Tropical Island Beaches - Koh Phra Thong
The entire west coast of tropical island Koh Phra Thong is exquisite palm tree lined beach. For descriptive purposes, this is split into 4 distinct regions. These are described in detail below
Golden Buddha Beach
The north end of Golden Buddha Beach. Hornbill hill can be seen rising on thr right handside of the photograph whilst local dive site Hornbill Rocks is to the left
Golden Buddha Beach stretches from the south-west tip of Koh Phra Thong (near the village of Thung Dap), all the way up to Golden Buddha Beach Resort, which is situated close to the centre of the west coast. This sandy beach is more than 10km long and absolutely deserted for its entire length.
Exclusive tropical beach
The beach is lined with trees and tropical flowers. There is not a single resort disturbing the tree line until you reach Golden Buddha resort, which has been tastefully designed to compliment the surrounding nature.
The beach faces the Andaman Sea to the west. During peak season the tropical waters are quite flat. At the fringes of the season the waves can pick up as the day wears on.
Golden Buddha Beach ends at Hornbill Hill. This is also where the first scuba diving site is located, Hornbill Rocks.
Beach front houses at Golden Buddha Resort have spectacular views over the Andaman Sea
Golden Buddha Beach stretches from the south west tip of Koh Phra Thong up to the middle of the west coast
Hornbill Hill is where the Oriental Pied Hornbill nest and where turtle volunteers monitor turtles at Hornbill Rocks
Golden Buddha Bay
The northern part of Golden Buddha Beach Resort is fortunate enough to have a region which has beautiful beaches facing both east and the west. This region is the home of Hornbill Hill, the yoga sala and Blue Guru Diving.
The eastern side is where Golden Buddha Bay starts. The broad sandy beach arcs round a tropical bay where the water is completely sheltered from the open sea.
Walking north along Golden Buddha Bay with tropical waters lapping the shore on a typically sunny day. The Koh Pling islands can be seen mid-left of photo.
Koh Pling local dive sites
In this bay are the two Koh Pling islands. They assist in breaking up any waves coming in from the outside, keeping the bay interior calm and protected. The four other local dive sites are located around the Koh Pling islands.
The beach at Golden Buddha Bay is as quiet as any other on Koh Phra Thong. The 2km stretch from Golden Buddha resort in the south to Mr. Chuoi's Bar and Huts at the northern end is a delightful walk. You can feel the stress of modern living fall away as you listen to the familiar sound of the sea lapping against the shore and the feel of soft sand underfoot.
Also, as you look out at the Koh Pling islands you can see the two small, yet perfectly formed tropical beaches of Koh Pling Yai and Koh Pling Noi.
Blue Guru Diving has a great position on the east facing protected stretch of Golden Buddha Bay.
Golden Buddha Bay encompasses the beach from Hornbill Hill in the south to Mr.Chuois in the north.
A small rocky outcrop on the beach shown on the right-middle of the map to the left. There are a few red spirit houses here.
Beaches at Koh Pling
Koh Pling Yai and Koh Pling Noi are the two small tropical islands located in Golden Buddha Bay. The Pling islands are separated by a channel which is lined with corals which serves as a home for a multitude of other marine life.
View looking south west from the beach at Mr.Chuoi's. The smaller Koh Pling island can be seen to the mid-richt of the photo
The Pling islands themselves are laden with lush tropical vegetation. Each island has a an inland facing beach, sheltered from the Andman sea. Both beaches are quite small yet stunning and provide a great place to relax in the sun.
Swimming, snorkeling & diving
Good swimmers can happily swim across to the tropical island beach at Koh Pling where they can enjoy some interesting snorkeling and diving opportunities.
Just off the beaches at Koh Pling you can enjoy the tropical warm waters of Golden Buddha Bay. The islands completely shelter this area from the open sea so that it is always clear, calm and inviting.
Blue Guru Diving has a great position on the east facing protected stretch of Golden Buddha Bay.
Golden Buddha Bay encompasses the beach from Hornbill Hill in the south to Mr.Chuois in the north.
A small rocky outcrop on the beach shown on the right-middle of the map to the left. There are a few red spirit houses here.
Koh Ra View Beach
Mr.Chuoi's is towards the end of Golden Buddha Bay. It is just after this that Golden Buddha Bay morphs into Koh Ra View Beach. It is named as such because as you head north on this 3km stretch the mountainous rain forests of Koh Ra come into clear view.
Koh Ra View Beach is another delightful beach. It is especially broad and flat and makes for a relaxing walk towards Koh Wah's camping place at the north tip or towards Mr.Chuoi's and Golden Buddha Beach Resort to the south.
Beach creatures
Lions Village is located at the northern tip of Koh Phra Thong. It replaces the village of Pak Chok which was severely damaged by the 2004 tsunami.
Baan Lions is named after the Lions Rotary Club of Phuket who provided the funding for rebuilding the homes which now house the villagers. This is where the Koh Phra Thong homestay program takes place and where Naucrates turtle conservation are based. Some Blue Guru staff & Divemaster Interns live here and it is home to Tam & Thoom our local dive apprentices.
Koh Wah's camping area
At the north west tip of Koh Phra Thong is Koh Wah's camping area. This used to be a fully functional resort but Koh Wah decided to close when his family wanted to be on the mainland.
However, the beach here is spectacular - broad with white sand, with shallow water going a long way out. Surf rolls in from the sea allowing boogie boarding or body surfing fun.
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A collection of squid traps at the main village of Ta Pae Yoi on Koh Phra Thong. Squid fishing is very popular here.
A sign promoting the local delicacies at one of the few restaurants in Ta Pae Yoi on Koh Phra Thong.
Thailand is world renowned for its exotic orchids. There are 3 orchid farms on Koh Phra Thong cultivating specimens.
