The hiking trail is traversing rough terrain. It is mostly quite steep and advisable to come back the same way as you walked up. There is also the option to do a loop and come down a different path, but that path is not easy to find in the jungle and takes much longer. You might occasionally lose the path and that way is about 2 hours from peak to trail start while the other path is about 1-1.15 hours one way.
Highest peak on the island!
It is not really a permit, but you have to pay 20 TBH for the trail.
There is not really a base camp but there is an abandoned hut with a "base camp" shield about 15 minutes into the hike. Most likely, you stay in the western area of Koh Phangan. For example Thong Sala. From there, take a taxi but make sure not to overpay! Easiest is you arrive by scooter. Start your hike from Khao Ra Trail Start. If you are at the Full Moon Party location at Haad Rin beach in the very south of the island, then it is a bit longer to get there, but still just a 35 minute taxi ride or less.
no guide needed
The best little hike on Koh Phangan! The island is well known for its Yoga, workations and Full Moon Party, but there is also great hiking.
It costs THB 20 but this is a small amount and not much bureaucracy, just show up at the beginning of the trail and somebody will ask you for the 20 Baht and you can write your information in a booklet.