Activities

• MOUNTAIN BIKKING
• PAINTBALL WARFARE
• FITNESS GYM
• THAI BOXING
• KAYAKING
• SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELLING
• SAILING
• BOAT TRIPS
• WINSURFING
• WAKE BOARDING
• FISHING
• ANGTHONG MARINE PARK TRIPS
• VIEWPOINT ON WUA TA LAP
• CAMPING ON KOH MAE KO
• TREKKING
• Massage Courses
• Same ? Same Cooking School

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Bikes can be hired in most towns and villages, just ask around; the quality varies but there are some reasonable machines out there. If you are staying long term there are several shop in Koh Samui that stock authentic bikes and they can usually be sold on before you go home. Prices range between Bt80 to Bt120 per day (prices are negotiable on monthly rentals).

Apart from Ban Khai to Thongsala and on to Had Yao, the island is predominantly hilly, thus be prepared for a work out if you cycle elsewhere. Always remember take plenty of water, head wear (helmet advised ? the hills give you a lot of speed) and sun ? cream.

There are no official tracks, though that can only be a matter of time, but any non-concrete road in the hilly areas is a good ride, especially the Thong Nai Pan and Than Sadet roads. Otherwise there are loads of trails to discover, just get those whells rolling. For easier riding stick around the Thongsala area; a god ride good ride would be up to Phaeng Waterfall where you can also see the Jade Buddha and then across to Srithanu and Laem Son lake, before heading back along the coastal road.

PAINTBALL WARFARE

Paintballs warfare, Thongsala
A new 3200m2 paintball battlefield has opened near Thongsala ? there are a choice of 6 games to play (capture the flag, defend your base, free for all, rabbit hunt, find the flag, defend your man) and up to 12 people

FITNESS GYM

Gym & Thai Boxing
Thongsala & Haad Rin
The Gym has a full range of work out equipment, fitness programs, yoga and provides personal fitness training. Thai boxing on Koh Phangan for more than 8 years and have turned out more fighters than a Russian plane factory.

There are male and female professional teacher offering tuition for every level of expertise, from absolute beginner to pre ? fight training at one of the local stadiums. There are gyms with excellent facilities; one in Thongsala and the original gym in Haad Rin. Gym are now also organizing 1 to 3 day yoga workshops.

THAI BOXING

Koh Phangan, like the rest of Thailand, loves its Thai Boxing and there three stadiums in Thongsala, one in Haad Rin and now Thong Nai Pan Noi has one so wherever you are it?ll be easy to catch a fight.

There are usually about six fights a night with local and visiting Thai fighters and a few Farang ( foreigners). To find out when the next big night is, try and decipher what one of the pick ? ups with really tinny speakers is saying, look out for the posters or ask around. Price on the door is usually Bt350.

If you want to learn the noble art, there are a few good schools on the island with English speaking tuition and some very good facilities.

KAYAKING

Kayaks are available for hire on most beaches for BT to Bt Per hour. The obvious precautions should be observed such as covering your skin from the hot sun, allowing enough time for long trips (sunset rides are not advised) and taking water to drink. Also be aware of the currents and tidal drift, it can be easy to go in one direction and very difficult to come back.

The west coast from Wok Tum to koh Ma offers some of the calmest seas and best beach hopping possibilities though if the seas aren?t choppy, pretty much anywhere is good. Other popular routes are between Thong Nai Pan and Haad Khuat ( Bottle Beach) and also from Chaloklum to Haad Khuat; or from Haad Rin it is easily possible to make it around to Haad Khontee and further on to Haad Thian and Haad Yuan but don?t depart too late in the day.

SCUBA DIVING & SNORKELLING

Koh Phangan is an excellence place to explore the under water world.

SAILING

There are a few places offering sailing trips and tuition, with one operation providing Hobbies style Catamarens and Lazer sailing boats available through December to April in Ao Nai Wok; ideal for learning or an exhilarating ride for the experienced sailor.

BOAT TRIPS

Easy to organize and perfect for those not planning to stay very long on Koh Phangan or just want to take a quick look around the island before deciding where to stay on longer. Boat trips can be arranged at most resorts and will leave late morning. Common itineraries for pre ? arranged tours include Than Sadet Waterfall, Thon nai Pan, Haad Khuat, Koh Ma and Koh Tae Nok. If you are in a group, it is also possible to rent the boat for a day and arrange your own itinerary, but expect to pay a lot more. The boat will either be a traditional long tail or speedboat which will probably be able to take you further a field such as the Marine Park or Koh Tao.

Any deal should include lunch and other essential supplies. Be aware of the sun and wear a hat and a healthy layer of sun lotion or risk feeling the affects of heat stoke later on as most trips leave about mid ? day.

All organized boat trips run every day depending on the weather of course ? if you have booked ahead only to find that it is wet and windy you will receive a full refund.

WINSURFING

Ao Plaay Laem
We offer fun windsurfing lessons for beginners on the west coast near Thongsala with beautiful views over Koh Tae Nok. Contact them for more details.

WAKE BOARDING

Wake boarding is a cross between snowboarding and water ? skiing and is just one of the exhilarating and unique sports available from Phangan Adventure at Lotus Diving in Chaloklum. They also offer Mountain bike trekking with a variety of different routes, kayaking, sailing, boat trips, snorkeling, scuba diving and much more. See their advert for more details.

FISHING

Fishing can usually be organized through your resort and is often a short trip in a long tail boat out to a few local fishing sports. The normal equipment is hand line on a basic trip, so if you are looking for something a bit more high ? tech ask around or go to a travel agent. There are plenty of operations with good rods and equipment and if you are willing to travel to the best sports and night fish.

Fishing off the rocks on the coast can also bring a good catch; just ask a local where to set up ? be warned it is illegal to go fishing in the marine rich waters around Koh Ma. Don?t forget to cover your skin, bring enough water to drink and take care of the coral.

If you fancy a good laugh, then head up to Chaloklum is well- known throughout the area as an excellent source of squid. If you look out to sea after dark you will almost certainly see the bight lights from the squid boats shining in the distance. If you are interested in trying it out just ask some of the local people for more details.

ANGTHONG MARINE PARK TRIPS

And Thong is a true natural wonder unique to the Gulf of Thailand; consisting of over 42 individual islands and easily reached from Koh Phangan by speedboat or cruiser it is a popular destination for travelers looking to explore this magical place. A few of the highlights include.

VIEWPOINT ON WUA TA LAP:
Wua Ta Lap is the Marine Park Headquarters and consists of an open area with information centre, restaurant and a few modern bungalows. It is a steep climb to the viewpoint and lots of water and shoes are definitely recommended ? the hard walk will be rewarded by some stunning views.

CAMPING ON KOH MAE KO

There are only a few beaches in the Marine Park that tourists are allowed to camp and facilities are actually provided on request ? swing in the hammock under the stars with a warming camp fire and BBQ in the evening.

TREKKING

many parts of Koh Phangan are still untouched, which makes it perfect for trekking and camping. Most trekking routes are along the eastern coastline that link up peaceful cove sand beaches. Although there are also some fun treks in the jungle interior around the tallest mountain Khao Ra and Phaeng Waterfall National Park.

WARNING:
Please remember that it is easy to become lost, so if you are inexperienced please don?t trek alone. Local guides can be found at Phaeng Waterfall National Park expects to pay about 500 Baht per day. If trekking alone or without a guide, remember to take plenty of supplies, especially water and some high energy food.

Massage Courses

Contact as Reception for if you have time to learn the art of Thai massage.

THAI FOOD COOKING COURSES

Same ? Same Cooking School
Adding to their successful restaurant and lodge, Same ? Same are now offering quality cooking courses so you can enjoy amazing Thai cuisine with friends when you get back home. There are 1, 3, or 5 day courses available, all taught by a fully ? trained English speaking chef. Visit the market to purchase your ingredients, prepare and cook, then sit back and eat.