
This section buttons up Mu Ko Samui with its N isles.
Ko Phangan group
Ko Phangan follows suit with Ko Lanta and Ko Chang (Trat) as large islands that, while certainly popular with plentiful lodgings and other tourism services, present more laid-back vibes with less development than Ko Samui or Phuket.
I’m a fan of Ko Phangan for its its majestic scenery, from mountain viewpoints to beaches hidden in coves where hippie types have been going to chill since the 1980s. Even the more heavily developed S coast, at least beyond the backpacker party hub of Hat Rin, much of Phangan feels practically rural when compared to the traffic-snarled NE of Ko Samui.
It is true that, in recent years, significant new development has hit Ko Phangan, particularly in the villa sector. Some feel the island has become too commercialized and lost its old backpacker soul. Maybe so, but a sense of creativity still flows around this notably international island.
I reckon that Ko Phangan hosts Southeast Asia’s biggest yoga scene this side of Bali to go with plenty of vegan food and many types of ‘retreats’ that range from totally legit to shockingly dodgy. Many of those who come for the spirituality also dabble in the other activity that Phangan is best known for: partying. In addition to the monthly Full Moon Party attracting tens of thousands, there are loads of smaller rave-type bashes with DJs and fire spinning taking place on any given week.