Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ko Phra Thong & Ko Ra
Legend has it that many centuries ago, pirates docked at Ko Phra Thong and buried a
golden Buddha beneath the sands. The legendary statue was never found but the modern-
day treasures at Ko Phra Thong (Golden Buddha Island) are its endless sandy beaches,
mangroves, vast bird life and rare orchids.
The long, slender, wooded island is as quiet as a night on the open ocean and as flat as
Kansas, and fishing (squid, prawns and jellyfish) remains its key industry. The local del-
icacy is pungent
gà·Ъì
(fermented prawn paste). On one side, the wide tidal inlet laps a
brown sand beach that rolls into mud flats; on the other is 11km of virgin golden sand
beach kissed by a blue sea.
Nearby and even quieter is Ko Ra, encircled by golden beaches and mangroves. This
small isle is a mountainous jungled slab with an impressive array of wildlife (including
leopard cats, flying lemurs, scaly anteaters and slow loris) and has a welcoming local
population of fisherfolk.
Sleeping
Mr Chuoi's
( 08 7898 4636, 08 4855 9886;
www.mrchuoibarandhut.com
; Ko Phra Thong; bungalows 500-700B)
Nice,
simple, artsy bungalows close to the village on north end of the island. There's a fun bar-
restaurant here as well, enlivened by Mr. Chuoi himself. Call and he'll arrange transport
between Ko Phra Thong and Khuraburi.
GUESTHOUSE
$
BUNGALOWS
$$
Ko Ra Eco-Resort
( 08 9867 5288;
www.kohraecolodge.com
; bungalows 1400-2800B)
Nestled in the trees off its own
small private beach, this older place offers everything from meditation retreats to spec-
tacular wildlife hikes and diving and snorkelling tours to the most pristine and secret
coves as well as the relatively nearby Surin Islands. Bungalows are basic, but the restaur-
ant serves excellent local specialities.
Golden Buddha
Beach Resort
BUNGALOWS
$$$
