Koh Phangan - hotels, beaches, recreation and activities. The most interesting places on Koh Phangan
The temples of Koh Phangan cannot be called outstanding and significant on a national scale. On the other hand, if you have not been to the capital of Thailand and have not seen its religious monuments, then you can visit the local ones to get an idea of. The oldest temple in Koh Phangan is Wat Phu Khao Noi. You should definitely look here, but in the rest - at your request.
Is there some more chinese temple on the mountain, which has a different architecture than Thai, and therefore can be recommended as an introduction to the Chinese religious heritage. Below we will briefly talk about the main temples of Koh Phangan, omitting the insignificant ones (there are more than 20 in total).
Wat Phu Khao Noi - the oldest temple in Koh Phangan
Wat Phu Khao Noi - the most old temple Koh Phangan, some buildings and halls are very ancient. This attracts tourists here who want to see the real Buddhist temple, built long before Western civilization came to Koh Phangan. The white pagoda, the old temple building, the chapel and several other buildings are very interesting.
The abbot of the monastery knows English language, and if you also own it, you can talk to him about spiritual topics. Come after 2 pm and you will be answered all questions about life and death. The temple is located in the forest, near the Koh Phangan hospital, not far from Wok Tum beach.
Chinese temple Koh Phangan (Chinese Temple)
Located in the north of Koh Phangan, on the road between Tongasala and Chaloklum. Was built in 1992.
The temple is located on a high hill, which offers good panoramic views. This is the only Chinese temple in Koh Phangan (although there is a small Chinese shrine near Thongsala).
Wat Paa Sang Tham
Wat Paa Sang Tham is located next to the previous one and is worth a visit if only for this reason. It is interesting for its statues of Buddhas and saints, standing right in the middle of the forest. Small and quiet place. Wat Paa Sang Tham is the current temple of Koh Phangan, monks live and study here.
Wat Pho Herbal Sauna
Wat Pho Herbal Sauna is the most famous on the island due to the wellness center located across the road from it, where most ailments will be cured with the help of herbal sauna. locals and many tourists come here to improve their health, recharge their batteries and positive emotions. Visiting hours are from 15:00 to 18:00.
But Wat Pho itself will be of interest to tourists as a religious attraction. Here is the Coral Pagoda, made entirely of coral. Currently, only half of it remains due to erosion. The architecture of one of the religious buildings made of wood is very curious. This style is more typical of Burmese monasteries.
Wat Pho is located in the south of the island, about a kilometer from the sea and the eastern end of Ban Tai beach. Getting there is very easy. The temple is on the right side of the road, and the Herbal Sauna is on the left.
Wat Samai Kongha is not of particular interest, it's just not far from Wat Phu Khao Noi and many pass it on the road. There are several religious buildings and monks' houses on a large and calm territory. You can see the remains of an ancient stone pagoda.
Wat Khao Tam
The main feature of this Koh Phangan temple is that you can settle in it at any time and live the life of a monk, daily, morning and evening, participating in prayers and meditations. If you do not want to stay here for a long time, you can get a few meditation lessons from the abbot of the temple, and then practice it on your own outside the holy monastery. Wat Khao Tam is located almost on the very top of the mountain, which offers a good view of Koh Phangan. It is believed that here the most beautiful sunsets on the entire island.
Wat Maduea Wan
Wat Maduea Wan is very revered among ordinary residents. According to legend, the Buddha left his mark in this place many centuries ago. The trail is at the top of the mountain, and nearby is an ancient temple, which is a cultural landmark of the island. Located almost in the center of Koh Phangan, on the road between Thongsala and Chaloklum.
Koh Phangan is a small island near Koh Samui, which can only be reached by ferry. Compared to the mainland and Koh Samui, there is very little civilization on Koh Phangan and this is its advantage. Koh Phangan - pretty popular place rest, at a comfortable distance from the tourist boom of Koh Samui, which is developing exponentially and is less and less like a tropical island. The main activities of Koh Phangan, thanks to which he became famous - and diving. Although this is not all that the island has to offer, it is thanks to the parties that it is popular primarily with young people. And for their uninhabited places it is in demand among fans of solitude and meditation.
If you do not risk renting equipment and exploring the island on your own, then there is nothing wrong with buying a couple of the most popular excursions around Koh Phangan. Just to get acquainted with the main attractions of the island in relaxation mode. This will at least save you money on rent, time for studying geography and preparing a route. Most compatriots have a sad two weeks of vacation, so the time should be used to the maximum optimally. Leave all the organizational issues to those who ate a dog on this and knows exactly where and what time to come.
Excursions are sold at every corner, starting from the main pier of Koh Phangan -. And it doesn't even matter if you have Russian speaking guide, or everything will be conducted in English - there are few complicated historical sites about which there is much to be said. And you will read about the main places of interest on the Internet and you will only have to drive and see with your own eyes. If you start your exploration of the island from a hotel or resort, then the first thing to do is talk to the administrator at the reception - he already has all the necessary contacts.
What to see on Koh Phangan
chinese temple
Buddhist Temple Phu Khao Noi
Paa Sang Tam Buddhist Temple
Lake Laem Son
The biggest fresh lake on the island, which in the relatively recent past was a tin mine, subsequently flooded. Located in the western part of Koh Phangan, next to Chao Phao beach. This place is popular with locals who like to have picnics on the shore, in the shade of trees. There are few on the lake water activities and attractions for children - Wipeout Water Activity Center. On the coast there is also a good local cafe. Lake Lam Son is suitable as a place for recreation with children and a picnic in nature, purely in the form of a variety of leisure activities on vacation.
Paradise Falls
Sramanora Waterfalls, Than Prawet and Than Sadet
The Sramonora waterfall is also located close to civilization, there are even bungalows next to it where you can spend the night. The waterfall itself is not very big, with a natural pool where you can swim. There is also a cafe next to the waterfall, and noisy Waterfall Parties are regularly held. There is also a dance floor and a protective canopy from rain and sun, and there are also unpleasantly large boulders that seem to be ready to collapse. A few kilometers north of Sramanora there are two more waterfalls: Tan Pravet and Tan Sadet.
Tan Pravet is the most popular waterfall on the island. This is a very beautiful multi-level waterfall in the middle of the jungle. Getting to it is not easy, but it is worth the effort spent on overcoming the path. Moreover, there will be untouched tropical nature around, rich in colors, smells and sounds. The best time to visit the waterfalls on Koh Phangan is after the rainy season.
Tan Sadet is famous for being repeatedly visited by King Rama V. The waterfall even has a stone on which the king left an inscription in 1888. The waterfall is considered sacred and water from it is used in solemn ceremonies. Than Sadet Waterfall is essentially a cascade of small waterfalls, about three kilometers long. The stream is noisy, breaks with large boulders and pleases natural pools. The road to the waterfall starts from the beach of the same name - Than Sadet.
Wang Sai waterfall
Tan Sadet National Park and Pheng Waterfalls
Than Sadet National Park is located three kilometers from Thong Sala. The main attraction of the national park is Pheng Noi and Pheng Yai waterfalls, with a viewing platform at the top. An eco-trail passes through the national park to the highest point of the island - the top of Mount Khao Ra. In order to see the waterfalls, you need to climb up the hill from the village. First there will be a small waterfall, and then a large multi-cascade waterfall, along which you can climb higher and higher. Opposite the first Pheng there is a branch of the trail to a nearby hill, on top of which there is a Dom Sila observation deck, but it is quite difficult to climb it.
Viewpoints of Koh Phangan
Due to the hilly terrain, there are many observation platforms on Koh Phangan, but not all of them are easy to drive to. At the beach of Haad Rin, at the Wat Khao Tam temple, next to the Phangan Utopia Resort, there are observation good view and it is easily accessible by public transport. In Than Sadet National Park observation decks there is above the Phaeng Waterfall () and on the mountain Kao Ra, from there breathtaking views of the surroundings open up. It also offers a good view of the coast. There are spectacular restaurants like and or authentic bars like Magic Caffe on the beach.
Bar Amsterdam
Diving and snorkeling
Koh Phangan is one of the popular diving destinations in Thailand. Around the island there are places where beginners and experienced divers are traditionally taken. Of particular interest, in terms of diving, is the Ang Thong Marine National Park, which consists of many small islands with coral and rich underwater world Around them. The island has several dive schools and a great offer sea excursions with the opportunity to observe the underwater world. For those who do not like diving, snorkeling is suitable. A good place for this - the small island of Koh Ma, located near the coast in the Mae Haad beach area.
Boat trips, Ang Thong National Park
This place cannot be called a direct attraction of Koh Phangan, but Ang Thong National Park is one of the most popular destinations for sea excursions from Koh Phangan. This archipelago is part of the province of Surat Thani, like Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, and is of volcanic origin. Over millions of years, the rocks in the sea have acquired bizarre shapes, similar to the figures of animals or mythical creatures. One of the most interesting places in the archipelago is the island of Koh Mae, in which a small salt lake, Thale Nai, has formed. The archipelago is interesting not only for the surface part, but also for the underwater world. Around the islands there are several famous dive sites with beautiful bottoms. In Ang Thong, you can stay overnight in a bungalow or tent, or you can go with day trip straight from Koh Phangan.
Elephant safari
Elephant safaris are available in almost every resort in Thailand, there is such "entertainment" on Koh Phangan. In addition to elephants, you can also see monkeys and other animals in this place. Here they offer to ride through the jungle on an elephant, but this pleasure is quite dangerous, given the cruelty of training methods and the frequent cases of elephant attacks on people. Either the driver will be trampled, or the tourist will be impaled on a tusk, there is little pleasant in all this. The elephant is not intended for people to ride, but feeding and touching it is a sweet thing. Phangan Elephant Safari is located next to the Chinese Temple, it offers half-hour and hour-long elephant rides, and shows with different animals several times a day.
Mini golf
A mini golf course is located next to Wat Phu Khao Noi. The place is far from crowded, and golf itself is not very spectacular, there are only 12 holes of varying difficulty. For a change, you can call in, especially since the territory is well-groomed and green. In addition to golf, there are all sorts of small entertainments for children and adults, cafes.
Full Moon Party and the like
One of the symbols of Phangan, thanks to which he became known far beyond the kingdom, is the Full Moon Party. It is held once a month south beach islands - . At this time, finding housing in the vicinity is very problematic due to the large influx of people wishing to participate in bacchanalia. During the holiday, the entrance to main beach parties are paid for, and the famous Phangan fire shows are also held there.
Since there are a lot of people who want to buzz, in addition to the full moon, Half Moon is also celebrated on Koh Phangan. The Half Moon Party is held a week before the Full Moon Party and a week after it, in the Ban Tai Beach area. In addition, several more regular festivals are held on Koh Phangan: Black Moon Party, Jungle Experience, Sramonara Waterfall Party (at the waterfall of the same name), Shiva Moon Party, Moon Set Party, Reggae Party and various Pool Parties. Separately, you can also name cult parties in two neighboring bars Guys and Iden, as well as a techno party in Lighthouse. In general, for those who want to hang out, the choice of parties on Koh Phangan is large and varied. .
Pantip Market
Pantip Market on Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan (or Koh Phangan) in Gulf of Thailand extremely handsome. Almost the entire territory of the island is covered with dense tropical thickets and mountains, but a little less than a third - white sandy beaches with fine sand and coconut groves. It paints a perfect picture, doesn't it? Main city islands - Thong Sala. Getting to the island is now not at all difficult, from anywhere in the country. 
It is worth noting that Koh Phangan has become so popular, perhaps primarily because of its steep beach Full Moon Party: It is held monthly on the full moon at Haad Rin Nok Beach. And this action attracts thousands of party-goers from all countries. Of course, the full moon, the beach, cool music, cocktails. 
Who would refuse such a thing! On this night, all the bars of the island are open until morning. In general, this is why Koh Phangan is sometimes compared to Ibiza. Or Kazantip. If anything, read the schedule of this party here: http://fullmoonparty-thailand.com/schedules.html (you can also find out how to get to the island there). 
The party is really very popular. By the time of the full moon, everything is ready: guests dress up in acid-colored swimsuits and shorts, decorate their faces and bodies. The music at this party is drum, techno, in short, what makes drunken guests jump non-stop all night long, until dawn, which, by the way, is very beautiful here. 
Plus a fire show, professional dancers on stage, alcohol contests, dozens of scenes, dancing in water, jumping over a fiery rope and other attributes of a cool party. The whole action becomes simply surreal by midnight - crazy guests, half-naked bodies, fire and fluorescent. It is especially funny to watch how the guests of the festival are busy drinking buckets (a bucket of traditional cocktails, vodka or whiskey + cola, or whatever), some people are already busy with mashroom cocktails (with hallucinogenic mushrooms, a little, so as not to then collect half-dead tourists from the beach, of course). 
Book hotels on the island in advance, usually by the time of the party there are no more places at all. Or there is, but the prices are notably inflated. Unless, of course, you don't mind just sleeping on the beach, as many do, arriving on the island with one small backpack and no ulterior motives.
If you are not a fan of such parties, then the island welcomes you on other days with its luxurious wildlife, deserted beaches and absolutely sweetest measured island life.
But what beauty of the island you can see:
Paeng Waterfall (or Faeng, Paeng Waterfall) 
The waterfall is located near the village of Madua Wan (Ban Madua Wan). It should be noted that to find these scenic spots not very easy. First you have to climb up the mountain (about 250 meters, and the mountain is quite steep, but there is a path). And then you will notice a rather large fresh water pool - this is part of the waterfall. 
The other level is another 200 meters higher. The waterfall is beautiful, we go further into the jungle and find an observation deck on rock of Khao Ra. 
Do not worry, you will definitely get there, because the signs will show you the way from the waterfall to the mountain. It is there that you will lose consciousness from such beauty - a complete panorama of the island and the sea, covered in a light bluish haze (sometimes you can even see the nearby island of Koh Samui). Beauties! By the way, this seems to be the highest point on the island. You will stand at an altitude of 630 meters above sea level. If you are afraid of getting lost, it is better to hire local guide, they will gladly take you to separate fee. By the way, there is more than one path to the top of the mountain (just through the waterfall is the most beautiful). These trails intersect in several places. So, you can get lost. I say again, take the scheme or knowing person. Oh yes, and no flip flops - the road is so-so. 
Than Prawet Waterfall 
This is perhaps the most famous waterfall on the island. It flows down several levels, among massive granite boulders and rocks, and next to it is dense jungle. from Thong Nai Pan Noi beach to the waterfall there is a well-trodden path. In the pools of the waterfall, in some places you can even swim.
Than Sadet Waterfall 
A large waterfall was formed on the Than Sadet River. This place is remarkable for its beauty and the fact that in the 80s of the 19th century, King Rama V himself and his family came to admire the waterfall. He left a note on a stone next to the waterfall. Later, his followers, other kings with families, also visited this natural wonder, not less than ten times in total. Here are the royal fun! By the way, this waterfall was recognized as a Holy Spring, and its water is used for important ceremonies. This waterfall is located in the Ban Tai area.
Now about the attractions and entertainment:
Pha-ngan safari park 
This park is located in the north of the island. Perhaps one of the most favorite tourist attractions. Here you can ride an elephant and admire the beauties of the park, see how elephants do all sorts of tricks, you can make faces with monkeys. Animals can be fed, so take bananas with you. 
Squirrels also live in the park, and they arrange a crocodile show for guests, some of them, by the way, are three meters long. Look for this park two kilometers south of Chaloklum Beach, next to the road that leads to Thongsalu. This park is usually open from 8 am to 6 pm. The snake and crocodile show is held every two hours (not simultaneously, of course), four times a day. 
Phu Khao Noi temple 
One of the oldest temples on the island. The name of the building is translated as "temple of a small mountain." The name does not convey the beauty of this building. Old shabby gray walls, old chedis (shrines-stupas), all this makes a very strong impression. It is even more interesting than young temples. By the way, the temple is active. It is located between Thong Sala and Ban Tai.
Guan Yin Temple
If you drive north from Thong Sala to Chaloklam, you will see the temple. More precisely, temple complex from several buildings. Especially, the "dragon drum" several pagodas of different colors. Guan Yin (translated as "Goddess of Mercy") was built as a combination of a lighthouse and a temple to help local sailors. It is located on the side of the bay.
But in general, the island is very, very beautiful. The sunsets here are just incredible. Views - as from the picture, no more - no less. All this must be seen with your own eyes!
Holidays on Koh Phangan attract the most diverse tourists from all over the world. Young people from Australia and Canada come here to enjoy the best parties in South-East Asia, as well as couples with children to enjoy nature, sightseeing and live a leisurely, serene vacation.
Phangan or Koh Phangan - an island in the Gulf of Thailand South China Sea. The island is located about 55 km from mainland Thailand. The area of Koh Phangan is 125 square meters. km, the population is more than 11 thousand people. The main trade and transport hub of the island is the large city of Thong Sala. Banks, coffee houses, restaurants, markets, offices and hotels operate here. Daily arrivals to the port from mainland Thailand passenger ships with new tourists.
Koh Phangan is surrounded on two sides by at least picturesque islands easily accessible by boat. Popular with tourists, the large island of Koh Samui is located just 15 km from Koh Phangan. The second small island - Thau - lies 35 km north of Koh Phangan.
Phangan is a treasure trove of unique nature, history and religion. Curious travelers will be able to see the sights, admire the mountains and waterfalls, bask in the rays southern sun and taste traditional Thai dishes.
Climate
Phangan is real paradise: more than half of the island is occupied by mountains and tropical forests, and the rest of Koh Phangan belongs to the sandy coast with coconut trees. The heavenly picture is complemented by warm friendly weather throughout the year.
The average annual air temperature is +27 degrees. The driest month is February and the wettest month is November (average rainfall 526mm). It is acceptable to visit Koh Phangan from May to September. This is a hot period with intermittent rains. But best time Winter is considered to be the time to visit Thailand.
Tourists can go on vacation in 2019 in the middle of summer or at the end of the year. Many travelers practice meeting the New Year on the shores of the Gulf of Thailand.
What to see and where to go?
Koh Phangan is literally made for tourists. All travelers will find entertainment here. Koh Phangan should not be taken as a place for parties, music and alcohol. There are quiet, secluded coves for diving and surfing, calm beaches with white sand for families with children, as well as temples and national parks that travelers who want to get to know Thailand better can visit.
Among the entertainments you can name diving, snorkeling, kiteboarding (or kitesurfing), trekking through the jungle with an experienced guide, boat trips.
In addition, there are many tattoo parlors, yoga places, shops and restaurants on Koh Phangan.
Excursions
The main attraction of Koh Phangan is nature. The island has several national parks with mountains and waterfalls. Therefore, adventure seekers and avid photographers are advised to travel around the entire island in a rented vehicle to enjoy nature and take amazing pictures.
One of the most picturesque waterfalls in Koh Phangan is located in Than Sadet Park and is called Paeng. This is the most big waterfall island, to which King Rama V repeatedly visited. However, we must remember that the waterfall looks impressive in the rainy season, when it fills with water. In dry periods, it is a sheer cliff with a small stream.
In the same national park is the highest point of Koh Phangan - Mount Khao Ra (620 meters), as well as an observation deck with views of the jungle. The jungle itself can be traversed along the hiking trail.
Of the architectural and religious attractions, you can see the temples. For example, the picturesque Chinese temple, made in traditional style. The Chinese Temple is located on the road from Thong Sala to Chaloklam Bay. The temple is located on a mountain with a beautiful view.
Phangan has several elephant parks where you can interact, feed and ride these majestic animals. One of these parks is located on the road from Baan Tai Beach to Ton Nai Pan.
Beaches
Beaches are one of the attractive and main features of Koh Phangan for tourists. Here they really are best beaches Thailand, which has everything you need for a perfect serene and carefree holiday.
Most popular beach, located in the south of Koh Phangan, is called Haad Rin. This beach is known to many tourists, so it is always crowded and noisy. It is here that the monthly full moon party is held, which is called the “Full Moon Party”. "Full Moon Party" is compared with Ibiza and Kazantip. All the progressive youth of the world strive to get to a large-scale beach party. The holiday lasts for 2-3 days, almost without ceasing. In addition to alcoholic cocktails, which are served here in a bucket (200-300 ml), guests are waiting for musical events and dances. Music of techno, trance, electro, house sounds on the beach. Of course, the main participant in the party is the full moon, which offers a beautiful view from the beach.
Haad Rin lives forever, regardless of the phase of the moon. There are bars, cafes, best hotels. The beach is divided into two parts - Nok and Nai. Haad Rin Nai, that is, the "sunset beach", is calmer, hotels are cheaper than in the "club" part of the beach.
From Haad Rin, you can take a boat trip to the small beaches of Haad Yuan and Haad Tian and to sandy, quiet coves with a rocky coastline. These places are not suitable for diving, as there are no coral reefs, but here you can surf in windy weather, as well as go water skiing. It is also not recommended to come to these beaches with children: entry into the water is steep and rocky. Children and parents will like the sandy beach of Thong Nai Pan Yai more with a gentle entry into the water and smooth ebb.
Other beautiful beaches Koh Phangan - eastern Ton Nai Pan and Than Sadet and western Mae Haad and Ma Island. On Ton Nai Pan are luxurious hotels with swimming pools and spas. Tan Sadet will enchant with the waterfall of the same name. Mae Haad and Ma are well suited for snorkeling, with picturesque coral reefs.
Restaurants
As in all of Thailand, on Koh Phangan you can taste national and European dishes tasty and inexpensive. Traditional food sold both in beach cafes and on the streets of big cities.
In restaurants and cafes, you can try seafood, rice, noodles, fruits, and at the same time order pizza, burritos or french fries with beer. Vegetarians and vegans should check out Ying Ying's Kitchen (Salad Beach) and Petty's Place (Wok Tum Bay Bungalow).
How to get there?
The nearby airport is located on neighboring island– Koh Samui. Flights arrive here from Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Chiang Mai. From Samui it is easy to sail by ferry (ticket can be purchased at the airport) in a maximum of 50 minutes.
Another way to get from Koh Samui is the most expensive, but also the most interesting for tourists. It is possible to hire a private speedboat that conveniently arrives at Haad Rin Beach. There are also ferries from Maenam Beach to Thong Sala.
From mainland Thailand, you can get from Surat Thani Airport, where flights from Bangkok arrive. How much is a one way ticket (Bangkok-Surat Thani):
- 1500 baht with advance purchase;
- 2500 baht - on the day of departure.
When choosing this method of transportation, it is worth remembering that from the airport in Surat Thani you must first get by bus or car to the Seatran Ferry port, and then go to the island by ferry. The whole journey takes approximately 3.2 hours.
The most simple and economical way travel to Koh Phangan - by bus from Bangkok. A single ticket for 1300 baht can be purchased at the Bangkok bus station. The price includes transportation by road and ferry.
Where to stay for vacation in 2019?
When choosing where it is better to stay on vacation, you should determine the purpose of the trip and calculate your budget. If a traveler goes to the island for a noisy party on Haad Rin, then he will have to fork out: comfortable hotels are cheap here. On the contrary, if a tourist is not a fan of fuss and noise, he can choose an inexpensive and quiet hotel for himself away from the party Haad Rin.
The closer the Full Moon Party is held, the more likely stay without an overnight stay in Koh Phangan, especially near the beach. Therefore, it is better to book hotel rooms in advance.
Most cheap hotels are located near Thong Sala (for example, Haad Yao, Salad, Son, Ban Tai). Also, tourists who come with a company for a long time (for a month or more) can rent a small house for about 15 thousand baht per month. However, houses are rarely located on the coast.
Many hotels offer transfers directly from the pier, which is very convenient, especially for inexperienced tourists.
What to take with you on vacation?
To travel to Koh Phangan, it is most convenient to rent a moped or motorcycle. However, it is worth remembering that most of the roads in Koh Phangan pass through hills and mountains and have a slope and sharp turns. Falls from a moped or motorcycle are not uncommon on the island among tourists, therefore, when leaving for a vacation, you should first of all take care of your health and safety. In addition, in order not to have proceedings with the police, it is better to take care of all the necessary documents in advance.
What to take on a trip:
- travel insurance;
- international driver license category A (just in case);
- a card with money and some cash (dollars);
- bandages and medicines for injuries and poisoning (iodine, hydrogen peroxide, activated carbon, rehydron, etc.).
Roads are the most dangerous place for tourists, so with little or no experience driving a moped, it is better to resort to the services of a taxi, tuk-tuk or taxi-boat (taxi boats). In other areas of life, Thailand is a safe and friendly country for tourists.
When friends called to visit the island, we unanimously asked "What can you do there for a whole vacation? Die of boredom ?!".
We spent five days on Koh Phangan full days, and this period was barely enough to explore the surroundings.
Immediately after arriving at seaport Thong Sala is worth renting a motorbike for all days of your stay. The bike significantly increases the freedom of movement, the whole island becomes at your service.
On the first day we went to have breakfast in Chaloklum bay, where in the morning there was not a single person, except for the fisherman. Even in the cafe, the aunt did not appear immediately. What could be better than diving into the sea while your breakfast is being prepared?
Chaloklam in the past - small fishing village has now become a tourist attraction. Most of our compatriots live happily here, in the north of the island.
After breakfast, a walk is required. The Yang Na Yai tree is the tallest tree on the island. In Russian it is called dipterocarpus winged or guryun. But this name, like you, didn’t say anything to me :) The tallest such tree in Thailand reaches a height of 53.5 meters. The foliage creates shade and coolness, so bees love to settle on dipterocarpus. 
At the trunk, of course, there is a house with spirits. 
The island is hilly, the roads go uphill and run down the mountain, there are a lot of turns. Dangers await young motorcyclists everywhere! The steepest slides in the south of the island, on the way to Haad Rin beach. 
Of course you need try fruits! We bought them in a supermarket, you can also look at the market.
Salak, snake fruit. The skin peels off like an egg shell. Or scales from a shedding snake :) 
On the market. Near the fruit, signs "Do not touch with your hands" are often visible. 
Great on the west coast mangroves, we specifically stopped there to wander.
For me, seeing mangroves is probably like seeing the Eiffel Tower: I heard so much and finally, with my own eyes, I was convinced that it exists. 
The roads on the island are different, but almost everywhere is asphalt. Palm trees grow along the roadsides, which you get used to very quickly. And only sometimes the thought comes to mind: "To go nuts! Yes, here palm trees grow like birches along the roads!" Wires richly complement the roadside picture, as well as throughout the rest of the country. 
And what do you say to have lunch in a cafe on the beach, right in a hammock? 
Or climb the mountain amsterdam bar and watch the sunset and night fishing? 
Certainly worth going to night market where you can try a variety of dishes or have a bite to eat whatever your heart desires.
A little further away they sell all sorts of junk. But nowhere was a tray with fried insects waiting for me :( 
On the island you can not only eat! To shed pounds, you should go snorkel to Koh island Ma. Although what I'm lying, slow swimming on the surface has not yet made anyone slim. 
A shoal leads to the island, along which you can walk without soaking your swimming trunks. True, oncoming waves collide on the spit and sometimes sprays fly high :) 
There are not as many fish there as on the Phi Phi Islands, but inexperienced divers like me were interested. 
Inexperienced divers like me were interested even on the shore :) 
In addition, there was an excellent massage on the beach. During the first session, I was sure that my head would come off. Then nothing, I got used to it :) 
Haad Rin- a beach in the south of the island, a party center. Once a month there is a big party - Full Moon Party. They say that at this time it is better not to show up there ... The party was supposed to happen on the evening of our detour, so we could not even look there for informational purposes.
But there are always waves on this beach. Oh, and we dived there! 
Cafe over the sea. Either it works or it's abandoned. 
Another beach, but on the other side of the island - coral beach. There is no one, you can dig in the sand to your heart's content, remembering your childhood and collecting tiny shells of the "eye of Shiva". However, it is disgusting to swim here at low tide: oh dead coral reef you can break your knees and scratch your stomach. 
On the way to the beach. 
Have you noticed that we have never taken a ride on elephants during your stay in Thailand? Let's catch up soon! 
The activity turned out to be extremely boring! The elephant kept stopping to eat, poop, or dream. It is much more interesting (and scarier) to take pictures with an elephant :)
There are also secret places. For example, abandoned quarry.
Unexpectedly, they found a completely empty cafe in the center of the quarry. The owner invited to come and bring friends :) It feels like the house came here from a torn parallel reality. How else to explain its strange location away from all roads? 
Here only lizards bask in the sun and nobody. 
Do you want cultural and architectural experiences?
There you are chinese temple on the road from Thong Sala to Chaloklam. Zero people! 
This is a Thai temple Wat Khao Noi.
And the local crematorium. 
Outdoor enthusiasts can climb most high point islands - Mount Khao Ra (Khao Ra) like we did. At the foot, it is desirable to be already at 7 in the morning, so as not to die from the heat on the rise. They write that the way up takes 2 hours, but we almost missed the hour. But they were still soaking wet!
A bummer lurked on the mountain: everything was in the clouds. We waited a little, but there was no change. 
Sometimes the vegetation got too close. 
Springs at the foot of the mountain supply drinking water main part of the island. And we swam under a stream from a leaky hose :) 
Do you recognize a houseplant? 
There are several waterfalls on the island, one of them - Than-Sadet (Than-Sadet) was visited by as many as three of the Thai kings. We looked Phaeng No Waterfall. Well, as they looked ... It definitely justified part of the name: No Water. 
One more beach bottle beach- a separate bay, according to many, one of the most beautiful beaches islands. You can get there only along the forest path or by boat. There is also a road to the place, but it is so broken that a rare daredevil will decide to drive along it.
We went on foot, intending to return by boat, in comfort. The trail is marked with blanks along its entire length. plastic bottles which gave the name to the beach.
The way to the beach was excellent: in some places I had to climb, but in general it was quite a pleasant walk for a couple of hours (4-5 km). 
There were waves on the sea that threw a lot of marine debris ashore, the beach seemed dirty and there was no desire to swim. On top of that, because of the waves, boats did not go ...
Photographer heels from the wind :) 
Nothing to do, went back on foot. They chose the second path, which led along the coast. 
We noticed a great natural bath. The place is secret, and therefore the coolest :) To get to the water, I had to turn off the path to show the skill of rock climbers. 
However, the skill of climbers had to be shown on the trail. I don't know what smart guy called this a trail, but I would have broken his legs. I hope he broke them for himself when he conquered the coastal cliffs and the jungle.
The photo perfectly conveys the scale of the disaster. I almost died there and I was mentally unglued. 
End the day with a nice sun at sea (if you haven’t driven to Bottle Beach and back before). True, we had to rush around west coast to find the way to the beach. 
