I visited the world’s only floating football pitch – surrounded by exotic fish and tiny islands

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LOOKING out onto the horizon, I squint my eyes at a cluster of red, blue and green roofs that are slowly coming into focus.

After boarding a long-tail boat from Thailand‘s James Bond Island on a TUI excursion, I am finally glimpsing Koh Panyee – the famous floating village in Phang Nga Bay.

AlamyKoh Panyee is the famous floating village in Phang Nga Bay[/caption]

AlamyLegend has it that the island’s first football pitch was made by a group of school children in 1986[/caption]

Built on wooden stilts, which have been reinforced by concrete blocks in recent years, the island’s huts, restaurants and shacks technically aren’t bobbing on the water – even if it may seem like they are.

Home to just 1,600 permanent residents, from roughly 360 families, my knowledgeable guide Kitti was quick to explain that the island’s first settlers arrived some 200 years ago.

Give your tip on where to go in Great Yarmouth – you could win £100 for Amazon

In the 19th century, three families had left their homeland in Indonesia by boat in search of somewhere new to live.

According to Kitti, the families came across a shady mangrove forest, and it was there that Koh Panyee, which is Thai for “Island of the Flag”, was founded.

Not only could the mangrove trees be used to build the village, but the area was also a prosperous spot for fishing.

More than two centuries after those first settlers arrived, Koh Panyee has become a twisting maze of huts, souvenir shops, market stalls and restaurants.

Set against a backdrop of clear-blue waters and exotic islands, it’s easy to lose yourself to the island’s charm.

Visitors to the island could easily send hours wandering the narrow streets – especially if they’re lost without a guide.

In recent years, other signs of modern life, including a medical centre and a school, have made their way onto the island.

But arguably the island’s most unusual attraction is its floating football pitch, which is believed to be the only one of its kind in the world.

Legend has it that the island’s first football pitch was made by a group of school children in 1986.

The original pitch was built from scraps of wood, but after Panyee FC, the local club, won a regional football tournament, a new green pitch was built.

Connected to one of the island’s walkways by a metal ramp, the floating pitch is more secure than I imagined.

Two goalposts stand at either end of the tiny pitch, just waiting for the ball to reach the back of the net.

I turn to my guide and ask: “What happens if you miss?”

My guide Kitti laughed and said: “You don’t miss – otherwise you practice swimming.”

Panyee FC are one of the most successful youth football clubs in Southern Thailand, so it seems the extra pressure of going for a quick dip is good for something.

The floating football pitch has impressed other holidaymakers too, including those who’ve praised the unusual attraction in their online reviews.

One person wrote: ” When you step foot onto the floating island, you forget you’re floating in the middle of the ocean; it feels as though you’re walking on land. They even had a football pitch so the children could practice sports.”

Another person added: “Knowing that this village built on stilts, literally on the water, has a population of over 1600 people, and has its own school, mosque, market, and even a floating football pitch is just surreal.”

The UK isn’t short of football attractions either, including a brand-new one that’s been backed by former Manchester United footballer, Rio Ferdinand.

Ballerz

While Bluewater Shopping Centre is arguably most well-known as a shopaholic’s paradise, it’s also home to plenty of adrenaline-inducing activities, like England‘s longest zipline and Europe’s biggest Giant Swing.

The shopping complex will soon be adding another leisure attraction to its list of activities too.

Located on the Upper Thames Walk car park, Ballerz is a brand-new state-of-the-art football dome.

Designed by former professional football players and coaches, Ballerz will have a seven-a-side 5G football pitch.

Sun Online Travel have revealed the best time to visit Thailand – especially if you’re already looking ahead to a winter sun holiday.

Last year, Sun Online Travel visited Thailand and took part in a jungle cooking class and relaxed at an all-inclusive resort.

I visited the floating football pitch on a recent trip to Southern Thailand

AlamyPanyee FC are one of the most successful youth football clubs in Southern Thailand[/caption]“}]]