If you are heading to Koh Phangan for a beach break, Thong Nai Pan located on the north east coast is an excellent choice.
Access to Thong Nai Pan has now improved in the last year, from a steep unmade dirt track to a concrete road and the location is proving to be even more popular with travellers. Our Thong Nai Pan villas offer stunning views and a relaxing holiday.
If you are heading to Koh Phangan for a beach break, Thong Nai Pan located on the north east coast is an excellent choice.
Access to Thong Nai Pan has now improved in the last year, from a steep unmade dirt track to a concrete road and the location is proving to be even more popular with the travellers. The other option is by boat, taken from Haad Rin or Chaloklum.
The proposed new airport, although bringing passengers on a small scale to Koh Phangan is to be located close to Thong Nai Pan
Thong Nai Pan is made up of twin coves namely Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai, that create a scenic double bay and are the image of paradise with the soft white sand flanked by tropical rain forest.
Whilst there is generally a very laid back vibe, with countless beach bars and restaurants in the area, there is evidence that the more upmarket hotels may be setting up. Hopefully the bohemian atmosphere will not be lost.
There is no coral reef on the east coast of the island, and therefore it is possible to swim at both beaches all year round.
Thong Nai Pan Noi is the most popular and best beach, it has the deepest bay and a small village with some cool bars and restaurants.
Thong Nai Pan Yai however is the longer of the two beaches, but the resorts are more spaced out and it has no village. As a result and as we write this - it is quieter than its counterpart.
There are plenty of places to unwind and plenty of things to do in Thong Nai Pan. If you are feeling active hit the beaches and try surfing, kayaking and diving. Try your hand at some authentic Thai dishes at the local cookery school or if you simply need to rejuventate try some yoga and wellbeing treatments.
Diving and Snorkelling
Although the beaches are great for swimming there is little to see in the way of marine life and therefore do not offer any diving or snorkelling opportunities. There are however 3 dive schools in Thong Nai Pan which offer dive trips to other parts of the island.
Body Surfing
From September to January there is often a bit of swell in the bay. There are no 'breaks', but you can get a wave to push you along on a body board or kayak.
Fishing
There are operators available who offer fishing trips and if you wanted to stay local, you may be able to catch a fish by throwing a line off the rocks at the end of the beaches.
Kayaking
For experienced kayakers there are several places to rent kayaks and explore beyond the bay to the neighbouring beaches and small coves.
Hiking and Rock Climbing
The mountainous terrain provides some excellent hikes and walks, including a scenic waterfall trail and endless tropical rainforest to explore. Beyond Thong Nai Pan Yai there is also a decent set of rocks for experienced climbers. This side of the island is still pretty wild and the surrounding jungle is a haven for many exotic tropical creatures. For those keen to really go off the beaten track, there are the three mountains that surround Thong Nai Pan to explore - Khao Ban Fai Mai, Khao Ra and Khao Let Mai Kheo.
Fitness
There are a number of options. There is the Wellness gym in Yai and a few of the larger hotels in Noi all have fitness equipment.
Thai Cooking Classes
It is easy to find signs for Thai cooking classes in both Thong Nai Pan Noi and Yai. Bamboo and Again and Again offer Thai cooking classes in Noi. It costs about 500 Thai Baht to learn to 2 dishes, and takes a couple of hours.
Spa and wellbeing
Thong Nai Pan is a great place to get pampered and to try rejuvenation. There are lots of places offering Thai massage on both beaches. Although the big hotels offer a full range of spa and beauty treatments, the common consensus is that Tanaporn Massage House is better and cheaper.
The Yoga Studio is located in the forest on the road to Thong Nai Pan Yai. It is a tranquil setting ideal for yoga.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Thong Nai Pan Noi, although the beachfront establishments have shrunk to just 5 due to the Rasananda having taken up most of the beach.
Four of those are at the higher end of dining -
The Bistro@the Beach (Rasananda)
The Beach Club (Buri Rasa)
Chantara Restaurant (Santhiya)
Stone Beach Restaurant (Panviman)
However the most popular place to eat on the beach is the Tapan Noi restaurant. Offering a large selection of Thai curries and soups as well as Western standards fayre such as burgers and American fried rice.
Most evenings during the high seasons they have a BBQ offering locally caught fish and steaks. Next door to Tapan Noi restaurant is the I Sea Bar. It is a small bar with seating around the bar as well as on the beach. It is a great spot for a night cap as well as an afternoon cold beer.
In Thong Nai Pan Yai, the Panivan resort that takes up most of the headland between the two beaches have opened a restaurant on Yai just below the headland.
Ash is part of the Havana Resort and probably the longest running place on the beach, although serving predominantly Indian food, they also serve up Thai and BBQ dishes.
For those who are looking for a good curry and a cheap beer try Pens Bungalows and those for seeking a great spot to have a drink, try Fidels Bar and Yai Bar. Both have a good selection of draught and bottled beers as well as cocktails and wine.
The night life scene has moved in recent years from Noi to Yai. Thong Nai Pan has a few all night parties a month, but it is not a center for techno and trance festivals like Haad Rin and Bantai.
UK:
+44 (0) 208 144 0482
+44 778 785 4850
THAILAND:
+66 (0) 810 039 620
+66 (0) 810 039 620
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Thailand Retreats Ltd Trading as Thailand Retreats. Company No. 84649 4 Warwick House, St. Saviour, Jersey, Channel Islands
