For a relatively small island at 168 square kilometres, Phangan has a wealth of attractions, mostly natural but there are some man made features as well. It is also amongst some 40 smaller islets which come under the protection of the Marine National Park. These small islands make for good days out for just viewing or for scuba diving.

Many coming to an island such as this will assume it’s just a case of sitting on the beach, swimming or diving. But that would be to ignore the fantastic scenery and features of the interior where there are waterfalls, mountains and a few holy shrines. Like Samui, it’s a good place to rent a jeep and spend a day touring around, just to see where it takes you. Also like Samui, it has a huge number of coconut trees - Samui used to be known as Coconut Island. Sadly many of those nuts are now diseased, leading to a major felling programme.

But on Phangan the coconut still survives. A good trip out is to go to Chaloklum village where there is still a feel of the old ways. The term of ‘old fishing village’ is one which has often led to the place being overrun by tourist enterprises, but this one at the northern most point on the island is holding its own with a big reputation for squid.

Coming inland a few kilometers will take you to a Chinese Temple. This is not an ancient shrine, but one which was constructed as a place to celebrate a lady who dreamt she was told by the Chinese Buddha to try to raise funds for the temple which was built in 1992.

Not far from the temple, is the Paradise Waterfall. Only dirt track roads exist in this, a most rugged and mountainous part of Phangan.

It is possible to drive either by jeep or rented motorbike across to Thong Nai Beach and Bottle Beach, but beware of the ‘roads’. Very steep and rugged is one description, so it’s an adventurous journey which will be demanding but fun.

In the central part of the island there are trips to the inner parts. Away from the concreted version the roads are dirt tracks and ones to be regarded as potentially hazardous, A good trip is to another natural feature at the Phaeng Waterfall.

The path from the road is steep and runs through the jungle for about 250 metres. Its worth the climb for the view, and further on there is the highest point on the island at the 627 metre Kao Ra. There is a guide service from the waterfall to Kao Ra. Easier to get to and near the Au Wok Tum beach is a temple of the same name. Nearer to Thong Sala there the temples of Si Thanu, Samai Khongha, Amphawan and Wat Mataru Woranaram

On the eastern side of the island the scenery is dramatic with steep cliffs and bays. This is the most rugged part of the island with less development. The road building has continued and some of the dirt tracks have been replaced by concrete. To get to the scenic Tham Prapat waterfall, take the better road from Baan Khai towards Baan Thong Nan. The falls are to the right off the main road.

The other obvious attractions in the area are to be found on the small islands off the coast. There are plenty of day trips from the Thong Sala pier to Koh Ma, Koh Tae Nok and Koh Tae Nai.