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Things to Do on Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is an island off the south east coast of Thailand in the Gulf Of Thailand. Although Koh Phangan is justifiably famous for having some of Thailand’s best beaches, this island of about 13,000 also offers a wealth of other activities and attractions.

The interior of the island is still relatively unspoiled and offers the perfect chance to get away from the crowds at the beach. You can see the lush interior by trekking on your own, or joining one of several organized tours. Khao Ra is the island’s tallest mountain at about 1800 feet and several easy trails will take you to its summit, passing some spectacular waterfalls on the way, including the Phaeng waterfall. Also not to be missed is the Thaan Sadet waterfall, which has been visited and admired by several former kings of Thailand – you can see their signatures carved in a nearby cliff. Mountain biking is also a popular way to get about on parts of the island.

If you want to experience Koh Phangan from the water, there are several options. Most island hotels and travel agencies offer various boat trips and fishing trips, varying by cost and duration. Scuba diving is also popular in the clear waters. Most beaches also offer kayak or canoe rental and beach football and beach volleyball are popular as well. And paintball has also become popular; there are several places to play, but one of the best is Paintball Warfare, which boasts a 3,000 foot facility on the west coast.

Although tourism has become important to Koh Phangan, the island has still manged to retain its unique identity. There are several temples which welcome visitors, including Wat Phu Khao Noi, the oldest on the island. And if you want to see some authentic Thai boxing, you can watch or participate at the Horizon Muay camp.

For a relatively small place, Koh Phangan offers plenty to see and do, as well as the option of just relaxing and doing not much of anything.

Koh Phangan Island Resort

There are few exotic island paradises left, but the Thai island of Koh Phangan may very well qualify as one of the last. It is small and rich in sandy beaches, and in ten hours a backpacker can walk all around its periphery. Once famous for the wildness of its Full Moon parties, it continues the tradition of the monthly festival, but with an atmosphere more suited to families.

A ferry takes travelers to the island itself, but getting there requires a little planning. Flights land on a nearby island (Koh Samui) directly from Bangkok, but train and bus rides are also available from the capital to the cities of Surat Thani or Chumphon, from where you can board a ferry to Koh Phangan itself.

Once at the final destination, visitors can rent a motorcycle to get around, as well as mountain bicycles, or 4-wheel drive cars. Reservations can be made in advance on the internet, but short-term rentals are available for the sudden decision or the last-minute discovery. The island is small enough to discover it on foot, or to take advantage of the numerous songthaew, or pickup truck-based taxis, which criss-cross its surface.

Boats are another choice for visitors. The island is a favorite destination for scuba divers and snorkelers, and local boats will take passengers all around, stopping at their passengers’ request for a diving or sightseeing break. Boat tours are also available, showcasing the most beautiful beaches of
Koh Phangan.

Of course, you could also take a ride on an elephant for the ultimate East Asian experience, but however entertaining, this solution is probably not practical as an everyday means of transportation…

Whether planned in detail from the beginning or experienced step by unexpected step, a trip to Koh Phangan promises a wide choice of entertainment, accommodations, and excursions.

Nightlife on Koh Phi Phi

An island vacation is an experience that will never be forgotten. Koh Phi Phi is some of the most memorable islands anywhere. These islands are located in Southern Thailand and portions of the movie “The Beach” were filmed on Phi Phi Leh. While much of this area was destroyed by the Indian Ocean tsunami of 2004, the development for tourism has flourished. The entertainment options are numerous and the nightlife is excellent and getting better.

Phi Phi Don is the only populated island in the chain and where all the bars and restaurants for drinking and dancing can be found. The options range from 5-star hotels to bars on the beach where you can relax in a hammock with a drink. There are plenty of music and dancing hot spots available to suit any taste. Beach bars include Apache Beach Bar, Carlito’s, Sunflower, and Mojito’s. For dancing try Breakers Bar, Banana Bar, and Velvet Dojo. Do not miss the rooftop experience at Banana Bar for the awesome cocktails. The drink choices at all of the bars are exceptional.

The Reggae Bar Complex is the biggest nightspot in PhiPhi, featuring five bars and pool tables. As with other spots they have the popular Thai boxing called Muay Thai three nights a week. The beach is not just a place to relax under the star filled night sky with a drink, but it is where the amazing fire twirlers put on a must see show almost every evening.

There are plenty of activities to occupy the days on these islands. Koh Phi Phi is home to some of the best snorkeling and diving in the world and there are plenty of dive shops to provide experienced instruction. After a day of enjoying uninhabited beaches or exploring reefs, the nightlife on Koh Phi Phi is the perfect finish.

Udon Thani Hotels

Udon Thani is considered to be the center of transportation and communications in the upper Northeast of Thailand and is known to have a low cost of living and a laid-back lifestyle. Staying in this city is guaranteed to be such a breeze with the widest and finest selections of accommodations from the 5-star Udon Thani hotels to the inexpensive ones.

Ban Chiang Hotel – located in Mukmontri Road, this hotel offers a traditional Thai welcome combined with international 5-star standards and facilities. Guests will be able to experience a whole new level of luxury in the midst of the city. Whether your purpose is for business or for vacation, the place will surely give you a comfortable, smooth, and stress-free stay. It has 149 secluded rooms which allow for privacy and easy ambiance. The hotel also has a new entertainment complex giving a wider selection of choices for those who want to dine and to celebrate. It has its own wine cellar, a Karaoke lounge with VIP, mixed, and private rooms; its own cafe, a fitness center, a health club, a sauna and stream room, and a spa.

Centara Hotel and Convention Center – located in Prajaksillpakhom road and formerly known as the Charoroensri Grand Royal Hotel. Its city-center location allows guests to fulfill their needs whether they are traveling for business or leisure or attending a convention, conference, or meeting. This Udon Thani hotel is an integral part of the Charoensri complex which is the biggest shopping and entertainment center in the city. It has 255 guest rooms and suites which offer international luxury and are equipped with modern facilities, spacious bathrooms, mini-bar, and tea and coffee making facilities. It has its own Health club, fitness center, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room, swimming pool, and spa. It also has 10 stylish pavilions that provide privacy and where the experienced therapists offer treatments for guests.

Charoen Hotel – located in Phosri road, this hotel is a modern, luxurious hotel situated in the middle of the city’s business and shopping districts while at the same time being surrounded by luscious greeneries. It has 250 rooms which are tastefully decorated and are fully equipped with superior amenities. It also has its own conference and banquet facilities including the Udon Dusadee which can accommodate up to 1,500 guests and is fully equipped with meeting facilities and parking space for more than 1000 cars.

Hat Yai Restaurants

There are many Hat Yai restaurants to fill your appetite while having a vacation in this city. These restaurants do not only serve Thai dishes, but mostly Chinese and even American cuisines.

Bakery Box – located along Karnchanawanich Road, this shop is run by the same owners of Baan Liit, also a famous Hat Yai restaurant. This place is a coffee and cake shop which serves good cakes. This is the place for people who are looking for dessert or are craving some sweet stuff.

Bansuan Coffee – located in Thamanoonvithee road and is near the university. They serve coffee and cakes as well as very good Thai dishes and few steak dishes.

The Basil – located in Punnakan Road near the Prince of Songkhla University, and is one of Hat Yai restaurants that serves excellent farang food. They serve Mediterranean dishes, as their menu states which also has an Italian flavor. They have bruschetta and salads as well as pasta dishes where you can choose what sauce you like and what pasta type you want. They also have three types of pizzas available. They also serve excellent desserts like tiramisu. They have a wine selection too which is available by glass. It is predominately a student area so the prices are just alright. This restaurant also opened another branch at the Central Department Store, in the heart of Hat Yai’s tourist district, just below the Novotel Hotel. The location of the second branch is more convenient for tourists so expect a lot of people in the area. The Basil is where you will find dishes that you can’t eat anywhere else in Hat Yai.

Jeffer Steak House formerly BKK Grill – located in Supasarnrungsun Road and serves pork, chicken, and beef steaks and well as fish and sausage steaks. The steaks are served with special sauce along with a stash of chips, lettuce, and toast.

Bor Mai Mai – located in Klongrien Road and is a typical Thai restaurant where people visit for a night out. There is live music playing here.

Bon Khao restaurant – located along Karnjanavanich Road and serves excellent food and offers great views. The setting of this Hat Yai restaurant is very tranquil as it surrounded by many trees.

Chill Chill – a small cafe that serves coffee and cakes. It has an exquisite garden which can make you relax amidst the noise from downtown Hat Yai. The coffee and cakes are also very tasty.