Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast of Koh Tao, jungle trekking in the North, or discovering the ancient cities of Chiang Mai, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
There’s much to love about Koh Pha-ngan. Most famous for its riotous full moon parties, it’s also a stunningly scenic island with plenty of lush jungle trails, beautiful white-sand beaches and palm-fringed coves. And it’s easily accessible to boot, making it an ideal destination for visitors without much time to spare. If it’s a party you’re after, Hat Rin’s monthly full moon celebrations are second to none, with tens of thousands of revellers descending on this southern beach to dance the night away. If you find the thought of the main event somewhat intimidating, you might prefer to check out the half moon and new moon parties at the same location, which are not quite so wild and crowded. Many travellers to Koh Pha-ngan, however, choose to stay far away from the festivities and instead indulge in the island’s natural pleasures – sun-bathing on the secluded beaches of the north, snorkelling in crystal-clear aqua bays rich in marine life, or hiking through tangled rainforests teeming with tropical life.
Named for both its turtle-like shape and its history as a turtle breeding ground, Koh Tao is the little sister to the world-famous islands of Samui and Pha Ngan, Koh Tao has made a name for itself as a diving and snorkelling hotspot, due to the profusions of coral reefs that lie within easy access of its coast. Favourite dive sites around the island are Chumpon, where divers have the chance to glimpse feathery scorpionfish, giant barracuda, underwater pinnacles crusted with brightly coloured sea anemones, and on occasion, even whale sharks; Shark Island, with its proliferation of corals frequented by stingrays, moray eels and nudibranchs; and ‘The Twins’, home to a family of rare and elusive saddleback clownfish. When you’re not immersed in the pleasures of Koh Tao’s underwater world, you can explore the island’s terrestrial attractions, including its lush trekking routes, stunning viewpoints and burnished beaches.
