is full of outdoor adventure and most of it can be done on a few Bath. Rich coral reefs run along the north-west coast of the island, supporting a vibrant underwater and one of the cheapest and least-crowded places to dive in Thailand. There are fishing trips, around the island boat trips and loads of watersports on offer including kayaks, catamarans and fishing.
The island has acres of undisturbed tropical rainforest and a wild jungle interior. There are overnight mountain treks to the top of Khao Ra and coastline walks making it possible to beach hop round the world island. There are also several Thai boxing schools, gyms and Thai boxing stadiums in both Thongsala and Haad Rin. Koh Phangan is great for cycling around and if offers some fun rides. There are loads of temples to visit, spa and ,meditation retreats and its also a pretty good place to do bugger all!
Watersport Guide
Like all tropical island Koh Phangan is also a fantastic place to participate in a variety of water sport.One of the most popular watersports is Scuba diving.
Scuba diving in Koh Phangan is not only fun but extremely convenient as well. Since Koh Phangan is situated between Koh Tao and Koh Samui, Phangan has easy access to all of the prime dive sites such as Anthong National Marine Park and the popular Sail Rock. Phangan offers a variety PADI courses in French, German, Swedish, Dutch and more. Diving in Koh Phangan is fun, easy and probably much cherper than taking a course in your own country. So go ahead dive in...
Belows are the list of varieties Water Sports provided :
Bikes can be hires in most towns and villages, just ask around; the quality varies but there are some reasonable machines out there. If you are staying long term there are several shops in Koh Samui that stock authentic bikes and they can usually be sold on before you go home. Prices range between Bt80 to Bt120 per day (prices are negotiable on monthly rentals.)
Apart from Ban Khai to Thongsala and on to Haad Yao, the island is predominantly hilly, thus be prepared for a work out if you cycle elsewhere. Always remember take plenty of water, head wear (helmet advised-the hills give you a lot of speed) and sun-cream.
A new 3200m2 paintball battlefield has opened near Thongsala – there are a choice of 6 games to play (capture the flag, defend your base, free for all, rabbit hunt, find the flag, defend your man) and up to 12 people can play at a time. Suitable for experts or beginners, you can play the whole day for only 300 Bath per person; there is also a really cool bar with great tunes and a groovy atmosphere. Thai and Western staff.
Muay Thai Behind the punch lies the prayer
Nak Muay (Thai boxer) has five ways to bring the pain: foot thrust, kick, knee, elbow and the fist,These can act as weapons or as armor, depending on the situationof the match. It takes years to master 15 major and 15 minor tactics. While boxing has been known for its showmanship Thai boxers aspire to be discipline and modest.
Muay Thai connects many threads of folk culture: play, music, gambling, dance and respect for teachers, not to mention amulets, aromatherapy and the army.
Before entering the ring boxers request permission and protection from the spirits in their corner. Before coming into a match, boxers ewill wai (below with folded hands) amd may even stroke the top rope recting prayers.
Before each bout, boxers perform the “wai khru ram muay” homage to their teacher’s past and present. The performance also servers a practical purpose by warming up the boxer and getting him used to this surrounding in the ring, checking the ropes and floor for abnormalities and using footwork he may later use in the fight.
While there are now a number of boxing rings around Koh Phangan, still one of the most creditable places to train is the Jungle Gym in Haad Rin and Thong Sala. Jungle Gym is owned and run by one of the past champions of the sport. Jungle Gym is a fully equipped fitness club that caters to weight lifters and cardio junkies who will love the treadmills, bikes, steppers, cross-trainers and rowers. Jungle Gym offers Yoga classes from 1-3 pm, specializing in beginners through the advanced levels. There are also all day Yoga workshops the allow participants to get a deeper understanding of methods and techniques. The Haad Rin Gym offers an herbal steam room and a juice bar.
Many parts of Koh Phangan are still untouched, which makes it perfect for trekking and camping. Most trekking routes are alomg the eastern coastline that link up peaceful coves and beaches, although there are also some fun treks in the jungle interior around the tallest mountain Khao Ra and Phaeng Waterfall National Park.
Warning : Please remember that it is easy to become lost, so if you are inexperienced please don’t trek alone . Local guides can be found at Phaeng Waterfall National Park (Tel: 077 238275) – expect to pay about 500 Bath per day. If trekking alone or without a guide remember to take plenty to supplies, especially water and some high energy food.
Khao Ra
Phaeng Waterfall National Park
Central
The highest peak on Koh Phangan, Khao Ra stands at 630m
and offers a fantastic viewpoint overlooking Chaloklum and
Thong Nai Pan for those willing to climb to the top.
On a good day with clear visibility you can see Koh Tao.
The route is not too strenous, but the path can be difficult
to follow at times.
South West
The Waterfall itself is a good attraction to visit, but walk further and there are many eafy to follow paths leading up tihe mountain to an excellent viewpoint. Upon reaching the top there is still another longer well-marked trek for those who want to explore further.
Bottle Beach
A popular trek from Haad Rin that takes approximately 2 hours. The first part is hard going , but once at the top of the mountain there are beautiful views over Haad Rin and beyond to Koh Samui. After this, follow the “green dots” along the mountain plateau which will eventually descend to the beach Haad Yuan. Only a little further is Haad Thian. Cheap bungalows are available on both beaches foe an overngh stay.
Ang Thong is a true natural wonder unique to the Gulf of thailand; consisting of over 42 individual island and easily reached from Koh Phangan by speedboat or cruiser it is a popular destination for travellers looking to explore this magical place. A few of the highlights include.
Viewpoint on Wua Ta Lap
Wua Ta Lap is the Marine Park Headquarters and consist of an open area with information centre, restaurant and a few modern bungalows. It is a steep climb to the viewpoint and lost of water and shoes are definitely recommended – the hard walk will be rewarded by some stunning views.
Inner Sea (Emerald Lake)
Don’t miss the famous saltwater Emerald Lake. Hidden from view and accesses by a narrow path
way , it is a natural wonder. No swimming allowed.
There are several companies that can arrange trips to the marine park, some will do a standard 1-day trip which includes visiting a few attractions, lunch break and a bit of snorkelling. For those that want more adventure it is possible to stay overnight at the marine park in basic accommodation. All tour packages should include the entrance fee of 200 Bath per person.
Camping on Koh Mae Ko
There are only a few beaches in the Marine Park that tourist are allowed to camp and facilities are actually provided on request swing in the hammock under the stars with a warming camp fire and BBQ in the evening.
Island Discovery
Offers day trips to Ang Thong Marine Park by speedboat including private charter.
Ban Tai , 077 238363 or 08 7069 0036
www.island-discovery.com
Liquid Leisure
Ban Tai , 08 7889 4077 or 08 96471209
Contact for day trips to the Marine Park.
is full of outdoor adventure and most of it can be done on a few Bath. Rich coral reefs run along the north-west coast of the island, supporting a vibrant underwater and one of the cheapest and least-crowded places to dive in Thailand. There are fishing trips, around the island boat trips and loads of watersports on offer including kayaks, catamarans and fishing.
