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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