KO SAMUI: HAT MAENAM, HAT BOPHUT AND HAT BANG RAK

Hat Maenam, Hat Bophut and Hat Bang Rak. These are all located along the north coast, and are ideal places for those who want to get away from it all. Bang Rak is often called “Big Buddha Beach” because of the huge Buddha image at the eastern end of the beach (particularly impressive at sunset.)

KO SAMUI: HAT LAMAI

Also on the east coast, just south of Hat Chaweng, the playful waters of Hat Lamai always attracts surfers, as they run a little deeper than any other beaches in Ko Samui. Behind the beach are several spas where visitors can treat themselves to an herbal sauna, a relaxing Thai massage, or even a mud facial.

KO SAMUI: HAT CHAWENG

Situated on Samui’s east coast, this is the island’s longest and most beautiful beach, a 6-km. strip of powder-soft sand fronted by crystal-clear water. At Hat Chaweng, there is plenty of accommodation, ranging from five-star resorts to simple bamboo bungalows. In the day time, Hat Chaweng is the centre for water sports such as windsurfing and jet-skiing and also a great social scene at night, when the dance clubs pulsate to the latest rhythms.

KO SAMUI

Ko Samui is Thailand’s third largest island at 247 sq. km., and during the last decade it has become one of Southeast Asia’s premier tourist destinations.Samui sits snugly in the Gulf of Thailand, surrounded by other
island gems like Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao, and is located 84 km. east of Surat Thani, the provincial capital on the mainland. With soft sandy beaches shaded by towering palms, delicious fresh seafood and a vibrant nightlife, Samui has a magical formula that seems to cast its spell on everyone. Many visitors are content to laze their days away on the beach, soaking up the sun and cooling off in the turquoise waters, but for action enthusiasts there are plenty of choices like diving and snorkelling, windsurfing and paragliding, beach volleyball, off-road driving, and other similar activities. One of the island’s most appealing features is the loop road, which makes a 50 km. circuit around the island, giving a glimpse of superb beaches on the north, east and west coasts. It runs past sleepy fishing villages and through seas of coconut palms, passing Samui’s most impressive waterfall and tempting turn-offs into the highlands along the way. Other attractions on or near the road include a butterfly garden, a snake show, a monkey training centre, and health spas dedicated to pampering the body.

There is plenty on Samui to keep even the most jaded traveller happy for a week or two, but for anyone spending even a few days here, an opportunity not to be missed is a trip to the emerald islands of the Mu Ko Angthong National Marine Park, which offers another perspective of a tropical paradise.

FLOATING MARTKET

Visit the floating market, a traditional mode of buying and selling that used to be commonly found in any riverside town or city canal. In floating markets, vendors paddle sampans down waterways to sell their products, such as a large variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, local food and desserts. Recommended floating markets are Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi province, Bang Ku Wiang Floating Market in Nonthaburi province, Taling Chan Floating Market in Bangkok, and Tha Kha Floating Market in Samut Songkhram province.

TARAT NUM THA KHA

The Tha Kha Floating Market is where local people meet to exchange theirgoods in the traditional way, at the only remaining site on the Mae Klong River. They agree to meet six days a month, on the 2nd, 7th and 12th days of the warning and the waxing moon. The market comes alive from about 7 am. to early afternoon. By late morning, the river is filled to the brim with boats of all sorts. Some travel from the neighbourhood in the Mae Klong Basin, Ratchaburi and Don Manora. The scene is hectic and fascinating when renowned fruits of Amphawa such as pomelo and lychee are in season.

KLONG MAHA SAWAT: OBSERVING TRADITIONAL AGRICULTURAL LIFESTYLE ON THE WATERFRONT

Klong Maha Sawat was dug at the command of King Mongkut, Rama IV, during 1857-1860, to link: the Naknon Chai Si River with the Chao Phraya River, opening up a route for his pilgrimage to the Great Pagoda, Phra Pathom Chedi, and for planters of sugar cane to transport their produce to sugar factories.

Klong Maha Sawat has largely retained its serene beauty. He lush green plantations and orchards are mirrored in the clear water of the canal. Early in the morning, food can be offered to Buddhist monks in their boats. There may be time to enjoy a stroll on the bank, with a stop for a meal or some snacks at the market by the canal in front of Wat Suwannaram, before taking a boat ride through various agrotourist sites, such as Thassanee Orchid, various fruit orchards, known for delicious pomelo, which can be picked from the trees, or padding in vast rice fields to pick lotus flowers. Visitors can participate in the making of health food such as whole-grain rice crackers, iodized preserved eggs, sun-dried fruits and various snacks and sweetmeats, which serve perfectly as souvenirs for people back home.

TARAT NUM WAT LAM PHAYA

Located at the boat landing of Wat Lam Phaya, Lam Phaya Sub-district, Bang Len District, It comprises food rafts offering rice dishes, noodles, and other dishes as well as desserts, forming over 200 metre line along the canal, supper oriented by boats peddling coffee, food, fruits and vegetables along the rafts. On the bank, there are stalls selling commodities and food, with a traditional Thai massage service, and a display of old farm tools. Boats are available for pleasure ride, as tiny roofed-boats, and rice barges, taking visitors along the canal passing, passing lush rice-fields, lotus fields, fruit orchards, Thai-style houses, old rice mills, marketplaces, and temples where food crumbs can be given to fish such as Wat Bang Phra and Wat Bang Phasi. In winter, open-billed storks can be spotted foraying for food on the waterfront.

TARAT NUM AMPHAWA

This was formerly the most famous floating market in the Mae Klong River some 60 years ago. The simple charms of the area remain intact in the old shop houses on the waterfront, wooden structures with folding doors standing in a long row of almost 500 units, with walkways linking all of them, and bridges across the canal. One can observe the making of wooden umbrellas, sample and buy Chinese sweets and tidbits, including Chinese cakes and buns, and the freshly roasted and ground coffee beans.

WONDERING ON LAND THROUGH WAT DON WAI FLOATING MARKET

Don Wai Markets is known as the center of delicacies of all sorts. Tourists can take the path within the market, lined of both sides by wooden shop-houses offering a wide variety of cooked food, as main dishes, side dishes, dessert and condiments, all available for sampling. The market is filled with visitors at weekends. They crown the path, amid the calls of shop-keepers who put their merchandise on display, with inviting appearance and appealing aroma.

These include renowned duckling in spiced brown sauce at Mr.Nap’s, Mr. O’s and several others, spiced snakehead fishmeal steamed in banana leaf wrappings at Mrs. Prathin’s, and uncountable authentic Thai dishes, delightful snacks to choose from. One can opt for noodles prepared in different styles, including the famous Phat Thai at restaurants on rafts. A wide range of Thai desserts are on offer, including the renowned palm-nut cake of Auntie Khai, and different sweetmeats hased on rice flour, coconut milk, cereal and egg. At the open space of Wat Don Wai, fresh fruits and vegetables are on sale, including young plants and flowers.

 

MUKO SIMILAN MARINE NATIONAL PARK

A group of nine islands set in the Andaman Sea northwest of Phuket, the Similans are renowned for their beauty, both on land and in the surrounding underwater world. Distinctive in their smooth granite rock formations, the islands are studded with inviting sandy beaches; otherwise, there is little to explore on land and the destination is most popular with scuba enthusiasts, the waters here boasting some of the world’s best dive sites.

In addition to remarkable visibility, scuba drivers can expect a fascinatingly varied underwater scene, with coral reefs, huge sea fans and barrel sponges, swim-throughs, cliffs, and stone piles, as well as an abundance of marine life.

Getting There

Public boats and boats for private hire to the Similans depart from Phuket and from Thap Lamu, on the mainland in Phang-nga province. Alternatively, visitors may join one of the organized dive tours that are available from various dive companies on Phuket.

SCUBA DIVING AT THE SIMILAN ISLANDS - PHANG-NGA PROVINCE

The Similan Islands are consistently ranked as one of the world’s top 10 dive sites. The Similan Archipelago consists of nine islands arranged like a pearl necklace from north to south of Phang-Nga province, and it has been a national marine park since the mid-80s. The islands have a rich marine life, consisting of sea fans, barrel sponges, feather stars, and an abundance of reef fish, and spectacular underwater granite rock formation.

ABSEILING AT TAN RATTANA WATERFALL, NAKHON NAYOK PROVINCE

Chuck down at the 4 cliffs, 5 waterfalls of heights between 18 and 70 metres at Tan Rattana Waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, Nakhon Nayok province. However, the main entrance is in Prachin Buri province. This extreme adventure consists of abseiling down rocky cliff-faces and waterfalls. At the first cliff, the height is 70 metres and steep cliff is about 70-90 degrees. The second is 18 metres and steepness is around 70 degrees. The third has a steepness around 90 degrees and the height is 38 metres. The final one, the height is 26 metres and steep cliff is about 90 degrees.

ROCK CLIMBING AT RAI LE BEACH, KRABI PROVINCE

Krabi province in the South has towering limestone crags, crystalline sunlight, brilliant white beaches, and emerald seas. At Rai Le Beach, there are more than rock climbing routes, varying in difficulty from 5a (easy) to 8c (extremely challenging).

TREKKING IN THE HILLS OF CHIANG DAO, CHIANG MAI PROVINCE

Chiang Dao is located to the north of Chiang Mai, on the way to Fang and Tha Ton. Treks to the highest peaks of Doi Chiang Dao will provide you with spectacular sights of stunning mountain scenery. The cool season (December to February) is the best time to visit here since the forests have their own special beauty as the leaves change colour and wild orchids bloom.

WHITEWATER RAFTING AT NAM WA, NAN PROVINCE

The province of Nan, an area steeped in Lanna culture in the north of Thailand, provides many opportunities for whitewater rafting. One of these is on the Lam Nam Wa River in the forests of the Mae Charim National Park. Sections of this river offer challenging grade 3+ rapids with the promise of potential thrills and shivery spills, all in the beautiful scenery of the Mae Charim tropical forest.

ECOTOURIAM: FUN AND ADVENTURE

Ecotourism involves responsible activities in natural areas that conserve the environment and consider the quality of life of the local people. Climate, coral reefs, caves, fishing, beaches, and rainforests, combined with the rich culture of the country, make Thailand the perfect place for the development of ecotourism. Many communities are now hosting tourists at the same time as maintaining their sustainable agricultural practices and conserving their environment.

One type of ecotourism is adventure tourism. Hard adventure tourism combines excitement and a degree of risk in an outdoor setting, frequently demanding physical exertion and skill. Soft adventure tourism involves only a minor element of risk, little physical exertion, and limited skills.

You can hike through the largest areas of protected forest in Southeast Asia, dive at the most dazzling places in the Andaman Sea, observe more than 900 different species of birds, kayak in tranquil lagoons surrounds by limestone cliffs, bicycle through mangroves, or marvel at beautiful orchids. You can rock climb, abseil and explore caves. Experience all of these in unspoilt natural Thailand.

YOUR CHOICE TO THE BEACHES

With a 2,500 km. coastline. Thailand offers such a profusion of sandy beaches, sheltered bays, quiet coves and idyllic islands that the choices for a holiday in the sun are near limitless. From the southern islands of Phuket and Samui, internationally renowned resorts boasting some of the world’s finest beaches and most luxurious accommodation to a fun playground like Pattaya or a classic family retreat such as Hua Hin, you’ll find your kind of beach. Complementing the well-known resorts re beautiful coastal stretches where sheer cliffs, offshore islands, sea caves and marine national parks are simply breathtaking. While if you are looking for seclusion, you also have every opportunity to get off the beaten track and discover pristine beaches as yet unexplored by world travelers. Such topographical variety is marvelously matched by differences in ambience and the style of beach holiday. Each location has its own distinct character, and whether the choice is for an action-packed vacation, a fun-filled party scene, or a lazy escape into a serene tropical paradise, all dreams of the perfect beach are wonderfully fulfilled. What remains constant is the year round sunshine.

EXPRESS BOAT SERVICE

To connect Bangkok with the neighbouring province of Nonthaburi, the express boat service, with fares depending on the colour of the flag on the boat, is provided from the terminal pier near Krung Thep (Bangkok) Bridge. It stops at various piers on both sides of the Chao Phraya River to collect many Bangkokians who take the boat for commuting to and from their places of work.

THE CHAO PHRAYA RIVER AND BANGKOK’S CANALS (KHLONG)

In the nineteenth century, Bangkok’s had a complex network of canals that served as the major arteries of transportation. The population drew upon the river not only for transport but also for accommodation and trade, with stilted houses thronging the riverbanks and foreign ships arriving in Bangkok. Hence, Bangkok was once known as “The Venice of the East”. The river and canals can still be conveniently explored and offer the visitor a glimpse of that waterborne life of yesteryear.