Culture of Ko Pha Ngan Island. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Ko Pha Ngan or Pangan is one of the most visited Thai Islands. It is the second island in size after Koh Samui, it is well known among tourists and bears the title "Asian Ibiza". Despite all this, you should not think that there is nothing to see for those who are interested in architectural rarities and historical attractions. Scientists believe that Koh Pha Ngan was inhabited more than 2 thousand years ago, and since then many valuable buildings have become ruins, but many have survived. Nowadays these remains attract thousands of tourists every year. Basically, these are mostly Buddhist temples.

If you have come to such a place, remember that monks can’t communicate with women and touch them. It is also not necessary to try to climb on any Buddha images or statues in order to take beautiful pictures – it will be considered as a religious insult. However, you should keep in mind that Thais respect many gods of different religions as well as their own. The embodiment of this attitude toward religion is a «Chinese temple» and located between Chaloklum and Thong Sala. The easiest way to get here is to ride on a motorbike.

The Chinese temple, can’t be simply called "temple". It is correct to call it a "temple complex". The fact is that there are dozens of small religious buildings dedicated to a variety of gods of Chinese, Buddhist and Hindu traditions, as well as some magical animals on its territory. The biggest temple is dedicated to Guan Yin, the female incarnation of Buddha. It is considered that the whole complex is called in honour of this goddess. In general, women, children and traders pray to this goddess, but you can find the sanctuary of multi-armed Shiva, the God-warrior Guan Yu, Hottei, Buddha and many others on the territory of the temple. All cult buildings are made in the traditional Thai style and they are very beautiful. Moreover, all of the buildings still function. The temple is crowded during the holidays. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Wat Phu Khao Noi temple may seem small and not very decorated. However, it is over 130 years old and it is the oldest Buddhist temple on the island. Today, it is an island centre for the study of Vipassana meditation techniques, and farangs can join meditation here because the current priest of the temple speaks English well. The central pagoda of the temple is recognized as a historical artefact and it is very beautiful. Though it is made in an ascetic style, exactly like the surrounding eight buildings.

Wat Paa Sang Tham or Saeng Dham Temple is another example that demonstrates Thai love to worship all deities. Presumably, the difference in names may be explained by the fact that Thais don’t speak English well. You can see statues of Buddha, the gods of the Chinese Pantheon, and the gods of the Hindu Pantheon on the territory of the temple. Some of the buildings have not yet been completed and if you want, you can donate some money to complete the buildings. If you share the Buddhist views, you can get permission from the Abbot and temporarily become a novice of the monastery. It is allowed here even for farangs.

There are several very beautiful temples on the island- Wat Samai Kongka, Wat Maduea Wan, Wat Pho & Herbal Sauna, Wat Ampawa and Wat Chaloklum. Many of these religious buildings still function. If you’ve decided to visit some of them, remember that there is a dress code. Men and women should wear clothes, covering knees and shoulders. Those who want to learn all about the daily life of Thais, look at the local huts and buildings in their traditional style, should go to the local small villages where the natives live as they did hundreds of years ago.