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Nearby Islands Attractions |
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Ko Pha-ngan |
It has an area of about 168 sq.km. and is located about 20 km. to the north of Ko Samui. Here visitors can absorb the charm of nature. The island, with its several secluded beaches and lack of modern amenities, is a good choice for those who find Samui too crowded or too expensive. With rocky landscape and waterfalls, it is ideal for adventure-seeking visitors. Over a hundred inexpensive bungalows built in natural settings are scattered around.
Places of interest on Ko Pha-ngan are as follows:
Rin Nok and Rin Nai beaches at the southeast, on either side of the long Hat Rin Cape, are the most popular beaches. Rin Nok, on the east side, has the better beach for swimming and snorkeling and to see the coral reefs, while Rin Nai has a greater selection of bungalows. Thong Sala Beach , where the major community of the island is located, is also where the ferries from Surat Thani and Samui are moored. Restaurants, travel agents, motorcycle rental shops, and general stores are also available.
Among the four waterfalls on the island, Than Sadet Falls in the eastern part is the most famous, mainly because it has been visited by King Rama V, King Rama VII and King Rama IX, whose royal insignia were carved on huge rocks at the falls. Wat Khao Tham is a cave temple situated on a hilltop about 4 km. from Thong Sala port. This peaceful temple is a meditation centre where courses are provided for foreigners. |
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This small lovely island is 45 km. to the north of Ko Pha-ngan. Here nature is unspoiled and the local people live harmoniously with it. It is an ideal place for snorkeling and diving. Due to the perfect visibility and the rich underwater resources, the island has gradually become the leading diving resort in the Gulf of Thailand. Accommodations and facilities are available. Besides walking, you can get around the island by songthaeos or by renting a motorcycle or a long-tail boat. |
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It is a group of three little virgin islands close to the north of Ko Tao, joined together by a three-way stretch of pure white powdery beach and offering a scenic view. |
| Like Ko Tao, the sea around it is excellent for diving and snorkeling because of its wide variety of coral formations and a large quantity of marine fauna. Accommodation and facilities are available in the island group. To reach it, there is a daily boat service from Ko Tao. |
| Ang Thong Islands National Marine Park |
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Located 20 km. northwest of Ko Samui, it is full of fascinating beaches, caves and coral formations. This about-40-island group is abundant with marine resources. It contains many oddly shaped islands, sheer limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons.
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The largest island of the group is Wua Ta Lap , which is the site of the park office and a beautiful cave, Tham Bua Bok , with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. The top of a 400- metre mountain on the island overlooks all the picturesque Ang Thong islands. Another main island, Mae Ko , has a beautiful beach and an emerald saltwater lake.
The national park does not allow a night stay. It is also out of reach of individual tourists who will have to join a group organized by a tourist agency to visit the place.
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