Before, around six years ago there was less than one hundred dorm beds available in Hostels on Koh Phangan. Unbelievable if you think that now there are many thousands.
The island before this was mainly bungalows on the beach or little bamboo huts just behind the trees on the beach. Whilst this was a quieter and more basic time, times however do change and since then the island has changed for the better and is more accessible for any budget you are travelling with.
The building and development of new Hostels and Dormitories on the island has increased the quality of the infrastructure on the island, including more reliable electricity and a faster internet connection to the entire island.
Many other hotels and bungalow operations have also upgraded their accommodation in response to these new Hostels not just the main hub of Haad Rin and Baan Tai but everywhere on the island.
The amount of people that now stay in one hostel has also increased the number of great bars and restaurants nearby who have also upgraded their facilities in response to the amount of people staying under one roof nearby.
Since many Hostels have opened on the island with dorm rooms this is great news for the budget travellers and even for people with a large budget who simply love the company of others.
Dorm rooms on the island are obviously perfect for accommodating large groups of people and as there are many people who arrive to The Crystal Island with a posse of friends from home, or people on a University gap year, then all of you staying in a dormitory is fantastic fun and it keeps your costs down.
You just have to put up with the snorers (you know who you are!) and the noises that go bump in the night.
If you are a solo traveller then this also means it is impossible not to meet people who will be on the same wavelength as you. Many people who say in Hostel dorms are there for the main reason that it is easy to make friends and get involved in the activities that are arranged for you.
The building and development of these hostels has created an even bigger party atmosphere and positive vibe on the island as most Hostels have their own individual parties and events, warm up shindigs before providing taxis to and from the massive parties on the island, including the Jungle Experience, Waterfall Party and the famous Loi Lay Floating Bar every Sunday, and not just before the Full Moon Party.
Most hostels like Blue Dream, Ban Tai Backpackers and Fubar will have discount drinks offers, all types of fun and games, and great music in a safe and happy environment.
There are football pitches, pool tables and dart boards, and even the crazy beer pong which we are hoping will soon become an Olympic sport! So the Hostel will keep you entertained if it is raining or if you simply decide to ‘stay in’ the Hostel for the day.
Most will also have Bicycles or Motorbikes to hire, or will know a reliable provider, so you can safely explore the island and you have someone to call if you get stuck somewhere.
The staff at the hostels are experts at getting people to smile, have fun, will get you drunk (if you want to of course) and simply make and keep you happy, entertained all day and most of the night.
Be nice to the staff as they will be working long hours to make sure your time on the island is an unforgettable one. Most people always return to Koh Phangan!
Phanganist has visited many hostels on the island who we have partnered with and the mood of the travellers staying there is always a happy positive one, super social and there is always the sound of fun and laughter, whatever the weather.
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