There are lots of activities on offer for those not content with just soaking up the sun. Whether you want to be taught a new skill, work up a sweat, observe amazing animals and plants, learn about the local culture or indulge in luxurious spa treatments, Koh Phra Thong has them all!

Koh Ra trekking

To the north of Koh Phra Thong lies the rainforest covered Koh Ra. This island is quite different 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 living here.

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. Find out more about mangroves at the Koh Phra Thong website.

Local guides offer regular longtail trips to the mangroves . There is at least one local guide who masterfully steers his way through Koh Phra Thong island along a mangrove lined tributary which is only accessible at high tide.

Koh Phra Thong offers kayakers several distinctive areas in which to paddle. Each one provides a unique environment to explore. The kayaking here ranges from very easy to more challenging.

1) Golden Buddha mangrove channel: Behind Golden Buddha Beach resort there is a long canal that reaches into the depths of the island. It is lined with mangrove habitat and is an excellent venue for the avid bird watcher. It is also possible to view mammals & reptiles at the waters edge if you are quiet.

Difficulty rating: Easy

2) Koh Pling islands: Explore Golden Buddha Bay by sea Kayak. This sheltered area allows for relatively easy sea kayaking as the headland protects the water from the Andaman swell. The Koh Pling islands are only a short paddle away and offer enjoyable snorkeling.

Difficulty rating: Easy - Intermediate

3) Koh Ra - Koh Phra Thong channel: more extensive sea kayaking can be found in the channel between Koh Phra Thong & Koh Ra. Here you will be able to explore a multitude of tributaries within mangrove forests and enjoy the striking mountanous scenery looking east towards the mainland and the ancient tropical rainforests on Koh Ra.

Difficulty rating: Intermediate - Difficult

4) Circumnavigate Koh Ra: This multi day trip will allow you take in the Koh Pling islands and the Koh Ra channel aswell as the more challenging open ocean side of Koh Ra. Durin this trip you will be able to explore the magnificent rainforests on Koh Ra and visit isolated island communitires. For the adventurous only.

Difficulty rating: Advanced

Baan Lions - Pak Chok

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.

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 mostly employed in 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.