Places of interest on Koh Phangan

Places of Interest on Koh Phangan Island

The Chinese Temple

On the raod toward Chaloklum from Thongsala, the Chinese Temple is growing every year. It was created following the vision of a Chinese woman visiting Koh Phangan. After her dream she returned to Bangkok to raise the funds to build this beautiful temple. There are great views over Chaloklum and and she can read your luck with Chinese fortune sticks.

Wat Nai Pagoda

Wat Nai Pagoda in Ban Neua, behind Ban Tai village, is believed to be the oldest man-made structure on Koh Phangan island. The locals hope to rebuild a temple at this spot some day.

Biggest Tree

Turn left at 7-11 after Ban Tai on your way to Haad Rin from Thongsala. You will soon come across a huge Don Yang tree. This massive tropical tree is 14m in diameter and hundreds of years old.

Chaloklum Fishing Village

Chaloklum is an atmospheric fishing village with quite a number of seafood restaurants and dive schools. Squid can be seen drying on racks on the beach and colourful fishing boats fill the harbour. The fishermen are big gamblers and Chaloklum is home to some of the island's most notorious casinos.

Srithanu

Srithanu is a quaint village with bars and Thai restaurants. Its seclusion and tranquility make it a popular spot for long-term house rentals. Srithanu is famous for its spectacular sunsets and plentiful shellfish.

Laem Som Lake

This old tin mine is a popular place for locals and farangs alike to cool down and relax under shady pine trees. Swimming is not reccommended. The lake is believed to be haunted. A number of people have mysteriously drowned while bathing in the lake.

Than Sadet National Park

Near Haad Sadet on the east coast is a a trail which leads to a series of waterfalls collectively known as Than Sadet or the 'Royal Stream'. These picturesque fresh water falls trickling over granite boulders are a pleasant walk up river. You can go on about 3 km and there are pools deep enough for bathing. It is now a historical site as the area has been visited by many kings of Thailand, including the reigning monarch HM King Bhumibol. There are large inscriptions on rocks near the river bed made by each of the kings.

Waterfalls

The interior of island houses a number of attractive waterfalls. Not all have water year round but most offer pleasant walks. All the waterfalls have better flow after heavy rains. Off the main road between Thongsala and Chaloklum, almost at the centre of the island, is a stunning viewpoint at the top of a steep trail up from Pheang waterfall. It is about a one hour walk. Pretty Wang Sai waterfall, near Mae Haad, has a number of pools and is good for swimming.

Thongsala

Thongsala is the principle town on Koh Phangan and almost half the island's p[opulation live there. It is home to the island's main services and travel connections. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants.

Haad Rin

The lively party area around Haad Rin has gradually become a self-contained town. As well as a busy night life the town has numerous facilities including Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), bars, restaurants and a private medical clinic.

Wat Khao Tam

Wat Khao Tam, an internationally renowned Therevada Buddhist meditation retreat, is beautifully situated above Ban Tai village. It is a cool, calm and peaceful peaceful place with a panoramic viewpoint. It is not strictly a temple as a quorum of at least five monks is neccesary to attain Wat staus. Also, charges are made for the meditation courses, which of course a real temple could never do.

Wat Pho Herbal Sauna

At Wat Pho in Ban Tai you can relax and enjoy the benefits of a traditional herbal steam sauna. The herbs offer many benefits: lemongrsass to nourish the skin, tamarind relieves itching, tumeric for skin ifections. Th sauna is open every day 3pm - 7pm. It is part of the temple so runs on donations. Remeber to help them with the ever-rising costs of fuel and herbs. You can also get a Thai massage here.