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Fellow fire freaks,
I have arrived on Ko Pha Ngan and am staying on the lovely and slighly magical beach of Had Thian. The scene is good, friendly and relaxed. There is no need for anyone to change their plans. The tsunami destruction has been overstated in the Western media -- not in terms of the number of deaths, but on the impact on tourism. But Thailand needs more tourists to come now and keep the economy going. So come here and prepare to enter an alternative reality.
The beaches of Had Thian and Had Why Nam are super chill with great food, massages, yoga, a few fire spinners, spa treatments, and quaint bungalows. This is place where people get stuck and deeply unwind. Accommodation availability is a bit tight but I managed to find a bungalow after a bit of searching for 200 Baht ($5) and more spaces may open up in the coming days. The best places near the restaurants tend to be full but it is possible to find nice huts within a few minute walk of the central areas.
To get to Had Thian, catch a boat from Ko Samui or Surat Thani (on the mainland) to the Ko Pha Ngan destinations of either Thong Sala (main ferry pier) or Had Rin. It is better to go directly to Had Rin. If you get to Thong Sala, you need to take a taxi/truck ride to Had Rin (20 minutes/50 Baht). Once you've arrived in Had Rin, go down to the docks and find a longtail boat going to Had Thian. It should cost 100 Baht. When you arrive at Had Thian, you will see a restaurant at the edge of the beach called the Sanctuary. It's best to start looking for accommodations here (dorm beds are available for around 70 Baht, bungalows start around 400 Baht) and then walk around to other places asking about available bungalows (ranging in price from 150 to 500 Baht). This is a small place, so people should be able to meet up without much trouble.
If you want to pick up kerosene, buy it in Had Rin before catching the boat to Had Thian. 20 liter containers cost 600 Baht ($15). Go to the grocery store by the pier and ask for "Na Mon Kat" in the "big" container. You can also change money in Had Rin and get other traveler supplies.
I will be here until at least the 8th, and may stop back in around the 14th. Looking forward to meeting anyone who makes it during my stay.
Matt
I have arrived on Ko Pha Ngan and am staying on the lovely and slighly magical beach of Had Thian. The scene is good, friendly and relaxed. There is no need for anyone to change their plans. The tsunami destruction has been overstated in the Western media -- not in terms of the number of deaths, but on the impact on tourism. But Thailand needs more tourists to come now and keep the economy going. So come here and prepare to enter an alternative reality.
The beaches of Had Thian and Had Why Nam are super chill with great food, massages, yoga, a few fire spinners, spa treatments, and quaint bungalows. This is place where people get stuck and deeply unwind. Accommodation availability is a bit tight but I managed to find a bungalow after a bit of searching for 200 Baht ($5) and more spaces may open up in the coming days. The best places near the restaurants tend to be full but it is possible to find nice huts within a few minute walk of the central areas.
To get to Had Thian, catch a boat from Ko Samui or Surat Thani (on the mainland) to the Ko Pha Ngan destinations of either Thong Sala (main ferry pier) or Had Rin. It is better to go directly to Had Rin. If you get to Thong Sala, you need to take a taxi/truck ride to Had Rin (20 minutes/50 Baht). Once you've arrived in Had Rin, go down to the docks and find a longtail boat going to Had Thian. It should cost 100 Baht. When you arrive at Had Thian, you will see a restaurant at the edge of the beach called the Sanctuary. It's best to start looking for accommodations here (dorm beds are available for around 70 Baht, bungalows start around 400 Baht) and then walk around to other places asking about available bungalows (ranging in price from 150 to 500 Baht). This is a small place, so people should be able to meet up without much trouble.
If you want to pick up kerosene, buy it in Had Rin before catching the boat to Had Thian. 20 liter containers cost 600 Baht ($15). Go to the grocery store by the pier and ask for "Na Mon Kat" in the "big" container. You can also change money in Had Rin and get other traveler supplies.
I will be here until at least the 8th, and may stop back in around the 14th. Looking forward to meeting anyone who makes it during my stay.
Matt
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SF Bay Area
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Re: The scene on Ko Pha Ngan
Sat, January 8, 2005 - 8:21 AMhi now am already at had rin .spin with my led toy not sure if I can make my way to had tiean or not .would nice to catch up with you see you soon
art
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Re: The scene on Ko Pha Ngan
Sun, January 16, 2005 - 10:28 PMI have just returned from spending almost two weeks on the beaches of Haad Thian and Why Nam. These beaches are very special, and I found myself in the midst of an alternative community full of interesting and supportive travellers who headed there to unwind, seek inner peace, and enjoy the company of other like minded souls. There were a number of fire spinners around, including a few very impressive individuals (specifically Rob and Joan who are staying up at the Horizon bungalows), and we lit up a number of the evenings on the beaches and at "Guy's bar" on Had Thian. I lugged 20 liters of kerosene from Haad Rin and made both the fuel and poi available to anyone interested. It was surprising how many skilled people wanted to twirl fire once the means were offered.
The only person from Tribe with whom I made contact was Art. We met at the friday night party just a few days ago, played with LED poi, and then danced with fire for a bit. I left the party at 5am (when it was still going strong) due to the fact that my departure from the island was scheduled for the late morning. After 41 hours of transit, I am now back in my Berkeley home.
Sorry I couldn't meet more of the folks from this group in person. I hope others enjoy their stay on Ko Pha Ngan and find whatever they're looking for on that very beautiful island. I was very pleased with the spiritual vibe at Haad Thian and managed to learn lots about poi while relaxing, getting regular massages, eating great food, and bonding with travelers from around the world.
Anyone looking for fire play opportunities in the Bay Area should feel free to contact me. It would be nice to meet others who are part of this community.
Until then, I wish you all peace, balance, and contentment.
Matt -
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Re: The scene on Ko Pha Ngan
Mon, January 17, 2005 - 1:06 AM
Sorry I missed you, but glad you had a fulfilling journey. Your guidance on this tribe has helped so much. Thank you!
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