Thailand's historic, southern province of Phangnga offers diverse tourism attractions, in its forested hills, caves, waterfalls and islands dotted in the Andaman Sea. One such island is Phra Thong, the fifth largest in Thailand and known for its unspoiled, savanna-like landscape. And, on the way from Phangnga town to the island, it is well worth stopping over a Khao Lak-Lamru National Park for a spot of elephant riding and rafting, as well as seizing the opportunity to observe the local fauna and flora.
The park is located on highway 4 between the districts of Thai Muang and Takua Pa and is well served in terms of accommodation with choices ranging from small and large hotels to luxurious resorts, all offering a friendly service readily associated with southern folk.
From Khao Lak, it's about one hour's drive to Kuraburi pier from where visitors board a long-tail boat to ferry across to Phra Thong Island. Similar arrangements apply from the pier at Baan Thung La Ong Village. There's little difference in the price, and it takes about one hour to reach the island.
The island landscape is quite flat with fertile mangroves on the eastern (leeward side) and pristine beaches of golden sands on the western side where you can sit and watch the sun go down over the Andaman from one of the most beautiful vantage points in Thailand. In the central part, and covering almost the whole island, is a large expanse of white Samed woodland of semi aquatic feather palms (Nipa fruticans), interspersed with fields of gold-colored grass. Close by, the island of Ra and Pling afford good diving spots for inspecting nearby coral reefs.
The most sensible form of transport for our island tour was a locally constructed trailer that appeared to be a cross between a farm tractor and a pickup truck. Once on board, the road took us through woodland alive with a variety oof birds. But, while we were all enjoying the scenery, the truck suddenly broke into the open and stopped on a white, sandy beach, quite dazzling under the deep blue sky. It was as if we had entered another world: birds flying all around and the soft rays of the sun subdued by a welcome breeze from the sea.
Lunch was served at Krathom Moken (Moken Cottage), an attractive resort on Phra Thong Island. The cottage is build in the style of a sea gypsy house, known locally as Moken seafarer village. Cottages and houses are covered with locally obtained roof thatch. In front of the house stand Lo Bong, long, carved wooden poles decorated with colorful cloth. Inside the open dining area, consisted of indigenous dishes – simple but delicious, including freshly prepared shrimp paste dip, fried vegetables and deep-fried sea bass.
Lunch over, we continued our journey through the Samed woodland where the landscape appeared similar to the African savanna without the customary safari wildlife. But we were informed that on Phra Thong there are deer, wild horses, snakes and monkeys, usually coming out at night to look for food.
Phra Thong Island is the last sanctuary in Thailand of the Helmeted Horbbill, and home to the nearly extinct Dogong (also called sea cow) and sea turtles. We all thoroughly enjoyed our remaining time photographing the rich flora including orchids and other, local plants. The woodland here, between December and May is a blaze of color.
The villages of Pak-Jok, Tha Pae Yoi and Thung Daab make up the island population of around 500 households with villagers making their living fishing, mostly for squid, and producing shrimp paste. They lead a simple, but fulfilling lifestyle, and always extend a warm and friendly greeting to visitors who venture onto Phra Thong Island.
