Visited March 2011 - terminal updated Jan 2013.
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Most of Ko Phra Thong's due west coast is similar to this department close Golden Buddha Beach Resort.
Ko Phra Thong is i of the to the lowest degree developed islands inwards Thailand from both the domestic in addition to tourist dot of view. When I visited inwards March xi at that spot was i high goal beach villa place, ii budget bungalow joints with some other shortly to open, in addition to a hamlet homestay operation. Domestic action seemed mainly confined to a span of angling villages. I only saw i pocket-size agricultural operation. This is the identify to learn for those wanting to learn right away from it all.
Phra Thong is a reasonable size at around 100 sq miles in addition to is mainly sand deposits inwards the due west in addition to extensive mangroves inwards the east. Similar Ko Kho Khao is direct due south in addition to the mountainous in addition to rainforested national common isle of Ko Ra is simply north. These tin dismiss best last thought of every bit the northern Phang Nga province islands, although they are a hell of a long agency from Phang Nga town - modified Google globe image.
Mainland base of operations for Phra Thong is Kuraburi on the coastal highway, improve known every bit the base of operations for the Surin islands. Most boat carry to Phra Thong leaves from the mangrove pier shown, although some also depart Kuraburi pier farther north.
Area map from Andaman Island Hopping shows regional roads but non those on Phra Thong itself. More especial volition come upwards from expanding the icon (click) in addition to an fifty-fifty bigger icon past times clicking the link. Interestingly, Takua Pa is called Talaat Khao on this map.
More especial of Ko Phra Thong. Ban Phra Tong inwards the due north eastward is known locally every bit Ta Pae Yoi.
There is a pocket-size hamlet at the southern pier called Thung Dap.
The due west coast of Phra Thong is 95% a lengthy beach similar to the opening shot. About 70% from the due south goal the beach is broken past times a pocket-size attractive sandy bay - the tourist accommodation (apart from Lions' Village homestay) is clustered both sides of this bay.
There are only iii villages. The biggest in addition to principal entry dot to the isle is what the tourist webpages telephone yell upwards Baan Phra Thong (local cry is Ta Pae Yoi). Baan Lions inwards the due north was rebuilt post seismic sea wave past times the Lions Club international with assist from the Swiss government. There is a pocket-size hamlet at the southern pier called Thung Dap.
Roads are narrow concrete tracks simply broad plenty for a four wheeled vehicle (although I saw only one, connected with a route maintenance gang) - yellowish on the image. Plus narrow unpaved tracks, oftentimes sandy - white on image.
That reddish draw at bottom shows scale - 5km long.
This is an oblique Google globe icon from the due north of the pocket-size bay surface area in addition to its immediate environs I modified it to demo location of the resorts in addition to the island's dive centre. High goal Golden Buddha at top - budget resorts below. The Beach Bar mentioned afterward is roughly where the O of NO NAME (correct cry Phra Thong Bay Bungalows) is on the image.
Oblique shots tend to convey out high areas - so yous tin dismiss come across how apartment Phra Tong is.
Those ridge/swale lines genuinely dot pocket-size parallel dunes, by in addition to large covered inwards savanna type scrub. Each draw indicates where the coastline was some fourth dimension inwards the really distant past.
THE BEACHES.
North Beach.
This is the persuasion due north from where the path from the budget bungalows hits the beach. It's close 4km to the due north due west corner of the isle which yous tin dismiss come across if yous expand the icon (click). Those mountains belong to Ko Ra, the following isle north.
This beach is okay only - a fair flake of flotsam in addition to jetsam on the beach when I visited, tends to learn shallow left of photographic television camera depression tide. Much nicer beach areas a brusk walk behind the camera.
But non instantly behind:
Swinging 180 degrees shows this persuasion - overnice plenty but non oh wow. Far right is business office of i of ii pocket-size offshore islets off this department of beach. I'm told snorkelling in addition to diving is okay around these in addition to people hire kayaks from BLUE GURU DIVE to banking firm check them out. The top department of this beach earlier the pocket-size headland to the following bay (about 60% across shot) gets lots of exposed non so yellow-white sand at depression tide. Knob 75% right is Hornbill Hill from where the shot top of page was taken. Hornbill is genuinely at the SOUTH (far) goal of the next bay to this (see below), perhaps twenty minutes walk from camera. Nice walk.
Next Bay
A apartment rail across the pocket-size headland shows this - the southern goal of the bay which interupts the eastward coast beach.
This has got to last the prime number beachfront on the island, overnice sand, deep H2O depression tide inwards this southern department (and inwards the cardinal part, most of which is out of shot in addition to non inwards the following one). Come dorsum inwards the futurity in addition to at that spot volition last a flash resort. Maybe non every bit good shortly - Ko Kho Khao instantly due south has twenty km of mainly undeveloped attractive beach. And much easier transfers from the mainland. Plus rumours of an upcoming airdrome on the site of the WW2 Japanese landing strip.
This is the northern goal of the bay - the sand continues right upwards to Hornbill Hill at right. Heaps of H2O at high tide every bit inwards this shot, but I noticed depression tide exposed lots of sand (not dirty) against most of the beach inwards pic. Golden Buddha Resort is behind the right one-half of the trees inwards shot - associated Blue Guru Diving has a beach location close 65% across shot.
Blue Guru Diving's beachfront dive shop. Although associated with Golden Buddha Resort, this outfit tin dismiss also adjust accommodation at i of the cheaper options such every bit Mr Chuoi's or the Lion's Village homestay. It tin dismiss also produce this for non divers. As a affair of fact Blue Guru's website KO PHRA THONG is in all probability the best all circular website on the isle in addition to is non confined to diving activities. Besides existence such a set dorsum location, this outfit has the wages of closest dive functioning to earth grade Surin islands in addition to Richelieu Rock. I wandered past times hither i afternoon, the boat was gone in addition to a sign said: GONE TO EXPLORE NEW LOCATIONS.
South Beach
This is a really simlar shot to the i top of page, snapped from the same viewpoint on Hornbill Hill. The beachhouses of Golden Buddha Resort are behind the trees for close the kickoff 500m, in addition to the beach itself stretches approx 10km downwards to the south-west corner of the island. As far every bit I could tell at that spot is nix apart from a few fishermens' huts behind the trees along this stretch.
Hornbill Hill, which must last the highest dot on all Phra Thong, is genuinely business office of Golden Buddha Resort. They receive got built a brusk steep walkway upwards to this viewpoint with rope assists. There is a pocket-size picnic shelter upwards top. To right of icon is a pocket-size department of rocks inwards the H2O I thought would last worth a snorkel, but visibility was really poor. H5N1 turtle conservation system guy told me it was pretty clear the 24-hour interval earlier - it had rained hard during the nighttime in addition to a creek empties into the bay simply to the due north of this headland.
When I took this shot at that spot was a grouping of v westerners staring intently at the water. I thought perhaps they were into some kind out of Buddhist meditation but it turned out they were volunteers for the conservation system doing a turtle count. These people were staying at Lions Village homestay in addition to motorcycling/bicycling out the 7km or so to produce four hr spotting shifts.
Golden Buddha Resort is a pretty interesting operation. It consists of 25 privately owned beach houses inwards a really large garden chemical compound (often 50m or to a greater extent than betwixt houses) which the resort leases out to holidayers. These are non inexpensive in addition to don't receive got aircon. There is no pool. But each is different, in addition to are built to a high standard. And definitely receive got exclusivity in addition to serenity of location when compared to tell the similar Railay Beach Club.
OTHER ACCOMMODATION
Mr Chuoi's
When I was doing inquiry on accommodation the only budget beach identify on the isle I could discovery was run past times Mr Chuoi (say Chewy). You tin dismiss mass his articulation thru Blue Guru Diving's website, but I got super-helpful Am of TOM AND AM TOUR inwards Kuraburi who arranged my Surins transfers to band him, mass a bungalow in addition to adjust the cheapest possible transport. The latter was of import because I genuinely couldn't afford the 1000+ each agency my inquiry had suggested.
Chez tezza - Mr Chuoi has a dozen of these Moken-style bungalows strung away from the beach rail on the northern side reverse his restaurant. Each must last 25 m apart so it is quite a haul to the eating theatre if yous are inwards #12. But super quiet. Prices 500b in addition to 300b inwards March '11.
I went for a 500 one. Very spacious - at that spot was a Rex size bed in addition to room for some other double if needed. Clean, inwards goodness condition, bed-pillow-net okay, some unproblematic furniture, large bath with western can flushed past times bucket, goodness shower in addition to bidet. No basin or can newspaper but towel supplied. No electricity (Mr Chuoi supplies a really goodness battery powered lamp) in addition to no door lock but provision to fit your own. The principal differences inwards the 300 bungalows appeared to last the fact they were older in addition to did non receive got the unproblematic interior/front veranda furniture.
Mr Chuoi's eating theatre is located side past times side the beach rail close 250m from the beach itself.
Divers from Blue Guru told me this identify has the best inexpensive nutrient on the island. Besides the divers, the eating theatre also attracted guests from Golden Buddha, Lions' Village homestay in addition to some locals from the principal village. I'm no gourmet but I sure as shooting couldn't complain close taste, quantity or service. Prices were pretty good, perhaps 10-20% higher than average budget bungalow restaurants.
ph 084-8559886, 087-8984636
Mr Chuoi is a flake of a character, cheerful in addition to obliging. I took this from his motorcycle-side machine on the agency from the pier.
Phratong Nature Beach Resort.
This is a novel identify opened upwards less than a yr when I visited, but already having had i cry modify from Phratong Seaview. Perhaps because existence instantly on the sea side of Mr Chuoi's it's all the same 150m from the sea which is hidden past times casuarina trees in addition to scrub - so no seaview. Nevertheless it is run past times a lovely guy in addition to his family, in addition to the bungalows are definitely a stride upwards from Mr Chuoi's. One diver staying at that spot said the nutrient was fantabulous too.
Rather attractive restaurant. About 10 bungalows, smaller than Mr Chuoi's but non squeezy in addition to with electricity in addition to hot water (the latter so rare inwards whatever budget bungalow) for 600. I intend Mr Chuoi has some goodness contest here. www.phratongnaturebeach.com ph +66 884515531
No Name (actually Phra Thong Bay Bungalows)
This construct novel articulation was simply brusk of opening when I called past times inwards March '11. Pretty overnice seat with this footling lagoon behind the beach. The eating theatre is perhaps 50m closer the beach in addition to is genuine sea-view.
I telephone yell upwards it No Name because when I talked to the possessor he said he hadn't decided yet. Bungalows volition last 800b in addition to are perhaps a stride upwards over again from Nature Beach although I didn't inquire close hot water. I haven't whatever contact information but perhaps Blue Guru Diving's website may learn some when the identify is operating. (UPDATE JAN xiii - simply establish out this identify is called Phra Thong Bay Bungalows. Google volition discovery the website).
Lions' Village Homestay
The hamlet built post-tsunami past times Lion's Club International.
Locals run a homestay here. The turtle conservation volunteers were using it during my stay, every bit were Tyler in addition to Aimee - students of Blue Guru. They told me their room was comfortable, the people lovely in addition to nutrient options goodness - although they were existent fans of the grub at Mr Chuoi's.
Note the living areas are elevated to give some protection if some other disaster occurs. Blue Guru Diving's website has to a greater extent than info.
About i 3rd of the novel houses are empty. Apparently the accept upwards was less than expected - some people stayed on the mainland in addition to others moved to the principal hamlet where the local caput instructor has a overnice novel really solid looking 3 floor edifice - the highest construction on the island. He refuses to staff the construct novel smaller schoolhouse at Lions' Village.
There is a pocket-size inlet a brusk distance from the hamlet which acts every bit a harbour for hamlet longtails. The longish North Beach is non every bit good far away with several marked walking tracks to access off the principal road.
AROUND THE ISLAND
I hired i of Mr Chuoi's motorbikes in addition to checked the isle out. At to the lowest degree I checked all the paved roads which I establish are nearly 100% confined to the due north one-half of the island.
Cut downwards 80s Honda a existent bitzer. Mr Chuoi calls it his FORMULA ONE. Front brakes only, four speed shift with auto clutch, ignition wired permanently on, simply boot it over - to stop engine at that spot are 2 wires with ends exposed; impact them together in addition to the engine dies. There was a newer improve wheel but it was almost out of gas. Formula One was so lite it went similar a rocket in addition to used virtually no gas. All the locals giggled in addition to pointed when I rode by.
Landscape inwards shot is typical of to a greater extent than western parts of the island. There are to a greater extent than trees inwards eastern areas. Virtually no agriculture inwards the northern business office of the isle every bit far every bit I could come across - i pocket-size farm seemed to last growing fruit. However my world ferry dorsum to the mainland had a fair few bags total of nuts going to wholesalers inwards Kuraburi.
Road is typical of the paved tracks - moving painting is shot mid-island in addition to this route turned into a sandy rail close 500m behind bike. I'm no motorcyling practiced so I gave that a miss. When I was turning around some locals went past times on a trailer towed past times a pocket-size tractor - ideal for the soft sandy conditions. I afterward noticed Formula One had knobbly tyres, simply the thing for soft sand. Mr Chuoi who is a flake of a wheel enthusiast in all probability uses it every bit his sand rail fanger.
This is the principal village. It's a pleasant plenty place, spread along the shore inwards the island's due north eastward with a few shops in addition to restaurants. Fishing seems the principal activity. Houses must receive got been rebuilt since the seismic sea wave yet at that spot seemed to last no endeavor to get upwards them. But the people produce receive got that overnice novel concrete 3 floor schoolhouse for refuge. I approximate they are relying on the siren organization on the seismic sea wave warning towers working properly. Or that at that spot volition last no repeat.
The beach bar - Horizon Bar in addition to Restuarant. This is only 50m due south of where the rail from Mr Chuoi's in addition to the other budget bungalows hits the beach.
The bar tends to attract a goodness crowd around sunset (which at this fourth dimension of yr was behind islands inwards background) - that's dive educatee Tyler from Canada (here studying for an exam) in addition to his married adult woman Aimee, addition French dive-instructor Marion. We were afterward joined past times other dive students in addition to Todd, an Aussie-Kiwi who runs a charter catamaran doing daytrips mainly for Golden Buddha holidayers. In background are some guests from Golden Buddha.
Junior invitee from Golden Buddha knows all close relaxing isle holidays.
The beach bar is run past times a immature affable local P.Nu. Beer prices are pretty reasonable, a flake cheaper than Mr Chuoi's. This guy tin dismiss seat on a goodness feed every bit good - on my terminal nighttime close 8 of us had a banquet-style repast with fantabulous bbq fish in addition to a fair few other plates for 180 each. Some older villagers took a nearby tabular array for a repast (must last goodness - this is a fair haul from the village) - Mr Chuoi wandered downwards afterward in addition to had a beer with them.
GETTING THERE
Blue Guru's website talks of chartering a longtail which costs 1700 to Golden Buddha in addition to 1400 to Lions' Village. Mr Chuoi afterward told me a longtail charter to the principal hamlet would cost thou from the mangrove "pier". This is fine if at that spot are other passengers to carve upwards the fare but every bit good much for me alone. I wanted to leave of absence at that spot pretty belatedly inwards the afternoon, so Mr Chuoi suggested to Am at Kuraburi who was doing the talking for me that I accept the banana boat which he would organise to pick me upwards at the southern "pier" for 400.
The southern pier aint no pier at all - simply a pocket-size mangrove inlet where yous stride off the banking firm into your transport. That's the banana boat existence poled inwards to pick me up. This infant is simply large plenty for i rider - has a pocket-size longtail motor but is existent hotrod - banking thru narrow mangrove corners at 60kmh similar i of those Florida swamp racers in addition to fanging across opened upwards bay at 80! Ride a flake hard on the bum inwards the pocket-size chop out there. Took close xv minutes to accomplish island. Mr Chuoi waiting at principal hamlet pier to accept me to resort at no extra cost.
I'm glad I got Am to organise this - I would receive got difficulty inwards explaining which pier I wanted to a motorcyle taxi guy in addition to getting a goodness price. Am called i over in addition to negotiated seventy baht (people told me they paid upwards to 200 to learn to the principal Kuraburi pier for the Surins which is a flake closer to town - although the booking agencies inwards town volition accept yous for gratuitous inwards a pickup every bit business office of their Surins carry package).
The taxi guy dropped me at a solid close the pier where lovely local ladies made me a loving cup of coffee. The banana boat guy arrived inwards a pickup after 10 minutes, jawed with the ladies for v in addition to and then took me downwards to the inlet close 3 minutes walk away. None of these people had a discussion of English, which matches my Thai linguistic communication skill. But every bit usual, things worked well.
The world longtail on the furnish trip.
On furnish Mr Chuoi told me I could learn right dorsum to town for 300 total if I was prepared to leave of absence the resort at 7am. Suited me - I wanted to construct Khao Sok with a fair flake of daylight left. I ended upwards on this world longtail which left the principal hamlet at around 0730 with close one-half a dozen women in addition to kids in addition to a charge of bagged nuts. We went dorsum to the same southern mangrove "pier" where a songthaew was waiting to accept us into town. Along the agency it picked upwards to a greater extent than passengers in addition to nuts, went to a wholesaler inwards Kuraburi who weighed the nuts in addition to payed out, in addition to and then dropped me off at the coach station.
Now similar a dummy I didn't inquire what fourth dimension this boat returned to the island. Maybe at that spot is no set time. I didn't come across anything close this boat inwards my inquiry prior the trip.
UPDATE - Chris who runs Blue Guru emailed me that this boat's timing depends on high tide. I assume that is high tide at the mainland mangrove "pier" - the town pier on the isle would non receive got this problem. Now high tide comes roughly an hr afterward each 24-hour interval so no strict timetable tin dismiss last given. Because the boat has to learn inwards in addition to out it is in all probability timed to learn inwards an hr or ii earlier peak tide in addition to leave of absence the same gap after. Chris told me it got every bit good hard to co-ordinate this addition carry from town with incoming people which is why his website at nowadays only quotes the 1400/1700 job. He also told me he hopes Baan Lions volition organise a direct inexpensive world boat from the mainland sometime soon.
Public longtail begins to motility into mainland mangrove inlets from the opened upwards bay.
KURABURI
Kuraburi is the mainland base of operations town for the Surins in addition to islands similar Ko Phra Thong in addition to Ko Raya - it's close an hr past times coach due north of Takua Pa in addition to 2 hours due south of Ranong. Distance betwixt the ii white arrows is 750m.
The town is a strung along the principal highway with a principal street shopping surface area close i one-half the length of Khao Lak's principal centre. It's a pretty serenity identify with goodness diversity of stores, a span of 711s, i banking firm with ATM, several trip booking places in addition to a few places to stay. There is a nighttime nutrient marketplace runs simply right of the L for TOM AND AM TRAVEL.
Accommodation.
If heading from due south to north, i pick would last to ride thru the shopping street on the principal route in addition to every bit shortly every bit yous accomplish the span at the far goal banking firm check the ii bungalow places on the inland side (the farther of the ii yous receive got to learn downwards a 200m rail from the road). I stayed inwards the farther i terminal month, forget its cry - it's associated with Tom in addition to Am Travel who receive got a shopfront left side heading due north inwards the middle of town reverse the route into the coach station, in addition to also a desk at the coach station. It had basic rooms with bath for 300 asked - I got 250. Very quiet.
H5N1 guy tenting following to me inwards the Surins stayed at the articulation the other side of the span - said existent overnice bungalow for 400 strange including basic breakfast.
If yous leave of absence at the coach station the kickoff of these places is footling to a greater extent than than v minutes walk.
There are some other places dorsum behind businesses inwards the cardinal town - I think a sign showing bungalows inwards dorsum close Barracuda Dive's shop. Barracuda also has a desk at the coach station. BTW at that spot is a mum in addition to popular trip booking agent on left side of the lane leading downwards from the coach station - seemed to receive got goodness contacts but pitiful English.
If yous desire flashpacker-lower midrange accommodation facial expression for the signs with the principal route close 8-10km due south of town inwards twisty hilly jungle province for Kuraburi Green View Resort. If on a bus, inquire the conductor/driver to halt the coach when there. They are really reliable.
I also copied this information when doing inquiry for my trip - I don't know who the poster was:
In Kura Bury at that spot is a really goodness identify to remain my hubby in addition to I receive got stayed at that spot several times Boon Piya resort,
179-180 M1 T Kura is on the principal route inwards Kura Buri tel 01-7525457 . It is really unproblematic but really construct clean with yous ain shower in addition to loo , footling bungalows in addition to the possessor Panich who runs it is a really overnice homo . It is used to last close 800 bath the nighttime in addition to at that spot is a overnice identify following door for breakfast inwards the morning.
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If yous come across mistakes or receive got extra information, delight burn downwards them inwards below. If yous receive got questions, delight inquire them on THE FORUM which I banking firm check most days. I only see private isle pages occasionally.
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IF YOU VISIT THE PHRATONG YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN NEARBY LOCATIONS LIKE KO KHO KHAO, PHAYAM, LITTLE KO CHANG, KHAO LAK, KHAO SOK, PHUKET AND THE SURINS - PAGES ON EACH CAN BE ACCESSED THRU THE INDEX Sumber http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/
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Most of Ko Phra Thong's due west coast is similar to this department close Golden Buddha Beach Resort.Ko Phra Thong is i of the to the lowest degree developed islands inwards Thailand from both the domestic in addition to tourist dot of view. When I visited inwards March xi at that spot was i high goal beach villa place, ii budget bungalow joints with some other shortly to open, in addition to a hamlet homestay operation. Domestic action seemed mainly confined to a span of angling villages. I only saw i pocket-size agricultural operation. This is the identify to learn for those wanting to learn right away from it all.
Phra Thong is a reasonable size at around 100 sq miles in addition to is mainly sand deposits inwards the due west in addition to extensive mangroves inwards the east. Similar Ko Kho Khao is direct due south in addition to the mountainous in addition to rainforested national common isle of Ko Ra is simply north. These tin dismiss best last thought of every bit the northern Phang Nga province islands, although they are a hell of a long agency from Phang Nga town - modified Google globe image.Mainland base of operations for Phra Thong is Kuraburi on the coastal highway, improve known every bit the base of operations for the Surin islands. Most boat carry to Phra Thong leaves from the mangrove pier shown, although some also depart Kuraburi pier farther north.
Area map from Andaman Island Hopping shows regional roads but non those on Phra Thong itself. More especial volition come upwards from expanding the icon (click) in addition to an fifty-fifty bigger icon past times clicking the link. Interestingly, Takua Pa is called Talaat Khao on this map.
More especial of Ko Phra Thong. Ban Phra Tong inwards the due north eastward is known locally every bit Ta Pae Yoi.There is a pocket-size hamlet at the southern pier called Thung Dap.
The due west coast of Phra Thong is 95% a lengthy beach similar to the opening shot. About 70% from the due south goal the beach is broken past times a pocket-size attractive sandy bay - the tourist accommodation (apart from Lions' Village homestay) is clustered both sides of this bay.
There are only iii villages. The biggest in addition to principal entry dot to the isle is what the tourist webpages telephone yell upwards Baan Phra Thong (local cry is Ta Pae Yoi). Baan Lions inwards the due north was rebuilt post seismic sea wave past times the Lions Club international with assist from the Swiss government. There is a pocket-size hamlet at the southern pier called Thung Dap.
Roads are narrow concrete tracks simply broad plenty for a four wheeled vehicle (although I saw only one, connected with a route maintenance gang) - yellowish on the image. Plus narrow unpaved tracks, oftentimes sandy - white on image.
That reddish draw at bottom shows scale - 5km long.
This is an oblique Google globe icon from the due north of the pocket-size bay surface area in addition to its immediate environs I modified it to demo location of the resorts in addition to the island's dive centre. High goal Golden Buddha at top - budget resorts below. The Beach Bar mentioned afterward is roughly where the O of NO NAME (correct cry Phra Thong Bay Bungalows) is on the image.Oblique shots tend to convey out high areas - so yous tin dismiss come across how apartment Phra Tong is.
Those ridge/swale lines genuinely dot pocket-size parallel dunes, by in addition to large covered inwards savanna type scrub. Each draw indicates where the coastline was some fourth dimension inwards the really distant past.
THE BEACHES.
North Beach.
This is the persuasion due north from where the path from the budget bungalows hits the beach. It's close 4km to the due north due west corner of the isle which yous tin dismiss come across if yous expand the icon (click). Those mountains belong to Ko Ra, the following isle north.This beach is okay only - a fair flake of flotsam in addition to jetsam on the beach when I visited, tends to learn shallow left of photographic television camera depression tide. Much nicer beach areas a brusk walk behind the camera.
But non instantly behind:
Swinging 180 degrees shows this persuasion - overnice plenty but non oh wow. Far right is business office of i of ii pocket-size offshore islets off this department of beach. I'm told snorkelling in addition to diving is okay around these in addition to people hire kayaks from BLUE GURU DIVE to banking firm check them out. The top department of this beach earlier the pocket-size headland to the following bay (about 60% across shot) gets lots of exposed non so yellow-white sand at depression tide. Knob 75% right is Hornbill Hill from where the shot top of page was taken. Hornbill is genuinely at the SOUTH (far) goal of the next bay to this (see below), perhaps twenty minutes walk from camera. Nice walk.Next Bay
A apartment rail across the pocket-size headland shows this - the southern goal of the bay which interupts the eastward coast beach. This has got to last the prime number beachfront on the island, overnice sand, deep H2O depression tide inwards this southern department (and inwards the cardinal part, most of which is out of shot in addition to non inwards the following one). Come dorsum inwards the futurity in addition to at that spot volition last a flash resort. Maybe non every bit good shortly - Ko Kho Khao instantly due south has twenty km of mainly undeveloped attractive beach. And much easier transfers from the mainland. Plus rumours of an upcoming airdrome on the site of the WW2 Japanese landing strip.
This is the northern goal of the bay - the sand continues right upwards to Hornbill Hill at right. Heaps of H2O at high tide every bit inwards this shot, but I noticed depression tide exposed lots of sand (not dirty) against most of the beach inwards pic. Golden Buddha Resort is behind the right one-half of the trees inwards shot - associated Blue Guru Diving has a beach location close 65% across shot.
Blue Guru Diving's beachfront dive shop. Although associated with Golden Buddha Resort, this outfit tin dismiss also adjust accommodation at i of the cheaper options such every bit Mr Chuoi's or the Lion's Village homestay. It tin dismiss also produce this for non divers. As a affair of fact Blue Guru's website KO PHRA THONG is in all probability the best all circular website on the isle in addition to is non confined to diving activities. Besides existence such a set dorsum location, this outfit has the wages of closest dive functioning to earth grade Surin islands in addition to Richelieu Rock. I wandered past times hither i afternoon, the boat was gone in addition to a sign said: GONE TO EXPLORE NEW LOCATIONS.South Beach
This is a really simlar shot to the i top of page, snapped from the same viewpoint on Hornbill Hill. The beachhouses of Golden Buddha Resort are behind the trees for close the kickoff 500m, in addition to the beach itself stretches approx 10km downwards to the south-west corner of the island. As far every bit I could tell at that spot is nix apart from a few fishermens' huts behind the trees along this stretch.Hornbill Hill, which must last the highest dot on all Phra Thong, is genuinely business office of Golden Buddha Resort. They receive got built a brusk steep walkway upwards to this viewpoint with rope assists. There is a pocket-size picnic shelter upwards top. To right of icon is a pocket-size department of rocks inwards the H2O I thought would last worth a snorkel, but visibility was really poor. H5N1 turtle conservation system guy told me it was pretty clear the 24-hour interval earlier - it had rained hard during the nighttime in addition to a creek empties into the bay simply to the due north of this headland.
When I took this shot at that spot was a grouping of v westerners staring intently at the water. I thought perhaps they were into some kind out of Buddhist meditation but it turned out they were volunteers for the conservation system doing a turtle count. These people were staying at Lions Village homestay in addition to motorcycling/bicycling out the 7km or so to produce four hr spotting shifts.
Golden Buddha Resort is a pretty interesting operation. It consists of 25 privately owned beach houses inwards a really large garden chemical compound (often 50m or to a greater extent than betwixt houses) which the resort leases out to holidayers. These are non inexpensive in addition to don't receive got aircon. There is no pool. But each is different, in addition to are built to a high standard. And definitely receive got exclusivity in addition to serenity of location when compared to tell the similar Railay Beach Club.OTHER ACCOMMODATION
Mr Chuoi's
When I was doing inquiry on accommodation the only budget beach identify on the isle I could discovery was run past times Mr Chuoi (say Chewy). You tin dismiss mass his articulation thru Blue Guru Diving's website, but I got super-helpful Am of TOM AND AM TOUR inwards Kuraburi who arranged my Surins transfers to band him, mass a bungalow in addition to adjust the cheapest possible transport. The latter was of import because I genuinely couldn't afford the 1000+ each agency my inquiry had suggested.
Chez tezza - Mr Chuoi has a dozen of these Moken-style bungalows strung away from the beach rail on the northern side reverse his restaurant. Each must last 25 m apart so it is quite a haul to the eating theatre if yous are inwards #12. But super quiet. Prices 500b in addition to 300b inwards March '11.I went for a 500 one. Very spacious - at that spot was a Rex size bed in addition to room for some other double if needed. Clean, inwards goodness condition, bed-pillow-net okay, some unproblematic furniture, large bath with western can flushed past times bucket, goodness shower in addition to bidet. No basin or can newspaper but towel supplied. No electricity (Mr Chuoi supplies a really goodness battery powered lamp) in addition to no door lock but provision to fit your own. The principal differences inwards the 300 bungalows appeared to last the fact they were older in addition to did non receive got the unproblematic interior/front veranda furniture.
Mr Chuoi's eating theatre is located side past times side the beach rail close 250m from the beach itself. Divers from Blue Guru told me this identify has the best inexpensive nutrient on the island. Besides the divers, the eating theatre also attracted guests from Golden Buddha, Lions' Village homestay in addition to some locals from the principal village. I'm no gourmet but I sure as shooting couldn't complain close taste, quantity or service. Prices were pretty good, perhaps 10-20% higher than average budget bungalow restaurants.
ph 084-8559886, 087-8984636
Mr Chuoi is a flake of a character, cheerful in addition to obliging. I took this from his motorcycle-side machine on the agency from the pier. Phratong Nature Beach Resort.
This is a novel identify opened upwards less than a yr when I visited, but already having had i cry modify from Phratong Seaview. Perhaps because existence instantly on the sea side of Mr Chuoi's it's all the same 150m from the sea which is hidden past times casuarina trees in addition to scrub - so no seaview. Nevertheless it is run past times a lovely guy in addition to his family, in addition to the bungalows are definitely a stride upwards from Mr Chuoi's. One diver staying at that spot said the nutrient was fantabulous too.
Rather attractive restaurant. About 10 bungalows, smaller than Mr Chuoi's but non squeezy in addition to with electricity in addition to hot water (the latter so rare inwards whatever budget bungalow) for 600. I intend Mr Chuoi has some goodness contest here. www.phratongnaturebeach.com ph +66 884515531No Name (actually Phra Thong Bay Bungalows)
This construct novel articulation was simply brusk of opening when I called past times inwards March '11. Pretty overnice seat with this footling lagoon behind the beach. The eating theatre is perhaps 50m closer the beach in addition to is genuine sea-view.I telephone yell upwards it No Name because when I talked to the possessor he said he hadn't decided yet. Bungalows volition last 800b in addition to are perhaps a stride upwards over again from Nature Beach although I didn't inquire close hot water. I haven't whatever contact information but perhaps Blue Guru Diving's website may learn some when the identify is operating. (UPDATE JAN xiii - simply establish out this identify is called Phra Thong Bay Bungalows. Google volition discovery the website).
Lions' Village Homestay
The hamlet built post-tsunami past times Lion's Club International.Locals run a homestay here. The turtle conservation volunteers were using it during my stay, every bit were Tyler in addition to Aimee - students of Blue Guru. They told me their room was comfortable, the people lovely in addition to nutrient options goodness - although they were existent fans of the grub at Mr Chuoi's.
Note the living areas are elevated to give some protection if some other disaster occurs. Blue Guru Diving's website has to a greater extent than info.
About i 3rd of the novel houses are empty. Apparently the accept upwards was less than expected - some people stayed on the mainland in addition to others moved to the principal hamlet where the local caput instructor has a overnice novel really solid looking 3 floor edifice - the highest construction on the island. He refuses to staff the construct novel smaller schoolhouse at Lions' Village.
There is a pocket-size inlet a brusk distance from the hamlet which acts every bit a harbour for hamlet longtails. The longish North Beach is non every bit good far away with several marked walking tracks to access off the principal road.
AROUND THE ISLAND
I hired i of Mr Chuoi's motorbikes in addition to checked the isle out. At to the lowest degree I checked all the paved roads which I establish are nearly 100% confined to the due north one-half of the island.
Cut downwards 80s Honda a existent bitzer. Mr Chuoi calls it his FORMULA ONE. Front brakes only, four speed shift with auto clutch, ignition wired permanently on, simply boot it over - to stop engine at that spot are 2 wires with ends exposed; impact them together in addition to the engine dies. There was a newer improve wheel but it was almost out of gas. Formula One was so lite it went similar a rocket in addition to used virtually no gas. All the locals giggled in addition to pointed when I rode by.Landscape inwards shot is typical of to a greater extent than western parts of the island. There are to a greater extent than trees inwards eastern areas. Virtually no agriculture inwards the northern business office of the isle every bit far every bit I could come across - i pocket-size farm seemed to last growing fruit. However my world ferry dorsum to the mainland had a fair few bags total of nuts going to wholesalers inwards Kuraburi.
Road is typical of the paved tracks - moving painting is shot mid-island in addition to this route turned into a sandy rail close 500m behind bike. I'm no motorcyling practiced so I gave that a miss. When I was turning around some locals went past times on a trailer towed past times a pocket-size tractor - ideal for the soft sandy conditions. I afterward noticed Formula One had knobbly tyres, simply the thing for soft sand. Mr Chuoi who is a flake of a wheel enthusiast in all probability uses it every bit his sand rail fanger.
This is the principal village. It's a pleasant plenty place, spread along the shore inwards the island's due north eastward with a few shops in addition to restaurants. Fishing seems the principal activity. Houses must receive got been rebuilt since the seismic sea wave yet at that spot seemed to last no endeavor to get upwards them. But the people produce receive got that overnice novel concrete 3 floor schoolhouse for refuge. I approximate they are relying on the siren organization on the seismic sea wave warning towers working properly. Or that at that spot volition last no repeat.
The beach bar - Horizon Bar in addition to Restuarant. This is only 50m due south of where the rail from Mr Chuoi's in addition to the other budget bungalows hits the beach. 
The bar tends to attract a goodness crowd around sunset (which at this fourth dimension of yr was behind islands inwards background) - that's dive educatee Tyler from Canada (here studying for an exam) in addition to his married adult woman Aimee, addition French dive-instructor Marion. We were afterward joined past times other dive students in addition to Todd, an Aussie-Kiwi who runs a charter catamaran doing daytrips mainly for Golden Buddha holidayers. In background are some guests from Golden Buddha.
Junior invitee from Golden Buddha knows all close relaxing isle holidays.The beach bar is run past times a immature affable local P.Nu. Beer prices are pretty reasonable, a flake cheaper than Mr Chuoi's. This guy tin dismiss seat on a goodness feed every bit good - on my terminal nighttime close 8 of us had a banquet-style repast with fantabulous bbq fish in addition to a fair few other plates for 180 each. Some older villagers took a nearby tabular array for a repast (must last goodness - this is a fair haul from the village) - Mr Chuoi wandered downwards afterward in addition to had a beer with them.
GETTING THERE
Blue Guru's website talks of chartering a longtail which costs 1700 to Golden Buddha in addition to 1400 to Lions' Village. Mr Chuoi afterward told me a longtail charter to the principal hamlet would cost thou from the mangrove "pier". This is fine if at that spot are other passengers to carve upwards the fare but every bit good much for me alone. I wanted to leave of absence at that spot pretty belatedly inwards the afternoon, so Mr Chuoi suggested to Am at Kuraburi who was doing the talking for me that I accept the banana boat which he would organise to pick me upwards at the southern "pier" for 400.
The southern pier aint no pier at all - simply a pocket-size mangrove inlet where yous stride off the banking firm into your transport. That's the banana boat existence poled inwards to pick me up. This infant is simply large plenty for i rider - has a pocket-size longtail motor but is existent hotrod - banking thru narrow mangrove corners at 60kmh similar i of those Florida swamp racers in addition to fanging across opened upwards bay at 80! Ride a flake hard on the bum inwards the pocket-size chop out there. Took close xv minutes to accomplish island. Mr Chuoi waiting at principal hamlet pier to accept me to resort at no extra cost.I'm glad I got Am to organise this - I would receive got difficulty inwards explaining which pier I wanted to a motorcyle taxi guy in addition to getting a goodness price. Am called i over in addition to negotiated seventy baht (people told me they paid upwards to 200 to learn to the principal Kuraburi pier for the Surins which is a flake closer to town - although the booking agencies inwards town volition accept yous for gratuitous inwards a pickup every bit business office of their Surins carry package).
The taxi guy dropped me at a solid close the pier where lovely local ladies made me a loving cup of coffee. The banana boat guy arrived inwards a pickup after 10 minutes, jawed with the ladies for v in addition to and then took me downwards to the inlet close 3 minutes walk away. None of these people had a discussion of English, which matches my Thai linguistic communication skill. But every bit usual, things worked well.
The world longtail on the furnish trip.On furnish Mr Chuoi told me I could learn right dorsum to town for 300 total if I was prepared to leave of absence the resort at 7am. Suited me - I wanted to construct Khao Sok with a fair flake of daylight left. I ended upwards on this world longtail which left the principal hamlet at around 0730 with close one-half a dozen women in addition to kids in addition to a charge of bagged nuts. We went dorsum to the same southern mangrove "pier" where a songthaew was waiting to accept us into town. Along the agency it picked upwards to a greater extent than passengers in addition to nuts, went to a wholesaler inwards Kuraburi who weighed the nuts in addition to payed out, in addition to and then dropped me off at the coach station.
Now similar a dummy I didn't inquire what fourth dimension this boat returned to the island. Maybe at that spot is no set time. I didn't come across anything close this boat inwards my inquiry prior the trip.
UPDATE - Chris who runs Blue Guru emailed me that this boat's timing depends on high tide. I assume that is high tide at the mainland mangrove "pier" - the town pier on the isle would non receive got this problem. Now high tide comes roughly an hr afterward each 24-hour interval so no strict timetable tin dismiss last given. Because the boat has to learn inwards in addition to out it is in all probability timed to learn inwards an hr or ii earlier peak tide in addition to leave of absence the same gap after. Chris told me it got every bit good hard to co-ordinate this addition carry from town with incoming people which is why his website at nowadays only quotes the 1400/1700 job. He also told me he hopes Baan Lions volition organise a direct inexpensive world boat from the mainland sometime soon.
Public longtail begins to motility into mainland mangrove inlets from the opened upwards bay.KURABURI
Kuraburi is the mainland base of operations town for the Surins in addition to islands similar Ko Phra Thong in addition to Ko Raya - it's close an hr past times coach due north of Takua Pa in addition to 2 hours due south of Ranong. Distance betwixt the ii white arrows is 750m.The town is a strung along the principal highway with a principal street shopping surface area close i one-half the length of Khao Lak's principal centre. It's a pretty serenity identify with goodness diversity of stores, a span of 711s, i banking firm with ATM, several trip booking places in addition to a few places to stay. There is a nighttime nutrient marketplace runs simply right of the L for TOM AND AM TRAVEL.
Accommodation.
If heading from due south to north, i pick would last to ride thru the shopping street on the principal route in addition to every bit shortly every bit yous accomplish the span at the far goal banking firm check the ii bungalow places on the inland side (the farther of the ii yous receive got to learn downwards a 200m rail from the road). I stayed inwards the farther i terminal month, forget its cry - it's associated with Tom in addition to Am Travel who receive got a shopfront left side heading due north inwards the middle of town reverse the route into the coach station, in addition to also a desk at the coach station. It had basic rooms with bath for 300 asked - I got 250. Very quiet.
H5N1 guy tenting following to me inwards the Surins stayed at the articulation the other side of the span - said existent overnice bungalow for 400 strange including basic breakfast.
If yous leave of absence at the coach station the kickoff of these places is footling to a greater extent than than v minutes walk.
There are some other places dorsum behind businesses inwards the cardinal town - I think a sign showing bungalows inwards dorsum close Barracuda Dive's shop. Barracuda also has a desk at the coach station. BTW at that spot is a mum in addition to popular trip booking agent on left side of the lane leading downwards from the coach station - seemed to receive got goodness contacts but pitiful English.
If yous desire flashpacker-lower midrange accommodation facial expression for the signs with the principal route close 8-10km due south of town inwards twisty hilly jungle province for Kuraburi Green View Resort. If on a bus, inquire the conductor/driver to halt the coach when there. They are really reliable.
I also copied this information when doing inquiry for my trip - I don't know who the poster was:
In Kura Bury at that spot is a really goodness identify to remain my hubby in addition to I receive got stayed at that spot several times Boon Piya resort,
179-180 M1 T Kura is on the principal route inwards Kura Buri tel 01-7525457 . It is really unproblematic but really construct clean with yous ain shower in addition to loo , footling bungalows in addition to the possessor Panich who runs it is a really overnice homo . It is used to last close 800 bath the nighttime in addition to at that spot is a overnice identify following door for breakfast inwards the morning.
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If yous come across mistakes or receive got extra information, delight burn downwards them inwards below. If yous receive got questions, delight inquire them on THE FORUM which I banking firm check most days. I only see private isle pages occasionally.
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IF YOU VISIT THE PHRATONG YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN NEARBY LOCATIONS LIKE KO KHO KHAO, PHAYAM, LITTLE KO CHANG, KHAO LAK, KHAO SOK, PHUKET AND THE SURINS - PAGES ON EACH CAN BE ACCESSED THRU THE INDEX Sumber http://tezza-thailandbeachesandislands.blogspot.com/