Pushpitha Wijesinghe
Although Koh Phangan is famous for its beaches it has a mountainous interior and more than half the island is covered in rainforest that is designated a national park.
Koh Phangan, in a sheltered location in the Gulf of Thailand has several high quality sites that can be dived on all year round. Although the south west and northern coasts offer some good diving spots including pinnacles, it is the west coast that has the largest number of challenging dive sites and shallow areas for snorkeling. Anantara Rasananda Villa Resort & Spa, one of Koh Phangan resorts offers water sports options and excursions around and from the island.
The island's varying terrain and forested areas offer many off road opportunities for mountain biking. However there are no official bike tracks. Thong Nai Pan and Thaan Sadet is said to offer some challenging tracks. Bikes can be rented form several places around the island.
This is something that adventurous water sports aficionados may like to try. Fully equipped and crewed boats can be rented for the whole day to chase after mackerel, barracuda, sailfish, snapper grouper and trevally.
There is only one professional wakeboarding operator in the whole of the gulf of Thailand according to well informed sources. This outfit in Chaloklum Bay in northern Koh Phangan has the latest equipment including a Mastercraft X Star tow boat with tower & ballast. Koh Phangan Kite boarding Centre offers classes for beginners. Kite boarding can be practiced at Ban Tai.
Adventurers would not like to miss the 3,200 sq meter paintballing field in Thongsala. It offers a choice of six games including capture the flag, defend your base, free for all, rabbit hunt, find the flag and defend your man. 12 people can play at a time. The field can be rented for the whole day for a very reasonable rate.
Experience the jungle canopy using a zip line. Tree canopy adventures start by walking on a series of suspended logs then graduating on to suspended car tires and ending with zipping though the canopy to the start. The interesting part is the logs and the tires move around when stepped on. Participants are given helmets and are attached to a safety line.
Hike up to Khao Ra the highest peak in Koh Phangan at 627 meters. Starting from the side of the main road in Thongsala hikers can go up at a steady pace through a verdant jungle landscape to the top within an hour and a half depending on fitness levels. Since the track is well defined through use, it is believed hikers will not lose their way. The view from the top, all the way to Chaloklum, where the hike ends, is beautiful. Early morning is best to attempt the hike.
This is many visitors' dream holiday experience. Enjoy the rainforests of Koh Phangan from the back of an elephant as it negotiates slippery slopes and wades across streams.
Kayaking is definitely an adventurous and eco friendly way to explore Koh Phangan's famous beaches, caves, lagoons and to visit the islands close to it.
Try a little bit of the Thai version of martial arts or catch the action at Muay Thai boxing stadiums in Thongsala, Haad Rin and Thong Nai Pan. Lessons are available from English speaking coaches. Packages are offered for those keen enough to go through all the motions.
