Ban Khai and Ban Tai are the sections
that comprise the region between HaadRin and Thong Sala on the island
KohPhangan. The pier, which is the main entry point onto the island, is located
in Thong Sala while HaadRin is the site of the infamous full moon parties that
draw in backpackers and tourists each month. Ban Khai adjoins HaadRin and
offers an excellent option for those looking to experience the area’s renowned
nightlife and beach parties but also want a quieter place to sleep that is
located away from the excitement. The large sandy beach has fewer luxury villas
available and more guesthouses and bungalows ideal for smaller budgets.
Along with the nightlife and the sand
beach, the area has several shops and travel agents to arrange activities and
excursions for tourists looking to keep their days full. Internet shops are
available to keep visitors connected, as well as ATMs if one is in need of
extra cash. The herbal sauna close by offers free entry and asks only for a
donation. It is closed in the mornings, but opens in the afternoons and the
evenings. Near the sauna is Wat Pho, one of the island’s oldest temples, as
well as the biggest tree on KohPhangan, both of which are impressive sites.
While the section’s lodging tends more
toward beachfront guesthouses and bungalows, higher end options are becoming
more readily available, including villas for long term stays. Luxury resorts
have been built, such as the Coast and Chantaramas, which have raised the real
estate value in the area. These more opulent accommodations make the area even
more appealing for those visitors looking for a place to experience the
all-night Full Moon Parties
that make the island famous, but also a place to relax and sleep in the next
day.
