About Thong Nai Pan

Thong Nai Pan means 'the bay of Pan'. Pan, according to local stories, was a man who did a great service for the King and as reward was given the bay area. On google maps and elsewhere the area is referred to as 'Tong Tapan' ('Tong' is a variant spelling of 'Thong') which means something like 'bay of old man Pan'. On Thong Nai Pan Noi (small bay of Pan) the various businesses use 'Pan' in their names - Thong Tapan, Tapan Noi and Panviman. Whereas, Thong Nai Pan Yai (big bay of Pan) generally foresake the Pan moniker. It is a pity since the beach has nothing to do with Cuba, Lewis Carrol or dolphins.

Thong Nai Pan Yai is the administrative centre of the area and consequently it is on this beach that you will find a middle school, a small clinic, a temple (wat), a post office, a local mayor (Obrador) and a policeman.

Obviously the main activity for most visitors to Thong Nai Pan is relaxing and lying in the warm sea. However, the area does provide other distractions. There is plenty of walking routes available including treks to 2 waterfalls. You can go diving or snorkelling or rent out jet skis. From November through to February there is often a bit of swell and bodyboarding is possible. Several places also rent out kayaks and body boards. Most afternoons around 5pm there are volleyball games on both beaches.

Many people do a boat tour of Koh Phangan. The tours are inexpensive and stop at such beaches as Bottle Beach and Than Sadet. Another popular activity is to do a deep sea fishing trip. It is possible to catch such big fish as barracuda and snapper.

For those with sore limbs or a penchant to pamper themselves there are several places that do various spa treatments and massages. Recommended is Tanaporn Massage House on Thong Nai Pan Noi.

Finally twice a month during the high season there are Muay Thai shows, and once a year there is a mini festival at the middle school to raise money for the school. The German Techno party 'Thai Break' has been discontinued.