Koh Phangan Island Guide | The History of Koh Phangan
Although Koh Phangan was first discovered by backpackers a mere twenty years ago, the island was actually inhabited as long as 2000 years ago by sea gypsies traveling by boat from the Malayan Peninsula.

The island was then later settled by Chinese migrants from Hainan, who carved out a living from fishing and harvesting the island's natural ressources.

The late King Rama V was known to be a fervent lover of the island, which he lovingly referred to as "The Royal Stream" or Thansadet. Infact his initials are carved on many rock formations around the island and he is known to have visited the island more than 20 times during his reign as Monarch.

Nowadays Koh Phangan is inhabited by a wide array of Thai's and foreigners, with most of them earning a living of the booming tourism.


Interesting facts
Koh Phangan translates as Sandbar Island, the reason being the many sandbars protecting the island from the violent monsoon.