Koh Phangan, Thailand 🇹🇭
#398
,
Nomad Score:
68%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 12,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 25-50 Mbps in most areas, with higher speeds available in coworking spaces. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 Thai Baht (THB) ≈ 0.028 USD. ATMs available across the island. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable, buy bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | TrueMove, AIS and DTAC are popular providers offering good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Kasikorn Bank and Bangkok Bank; credit cards accepted widely. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront bungalows to more upscale villas; Airbnb and local guesthouses are popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted in most restaurants and shops. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local short-term rental platforms are widely available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Sanctuary offer affordable lodging for backpackers. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Haad Rin, known for its Full Moon parties and night market. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Srithanu offers a relaxed vibe with cafes and coworking spaces popular with nomads. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Koh Phangan is a popular coworking space with fast internet and a community vibe. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe del Sol offers reliable Wi-Fi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Digital Nomads in Koh Phangan Facebook group hosts regular meetups and networking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly dinners and activities organized by expat groups across the island. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is available in Koh Phangan for easy transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several rental shops in Thong Sala offer scooters for around 150-300 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Haad Yuan Beach, known for its pristine sands and tranquil setting. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways offers connections from Koh Samui to the mainland. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Thai Airways and AirAsia have regular flights to and from Bangkok. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Access to main roads around the island; no major highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Ferry terminals at Thong Sala serve as main transit points. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transport passes; tuk-tuks and songthaews are available for local travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferry services to Koh Samui and mainland Thailand are frequent. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Baan Tai Hospital for minor emergencies; for serious care, travel to Koh Samui. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Sanctuary and Ashiyana offer excellent yoga and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Koh Phangan offers a fully equipped gym and fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry shops around Thong Sala offering services for 40-60 THB per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and GrabFood are popular options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Pad Thai and fresh seafood dishes available in local eateries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Yoga Retreat Cafe offers a wide variety of vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Spot offers delicious desserts and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets in Thong Sala offer fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee for online shopping. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | HappyFresh is available for grocery delivery across the island. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Haad Rin is the main nightlife hub, famous for Full Moon Parties. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Koh Phangan Brewery offers local brews to enjoy. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Lounge has a selection of international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street stalls near Thong Sala serve a variety of local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Bistro and pizzeria options found in Srithanu. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Wat Phu Khao Noi is a beautiful temple on the island. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Koh Phangan Cultural Center features local art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Old Town of Thong Sala offers a glimpse into the island's past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Phu Khao Noi provides stunning views and is steeped in spirituality. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Full Moon Party is a world-famous festival attracting thousands each month. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Thong Sala is the cultural heart with traditional markets and local events. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Koh Phangan has open-air theaters showcasing local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Thong Sala Night Market for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Regular live music events at various beach bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists contribute to vibrant murals around Thong Sala. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at various resorts and independent chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Gallery H2O showcases local art and is a great spot for artistic events. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Colonial-era buildings in Thong Sala reflect the island's history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals held throughout the year to celebrate Thai traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ang Thong National Marine Park is a stunning excursion for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koh Phangan is near Khao Sok National Park accessible via ferry. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the beaches and island trails for hiking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Amsterdam Viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the island. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The National Marine Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on several beaches for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal service available for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Phangan Tech offers repairs for various devices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers host table tennis matches. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local language centers offer Thai language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The co-working spaces provide quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Several NGOs organize community events and classes. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few gaming spots available within local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Koh Phangan does not have casinos; nearest is in Koh Samui. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 100,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 3,000,000 THB) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 60,000 THB per m² (e.g., 30 m² = 1,800,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 90,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 5,400,000 THB) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,000,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 80,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 6,400,000 THB) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 40,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,200,000 THB) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% standard rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial taxation system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Resolution based; top personal income tax can reach 35%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% Value Added Tax. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules applied. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property taxes apply, typically minimal. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 2% during sale transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives for digital nomads with no capital gains tax. |