Thong Nai Pan is a bay area located in the north-east of Koh Phangan. The twin beaches of Thong Nai Pan Noi and Thong Nai Pan Yai are widely regarded as being the most beautiful on the tropical island. When I first stayed at Thong Nai Pan Noi in 1998 the natural scenery was stunning, but other than having a Thai massage and going to a bar and visiting the tiny temple on Thong Nai Pan Yai there was very little to do during the day or night. As facilities and amenities have become more developed there is now a range of holiday activities in Thong Nai Pan.
Beach In Thong Nai Pan
For a start there are three dive schools to choose from. There is H20 Scuba School and Tropical Dive Club on the northern Thong Nai Pan Noi beach, and Dreamland Divers on the southern Thong Nai Pan Yai beach. They all have PADI certified dive instructors and cater for both beginners and qualified divers. H20 Scuba School also has its own speed boat and can organize snorkeling trips to the nearby National Marine Park of Koh Ma.
There are now several places on both the beaches that offer Thai massages. The main hotels of Panviman, Rasananda and Santhiya all have their own spa treatment facilities. There is also the excellent Tanaporn Massage House in Thong Nai Pan Noi. Treatments available include herbal saunas, tamarind body scrub, aromatherapy massage, various face packs, hot herb compress, Tok Sen therapy and child and baby massage.
The night life in Thong Nai Pan has also developed. It is an area with a few lively bars and the occasional party night. It is an area, however, that escapes from the ‘party culture’ and all night noise of beaches like Haad Rin. In Yai there is the popular Yai Beach Bar, Game Bar and Funky Buddha that throw a party once a week. In Thong Nai Pan Noi there is the Jungle Bar that still retains the old Koh Phangan vibe.
As well as several cheap local restaurants there are a few better quality dining options. These include Better Than Sex, Luna Lounge and the restaurant at Dolphin Bungalows. There is La Hacienda in Thong Nai Pan Noi which serves passable Mexican fare.
Other activities near Thong Nai Pan include Canopy Adventures. It is located on the road to Bantai. They offer a series of tree houses and zip lines from which you can view the canopy of the jungle. In the same area there is also trekking and elephant trekking options.
Finally, Thong Nai Pan now has a permanent yoga center on the road into Yai beach, near the Wang Thong waterfall. And of course if you get tired of all this there is the still beautiful emerald green sea to swim in.
