Joanna James
As one of Thailand's finest beach holiday hub Koh Phangan packs in a punch in terms of touristic value. Here are the top 10 things to do during a beach getaway in the paradise island.
As a one of a kind water bound obstacle course, wet and wild adventures await all those who head to Challenge Phangan. Often compared to the Total Wipeout television series, the engaging activities participants must go through during this one of a kind challenge will provide hours of fun for the whole family.
When it comes to the best place to catch Koh Phangan's most captivating sunset, no locale enjoys the popularity or the views on offer atop the Secret Mountain. Head to this popular hill in the late hours of the day and sip refreshments at a local restaurant while one gazes upon the sun setting over the horizon. Panoramic and mesmerizing, the sight is one of the most indescribable experiences travellers can have on the island.
Full moon parties are not only a Koh Phangan specialty, but the island's Haad Rin Beach is regarded as one of Thailand's most popular party hubs. All travellers holidaying on the island should enjoy at least one of these late night raves on the beach where the music and the refreshments don't stop until the sun comes up.
Regarded as one of the best things to do for avid hikers holidaying in Koh Phangan, hiking up to Khao Ra is an activity that's not just reserved for nature lovers. The three hour journey to the summit is one of the easier hikes on the island and visitors can embark on the trek without the aid of a guide.
Sail Rock is not only one of the top dive sites in Koh Phangan but the Gulf of Thailand as well and this iconic scuba diving venue is easily reachable via a hour long boat ride to the area. Suitable for divers of varying experience and capabilities, some of the frequently spotted marine life at Sail Rock include barracudas, manta rays and whale sharks.
As one of the island's most popular night time thoroughfares, the Thong Sala market is not only the best place to pick up souvenirs and other inexpensive consumer items but also a food lover's paradise. Offering diners everything from piping hot bowls of noodles to classic Thai street food varieties, there's plenty to bite into at this thriving local market.
Often considered a great way to discover the beauty of Koh Phangan, kayaking around the breathtaking island is also the perfect way to enjoy a memorable activity with the family or travel group. Kayaks are available for rent on most Koh Phangan beach hubs and visitors need only check the current and tide conditions before embarking on a tour.
Picking up Thai culinary skills at a local cooking class is another wonderful way to take a little piece of Koh Phangan and Thailand with one, once the holiday has concluded. Learning the basics of preparing Thai dishes is not only a transferable skill but an inexpensive way to spend time in a meaningful manner.
Having been featured in Hollywood blockbusters the likes of The Beach; Ang Thong National Park is a protected marine biosphere that defies belief in terms of the sheer beauty of its environs. From swimming on its sandy beaches to signing up for a scuba diving tour or a swimming excursion, there's more than one way to discover this pristine national park. Visitors based at Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas and similar villas nearby will find that it is also one of the best things to do on Koh Phangan.
Thai food isn't the only cuisine worth savouring on a trip to Koh Phangan as the local restaurant Paprika brings the flavours of Israel to diners on the island. Affordable and delectable, the large portions make this eatery a big hit with the locals and tourists.
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