Scuba Diving & Snorkeling on Ko Pha-Ngan

Koh Phangan (or Ko Pha-ngan) island boasts a vibrant underwater world abundant with natural marine life. Stunning luminescant corals form reefs surrounding the island's south and west coasts, and good snorkeling sites can be found everywhere. Snorkeling equipment is available for rent or sale at diving schools, shops and bungalows. Water lovers can also take snorkeling or dive trips with local boats or dive companies. Numerous dive schools operate on the island offering the full range of PADI courses at very reasonable prices. One of the best places for snorkeling is Mae Haad Bay (at the northwest tip of the island) where live corals can be found just a few metres out. Close by Koh Ma offers the best diving with hard coral reefs at depths up to about 20 metres. There are also trips to further sites such as Angthong National Marine Park or famous Sail Rock. There the dives are deeper with a wider range of marine life.

Other Water Sports available on Ko Pha-ngan

• Sailing - The Samui archipelago of more than eighty island's offer unlimited possibilities for sailing day trips and charters.
• Kayaking - There are sea kayaks for rent at resorts on many beaches around the island. If the sea is calm most of the coastline is accessible.
• Windsurfing - All kinds of courses are available.
• Wakeboarding - A cross between snow boarding and waterskiing.
• Jet skis - Sometimes available for rent off Haad Rin beach.
• Kitesurfing - An intriguing watersport invention: speed along the water behind a boat then fly up into the air to soar like a bird.
• Paragliding - Often available off Haad Rin beach when the sea is calm.

Muay Thai boxing on Koh Phangan

For spectators there are a number of Muay Thai boxing stadiums promoting fight nights on the island. While the action is always genuine the quality of fights does vary a lot. Look out for posters or listen to announcements of upcoming events blaring from loudspeakers mounted on pick-up trucks circling the island. Check out the fight nights section of this website for details of Muay Thai fights promoted by Horizon Thai Boxing Camp. We guarantee top notch contestants as well as properly matched opponents for real excitment. All weight categories are represented and we have plenty of international and female fighters. For those who like to get physical and are ready for a real work out Horizon Thai Boxing Camp offers all levels of Thai boxing tuition. If you wish to learn Muay Thai Boxing come on over to our training camp at Haad Tien. Everyone is welcome, including complete beginners. If you would like to compete we can arrange that for you.

Koh Phangan Jungle trails and elephants

Koh Phangan is a great place for walking, particularly the wild eastern coastline and pristine jungle interior. Khao Ra is the highest point on the island at 627 metres (2,069 feet). There is long winding trail that leads up to this scenic vantage point from the village of Meduawan. An easier trek can be made at Phaeng Waterfall. It is the biggest waterfall on Koh Pha ngan with a dazzling view over the south and west of the island. There are also footpaths running along Koh Phangan's east coast. A pleasant walk (around one and a half hours) is from Haad Rin to Haad Tien. Spend the day exploring the three beaches (Haad Yuan, Haad Tien and Haad Wynam) and then take a taxi boat back to Haad Rin. Alternatively, leave Haad Rin early and continue along the trail from Haad Tien all the way to Than Sadet. Ko Phangan now has elephant trekking too. The elephants are based just outside Chaloklum not far from Paradise waterfall.

Mountain bikes and dirt bikes

Dirt bikes and mountain bikes can be hired all over the island. Most of the island is hilly and there are loads of great trails to discover. The island does also have a large flat area in the south and west where a variety of sights can be visited within a 20 km ride.

Swimming

Swimming in the sea is best along the island's east coast which has deep water year round. Many resorts have swimming pools and most welcome outside guests. Bathing is also possible at numerous natural and man-made freshwater pools at various spots around the island. Thais flock to these areas on national holidays, especially during the hot season (April - July).

Full Moon Parties and beyond

There is a strong party vibe on Koh Phangan. Every month at full moon, Haad Rin beach is transformed into a huge party zone with many sound stages, impressive neon installations, drinks & food stalls and impromptu (and occasionally uncontrolled) firework displays. Thai and foreign DJs try to cater to every musical taste playing trance, house, garage, hip hop, jungle and yet more trance. Up to 10 000 party animals from around the globe dance non-stop until dawn. For an occassional break in the action there are areas laid out with mats, low tables and lamps. Be aware that over the Full Moon there is not enough accommodation in Haad Rin to meet demand, so arrive a few days early, book accommodation in advance or be prepared to sleep on the beach. Drugs are a part of the party scene and police busts are a regular occurence. Consider yourself warned. There are many outdoor party venues in addition to the main full moon event in Haad Rin, especially around Christmas and New year. The Shiva Moon festival in Ban Tai jungle has a great party setting. Also look out for the increasingly popular Black Moon Culture at Mac's Bay Resort, also in Ban Tai. Monthly parties at Paradise waterfall just off the road to Chaloklum have been going for many years. And there are many other less regular events throughout the year; look out for promotional posters on the back of taxis for details.

Boat trips and night fishing

Boat trips for sightseeing or fishing can be arranged from most resorts and travel agencies. Or you can ask the boat drivers yourself, find them outside Cactus Bar on Haad Rin beach. Common itineraries by longtail boat include snorkeling stops on the north of the island and visits to Thong Nai Pan and Than Sadet. Deals normally include lunch and the use of snorkeling gear. Speedboats can take you further afield for island hopping at Ang Thong National Marine Park (the islands have spectacular limestone formations, caves, lagoons and beautiful beaches) or Koh Phangan's neighbouring island Koh Tau. The best fishing is at night.

Learn Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage is a combination of a kind of passive yoga and acupressure techniques to manuipulate the body's organs, and can be used to treat a range of physical problems. Health benefits include improved circulation, increased flexibility and reduced stress. A few places on Koh Phangan offer Thai massage courses. You can learn traditional Thai massage and therapeutic sports massage at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp. Click through to find out more about our Thai massage courses.

Thai Cooking Courses

Thai food comprises the expert blending of Asian spices and condiments along with plenty of fresh ingredients to create one of the worlds most exciting cuisines. Increasing numbers of visitors are traveling to Thailand just to learn how to cook Thai Food. You too can amaze your friends and family back home after completing a Thai cooking course. There are a number of venues on Koh Phangan where you can learn to create your favourite Thai food dishes. And you are very welcome to attend a Thai cooking course at Horizon Thai Boxing Camp. Click through to learn more about our Thai cooking courses.

Alternative Culture

If you are interested in persuing self-growth & healing therapies, 'The Sanctuary' at Haad Tien beach (just next door to Horizon Thai Boxing Camp) offers sessions throughout the year covering an enormous range of alternative practices. These include meditation, Reiki, rebalancing, astrology, belly dancing, massage, shiatzu, tai chi, yoga and colonic cleansing. At the Sanctuary Spa you can indulge in various types of massage and body treatments.