KO CHANG

This island’s status on the world’s tourism barometer has risen a few degrees in recent years because of its stunning natural beauty, and the fact that its once-rickety infrastructure has been solidified. More than 70 percent of the mountainous island is still covered in untouched rainforest, and there are many secluded beaches, complete with that vital tropical isle trinity of white sand, palm trees, and warm blue water, where you can really get away from it all and leave your troubles on the mainland.

Ko Chang, or Elephant Island, is part of the Mu Ko Chang National Park. This national park is comprised of an archipelago of 52 islands, of which Ko Chang is the largest. Wealthy with greenery, wildlife, and marine creatures, its most scenic beaches are located along its western flank. Moving from north to south, the beaches are generally more secluded, less crowded and pricey, with the aforementioned Diamond Sand towards the northern tip, and Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae, in the middle. Further south is a lively backpacker’s enclave at Lonely Beach, or Hat Tha Nam, where you can stay in a tree house.

Other than swimming and sunbathing, the island offers inland adventures such as rainforest trekking. Many of the bungalow operations around Hat Sai Khao and Hat Kai Bae have kayaks, boogie boards and mountain bikes for rent. Booking a day trip, or an overnighter, to nearby islands is another attractive option.

KO SAMET

Located within the Khao Laem Ya-Mu Ko Samet National Park and 6.5 km. off the mainland, the island of Ko Samet, covering 6.72 sq. km., is Rayong’s most popular destination. Blessed with lovely scenery and beaches, it is easily accessible, while there is a considerable range of accommodation available. Triangular-shaped, most of the land area is forested with beaches

dotting intermittently on the north and east sides of the island. The south side tapers into the sea with small isles of rocky formations offshore serving as a habitat and egg-laying grounds for seagulls. There are daily ferries to Ko Samet from 6.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and the trip takes about 30 minutes. Contact the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department

Tel:0 2562 0760 Website: http://www.dnp.go.th/

RAYONG BEACHES

Explore beyond Pattaya and discover the quieter shores of the East Coast. From a traditional provincial capital to the charm of beaches, coves and offshore islands. The province of Rayong, covering 3,552 sq. km., is situated on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, the provincial capital located 179 km. from Bangkok. Less developed than the Pattaya area, it combines an attractive 100-km. coastline, with beaches and offshore islands, and a green fertile interior. Rayong town has a few attractions, while the most famous destination is the island of Ko Samet, although beaches along the mainland coastline are becoming increasingly popular.

PATTAYA BEACH

A famed international playground in the sun where the action is non-stop. Enjoy yourself to the max in a dazzling kaleidoscope of sports and entertainment. Pattaya is a phenomenon. Once a tiny fishing village, it has developed into a renowned international playground. Colourful and alive with activities, it is unrivalled as a beach resort, offering more attractions in greater profusion than any other single destination in Southeast Asia.

Located just 150 km. southeast of Bangkok and facing a wide bay and a long majestic sweep of beach, Pattaya has been groomed for international visitors over more than three decades, and today it boasts the unique distinction of a beach resort with a city status. This near paradoxical situation holds the key to Pattaya’s rare attraction - it has something for everyone. Whereas most other beach resorts rely simply on natural surroundings for their charm, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything in an exhaustive mix of facilities. To the basic ingredient of a superb coastal location, it adds just about every other amenity one can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing and fun. The main beach at Pattaya, Amphoe Bang Lamung, is a majestic 3-km. curve fronted by a road shaded with refreshing tropical greenery. The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil and is the favoured spot for tourists for swimming, relaxation, and various water sports. The central and southern parts of the beach are packed with hotels, restaurants, department stores, gift shops, nightclubs and various amusement centres.