Tourists who go on vacation to exotic Thailand are interested not only in beaches, but also in the sights of the country. One of the most interesting places is Koh Phangan. The sights of the region are worthy of the attention of travelers. The island has two national parks, temples and man-made monuments that attract visitors.
Location of the island
Phangan Island is located in the Gulf of Thailand, it is also called Koh Phangan. It is located in the province of Surat Thani, just 15 kilometers from the famous island of Koh Samui. The name of the island comes from the Thai word "Ko", which means "island", and "Ngan" - "sand spit".
There are very pronounced low tides on Koh Phangan, at this time you can observe bare spits around the island. 70% of the territory is occupied by mountains, which are completely covered with tropical forests. The remaining 30% of the island is coconut beaches and plantations. Rama V himself was very fond of relaxing on Koh Phangan. He first visited the island in1888, after which he came fourteen more times.
In terms of tourism, Koh Phangan began to develop only in the last thirty years. Here they began to build bungalows for travelers. Until that time, the islanders were engaged in the cultivation of coconuts and fishing. The island has become famous for hosting Full Moon parties. On the day of the full moon, thousands of tourists from around the world gather here.
Park Than Sadet
One of Koh Phangan's attractions is the Than Sadet National Park. It is located near the Than Sadet River. You can visit the park only by renting a car. But it's easier to buy a ticket for a sightseeing tour. The park is open 24/7 and admission is free. On its territory you can see tourists with tents who set up camps along the coast of the river. The main attractions of the park include several waterfalls and Mount Ra, which reaches a height of 600 meters. Ra is considered the highest point of Koh Phangan.
The length of the waterfalls exceeds three kilometers. They are a system of cascades located at different heights. Than Sadet and Pheng waterfalls are connected by the Than Sadet river. She is often referred to as the Royal. She received this name after King Rama V visited her. On one of the rocks near the river you can see the initials of the monarch. Than Sadet waterfall is located in the eastern part of the park, it is very beautiful. If you want to visit one of the mainattractions of Koh Phangan, you will need a lot of strength and good shoes to walk around the park.
Laem Son Lake
Among the sights of Koh Phangan, it is worth highlighting Laem Son Lake, located on the territory of the reserve, which we talked about earlier. The reservoir is necessarily shown to tourists during organized excursions. You can get to it by your own car, by taxi or with a tour group. The lake is located on the east coast of the island. According to tourists, it fascinates with its beauty and size. The fact is that in the conditions of the tropical climate of the country, such reservoirs are a rarity. Coconut palms and other exotic plants are planted around the reservoir. It is worth noting that the lake is not only a landmark of Koh Phangan in Thailand, but also a protected natural site. Therefore, fishing on its territory is strictly prohibited.
During the high season near the reservoir you can see vacationers who come here by car to relax in tents. Spreading plantations near the lake provide excellent shade.
Khangan Safari Park
What to see on Koh Phangan on your own? Active travelers should visit Koh Phangan safari park. It can be reached by car or join a tour. It is located in the northern part of the island. The park is a very popular attraction.
It is visited not only by adults, but also by children. For them herecreated a variety of entertainment. Entrance to the park is completely free. But for the rides you have to pay. For example, you can ride an elephant or visit a show with monkeys, elephants, crocodiles and other animals.
Wat Phu Khao Noi
What to see on Koh Phangan? On the island, you should pay attention to the local temples, which are an integral part of the life of the island. It is located near the village of Thongsala in the center of Koh Phangan. An asph alt road leads to the temple, so you can get to it by bus with a tour or by your own car. You can visit the attraction for free. However, it is worth remembering that the temple is open in the mornings and during the daytime.
Locals revere this sacred place very much and hold meditation sessions here. The temple has been visited by members of the royal family at various times. For this reason, interior items and household items of roy alty have been preserved inside the complex.
Wat Pho Herbal Sauna
What to see on Koh Phangan if you are attracted by temple complexes. Of course, it is worth visiting Wat Pho temple. Getting to it is quite easy. The temple complex has gained popularity due to the unique and inimitable herbal sauna, which is located on its territory.
They say that the sauna has an amazing effect on the human body. The institution has a very long history. For several centuries, a variety of ailments of internal organs have been treated here. You can visit the sauna for only 50 baht.
Chinese Temple Khuan-ImShrine
Another attraction of Koh Phangan is the Khuan-Im Shrine, located in the north of the island. It can only be reached by a rented car. It is open to everyone and works only during daylight hours. The temple was erected on a high hill. During its construction, all the rules of traditional Chinese architecture were observed. The temple was named after the goddess Guan Qin. Now the complex is considered one of the most revered in the country.
It consists of three zones:
- The first one is near the entrance. On its territory there is a statue of the goddess.
- The second zone is focused on meditation practices, as well as religious and ceremonial events.
Another part of the temple is reserved for a special room in which the statue of Buddha is located.
Observation decks
If you want to appreciate the sights of Koh Phangan in Thailand, pay attention to the observation decks. There are a lot of similar places of natural origin in the region. But not all Koh Phangan sites can be easily reached. All of them are located on the tops of mountains. There are no roads leading to such places. You need to get there on foot along dirt paths or sandy paths.
Among all the sites on the island, only two can be distinguished, which can be reached by motorbike. One of them is located near the beach of Had Rin. You can drive up to it on a bike, but then walk the rest of the way. No less attractive is Wat Khao Tam. Being on it, you can admire the magnificent views and make amazingphotos.
Paradise Falls
What to see on Koh Phangan? You should definitely visit the Paradise Falls. The road to it is very simple, so getting there is not difficult. There is a waterfall on the way from Chaloklam to Thongsalu. You can get from the central highway along a narrow path.
There is a recreation area in the shade of trees near the waterfall. Locals even rent modest apartments for those who want to spend a little more time here. Water masses fall from a height, creating a lot of splashes. The approach to the goal can be judged by the increasing noise that the waterfall creates. An interesting fact is that during the dry season, Paradise is not anything interesting. If at this time you visit the waterfall, then in place of the seething masses you will see only a thin stream. But during the rainy season, the waterfall fills up so much that you can even swim in its waters.
Wat Paa Sang Tham
What is a must-see on Koh Phangan? If you are interested in Thai culture, then visiting temples will help you get acquainted with local traditions. The temple complex differs from others in that monks live on its territory. Stone statues of Buddha are located among stone boulders and wild thickets. Thanks to this, the complex has a mystical appearance.
Walking around the territory has a calming effect on guests. The peculiarity of the temple complex is that anyone who wishes can temporarily become its novice. But for thisyou need to get permission from the priest. Anyone can visit the temple.
Diving
Khangan is considered one of the most attractive places in Thailand for diving. Along the coast of the island there are many interesting places where beginners and experienced divers are taken. Very interesting in this regard is the Ang Thong park, which consists of a large number of small islands with corals and an incredibly rich underwater world. There are dive schools on the island. In addition, locals offer a wide range of boat trips.
Thongsal Night Market
A peculiar attraction of the island is a night market near the village of Thongsala. Trading starts every evening. Here you can buy real culinary delights made from seafood. The whole market is full of colorful trays with goodies. Every traveler should visit the market. You will not find such a variety of food anywhere else. And lower prices for great meals too. The market can rightly be called a place of culinary battles between different sellers.
Amsterdam Bar
Cafe "Amsterdam" tourists call one of the attractions of the island. This place is incredibly popular among travelers. Young people especially love the bar. The establishment is located on a hill. It is equipped with outdoor terraces that offer an incredibly beautiful view of the island and the sea. It is especially beautiful here at sunset. In the bar you can have a good time, sipping a cocktail and admiring the natural beauties. Another feature of the bar is the pool,around which amazingly fun parties are held in the evening. If you like fun parties, then you should definitely visit this place.
Day trip
Very often tourists are limited in time, but at the same time they want to see a lot in order to have an idea about the island. What to see on Koh Phangan in one day? Experienced travelers recommend choosing one of the sightseeing tours. This will allow you to see key places in the shortest possible time. Most often, tourists are offered a trip to the national park, viewing waterfalls on its territory and visiting one of the observation platforms.
A boat trip can be no less impressive, during which you will not only admire the local beauties, but also see the underwater world.
You can rent a car on the island, this will greatly simplify the process of moving around its territory. In this case, it will be possible to see many more interesting places in one day. But organized trips are no less attractive if you are limited in time. Their advantage is that other people will solve all organizational issues for you. You will only have to pay for the trip. Similar excursions are sold on Koh Phangan at every corner. They can be purchased at the main pier after arriving on the island.
Beaches
The beaches of the island can safely be called the main attraction of Koh Phangan in Thailand. It is for them that thousands of tourists come here. There are a lot of beaches on the island.
Each of them is interestingin my own way. Many tourists believe that Koh Phangan is the best place in Thailand for a lazy holiday. The most popular stretch of coastline on the island is Haad Rin. He is chosen for parties and parties. No less attractive are the beaches of "Baan Tai", "Thong Sala". Both beaches have great locations, beautiful sunsets and a great choice of accommodation.
