Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For those who tire of beach-bumming, this large jungle island has many natural features to
explore including mountains, waterfalls and, most importantly, some of the most spectac-
ular beaches in all of Thailand.
There are many waterfalls throughout the island's interior, although most are reduced to
a trickle during the dry season.
Remember to change out of your beach clothes when visiting one of the 20 wát on Ko
Pha-Ngan. Most temples are open during daylight hours.
Nam Tok Than Sadet
These falls feature boulders carved with the royal insignia of Rama V, Rama VII and
Rama IX. King Rama V enjoyed this hidden spot so much that he returned over a dozen
times between 1888 and 1909. The river waters of Khlong Than Sadet are now considered
sacred and used in royal ceremonies. Also near the eastern coast,
Than Prawet
is a series of
chutes that snake inland for approximately 2km.
WATERFALL
Nam Tok Phaeng
In the centre of the island, Nam Tok Phaeng is protected by a national park; this waterfall
is a pleasant reward after a short, but rough, hike. Continue the adventure and head up to
Khao Ra
, the highest mountain on the island at 625m. Those with eagle-eyes will spot wild
crocodiles, monkeys, snakes, deer and boar along the way, and the
viewpoint
from the top is
spectacular - on a clear day you can see Ko Tao. Although the trek isn't arduous, it is very
easy to lose one's way, and we
highly
recommend hiring an escort in Ban Madeua Wan
(near the falls). The local guides have crude signs posted in front of their homes, and, if
they're around, they'll take you up to the top for 500B. Most of them only speak Thai.
WATERFALL
BEACH
Hat Khuat
Also called Bottle Beach, Hat Khuat is a classic fave. Visitors flock to this shore for a re-
laxing day of swimming and snorkelling, and some opt to stay the night at one of the sev-
eral bungalow operations along the beach. For additional seclusion, try the isolated
beaches on the east coast, which include
Than Sadet
,
Hat Yuan
,
Hat Thian
and the teeny
Ao
Thong Reng
. For additional enchanting beaches, consider doing a day trip to the stunning
Ang Thong Marine National Park
(
Click here
).
BUDDHIST TEMPLE
Wat Phu Khao Noi
