Brad Smith
Much to your surprise, Ko Ang Thong rests silently as an archipelago of 42 islands. With a not-so-long history, Ko Ang Thong became a marine national park. Be mesmerised by its stunning scenery.
This island serves as the headquarters where you can depend on the basic requirements. That aside, you can watch out for two white beaches here. One is easy to reach, as it is located close to the headquarters. You need to walk, for about 700m, to reach the other white beach. That walk is interesting, as it is through a sylvan path.
Compared to other islands, Ko Wua Ta Lap is more convenient. It is equipped with an exquisite camping ground, a number of restaurants and shops, and a host of bungalows. If you intend to use a bungalow, you need to book it with the Department of National Parks in advance. If the bungalows are occupied, you can book a villa like Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas. The good thing about the white beaches is that you can treat yourself some swimming.
Like in Ko Wua Ta Lap, here too you would be in for a white beach experience. And do not forget to take a 20-minute (or probably 40 minutes, if you are a slow climber) trail which takes you to a unique position to look out over the whole island. Once you reach this position, you will naturally forget the exhaustion from the climb. The viewpoint is so amazing, letting you breathe in a breathtaking seascape. And most interestingly, there is an underground tunnel which connects you to the sea.
Travelling towards the east side from Ko Mae Ko, you will find this unique island called Ko Sam Sao. What is so special about this island, you may wonder at the first glance. But it does not take much time to bask in the real pleasure. The island is blessed with refined coral reef, a number of beaches and a camping ground. Most travellers would naturally look for a Luxury hotel. Koh Phangan, however, offers more diversity. Why not go for a tent experience in the camping ground at least for a day or two? Convenience-wise, this island lands a bit far from the mark. You won't find shops, as such, on this island. But this is ideal if you are looking for a camping experience.
Well, you cannot call this explicitly an island. Bua Bok cave nevertheless offers you an island experience, especially with its stalactite and stalagmite formations. Mostly visited by pilgrims, Inside the cave, you will find more caves smaller in size. Even today, you can see earliest signs of paganism in the caves. Though a Buddha statue is placed, the caves were already in existence before the arrival of Buddhism in Thailand.
