| Chinese Temple |
The Chinese Temple exists today because of the faith of one woman - Mrs Malawan. Years before in 1990, when Koh Pha-Ngan was still largely without electricity, Mrs Malawan came to Sangthom Temple on Koh Pha-Ngan from Bangkok for the ceremony of presenting the robes to the priests (Todkathin). During one night, sleeping outside with friends, Mrs Malawan dreamt about the Chinese Buddha, Jaomae Kuanim. The Buddha told her to build a firelight for the people.
With intent to fulfill the requests of the Buddha, Mrs Malawan returned to Bangkok to raise the funds necessary to build the Temple. Building was completed in 1992, and continues today.
Now the Chinese Temple is a place where many people come to try one's luck or trust in luck. There are three main festivals during the year which are special for the Chinese Buddha: January, May and August. Every year during these periods, people come to the Temple to show their faith and ask for blessing.
The Chinese Temple opens at 8.00am until 5.00pm. |
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| Haad Salad |
It is a beautiful and secluded beach; good for swimming in high tidal seasons (November to April) with a reef about 150metres offshore that is a well-known dive site. Known to Thais as an oldtime pirate hangout where booty was loaded onto ships before setting sale for trading ports, Haad Salad in the northwest of Koh Phangan, was a sleepy and relatively undeveloped beach until the past decade or so when resorts and bungalow operations have sprung up across the full length of its white sands and up the surrounding hills. Several budget spots still offer simple rooms to backpackers with mosquito nets, hammock-strung balconies and little else while a couple of fancier resorts with all the bells and whistles help visitors unload more booty. One advantage of this development is that several markets, internet cafes and travel agencies have sprung up as well.
The soft white sand rimmed with palms for shade is great for laying out or sunset strolls, and a lovely reef with a plethora of colourful tropical fish and hard and soft corals lies about 150 metres offshore providing some of the island's best snorkelling. Swimming is best from November to April when the tides are higher, but the sea provides some nice splashing opportunities year round. . |
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| Mae Haad Beach |
Mae Haad is one of the best coastal snorkeling sites on Koh Phangan. It is located about 3 km from Chaloklum on the west coast corner of Koh Phangan, this is a very pretty beach with a spit running out to Koh Ma, a small islet that lies just offshore. Though crossing conditions are best at low tide, the crossing can be made through shallow water when the tide comes back in. The sandbar separates the beach into two distinct area, the eastern end is shorter and largely unused by tourists. It gets muddy at low tide and local fishermen claim this area with their crab pots and longtail boats. The beach to the west of the spit is much longer and more beautiful, and this is where everyone flocks to find the best sunbathing spot.
If you're after a break from the beach, the Wang Sai waterfall is a short walk away, and has a lovely little pool for swimming, though the water can be cloudy with silt in the rainier seasons, so don't dive right in if you can't see the rocky bottom. |
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| Wat Khao Tham |
Located on the hilltop of Khao Kao Haeng, Mu 1, Bang Tai Sub-district, the monastery is ideal for meditation amidst the unspoiled nature. Foreigners mostly visit the compound to learn how to practice meditation and retreats are held 1 time per month and last for 10 days. To reach the monastery, take a chartered car or rent a motorcycle at Thong Sala Pier and drive for approximately 3 kilometers south. From the entrance of the temple, drive approximately 1 kilometer up to the compound.
For everybody interested in the retreats please check out watkowtahm.org for details and schedules. |
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| Than Sadet Waterfall |
This is the largest on Koh Phangan and is also known as the Royal Stream because many of the royal family have visited the waterfall and beautiful valley which is part of the Sadet Koh Phangan National Park. The waterfall can be reached by following the trail from Than Sadet Beach for app. 2km |
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