|
Ko Phangan - Overview
Easily visible from Ko Samui and about two-thirds its size, Ko
Phangan has beautiful beaches and inexpensive, basic bungalows.
It's the simple beach life which attracts many tourists each year,
and the island's reputation for full moon parties and hedonistic
culture. During the 90's Phangan became popular with backpackers,
budget tourists and aging hippies seeking paradise complete with
cheap accommodation, New Age therapies and good cheap food. The
Full Moon party scene still exists but the original word-of-mouth
happening with only a few hundred participants is now a well advertised
and professional event attracting over 7,000 party-goers.
Although there have been changes caused by development, Koh Phangan
still has plenty of remote beaches, surrounded with beautiful
coral and protected by the spirits of old temples. Lots of coconut
plantations, lovely bicycle trails and adventurous mountain treks
are available. Near Haad Sadet at Thong Nang Village is trail
which leads to a series of waterfalls collectively known as Than
Sadet Waterfall or "Royal Stream." Now a historical
site, the area was visited by many Kings of Thailand, including
the reigning monarch, H.M. King Bhumibol. There are large inscriptions
on giant stones near the river bed made by each of the kings.
About 8,000 people live on Koh Phangan. Some are Chinese, whose
ancestors migrated from China more than hundred years ago. The
main population lives in Thongsala Town - the main centre of the
island.
What to Do
Phangan offers a beach lifestyle, "New Age" culture,
local inexpensive and good Thai food, and relatively cheap accommodation.
It's a place to go walking, snorkelling, swimming, or try new
things. From belly dancing courses to Full Moon parties, to lazing
on the beach or snorkelling. It's all about taking it easy and
leaving mainstream life behind.
Island Hopping in Ang Thong
Close by and accessible on day trips by boat are a couple of smaller,
uninhabited islands where beautiful bays and colorful coral formations
offer excellent snorkelling. A more adventurous full-day excursion
can be made to the Ang Thong Marine Park,
a group of 42 islands northwest of Samui. The islands have spectacular
limestone formations, caves, lagoons and beautiful beaches. Many
are uninhabited. At the island of Ko Wua Ta Lap, where the park
headquarters are located, there are a few bungalows for rent.
Organized daily tours to Ang Thong are available from travel agents
around Thongsala and the main beaches like Haad Rin.
Snorkelling/Diving
Water lovers can take snorkelling or diving trips with local boats
or dive companies. There are several schools on the island mostly
in the more popular beaches like Haad Rin which offer PADI courses.
Trekking
Take an easy trek to Phang Waterfall from Thongsala. It's the
biggest waterfall with a dazzling view over the south and west
of the island. The highest point on the island is the Mountain
Viewpoint at "Kao Ra". Measuring 627 ms or 2,069 feet,
there is a long winding footpath leading up to the scenic point
from the village of Ban Maduawan. It is recommended to get the
guide service available at Phang Waterfall (around 500 baht per
trip) as the trail is steep and dangerous. (Not easy for rescue
services to get here!)
Alternative Culture
For visitors who appreciate the simple life and the beauty of
nature, there's an International Meditation Centre at Wat Kow
Tahm - a Theravada Buddhist Monastery & Retreat Center run
by Rosemary & Steve Weissman since 1988.
If you're interested in pursuing self-growth & healing therapies,
"The Sanctuary" at Hat Tien Beach offers sessions and
groups throughout the year covering a wide range of alternative
practices. Including Meditation, Reiki, Rebalancing, Astrology,
Inner Child Therapy, Sound work, Belly dancing, Massage, Shiatzu,
Tai chi and Yoga. Not a retreat centre but a place to find new
ideas, the centre offers Yoga, Tai chi and Massage daily throughout
most of the year, taught by resident teachers.
For absolute pampering, "The Sanctuary Spa" allows
you to indulge in various types of massage, Body Treatments, Hydrotherapy
(including a Flotation tank), Thai Oil Massage, Aloe Vera Body
Wraps, Papaya Body Polish, facials, various manicures, pedicures,
etc.,
For those who prefer to shape their bodies and want a work out,"
Jungle Gym", located on the beautiful sunset side of Haad
Rin Beach, offers classes in Aerobics, Body Sculpting and Thai
Boxing from beginners, to advanced level.
Full Moon Parties
Every month Haad Rin Beach is transformed into a huge party zone.
Six sound stages, impressive neon installations, drink and food
stalls, fireworks and up to ten thousand party animals from around
the globe. DJs and promoters try to cater for every musical taste
playing Trance, House, Garage, Hip-Hop and Jungle. Quality sound
with both professional Thai and foreign DJs.
The crowd dances no-stop under a full moon until dawn. For an
occasional break in the action you can relax in areas laid out
with low tables, mats and lamps. Parties are well advertised -
but basically happen every full moon, with smaller black moon
and other variations at other beaches. For the Haad Rin Full Moon
parties, be aware there simply isn't enough accommodation to meet
demand, so arrive a few days in advance (about 5 days in the peak
season) pre-book accommodation, or be prepared to sleep on the
beach. Since drugs are a general part of the party scene - police
and busts are a regular occurrence. Penalties include jail, high
fines, and deportation. Also lock all your valuables in a hotel
safe back in Ko Samui.
Beaches
Haad Rin
The most popular beach in Koh Phangan and location of the famous
Full Moon Parties held every month. Consisting of two beaches,
on each side of Cape Rin at the southeast corner of the island.
The east side is good for swimming and snorkeling while the west
side has a better selection of bungalows. Accommodation on both
beaches can vary from around 4 to 50 US$ per night.
Thong Nai Pan
Located on the northeast coast of Koh Phangan about 13km from
Ban Tai Village at the end of the rough dirt trail through the
jungle. The two bays Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi are
both wide and unspoilt beaches. Lots of bungalows to choose from
starting from 2-60 US$
Haad Sadet
About 5 km from the road to Thong Nai Pan. The beach lies at the
mouth of Than Sadet, a series of waterfalls collectively known
as the famous "Royal Stream" and favoured by many Kings
of Thailand in the past, and also the reigning monarch, H.M. King
Bhumibol. Now a historical site, there are large inscriptions
on giant stones near the river bed made by each of the kings.
The small and quiet beach is good for swimming with a few simple
huts.
Haad Tien
The remote beach can be reached only by boat. On the east side
of Haad Rin, it's good for swimming and snorkeling with only a
couple of bungalow resorts including The Sanctuary, an alternative
healing resort. It offers among other things, a huge New Age library
with over 3,000 books, Meditation, Reiki, Rebalancing, Astrology,
Inner Child Therapy, Sound work, Belly dancing, Massage, Shiatzu,
Tai chi and Ayurvedic massage and Yoga. During the monsoon season
(October-December) boats may be irregular.
Chaloklum Bay
A large, bay with several nice beaches. At the eastern end, is
Khom Beach with its own cove. At the fishing village of Ban Chaloklum
you can shop for basic provisions and catch taxis back to Thongsala.
Bottle Beach (Haad Kuat)
One of the most popular hideaways on the island, tucked in a secluded
cove on the northern shore, you can take a boat from Chaloklum
Bay, or hike 3 km. along an island trail. Bungalows on this beach
are closed during monsoon season (September to January)
Mae Haad
One of the best coastal snorkeling sites on Koh Phangan. Located
about 3 km from Chaloklum on the west coast. There are several
bungalow resorts on the beach and the small village of Ban Mae
Haad where you can buy snacks and basic goods.
Haad Yao & Haad Salat
Haad Yao and Haad Salat are hidden on the east of the island.
The two beaches have good snorkeling and beautiful sunsets. Lots
of basic bungalows.
Nai Vok & Vok Tum
Just a short walk from the town of Thongsala. Quiet and clean,
not too many bungalows. Vok Tum has a wider beach and offers better
snorkelling and swimming
Haad Thongsala
On the east side of Thongsala Town. A long and quiet beach with
many bungalows. The beach here is good for swimming in the monsoon
season because the wind come from the opposite direction. Conveniently
close to town.
Chao Pao & Sri Thanu
Chao Pao Bay is usually lumped together with neighboring Srithanu
Bay. There are extensive offshore coral reefs and an inland lake
behind the cape called Lam Son suitable for swimming and relaxing.
Good selection of bungalow facilities along the beach.
Getting There
Early morning boats link Surat Thani, Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko
Tao, and Chumphon and back again. From Samui's Nathon Pier. The
trip to Ko Phangan takes just over an hour. Boats also leave from
Big Buddha Beach or Bophut (Samui) at regular intervals every
day until about 1am.
Ang Thong Marine National Park - (Mu Ko Angthong)
Ang Thong Islands
Around 42 islands make up the Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Formed largely from limestone, and geographically different from
the other islands in the region, many of the islands have secluded
beaches, coves and caves, while others rise from the sea as dramatic
walls of rock hundreds of metres high. Besides the many small
coves and beautiful beaches, erosion has shaped some interesting
shapes, which give some of the islands their names, such as 'Sleeping
Cow Island' and 'Three Pillar Island'.
Surrounded by coral reefs, many of the islands also have tropical
forest and provide a home for the Asian long-tailed monkey (Langur),
Otters, Egrets, White-bellied sea eagles, Tortoises, Sea Turtles,
Lizards and Pythons.
The islands can be visited by renting a local boat or by joining
a tour with around 40-50 people, with lunch on board. Or, if you
prefer a less crowded option, Get a few friends together and charter
a speedboat so that you can explore in your own time.
Among the many islands - here are a couple worth a mention....
Mae Ko Island (Mother Island)
Should be on your list. Known for both its beach and Thale Noi,
an inland saltwater lake that is mysteriously replenished through
an undiscovered outlet to the sea. Known to the Thais as Ang Thong,
or Golden Bowl, this green lagoon gave its name to the entire
archipelago. You can climb from the seashore to the edge of the
lake in 40 minutes or so for a spectacular view.
Ko Wua Ta Lap (Sleeping Cow Island)
The largest of the islands in the Ang Thong Marine
National Park and its headquarters. Dormitory bungalows which
accommodate 10 to 20 people, and some two-person tents are available.
Must be booked in advance through the park headquarters (tel.
077 286025) If you have your own camping gear there's no charge
except National Park Admission Fee 20Bt. The island has freshwater
springs and a park service restaurant.
| 
