Remote Roars: Epic Stadiums Worth the Expedition

7. The Floating Stadium – Koh Panyee, Thailand

A breathtaking football field floating on stilts in the middle of the Andaman Sea, Koh Panyee’s floating stadium is a remarkable testament to ingenuity, determination, and a love for the game. Built by local fishermen in the 1980s, this unusual pitch was the result of a small fishing community’s deep passion for football, despite living on a floating village where land is nearly non-existent. Without space to construct a traditional football field, the residents came up with an innovative solution—building a floating pitch using old wooden planks and empty fishing barrels for buoyancy. Surrounded by turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs, the Koh Panyee pitch provides a one-of-a-kind sporting experience. Players must be careful not to kick the ball into the ocean, as there are no sidelines or nets to catch stray shots. Despite the limitations, the floating stadium has produced some of Thailand’s most talented players, proving that skill and dedication matter more than facilities. Today, the stadium remains an icon of perseverance, attracting tourists and football lovers from all over the world. At sunset, when the water glows golden and the sky turns shades of pink and purple, the stadium becomes even more magical—a true paradise for sports and nature enthusiasts alike.