Koh Phangan History

The Koh Phangan history is a rich and vibrant topic that deserves to be explored if you’re planning a visit to the island. Koh Phangan history is closely tied to its two sister islands in the vicinity, Koh Samui and Koh Tao. History of Koh Phangan doesn’t just start twenty years ago when it became one of the most popular tourist destinations.

There is still much to learn about the island’s specific history. History scholars are still working on the questions surrounding the early days of the island. The island sits in the Gulf of Thailand in the south eastern portion. Now made famous for attractions such as the Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach, but Koh Phangan history runs much deeper.

The Beginning: According to records, information about Koh Phangan history began around 500BC to 100BC. When a Bronze Drum of the Dongson culture was found on Koh Samui island in 1977. This was evidence that there were settlements on Koh Phangan over 2000 years ago. Although some archaeologists and historians believe that the first group of people to settle on Koh Phangan were actually Muslim Sea Gypsies. They had travelled by boats from the Malay Peninsular.

Records show that between 1350 and 1767 a monk was thought to have built the stupa that is known as Wat Nai just outside of Baan Tai. According to Koh Phangan history, this is apparently the oldest building/structure on Koh Phangan island today.

Migration: Approximately 200 years ago Chinese and Thai families started to migrate to Koh Phangan. Making a living from fishing and working the tin mines that were once in Thong Nai Pan and Srithanu. Lam Son Lake in Srithanu was actually a tin mine until just over 40 years ago.

The Thai’s also started to grow coconuts and the Chinese would then make coconut oil to ship over to Bangkok. Some Chinese were known to have collected birds nest from around the islands of Angthong National Marine Park. These were then sold to make a kind of soup.

Kings: Past kings have favoured visits to Koh Phangan over other islands thanks to its welcoming local Thai community. Over 100 years ago the Great Rama V visited more than a dozen times during his reign. Leaving his royal seal engraved on a rock near Than Sadet waterfall. While recent kings now following in his footsteps.

Chaiya Administration: Koh Phangan was under Chaiya administration until 1897 when it became a sub-district of Koh Samui. Being upgraded to a district in 1970. Koh Phangan history states that the name of Koh Phangan comes from the word ‘Ngan’ meaning sand bar in the southern dialect. There are many sand bars offshore around the island, the most famous joining Mae Haad with Koh Ma on the northwest side of the island.

Moving Forward: The island started to change massively just over 25 years ago once the first bungalows were built for the tourists that started to visit. The population has now grown substantially over the last few decades.

Historical Sites: Koh Phangan is home to a few historical sites well worth visiting during your stay. The island has over 20 temples and shrines. All offering something different to see. From the oldest temple of Wat Phu Khao Noi to the more modern highly decorated Chinese Temple built in the 1990’s.

Each temple is very different. Koh Phangan’s temples are very spiritual places and many are used daily by monks and locals. Please make sure you show respect when visiting any of the temples.

Another historical site you should not miss is Than Sadet Waterfall. His Majesty King Rama V(1868-1910) had discovered the splendour of Koh Phangan and visited here 14 times. His favourite place on the island was Than Sadet Waterfall. Here he left royal inscriptions in the rocks, which you can still see today.

Full Moon Party: Of course another huge part of Koh Phangan history is of the Full Moon Party. Full Moon Party was first held in from around 1983. What’s important is to realise how much this party has actually grown over time! In the early days, the party was a low-key event held on Haad Rin Beach. Attended by a handful of hippies. Back then, Koh Phangan had no electricity. Music was played through a sound system connected to a car battery.

Word spread and more people turned up to Haad Rin for some great tunes, cheap alcohol and a great social occasion. The party became more popular. Setup became more professional with full sound systems, DJs, laser shows. Also smoke machines being gradually added. Until the event transformed into the epic night we know of today.

Most Recent Koh Phangan History

One of the most important events that brought Koh Phangan to the attention of people all over the world was the famed Full Moon Party. For the first time, in the late 1980s, a group of vacationers gathered on Haad Rin beach to celebrate the full moon. This is the beginning of this well-known beach event that takes place every month. Today, this lively festival attracts thousands of revelers from all over the world, and it has become an iconic representation of the nightlife and young vitality that can be found on Koh Phangan.

Over the past several years, Koh Phangan has also seen an increase in popularity as a destination for health and spiritual retreats. Because it is home to a large number of yoga facilities, meditation retreats, and holistic healing techniques, the island has become popular with those who are looking to find inner peace and know more about themselves.

As you go throughout Koh Phangan, you will come across relics of the island’s history, such as traditional fishing villages, Buddhist temples, and historic coconut plantations. In addition to adding depth and authenticity to the island’s appeal, these cultural and historical features also provide dimension.

Koh Phangan history is a tapestry that is weaved with traditional customs, coconut farms, and the development of a thriving tourist attraction. The island’s unique history has played a significant role in shaping its attraction in the current day, beginning with its humble origins as a fishing town and culminating in its metamorphosis into a tropical paradise.