Ko Phaluai Travel Guide

The very best fresh seafood I've tasted in all Thailand!

Favorite Dish: Of the variety of dishes I tried, I would recommend the fresh steamed mullet in a slightly spicy sauce.The fish could not have been more fresh; my friend had caught the fish only a few hours before we ate it. Simply delicious.

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There are no bars or night clubs on Koh Phaluai. On my last visit we had a BBQ on the beach with the locals. They played some tunes on the guitar and drum and the music became more appealing after a few whiskeys.We ate some fresh BBQ'd prawns and squid.Very tasty!

Dress Code: Up to you. As they often say in Thailand.

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The best way to get to Koh Phaluai is to charter a private boat.There is a tour company operating from Samui but it only stops in Phaluai for a short time to eat lunch.

I know of only one shop on Phaluai, it has limited basic stock,foods, drinks,cleaning products etc.

What to buy: You may wish to purchase the local sun dried mullet or squid.

What to pay: Not much.Prices are low and negotiable.

As a visitor to any country it is always beneficial to be respectful of their culture.Be friendly, smile,don't ever get angry and be a little adventurous and try local foods and drinks.

The normal mode of transport used to get to Koh Phaluai is the traditional long tail boat.Although these boats may have a canopy to protect you from the sun, most do not. Depending on the speed of the boat the journey to and from Phaluai may take anything between 2 and 6 hours .It is therefore important to protect oneself from the sun by either suitable clothing or a sun block cream.

As far as I know there is nothing to worry about when visiting Koh Phaluai.The only thing on sale is food and drink from the islands only restaurant and prices are very reasonable.I think it may be possible to buy a talking minah bird; but unless you are living in the area, it is highly unlikely that you would wish to purchase one.

Luggage and bags: Day backpack.

Clothing/Shoes/Weather Gear: Yes.

Toiletries and Medical Supplies: Tooth paste, tooth brush etc.

Photo Equipment: Excellent photography opertunities, so bring a camera.

Camping/Beach/Outdoor Gear: If you wish to camp, bring a tent.

Miscellaneous: Torch or flashlight.

Koh Phaluai's eastern shore has possibly the best example of mangrove forest to be found in the park.
This forest type is important as a breeding area for hundreds of species of fish.
The smaller islands of Koh Tao Pun, Koh Mod Dang, Koh Lak, Koh Tu and Koh Kluai encircle Koh Phaluai. The locals of the island make a living from farming and fishing. Producing coconuts, rubber and a variety of fruits, the island is famous in this region for sun dried mullet and squid.

When visiting Koh Phaluai it is possible to go out with the local fishermen ( they may or may not be willing to take you) and try your luck at catching a few.Night trips are best.

Equipment: You will need to bring your own fishing gear.

Favorite thing: The best thing about Phaluai for me is the peace and tranquillity of the island.The friendly locals still practice traditional fishing and farming techniques and appear to have escaped the hectic modern world we live in.It is almost like going back in time if you can ignore the solar panels and generators.

Fondest memory: BBQ on the beach with the locals and live music.