---
type: "Article"
title: "Thailand tour part 2 – Koh Phangan and the Anantara Resort"
description: "After four nights on Koh Samui, we moved on to Koh Phangan on a speed catamaran. This island is smaller than Koh Samui and consists mainly of jungle making us float in seventh heaven …"
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/thailand/thailand-tour-koh-phangan-anantara-resort"
author: "Michael Bachmann"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 8
tags: ["Boutique Hotel", "Nature", "Relax", "Sea", "Spa-Wellness", "Thailand"]
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/resort"
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  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
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generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/mbachmann", at: 2026-07-04T13:11:47+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: thailand-tour-koh-phangan-anantara-resort.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Michael Bachmann"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/mbachmann"
    last_modified: 2014-06-28
timestamp: 2026-07-04T13:11:47+00:00
---

# Thailand tour part 2 – Koh Phangan and the Anantara Resort

> Koh Phangan is a smaller, jungle-covered Thai island that draws visitors with its laid-back atmosphere and famous moon-party scene; the five-star Anantara Rasananda Resort on Thong Nai Pan Noi beach offers a nature-integrated luxury retreat on the island's northeastern shore.

## Destination
Koh Phangan, Gulf of Thailand; the Anantara Rasananda Resort is located at Thong Nai Pan Noi beach on the northeastern tip of the island.

## Getting there
Accessible by speed catamaran from Koh Samui.

## When to go
The article does not specify seasonal recommendations, though it mentions beautiful weather during the stay.

## Why visit
Koh Phangan is less crowded and less touristy than Koh Samui, offering jungle scenery, sleepy Thai villages, and a relaxed island atmosphere, anchored by the high-quality Anantara Rasananda Resort.

## What to see
- **Anantara Rasananda Resort** — Five-star resort built in harmony with tropical flora, featuring koi ponds, palm-shaded bungalows, and direct beach access.
- **Koh Ma Beach (Northwest)** — Calm bay with a house reef, anemone garden, and good snorkeling conditions.
- **Nearby Thai villages** — Sleepy, authentic villages behind the hotels where local Thai residents live and work.

## What to do
- **Thai cooking class** — Taught by the resort's sous-chef in English; guests prepare and eat the menu and receive a bottle of wine.
- **Snorkeling trip to Koh Ma Beach** — Organized excursion to a calm bay with diverse underwater life including fish and a large anemone garden.
- **Wave jumping** — The resort faces the open ocean, making wave jumping a fun alternative to calm-water swimming.
- **Themed evening dining** — Each evening at the resort features a different theme — lobster night, open-air cinema, Thai beach buffet — accompanied by a DJ or fire artist.

## Good to know
Bungalows include Apple TV, a free minibar, a private jacuzzi, and a pre-packed beach bag. Affordable authentic Thai restaurants are available in the village adjacent to the resort. The island is expanding its infrastructure with wider roads and a planned airport.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Waechter-Fort-Santiago-Manila.jpg"
    caption: "\"Heavily guarded\" Fort Santiago"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Pistazien-Creme-Brulee-The-Alpina-Gstaad-150x150.jpg"
    caption: "Pistazien Crème Brulée mit caramellisierter Banane und Zitronensorbet"
    keywords: ["5-Stern", "Abendessen", "Berner Oberland", "Boutique Hotel", "Dessert", "Gault Millau", "Gstaad", "Hotel", "Menukarte", "Nachtessen", "Restaurant", "The Alpina Gstaad", "Wein", "gourmet", "menu"]
    captured: 2014-06-28
    geo: {latitude: 46.4761, longitude: 7.2884}
    credit: "Walter Schärer"
```