Thailand Guide
Southern Thailand: the Gulf coast
Activities
1 Grand Sea 077 427001 www.grandseatours.com Speedboat tours to Ang Thong National Marine Park from Thong Sala. Opening time: Mon, Wed & FriPrice: B1800
2 Phangan Divers Branches on Hat Rin, Thong Nai Pan, Ao Mae Hat and Hat Yao 077 375117 www.phangandivers.com PADI Five-Star diving centre, which offers frequent courses and trips to Sail Rock, halfway between Pha Ngan and Ko Tao.
3 Safari Boat 077 238232 www.safariboat.info Day trips around Ko Pha Ngan which take in an elephant camp (optional rides B500) and boating to Hat Khom, Bottle Beach, Ao Thong Nai Pan and Hat Sadet. Price: B1000
4 Wat Khao Tham Meditation Retreats On a quiet hillside above Ban Tai, 4km from Thong Sala www.watkowtahm.org Ten-day meditation retreats are held at the temple here most months of the year; the American and Australian teachers emphasize compassionate understanding as the basis of mental development. Space is limited (retreats are especially heavily subscribed Dec– March), so it's best to pre-register either in person or in writing. Price: B4500/person to cover food