Talk:Ko Pha Ngan
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[edit] Comments
Snipping out personal experience contributed by an anonymous user: Jpatokal 11:15, 19 May 2009 (EDT)
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, getting away from the Sunrise strip of Haad Rin in the week leading up to the Full Moon Party is one of the best things you can do. But if you prefer the deafening bass and stink of petrol which emanate from the beachside clubs at night, be advised that some places offer considerably better accomodations than others; it is often smart--particularly for back packers on a budget--to spend the extra bit of cash to ensure that your sanity and HEALTH remain intact.
Many travelers will no doubt turn to their trusty Lonely Planet Bible in search of recommended accomodations on Haad Rin. One of the first budget listings, Paradise Bungalows, is touted as having started the Full Moon Party a couple of decades ago. A cursory inspection of the lodgings and services reveals a place that is quickly decaying, but worth the 350 Baht to stay on the beach. However, DO NOT BE FOOLED! This place is not safe, the bungalows are filthy and the staff are not friendly!
On Full Moon night my girlfriend and I were returned home early. Having only consumed a moderate amount of alcohol--no illicit substances--we found a British man and a Thai lady boy having sex on our door step. We politely asked them to leave and they began to do so begrudgingly. They grew agitated--clearly on hard core uppers, as their eyes were heavily glazed--and began to verbally and physically threaten my girlfriend. A fight ensued which resulted in my girl friend and I being beaten with a bamboo branch by the prostitute, barricaded in our room to threats of "You will never leave this island alive!" and numerous bricks were thrown through our window.
When we ran down stairs to "reception" pleading, admittedly forcefully with the receptionist to get the manager for us, she told us to "Fucking call her ourselves!" and called two Thai men to begin beating on me. Only after I ran to get the amazingly unhelpful and inaffectual Thai police (who were drinking beer on the beach) did the Paradise staff begin to understand the gravity of the situation, and tend to our numerous wounds. Predictably enough they also began to try and bribe us to keep quite and when we refused to let them comp our room or give us free ammenities they grew cold again; the management made sure to avoid us for the duration of our stay there.
In summary Paradise Bungalows does not provide adequate rooms, SECURITY or lighting (particularly near the dark, hill side bungalows.) It is certainly not worth saving some money to say that you stayed at the place that started the Full Moon phenomenon, and it is certainly not worth risking your safety. The owners of Paradise Bungalows also allow "staff" to live amongst the bungalows reserved for guests. Some of these staff were seen doing drugs and threatening the safety and good time of others. (DO NOT LOSE YOUR COOL WITH THAI PEOPLE. everything written about them by the previous author in the "Stay Safe" sub heading is true)
before the traveler strongly recommends get to Ko Ko Phangan
