Koh Phangan Zones - Chaloklum and Surrounding 'Into the Sea'

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Koh Phangan is split into five zones which is very impressive for such a small island. We suggest you visit all of them as they are all absolutely beautiful with something to offer for everyone. As we have reported previously this island is not just a party island any more…..

Zone 4 (North and North West)

This part of the island is famous for being the dive centre of the island.

Chaloklum is the main village up this neck of the woods and it is full of different dive centres. All go to the infamous Sail Rock which is a pinnacle between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao and boasts some extremely diverse sea life and if you are lucky you will even see a harmless Whale Shark slowly swim by.

If you have never dived before or if you are an expert diver then it makes no difference, you can have beginners training or just have some fun dives as all the dive centres are registered with PADI the international standard for diving.

As Chaloklum is a harbour it boasts some beautiful seafood restaurants and others ranging from local Thai cuisine to French and Italian delicacies.

Fishing is still hugely important to the local community and you may be lucky enough to see freshly caught squid drying out in the sun which is a main income for a lot of families here.

There is also a thriving bar scene with pool leagues, dartboards, a Muay Thai ring and beach front dining and drinking, you may find you will fall in love with this ‘sleepy’ little village.

You will also find Live Music and Open Mic nights at Bermuda Bar and Wednesday Bar, if you have your instrument with you you can join in a jam and show off your skills at the live shows in the evening.

If you fancy a nice drink on the beach then go to Coral Bar, Maguy who runs this bar loves animals and you can make friends with her famous pig 'Dukdig' and the biggest dog on the island 'Joy'. Find Coral Bar located at Coral Bay Bungalows in Haad Khom.

Mae Haad is a great place to visit and there are many snorkellers and swimmers here as there are calm crystal clear waters to enjoy.

There are boats available from here that will take you to bottle beach which is a beautiful sandy beach and perfect for a day out of sunbathing and a few beers or cocktails on this very secluded and private beach.

To get to Chaloklum you can take a taxi or a boat or if you have a motorbike it will take you 20 minutes up the motorway (ha!) in the middle of the island.

On the road to Chaloklum you can stop off to enjoy some of Phangan's most beautiful temples. There is the Chinese Temple and another which is one of the biggest here, you won't miss them and we really recommend that you visit them and experience some Thai Buddhist culture.

You can also get some art culture in Chaloklum, yes it's not just about diving! Visit David Hayes at Arthaus Chaloklum to see and maybe buy some artwork.

So although this area is most well known for its diving schools and maritime history, you can also enjoy many new restaurants and bars in the area and indulge in some snorkelling in some of Phangan's best snorkelling and swimming spots.