What to do on Samui when you’re bored of the beach
Posted by Arda on February 27th, 2008 filed in Samui, Leisure, Activities, Southern Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
Samui’s beaches are the primary reason why so many visitors choose the second largest island in Thailand as a holiday destination. Before the 1970s, this unspoilt island and its astounding natural wealth were untouched by outside influences. Since the first tourists found their way here however, the island has been continuously built up and now offers all sorts of exciting activities away from the beach.
Every side of this almost circular shaped island has its own paradisiacal strand of white or golden sand accessorised with palm trees and calm waters. The balmy oceanic breezes heighten the sense of perfection, while the mysterious peak covering the centre of the island soars in stark contrast to the gently lapping waters below.
Add to these already glorious features the infrastructure that has gradually been built up to suit the diverse needs of a range of foreign tastes and Koh Samui is an island ready to accept visitors with the most varying idyllic visions of what an island getaway should be.
Each of the island’s beaches is quite different in style, character and what is has to offer tourists. Your senses will be hit with a burst of sounds, smells and sights upon arrival at one of the large, crowded centres of Chaweng or Lamai, where shopping and partying possibilities are endless. Koh Samui beach guide
The quaint charm of Bo Phut or Mae Nam offer peaceful and picturesque respite to wind down and relax. At one moment it may seem like you are in the heart of Torremolinos, Spain, while the next in a secluded sanctuary, not unlike those beaches captured in the box office hit based on the Alex Garland novel The Beach.
If you are serious about getting out and seeing the sights on Koh Samui, you may want to consider hiring a motorbike. Although taxis are widely available, especially on the busier and bigger beaches, using a motorbike is often the most efficient and cost-effective mode of transport and it also gives you the freedom to go where you like for as long as you want. Some of the roads can be quite dangerous however, with gravel patches and potholes appearing as if by magic as well as sharp curves and steep hills so careful attention needs to be paid when driving.
Once you have figured out how you will travel, next you must decide what there is to see on Koh Samui that may interest you. As with most destinations in Thailand, wat, or temples, on Koh Samui give an interesting insight into the architecture and traditions of Buddhism, the country’s main religion.
Probably the most visited of the island’s temples is Wat Phra Yai, or Big Buddha Temple, with its enormous golden Buddha statue peering majestically out over the headland. Wat Ban Plai Leam is another interesting site, a recently constructed temples that was designed by a Thai artist who himself spent 3 years working on the fine details of the intricate ornamentation. If you read up on Samui history, you will undoubtedly come across the revered monk Lung Padaeng. His shrine and preserved body, still sitting in position for meditation, can be seen at Wat Khunaram on the island’s southern strip.
If you are feeling a little adventurous, a trip up the steep, winding roads of Ban Saket mountain is worth the slightly nerve racking journey. Not only will you be afforded spectacular views of the Samui seascape, but you will also find a curious trail of sculpted figures hidden away in a small valley - recreations of the dreams of an old Buddhist monk.
Among Thailand’s most comical natural sites are the rock formations called Hin Ta and Hin Yai. Visitors flock to the area to check out the rocks that over the years have been moulded to represent the male and female genital organs.
Driving around the island you will come across a number of villages that have managed to retain their old world charm throughout Samui’s period of rapid expansion. Most of these are located on the quieter southern strip. The Muslim fishing village of Laem Set is a picturesque little town and a visit here offers insight into the reserved, quiet lives of this community.
There are a number of beautiful waterfalls located in the mass of foliage that makes up Samui’s inner jungle. Na Mung is easily accessible, while Hin Lad falls are reached by a tiresome trek along a jungle path. During the months of the dry season, March through September, these waterfalls are dry but the trek still offers good nature spotting and physical exercise. The peaks of the mountain jungles offer spectacular views of the surrounding archipelagos and indeed of mainland Thailand.
Muay Thai boxing is the country’s national sport and can be seen in villages, towns and cities all over the country. Koh Samui is no different, and fierce and furious kick boxing matches are held almost daily in the large stadiums located on Chaweng and Lamai beaches. Matches take place in the evenings and are well worth the exorbitant ticket prices for serious entertainment, both inside and outside the boxing rink. Internet resource to Muay Thai
As is fitting for any seaside tourist destination, Koh Samui has a range of companies that take tourists to the best locations for some of the most exciting water activities. For an enchanting insight into a whole new world underneath the surface of the ocean, snorkelling and diving trips can be easily arranged from a number of travel agents across the island. Jet-skis can be hired and speed boats chartered off both Chaweng and Lamai beaches for exhilarant, high-speed exploration off the coast.
Kite surfing is another popular sport, with companies offering equipment hire and lessons for beginners. The fishermen on Samui have also learned a quick way to earn some cash. For a fee, these fishermen will provide boat transfers to the best fishing spots, lunch and a fun day out.
If you are the type that gets more of a thrill from on land adventure, then Koh Samui will not disappoint. Mountain biking in the wild interior is a great option for heart-stopping fun. Or take it to a further extreme and hire an off road motorbike for hours of wheel-spinning, dust-raising adventure.
Koh Samui is becoming more of a family orientated destination. Of course, building sand castles, collecting sea shells and playing among the tame waves could easily keep any small child occupied for an eternity. But for a fun day time outing, Koh Samui has a number of animal attractions including elephant back rides, a crocodile farm, an aquarium, a butterfly farm and a monkey theatre, the latter being a favourite for hilarious entertainment.
Shopping all across the Land of Smiles is a real treat, with prices in general far below those in most developed countries. Chaweng Beach is certainly the shopping hub of Koh Samui, with shops, stalls and boutiques filling every nook and cranny of available space. Between the vast array of restaurants and bars, there are shops and stalls whose merchants will use their perfectly practiced charm to entice you to buy anything from fake designer handbags to the best in authentic designer goods and traditional handicrafts. Lamai Beach is a close runner up to Chaweng in the way of shopping, while on some of the quieter beaches you will find some fantastic boutique stores with real character.
Many people not only want to be active on holiday, but they want to be productive too. Courses are available on many of the beaches across Samui, including in yoga, Thai massage, Muay Thai boxing, meditation, reiki and Thai cooking. Scuba diving is a popular sport on the island and PADI courses are on offer from a number of companies. Complete Samui dive info
Koh Samui is part of the archipelago that includes Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao, two of the most popular island destinations in Thailand. Both islands can be reached by boat in a matter of hours from Samui. Koh Tao is renowned for some of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand, while Koh Pha Ngan is not only the party capital of the south but a stunningly unspoilt island with many secluded beach sanctuaries off the main strip. The three islands and its surrounding waters are part of the Ang Thong National Marine Park and daytrips from Samui are available to some of the park’s most spectacular locations.
Bangkok – the colourful and bustling Asian metropolis
Posted by Arda on February 27th, 2008 filed in Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
Bangkok – the colourful and bustling Asian metropolis
So you’ve been in Bangkok before and you assume you’ve seen the city’s best sights, tried every spicy dish and enthusiastically shopped. But have you also joined the pre-dawn aerobic lessons at Lumpini Park, played an energy-consuming game of takraw with the locals, had fun on a holiday which you even never heard of, absorbed pieces of contemporary art, got totally lost at the lively JJ market, made offerings at a Buddhist temple, tried to locate the best som tam stall, smiled at people you never seen before, got mesmerised by observing the magnificent sunset over the well-known Temple of Dawn? If your answer is no, it might be a good idea to visit Bangkok once more.
You think the heat is unbearable –never mind
What heat is bearable what isn’t depends on how you cope with Bangkok’s’ weather conditions. The Thai capital was dubbed by the World Meteorological Organisation as the hottest significant city on the globe. The thermometer’s height is a popular conversation subject among the locals. Thais always like to say that there are only three seasons in Thailand: the hot, hotter and hottest season. It is definitely true that the city’s inhabitants complain when the high temperature becomes very hard to endure but at the same time they still order the spiciest meals during their breaks or come together for playing a football game at 3pm, while many Thais nonchalantly amble around at one of the extremely popular outdoor markets.
The Thais love their public holidays
Probably every Thai soul embraces the country’s national holidays. What other country mentions new year three times on the calendar within a short period of four months? – In Bangkok you can join Western, Chinese and Thai new year festivities! Each Buddhist holiday is highlighted on the calendar and each bank holiday as well, ethnic vacations, traditional vacations including Christmas and if you met some party-loving Thai friends, they might even turn your birthday into a great celebration. Complete info on Bangkok’s festivals
Where commerce and ambition mix with spirituality
Many people see it as a paradox, a rare juxtaposition of the holy and the profane. It only is reality in a huge city like Bangkok. However, you may spot an ultra-modern department store adjacent to a centuries old Buddhist temple. This does not have to be a mistake by the zoning experts, but is more the city’s natural character whose growth is epitomised by spiritual matters and modern ambition. The Thais escape from congestion and heat in one of the many shopping malls. They truly feel good spending a few hours while window shopping, not necessarily purchasing items but always keeping updated with all things new. At their ancient temples, they enjoy the calmness of the splendid gardens and serene pavilions. They are masters about spending an amount of time looking inward during their meditations, totally distanced from the material world. These entirely different states of being are indispensable to the image and essence of contemporary Bangkok.
An empty mind’s freedom, you can experience it too!
A unique way bringing home a very special Bangkok souvenir is by learning how to meditate at one of the many offered courses. It will do you good as well. Throughout the Buddhist temples in Bangkok you can locate a number of meditation centres. The meditation is intrinsically linked with the Buddhist religion but that certainly doesn’t mean you have to be religious to join one of the courses. As a method for achieving daily relaxation, anybody can learn how to basically meditate as it is easy. Sufficient courses in Bangkok are available in English. Ask the International Buddhist Meditation Centre how you can contact the city’s best meditation teachers. Full guide to meditation in Thailand
Absorb the ambience of Bangkok’s most visited mega market
The Chatuchak Weekend Market is also known as ‘JJ Market’. This vast market place will keep you entertained for hours. This colourful market contains around 9,000 stalls and even the people from Bangkok sometimes get lost in the extensive maze of labyrinthine alleyways. It is advisable to just follow your instincts and maintain adventurous. Go see section 24 if a wide selection of cheaply priced clothes is what you’re after. Want to by a doggie, cute kitty or even a snake or turtle? You most likely find the most desirable pet at section 13 while section 19 is crammed with ceramics. Stroll along section 2 to 26 for a huge collection of antique Thai furniture and fine home interiors. Also attracting the shoppers attention are gemstones, sacred amulets, beautiful orchids, glassware, books and ethnic handcrafts from Burma, Laos, China and Cambodia. If bargaining for all these goodies develops an appetite, you can find numerous food stalls in the Chatuchak Plaza section.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar online guide book
Finding a girl for the night in Pattaya – how it works, how much?
Posted by Arda on February 18th, 2008 filed in Pattaya, Nightlife Thailand, Central Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
You’ve come to Pattaya for the beaches and food and culture right? No you haven’t, admit it, you’ve come for the girls! It’s OK, many other men have too, that’s one of Pattaya’s key attractions. And the good news is, you’ll more than likely go home with some fun memories with one or more sexy girls. It doesn’t cost that much either.
Pattaya is Thailand’s sex capital – it also has other tourist attractions – and not only does it attract punters by the busload but also plenty of young sexy girls who come here to earn a living off the visitors. It all happens in a pretty open and honest way that is tolerated by the typically accepting way that Thai officials approach law enforcement. Everyone in Pattaya understands the deal.
Pattaya has been a place for visiting men to meet girls since thousands of GIs on R&R from Vietnam started coming in the sixties and the city owes its prosperity to the girls. Therefore, by the time you get here, forty years of sex tourism would have shaped Pattaya and the system is well developed for the maximum benefit of both the punter and girl. It is less sleazy than your average city red light district, far more relaxed and friendly, cheaper and open for business. Complete Pattaya bar girls info
First, finding a girl in Pattaya is easier than finding a tourist map! There are whole areas packed with bars full of girls, both during the day and evening and you can literally walk out of your hotel and have a companion within 30 minutes, no complications, rip offs or misunderstandings. Of course, remember that these girls are earning money and should be treated with respect and dignity. Also Pattaya is a vacation town for many regular people who haven’t come for the sex and wish to enjoy it without sleaze everywhere they look, so be mindful of that.
Areas where you will find girls include; the lanes between Beach road and second road – really can’t miss them, along the famous Walking Street, selected lanes in Jomtien, Body massage and some karaoke venues further out nearer the Sukhumwit road, in discos and in some of the hotels ‘massage services’ (not all massage ladies are ‘available’ but some services are set up exactly for that).
The easiest first step for finding a girl in Pattaya is to wander among the beer bars of the sois (lanes) off Beach Road. It has a festive atmosphere, the girls might accost you with ‘hello, Welcome’, but mostly they are harmless. Away from this ‘party central’ you will find less ‘in your face’ beer bar areas where you can sit and enjoy a drink while sizing up the girls, without any obligation to buy ladies drinks. The girls vary from very young and very sexy (costing 20 euros and up) to the tired has-beens in the quieter bars (costing as little as 10 euros out of season).
The sexiest girls are found in the go go bars, which are more discreet and not opened up to the street-front. Here you will find girls in bikinis, sometimes topless or even naked dancing on the stage and these too can be taken home, but they are more expensive (40 euros and up). The atmosphere here is less down to earth and these girls are ‘in it for the money’. There is another level of girl altogether which is provided by private escort services, which can be ordered over the internet and come directly to your room – they are true professionals but are over-priced. If you need to be discreet this is one option. Online Pattaya nightlife guide
You can also go to body massage and karaoke bars (ask the taxi driver), if you are sneaking away from your wife for the evening. Here you get to select a lady from behind a ‘fishbowl’ and for about 30 euros you get two hours of bath, massage, soapy ‘experience’ and sex. But be warned, these women go with a lot of men and the whole thing is rather ‘mechanical’. A better bet is the karoake bars with lots of pretty women outside to choose from, and they cost about 5 euros an hour to be your hostess on comfy sofas and often can be taken out to a short time motel or back to your hotel, but these girls like to think of themselves as premium and charge a lot more (40 euros about).
Then there are the freelancers who work outside of the bars for the freedom. These girls can be cheaper and often more fun since some of them are just regular girls or students looking for a fun evening with a handsome foreigner who will give them some pocket money. They haven’t slept with dozens of men and become bored with sex, so can be more genuine. Some hang our on the promenade along beach road. You will also meet them in the discos a lot.
How it works is like this; when you’ve found your sweetheart for the night, and after a few drinks to loosen thing up, you needn’t hesitate in asking her if she wants to leave – of course she’ll say yes, but first comes the sudden serious look, and ‘how much you pay me’. Well, that’s up to you, depending on how sexy she is and how generous you are, but expect to pay between 1000 and 2500 baht. You’ll also be expected to pay the bar fine, which is between 200 and 500 baht, so you can take her away. This is paid immediately, the girl is paid in the morning, but make sure you have the exact amount. Hopefully your hotel doesn’t kick up a stink bringing her back, sometimes this can be settled for another 500 baht, if they ask for more raise hell and they’ll back down. She gets to leave her ID at reception as security!
Bangkok party and nightlife scene
Free travel articles
Posted by admin on December 31st, 2007 filed in UncategorizedComments Off
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Essential Contacts
Posted by Arda on November 2nd, 2007 filed in Thailand travelComment now »
Here’s something that every website should definitely have on their website, a list of essential contact numbers and addresses for emergency services, government agencies, clubs, embassies and more. We’ve done all the researching for you, it’s all up to date and has a comprehensive list of places. Your site visitors will thank you for it.
Essential Contacts for Bangkok
Essential Contacts for Chiangmai
Essential Contacts for Krabi
Essential Contacts for Koh Samui
Essential Contacts for Pattaya
Essential Contacts for Phuket
Phang Nga Bay – the Andaman’s best eye candy
Posted by Arda on October 1st, 2007 filed in Southern Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
By Mark Bentley
If you head to the south of Thailand to where the mainland meets with the Andaman Sea, you will realise fairly rapidly that you’re entering a region with beauty you may have thought was reserved for picture postcards and travel documentaries.
Indeed, beyond the southern provinces of Chumpon, Ranong and Surat Thani are scattered literally hundreds of islands where such beauty is not only real but omnipresent, and where human hands have yet to cast significant influence. Of those islands that have been developed, most have retained the essence of their natural appeal. Even the populated islands are in close proximity to quieter, untouched destinations which can be reached easily by boat and appreciated in their raw, unadulterated states.
Phang Nga Bay is an unspoilt paradise located between Phuket and the west-side of the Malay peninsula, where 67 virtually deserted islands sit in 400km² of spectacular natural beauty. The bay forms part of Phang Nga province, which is bordered by Phuket and Krabi provinces.
Phang Nga’s unspoilt beauty takes visitors back to a time when all of southern Thailand was uninhabited thanks to its protected status as the Ao Phang Nga National Park, which is has enjoyed since 1981. While neighbouring Phuket has suffered the ravages of rampant commercial development, eco-travellers can rest easy in the knowledge that Phang Nga is not about to suffer the same fate.
The bay’s beauty is typified by vibrant, turquoise sea waters in which sit stunningly unusual karst islands formed by thousands of years of fault movements. Some of these peaks stand at lofty heights of up to 300 metres and the majority is enhanced by a thick covering of lush green vegetation. More than 40 of these structures, which are essentially comprised of limestone, are dotted across the bay, creating unique and genuinely awe-inspiring views.
The smaller structures can only be admired from afar, while the larger ones are big enough to allow for exploration. Networks of caves located at the bases are significant features of the geological evolution of these islands, with many able to be entered by kayak. Inside, unusual rock formations can be seen, while a flashlight might help you to catch sight of the birds and bats which call the caves home.
Inhabitants are few and far between in Phang Nga Bay. The small island of Koh Phan Yee has settlements that are over 200 years old, with residents who are simple people, fishing for a living and dwelling in bamboo houses which sit on stilts in the waters immediately offshore from the island’s beach. These primitive sea gypsies who are known locally as Chao Leh, are devout Muslims, and their community is believed to have descended from two families who first migrated here.
While natural beauty should be Phang Nga’s greatest claim, the islands here are perhaps best known for their tenuous Hollywood connections. The 1974 Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun included a number of scenes featuring the island hideout of Scaramanga, which were filmed on Khao Phing Kan, one of the bay’s larger islands. This island is now referred to as ‘James Bond Island’ and forms the focal point of many boat tours of the bay.
Khao Phing Kan offers zero in the way of tangible evidence of its once famous encounter, although the distinctive karst structure sitting in the bay off of the island’s beach serves as a good photograph backdrop for the hoards of tourists wanting a souvenir of their trip there. Additionally, there’s a wooden sign in English and Thai saying ‘James Bond Island’. Scaramanga’s hideout is nowhere to be seen however.
Boat trips from Phuket and Krabi offer tourists the best opportunity to see Phang Nga’s most notable sights, with typical itineraries including stops to check out Tham Lawt (caves) and James Bond Island. The sea gypsy village at Koh Phan Yee is also included on most trips and is generally the stopping point for a lunch break, with the locals providing the food and dining facilities.
Tourists taking holidays in neighbouring destinations benefit from awesome coastal scenery however the atmosphere of commercialism in resorts such as Patong in Phuket can diminish the experience. A trip to the unspoilt wilderness of Phang Nga Bay with its breathtakingly spectacular views will reassure you that many of Thailand’s finest natural sights continue to remain unaffected by the tourist dollar.
Pai in the sky
Posted by Arda on October 1st, 2007 filed in Northern Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
By Andrew Bond 05 April 2005
Late in the afternoon, as the travellers rose from their afternoon slumbers and the heat dissipated I sat beside the small Pai river while it quietly gushes through Northern Thailand’s most chilled out destination, and reflected on a week of doing nothing but relaxing.
As the sound of Tracy Chapman softly drifted over from the nearby bar I sipped a cool fruit shake and tried to read, but the atmosphere was just too distracting. A pair of hippie backpackers in their fisherman’s pants and cotton tunics came by, crossing the small bamboo footbridge in the distance, pausing to admire the row of quaint bungalows lining the river and the young rice in the paddies beyond. Another couple were engrossed in a game of chess, sitting cross-legged in the small floor-level restaurant while here and there lounged a few more, silently studying their Lonely Planets, as travellers tend to do these days.
I come to Pai a few times a year. It’s a wonderful escape from the traffic and noise of Chiang Mai and often I meet others who are regulars up here, like Lonely Planet’s author Joe Cummings who plays guitar in a local bar. Then there are the permanent locals, a small crowd of friends who get by on the odd freelance writing and other work. There’s always someone in Pai, even during the wet off-season when only long-term travellers stay on for weeks. In fact it gets so crowded with wanna-be bohemians during the season that I barely show my face here until after February.
Pai is one of those special places that developed its own distinct character which is built on an atmosphere rather than anything special. Sure, the trip over the mountains is great, as it winds over ridges that offer spectacular vistas and a cool climate among the dense and lush forest, but the town itself sits in a flat and often dry valley that could be any rural farming community in Northern Thailand. It certainly is remote, miles from anywhere and not far from Mae Hong Song, which is one of Thailand’s Northern-most towns and on the edge of a vast untouched interior of Burma’s off-limits Shan states. Up here you really feel like you have escaped the world.
So, why do I come back to Pai again and again? Perhaps it’s the rustic bungalows beside the refreshingly cool stream, maybe it’s the new age character and chilled out people. I certainly don’t miss the tuk tuks and go go bars. There’s few up market resorts and expensive restaurants to make you feel cheap and uncomfortable. And the tourists who come here are free spirited travellers, content with basic facilities and humble services. Maybe it’s just the thought of floating down the river on rubber tubes, with my head in the clouds, that appeals to me.
Actually, there is more to Pai than simply sitting around smoking the green stuff. Several activities are offered by local agents, such as white-water rafting, trekking and enduro motorcycle excursions. Then there are the ‘do it yourself’ day trips to places such as Pai Canyon (hardly Grand but interesting), and the waterfall to the Northwest of the town. Or you can rent a bike and follow some of the roads that meander up the valley. The less adventurous never make it past the public swimming pool across the river but if you go a little further, following the road back down the valley, there’s a small elephant camp, and hot springs which are ideal for the chilly winter mornings.
The Thais love Pai too. It’s just the romantic kind of destination that Uni students get to on their Vespas, complete with camping gear loaded on the back. Occasionally a big tour bus barrels through the town on its way to Mae Hong Son. In fact, if you’re a first time visitor, completing the entire ‘loop’ and returning via the southern approach to Chiang Mai through the Doi Inthanon national park is a great way to truly experience Northern Thailand. The caves at Soppong, half way to Mae Hong Song are particularly interesting.
Pai has grown significantly in the past eight years. It’s one of those places that made it into the guide books and backpacker lore and now steadily attracts more and more of the ‘right’ kind of people. Locals have thrived, building guest houses, opening restaurants and bars and setting up tour businesses. Of course a few outsiders arrived to help them and the whole success is built on the distinct atmosphere it has created. No one has rushed into snap up the river front property and build an internationally managed hotel. Perhaps the devastating floods of August 2005 had some positive effect on keeping commercialisation out of Pai.
There’s talk of extending the runway to capitalise on its potential but thankfully no one has been silly enough ruin a good thing. A few controversial town planning directives have created some unfortunate ‘rules’, but by and large Pai remains ‘Pai’. Some say it’s just not what it was a few years ago, and every time I come I notice new places have open, while others have closed. But a first time visitor will not be disappointed with the slow atmosphere, the traffic-less streets, quaint guest houses, relaxing massage shops and cheap restaurants. And by night the town can sometimes come alive with live music at places like Bee Bop and Edible Jazz. It’s no wonder that quite a few Thai and foreigners come to Pai and just don’t seem to leave.
Krabi’s top dive sports
Posted by Arda on October 1st, 2007 filed in Leisure, Activities, Watersports, Southern Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
By Jan Schauseil
Some of the planet’s finest diving sites are located along southern Thailand’s western coast, and Krabi is right in the thick of it, making this beach town the ideal base for scuba diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.
Incredibly diverse coral reefs and marine life, perfect winter weather, and unbelievably low prices make Krabi one of those rare places where almost anyone can afford the normally expensive thrill of scuba diving. The majority of Krabi’s local dive shops can be found on nearby Ao Nang Beach, a pleasant 30-minute drive from town. Most visitors will find the five main dive sites around Ao Nang enough to satisfy their appetites, but for those underwater junkies who crave more, Krabi is a well-established departure point for countless other spectacular areas farther afield.
The diving scene at Ao Nang revolves around Koh Poda and the seven small islets surrounding it which make up part of the Hat Nopparat Thara-Mu Koh Phi Phi Marine National Park. Diving and snorkelling options in this area range from safe and easy excursions, ideal for beginners, to deeper headwall dives requiring considerable experience and training. The marine life here is both diverse and prolific, with more than 200 species of fish and 80 species of coral having already been identified. More on Ao Nang beach
One of the most popular of these seven islands is Koh Ha, where more than 60 varieties of coral encrust the boulders along with reliably large schools of barracuda, squid and even the occasional leopard shark. If you’re interested in searching for the camera-shy black-tip reef shark, Koh Dor or Koh Si are the places to go. Koh Dor is the nearest site to Ao Nang, and is well-known for its extensive coral gardens. But this also makes it the most crowded site around Krabi. “Nobody warned us we’d see so many rare species of Humanus Touristas at Koh Dor,” one American complained.
The relatively large island of Koh Talu has two excellent shallow swim-throughs lined with coral, which are ideal for divers of all levels. From Koh Talu, you can easily swim across a channel to GK Island, which is renowned for its seemingly endless soft coral reef and all the attendant creatures that thrive here like crabs, shrimp and brittle stars. More experienced divers may want to check out the quiet underwater realm around Koh Yawabon. The strong currents here mean most dive boats head to other islands, leaving some of the biggest fish populations in the region and even the occasional stingray to run rampant.
If snorkelling is your thing, don’t worry. The islands around Ao Nang offer plenty of incredible sites where the water is shallow and teeming with beautiful reefs and marine life. Koh Si is perhaps the best place to start due to its high visibility and shallow reefs. The two massive coral-covered plateaus on either side of this tiny islet are especially picturesque and contain reliable schools of snapper and plenty of giant groupers. Seahorses are another highlight of snorkelling around Koh Si.
Rivaling Koh Si for the best snorkelling around Ao Nang is Koh Yawasam. This island has some huge sections of shallow reef and flat sandy spots making it the ideal site for scuba instruction if you’re new to the sport. Snorkellers can meander for hours checking out the teeming psychedelic marine life which includes the rare but beautiful red saddleback anemonefish.
There’s plenty to see right around Ao Nang itself, and all of the diving sites are easy to reach and don’t require as much of a commitment to spending a whole day out at sea. However, for those divers who search of the most exclusive sites, Krabi makes a great base for starting your explorations.
Liveaboard diving cruises are the best way to really get out there into the Andaman Sea and crank out some serious dives. They’re definitely pricier than simple daytrips, but the unique experience of sleeping out in the middle of the sea and having everything taken care of for you is priceless. “Worth every baht,” a beeming gentleman confirmed.
A handful of dive outfits in Krabi have boats suitable for these types of multi-day trips which allow you to get intimately acquainted with some of Thailand’s premier sites such as the Similans, Surins and even the truly exotic and untapped Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks of Myanmar.
If liveaboard cruises feel a bit excessive, there are dozens of other world-class diving sites around Phuket and the Phi Phi Islands which can be done as daytrips from Krabi. Nearly every dive site on the books can be accessed from Ao Nang since it’s so centrally located.
To the east of Phuket are some excellent dives worth checking out if you want to see more. Koh Dok Mai, Anemone Reef and Shark Point are the main highlights. Common features of these sites include steep headwalls plunging dozens of meters down into the depths of the Andaman Sea, sheltered coves, and vast expanses of coral gardens. One of the most interesting dives around is King Cruiser, a massive car ferry that sank in 1997. Poking around this wreck makes for a unique experience, as a different group of sea creatures than those normally found in open-sea reefs have made it their home.
If you choose to explore the dive sites around Phuket, don’t miss Koh Bida Nai and Koh Bida Nok just south of the Phi Phi Islands. Both hard and soft coral gardens packed with healthy sea whips, gorgonian sea fans and a wide range of sea life including parrotfish, angel fish, sharks and even the odd eagle ray ring these two tiny outcroppings. At this single site, you can have a truly comprehensive underwater experience.
Phi Phi Island’s stunning Maya Bay, made famous as the filming site for the movie The Beach, is a great place for beginners to learn the ropes. This shore dive starts on the beach and allows for easy and comfortable diving. There’s plenty of action under the water in Maya Bay and lounging around the beach afterwards isn’t too shabby either. More on Phi Phi
One of the more popular sites around Phuket is Shark Point, aptly named for the large population of leopard sharks that hang around the sandy bottom. Seven fascinating underwater pinnacles covered in coral make up this site, allowing for plenty of individual exploration. The sea life around here is also abundant thanks to its status as a protected marine environment.
Anemone Reef is the other half of the Shark Point Marine Sanctuary. This wonderful site is made up of two fully submerged pinnacles with a hard ridge completely covered in anemones running between them. Naturally, colourful Nemo-style fish move in and out of the waving tentacles of the anemones creating one of the more memorable sights of Krabi’s diving scene.
Visibility in the sea around Krabi is excellent, averaging 20 meters, with a maximum of 30 meters and more during the calm, clear dry season from November to April. Even the ‘green season’, from May to October, is a great time to dive around Krabi. The most popular dive sites are nearly deserted and the conditions are usually quite good despite being the rainy season. Another bonus is an average water temperature of 30°C, allowing for comfortable diving any time of the year. “Ask around about the nude night dives,” a young woman from Denmark suggested.
The price of diving in Thailand is among the cheapest in the world considering the quality and quantity of the sites scattered around the Andaman Sea. Lodging in Krabi or neighbouring Ao Nang can be as cheap or as luxurious as you like. There is plenty of excellent dining and lots of nightlife if you feel like unwinding after a day underwater.
Getting to Krabi gets easier with each passing year, thanks to its rising popularity and Thailand’s improving transportation network. Flights now arrive and depart at Krabi’s tiny airport every day from Bangkok, eliminating the long bus trip down the isthmus.
Alternatively, visitors can fly into Phuket’s international airport and make the short road or boat journey south to Krabi. New dive sites are regularly added to the menu, proving that Thailand’s western coast is indeed one of the planet’s premier diving destinations and will continue to be so.
Bangkok’s top 10 attractions
Posted by Arda on October 1st, 2007 filed in Bangkok, Central Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
By Sarah Duffy
Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew
Together, these two attractions are top of most visitors’ itinerary. They form the most splendid and ornate of Thailand’s temples and palaces, making them a primary attraction. Wat Phra Kaew, also commonly referred to as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, is the name of the most famous Buddhist temple (wat) in Bangkok, which is situated within a complex of temples and houses the famous Emerald Buddha statue. Sitting adjacent to the temple complex is the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in the neo-Baroque style. Appropriate clothing must be worn for both attractions. Temples of Bangkok
Jim Thompson’s House
A trained architect, Thompson was posted in many locations around the world during WWII. When the war came to an end, Thompson was en-route to Bangkok. Having developed a love for the country, he returned to establish a silk business which quickly gained international acclaim. Before his mysterious disappearance in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, in 1967, Thompson built this beautiful Thai-style teak house, which is a work of art in itself. Visitors can enjoy the house that was once the ‘talk of the town’, which has now been made into a museum.
Khao San Road
The backpacker hub of the city, this road is notorious for its late night drinking, vendors selling counterfeit CDs and hippy trinkets, and cheap guesthouses and restaurants. Recent times have seen some more upmarket accommodation establishments popping up here, but it is still often hard to find a room in peak seasons. This is the place to party and meet people. More on Khao San Road
Chatuchak Market
Located in the north of the city and accessible by MRT, this weekend market is enormous. As you wander along the narrow alleys you will pass through sections selling everything from wickerwork, jewellery and pets, to clothing, plants and artwork. Often very crowded, there are plenty of places to rest your feet and have a snack, but be careful you don’t loose you friends in the crowds!
Shopping
An essential activity for all visitors to Bangkok, the capital provides some of the best malls in Asia, with the glitzy new Siam Paragon complex being the newest addition to Bangkok’s shopping hotspots. Within walking distance is the Siam Discover Centre, MBK complex, World Trade Centre and Pratunam Market. Whether you want designer goods, or copies at basement prices, the city is a first-class hunting ground for shopping aficionados.
Patpong
Better known for its sleazy nightlife than its quality night market, this area is heaving with foreigners day and night. Home to many quality hotels and one of the city’s red light districts, the Silom area is loved for its street vendors, cafés, nightclubs and overpriced go-go bars. But if watching a sex show isn’t your thing, don’t dismay; Patpong offers many other kinds of entertainment including live music. The bar touts can be a bit of an annoyance, but overall this is a friendly place where you will encounter little trouble (unless you go looking for some).
Dreamworld
This adventure theme park can make a great alternative to the usual sightseeing agenda, especially if you have children. Boasting replicas of seven wonders of the world, extensive gardens, a cable car, various adrenalin-infusing rides and even a field of snow. There is also a selection of live shows to appeal to different interests as well as a wide choice of eateries. Accessible by car, bus or train, this is a white-knuckle experience you will not want to miss.
Muay Thai Boxing
If you think you’ve experienced boxing, you haven’t seen anything yet. Traditional Thai boxing is a proud Thai tradition that sees opponents swap furious punches, lethal kicks and elbow strikes that will makes you squirm in you seat as the locals cheer on with insatiable enthusiasm. Followed as passionately as football, catch a match at Lumphini Stadium or Ratchadamnoen Stadium, with fights taking lace most evenings.
Wat Arun
The one-time home of the Emerald Buddha, this Buddhist temple sits on the banks of the Chao Phraya River and boasts a Khmer-style tower which is ornately decorated with small pieces of seashell and porcelain. Interesting features include figures of Chinese soldiers and animals, and a statue of the Hindu god Indra. Surrounded by six Chinese-style pavilions, if you don’t have time to see the real thing, make sure you at least catch a glimpse of it on a 10 baht coin.
Lumpini Park
A peaceful retreat in the heart of the Bangkok, this is the ideal escape from the city’s crowded streets. Relax amid palm trees and water or explore the Chinese Pavilion and Clock Tower. Also of interest are the Thai Lanna Pavilion and various sculptures. Although shadowed by some of Bangkok’s tallest skyscrapers, the tranquil park is perfect for outdoor activities, including paddle-boating, and simply chilling out.
Complete tourist guide to Bangkok
A new generation of full mooning
Posted by admin on September 3rd, 2007 filed in Nightlife Thailand, Adventure, Southern Thailand, Thailand travelComment now »
by Sarah Duffy
Koh Pha Ngan, a remote island in the Gulf of Thailand, has been the host of the now-legendary Full Moon Party for well over a decade. From its humble beginnings as a marijuana-smoking hippie’s get-together to its current status as a global party, the island is long accustomed to hosting hedonists.
Each month, thousands of revelers descend on the southern tip of the island in expectation of the party of a lifetime. Just a short hop by boat from neighbouring Samui, Koh Pha Ngan is no longer a place for the intrepid only. Getting here couldn’t be easier, with party-goers having to do little other than follow the herds off the boats and into the back of a pick-up truck, the island’s taxi service.
For the uninitiated, the ride to Had Rin from Thong Sala Pier will likely leave you with white knuckles as the taxi takes on hairpin bends at an astonishing rate. The boosted police presence and check-points on the eve of the event may guarantee you a slower ride and a passport check, if you are lucky. Koh Pha Ngan and Thailand guide
Once you arrive and your head stops spinning from the rollercoaster taxi ride, it is time to find accommodation. Booking ahead is not an option for many of the budget choices which prefer (and have no problem) to let their rooms go on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are looking for something a bit more luxurious than a dog-eared mattress in a makeshift bamboo hut, book well ahead or get here a week early.
Most people like to stay on the eastern side of the cape, where all the action is. The quieter and less appealing western side is just a short walk and acts as an overflow for those who get here late. Of course, opting for no accommodation is a popular choice among those who don’t plan on sleeping, but this is only really a viable option if you plan of hopping on a boat to Samui in the early hours. Accomodation on Koh pha Ngan
Many mooners experience a waning in their party spirits or overindulge too early and find themselves looking for a patch of shrubbery in which to take a mid-party cat nap. Even worse, some fall asleep for the whole night and miss their morning ferry ride. After sunrise, there is more than just litter to clear from the beach, with dozens of passed-out mooners strewn across the sand, making any hope of finding a bed in the early hours slim.
Accommodation is however of little concern to dedicated hedonists, who come here to bar hop all night, splash in the water and throw themselves about on the dance floor, most of which are made from sand.
“We come every year”, says Fredrik from Copenhagen. “The women are beautiful and it is the best party atmosphere in Asia”, the 32-year-old graphic designer adds.
While you may not bump into Leonardo De Caprico, the Full Moon Party is Thailand’s biggest rave event attracting top DJs from Bangkok as well as some dubious international turntable wizards.
But many say the party has passed its sell-by date, now attracting hyperactive youths who have overdosed on Red Bull, not to mention the pumped-up police presence that mingle with ravers looking for anyone up to monkey business. While you will still never be a far cry from a day-glow paint vendor or an amateur fire juggler, the clientele is a distinctly new generation of mooners from the party’s first attendees.
“I first came 10 years ago”, says Richard Burch from Brighton, “the party vibe is still kicking, but things are not as laid-back as they used to be”, he adds.
Party-goes have also reported an increase in bungalow break-ins and incidents of pick-pocketing. Women are advised not to walk back to their accommodation alone at night. A warning of a different sort is also becoming common knowledge: don’t cool off in the water. Once the party gets rocking, the Gulf turns into a giant men’s urinal, with the boys preferring its convenience to using the crowded club toilets.
The Glastonbury-meets-Ibiza-on-a-Thai-island party has come a long way from its humble beginnings, with the new generation of mooners just as likely to have stepped off the plane in Armani jeans as opposed to Thai fisherman pants. The partiers may be a generation on, but the essence of having a good time is still alive and kicking.
