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How to get to Monte Vista |
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Written by Arjuna
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Thursday, 03 May 2007 |
Koh Phangan Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, about 600 km south of Bangkok.
It is one of three inhabited islands about 45 km off the main land in Suratthani Province. Another 45 smaller uninhabited islands together form Ang Thong, the National Marine Park, famous among divers and snorkelers.
The climate has basically two seasons, both about equally long, the dry and hot season and the cooler and rainy season. Except for May and June when the heat is at its peak, the climate is very agreeable for the western constitution.
The islands have tourism year round with the main season being between December and April and another season between July and September.
Tourism on Koh Phangan is still very low key keeping nature basically untouched. As a people and as hosts, the Thais are very warm, kind, and tolerant. A saying that you will hear everywhere is: "Mai pen rai", which means "let it wash over you". Helpful Travel Information
There are a few ways of getting to Koh Phangan from Bangkok, the most frequent connection point for travelers. - Fly from Bangkok to the neighbor island Koh Samui (50 min. flight and about $100 one way). You can book this flight through a travel agency, or book online at www.bangkokair.com. Keep in mind that luggage allowance is only about 45 pounds per person for check in. (Additional check-in luggage may require an overweight luggage fee, please check with your flight carrier). Book a flight that gets you into Koh Samui no later than 3 p.m., because the last boat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan leaves at 5 p.m. Upon arrival at the airport, there will be ticket agents for the boat that will arrange the taxi and boat arrangements for you (about $10 one way). The boat from Koh Samui to Koh Phangan takes about 30 minutes.
We recommend flying; it has always been the fastest and most comfortable option. Some travel agencies in your home country can book this flight as part of your international flight. Just make sure if you want to fly on the same day that your flight is at least 3 hours after your arrival in Bangkok.
- Take a train from Bangkok to Suratthani (about $20-$40 one way). We recommend getting a first or second class sleeper. First class is best with only 2 persons per compartment and it is about $40 per person. There is no luggage restriction so people who have a lot of luggage sometimes take the train option instead of the flight option for that reason. Your train ticket will be a joint ticket; that means your boat trip from the main land to Koh Phangan will be included. Don't worry, you will be directed all the way to the pier upon your arrival in Suratthani. The boat to Koh Phangan will take about 3-4 hours.
- The third and most economical option is to take an overnight bus from Bangkok to Suratthani (about $20 one way). The buses are airconditioned and can be comfortable if you don't mind the long trip in your seat and a few stops along the way. Take a boat from Suratthani to Koh Phangan (3-4 hours & about $10 one way).
You can either call us from Koh Samui or upon arrival on Koh Phangan and we will pick you up at the Koh Phangan pier. If you plan to stay in Thailand longer than three months, please contact your local Thai Embassy on applying for a longer-term visa that is suitable for your travel needs. To read more about Koh Phangan, go to:
www.Phangan.Info - Everything you want to know about Koh Phangan |
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 02 June 2007 )
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