Phi Phi Island, Thailand

The beauty of Phi Phi is a big part of the charm. The islands, as the boat approached, the rise in the sea like a fortress. General for the cliffs, then the way to beach-fronted jungle. E 'was love at first sight. Phi Phi Island is Thailand's island-superstar.

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Laguna Phuket International Marathon 2008

Posted by sue On 19:42 0 comments

A scenic route along some of Phuket’s most spectacular west coast bays makes this an event that attracts runners ready to achieve a personal best.


Some marathons shine brighter than others in this highly competitive field of events. The Laguna Phuket International Marathon is one of them, due its incredibly scenic route along some of the island’s best beaches and on roads that wind through shady rubber plantations.Now in its third year, the marathon will attract as many a 1,500 runners from 40 countries, who will complete in a variety of events, 15 June, including the 42 km marathon, a half marathon, a 10.5 km and 5 km walk.Of course, the fun starts on the evening of the 14 June when runners meet for the traditional pasta party, a carbo loading exercise to prepare them for the demanding races on the following morning. Laguna Phuket’s chef conjures up a mammoth buffet at the hotel, the official headquarters for the event, while Thai musicians and dancers entertain participants. From the participants’ point of view, June is an ideal month to compete in a marathon as monsoon clouds gather over the Andaman Sea providing cover from what would otherwise be a scorching hot day.


This is Phuket’s traditional low season, so the event is billed as a tourism booster that attracts not only the runners, but also family members who travel to Phuket to cheer their kin to victory, or perhaps a personal best.Another factor that benefits runners is the scenic route that takes them initially inland on a country lane to Thalang district and then northwest to Nai Yang beach through rubber plantations. The final section of the marathon takes runners along Layan Beach and south to Laguna Phuket and across the finishing line. Celebrations begin as sponsors and organisers hand out the well deserved accolades and trophies to the winners in a variety of categories.


Runners who finish the marathon in less than four hours receive a certificate.Go Adventure Asia, a Bangkok based professional event organizer with a focus on running and multi-sport events, is organising the event. In addition to managing the Laguna Phuket International Marathon for three years, it is also manages the Laguna Phuket Triathlon.The Laguna Phuket International Marathon has nominated HOPE worldwide (Thailand) as its official charity. HOPE worldwide (Thailand) is dedicated to helping needy children and underprivileged girls in Thailand.


Please Contact:TAT Southern Office: Region 4Tel. 0 7621 1036, 0 7621 2213 Go Adventure AsiaTel. 0 2236 2931, 0 2237 3221Website: www.tat.or.th/festival http://www.phuketmarathon.com/
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Hua Hin Jazz Festival

Posted by sue On 19:12 0 comments
Jazz lovers know exactly where they should be come mid-June. They will be catching an invigorating sea breeze and dining on fresh sea food at Hua Hin’s famous beachside restaurants.But only when they are not soaking up the serious stuff – musical concerts delivering the very best in jazz, compliments of a variety of local and international bands.

Hua Hin shakes off its low season blues, 13 to 14 June, every year for its international jazz festival at sites on the beach and in the centre of this lively resort town that graces Thailand’s western coast of the Gulf of Thailand.Hua Hin is approximately 220 km from Bangkok and is noted for being the country’s first beach resort discovered by royalty and nobility in the post in the 1930s when the only feasible way to reach its golden beaches was by steam train.

Today, it is a popular beach town with more than its far share of five-star hotels. One of the main jazz festival stages is set up close to the Sofitel Central Resort, a heritage property dating back to early 1900s and Marriott Resort and Spa.In all, there are three stages custom-built for the jazz festival on the beach and in the town near the historical railway station and another near Phone Kingpet complex.Of course, the beach venue serves up a winning ambience, as thousands of jazz lovers sit on deck chairs or mats laid out on the sand and enjoy the very best selections of traditional and modern jazz.

The beach venue will feature world-class jazz artists such as the Kenny Garrett Quartet, Mike Stern, Dave Weckl and Chris Minh Doky. Thai singers join international celebrities such as Kop Songsit, T-Bone, Luk Pad Cholanan, Surachai Jantimatorn, Rudklao Amaraditra and Jirasak Panpoom.In town at the railway and shopping complex stages Thai artists such as Viyada Komarakul na Nakhon, B Crescendo, Monotone Group, Calories Blah Blah, Lula, ETC, Doobadoo and Tewan Sapsanyakorn will perform.All performances during the three-day festival are free and continue from 1530 until midnight. No wonder this “Royal Town” is sometimes renamed “Jazz Town” when its streets are packed with music lovers of all ages, who gather to enjoy the best of jazz from both international and Asian musicians. Definitely, this is a festival that adds value for any holiday maker visiting Hua Hin during the 13 to 14 June weekend.

More Information : TAT Central Region Office : Region 2Tel : 0 3247 1005-6Website : http://www.huahinjazzfestival.com/
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Ko Samet : a favorite get-away island for Bangkokians

Posted by sue On 08:42 0 comments

Ko Samet offers extensive pristine beaches with clean white sand and strangely shaped rocks. A haven for relaxation, this T-shaped island is a perfect retreat for those looking for sun, sand and sea. The climate is always pleasantly cool with an abundance of rain in August and windy monsoons in May.

There are a wide range of accommodations on the island with prices at the low-end starting from 200 baht for a bungalow with basic amenities, while bungalows with furniture and air-conditioning may start at the rate of 600 baht. Mid-range hotels and resorts mostly located around the Hat Sai Kaew area are also available. Reservations for accommodations should be made in advance as the place gets crowded especially during the festive season.

Attractions on Ko Samet include:

Hat Sai KaeoOne of the most beautiful and most popular beaches on Koh Samet, Hat Sai Kaew is 1 kilometer long and 25 – 30 meters wide. The name speaks for itself, Hat Sai Kaew, which literally means Crystal Sand Beach, is a nice beach filled with activities. From dusk to dawn, visitors can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, jet skiing, windsurfing, riding on a banana boat or even partying at night.Accommodations provided include bungalows and villas.

Ao Wong DeuanAo Wong Deuan is the second largest beach on the island (the first being Hat Sai Kaew). Ao Wong Deuan attracts tourist groups during both the high and low seasons due to its beautiful white sandy beach and good accommodations. On top of this, good seafood restaurants with nice views are also available.

Ao Noi NaAo Noi Na, which is located near Hat Sai Kaew, has different ambience. It is quieter and therefore more suitable for those looking for a truly relaxing experience on the white, clean sandy beach.


How to get there: Four operators; namely, Nuanthip, Si Ban Phe, Phe Port, and Saphan Pla, around Ban Phe offer shuttle boat services between their ports and the main port of the island. All operators charge a flat rate of 100 baht per person for a round trip or 50 baht for a single journey. Boats can leave anytime when more than 20 passengers are waiting. The service is available around the clock, seven days a week.
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Canoeing, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, and Abseiling in Krabi

Posted by sue On 08:32 0 comments


Apart from its world renowned natural attractions, Krabi is also an ideal place for canoeing, kayaking, rock climbing, and abseiling. Famous spots for canoeing and kayaking include Ko Hong, Ko Karot, Ko Phak Bia, Ko Ku Du, and Tha Len, while Tham Phra Nang and Hat Rai Le have attracted many climbers.



Abseiling has currently become another popular sport in Krabi. Located 35 kilometres off the provincial town, tourists can enjoy kayaking in Ban Tha Len, which abounds with mangrove forests and ghost crabs. Not far from the kayaking spot features Tham Khangkhao or the bat cave with amazing stalactites and stalagmites. Through the cave offers an ideal spot for abseiling, where the panoramic view of Krabi’s sea, offshore islands, and mangrove forests are visible.
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Mu Ko Phi Phi (Phi Phi Islands)

Posted by sue On 08:14 0 comments
Phi Phi Island Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. In addition, the islands are famous as the location where the movie "The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The islands, together with the nearby Noppharat Thara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park.

Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as being among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi Islands have become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thailand. In addition, the islands are famous as the location where the movie "The Beach" featuring Leonardo Di Caprio was shot. The islands, together with the nearby NoppharatThara Beach, a total area of 390 square kilometers, were recently established as a national park.

Phi Phi Islands are located just 40 kilometers away from both Krabi and Phuket. Thus, despite the fact that both Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi administratively are a part of Krabi Province, most tourists think that Ko Phi Phi is part of Phuket Province.

The islands and the coastal hills are composed mainly of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range in Phang-Nga Province. The main characteristics of these mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and dwarf trees growing out of the rock crevices, like those in Phang-Nga Bay.Interesting Attractions of Mu Ko Phi Phi:

The island group is composed of two rocky, tree-covered islets Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Ko Phi Phi Don - covers an area of 28 square kilometres. Outstanding attractions are the twin bays with curving white sandy beaches of Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Da Lam. Ko Phi Phi Pier, accommodation, and restaurants are situated at Ao Ton Sai. Visitors can walk from this bay uphill to the scenic spot where the visibility of the twin bays is generally excellent. Beside Ao Ton Sai, there are also other attractive beaches and bays around the island. A number of accommodation is available at Hat Laem Hin, Hat Yao, and Ao Lo Bakao.

At the northern end of the island is Laem Tong, renowned for its underwater natural beauty with lodging available. A huddle of fisherman’s huts (15 – 20 families) is located here. Most of them have previously migrated from Ko Li Pe of Tarutao National Park, Satun province. A day trip by boat or snorkelling spectacular coral shallows around. Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le is recommended.

Ko Phi Phi Le- Covering an area of only 6.6 square kilometres, this islet is surrounded by limestone mountains and sheer cliffs plunging hundreds of metres to the sea. The sea is 20 metres deep and the deepest point in the south of the island is around 34 metres. Ko Phi Phi Le offers superb scenic bays such as Ao Pi Le, Ao Maya, and Ao Lo Sa Ma. In the northeast of the island is a large cave called Tham Viking. The cave was renamed Tham Phaya Nak or Naga Serpent Cave by His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej because of a stone resembling the mythical creature, which His Majesty saw when he paid a visit here in 1972.

The cave is considered sacred to locals who come here to collect swallow nests. Inside the eastern and southern parts of the cave are ancient rock paintings of elephants and various types of boats, including a European sailboat, an Arabian sailboat, a sampan, a Chinese junk, a waterwheel sailing boat, and a steamboat. It is believed the paintings were the works of sea merchants or pirates because the study of west-to-east ship routes indicates that this area may have been a stopover for boats seeking shelter from storms, transferring cargo or making repairs.

Ao Maya and Ao Lo Sama - Phi Phi Islands scenic coves are favorite snorkeling places while the sea around the islands, especially the southern part, which are deep and full of coral formations are popular diving spots. With its emerald crystal sea, secluded beaches, mountain cliffs, colorful coral reefs and undersea life, Phi Phi is a paradise in the Andaman Sea. The best time to visit Phi Phi Islands is from November to April, when the sea is calm.

Ko Yung- An island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don, has a stone beach on the east and small sandy beaches amid valleys. In addition, the island is teeming with diverse colorful coral reefs. Ko Phai, another island to the north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung, has spectacular beaches in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs comprised mainly of antler corals stretches from the north to the south of the island.

Ko Mai Phai - Ko Mai Phai is north of Ko Phi Phi Don and not far from Ko Yung. Marvellous beaches are in the north and east of the island. The bank of coral reefs with staghorn corals, in particular, stretches from north to south of the island.

How to Get to Ko Phi Phi

It is accessible from both Krabi and Phuket. From Krabi, take the Song Thaeo service (12 baht) from the provincial town of Krabi to Pak Khlong Chilat Pier. From there, ferries depart for Ko Phi Phi twice daily at 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m.

Remarks: Boat fares are subject to change without notice.

Visitors travelling from Phuket can contact tour operators in Phuket’s provincial city for a one-day trip to Ko Phi Phi (boat fares are subject to change without notice, please contact tour operators directly for more details.)

On arrival to Ao Ton Sai in Ko Phi Phi Don, trips to the surrounding islands can be made in a long-tail boat.
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Activities on the Islands of Thailand

Posted by sue On 06:37 0 comments
Thailand offers a once in a lifetime opportunity to enjoy a range of activities that will appeal to everyone, whether you are looking for some outdoor adventure or quiet relaxation. Snorkelling is an ever popular pursuit and with a turquoise ocean, good visibility and outstanding scenery, it is little wonder that Thailand offers some of the most exceptional snorkelling opportunities in the world. Coral Island in particular offers excellent snorkelling.



Those with a love of nature and the outdoors will be fascinated by the ethereal world that exists beneath the surface of the Andaman Sea. Presenting to visitors some of the best dive sites in the world, Thailand is the ideal diving destination, whether you are a beginner needing lessons or a pro looking for some new adventures. Reputedly, the months from December to April are the best to take advantage of Thailand's scuba diving opportunities, and for those looking for some guidance regarding their diving destination, the Phi Phi Islands are a must-see on your diving itinerary. Also world renowned and considered one of the top five dive sites in the world is the Similan Island archipelago - it's a destination that should not be missed!



If you want to get a bit closer to the water, many of the islands offer windsurfing or sea canoeing. For canoeing enthusiasts, an exploration of the Phang Nga Bay should definitely feature, while those wanting to get wet can enjoy a swim from the beach or off the side of their chartered Yacht.



Experience the True ThailandFor the less adventurous, there is also much to please. With a glorious array of beaches, visitors have the opportunity to people-watch on one of the busier island resorts or get away from it all in a secluded cove. If the arts are your thing, then Thailand will fascinate you. Immensely proud of its heritage and history, there are cultural treats around every corner, ensuring that you leave the beautiful islands a little more enchanted than you came.



Thailand is, of course, a haven for shoppers. From handcrafted goods found in market bazaars to designer clothes and accessories straight out of modern air-conditioned malls, the islands offer it all. Sampling the exotic and delectable cuisine is another favourite past-time. But, with so many dynamic fusions and flavours available, it might be a good idea to enjoy some of the more active pursuits in your spare time.



Whatever your activity of choice, chartering a Yacht and exploring the Thai Islands is the ideal way to spend a holiday.




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Island Hopping in Thailand

Posted by sue On 06:29 0 comments
Travellers to Thailand will witness the manifestation of the island charm; incredible and dramatic scenery, white beaches lined with tropical coconut trees, and a crystal clear turquoise ocean. Yet, the bustling islands offer visitors a taste of something a little different; something exotic that they won't find elsewhere. And those that are less well-known possess a rare whiff of a time gone by when life moved more slowly.

Without question, the best way to explore the delights of the Thai Islands is aboard a Chartered Yacht. Allowing travellers not only to enjoy the journey, but also to island hop at will, Yacht Charters ensure that visitors see the best of what Thailand has to offer.

Charter Yacht FlexibilityThe luxury of a Chartered Yacht and the freedom that it affords travellers is unmatched. Cruise ships, often a popular alternative for aspirant seafarers, also provide delightful holidays but with a pre-planned and highly structured itinerary, can prevent spontaneity and will inhibit travellers from seeing lesser known island destinations. The beauty of Yacht Charters is that while it is necessary to have a framework of an itinerary, this is not set in stone, and with the help of the Captain, visitors to Thailand are able to enjoy snorkelling off one pristine island, paddling in the bay of another and sipping cocktails on the beach of a third, all in the same day.

Planning Your ItineraryIt is important to take into consideration some of the activities in which you would like to partake. This will ensure that your destination islands are the best for your activities of choice. Visitors to Thailand usually find many activities to please them and these range from relaxing on the deck of your Charter Yacht with a good book to something a little more active.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lyndi_Lwason
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Water Sports Holidays In Thailand

Posted by sue On 04:36 0 comments
Thailand definitely is the best pick, if you are looking to have fun & adventure packed water sports holidays. You can really have great holiday, beaching, playing beach volleyball & other beach sports, and enjoying numerous water sports activities, such as swimming, rafting, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, and scuba diving in Thailand. Some famous destinations for water sports destinations in Thailand are – Mae Hong Son, Hua Hin, Phuket, Chumpon, Ko Chang, and Koh Tao.

Mae Hong Son, located near the border of Myanmar along the banks of the river Pai, is a wonderful town in the North West Thailand. The town offers you a nice opportunity to enjoy rafting the Pai River. You can join one of the rafting expeditions that are commonly organized in the heart of Mae Hong Son. Mae Hong Son can be accessed by car or bus from Chiang Mai via the Mae Hong Son loop. The town is also served by the Mae Hong Son Airport.



Hua Hin, in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula, some 200 km south of Bangkok, is a celebrated beach resort town in Thailand. It is best known for kitesurfing. You can hire your kitesurfing equipment, have kitesurfing instructions from experts, and enjoy kitesurfing. You can also joint kitesurfing lessons & courses for beginners. You can also enjoy numerous other beach and water sport on the beach resort, with an area around 86.36 km². You can also enjoy swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, and rowing.


Phuket, the largest island and the southern province of Thailand, is best known for its beaches. It is popular destinations for beach & water sports. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, kitesurfing, yachting, windsurfing, wave surfing, rowing, snorkeling, diving, scuba diving, etc. in Phuket. Famous Phuket beaches include Bang Tao, Surin Beach, Laem Singh Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Yai Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Ao Chalong, and Rawai Beach.


Chumphon or Chumpon, the capital of the Chumphon Province at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is a fantastic town in southern Thailand. Located about 463 kilometers away from Bangkok, Chumpon is famous for kitesurfing or kiteboarding, and other water sports activities. You can enjoy numerous beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and rowing. The town can be accessed by bus or by ferries.

Ko Chang, located on the Thai east coast 310 km away from Bangkok near the border to Cambodia in the Gulf of Thailand, is the second largest island of Thailand. It is famous for sailing and scuba diving. However, you can also enjoy several other beach & water sports activities, such as swimming, windsurfing, wave surfing, snorkeling, diving, and rowing in Ko Chang. The island can be accessed by ferries operating from Laem Ngop.

Ko Tao, an island located near the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand, is widely famous for scuba diving. Diving in Ko Tao is easy and full of fun. Often, you have encounters with turtles, stingrays, barracudas, lots of small fish, and reef sharks. The island is a great place for divers. It is a great place to learn diving, as there are hardly any currents. You can also enjoy several other water related activities, such as wake boarding, water skiing, sumo tube, wind surfing, and sailing. Ko Tao can be accessed catching ferries from Surat Thani, or Ko Samui, or Ko Pha Ngan.


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