A Week in Ko Samui and Ko Phagnan, Thailand Pt. 2

Ko Phagnan

Just trying to hang out in infinity pools for the rest of my life

After spending a few days in Ko Samui, I took a ferry to a small island, about 20 minutes away, called Ko Phagnan. Here I mainly spent my whole time on the beach in the southern most part of the island named Haad Rin. Haad Rin is a very popular spot for backpackers to visit due to two major celebrations that happen every month, the half moon and full moon party. Basically, it is an all night celebration including alcohol and dancing on the beach.

Haad Rin Beach

I spent the day before the party at the beach, swimming and hanging in more hammocks.

The water is refreshing for a few minutes but after a while it feels warm since the temperatures in Thailand are HOT

The hammock must have been broken because I was basically sitting in the sand getting smashed with waves

Full Moon Party

This was part of the trip that I was most looking forward to but ended up changing my mind once I experienced it. The full moon party, in my eyes was highly controversial. The concept of the party started as a way to worship the full moon and evolved over the years to be a giant destructive party of irresponsible backpackers. The goal is to drink all night, rave on the beach and stay up until the sun rise. During the event there was a tent set up specifically to help people that had consumed too much alcohol or drugs during the evening. I witnessed people passed out on the beach and sidewalk, men peeing in the shallow waters that splashed on the shore of everyone dancing, tons of litter being thrown on the ground and into the ocean, and so much more. I now get to say that I have experienced this party but it was definitely eye opening and inspiring to pursue a more eco-friendly way of traveling.

Here are pictures from my evening...

For 12 USD I had a local salon braid synthetic purple and pink hair into my own. This was a very popular thing to do on the island for tourists. I just thought it looked very cute :)

Another view from the top

Some new friends and I got ready at our hostel, where they supplied free body paint

Then we headed across the street to a local bar to kill time and grab drinks before it was time to head to the beach. These are my new Dutch friends, Joel and Stefan.

A group of us finally made our way down to the beach around 11 p.m. Black lights and glow-in-the-dark paint were everywhere. Once on the beach, different bars had areas set up with dance floors, bars and DJ booths playing different music. There was also fire throwers and other entertainers around.

Shots from the party

The following day was spent in recovery and our front desk at the hostel informed us of a cool infinity pool at a local hotel that we should check out. Three friends and I walked the 5 minutes to the hotel and bought sodas at the bar to make sure we would not be kicked out. 

Here is the pool area.

The pool over looked the beach that we were partying on from the night before. 

My friends and I taking in the view.

My trip to Thailand was incredible! I can't imagine a better first experience to South East Asia. To follow along on more of my adventures, head on over to my Instagram or Facebook page! Happy Travels!