The Island
Unlike Samui, Koh-Pha-Ngan does not have an airport so you can only
get there by boat. It's a short 45 minute boat ride from Samui. Or, if
coming from Bangkok on the night train, you take a bus to the boat,
and unless it is raining, it is only about about a two hour, very
pleasant ride in the Gulf of Thailand. |
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The simplicity of Koh
Pha-Ngan brings many tourists here every year. Although there are
changes caused by development, which is most evident in the towns of
Hat Rin, and Tongsola, where the boats come in, Koh Phangan still has
plenty of remote beaches, surrounded with beautiful coral, and
protected by the spirits of old temples.
Coconut shaded beaches,
and bays, lovely bicycle trails, and adventurous mountain treks
are available for visitors who appreciate the beauty of nature. |
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We
stayed in Hat Yuan this trip (June 2004), a beautiful bay that sports
reasonably priced bungalows, and can only be gotten to by foot over a
mountain trail, or by long tail boat.
Unlike 3 years ago, there are now some excellent places to stay, eat, do
Yoga, and simply relax.
You can walk to the next bay at Hat Tien, and
even over the hill to another smaller, more secluded called Hat
Why-Am, where you can find a few bungalows, and a nice restaurant.
We went for 3 days, and ended up staying over a week, but you could
surely plant yourself here, and never want to leave, as we found out
from fellow travelers that were still there after 5 months.
We know you will enjoy
this paradise. Much of the area is inaccessible by road, so much of
the island continues to be NATURAL.
Do respect the beauty of the earth. There is limited infrastructure,
and resources. Don't waste water. And refill your plastic water
bottles, good ideas, no matter where you are.
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