Trekking Khao Ra

If you love adventure, making treks into the wilderness and discovering tropical getaways, then make sure to plan a trek up Khao Ra when next in Koh Phangan. Before embarking on your excursion up the island’s highest peak, look to find accommodation at Koh Phangan hotels or resorts that are ideally located by the sea, letting you fully experience a holiday in the sun, sand and surf. One of the leadingKoh Phangan resorts, Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa is one option worth considering and also has a spa in which to unwind after your mountain hikes.

Situated around 630 metres above sea level, Khao Ra provides a fascinating trek for those looking for some outdoor adventure. One can make the journey alone or hire guides from the nearby Phaeng Waterfall. The trail itself is not that hard to traverse though it can get a bit hard in some points. You will pass scenic jungles as you make your way to the top and the pathway is shaded in most parts as well. On reaching the top, one will be greeted by breathtaking views of the surrounding areas including vistas of Thong Nai Pan and Chaloklum. The trek takes about one and a half to two hours and you can plan to stop by Phaeng Waterfall on your way down and cool off in its natural pool.

Kayaking in Koh Phangan

How does a kayaking trip around the beaches of Koh Phangan sound? If this is what you seek to accomplish in Koh Phangan then you are surely in for a treat. Koh Phangan resorts such as Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa would be a good place to stay from where you could hire a kayak. These Koh Phangan hotels would lead you to having the time of your life surrounded by calm seas and warm sunshine.

The area of Koh Phangan itself is linked with major fun-filled water sports activities out of which kayaking holds a special place. The waters off the west coast should be where one must go to in order to get the very best of kayaking experiences. One must be watchful so as to not get caught up with any ocean current for it is quite a battle to come out of. Areas such as Koh Ma and Wok Tum are the best places to start at while a trip to Haad Thian, Thong Nai Pan and Bottle Beach would certainly prove to be worth the trip. Be sure to not head out during the latter part of the day for the seas could make it extremely arduous to get back to shore.

Finding your Way

Koh Phangan, off the coast of southern Thailand is known for its idyllic bays, beaches and coves and the tropical landscape in its centre that is part coconut plantation and undisturbed stretches of rainforest. These natural features provide interesting jungle and beach walks.

Hiking is possible all over the island and there are many interesting trails. The central part of the island with its tropical canopy has barely visible mountain paths that are popular with hikers as are trails on the eastern part of the island that is still relatively underdeveloped. One popular trail runs from Haad Rin north to Haad Yuan on to Haad Thien, up to Thong Nai Pan and onto Haad Khuat or Bottle Beach. The route can become difficult in some spots and there is always the possibility of getting lost. An alternative is to ride a motorbike to the end of the concrete road at Haad Khom and then hike through the jungle and steep terrain to Bottle Beach. On the return, hikers can ride back to Chalok Lam in a taxi boat, take a 30 minute walk uphill to Haad Khom to pick up the bike or walk all the way from Chalok Lam. There is a good hike up to Phaeng waterfall in Phaeng National Park that is a steep 250 meter climb up a jungle trail. Walking up hill for about 15 minutes more takes hikers to Domesila look out that offers fantastic views. Khao Ra viewpoint, at 600 meters the highest hill on the island, can be accessed if hikers continue on this trail. The trail can be dangerous and difficult to follow. However there are GPS tracks to Khao Ra. Two trails lead to the top. The eastern trail seems to have fallen into disuse. This is a beautiful trail through jungle with big trees and waterfalls. The western trail goes through a cloud forest towards the top. Other interesting hikes to attempt is walking up 3 km, the full length of the Thaan Sadet waterfall in the north eastern part of the island as it is like a series of stepping stones. Thaan Prawet waterfall also in the north eastern part can be accessed from Thong Nai Pan Noi beach but the climb gets tougher as the trail moves further up. Several lovely spots on the way offer places to cool off and to take breaks. Wat Khao Tam lookout between Thong Sala and Haad Rin can be accessed via motorbike ride part of the way after which a short hike takes visitors up to the temple and the look out. Another interesting hike is to the lookout at Chalok Lam on the road to Haad Khom.

Things to remember when hiking, carry enough water and wear bug repellant, carry a GPS and map and return before sunset.

Savour the informal relaxing vibe at Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa that offers an idyllic tropical getaway complete with palm trees, stretches of white sandy beach and blue sea. As one of prominent Koh Phangan hotels guests have a choice of accommodation comprising of suites and villas all with plunge pools and private spaces, the best places to start a laid back holiday experience. As one of much lauded Koh Phangan resorts all those who stay here will experience services and facilities that are considered amazing and go a long way to make that perfect holiday experience.

Koh Phangan Elephant Trekking

A perfect way to explore the wilds of Koh Phangan, elephant trekking provides a truly unforgettable adventure that lets you get up close with these gentle giants as well. Travellers should look to stay at Koh Phangan hotels or resorts that let you enjoy the very best the island has to offer including elephant treks. Among the leading Koh Phangan resorts, Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa is one such option and is ideally located right by the pristine sands of a beach.

Home to lush tropical jungles and mountain landscapes, Koh Phangan and its rich natural scenery is best explored on elephant back. Taking place at locations such as the coastal village of Caloklum, elephant trekking gives you a chance to ride these animals along paths one may otherwise not get to traverse. A mahout sits up front on the elephant’s neck and will be your guide on this memorable excursion that will take you past picturesque scenery and some truly breathtaking vistas. Best of all you get a better appreciation of these creatures and can interact with them on your journey of discovery.

Kiteboarding in Koh Phangan

Koh Phanang is indeed one of the prime locations for this much-enjoyed water sport that thrives on superb winds for its best outcome and enjoyment. Indeed, the thick coral reefs protecting the area from frothing waves, and the shallow waters make it a kite surfers paradise. Ergo, it is no wonder that this golden beach in Thailand is considered to be among the best sites in the world for this exciting water sport.

Accordingly, numerous instructing schools and services have sprung up to cater to the eager and enthusiastic beginners as well as more practiced performers. Among these, it is comforting to find world-class schools as well as shops selling highly standardized equipment that are needed to pursue this fascinating sport in the safest of conditions. Most travelers find the instructors extremely friendly and easy to get along with and the lessons are of such calibre as to be easy for the learner, thus prompting a quicker learning curve. The strong winds that the area experiences during the year present the ideal conditions for kite surfing. The site of the kites flaying against the sky as their riders gallantly surf below is a common and pleasant site in this coastal area of Koh Phanang. It is definitely one of the beaches in Thailand that offers this superb variant of water sports, thus distinguishing itself slightly from the cluster of lovely tropical beaches that are confusingly numerous in this country.

Even when it comes to heavenly residential options that take your breath away from the moment you step in, Koh Phangan resorts are ahead of many others in creating the perfect ambience of holiday mood that appeals to any vacationer, young or old. With just steps away from the sea and yet nestling quite closely with lush plantations, one finds the Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa whose numerous suites are an example of fine architectural and interior designs, with strong but earthly colours merging to create unique indoor spaces. With its distinct architecture, its superb location and world class services, this venue stands ahead of the rest of Koh Phangan hotels and is a venue where time stands still for many a traveller as they soak up the prime luxuries offered to them so charmingly within such elegant interiors.

Laem Son National Park

Laem Son National Park on Thailand’s west coast is noted for having a 100 km coastline, which is the country’s longest protected shoreline. The coastal section of the park extends from the Ao Ang Mountain in the north to Pak Triam Mountain in the south. Among the 315 sq km park’s many facets are beaches, coral reefs, sea grass beds, estuarine mudflats, mangrove forests, rainforests and 20 islets. The dominant type of vegetation, though, comes in the form of mangrove forests. The islets are all clustered along the shore of the park with the furthest being just 12 km away. All the islets are unspoiled and few have any permanent habitation. Above the high water mark of many of the coastal islets are beaches fringed by casuarinas, the dominant tree species along the coast.

It is also home to several species of birds that numbered 138 at the last count, fish, prawns, oysters and 30 types of mammals including the pangolin, tree shrew, crab eating macaques, lesser mouse deer, giant squirrel, banded langur, wild boar, yellow Rajah Rat, bush tailed porcupine, munjak, pig and stump tailed macaques. For bird-lovers, the best time to visit the park is between December and February. In recognition of the importance of its wetlands, the national park became a designated Ramsar Site in 2002.

Among the pristine and isolated beaches on the islets, the most accessible is the beach Hat Bang Ben, a long sandy stretch fringed by casuarinas. It is said to be safe for swimming year round. Several of the islets can be seen from the beach. During low tide some islands just across from Hat Bang Ben can be reached on foot. Most of the islets have forested hills, reefs for swimming and snorkeling, sandy or pebbled beaches and camping grounds. The bigger islets have minuscule populations, agricultural land and interesting terrestrial fauna that include wild pigs, horn bills, monkeys and snakes. Across from Hat Bang Beng is Hat Laem Son, which has a deserted beach. Sea turtles lay eggs on Hat Praphat’s casuarinas lined beach. The islets of Piak Nam Lai and Thao are famous for their crab eating long tailed macaques. Accessibility to the park by road is somewhat limited unless a private vehicle or other form of private transportation is hired. However, there are regular boats that run from Saphan Plaa to Ko Phyam pier every two hours during the high tourist season. Long-tail boats can also be hired to access the park and the islets.

In a famed location that has inspired many a movie and song, the Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa provides its guests with many of the elements that have caught the imagination of visitors to the area. As one of prominent Koh Phangan resorts guests enjoy a range of high quality facilities and amenities, and it is one of the popular Koh Phangan hotels that provide serenity for a truly relaxing holiday.

Thrilling and Fun Activities to do in Koh Phangan!

The island of Koh Phangan offers plenty of fun in the sun and surf that can be enjoyed by the entire family. These activities are best experienced while staying at Koh Phangan hotels by the beach such as Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa. One of the leading Koh Phangan resorts it is ideally located along the picturesque Ton Nai Pan Noi Beach and offers a wealth of recreational pursuits; discover the stunning world that lies beneath the waves on snorkelling and diving excursions, explore lush forests while on an elephant trekking tour and hike through mountain jungles. Other activities that you can enjoy when in Koh Phangan include a visit to its oldest temple, Wat Phu Khao Noi, diving at the Ang Thong Marine Park, heading to the Mountain Cave Monastery or Wat Koh Tham Temple and making a trip to the Phaeng Waterfall.