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Ko Pha Ngan is an island off the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand, halfway between
the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao. It is known as a land of coconut trees and, above
all, the world famous full moon parties.
The name of Ko Pha Ngan comes from the word 'Ngan', meaning 'sand bar' in the southern
dialect, for there are many sand bars offshore around the island. The best time to visit
the island and also high season is December to March when the water is clean, and good
for swimming. It's also not rainy and temperatures are pleasant. Another high season time is
July-August after the dry season when the water is rising.
The world renowned Full Moon Party is a monthly dance music festival scheduled every month
at full moon. The event primarily features electronic music and attracts anywhere from
10,000 party-goers on a normal month and up to 25,000 in high season. If traveling to
Ko Phangan during or near the time of the Full Moon Party, booking ferry transport to
and from the island ahead of time is highly advised as the limited amount of ferries fill
up quickly with the massive crowd coming in for the party.
Recently steps have been taken to make Ko Pha Ngan into a more family-friendly tourist
destination, promoting the Island's wealth of natural attractions and also stepping up
the police presence; road blocks with stop and search procedures are commonplace and
undercover police also patrol parties.