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As a natural paradise island in the Southern Gulf of Thailand, Ko Pha Ngan is often seen as a getaway retreat, where one may go relaxing on the many quiet deserted beaches including the beautiful Chalok lam Bay, Ban Tai, Ban Khai, Haad Yao, Haad Salat, Haad Son and the Mae Haed beaches.

There are many activities in which to participate including snorkeling and learning to dive at the distinctive island of Ko Ma, trekking in the footsteps of Thai Royalty at Than Sadet National Park steeped in history and culture, or seeking adventure in the nearby Ang Thong archipelago composed of over 40 islands endowed with pristine beaches, natural caves and the tranquil Tha Laem Nai.

Ko Pha Ngan has over 250 resorts to choose from, ranging from the budget 80 baht a night beach hut without private toilet to luxury air-conditioned accommodation with private swimming pool.

It's the simple beach life which continues to attract visitors each year along with the island's reputation for full moon parties and a hedonistic approach to life. The backpackers, budget tourists and aging hippies are beginning to give way to families and more mainstream tourists as all the beaches are fully developed.

Koh Phangan together with Koh Tao forms the district (amphoe) Koh Phangan.

Previously the island was administrated from Koh Samui district. The minor district (King Amphoe) Koh Phangan was established on October 1 1970, then consisting of the two tambon Koh Phangan and Ban Tai.

It was upgraded to a full district on April 12 1977.

Parts of the tambon Koh Phangan and Ban Tai form the township (thesaban tambon) Koh Phangan. There are further three Tambon administrative organizations (TAO).

The district is subdivided into three subdistricts (tambon):

The Bronze Drum of Dongson Culture (500BC - 100BC) that was found on Ko Samui in 1977 is evidence that there were settlements of people on Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and their islets from more than two thousand years ago.

Some historians and archaeologists believe that the first group who migrated to Ko Pha Ngan were the Muslim sea Gypsies (Pygmy, Semung, and Proto-Malay) who travelled by boat from the Malay Peninsula. However, nowadays there are few Muslims who live on the island.

The name of Ko Pha Ngan comes from the word 'Ngan', the southern dialect meaning 'sand bar', for there are many sand bars offshore around the island. Ko Pha Ngan has been a long time favorite of past kings of Thailand. Specifically Rama V, or Chulalongkorn visited Ko Pha Ngan 14 times during his reign.

References:

1. Royal Gazette 87 (90 ง): 2790. September 24 1970.
   http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2513/D/090/2790.PDF.
   
   
2. Royal Gazette 94 (31 ก): 326–330. April 12 1977.
   http://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2520/A/031/326.PDF.

Ko Pha Ngan (or Koh Phangan, Thai: เกาะพะงัน) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand in South East Thailand. It is famous for its full moon party at Haad Rin Beach and as a backpackers destination.

Ko Pha Ngan has two sister islands: the larger Ko Samui to the south and the smaller Ko Tao to the north.

• Area: about 168 km²
• Estimated perimeter: 50 km EST. (10hrs average walking time)
• Province: Surat Thani
• From mainland: about 55 km
• From Ko Samui: about 15 km
• From Ko Tao: about 35 km
• Population: 11,846 (2004)
• Main town: Thong Sala