The Wat Koh Tham Temple is more popular as a meditation centre than a traditional temple. You would find only a handful of Buddhist monks in the temple, but the worshiping and rituals of a usual temple is being carried out early morning and evenings and anyone interested can join in. There is no entrance fee to this peaceful monastery but the traveller always has the choice of making a donation to the betterment of the temple.
This unique temple is situated at a mountainside with a panoramic view of the beautiful sea and is considered to be the best spot to view a glorious sunset. The temple is set in a cave, therefore the meditation retreats are among caves providing you complete privacy. A traveller to the monastery will be taught about the techniques of meditation, the expected benefits of these such as the “Vipassana” teaching which gives you an insight to reality by improving your emotions and helping you live a balanced life. These are influenced by the Theravada teachings of Buddhism. You can reach the temple by a vehicle or a mountain bike, but the best suggested way would be a hike along the mountain trail whilst enjoying the beauty around you. The monks in this temple live a very simple lifestyle. Far way from civilization and modernization these monks spend all their time meditating and enhancing their mind, body and soul to live more peaceful lives by accepting reality.
Koh Phangan is not only popular for the Full Moon Party festival but also for the Koh Phangan resorts set in the backdrop of the amazing coastline. Visitors are most welcomed to view the glorious sunrise from their balcony fronts and enjoy a meal under the star studded sky at night when they reside at Koh Phangan hotels, bringing tranquillity to the weary souls. Tucked away in the magical surroundings of Phangan is the Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa, designed with contemporary architecture and world-class services this is indeed a paradise hideaway. One of the key features of this hotel is the Thai cookery classes conducted for its guests adding more value to money paid.
Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Caliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.