Koh Phangan is a gorgeous island with an ancient history. In addition to its natural attractions of gorgeous beaches, waterfalls, and tropical jungle, there are man-made attractions. These are entire temple complexes of incredible beauty with unique and distinctive histories.
If you want to visit all the most interesting places on the island, you have two options:
- Option 1: Buy a ready-made excursion package from your hotel or any travel agency. It usually includes transfers to and from the place, and a guide to accompany you;
- Option 2: If you are an experienced tourist, you can rent a car or motorbike and visit all the attractions of Koh Phangan on your own. Then make sure you have a map of the island with you. You can buy one at any travel agency or at Tong Sala Pier.
We'll tell you about all the main attractions on Koh Phangan.
Koh Phangan Island Temples
There are about twenty temples on Koh Phangan. Many of them have an ancient history and were built long before the island was favored by tourists. Mostly, all the temples are Thai, but there is one Chinese temple that is very different from the rest of the shrines in terms of style of architecture and interior decoration.
Wat Phu Khao Noi
The oldest Buddhist shrine in Koh Phangan. If you know English, come in the afternoon, and you can chat about spiritual topics with the abbot.
- Where is it located: The temple is built right in the jungle, next to the hospital, near Wok Tum beach;
- What to see: The amazingly beautiful white pagoda, the ancient chapel, and the temple structure itself are a must-see;
- Schedule: Visiting hours at Wat Phu Khao Noi are from 14:00 to 17:00.
Chinese Temple
The Chinese Temple was built in 1992 with funds raised by devotees of the Chinese Buddha. Many tourists come to the Chinese Temple to meditate and ask Buddha for good luck.
- Where is it located: The shrine is located three kilometers south of Chaloklum village;
- What to see: The temple has very beautiful grounds and is great for walking. The vantage point offers stunning views of the northern part of the island and the Gulf of Thailand;
- Schedule: Entrance to the temple is free, and the opening hours are from 08:00 to 17:00.
Wat Pho Herbal Sauna
Famous among tourists for being next to a health spa. A great place to recharge your batteries and take a couple of meditation lessons.
- Where to stay: Located in the southern part of Pangan, close to Ban Tai Beach.
- What to see: Interesting sites are the Coral Pagoda and the wooden shrine, its style of architecture is more typical of monasteries in Burma.
- Schedule: Opening hours are from 15:00 to 18:00.
Wat Paa Sang Tham
This is a working Thai temple, with monks living and studying here.
- Where located: Located near Chaloklum, in the jungle.
- What to see: Of interest to tourists are the Buddha statues standing right in the forest.
Other popular shrines in Pangan
- Wat Samai Kongha: Located next to Wat Phu Khao Noi, a large and bright temple complex.
- Wat Ampawa: Also located next to Wat Phu Khao Noi, halfway to Wok Tum beach. The most important feature is that it has the footprint of the great Buddha and many statues.
- Wat Khao Tam: The temple is built high up in the mountains, from here you have a great view of the island and the Gulf of Thailand. You can even stay at Wat Khao Tam for a while and learn basic meditation and Buddhist rituals.
- Wat Maduea Wan: Located in central Pangan, between Tong Sala and Chaloklum village. The temple is particularly popular with the island's indigenous people. According to legend, the Buddha left his mark here.
Laem Son Lake
Laem Son Lake is the largest lake on Koh Phangan. A favorite vacation spot for islanders, it is often visited by families.
The lake has water rides, so children will find it interesting. There are also plenty of fish in Laem Son, but local laws prohibit fishing.
Pangan Waterfalls
Pangan Island has a large number of waterfalls, but many of them are in inaccessible places. The roads leading to them are characterized by sharp descents and ascents, there is no asphalt surface, you will have to drive on gravel. For tourists who travel independently, such a trip is quite dangerous.
The best choice for those who want to visit the waterfalls is to buy a excursion from a travel agency or rent a tuk-tuk. It is also worth bearing in mind that during the dry season (spring months) there is little water in them, you are likely to see only small streams.
Diving and snorkeling
Pangan is a great place for diving and snorkeling. Even if you are a beginner, there are so many dive courses on the island that give an international certificate. You can even find Russian-speaking instructors if you wish.
Popular dive sites:
- Ang Thong National Marine Park: is a concentration of islets and coral reefs in the Gulf of Thailand. There are amazing examples of the flora and fauna of the underwater world;
- Ko Ma Island: is a small island near Mae Had. It is an ideal place for snorkeling. It can also be accessed on foot via a spit.
Pangan Safari
The Phangan safari elephant farm is located on the right hand side of the road from Tong Sala to Chaloklum. Here you can ride elephants and see a very interesting show with trained monkeys. Just be careful, the monkeys have a taste for shiny things, so hide your valuables during the ride.
Mini Golf
Not far from Wat Phu Khao Noi temple is a mini golf course. It has quite a few interesting locations. To get to the golf club, drive to the fishing piers on Vok Tum Beach, then follow the signs along the road.
Pangan Viewpoints
Koh Phangan offers several beautiful viewpoints, although access to some of them can be challenging due to road conditions.
Here are some viewpoints you can reach by motorcycle:
- Overlooking point near Had Rin Nok Beach: This spot provides great views of the southern part of Koh Phangan and the bay.
- The viewpoint at Wat Khao Tam temple: Enjoy panoramic vistas from this temple.
- The new Indian temple: Located on the central road to Had Rin Nok, this viewpoint offers a panorama of the western part of the island.
