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Famous for its lively full moon parties at Haad
Rin Beach, Koh Pha-ngan has a chilled-out hippy atmosphere
that combines nightly hedonism with day time water
sports and lazing on the beach. Situated in the south
of Thailand 20 kilometres north of Koh Samui in Surat
Thani Province, this is an ideal destination for travellers
who enjoy less crowded, more private beaches. The
best way to reach Koh Pha-ngan is from Koh Samui and
the boat trip takes about an hour.
Haad Rin is Koh Pha-ngan's most popular beach. Lined
with beach bars playing a wide assortment of music,
the white sands can get pretty crowded. Luckily, Koh
Pha-ngan offers many more secluded stretches of white
sand for those who prefer a little privacy. Ao Thong
Nai Pan is perhaps the second most beautiful beach
on Koh Pha-ngan reachable by boat or songthaew from
Thong Sala Pier.
Another extremely beautiful and tranquil beach is
Ao Si Thanu, whilst the nearby tiny island of Koh
Tae Nai can be reached just 5 minutes by chartered
boat. This island offers jungle-covered hills, a long
stretch of golden sandy beach and colourful coral
reefs, perfect for diving or scuba diving.
Koh Pha-ngan has some extremely pretty jungle waterfalls
waiting to be discovered including Than Sadet Falls,
Phaeng Falls, Than Prapat Falls and Than Prawet Falls.
A great way to see the falls and the rest of the island
is to take a guided boat tour. Boat trips usually
take around 10 people, last all day and include snorkelling
and lunch. The boat trips are also a great way to
meet fellow travellers and exchange tall tales and
travelling tips.
Wat Khao Tham is a cave temple located on the hilltop
of Khao Kao Haeng. There is a monastery here that
is ideal for meditation amidst the well-preserved
nature. The monastery offers 10 days meditation retreats
and can be found near the pretty village of Ban Tai.
Another interesting temple is Wat Madio Wan, where
a replica of Lord Buddha's Footprint is enshrined
on the hilltop Mondop, whilst jungle trekking up to
the island's largest mountain of Khao Ra is a great
way to see the island.
Many people stop at Koh Pha-ngan for a day or two
before heading on to Koh Tao, which lies 45 kilometres
north of Koh Pha-ngan and is known as the best diving
site in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao, which means
Turtle Island in the Thai language, is very small
and covered with palm trees and pristine white sand,
the perfect exotic island.
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