FRESH MARKETS & FLOATING MARKETS

A large number of fresh markets can still be found in the capital. One of the more popular markets, Pak Khlong Talat, more commonly known as the Flower Market, is a fresh market that sells all kinds of produce including flowers, fresh fruit and vegetables. Also visit the floating market, a traditional mode of buying and selling that used to be commonly found in any riverside town or city canal like Bangkok In floating markets, vendors paddle sampans down waterways to sell their produce. Today these floating markets have moved outside of the city. The Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is a 1.5 hour drive from Bangkok and is the country’s most colourful and largest floating market. Other lesser know floating markets are the Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok and the Bang Khu Wiang Floating in Nonthaburi.

GIVING ALMS

Giving alms is a form of merit making where contributions are provided to monks that walk the streets in the early morning seeking donations in the form of food and other useful products from staunch Buddhists. Waking up early in the morning to view this tradition is well worth the effort as this earmarks the typical Thai way of life. If you’re interested in participating, feel free to consult the hotel or guesthouse you are staying in. Hotel staff should be able to tell you where the nearest temples are located and which routes the monks take within the hotel’s vicinity in order to make your offerings.

CULTURE EXPLORATIONS DESTINATION: HOME STAYS & COOKING

For the ultimate cultural experience, nothing beats a home stay. In Bangkok, perhaps one of the best places to experience traditional Thai living is at the award-winning Rose Garden Resort and home to The Thai Village and Cultural Centre. The shows here portray captivating scenes of every life in rural Thailand and provide a vivid introduction to Thai living. The Rose Garden also offers Thai cooking Classes. For a more earthy and homey experience, The Thai House is a good alternative. Both the Rose Garden and The Thai House are also to hold a limited number of guests in their traditional Thai houses therefore advance booking should be made. Other recommended cooking schools are Oriental Thai Cooking School, the Blue Elephant Cooking School and Bai Pai Thai Cooking School. However most hotels do offer Thai Cooking. However, most hotels do offer Thai Cooking classes therefore be sure to check if the hotel you’re booked at offer such courses.

BEST TIME TO HIKE & CAMP

Depending on your interest, visits to the national parks can be awe-inspiring especially during the cool season during November – Febuary when trekkers are rewarded with a view of thick mist. However, if you prefer having stopovers at waterfalls, this is only possible during the rainy season of July-October when the falls are at their most intimidating. There is no bad time to hike or camp even if it’s during the rainy season or the dry season, this is because exhaustion from jungle treks is minimal due to the dense foliage from the tropical rain forests that keep temperatures within parks a cool 30 degrees Celsius and below. However, hiking and camping during the rainy season can be dangerous as areas with waterfalls are susceptible to sudden water swells that pour down the falls. All national parks do have a warning system of sirens and flashing lights to warn hikers and swimmers of this. These warning MUST be heeded and should not be taken lightly as these research on what to do and where. Another great website that must be visited is http://www.umphanghill.com/; where Umphang National Park’s various sights and activities are listed. Other private sector websites worth visiting are http://www.lisulodge.com , www.thaiecotours.com and http://www.wildwatchthailand.com/

HIKING & CAMPING: SOUTHERN THAILAND

Within southern Thailand, national parks are typically more dense with mangrove swamps and wetlands. Here lies Phru To Daeng or Phru Sirindhorn in Narathiwat, which is one of the world’s largest peat swamps. In Khao Chong Wildlife Development and Conservation Promotion Station in Trang, pleasant walking trails through streams and waterfalls are part of the attractions.

HIKKING & CAMPING: NORTHERN THAILAND

Vegetation in the north is less congested when compared to a typical tropical rain forest. Here cool to temperate-weathered vegetation can be found such as the Wat Chan Pine Forest located in Chiang Mai at Wiang Ping. Also located here is Mae Ya Waterfall in Doi Inthanon (Thailand’s highest mountain), dropping more than 25 metres at southern end of the park. Treks to the highest peaks during the cool season will take you to a view of a sea of thick mist and fog. Virtually all peaks in northern Thailand enables viewing of mist however, noteworthy view points for this spectacular sight are Doi Inthanon Natioanl Park, Huai Nam Dang National Park (Kiew Lom View Point), Mae Wong National Park (atop Mokochu Mountain), Phu Chi Fa in Chiang Rai and lots more.

HIKING & CAMPING: WESTERN THAILAND

Thailand’s national parks are well endowed with great waterfalls which are a great stop-over point for trekkers and bikers alike. Among the more famous and fantastic of them are Erawan Falls (probably the country’s most famous waterfall) at Erawan National Park. A noteworthy itinerary is provided by some operators that combine an interesting route to national parks. For instance, cycle or travel by mini van to Phetchburi province from Bangkok, followed by a short sea canoe experience across the bay to get to Sam Roi Yod National Park (which is also accessible by road). Upon arrival to Sam Roi Yod , take a 1.5 hour trek to the Tham Phraya Nakhon, a cave located at the top of the hill. The cave has a large opening which lets in a stream of light upon, Khuha Karuehat – an antique Gazebo constructed by King Rama V.

HIKING & CAMPING: CENTRAL THAILAND

Nature treks in Thailand are as diversified as its 5 different regions. Within central Thailand where Khao Yai National Park is located, vegetation are typically lush tropical forests with a large number of wildlife particularly wild elephants, red bull, gaur and horn bills. Khao Yai offers night time animal watch trekking as well as viewing platforms.

The overwhelming 18-tired Tho Thip waterfall in Kaeng Krachan National Park is also located within the central region and it best visited during the rainy seasons from July to early October. During the cool season between November to January, treks to the highest peaks will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of a sea of thick mist and fog. This can be viewed within Khao Yai National Park at Lonely Peak (Khao Yai’s highest peak).

HOW TO GET START TREKING

Depending on your interest, the national parks offer a great number of activities within the protected areas. To fill your time in the parks, you can go on jungle treks, trekking and wildlife observation, bird watching, mountain biking and river rafting (this includes bamboo rafting and white water rafting). Each national park within Thailand is managed independently therefore it is best to consult a travel company specializing in ecotourism and adventure travel to identify the best itinerary for you. Being in Thailand, jungle treks by elephant back is also an interesting option. Some tour operators also provide interesting treks past tribal communities especially in northern Thailand where visits and home stays within hill tribe families can be arranged. On rare occasions, some travel operators offer rides on ox-carts through small villages in the outskirt of national parks.

TREKING & CAMPING IN THAILAND

Thailand is definitely one of the best place in the world for hiking and camping as there are an abundant number of national parks in the country. It should be stated that Thailand has the largest areas of protected forest areas in Southeast Asia and therefore hikers will find lots to do here. There are almost 50 national parks in Thailand; this number includes marine parks. These parks are managed and run by the national Parks Division of the Royal Forestry Department, and all offer great cottages and guesthouses. For those who prefer to camp out in the wilderness, national parks do allow visitors to pitch tents within specified areas.

Unlike the rest of the country, you will find that the parks are relatively cool all year round with temperatures averaging 30 degree Celsius. In fact, at year’s end (November-December during the cool season) parks can be quite chilly. Of course, being the tropics, these parks are also very humid (humidity here is almost 99%). A constant complaint for campers is that most washing never really dries even in the sunniest days due to the high levels of humidity.

Within Thailand’s national parks are also great waterfalls, which are a great stopover point for trekkers and bikers alike. Among the more famous and fantastic of them are Erawan Falls (probably the country’s most famous waterfall) located in Erawan National Park in western Thailand.

BEST TIME TO CLIMB

The best time to climb is November to mid February. July to October is the rainy season. Although boulders dry quickly, the rains will make your climb really slippery. December to February is a good time to climb however, it is also very crowded as this is the peak season. August is a generally the best time to climb in terms of crowds however, there is still the possibility of rain during this month.

CLIMBING IN SOUTHEAST THAILAND: GULF OF THAILAND

Ko Tao, accessible through Surat Thani at Ko Samui, is a relatively new destination for climbing. Located Northwest of Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao and is the smallest and most isolated of these three islands in the southern end of the Gulf of Thailand. Climbing in Ko Tao is a completely different experience as the rocks here are granite boulders as opposed to Krabi’s overhanging limestone walls. This type of climbing is referred to as “bouldering”. More well known as a dive learning destination, Ko Tao is a destination with more than 40 mapped routes that offer solitude as opposed to the lively atmosphere in the Andaman destinations.

CLIMBING IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

Southern Thailand, Andaman Sea. Despite being more popular and famous for its pristine beaches, southern Thailand is the climbers hang-out. Probably the most famous climbing sites are Rai Ley Beach and Ton Sai in Phra Nang Bay. Both are located in Krabi, Thailand’s most developed and extensive climbing area. With over 500 bolted routes in walking distance, Rai Lay has become one of the world’s top climbing destinations. Over 650 routes have developed since the late 1980’s Routes heree follow limestones crags, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites. Some are accessed by boat while others are approached via a jungle walk or by abseiling above the sea.

Phi Phi Island is another popular rock climbing destination. The majority of climbing here is conducted on Phi Phi Don. It should be noted that Phi Phi is an archipelago of 2 islands, Phi Phi Ley and Phi Phi Don.

Mountain climbing can also be conducted at Khao Sok National Park. Expeditions here are usually a combination of jungle trekking and visits to waterfalls within the park, as well as kayaking or bamboo rafting.

CLIMBING IN THE NORTHERN THAILAND

There are many great rock climbing location close to Chiang Mai. Being a mountainous region, northern Thailand is home to many challenging climbs, some of which have not been officially mapped out. Local knowledge is usually the main guiding reference. San Khampaeng is 45 km from town with more than a 100 climbing routes. The most famous and popular climbing site is called Crazy Horse – a rock formation resembling a horse. Crazy Horse is 80 metres high and leads to an interesting 40 metre cave. A lesser-known climbing site is at Chaiprakan district. Not as challenging as Crazy Horse, the site is home to a 25 metre sheer face in limestone cliffs with roughly 10 routes. Chaiprakarn is a rather scenic and rewarding experience with views of the valley, dropping away 200 metres below. A newer climbing site is located in Chiang Rai at Mae Kok River. Called Corner Climb, it comprises five acres within a 10 minute walk of the river – which can also be viewed from the upper reaches of the rock. Most routes have never been climbed and are limestone rocks. The longest route here is about 200 feet straight up. This climbing site is a minute bicycle ride from downtown Chiang Rai and is also a rather scenic site for climbing

CLIMBING DESTINATION FOR YOUNG IN CENTRAL THAILAND

Chon Buri and Lop Buri province are the leading climbing destinations in the central region. In Chon Buri province, Ko Sichang is one of the last few relatively less commercialized destinations in the coutry. Try the rock spires on the southern point of Had Tham Phang beach as well as some rock cliffs facing Wat Tham Yai Prik. Caves are also a big draw here the biggest being Tham Saowapha, just north of the stairs down to Had Sai Kaew.

Just 2-hours away from Bangkok in Lop Buri is Khao Cheen Lair where some great limestone continues to be the focus of routing activities for Bangkok residents. Khao Jeen Lair is accessed via a temple and is a sacred place of worship. To get to the cliff you actually have to walk through the temple and up to the main face. The abbot has requested that all climbers come and say hello before going up. Furthermore, there is actually a sacred cave in the cliff. They have asked that no-one climb above the scared cave at all; climbing along the sides is allowed. If access is to maintained it is essential that this is observed. The monks here are friendly and welcoming and of course always happy to receive donations and see people making merit

HOW TO START OFF ON A ROCK CLIMBING

To start off on a rock climbing experience is pretty simple, drop by at any gym that offers climbing walls for practice. This will give you a general idea on the sport. While in Thailand, visit some of these facilities to see if this is something you’d like to pursue further. Most places would be able hook you up with or, at least refer you to, reliable rock climbing schools and service operators.

Once you’re more comfortable with the basics, you can then sign-up for outdoor climbing with service operators. Most basic course last up to 3 days after which you will be able to try out the more challenging climbs. Your service operator will be able to give you instructions for appropriate climbs according to your skill. The level of skill required for each climbing site is indicated by standardized grading. Thailand used the French system which is generally accepted as the best sport-route grading method. The reason for using the French grades in Thailand is because the first routes in the country were put up by the French. According to the French system, 4 is considered easy whereas 8b is very difficult.

CLIMBING FOR YOUNG TRAVELER IN THAILAND

Climbing can be a dangerous sport and if you’re a beginner it’s always best to sign up for trips with a service provider who will be able to provider you with trained staff to accompany you on climbs. Even if you’re a seasoned climber, consulting a local means you will be provides with information on the various sites and the level of difficulty. Ti should be noted that most accidents in this sport happen because the climber, not equipment failure, thus making consultations with trained professionals very important.

CLIMBING IN THAILAND

Climbing in Thailand is probably one of the most spectacular activities that you can do. Unlike other rock climbing experiences, climbing in southern Thailand on lime stone surface that are only accessible by sea or, located right smack on the beach. Other good rock climbing locations are in central Thailand and the north. Some of the best locations for rock climbing are in the central region near Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani or in the spectacular limestone mountains that run through Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. On the east coast and easily accessible from Bangkok are sites in Chon Buri. The spectacular coastal cliff of the south, with futher pitches to be found on some of the islands. Surprisingly, rock climbing is not necessarily as arduous as one may think. Granted, being physically fit is a general must, especially upper body strength as you will need to lift your entire body weight with both arms and sometimes just your finger tips. Great climbing can also be experienced through in-door climbing and can be great fun for families.

BIRD WATCHING DESTINATIONS

Central Thailand. Khao Yai National Park is the closest national park to Bangkok and probably the most popular bird watching site in the country. One of the country’s larger parks spanning 3 provinces, it is home to rare species of birds, most notably, all four species of hornbill: the great, wreathed, oriental pied and brown. Another prominent location for bird watching is Kaeng Krachan National Park, home to 250 species of birds include the hornbill and the grey peacock. Nortern Thailand. The north of Thailand is home to 364 species of birds, many of them not seen elsewhere in the country. The best time for bird watching here is from November to February. The best known sites for sightings are Doi Inthanon National Park and Doi Ang Khang. Northeast Thailand. Khao Yai National Park extends into northeast Thailand and a popular destination for bird watching as well as all kinds of nature related activities such as camping trekking ect. Other notable sites in the northeast are Nam Nao National Park and Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary. Southern Thailand. Prominent sites include Sam Roi Yod Natioanl Park, Khao Sok Natioanl Park, Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary and Khao Pra Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary.

BIRD WATCHING: HOW TO GET STARTED?

For novice bird watchers, start your research at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)’s website at http://www.thailandtourism.org/. There are a number of really great websites regarding bird watching in Thailand, the most notable being http://www.friendsofnature93.com/, http://www.thailandbirdwatching.com/ and http://www.naturetrails.homestead.com/. Also visit the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand (BCST) http://www.bcst.or.th/ and Siam Society http://www.siam-society.org/ websites for bird watching expeditions.

BIRD WATCHING IN THAILAND

Bird watching can be an interesting part of your trip if you intend to do some jungle trekking and camping. With 96 National Parks, 48 Wildlife Sanctuaries and a numbers of Non-Hunting areas, Watershed Reserves, Forest Parks and Biosphere Reserves that have been protected by law, Thailand is one of THE foremost destinations for bird watching where different variety of birds can be seen all year round at different points in time. More than 900 species of birds or 10% of the world’s bird species have been recorded in Thailand. Most of the birds found here are shared species and subspecies residing in Thailand and in the plains of Myanmar to the west, Indochina to the east and Malaysia in the southern peninsula. Thailand is also an important area for a wide variety of migrant birds from Northern Eurasia. The majority of birds are found in forested national parks or sanctuaries where they are still fertile enough to support a number of umbrella bird species such as woodpeckers and hornbills. Small birds like jungle babblers, sunbirds, flycatchers and flower-peckers also abound posing sighting challenges for birders. Forest of secondary growth, grassland, lowland water swamp, wetland and coastal areas also support a great variety of interesting open-country and water birds.

BEST TIME FOR SEA CANOEING, RIVER KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTING

Sea canoeing/kayaking is possible all year round however, it is best to avoid the rainy season from June to October. The best time to sea canoe is probably at year’s end during the cool season between November to January when are generally milder. Although April is a good time to sea canoe, this is when temperatures in Thailand are highest and is therefore one of the least recommended periods for this activity. The more adventurous kind of canoeing/rafting, white water rafting, will be covered in the next section.

River Kayaking and Bamboo Rafting is only possible during the rainy seasons when water levels are high. The rainy season runs from June to October. A good reference for canoeing, kayaking and bamboo rafting are http://www.seacanoe.net and http://www.wildwatchthailand.com/

BAMBOO RAFTING IN THE NORTHERN THAILAND

Interesting bamboo rafting experiences can also be found in northern Thailand where the rivers banks are a bit more scenic as the vegetation and forest is not as dense. Local life can be viewed as these rafts quietly meander past local villages. Bamboo rafting is best experienced during the cool season where temperatures. You can also travel to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai by bamboo rafts.

WHAT ARE FLOATELS?

Photo by Aoi

What are floatels? Well, it’s short for floating hotels of course. That’s right, spend a couple of nights in a bamboo hut that is placed atop a bamboo raft on the River Kwai, in the lush tropical forests of Kanchanaburi. Definitely a life-changing experience! Caution: The River Kwai that runs through Kanchanaburi has strong undercurrents therefore jumping off a float into the river is not a good idea. Be sure to consult your tour guide as to which locations are safe for swimming.

CANOE IN WESTERN THAILAND

Canoeing is quite popular in western Thailand in Kanchanaburi where visiters are given the option of traveling to the River Floatels by bamboo rafts or by canoes. Canoeing or bamboo rafting in a river is admittedly much more relaxing as one gets to experience the lush tropical forest where tree canopies shade you from the beating sun. At the end of the trip, be sure to spend at least one night at the many river floatels that are available in Kanchanaburi.

SEA CANOEING DESTINATIONS

Canoeing/kayaking is one way where sea caves can be explored and are typically conducted in southern Thailand, namely in Krabi which is 45 minutes away from Phuket and, Phang-nga bay – well known for spectacular rock formations and sea out-crops. In Ko Samui, most sea canoeing is conducted at the Angthong Marine National Park. Similar to Phuket, the rock formations and caves here are fascinating.

CANOEING/KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTING: HOW TO GET STARTED?

Great canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafting trips should be well researched. Always be sure to sign-up with a travel operator that has experience in conducting such trips. A good indicator of an experienced operator is their knowledge of the various rivers and streams within the country. The best operators for these trips are usually ecotourism or adventure travel companies. To start your research, consult the Tourism Authority of Thailand . The Thailand Ecotourism & Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) is also a great body to consult as it includes listings of reliable member service providers and trip ideas.

CANOEING, KAYAKING AND BAMBOO RAFTS

Canoeing kayaking and bamboo rafts are all great experiences for the adventurous. Canoeing and kayaking can be done in both the open sea and rivers, and are available for rent at most beach destinations. Sea canoeing is an incredibly relaxing activity and is not necessarily difficult. All operators offer a short introductory course for novices before the start of a trip. Why such brief lesson? Because it really is that easy and, not at as exhausting as you may think. For those who are unsure of their skills and stamina and maybe a little worried about being left behind, there is always the option for you to ask for an expert staff paddler to be your partner as kayaks/canoe usually seat 2 persons.

RAFTING IN THAILAND

Ever wish you could explore mysterious caves and mangroves the likes of Robinson Crusoe? Well, sea canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafts are one way you can archive this goal. Close your eyes and imagine you’re paddling past strange and wonderful creatures in dark, damp, haunting caves. Next you discover the sound of crickets and gibbon song as you paddle past mangroves. These are the very special reasons why canoeing/kayaking and bamboo rafting are another MUST DO when you’re in Thailand.

BEST TIME TO DIVE

Gulf of Thailand, Southeast Thailand. Diving can be done almost all round in Ko Samui. However, the best time to dive in the gulf is during April when the chances of running into a whale shark and giant manta rays are greatest – general indicator only as sightings of these creatures are highly unpredictable. The worst time to dive in the Gulf is during November as the waters are more choppy due to the strong winds. Andaman sea, Southwest Thailand. Diving in this area is also relatively all year round however the best time to dive is between November and May when sightings of the elusive giant marine life such as the whale shark and giant manta rays are more likely.

When identifying a dive school or operator, it is always best to check if they are PADI accredited. Diving with non-accredited operators can be risky as they may not include insurance or proper emergency procedures within their packages. To find out more about the dive sites located within Thailand, feel free to consult PADI’s website at http://www.padi.com/ where you will find useful links to diving in Thailand. Also visit http://www.padidiveguides.com/ for a useful list of not only dive sites, but also a list of sea life that can be found, as well as a list of PADI accredited dive schools and operators in Thailand.

DIVE DESTINATION: ANDAMAN SEA, SOUTHWEST THAILAND

The start off point for both diving and snorkelling in Phuket Province in Khao Lak which is some 45 minutes drive from Phuket. The snorkeling here is particularly spectacular as the coral reefs are some of the most colourful around.

The Andaman Sea is admittedly the more dazzling of the two destinations as it holds some of the best coral formations and reefs as well as ocean drops and submerged pinnacles. Within the Andaman area where Phuket is located, popular dive sites are Phang-nga Bay, Krabi, Phi Phi Island, Ko Lanta and the Similan Islands.

At both locations, not only will you have a great time diving, but just exploring the archipelago itself is already an adventure. Diverse in Thailand can expect to see Nurse Sharks, the Hawks Bill Turtle, Anemone Fish (clown Fish), Barracuda, Scorpion fish, Manta Rays, the legendary Whale Shark and a large array of other marine life. Start your dive experience in Thailand and create your own personal memories now!

DIVE DESTINATION: SOUTHERN THAILAND

For the more adventourous, or those diverse with more experience, you can choose to start your dive experiences immediately in Southern Thailand’s beach destinations such as Phuket and Ko Samui. Diving in Phuket and Samui can be highly rewarding as the majestic Giant Manta Rays and Whale Shark visit the waters of both islands.

Apart from the great sea life, for those qualified deep sea diverse, wrecks and rock formations abound at both destinations abound and warrant as many as 5 dives to fully explore any one site. There is just so much to see and perhaps the first day is spent in awe of the site itself that not so much exploration is done.

Diving and snorkeling in Southern Thailand is a joy as the waters are still pristine and the sea life plentiful. It must be noted that the Gulf of Thailand’s waters are usually not as clear as the Andaman Sea due to the high amount of plankton in the waters. Despite this, divers dive at both destinations as the experience at either destinations are just incomparable and definitely worth the effort.

In the Gulf of Thailand, Ko Samui in Surat Thani is the launching pad for divers and snorkellers alike. Popular dive sites within this area are the many smaller islands off Samui such as Ko Pha-ngan, Ko-Tao and Chumphon.

DIVE DESTINATION (1)

Eastern Thailand (Gulf of Thailand) Within Chon Buri is the beach resort town of Pattaya, Thailand’s premier modern dive destination for wreck and technical diving with diving activities planned by the dive community there all year round. Off the shores of Pattaya are scatterings of small islands which can be explored, in combination with dive trips. In particular, close to Pattaya is Ko Chang (Chang Island), Thailand’s second largest island and, at the moment, relatively uncommercialised with an abundance of natural underwater treasures that are yet to be discovered. That’s just how new it is as a dive site, although popularity of Ko Chang is growing. (Photo from TAT)

DIVING & SNORKELING: HOW TO GET START?

Diving is a great experience and should be tried by everyone at least once in their life-time. And…it’s not as scary or complicated as you would think. By the way, it’s also not as cumbersome as you would think. Granted the number of equipment for drivers are many however, once you’re in the water, rest assured you’ll not feel weighed down. I suppose you could compare divers to sea turtles. Sea turtles seem cumbersome and walk really slowly on land. But have you seen a sea turtle swim? They literally cut through the waters and zip past you so quickly you may not realize its that same cumbersome turtle you’ve seen on land. That’s how diving is. Once you’re in the water, you’ll be comparable to the most agile and elegant sea creatures . Diving is a great sport to learn and/or practice in Thailand as dive packages are fairly priced when compared to other destinations around the world. The dive schools in Thailand are also among the best in the world. To be assured that you receive the best learning experience and are assured of safety, always sign-up with dive school and operators that are certified by PADI. To get started, consider signing up for a package at a dive school in Bangkok where you are trained in friendly dive tanks and/or pools. Once you’ve grasped the basics and have gained confidence, these Bangkok schools will take you to close by dive destinations in the Gulf of Thailand (eastern Thailand) in Chon Buri to familiarizes you with actual ocean dives. Upon completing this basic course, you can then join the open sea diving course which will take you to deeper waters that could lead to one of the most enriching experience of your life. The more experience you have n diving the deeper and longer your dives can be. For the more adventurous who just can’t wait to hit ocean waters, you can opt to sign-up for diving lessons that starts you off immediately in the following dive destinations.

SNORKELING IN THAILAND

Friendly snorkeling trips and basic lessons are available throughout Phuket, Ko Samui, Pattaya, and all other beach destination in Thailand and, are usually combined with great sea kayaking experiences and picnics on isolated islands and marine national parks. Basically, wherever there are small islands, you can bet that there is a tour company that will be able to take you on about ride to visit them as well as recommend great snorkeling sites. Snorkeling is a great activity for those who have younger children accompanying the group as the risk of an accident is almost non-existent. Moreover, all trip operators do offer life vests for those who are not strong swimmers. In fact, because of the life vests, those who cannot swim have found that snorkeling can be enjoyed.

DIVING IN THAILAND

Swim alongside the world’s largest fish – the Whale Shark and be awed by the haunting underwater flight of the Giant Manta Ray! This is what you can expect in the waters of the Andaman Sea located in the Southwest and, the Gulf of Thailand in the Southeast of Thailand. In case you didn’t already know it, Thailand is THE diving school destination for rookies. Why? Mainly because the Gulf of Thailand has relatively calm waters and good visibility all year round as well as unbeatable dive packages. Most dive operators also incorporate interesting activities for a dive package to make your trip even more interesting, combining them with sight-seeing tours. For instance, when in Phuket, dive packages often include a visit to the pearl cultivation island, Ko Naga. Underwater cave exploration is also a great option for the more seasoned diver. For those who prefer exclusivity, live aboard dive and snorkelling trips are also available. You may consult your dive operator for more information on prices and options for live-aboards and exclusive dive trips.