Koh Phangan, Thailand 🇹🇭
#398
9.73495, 100.030571
Nomad Score:
72%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Koh Phangan is an idyllic island in the Gulf of Thailand, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant community. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 12,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 30 Mbps, with many coworking spaces offering better connectivity. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 39.5 THB, 1 USD ≈ 36.4 THB. ATM availability in major towns. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is widely available. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/F sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include AIS and DTAC; plans can be easily purchased at 7-Eleven stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted; Banks like Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank have ATMs. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront bungalows to luxury villas, available on platforms like Airbnb and local real estate agencies. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Mostly cash-based, but some places accept cards; mobile wallets like TrueMoney are popular. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer varied accommodations for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as Aloha Hostel starting around 300 THB per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Island Life is a popular coworking space offering fast internet and community events. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Coffee Stain offers a good work atmosphere and reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Coworking spaces often host networking events; check Island Life's calendar. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Weekly meetup at The Yoga Retreat and regular gatherings at various cafes. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Grab is widely used for local rides and deliveries. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Multiple rental shops, scooters start from 150 THB per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Haad Rin Beach is popular and offers direct access to various activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Bangkok Airways offers connections to Koh Samui, which is the closest airport. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Major carriers include Thai Airways and Emirates connect through Bangkok. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited highway access; travel primarily through ferries to the mainland and nearby islands. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | N/A; ferries from the mainland connect to Koh Phangan. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No public transit passes available; travel is mainly by taxi, bike, or rented vehicles. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Ferries connect Koh Phangan to Koh Samui and the mainland; options are available from Thong Sala Pier. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Thongsala Hospital is the primary healthcare facility on the island. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Yoga Retreat and Orion Healing Centre offer a variety of yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bamboo Gym offers fitness classes and is popular among locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Plenty of laundry services available; typical cost is around 50 THB per kg. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | FoodPanda and GrabFood serve a variety of local and international cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Massaman Curry is a must-try, found in many local restaurants. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Sanctuary and The Yoga Retreat offer fantastic vegan/vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Sister serves delicious desserts with unique flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Thai markets in Thong Sala for budget fresh produce and local snacks. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Lazada and Shopee are popular online shopping platforms for delivery. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery via apps like HappyFresh is available in major areas. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Haad Rin Beach known for its vibrant nightlife with numerous bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Phangan Island Brewery offers a variety of locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local and imported wines available at venues like The Fisherman. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls along Thong Sala serve delicious local street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Italian options like Ristorante Pizzeria Da Carlo offer great pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Wat Phu Khao Noi, a beautiful temple offering stunning views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Phangan Cultural Center offers insights into local art and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Thai temples scattered around the island provide cultural experiences. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Wat Samai Kongka is a notable temple worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Full Moon Party is famous and attracts travelers worldwide. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Thong Sala is the cultural hub with local markets and eateries. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Occasional outdoor film screenings and events at various locations. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Sunday Market in Thong Sala is great for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various beach bars host live music events, especially during peak season. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Koh Phangan has a growing street art scene, especially around Thong Sala. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking classes available at The Sanctuary and other venues. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Check out The Gallery at Serenity Resort. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore traditional wooden houses and temples throughout the island. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural events that highlight the island's Thai traditions occur throughout the year. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ang Thong National Marine Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Koh Phangan is surrounded by national parks accessible by boat. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Exploratory trails along the coast and through jungle areas; map available at local shops. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from Than Sadet National Park is breathtaking. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Head to the jungle areas for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated fire areas at beaches; always check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local options such as Thailand Post; international services available through DHL. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Various local shops in Thong Sala handle basic electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers and local gyms often have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Thong Sala offer Thai language classes for life on the island. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited libraries; cafes serve as informal study environments. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host classes and events; check listings for schedules. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Few options; local cafes may have gaming setups. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Not available on the island; nearest options are in Koh Samui. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 70,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,800,000 THB). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 50,000 THB per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 2,000,000 THB). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 60,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 3,600,000 THB). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 45,000 THB per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 2,700,000 THB). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. 55,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 4,400,000 THB). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. 40,000 THB per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 3,200,000 THB). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 20% corporate tax rate. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% withholding tax for dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residents taxed on Thai-source income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Up to 35% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | 7% standard VAT on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply to foreign income. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax on rental income; rates vary. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 2% on property purchases. |