ACTIVITIES | diamond-muay-thai

Dining on Koh Phangan

The only problem when looking for somewhere to eat on Koh Phangan is that there are so many places to choose from! Good Thai restaurants are plentiful and talented cooks who utilise the finest island ingredients provide us with mouth-watering dishes at tremendous value for money.

Koh Phangan's spectacular and diverse setting provides fantastic spots for dining. During the day you can eat lunch in a natural mountain setting overlooking the Gulf of Thailand’s sparkling waters.... and in the evening why not enjoy a candlelit dinner on the water’s edge underneath a blanket of stars!

Those restricted by budget will find street vendors throughout Phangan offering favourites such as pad thai, BBQ pork skewers, fried rice, noodle soups and fried fish. Visitors in search of fine dining will be spoilt for choice as there is a variety of upmarket restaurant options - particularly at the higher-end resorts.

If you are a sucker for seafood Chaloklum is the place to head for! Phangan's principal fishing port hosts an array of seafood restaurants cooking up the catches of the day which include sumptuous red snapper, large grouper, barracuda, mackerel, squid and an array of shellfish. There is also a small fishing port in Baan Tai, which supplies fresh catches to several nice eateries situated nearby.

For fussy eaters, or if you just need 'a taste of home', then international cuisine can be found throughout the island - principally in the main population centres such as Thongsala and Haad Rin. How about a British roast dinner? Swedish meatballs? Mexican fajitas?..or fresh Italian pasta? Koh Phangan can fulfil any of your food cravings! A good spot for some comfort food is The Masons Arms Pub just outside Thongsala, whether it is for a fry-up, a roast dinner or bangers and mash - this is the place to head for!

If it is a social atmosphere you are striving for, then a visit to one of the many Thai BBQs on Phangan is on the cards. The majority are found along Baan Tai road. These restaurants allow you to cook up a storm with your friends and family on your own metal barbecues. Competing with your friends to make the tastiest soup is worth the trip alone! A grand buffet of fresh produce is yours to cook (or cremate!) at your leisure - which includes meats, seafood, noodles and vegetables. Pre-cooked dishes such as fried chicken, rice and salads are also offered.

Navigating Thongsala's Phantip Food Market has to be done! One of the highlights of visiting Thailand is the opportunity to enjoy traditional Thai cooking. The food market offers you the chance to experience authentic local fare made from the freshest ingredients and the island's own herbs and spices. The market offers a take-out service and also free wifi access.

Why not try the popular dish 'Som Tam' which contains papaya, nuts, dried prawns, veggies and as many chillies as you can handle! Another traditional Thai dish is stewed pork and rice, which is accompanied by a soup - the meat literally melts in your mouth! Thai people enjoy their sugary treats so save a bit of space to indulge in some colourful local candies such as fruit jellies, coconut cake or banana pancakes.

About 30 different stalls create a vibrant and buzzing atmosphere from 5pm. Eating at the food market is an experience not to be missed!

Activities on land

After having discovered some of Koh Phangan's beautiful sights and stunning beaches it could be time to try out one of the many other land-based activities on the island.

Trekking:

The scenic coastal terrain and the rugged undisturbed jungle interior of Koh Phangan mean that there are some great walks and trekking opportunities. Guided treks can be arranged through travel agencies and at Than Sadet national park. There are also several marked and well-trodden footpaths on the island which will appeal to your sense of adventure. Wherever you find yourself on Phangan there are always places to explore on foot. The most popular routes are along the untamed and mountainous east coast, which offers sensational views and occasionally testing terrain.

An enjoyable trek and definitely a Navigator favourite is the walk/scramble between Haad Rin and Haad Thian. This is a marked trek through the undulating jungle, which provides ramblers with great views of the island's coastline and of Koh Samui on the horizon.

A popular trek where ramblers can enjoy Phangan's sublime interior is the Khao Ra trek. A stunning 3hr climb to the highest peak on the island awaits the more adventurous hikers. At the summit you will be rewarded with elegant vistas of the northern coves and Koh Tao.

Listen to advice from the locals and to other backpacker's stories before trekking, take plenty of water and wear some decent footwear!

Canopy Tour with Zip Lines:

A fun-filled activity and an opportunity to experience Koh Phangan's rainforest at an altitude of more than 300m above sea level! Travellers can take in the glorious sights whilst negotiating the canopy walkway circuit and zip-lining through the jungle. The 'Just for Fun' canopy adventure can be found near Baan Tai on the mountain road towards Thong Nai Pan. The opening hours are from 10am-6pm: entrance fee for adults is 800 baht and for children 600 baht.

Health and Well-being

There are many places on Koh Phangan to help you nourish your mind, body and soul!

Exploring the island, you will find plenty of massage shops and day spas. These offer various treatments which can include traditional Thai massage, oil massage, reflexology, face and body treatments, and take place in a relaxed and calming environment. Courses in Thai massage can be found island-wide and there are also several herbal steam rooms to enjoy.

Yoga retreats and healing centres are rising up throughout Koh Phangan, which reflects a growing interest in spiritual health and alternative healing techniques. Numerous forms of yoga are practiced under the guidance of qualified instructors who welcome beginner and advanced 'yogis'. Costs vary, but sessions usually cost about 300 baht. Other options for the open-minded include reiki, chakra-healing, Pilates and Tai Chi. Cleansing programs which include fasting, detox and weight-loss are also on offer.

Other land-based activities include beach football and volleyball in Haad Rin, archery (located near Chaloklum), paintball and BB Guns. For the more creative types, Thai cooking and jewellery-making courses can also be found.

Activities in the water

Koh Phangan is surrounded by warm, crystal-clear waters, which offer plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Diving and snorkelling:

Snorkelling off the white, sandy beaches on Phangan is a cheap and fun way to experience the island's colourful marine life and underwater coral. There are a variety of spots around Koh Phangan to snorkel. Masks, fins and snorkels are available for hire at the majority of beach resorts, dive operators and some travel agencies. Several companies offer snorkel trips to take visitors to the best snorkelling hangouts and these trips often include a guide, all your equipment and lunch (with hotel transfers also available).

Diving offers holidaymakers the opportunity to get closer to the stunning array of aquatic life, and some of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand are within easy reach. For beginners there are several dive operators who offer introductory 'try' dives and the opportunity to complete basic dive courses such as the PADI Open Water Certificate. Experienced divers will enjoy some of the tricky dives around Koh Phangan and Dive Master and Instructor courses are offered. Regardless of your diving experience, Koh Phangan is one of the cheapest places in the world to dive, groups tend to be small and there is a high standard of instruction.

Standout areas to snorkel and dive around the island tend to be on the west coast. Great areas include the sand bar of Koh Ma, the coral at Haad Salad and Haad Yao beach. Divers and snorkellers alike will find vibrant coral reef running parallel to the beaches anywhere between Wok Tum and Koh Ma. The reef is very accessible and it is possible to dive to 20m taking in hard and soft coral features and large schools of tropical fish.

Sail Rock is further afield and is widely regarded as the best dive site in the Gulf of Thailand. Larger fish such as whale sharks, grouper and barracuda are attracted to this impressive rock formation, which offers swim thrus and coral wall dives to a depth of up to 45m. Other stunning dive sites within easy reach of Koh Phangan include Chumpon Pinnacle and Angthong Marine Park. Both offer rare and untouched coral formations inhabited by some of the rarest underwater life in Thailand.

Boat Trips:

The perfect way to explore some of the less accessible coves of Koh Phangan. Trips can be arranged by resorts and travel agencies and you will be taken around the island on traditional long-tail boats or more modern motor yachts. Private cruises are available at a higher cost. Deals usually include a buffet lunch, refreshments and snorkelling gear. Make sure you pack a hat and sunscreen as the sun can be intense!

A cruise to Angthong Marine Park is an experience not to be missed! The park is a fascinating archipelago made up of more than 40 islands where visitors are free to explore caves, hidden lagoons, deserted white sand beaches and the emerald lake

Fishing:

There are numerous choices for keen anglers on Koh Phangan. Several companies offer half and full day fishing trips on motor yachts with modern equipment where you can track down larger fish such as grouper and barracuda. Excursions include lunch, refreshments, all bait and fishing equipment and also the opportunity to feast on your catch at sunset!

Local ports and piers such as those in Baan Tai, Thongsala and Chaloklum provide an opportunity to venture out on a traditional longtail boat. Prices can be negotiated with local fishermen and you can have fun catching smaller fish and squid using hand lines. For those with their own equipment or borrowed rods and lines from resorts it is also possible to fish off boulders and rocks around the island. Why not take a few beers, cast off and enjoy a spot of stress-free sunset fishing!

Kayaking:

The crystal clear waters and serene seas surrounding Koh Phangan make kayaking a great pastime for holidaymakers of all ages. The majority of beach resorts rent out one and two-person kayaks for around 150 baht per hour. A great way of burning some calories and seeing the island from a different viewpoint! Make sure that you store your camera and any valuables in a waterproof bag, wear a life-jacket and ask the locals about tide conditions before paddling out.

Windsurfing and kiteboarding:

Why not take part in a wind-powered sport? The best winds hit Koh Phangan between January and April, although it is possible to take part in these sports all year round, depending on the incoming breezes. The best place to head for is Baan Tai as this is where the major operators are situated. The shallow waters and sand-banks are ideal for these pursuits. Expert tuition and decent equipment is available and there are several kiteboarding and windsurfing outlets on the island to purchase kit.

Other water-based activities include jetskiing (the most popular spot is Haad Rin), wakeboarding (Chaloklum) and there is an opportunity to sail Hobie cats and lasers at sailing operations based in Baan Tai and some of the larger beach resorts.

Koh Phangan: The beaches

Koh Phangan has a contrasting landscape and the same can be said about the island’s beaches. There are idyllic white sandy beaches stretching around the island varying in character and atmosphere but always offering beautifully clear waters. Due to the tidal nature of Phangan, the best beaches for swimming tend to be on the north and east coasts. Whichever point on the compass you head for, travellers will be treated to impressive coves and sandy stretches. Phangan is ideal for visitors seeking privacy, beach games or for those just happy to laze and take in the palm-fringed scenery.

North Coast beaches vary in accessibility. After a sometimes taxing journey, travellers are rewarded with outstanding seascapes and an abundance of marine life. Ao Haad Mae Haad has a vibrant array of coral features and offers stunning photo opportunities - especially at low tide where a sandbar appears, making it possible to walk to the island of Koh Ma. Bottle Beach is a crescent-shaped cove, surrounded by lush mountain greenery, and can be accessed either by boat from Chaloklum or by road from Thong Nai Pan - which itself offers beaches with stunning mountain backdrops. Thong Nai Pan's north and south beaches have become a favourite hangout for those seeking the ultimate 'chill out' spot and they offer a true taste of paradise!

East Coast beaches are not as accessible as others on Koh Phangan because of the cliffs and hills that surround the area. Haad Than Sadet is quite a mission on a moped but you'll be rewarded once there with breathtaking scenery, a sea which is a brilliant shade of blue and a stunning palm-fringed beach. Haad Thian and Haad Yuan are dramatic, untamed spots which are home to picturesque sandy beaches backed by large granite boulders and rugged mountain forest. They are accessible by either a boat from Haad Rin or by 4x4 vehicles. These two spots are popular with the more 'relaxed' backpacker due to the popular yoga centre based in Haad Thian. This side of the island often picks up wind-swell and currents in the water may trouble weak swimmers so don't venture too near to any rocks and know your limits.

South Coast beaches are made up of a series of tranquil bays and calmer shallow waters (although the Haad Rin beaches can pick up some swell). Haad Rin has two stunning beaches either side of the peninsula that are ideal for swimming, but if there are winds at sea or a storm brewing, waves and currents can develop. The eastern beach (Full Moon beach) is usually packed with bronzing bodies and has plenty of water sports and beach games to enjoy. If you fancy a burn on a jet ski or a game of volleyball then this is the place to head! The western beach is where you can escape the crowds, relax and enjoy the sunset. Ao Baan Tai is a long stretch of coastline also worth exploring. Beaches are easy to access, offer great views of Samui, outstanding sunsets and the opportunity to indulge in beach or water-based fun.

West Coast beaches are all about the snorkelling and sunsets! There are numerous small beaches to explore which are easily accessed by bike or on foot. There are also longer stretches of white sand fringed with turquoise shallow water. Why not take your 'ped north up the coastal road and explore some of the more concealed beaches? Also keep an eye out for the outgrowing coconut tree....great for a photo at sunset! Haad Yao is a popular spot where you will find plenty of bars and restaurants on the beach playing 'chilled out' tunes. Evening barbecues are often arranged and this long, straight beach is a great place to socialise, play beach games or sip a cocktail at sunset!

Whilst sunbathing and spending a large amount of time in the sun please protect yourself. The sun is deceptively strong so wear a high-factor sunscreen and a hat......don’t be a lobster!!!

Entertainment and Nightlife

Koh Phangan has a fantastic array of entertainment options and a vibrant nightlife to satisfy even the most hardcore of party animals! The island is always a happening place to be at night and comes alive with bars, live music, festivals and parties.

The Full Moon Party is held on Haad Rin's eastern beach and for those who haven't been.....the party is INSANE!! During peak season, up to 30,000 revellers descend on Koh Phangan from throughout Asia to party hard from dusk ‘til dawn in front of massive state-of-the-art sound systems and light shows. Walking from one end of the beach to the other, expect a blur of glow-sticks and fluorescent body paint, with people gyrating to every type of music imaginable! Beach access at night is 100 baht, upon which you receive a colourful bracelet which you can keep for posterity (although when staying at some resorts and taking some routes to the beach you won't need to pay). Dress up, paint that body and leave your inhibitions behind, as this is a party that you'll never forget! Please be careful whilst partying and although there are medical facilities and 'chill out' zones, partygoers often stretch their limits too far. Do not buy drugs and keep an eye on your friends and belongings.

The Half Moon Party is located in Baan Tai jungle and takes place one week either side of the infamous Full Moon Party. Prices for entry have increased to 500 baht and we have listed the party dates.

Other Moon Parties: Another rocking party that attracts a good crowd is the monthly Black Moon Culture. Located on a white sandy beach in Baan Tai, this is a pretty well-organised party with decent underground trance music, and is a UV decorated venue.....a good excuse to pay the 200 baht entry fee and crack open the body paint! Also worth checking out is the jungle-based Shiva Moon Party, and the Pirate Bar Moon Set Party which takes place near Srithanu and is a more chilled-out, social affair. Keep an eye out for signs placed around the island indicating when the parties are.

Haad Rin is the focal point of Koh Phangan's nightlife and it is here that you'll find the largest number of beach-bars and clubs pumping out every genre of music from cheesy pop anthems to psytrance and drum&base. On the beach, 'bucket bars', fire-shows and organised party games will keep you occupied before you dance the night away under the stars.

Baan Tai on the south west coast has a busy and vibrant road where you can find plenty of things to do when the sun goes down. It is here that you'll find the majority of 'lady bars' on the island if you fancy a game of pool and a bit of female attention! You will also find a few other decent bars and live music venues that feature open-mic nights and well-known Thai and farrang performers.

Other late-night options spread around the island include the sports bars and pool halls - where you can catch up with your favourite team - karaoke bars and other parties at resorts, such as pool parties. Just keep an eye out for posters and fliers and speak to other travellers as there is always something on offer for the party animal or night owl! Some other nights out which the Navigator can recommend are Eden Bar in Haad Yuan and Guy's Bar in Haad Thian. These take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.

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