KOH PHANGAN PLACES OF INTEREST
Koh Phangan has a lot to offer you. There are plenty of interesting places of interest on Koh Phangan to go sightseeing:
○ In the village of Ban Madua Wan the Koh Phangan Phaeng Waterfall National Park is located. The Park has a nice waterfall close to the entrance and some trekking routes to mountaintop viewpoints, including a long winding foot trail leading up to Koh Phangan's highest mountain peak Khao Ra (627 meter). The top offers you a spectacular view of Koh Phangan. The trail can be steep and difficult to follow at times, so it is recommended to wear good shoes and to hire a guide at the entrance of the park. Another nice viewpoint is located on the trail from Phaeng Waterfall to Domsila. After all the exercise you can treat yourself on a delicious home-made ice cream on the way from Madua Wan to Thong Sala opposite the school.
○ The largest waterfall on Koh Phangan is Than Sadet Waterfall National Park also called Than Sadej or "Royal Stream". It is located on the way from Ban Tai to Thong Nai Pan on the east coast. Than Sadet is a 3 kilometer run of rock pools and streams with a royal emblem, since it was visited by several Kings of Thailand, including the reigning monarch, H.M. King Bhumibol (Rama IX) and the Great Chulalongkorn (Rama V) who visited Koh Phangan fourteen times. There are inscriptions on boulders near the river bed made by each of the Kings. The park has several nice jungle trekking paths as well.
○ Weang Sai waterfall, is easy to climb, has a number of rockpools which can be nice to cool down. It is good to reach by taking a left on the small dirt road to Mae Haad in the Northwest.
○ Wat Phu Khao Noi ("The Temple of the Small Mountain") is one of the many temples (“Wat” in Thai) on Koh Phangan. It is the oldest temple on the island and was founded around 1400 by Buddha monks that discovered Koh Phangan and found it a spiritual place. Here you can witness the monks in their daily life. You might have the chance to speak with one, especially if you visit in the morning. In the afternoon most monks are inside to meditate or read. As a matter of respect to the monks women should wear appropriate clothing so not a bikini or short skirt. The Wat Phu Khao Noi is located in the hills of the island near Wok Tum and offers some of the most magnificent views on Koh Phangan.
○ The Chinese Temple on Koh Phangan is located on the hillside between Thong Sala and Chaloklum. It is the result of the dream a woman had in 1990 in which the (Chinese) Buddha spoke to her and asked her to build a firelight for the people.
○ Wat Pho Herbal Sauna is a traditional herbal steam sauna runned by monks in Ban Tai on the road to Thong Nai Pan. The sauna uses traditional methods by heating natural herbs such as lemongrass and tamarind leaves on a big log fire. The herbs have many health and skin benefits. It is open daily from 3 till 7 pm. As it runs on donations please don't forget to make a donation after using the sauna. It should be remembered that ladies have to wear a sarong outside the sauna and men their shorts.
○ Koh Phangan's biggest tree is a massive tropical rubber tree (in Thai: “Don Yang”) with a diameter of 14 meters. It is hundreds of years old and can be found on the road near Wat Pho.
○ Thong Nai Pan is a nice day trip and not be missed for a day of good swimming and relaxation. The drive there through the jungle is an experience in itself (we recommend to you to take a taxi).
○ The beaches of the Northwest like Haad Yao, Haad Chao Phao and Haad Salad are notorious for their sublime sunsets, perfect snorkeling and romantic dining. It is an area we can specially recommend you to spend your holidays on Koh Phangan.
○ In Thong Sala choose one of the many delicious tropical fruits, shakes or Thai meals on the local market. Settle yourself among locals and other tourists for an unforgettable experience.
○ Haad Rin is famous for its nightlife, bars, restaurants and many little boutiques and souvenir shops.
DAYTRIPS FROM KOH PHANGAN
Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong ('Golden Basin') is an archipelago made up of around 40 small, mostly uninhabited islands with limestone cliffs, caves, beautiful beaches, a giant emerald saltwater lake (also known from the movie The Beach) and dense tropical rainforest. You can either book an organized day- or camping trip or hire a speedboat with a group (usually minimum of 6 people) and plan your own trip.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao is a well known destination among divers. The waters around the island offer very good diving and snorkelling. There are daily boats between Thong Sala and Koh Tao and the trip takes around 2 hours. >> More
Koh Samui
Take a half hour boat trip to big sister island Koh Samui to go shopping at touristy Chaweng Beach or to visit the Samui Butterfly Garden, Snake Farm, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo or the golden Big Buddha statue at Bophut. >> More
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