Wildlife· Koh Phra Thong· Thailand
Koh Phra Thong Savanna and Hornbills
9° 6.0′ N · 98° 16.8′ E · approximate
Golden Buddha Island is largely flat, with Thailand's unusual inland savanna, about 60% mangrove on its east side and seagrass beds that support dugongs. Sambar deer, leopard cats, sea eagles and brahminy kites live here.
Practical
Approx: the island centre from the Wikivoyage map link (9.1, 98.28; Wikipedia gives 9°6′N 98°17′E). The island is part of the Mu Ko Ra–Ko Phra Thong National Park (2001) and a Ramsar wetland (2013). Explore by bicycle or motorbike from the west-coast resorts (Mr. Chuoi's rents both). Wildlife listed by Wikivoyage includes sambar deer, leopard cats, king cobras, pythons, sea eagles, brahminy kites and wild chickens. Hornbills are often advertised here, but none of the sources consulted confirm them, so treat them as possible, not promised. Dawn and dusk are best for deer on the grassland.
Best for
Savanna wildlife and a land day
Season
November to April for access by sea
Nearby
- Mr. Chuoi's Bar and Restaurant (Koh Phra Thong)2.2 NM away
- Golden Buddha Beach (Koh Phra Thong)2.3 NM away
- Tha Pae Yoi Village and Pier (Koh Phra Thong)3.2 NM away
- Ban Pak Chok Anchorage (Koh Ra / Koh Phra Thong)5.5 NM away
- West Koh Ra Beaches Anchorage6.9 NM away
- Koh Kho Khao9.4 NM away
- Kuraburi Pier (Surin ferries)9.6 NM away
- Boonsung Wreck (Khao Lak)20.5 NM away