Wat Kow Tahm is not actually a true Temple as there are only a couple of monks and a nun in residence. Still, there is chanting and meditation every morning and evening, and visitors are welcome to share the experience. After touring the facilities, take a hike to the top of the mountain, where you can watch a particularly magnificent sunset. There is something quite relaxing when you watch the sun go down, the chanting of the monks all the while acting as a serene counterpoint. On a clear day you can see all the way to Koh Samui.

Longer stays are possible. The temple is a Buddhist Meditation Center in the Theravadin tradition, where you can participate in 10 day meditation retreats. The retreats taught at the center help one develop Vipassana or Insight into Reality.

The fees for the 10 day retreat change periodically; for the latest information you can either visit the website at http://www.watkowtahm.org, visit Wat Kow Tahm and read the bulletin board when you get there, or write in advance to Wat Kow Tahm, Koh Pha-Ngan, Suratthani, 84280, Thailand.

This is a very popular temple with Thais and foreigners alike, because it is also the home of an herbal sauna. Here you can experience the healing benefits of Eastern Sauna, where herbs like lemongrass are steamed over a wood fire, adding to overall health and wellness.

The herbal sauna is an excellent tonic for those who feel the effects of jet lag, or a little too much partying. It is also good for anyone on a 'health' vacation-the sauna can help improve the tone of the skin, among other properties.

The sauna is open 7 days a week from 3-6pm

Wat Phu Khao Noi is the oldest temple on Koh Phangan and is situated on top of a hill just outside Thongsala near the hospital. It has some very interesting ancient buildings and Chedis, as well as amazing views over the island and beyond. The head monk there also speaks a bit of English; it's worth noting that the monks are only really around in the morning, though you can still visit until late in the afternoon.

Than Sadet waterfall was frist visited by Thai Royalty in 1888 when King Rama V left an inscription on a rock that remains today; he revisited the same spot more than 10 times. The present King Bhumibol has also been to this sacred series of falls, where the river waters are used in certain Royal Ceremonies that obtain water from only a few sources around Thailand. It is a fairytale of huge granite boulders and multitudes of fresh water pools and can be walked its full length of 3km. The falls are more like huge stepping stones and can be approached from numerous places; either from the magnificent beach of Haad Than Sadet or on the road into Than Sadet (beware; only experienced motorcyclist should attempt the Than Sadet road, otherwise take a boat, taxi or hire a jeep)

This lovely waterfall is located in Ban Madua Wan on the road to Chaloklum. Its well worth seeing, but prepare yourself for a challenging climb--The main waterfall is a steep 250m walk up a jungle trail.

Once you arrive you can wash the sweat of your exertions off in a fresh water pool. Once you've had a chance to recover, go another 200m up the path, where you can see Koh Phangan laid out before you in a stunning kaleidoscope of lush green and mist.

For the more adventurous, experienced hiker, there is a little jungle trek up the mountain to Kao Ra viewpoint-just follow the signs all along the trail.

Wang Sai waterfall is situated on the north west coast of the island near Mae Haad. It flows best after heavy rains and has a number of pools to cool off in. It certainly isn't the biggest waterfall on Koh Phangan, but it's a beautiful stretch of fresh water in a lovely spot.

What makes the Wang Sai Waterfall so beautiful? Not only are there the boulders and colorful tropical plants that surround the waterfall's base, the Wang Sai Waterfall tumbles into a set of pools that illuminate each overflowing drop. These limestone basins at the waterfall's base form the shape of a blooming lotus, and as the water spills into the already filled pool, it is illuminated with deep shades of blue and green.

The area around the Wang Sai Waterfall is dominated with luscious trees and shaded branches. The area near the Wang Sai Waterfall is set up to accommodate picnics, making it the perfect family gathering place for a day outside of the city. If you are going to Koh Phangan for vacation, you should set apart at least one day to visit the gorgeous mountainous terrain the island has to offer. The Wang Sai Waterfall is the perfect element to view any time of the year.

Than Prawet Waterfall is a hiker's dream and a backpacker's destination. There are many beautiful waterfalls in Koh Phangan, and the Than Prawet Waterfall is among the most popular. Why? The Than Prawet Waterfall is one of the most beautiful places in all of Thailand, and the pristine location and great hike to it make it the ideal spot for true adventure seekers to flock to.

The waterfall is actually a set of long, beautiful waterfalls that run in a neat sequence next to each other. Surrounding the Than Prawet Waterfall sequence are beautiful rocks, boulders and a plush green forest. It gives the perfect place for a picnic or a rest on the way to the top of the trail.

You can get to the Than Prawet Waterfall by the Thong Nai Pan Noi. There is a trail that leads up to the waterfall and it goes for about 2 kilometers. Depending on which trail you take from there, it can get pretty steep and rough. You can also get up to the Than Prawet Waterfall by the road by the bay. While you can drive or take a motorbike part of the way, you will have to hike some of the journey to the Than Prawet Waterfall. Only attempt hiking this path during the daylight and make sure you go with a group.

Wang Sai waterfall is situated on the north west coast of the island near Mae Haad. It flows best after heavy rains and has a number of pools to cool off in. It certainly isn't the biggest waterfall on Koh Phangan, but it's a beautiful stretch of fresh water in a lovely spot.

What makes the Wang Sai Waterfall so beautiful? Not only are there the boulders and colorful tropical plants that surround the waterfall's base, the Wang Sai Waterfall tumbles into a set of pools that illuminate each overflowing drop. These limestone basins at the waterfall's base form the shape of a blooming lotus, and as the water spills into the already filled pool, it is illuminated with deep shades of blue and green.

The area around the Wang Sai Waterfall is dominated with luscious trees and shaded branches. The area near the Wang Sai Waterfall is set up to accommodate picnics, making it the perfect family gathering place for a day outside of the city. If you are going to Koh Phangan for vacation, you should set apart at least one day to visit the gorgeous mountainous terrain the island has to offer. The Wang Sai Waterfall is the perfect element to view any time of the year.

Situated on the main Thong Sala to Chaloklum road, driving from Thong Sala look for the elephant trekking site on your right and you will see a signpost for the waterfall pointing up a small, steep, concrete path. You can ride a scooter up but take care. The track is also very narrow, please give way to people coming down, it's a lot harder for them to stop than it is for you going up!

Paradise waterfall is not the most beautiful waterfall on Koh Phangan but it is definitely one of the easiest to access. The water course dries up in the summer months, so it's best to ask a local if they think there will be water before you make the journey to visit it. Water cascades down a series of rock walls, pooling at the bottom in two large pools. It is possible to climb the waterfall and also swim in the pools. There is a restaurant at the bottom of the waterfall selling decent food and cold drink.

Khao Ra is the highest mountain peak on Koh Phangan at about 630 metres above sea level offering the most spectacular viewpoint on the island. From here you may be able to see the sister island of Koh Samui, on a good day of visibility. There is a long trail leading up from the village of Ban Madua Wan and passing Phaeng Waterfall. The trail can be steep and difficult to follow in places, so it is advised that travellers should take advantage of the guide service available at the start of the trek.

The different Khao Ra can be reached by taking any of the number of trails at the base of the mountain. Since there are a lot of sub-trails that go off from the base to various Khao Ra, you will want to make sure you either have a guide book and map or are on a guided trip with a guide person taking you up and down the mountain. If you get lost near Khao Ra, it can be difficult for rescue people to find you because of the bush thickness and the rugged terrain of the Khao Ra.

Khao Ra Viewpoint is great place to seek out if you are an adventure enthusiast looking for a hiking challenge. Be careful, take your time and remember to travel in a group and take all the precautions possible when you go to see the Khao Ra Viewpoint.