Community & nature tours on Koh Phra Thong
Koh Phra Thong has a wealth of land based natural environments for visitors to explore. The island also plays host to an interesting number of people with varying histories.
We group these activities together because when visiting a village one often passes through a place of natural beauty. Conversely, when making an excursion to explore some of the local flora and fauna there is often an opportunity to pop in to a village. Additionally, islanders are often the best guides for the surrounding nature.
Koh Ra Trekking
To the north of Koh Phra Thong lies the rainforest covered Koh Ra. This island stands in stark contrast to the flat beach lined Koh Phra Thong. It is a mountainous ridge jutting out of the water; a deep green canopy covering its entire length hiding more exceptional species of animals and plants. Leopard cats, pangolin and flying fox are just a few of the many amazing creatures found here.
You can join Blue Guru for a trekking tour to Koh Ra. This half day adventure involves a visit to village of Baan Lions at the north end of Koh Phra Thong where we pick up a local guide to show us the way through the jungle.
Mangrove Tours
The mangroves around Koh Phra Thong are some of the densest and healthiest in the region. Forming a protective buffer between land & sea, these habitats are highly important from a number of different standpoints. Check out our mangrove page to find out more.
Blue Guru host regular longtail trips to these special areas with the expertise of our resident marine biologist. We also employ a local guide who masterfully steers his way through Koh Phra Thong island along a mangrove lined tributary which is only accessible at high tide.
Baan Lions
This village is located at the northern of Koh Phra Thong and replaces the village of Pak Chok which was severely damaged by the 2004 tsunami. Baan Lions is names after the Lions Rotary Club of Phuket who provided the funding for rebiulding the homes which now house the villagers. This is where the Koh Phra Thong homestay program takes place, where Naucrates turtle conservation are based and where Blue Guru divemaster interns live.
Ta Pae Yoi
Located on the eastern coast of Koh Phra Thong, Ta Pae Yoi was spared the devastating effects of the 2004 tsunami. Considered the capital of the island it is where the majority of the island population live. Most of the homes conform to the local traditional style and the people generally make their living from fishing or related activities such as making & selling fish traps or the manufacture of longtail boats. Many visitors to Koh Phra Thong choose to visit this village to get a true taste of an authentic rural Thai fishing village.
Thung Dap
At the southern tip of Koh Phra Thong is a small village called Thung Dap. This region is quite off the beaten track and accessible only by longtail boat or across the inland plains by tractor. The villagers here are very welcoming and are also hoping to encourage more vistors by way of a small homestay. There are also two orchid farms which are of particular interest to botanists as they grow some of the wild tropical orchids which can only be found in this part of Thailand.
PADI Dive Courses
Diving courses on Koh Phra Thong are conducted by the PADI Instructors from Blue Guru. A full range of PADI courses are offered up to Assistant Instructor. Also 18 different PADI specialty courses for refining skills and knowledge.
Dive Trips
Certified divers can enjoy a selection of fun diving day trip options. There are local dive trips from the beach where Blue Guru dive centre is located. They are also able to arrange day/multi day trips to the Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock
Thailand Divemaster Training
Blue Guru offer all inclusive Divemaster internships with scuba diving in the Surin Islands & Richelieu Rock. With exclusive tropical beaches and genuine local diving direct from the shore - training in such a location is a rare opportunity.
Eco-Diving
The diverse number of eco-systems in this part of Thaialnd provide habitats for a vast number of species of coral and fishes. Blue Guru provide a host of eco options that give visitors a better understanding of the underwater world.
