Phangan Island attractions - what to see

Phangan Island is a real paradise for lovers of natural attractions, and the main ones are traditionally considered to be beaches. Most of the island is covered with jungle, through which you can take walks and trekking trips to climb the peaks of the island, to explore waterfalls, get acquainted with the local flora and fauna. There are also several man–made attractions - these are, of course, Buddhist temples. There are no other special historical or cultural attractions on the island.

Than Sadet National Park (Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park)

This national park, located in the area of the "Royal River" (Than Sadet), was founded after the arrival here of the Thai King Rama V, who subsequently visited this place 14 times. The protected area of the park is located in its eastern part and is rightfully considered the most pristine natural corner of Thailand. It is here that the largest waterfalls Phaeng and Than Sadet are located, as well as the highest point of Phangan – Mount Ra (height 630 m). Than Sadet Waterfall is the largest waterfall of the resort, located on the Than Sadet River and bearing the name "Royal Stream". It is a set of cascades formed by huge boulders, with a length of just under 3 km, where the water falls stepwise. The water of this waterfall is considered sacred and is used for the most important state ceremonies. At one time, King Rama V and King Bhumibol came to this waterfall to collect sacred water.

Phaeng Waterfall is a beautiful natural place located 3 km from Tongsala. It is considered a hard-to-reach area because of the steep path rising sharply upwards, about 300 m long. There is a good viewing platform here, and nearby there is a path to Mount Ra. From this peak there is a great view of the neighboring islands Koh Tao and Koh Samui, however, the route to Mount Ra is not easy, so you need to have comfortable shoes and a map of local trails.

In Than Sadet Park, almost at the easternmost coast of the island, there is an amazingly beautiful lake Laem Son, surrounded by coconut palms and cousuarine trees. Since the lake is under state protection, fishing is strictly prohibited here. This place attracts whole families, especially in the hot season. Here you can bungee jump and lie down in the shade of the spreading trees. During the rainy season, the road by car to the main attractions of Than Sadet is of considerable difficulty, because mountain roads become impassable.

Chinese Temple of Guan Yin (Khuan-Im Shrine)

This ancient temple is dedicated to the goddess of mercy Guan Yin, who personifies the female rebirth of the Buddha. The temple complex is built in the traditions of Thai architecture on a high hill located near the village of Chaloklam. According to legend, the temple was erected after a certain woman from Bangkok goddess Guan Yin appeared in a dream. Thanks to the help of local monks, it was possible to raise funds and erect this unique temple. By tradition, this temple complex is especially visited by women, children and traffickers, because the goddess Guan Yin patronizes them. This sanctuary is divided into three parts: in the first there is a statue of the goddess Guan Yin, the second is intended for meditative practices and ceremonies, the third is a room for receiving guests. Near the main shrine there is a statue of Buddha, directed to Chaloklam Bay. The temple complex of Guan Yin is one of the most revered shrines of Thailand.

Wat Phu Khao Noi (Wat Phu Khao Noi)

Wat Phu Khao Noi Temple ("Sanctuary of the little Mountain") is located on a hill near the Tong Sala marina and is the oldest temple on the island. This sanctuary is a suitable place for meditative practices and ceremonies. The temple site offers a wonderful panoramic view of the southern part of Phangan Island. Here you can admire the elements of old Thai architecture to your heart's content: chedi with Buddhist relics, worn walls, dilapidated buildings – all this creates its own special atmosphere. There is an English-speaking monk in this temple, with whom you can talk about sublime topics, however, such a visit is best done in the afternoon. A strict dress code is required in this sanctuary (completely open or clothes made of translucent materials are excluded). Wat Phu Khao Noi Temple is active, so the local population often come here to find happiness and good luck in life.

Wat Pho Temple and Herbal Sauna (Wat Pho)

Wat Pho is a popular temple of Phangan Island, located ten minutes from Tong Sala near the village of Baan Tai. This temple complex has gained its fame thanks to a unique herbal sauna. Its effect on the human body is difficult to overestimate: the substances of herbs and aromas penetrate into the body, and hot steam warms the muscles. All this energizes a person, tones up all systems and organs. Traditional herbal sauna of Thailand has been used for centuries in the treatment of diseases of internal organs and skin, and the aromatherapy created at the same time has a beneficial effect on human well-being and uplifts the mood. Herbal sauna Wat Pho is especially effective for restoring shattered health after long parties and feasts. The sauna is open every day from 15:00 to 18:00. Thai massage treatments are available here. It is worth remembering that this part of the temple works exclusively thanks to donations.

Phangan Safari Park

There are several elephant nurseries in Phangan where tourists can ride elephants for a fee. One of them is the safari park, located in the northern half of Phangan Island, 2 km from Chaloklum Beach, is very popular with tourists, especially younger ones. Here you can ride elephants through the mountain jungle (about 300 baht / hour), watch baby elephants, packs of monkeys, squirrels, snakes, and also feed the animals. It is worth being vigilant, because local monkeys are quite agile and can easily steal something. Also, the safari park hosts a fascinating show with the participation of freshwater crocodiles, reaching three meters in length, and snakes.

💵Entrance fee / ticket price: entrance to the park is free, you will have to pay 300 baht for elephant riding.

🚶 How to get there: The park is located in the north of the island near the Chinese temple (temple on the Phangan map)

Ang Thong National Park

This place is not directly a landmark of the island of Phangan. But excursions and routes to Ang Thong National Park are one of the most popular tourist pastimes.

Ang Tong National Park is a group of islands of the Ang Tong Archipelago located in the Gulf of Thailand. The rocks of the islands, which are of volcanic origin, have been subjected to water and wind erosion for a long time, as a result of which they have acquired unique, inimitable forms, similar to the figures of animals, people and mythical heroes. On the island of Koh Mae Koh, in the rocky base, there is a famous salt lake, because of which the archipelago got its name "Ang Tong" ("Golden Bowl"). The largest island of the national park and the administrative center is Ko Wua Talab ("Island of the sleeping Cow"). From the height of its cliffs opens a magnificent panorama of the surroundings of the archipelago. A popular place in Ang Thong is Koh Mae Island ("Mother Island"), which has become famous for its unique beach and lagoon Thale Nai ("Emerald Lake"). In Ang Thong there is the possibility of excursions to the sea, accommodation in a bungalow or tent.