Koh Phi Phi

travel in Koh Ngai

2008-08-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

Eightband butterflyfish - Koh Ngai Island, Thailand

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Visit ko knai in south thailand ko knai stand at Trang province

Phuket Hotels Are Just Right For A Business Trip

2008-06-17T21:21:00.001-07:00

Phuket is a paradise for most tourists and business travelers who go to this beautiful Thai destination. Although most people think that this island just caters to leisure travelers, it is not so. It also caters to thousands of business visitors who come each year to invest in Phuket.

Taking into account that most businessmen and entrepreneurs come to Phuket to invest in real estate or other businesses, Phuket hotels are well equipped to handle all the requirements that may arise on a business trip. There are many types of accommodation ranging from luxurious to cheap with convenient business facilities that business travelers can take advantage of.

Most 5-star, 4-star and 3-star hotels in Phuket have good conference facilities with a conference hall, internet access, business center, currency exchange, audio-visual equipment, and meeting room. Some of the high-end hotels have LCD screens along with screen projectors, slide projectors, micro-phones, overhead projectors and movie projectors. You can easily select the hotel based on your needs to conduct a fruitful business meeting.

Some important business hotels in Phuket are as follows:

• Trisara
• Aleenta Resort and Spa
• Villa Zolitude
• Amanpuri
• Villa Salika
• Sri Panwa
• Bundarika Villa Resort

Some hotels in Phuket have dedicated executive floors with internet facilities, data ports and 24-hour room service. Many hotels also have banquet facility and you can make use of it if the need arises. As a business traveler in Phuket, you can be sure of getting quality service and assistance to meet all your business requirements.

Restaurants in Phuket - Where to Eat on Thailand's Top Island

2008-06-17T21:08:00.000-07:00

If you're planning a trip to Phuket, Thailand, you'll most likely be looking for information about two things: nightlife and restaurants. As one of Thailand's most popular destination, the restaurants in Phuket have a lot to offer. However, if you're only visiting Phuket for a fleeting visit, you won't have the time to weed out the good from the bad.

Thai restaurants in Phuket are everywhere. There is less of the street food than you might find in Bangkok, but there are countless small restaurants where you can eat like a king for a couple of bucks. With its close proximity to the sea, there are a large number of seafood restaurants in Phuket. The Thais have a knack for concocting some of the most amazing seafood dishes around.

Italian restaurants in Phuket are seemingly everywhere, but the quality of the food is usually a bit hit and miss. Furthermore, a lot of the Thai restaurants that also serve Italian food create such bizarre dishes as pasta with ketchup. If you've never had pizza with ketchup, you'll be in for an experience, too. Breaking the mold are a few places in Phuket City.

Some of the best restaurants in Phuket can be found at the high-end resorts. While they are expensive, if you want incredible Western or Japanese dishes, you often have to pay for the privilege. Some of the luxury resorts in Mai Khao play host to some fine restaurants.

There are far too many Indian restaurants in Phuket, most of which are located in Patong. Patong is expensive and the focus is on mass tourism. As a result, the food is often substandard. If you want to eat Indian food in Phuket, you'd be better off checking out places in Phuket Town.

Enjoy Vacation at Phuket

2008-06-17T21:02:00.000-07:00

Lady-boys in Phuket, Thailand

If you come to Phuket, your itinerary will surely include the famous side shows by those Katoey's or lady-boys. Be ready for a rich sensory experience and a time of enjoyment as they go all out to please the weary customers and patrons or tourists. It is not just about making a living, it is about a way of life. It is not a sleazy existence but a means of maintaining a lifestyle as a lady-boy they would not be able to in their own native village. They wear very revealing dresses showing their ample silicone emphasized breasts while they sing and dance in their performances. Their perfect measurements and their beauty makes them the envy of many real women.

The men and the women watch transfixed as they go about their routines. In Malaysia, they are known as Maknyah's or the derogatory term 'pondan' or 'she-males' in the West.

It is sometimes difficult to discern who is real or who isn't. Some of them are indeed beautiful. I believe God in his immense mercy is giving them a chance to live a life they should have been given since birth. They are obviously more ladies than men. Transsexuals or trans-gender are those who think they are a woman born in a man's body, while a transvestite is a man who likes to dress up like a woman.

In Thailand, being a lady-boy is less derogatory for example than in the west. They are accepted by society as the third sex and are not openly discriminated against. Many Thais have a slight stature, sport smaller bodies like a woman and quite hairless. Boobs are easier to fix but a sex change operation is more complicated, and expensive. My heart really goes out for them as they undergo it to reach their quest of being a real woman. Injection of female Hormones are also part of the routine they have to undergo.

One of the country's most famous lady-boys is Nong Toom, who went from champion Thai kick boxer to being a transsexual. A movie, Saitree Lex, was made about the true story of a lady-boy volleyball team known as the 'Iron Ladies' won the national championships in 1996 against the odds.

Oahu Condos In the Sun-Warmed Sand

2008-06-17T01:04:00.001-07:00

Sun-warmed sand and clear azure blue waters greet visitors to the Hawaiian islands and many vacationers prefer the opportunity to reserve their stay in Hawaii condos as opposed to hotels. Location and amenities are what drives people to condos, especially those close to beaches, shopping and dining.

One of the most famous beaches in Hawaii is Waikiki Beach located on the southern end of Oahu, known as the “gathering place” and Hawaii condos for rent can offer a proximity to this beach that many others cannot. With Diamond Head as a backdrop and the blue Pacific Ocean waving a warm greeting, visitors can find themselves leaving their room and walking in the sand.

Not everyone wants to get behind the wheel of a car while vacationing in condos in Oahu and being within easy walking distance to the beach, shopping and numerous restaurants can make Hawaii condos for rent an ideal place to spend some quality time with family and loved ones. Removing the stress of “getting there” can make your vacation stay much more relaxing and enjoyable.

While many people dream about a vacation in Hawaii others are making it a reality. Vacationing in Hawaii condos also gives you a fleeting feeling of ownership as you will have a “home” to which to return at the end of the day. Whether visiting many historical areas or enjoying the lifestyle of the south Pacific, your stay can be more enjoyable in Hawaii condos.

Finding Hawaii condos for rent does not need to be a tiring event, but insuring they have what you are looking for can be an important endeavor. You will want Hawaii condos that are in close proximity to the beach as well as to sightseeing opportunities. Restaurants offering diverse foods and shopping centers for the necessary souvenirs to take home should also be within walking distance of Hawaii condos for rent.

Get Married In A Romantic Island

2008-06-17T01:01:00.000-07:00

Hawaii might be one of the most romantic places worldwide to get married. The mild temperatures and sunny skies, the amazing natural landscapes and the mysticism of the ocean get together to create the perfect scenario.

You can choose from an extended list of planning options, from the simplest wedding to the most glamorous one. You can wear formal clothes or just go in your bathing suits, board shorts, and flip flops.

Once you get married, you can obtain a state license to legitimize your union. You must choose a person licensed in the state of Hawaii to perform your ceremony. You will sign the document in presence of a witness, and the official license will be send to you later by mail.

Although same sex unions are not recognized by the state, in Hawaii reciprocal benefit laws allow same sex couples to receive certain rights and benefits only reserved to different-gender married couples. Gay unions are not legalize yet, but at Hawaii you can celebrate a spiritual reunion with a personal commitment ceremony.

If you are planning to get married and you always dreamed with a different and original wedding, Hawaii is the perfect places to celebrate unforgettable weddings. Hawaii offers a place to get married plus you honey moon destiny, and you can capture those moments forever with one of the numerous wedding photographers you can choose at the islands. Get married in the sunny beaches of Hawaii or do it on a sunset cruise, and always with the perfect climate, not too cold, not too hot, but just right. Any island you choose to celebrate your marriage in Hawaii: Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Molokai or the Big Island, you are assure to have the most romantic and unforgettable wedding you'll ever imagine.

Why Most Hotels Won't Rent Rooms At Low-Ball Prices

2008-06-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

There is a belief among some people that hotels and motels will reduce rates at the last minute to near break-even point just to avoid having a vacant room. I have been asked many times if I couldn't rent a room at a low-ball rate since: "it is late and the room will go vacant otherwise". A recent blog post I found regarding finding the cheapest rate at a hotel shared this view: "So it better for them to (have) the room occupied even at a much reduced rate than to have it go empty."

Nothing could be further from the truth in reality and here's why.

Firstly, there is the issue of wear and tear on the room. Constant turnover requires towels, sheets, carpets, bedspreads, even the walls to experience tremendous wear and tear. TV's, A/C units, plumbing fixtures all wear out with use. Beds need to be replaced more often; furniture gets nicked up and needs replacement or re-finishing sooner.

If you are renting rooms at a reasonable profit, you assume all this going in of course and then it is a wonderful 'problem' to have. But if you rented rooms at low, low prices where profit was a wish or a dream only, you would find yourself in the position of properties that aren't kept up. The condition of the property causes people to not come back, their reviews say to stay away and soon you CAN'T charge a decent rate because no one will pay more just to receive less. So you begin to slowly circle the drain.

There is something called building in value in a guest's mind. The perceived 'worth' or value of the property is lowered as rates drop and over time, guests won't value your property enough to pay the amount you need to stay in business. One result (other than avoiding you altogether) is they might wait to book a reservation to see if the rate drops. Or they show up at the last minute asking for a huge discount.

Somewhat similar to what happened to the Department Store industry - once they stopped having sales only three times a year and started having them twice a month, no one bothered to shop until sales were announced. Hotels are not about to try that model out. A hotel that recognizes its worth will allow a guest who wants a room at too low a price to just walk away and leave the room vacant.

At some point, it is simply better to let the room 'breathe' for a night or two than constantly be rented out and require new TV's or beds that much sooner. And when the cost of cleaning the room, washing and drying linens and adding in the wear and tear factor nearly matches the rate some people offer, it simply isn't worth it economically, not even for the cheap motels.

Franchise Hotel Sales

2008-06-05T20:56:00.000-07:00

The hotel business has numerous franchise offers. With the hotel industry gaining prominence, more and more franchise offers are always coming up. You will find various franchise hotel offers if you are searching on the web. Leading hotels have started offering franchise offers with a view to attracting more and more business entrepreneurs. Hotels offer franchises basically to expand their business. However, you have to careful while opting for hotel franchise offers.

It’s advisable to check out the economic viability of the hotels.

You need to ensure that the hotel has got a proven track record. You should go for the franchise hotel offer only when you are confident that the hotel is making a profit. Nobody wants to franchise any business establishment that is losing money. The economic viability of any company will definitely have a direct bearing on its franchises. That’s why, for any budding business entrepreneur, it’s wise to have all the relevant information on the hotel.

If possible, you can also get the help of any franchise expert or legal advisor. They have the experience and expertise to show you the way to go about it. Not only that, they will help you understand the terms and condition of any hotel franchise offer. If you want to be your own boss and run your own business, going for any leading hotel franchise offer is the best option.

The hotel industry is constantly making improvements. Owners all the time look for proficient human resources to service their growing clientele. That’s why the value of franchise hotel sales offers is on the rise. But you should adopt a cautious approach while assessing hotel franchise offers. Your future business career depends on it. You can’t afford to take chances.

Patong And Karon Beach, The Hearts Of Phuket

2008-06-05T20:54:00.002-07:00

Thailand, Siam, The land of smiles, situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, with a highly inspiring culture and something for everyone has made it a very appreciated tourist attraction for decades. From Bangkok with its rich heritage of ancient architecture merged with today's traffic jams and skyscrapers to the green paradise-like tropical islands in the south and the rolling hills and fertile valleys of the north, Thailand will be the most exciting and magical adventure which you'll never forget.

Located 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Patong Beach is the most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment.

It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing. On the hills behind Patong you will find Phuket villa rentals which rank amongst the best in the world. The rich and famous from all of the world come here to enjoy the stunning beaches and sample the vibrant nightlight which Patong is famous for.

Also popular is Karon beach, located south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach's signature that drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach.

During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road. Again, luxury Phuket villas are dotted along this beautiful stretch of coast, offering great accessibility to Phukets attractions.

Thailand constantly is winning awards for its tourism infrastructure, recently The Swedish travel publication, Travel News, recently presented the annual Grand Travel Award - the equivalent of the travel and tourism industry's 'Oscars' - for the fifteenth consecutive year.

Thailand ranked first in the "World's Best Tourist Country" category, making this the fifth consecutive year that Thailand has won the Swedish Grand Travel Award. The other top ten travel destinations deemed to be popular with Swedish travelers include South Africa, the United States, Italy, China, Greece, Denmark, Spain, France and Croatia. Other awards include Asia's very own award-winning luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, DestinAsian, awarding Bangkok with 'Best Leisure DestinAsian City' and The Oriental Bangkok won the DestinAsian 'Best Hotel, Bangkok' award.

From Bangkok, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury villas for rent. Stunning locations are within hours of the capitol making weekend breaks very popular these days, High flying professionals can fly in from Hong Kong and be relaxing beside their private pool a their Thailand villa in no time, and enjoying the Thai pace of life.

Phuket Hotels - Every Traveler's Fanciful Residence

2008-06-05T20:54:00.001-07:00

If every now and then, you find your imagination stretching to the prospect of going to the outstanding beaches reclining over the Phuket Island, then our suggestion to you is that you must make it a point to check out everything out there in your about-to-happen visits to Phuket. Now, if you are planning to give heed to our suggestion, then you also must give consideration to the multifarious hotels in Phuket.

These hotels provide you with the ease of resting beside their swimming pools and at other times, they surprise you with their prodigious and attractive views. You are bound to like their amenities and more than that you will be entrenched by the overall scenario that consummately expounds these Phuket Hotels.

Beefing up the list of Phuket Hotels, Kata Beach has a remarkable variety to offer that quite sufficiently justifies your comfort demands. On this beach, you are likely to get gripped by the Mom Tri s Villa Royale that is marked by nice ocean surrounding lying across the proximity. This resort has distinguishing suites that in a very nice way are supplemented by the services matching your wish.

If your quest is for a great resort, which is not remote from the Phuket Airport and whose closeness with Karon and Patong Beach can be said to be ideal for you, then yes, it's none other than the Peach Blossom Resort. However, for those who are a bit finicky about the whole décor of a resort or a hotel, there exists The Aspasia Phuket that can tickle your fancy through its entire construction in Mayan pattern.

In addition to the noteworthy resorts mentioned above, you have more accommodation in the form of cheap hotels in Phuket that are really comfy and being close to your expectations, they don't burn a hole in your pocket. You have the Anchalee Inn that can really delight you by its connectivity to those nearby areas, where the bustle of nightlife and the rush of excited shoppers is enough to make it significantly popular.

Accommodations like Baan Suay and Karon Living Room Hotel occupy the list that creates an appropriate match with what you think as fit according to your budget. You can also go for Blue Sky Residence or the At Panta Phuket, which accompany those hotels in Phuket that in no way lie below the luxuries of an enthralling five-star accommodation.

Offering a nice reason for why you must stretch your stay in Phuket are the multiple restaurants, which quite singularly appear to be great hangouts for travelers who like to try out Thai food. Restaurants like Capannina complementing the Kata Beach or the La Casa Restaurant drawing foodies to the Patong Beach act like attractions that everyone in Phuket feel like going to. Therefore, along with Hotels in Phuket, you should watch out the well-known hangouts and sights that grace Phuket.

Cheap Rome Accommodations

2008-06-05T20:32:00.000-07:00

Hotel Zone is a 3 star hotel with a great location. It is close to the many attractions that the city of Rome has to offer. This comfortable hotel is close to the business district, the Olympic Stadium, a shopping center and numerous bus stops. Prices start from about $60.

Hotel Augustus is housed in an upper-class palace of the nineteenth century, which has been recently renovated to a comfortable hotel. This stylish 3 star hotel fits aptly with its elite surrounds. Antique furnishings, costly fabrics and golden stuccos create a different feel, which is luxurious and intimate at the same time. One can also enjoy the comfortable lounge after a day of sightseeing in the city. The price starts from about $65.

Hotel Galles was actually a prestigious noble dwelling that was built in 1902. It transformed into a hotel in 1968. The 3 star hotel is ideal for business travelers, and offers two meeting rooms in the old British style. It is also close to the Termini Station in the center of Rome. Prices start from about $70.

Hotel Planet is a 2 star hotel situated in the historical center of Italy’s capital. It is close to the bus terminal and the main railway station (Termini). Hotel Planet is the ultimate base for a tourist due to its location. Tourist attractions can be reached in a few minutes from the hotel. Prices start from $70.

Other cheap hotels in Rome are Hotel Giada; Hotel Luciani; Hotel Delle Muse; Torre Rossa Park Hotel; Hotel Santa Prassede; and Hotel Gabriella.

Will Your Hotel Have the Facilities You Expect?

2008-06-03T23:05:00.001-07:00

Search for the hotel

So you’ve almost completed a search for your hotel where you want to stay. You have compared the price and location of each hotel, and have narrowed it down to two or three hotels. Now, how do you decide which one to choose?

Choosing your hotel

Each person has their own needs, desires and expectations from a hotel. You will want to choose the hotel that offers the most value. By comparing the facilities available at each hotel you can make an informed decision as to which hotel offers the most value relevant to your needs.

Choose the facilities that are right for your needs

A simple way to do this is to compare the facilities of each hotel side by side. Here you need to compare hotels by the facilities that you value most. Does the hotel have a swimming pool? Will there be a restaurant in the hotel? Is there parking facilities for my car? Are there conference facilities for my business meeting? Is there a safe children’s play area for my kids?

Book your hotel

Once you have chosen the hotel you can then make the hotel reservation online. This process will ensure you can rest easy knowing that the hotel provides the facilities you need to really enjoy your stay.

A Taste of Paradise at the Beach Resort in Patong!

2008-06-03T23:03:00.000-07:00

Have you always dreamed of spending a unique holiday in an exotic location? Do you picture yourself sitting on the beach, enjoying the wonderful crystal clear water? If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then you might be interested to discover the beauty of the beach resorts in Patong. A little corner of paradise situated in Phuket, this amazing beach resort offers everything you could wish for and even more.

Try to picture a place where tropical gardens, wonderful beaches and numerous entertainment opportunities come together. We are talking about the beach resort in Patong, the place where hundreds of thousands of tourists arrive every year to relax and discover more of Thailand.

Apart from comfortable accommodations ranging from THB 600 and up depending on the season (around US$ 18), tourists are attracted by the entertainments available. Here you can watch Thailand's Elvis Presley singing, enjoy lots of bars and a wide variety of restaurants, massage places, enjoy the beach and the activities such as para-sailing, jet-skiing, shopping and fitness centers. In terms of sports, one can also take up golfing at one of the many sports clubs in Phuket with a short drive away. Patong beach has something for everyone. There are also sports bars in case you want to play pool and watch your favorite soccer team. As you can certainly see, there is no other holiday destination more interesting and exciting than the beach resort in Patong.

Patong beach is especially very popular among European tourists. There are numerous of hotels and resorts located in Patong beach. However, although there is plenty of accommodation, you should make sure to make bookings far in advance as this place is packed during the high season, which last from November-April. Compared to the other beach resorts on the island, the beach resort in Patong is the island's oldest and most developed area. Here you definitely can find western restaurants such as KFC, Mc Donalds and coffee shops such as Starbucks etc. If you want to learn more about the history of Phuket, we recommend to check out the Thalang National Museum, which was established 1985.

Patong has certainly a lot to offer, being today a very popular holiday destination. If you don't like a big crowd then you should consider staying at some of the more quieter beaches like Karon or Kata beach. There are plenty of activities offered and the finest accommodations all over the place ranging from budget hotels to 5 star resorts. At Horizon Patong Beach Resort & Spa, you can take advantage of cool discounts, staying for 7 days and paying for 6 at. This beach hotel also includes special offers for honeymooners, with welcome drinks, fruits baskets and flowers. What more could one wish for?

Luxury Hotels In Phuket - Oasis Of Peace And Comfort

2008-06-03T22:59:00.002-07:00

Phuket is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Phuket is well known for its lovely beaches and is easily accessible by airways, road or sea. For lodging purposes, there are numerous hotels and resorts in Phuket. The luxury hotels in Phuket offer great staying experience coupled with quality facilities and services. Phuket include plenty of beautiful beaches and bars, where travelers can rest and relax. The luxury hotels in Phuket feature an extensive range of amenities and leisure facilities for a memorable staying experience.

The Phuket hotels offer great luxurious retreats away from regular humdrum of city life. Enjoy peaceful stay in any of the Phuket luxury hotels to make your vacation an unforgettable experience. Many of these deluxe hotels provide special packages with lots of added extras such as free airport transfers, mouth-watering buffet breakfast, magnificent spa treatments and romantic candlelit dinners. So just book a room at any of the stylish luxury Phuket accommodation to get a grand treatment by the friendly staffs.

One of the best luxury hotels of Phuket is the Ayara Hilltops. This lovely boutique resort hotel is set next to the splendid Surin Hill. The resort offers all kinds of quality facilities and services to make you happy and feel comfortable. Burasari Resort is another popular luxury resort in the region. The Burasari Resort in Phuket speaks high of elegance and luxury. Located in the midst of tropical lush garden, this fine resort features modern amenities and services.

Trisara Phuket Resort is one of the top-class luxury accommodation options in Thailand. Trisara Resort is a beautifully maintained property overlooking the Andaman Sea. The resort offers all kinds of amenities that visitors need to enjoy their privacy and comfort. For the book lovers, Trisara features a large classically designed library, with hundreds of books, DVD's and CD's. Travelers will have a great dining experience in the resort's fine restaurant. The stunning location, coupled with cordial and friendly hospitality of the staff will make your stay in Trisara Phuket Resort a moment to cherish.

Speaking of luxury accommodation in Phuket instantly brings in the name of JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa. This elegantly built and designed resort and spa is like an oasis of peace and comfort to travelers. The resort has won many prestigious awards for successfully catering to diverse needs of its guests. The JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is located on the famous Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, with easy access to all means of transportation.

Another luxurious hotel of Phuket is the Novotel Phuket Resort. The resort offers first-class accommodations, with a wide range of exquisite facilities and services. In addition, there are several other world-class luxury hotels and resorts in the region like Movenpick Resort & Spa, Banyan Tree Laguna Phuket and Mom Tri's Villa Royale.

Beaches of Phuket

2008-06-03T22:59:00.001-07:00

Phuket is a tropical Thai holiday island and is one of the premier travel destinations in the world. The beaches of Phuket are well known for their white sandy beaches lined with gracious palm and coconut trees.

Most tourists staying on Phuket during their holiday unfortunately only visit the beach located closest to their hotel. It is a shame as there are so many beautiful beaches which the tourists could visit. The best way to see all the beautiful beaches is by renting a motorbike or jeep and by simply driving up and down the coast line as travelers will encounter countless beautiful and deserted beaches.

Some of the nicest beaches of Phuket are those mentioned below.

Bang Tao

The beautiful Bang Tao beach is located next to the upscale Phuket Laguna complex where a number of excellent 5 star hotels are located.

Kamala

Kamala beach is one of the most popular beaches and is located only a few minutes drive from Patong beach. Travelers looking for a beach area which offers a peaceful surrounding should consider booking a hotel or resort in the beach resort area of Kamala.

Karon

The most popular after Patong beach is Karon beach and is located just south of Patong. Karon has a long beach and numerous resorts line this beach. Tourists visitingwith children often prefer the somewhat laidback atmosphere that Karon beach has to offer.

Patong

Patong beach is the busiest of all the beaches of Phuket. The vast majority of entertainment and business venues are located in Patong beach. If travelers are looking for a beach resort area where they can party until the early hours of the morning then Patong beach is the ideal choice for them.

Surin

One of the most upscale Phuket beach areas is the area around Surin beach. If tourists do visit Surin beach then they should definitely try the excellent and inexpensive seafood which is served at the Surin beach side restaurants.

Patong Hotel Discount Offers - Save Money and Stay Comfortable

2008-06-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Thailand has been a popular holiday destination for years, people traveling from all over the world to see the splendors here. Patong beach is situated on the west coast of Phuket and it is one of the most popular resorts for tourists of different nations. With an amazing nightlife and cheap island shopping, Patong attracts and enchants at the same time.

Patong can hold one spellbound, with wonderful beaches and stunning sceneries. Tourists are highly interested in watersports, with jet skiing and parasailing among the many options. Shopping is another popular activity among tourists who arrive in Patong, prices being often negotiable and cheap. Numerous eating options are available, with an incredible number of local dishes and international cuisine.

If you are interested in shopping, fun and entertainment, Patong Beach is perfect for you. You can reach the beach resort usually by hotel van or taxi, which is located about 45 minutes from the airport, discovering genuine beauty of white sandy beaches and clear waters. As for the Patong hotel discounts, be sure to check out rates depending on the season as the prices goes up drastically during the high season. The high season is between November-April. Most hotels offer both king size and twin beds, with rooms elegantly furnished and made comfortable for tourists arriving here.

If you are looking for a hotel discount at any of the hotels and resorts, the best option is to come during the low season. During the high season, most hotels are fully booked, so it will be harder to get a discount during that time. If you want a hotel discount, the best way is to call the hotels in advance and ask for a discount. During the low season, making advanced bookings are not necessary usually and the hotels are desperate for more guests, which will make it easier for you to get a discount. Almost all the hotels at Patong offer very modern amenities, with exquisite touches and tasteful accommodations. All rooms have bathroom with shower, hot/cold water, TV and minibar. You have air conditioning available, tea and coffee plus telephone. You can relax at the pool, enjoy a buffet style breakfast and discover delicious Thai, plus international dishes. At almost all hotels, you have email, Internet and fax available at your fingertips.

Tourists in Patong are also offered a wide selection of dishes and menus from Asian and Western cuisine.

Patong Beach Lodge Hotel is very popular among tourists, offering cheap prices and yet top quality accommodations.

You can be young or old, single or married and still enjoy this wonderful and exciting part of the world. Patong is a clear proof of tropical life, with lots of entertainment with lush vegetation and blue waters. The sand caresses the feat, the food pleases your taste and the nightlife makes you even younger. It's a feeling you cannot describe in words and once you get there, you will definitely understand why everyone considers Patong to be a unique and lovely holiday destination.

Lady-boys in Phuket, Thailand

2008-06-02T17:48:00.000-07:00

The men and the women watch transfixed as they go about their routines. In Malaysia, they are known as Maknyah's or the derogatory term 'pondan' or 'she-males' in the West.

Everything You Wanted to Know About The Republic of Hawai'i

2008-05-13T03:22:00.001-07:00

In case you didn't know from 1894-98, Hawaii was a republic and was known as the Republic of Hawaii.

The U.S president Grover Cleveland was a dear friend of the Queen of Hawaii, Liliuokalani and this friendship had kept him away from the thought of annexing Hawaii all through his term. After him McKinley won the elections and became the new president in 1896 and with this the annexation became a threat to Hawaii once again. In 1897 the president, after a few important negotiations, signed a treaty of annexation with the representatives of Hawaii and deposited it to the Senate to be approved.

Thus in 1898, Hawaii was annexed by U.S as their own territory. Till today, the legal issues are to be cleared out regarding it though. Then in 1900, Hawaii was gifted with the proposal of self governance. It kept the Lolani Palace as the Capitol Building. For 60 years, Hawaii remained a territory.

The Admission Act was passed in 1959 by the houses of congress. President Eisenhower signed the law. In June that year, a poll was taken to count the percentage of people of Hawaii who were ready for statehood and wanted it. The majority wanted it. It is not considered a very fair poll as the choice was between statehood and remaining a territory. But the unfairness wasn't counted and the name of Hawaii was struck of the U.N list of Non-self-Governing territories.

Hawaii turned modern soon after it was made into a state. There was heavy construction every where and the economy of the place sky-rocketed.

The Democratic Party of Hawaii came into power soon after the Hawaii Republican Party was voted out.

In the past few years the U.S has done a great deal to preserve and popularize the culture and traditions of Hawaii. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs was created to make sure the language, traditions and the culture remained.

Advice On Finding The Best All Inclusive Vacations to Hawaii

2008-05-12T00:17:00.000-07:00

The majority of travellers think that the best way to enjoy hawaii vacations is by utilizing all inclusive vacations to Hawaii. there are two main reasons for this, firstly because they assume quite correctly that it can save them money especially where family is concerned. Secondly they like the convenience of all inclusive vacations to Hawaii which have every amenity they can think of within a short stroll from there room or villa. .

Sometimes the sheer number of available all inclusive vacations to hawaii can actually confuse or at least spoil the vacationer for choice. The huge number of options can be confusing, airfare and accommodation, accommodation and food, accommodation, food and amenities, like water sports, or any combination of the aforementioned all inclusive vacations to Hawaii ingredients. I remember when you basically had two choices and while choice can be a good thing it can give you a headache too!

Keep an eye on the small print before booking your all inclusive vacations to Hawaii even if you think you have found the perfect combination for you. for instance if your all inclusive package includes free boat trips or snorkelling lessons then you want to make sure you take advantage of these, hey, you are paying for it so make the most of it. Also check very carefully on the meals and drinks side of things. If you are planning on spending a lot of time during your all inclusive vacations to Hawaii travelling round the island especially at night then maybe a full meal option is not the best.

Obviously the huge advantage of a all inclusive vacations to Hawaii is the security of knowing that everything is paid for and you are not going to get caught short with sneaky extras! This means you can just sit back and relax and make the most of your all inclusive vacations to Hawaii without worrying if you can afford to eat out or not, or go on a exotic tour of the beautiful hawaii islands.

If you are a beach hound then while Hawaii may be one of the best locations in the world for you with their tropical and exotic beaches, the all inclusive vacations to Hawaii may not be your best choice. After all if all you are going to do is sit on the beach relaxing and topping up your tan and not take advantage of the 'free' excursions like snorkelling, diving fishing, boat trips or other great options then you may as well just get your flights, food and accommodation.

Hawaii is packed full of exotic locations and options for your all inclusive vacations to Hawaii, so make sure you do plenty of research online to make sure you get the right package and location to suit your vacationing style. After you get back I am sure you will agree that the best choice of vacation is the all inclusive vacations to Hawaii.

Phuket: An Amazing Scuba Diving Location

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Phuket is located in Thailand and is very highly rated. In fact, it is among the world's top ten scuba diving locations. Exotic culture, adventure both above and below the surface, unforgettable food, Phuket has all the right ingredients for a perfect diving holiday. There are breath taking reefs and remarkable underwater rock formations in addition to the different types of marine life that are found here that provide some amazing opportunities for divers of all levels and persuasions.

One can go live-aboard diving and there are also daytrips and plenty of dive points, dive centers as well as dive courses available for the scuba diver. Liveaboard diving in Thailand from Phuket and Khao Lak with liveaboard boats to Similan islands, Richelieu Rock, Phi Phi, Hin Daeng and Hin Muang, are good examples of where you can go to in this great scuba diving location.

Phuket and Phi Phi Island, which are among the top 10 scuba diving locations in the world boasts of splendid crystal clear water, awesome rock formations as well as an ecosystem that is vibrant and contains a lot of marine life. The water is also warm having average surface temperatures of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and there are hundreds of different varieties of both stony as well as soft corals surrounded by bright colored fish as well as other creatures of the sea which also includes some large reef fish. While stony corals are the life blood of the reef, soft corals are a prominent part of the reef. In some places they look like vast fields of undersea wildflowers.

For those who would like to see big animals there are the Whale Sharks as well as Manta Ray whose sighting is pretty common. In addition, there are also dozens of other picturesque island destinations that lie in close proximity and can be reached by day boats as well as live-aboard cruises, from Phuket. The consistent water temperatures make it possible to go diving throughout the year, right off the coast of Phuket.

For those who desire to visit this beautiful scuba diving location, they can look forward to having great food and under expert supervision they may enjoy their stay where the accommodation too, is very comfortable. And those who wish for Scuba certification, this extraordinary scuba diving location will provide many affordable Dive Shops where beginners may learn the basics and others may try out the master instructor certification.

Besides its outstanding water treasures, there is a whole lot more available right here at this wonderful scuba diving location in the form of beautiful beaches, gourmet restaurants, vivacious night life as well as a number of other attractions all available where and when one wants it. There are also popular dive centers such as Dive Asia, Colona Diving, Similan Diving Safaris, Moskito Diving, Blue Planet Divers, and Sea Bees Diving plus a number of others for those who desire to try out more of this scuba diving location at Phuket.

Koh Samui Holiday Island

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From nearly every position on Koh Samui, tourists are granted astonishing views of surrounding sea. The Samui airport will definitely be one of the most astonishing airports found any where on the globe. For those tourists arriving by boat to the wonderful Thai holiday Island, the ferry dock will steer them ahead instantly onto the white Samui beaches and its coconut trees.

Koh Samui Bungalows & Resorts

Koh Samui offers a remarkable selection and assortment of beachfront Koh Samui bungalows and resorts and is obtainable for virtually every tourist accommodation budget. Travelers will find on Samui a large offering of accommodation that ranges from standard beach bungalows on one of the beaches all the way up till incredible and luxurious Samui hotels and beach resorts.

The great thing about Koh Samui is that almost every voyager can find lodging right on one of the Samui beaches and at the budget available to the visitor.

Koh Samui Population

The population of Koh Samui is made up for the major piece of Thai Buddhists. Previous to the arrival of tourism dollars and the hefty number of tourists, Koh Samui has been living off coconut farming and fishing. Fishing and coconut farming are still an vital part of Samui however the vast mainstream of local residents are at present employed in the Samui hospitality and travel industry.

Samui Beach

The leading and most trendy Samui beach is of course Chaweng beach. Close runner ups are the Samui beaches at Lamai and the one at Maenam. Many of the beaches on Koh Samui have a huge number of bungalows and resorts however the Samui beaches by no means suffer from busy crows or noise as Koh Samui beaches are normally relatively stretched and spacious.

Acitivities on Koh Samui

Koh Samui offers tourists a lot of amusement and entertainment which ranges from the infamous Chaweng nightlife to relaxing trips by boat to deserted and fabulous beaches. Tourists visiting Koh Samui can also get pleasure from a wide choice of watersport options on Koh Samui. Visitors can also go one of the great trips to one of the beautiful waterfalls found all over Samui or go on an elephant ride through the natural rain forest.

Samui Weather

The ideal time of the year to visit Koh Samui is definitively during the dry season. The dry season on Samui starts in February and ends in June. If you stay on Koh Samui from March until October, you will experience temperatures in Samui which can get up to 35 Celsius. The Koh Samui rainy season lasts from early November until late February.

Koh Samui and Koh Pangan - Wonderful Destinations in Thailand

2008-04-16T08:17:00.002-07:00

Koh Samui or Samui Island is a very famous island that people around the world dream to visit. It is located in Gulf of Thailand. It is away to the east from Suratthani province around 84 kilometers. There are roads and streets around the island such as Tawee Rat Pakdee road with 52 kilometers long. The one-third area of the island is smooth area surrounded with mountain. The perfect time to visit this island is between January and May.

The interesting places on Koh Samui

Beach - Koh Samui has very beautiful beaches around. Some popular beaches that visitors love to go are Chaweng beach and Lamai beach. Some others are Nar Ton beach, Tong Yang beach, Mae Nam beach and Cherng Mon beach.

Waterfalls - Hin Lad falls, Wa Norn falls and Nar Muang falls are also places that visitors and local people choose to visit.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai (Grandpa and Grandma Stones) are located at Lamai beach. It is a natural wonder of stones in different figures. There is an urban legend that an old couple named grandpa Kreng and grandma Riam sailed their boat to ask for the hand of Grandpa Mong Lai's daughter in another province. When they passed this Lamai area, the storm sank their sailboat. Both of them were dead and became these two stones as people see nowadays.

Diving area - There are many places for visitors to dive and see coral reefs and fish around Koh Samui. To rent a boat and diving equipment, please contact the resorts or travel agencies on Koh Samui.

Getting to Koh Samui

There are many ways to go to Koh Samui. You can go to Suratthani province by train or bus and then take a ferry boat to Koh Samui, or you can take a flight to Koh Samui directly.

Koh Pangan or Pangan Island is away to the north from Koh Samui around 20 kilometers. It takes about 30 minutes to get there from Koh Samui. Koh Pangan has very beautiful beaches and blue sea surrounded by woods.

The interesting places on Koh Pangan

Tong Sa La - The biggest community on the island. It is the center of merchants and the place where people can get on the boat to near islands and Suratthani province. There are also restaurants, hotels and travel agencies there.

Tarn Sadej and Pangan National Park - includes a lot of green woods and beautiful islands. There are many kinds of wild animals and birds around this park. A rental house and tents are provided for visitors there.

Rin beach - it is a beautiful and popular beach of Pangan island with 2 kilometers long. You can go there by boat from Tong Sa La. There is also an activity for tourists called "Full Moon Party" which is a party on full-moon days. Thousands of tourists come to join this party and make this party well-known to people around the world.

Thailand - Tips For a Sailing Vacation

2008-04-16T08:17:00.001-07:00

Despite its small size, there are many things that you will learn to love when you are in the beautiful country of Thailand. You will be enriched with its cultural heritage and history. You will be amazed by the mixture of different races such as the traditional Thais and the Chinese, who played an important role in the country's history and economy. There are numerous festivals and events that have captured the fancy of millions of tourists all over world. Its seas, meanwhile, are excellent for yachting.

The Andaman Sea, with Phuket as its hub, is a excellent place for a sailing holiday. Here we find some of the most beautiful islands and beaches in the region, crystal clear waters and stunning geography. The diversity of this landscape is also a powerful attraction.

Sailing in Thailand's Koh Phi Phi Don means taking a chartered boat or yacht into the its clear-blue waters and enjoying its limestone cliffs. You can also dock ashore and dine into luxurious meals prepared by several seafood restaurants. There are also souvenir shops where you can absolutely find a great souvenir on your way home. Koh Phi Phi Lee, on the other hand, becomes a perfect setting for the movie The Beach. It lies 20 miles on the east side of Phuket. The marvelous sight of the bay is truly a sight to behold for anyone who wishes to see brilliant sunset and sunrise. It also provides a great setting for photographs.

Sailing in Thailand in your yacht will not be complete without taking a trip to the Similan Island. It is located 55 miles northwest of Phuket. There are nine islands and small islets that make up this archipelago. Besides sailing, you can enjoy Thailand underwater marine life through snorkeling or diving. You can also take pleasure into the marvelous irregular formations of the boulders. Surin Islands, meanwhile, is sacred with lush virgin rain forests and deserted beaches, which are ideal for those who seek privacy while they are in the yacht or chartered catamaran. The Ko Phra Thong is an ultimate vacation paradise because of its unspoiled beauty and great beaches. The island also holds a huge reservoir of fresh water.

Kam, which is located along the Gulf of Thailand, is a haven for visitors. Aside from its white sandy beaches and pristine waters, which appear to be lifted from postcards, black lava stones surface on top of the shallow waters.

Thailand is rich in its culture, history, as well as natural resources. It is also blessed with the best tropical climate, and its people are famous for their hospitality. All these make sailing in Thailand more than a holiday getaway. It's an experience of a lifetime.

Koh Phi Phi Paradise Lost!

2008-04-16T08:05:00.001-07:00

If you want to keep secretes, kill everybody who knows. The same could be said if you want to ruin a good thing tell somebody about it. If you want the whole world to know feature it in a movie. The islands of the Koh Phi Phi island group in southern Thailand were featured in the movie The Beach. If you are not familiar with the story line, some young travelers discover this fantastic spot in Thailand and decide to make their version of utopia and keep it secrete at all costs, had they been successful this would still be a small island group that few but the most hardy backpackers would visit.

When the movie The Beach was made here there were not many that knew about this beautiful island group of Stonehenge like monoliths that stick out of the pond like waters of the Andaman Sea. Clad in deep jungle greenery they have a forbidding yet enticing aura about them. The white sand beaches look like everyone's picture of tropical paradise with palm trees thick at the top with green pods of coconuts waiting to drop their sweet milk for thirsty travelers.

Today the thirsty travelers come in the form of herds of young backpackers which jam the center of the dog bone shaped main island at night milling in streams propelled by the ever present urban thump. By day these hordes descend on the beaches and lay in clumps of self basting & baking kids. Bars, stores, coffee shops, travel agents, discos even a very popular 7-11 feed the needs of these adventure seekers many of whom sport bandages and crutches from spills and thrills of rock climbing, cliff jumping and jungle expeditions to find water falls.

The waters around Koh Phi Phi are not safe not because of the animals in the water but because of the poor water treatment Streptococcus a particular nasty skin eating bug is around and other ailments as well so it pays to take care of even the smallest scratches here so that you don't end up in the emergency room having pieces of skin cut out.

The other thing to watch out for is your wallet as they are firm believers in price fixing from internet to scuba diving they have some of the highest prices in Thailand and they do not negotiate at all if you are a bargain seeker give this place a wide berth. Cheap hotels in every sense of the term are priced like 3 star hotels else where we did not see any places that delivered value to price with the exceptions of The Phi Phi Hotel which was quoting off season rates seemed to be the only hotel that had a clue.

In the period before the islands here became famous this was a great place to come and hang out for weeks at a time, today however it is another paradise lost.

For Quality Accommodation - Phi Phi Island Hotels

2008-04-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

After the increasing popularity and development, the islands have lost most of its earlier tranquility, but still the regions natural beauty and crystal clear waters overwhelm its visitors. Set at the heart of a national park, the islands remain one of the country's most popular holiday destinations. The country's foremost holiday destination Phi Phi Island is set in the heart of the national park and it does not disappoint anybody. However, the two islands are not as big but offer many opportunities for an exciting to a relaxing holiday. One gets excellent opportunities and facilities for diving and snorkeling, which top the list of exciting ways to spend time here. Then the crystal clear waters perfect for checking out the rich marine life. From cliff diving, sunbathing, reading, exercising, hiking, to rock climbing there are a whole lot of possibilities to explore. With droves of visitor's flocking the island, it has accommodation for all kinds of travelers. There is an array of accommodation available from Phi Phi Island hotel, bungalows, to hostels. Phi Phi Island has something for every budget, specially very kind to budget-minded backpackers, with rooms of one-star (or less) rating scale outnumbering the up market resorts. For those who want to experience a paradise, there are a few luxury hotels.

Phi Phi's beauty is the biggest attraction for the visitor's here. The place is certainly love at first sight for the tourists. It is the most popular destination on the Andaman Coast after Phuket, serving as the convenient escape from the hustle-and-bustle. Moreover, the place is affordable. The islands excellent resort-style accommodation, top quality restaurants, shops and a lively nightlife all make it a perfect place. Whether one stays just a few nights or a week, the island is an amazing destination to relax, go diving, swimming, and snorkeling.

Travel to Krabi and Phi Phi Islands - Amazing Thailand Attractions

2008-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Krabi is a province of Thailand located in the southern area and has fantastic beaches along the shore plus many wonderful islands. You just can't imagine how beautiful they are. Phi Phi Islands is one of the very famous spots in Krabi that travelers can't miss.

About the weather in Krabi province, there are only two seasons in this region, which is different from other parts of Thailand. The summer season lasts from January to April, and the rainy season lasts from May to December. The temperature is between 16.9 and 37.3 degree Celsius throughout the year.

You can get to Krabi by car or by plane. If you drive there from Bangkok, you go along the highway number 4 through many provinces. The overall distance is approximately 946 kilometers. If you go to Krabi from Phuket, you can use highway number 402 connected to highway number 4 through Pangnga province and Krabi province. The total distance is approximately 185 kilometers. Also, the public transportation companies provide air-conditioned buses for people everyday from Bangkok and Phuket. If you decide to go there by plane from Bangkok airport, it takes about 1 hour and a half to Krabi province.

Diving at Krabi Sea is a very exciting activity that you can't miss. Scuba diving is very popular there. Many diving service companies provide the travelers boat services from Phuket and Phi Phi Don Island. Some famous diving spots are around Phi Phi Islands and King Cruiser shipwreck. Around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le Islands, there are many diving spots such as Nui beach, Maya beach, and sea caves. You may rent a small boat called Rue Hang Yao from Phi Phi Don Island to these spots. Bidah Islands and Ha Islands (Ha means five) are also popular diving spots.

Phi Phi Islands is one of the famous islands in Thailand located in Krabi province. The word "Phi Phi" comes from a tree named "Pi-a-pee." In 1983, the government of Thailand announced that Phi Phi Islands became a member of Nopparatthara - Phi Phi Islands national park. This park includes six islands which are Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Bidah Nok, Bidah Nai, Yung and Phai Islands. The distance between Krabi beach and Phi Phi Islands is approximately 42 kilometers.

Lanta Islands is one of the most amazing spots in Krabi. It is located in the far south of the province. In the past, villagers called this islands "Poo-Lao-Sa-Tak" which means the islands with long beaches. Some famous islands are Lanta Yai Islands, Ngai Island, Rok Nai Island and Rok Nok Island. There are a lot of resorts and hotels on the islands. You can go to Lanta Islands from Krabi beach or Phi Phi Islands.

Ao Nang is a place that has wonderful scenario with beautiful beaches such as Rai Le Beach, Tam Pra Nang Beach and Nam Mao Beach. These three beaches cannot be reached by car because they are surrounded by mountains. You can go there by boat from Ao Nang.

Koh Phangan - Thailand

2008-02-25T22:22:00.000-08:00

Sitting a three hour boat ride from the mainland, Koh Phangan is the last unspoiled island of any major size left in Thailand. Differing from its sister Koh Samui in many ways. Where Koh Samui is brash and built up, Koh Phangan is laid back with a landscape. Large property developers have yet to begin exploiting this tropical paradise, most development is restricted to discrete bungalow resorts.

Koh Phangan is still a popular destination for backpackers and budget travellers, infamous for its Full Moon Party most young travellers see the island as one of the highlights of their trip to Thailand. The party takes place at the southern end of the island in the town of Haad Rin, a hedonistic party town made up of meandering side streets packed with bars, restaurants and gift shops, bungalow resorts to suit every pocket and above all else the stunning Haad Rin Nok beach. At the time of the full moon, Haad Rin is packed full of revellers and advanced booking is recommended if you wish to stay in this part of the island at this time of the month.

Moving north from Haad Rin we next encounter Ban Tai, home to both the Half Moon Party and the Shiva Moon Party both large events themselves. Ban Tai is also where you will find the ‘horny mile’, a stretch of road almost a mile long that is populated by lady bars on each side. These bars are a lot more laid back than their counterparts in either Bangkok or Pattaya and seem to be a solid favourite with the middle aged tourists who arrive upon Koh Phangan.

Further north still you will come to Thongsala, the only true town upon the island, a vibrant mix of Thai shops, western bars and restaurants along with traditional food markets at every turn. At night the main market square becomes an open air restaurant serviced by a couple of dozen street vendors who set up tables and ply their trade. Some of the best food on Koh Phangan can be found here after the sun sets. Thongsala also houses the main ferry pier for the island and forms a natural gateway to the mainland. Once you leave Thongsala behind and head further north you will notice a drastic change in the pace of life, things are quieter here with only occasional houses built and small village settlements with local shops. The villages of Wok Tum and Hing Kong are particularly lazy; both wonderful places for somebody looking for a longer term stay on the island.

Further up the coast road you will find Haad Yao and Haad Salad, both excellent diving areas with a close in reef allowing easy access for beach dives, further north still you will find Mae Haad and the small island of Koh Ma sitting an easy wade across the sea from Koh Phangan. This is the premier snorkelling spot on the island offering sites usually only witnessed by scuba divers.

Up at the northern tip of Koh Phangan you will find Chaloklam, a squid fishing village with a beautiful crescent beach. The seafood here is exceptional, taken straight from the sea each morning. At night you can watch the lights of the dozens of squid boats that ply the waters in this area, and then watch them return with their catch and dry it in the sun whilst you eat breakfast at a beachside restaurant.

Over on the west side of the island you will find Tong Nai Pan, originally a secluded backpacker community now the site of the largest developments upon Koh Phangan. Luxury resorts cater for the sun worshipers who agree that the western beach is the most beautiful upon the island.

Koh Phangan - Advice for Travellers

2008-02-25T22:08:00.001-08:00

Being home to several large dance parties every month; Koh Phangan can be either a hedonist’s heaven or a holiday hell, outlined below is some sensible advice for people visiting the island.

When attending any of the parties on the island you should always keep a few things in mind. Remember that this is not your home country, the law here protects the Thai people, as a ‘farang’ (westerner) you have significantly reduced rights. Take for example an auto accident, let’s say you are driving your rented jeep up a steep hill, coming towards you is a sand truck, and it fails to brake and collides with your jeep. Clearly the fault of the truck driver yes? He was going far too fast down a steep hill, not your fault at all right? Wrong, in Thailand the law is simple, if a farang is involved in an auto accident with a Thai person then regardless of who did what to cause the accident it is your fault. Why is that? Simple logic applies, you are a farang, you should not be here, and if you were not here the accident would never have happened thus it is your fault. I joke not.

Always remember that the island of Koh Phangan relies upon the tourist trade as its main source of income. Not a problem in itself, where the problem starts is with the less than honest people who are just waiting to take advantage of you should you give them the opportunity. Each month there are dozens of new stories involving some stupid farang who got far too drunk on Haad Rin beach, fell asleep and lost everything they had in their pockets to one of the professional pick pockets who cruise the parties looking for likely prey. You would be amazed at how many party goers decide it is safer to carry their passport, credit cards and plane tickets in their pockets than leave them in a security box. That pretty Thai girl (who probably wasn’t actually a girl) that just came up and gave you a kiss at a party, did her hand go anywhere near your pockets? It happens; in fact it happens every month to many people, keep your wits about you.

Drinking and driving, just don’t do it. So you think you can drive when you have had a skin full? Ok fine, off you go on your scooter with no crash helmet or protective clothing. Even a low speed crash whilst wearing a pair of shorts and sandals is terribly painful. Take it from me, somebody who knows, only a few short weeks ago I launched my Honda CBR onto the beach at 2am after drinking far more than was safe. I didn’t walk for two weeks and I consider myself lucky, people die here every year due to drink driving, many are injured each month and have to cut their holiday short.

Don’t upset the locals. I don’t mean the lady who is cooking your food or the guy who is pumping you gasoline. I mean the kind of locals who consider themselves ‘mafia’ and make a hugely successful living ripping off tourists. These are not nice people and this is not a movie, there are many suspicious deaths on the island every year. Although these people are wise enough to realise they cannot go too far as they depend on the tourists as much as anyone else, if you give them a reason then they will give you trouble. On the surface Koh Phangan appears to be a tranquil paradise island, in reality it is a small piece of valuable land that has more in common with the Wild West than a civilised city. Almost everything here is controlled by certain key families, including the police, tread carefully; the illusion of safety is just that, an illusion.

If you maintain your self control, don’t take foolish risks and remember that you are not in your native country then you will have no problems upon Koh Phangan. If you push the envelope a little too much a world of hurt could be waiting for you. I don’t want to make Koh Phangan appear to be unsafe, almost all of the stories I hear involve somebody doing something stupid, the problem is they are doing something stupid in a place that has no safety net. Remember that and take care when you are visiting the island.

Fasting and Cleansing in Koh Samui

2008-02-25T22:06:00.000-08:00

His name is Pete; he is thirty something and comes from Middlesex, which is really that part of West London that lies out towards Heathrow Airport. In the past couple of years he has made four visits and has completed 2 de-tox fasts at “The Health Oasis Resort” on the Thai tropical island of Koh Samui.

Originally he finished what the “Resort” describes as a Nurture Fast. This is a comprehensive de-toxification programme. In essence you forgo food for nine days. This is not as austere as it sounds as participants like Pete are allowed fruit juices, unlimited fluids and enjoy two bowls of vegetable broth on a daily basis. Once the digestive system shuts down in this manner it is in a position to eliminate the toxins that have accrued due to a less than ideal diet, poor lifestyle habits and of course the pollutants that are found in the environment and in food itself. To assist in the elimination process guests at ‘spas’ like Health Oasis Resort cleanse with the help of colonic irrigation, magnesium oxide and experience a liver flush at the end of the treatment. To many this sounds like a harsh regime. Pete, however, disagreed. He found the experience easy. Although he did not eat solid food for nine days, he says he was not in the least hungry. He did admit, however, that he did miss the varied flavours of food during his fast. As for the colonics he said,”they were just OK”.

Over the nine days he lost an amazing 7 kilos in weight. At the end of his stay he said that he looked better; he felt relaxed and rested and above all felt clean both inside and out. Pete is a single guy and he is certain his de-tox made him much more attractive to women.

Moreover he admits that his major achievement was going without food for nine days for which he feels proud of himself. The programme recommends a morning yoga class on a daily basis. Pete attended the class on his first day but discovered “yoga was not really for him”, so instead swam regularly in the pool and worked out in the gym which is attached to the Resort.

After it was all over he says he had learned a lot about health and fitness. He saw the advantages of exercise and grasped the importance of healthy eating. Before he was quite content to eat fast convenience foods but after his visit to Koh Samui he saw how important it is to include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables in the daily diet.

Fun Above & Below The Waves At Koh Samui

2008-02-25T21:58:00.000-08:00

The sea is great place to spend time enjoying the region's tropical beauty and marine life. Samui is becoming a water sports Mecca, with a range of options for those who want to get wet.

The warm seas that surround Koh Samui have long played an integral role in the island's allure, with few visitors able to resist the temptation of the waters that gently lap Samui's beaches. Right now, there have never been so many ways for people to take a dip around Samui. Here are just a few of the most popular options for water babes who need an H2O fix during their time in paradise.

One of the most popular water sports worldwide is scuba diving and the Gulf of Thailand, with a rich diversity of marine life and favourable year-round conditions, is now firmly set as one of the world's premier dive holiday destinations. Whilst the teeming seas are an important part of the area's popularity, another key selling point is the huge variety of dive sites to visit. Koh Samui has it's own 'house' reefs that are suitable for novices, whilst more challenging dives await experienced divers at nearby Sail Rock or in the National Marine Park. For the clearest waters and most choice though, local dive operators also offer day trips to the stunning island of Koh Tao, where more than a dozen quality dive sites await discovery. Whether you're a hardened diver seeking some exciting dive experiences, or a nervous novice, keen to take your first breaths in this amazing environment, there is a diving option for everyone off Samui.

If going under the waves doesn't appeal, there are other ways to immerse yourself in to the deep blue world, the most popular of which is snorkeling. Many reefs lie directly off Samui and most visitors can't resist the urge to don a mask and snorkel and have a look at what lies beneath. As with diving, your snorkeling possibilities are by no means restricted to the immediate area. One of the more popular tours incorporating snorkeling is an adventure trip to the Ang Thong National Marine Park. This also includes a few hours kayaking amongst the park's striking collection of fifty limestone rock islands and formations, as well as a chance to see the 'golden bowl', a hidden lake that is completely encircled with majestic cliffs and was the inspiration behind Alex Garland's best selling novel: The Beach.

If it's the marine life you'd like to focus on then take a day tour to Koh Tao, where the clear waters and splendid array of shallow and bountiful reefs make for some of the best snorkelling anywhere in the world. Day trips also usually include a visit to famous Koh Nangyuan, an exquisite trio of verdant jungle islands connected by stunning, white sandbar beaches. Few visitors to Nangyuan are left disappointed and the views below the waters certainly match the breathtaking beauty above.

Back above the water, for more of an adrenaline rush, Koh Samui is now also home to one of the most exciting water sports of modern times: kiteboarding. Kiteboarding Asia is a company that has been on the island for five years and now also boasts three centers in Phuket, Hua Hin and Chumpon. Often called the new windsurfing, the sport also incorporates aspects of both wakeboarding and surfing to provide a truly thrilling experience.

These are the main but by no means the only seafaring options off Koh Samui, There are plenty of other water sports available such as jet skiing, taking a ride on a banana boat, hiring Kayaks to explore the beaches and rocky coves or renting Hobie cats and other craft for a spot of self-skippering. Add in other popular activities such as leisurely sunset dinner cruises, fishing trips that allow you to catch and barbecue your own supper, or perhaps even chartering a junk for a luxurious jaunt around the Thai Gulf and you'll soon find that it's possible to spend every day of your holiday either on, in or under the beautiful waters around Samui.

Thailand Islands -- The Five Reasons that Make Koh Phangan the Perfect Choice

2008-02-25T21:57:00.000-08:00

The islands of southern Thailand are widely known as “Island Paradise”. Their picturesque beaches, moderate tropical climate and unique, extremely relaxing lifestyle account for this reputation. Travelers from all over the world come to these southern Thailand islands to experience the famous transition to another dimension, as they gradually absorb the overwhelming serenity and ephemeral separation from the dynamic and straining modern life style.

In the eyes of the inexperienced traveler at the very first stages of planning his or her trip to Thailand, all “paradise islands” may look exactly the same: all the islands are tropical (in the classic sense and climate wise), picturesque and serene. But in fact, a more thorough perspective would reveal that each island, just like every individual traveler, has its own set of unique qualities. The cost of stay in some islands can turn out to be a surprisingly expensive experience, while visiting other islands can be quite a bargain; some islands are dramatically peaceful while others are loaded with exciting nightlife activities; some islands provide the perfect conditions for divers while others are ideal for backpackers.

After years of intensive research, and after exploring every dark corner on every island in southern Thailand, my final conclusion is that Koh Phangan is no doubt and by far the perfect choice for the perfect vacation. Koh Phangan is the perfect choice because it has this unique ability to adopt itself to the likes and needs of every individual traveler in the limits of being an island (except from providing the ultimate urban environment. But nobody visits the Thai islands to relive his urban daily lifestyle). Here are the five elements that make Koh Phangan the ultimate vacation choice:

1. The best value for your money. Until recently, Koh Phangan had a strong reputation of a backpackers’ island. As a result, the island’s costs of living had been adjusted to the target audience. Food and accommodation on the island cost surprisingly low, so that even a backpacker with a budget of 30$ per day can provide himself or herself with a reasonable, almost western life standard on the island, which includes air conditioned rooms and delicious cuisine. During the last several years, when more spoiled tourists discovered this island, local entrepreneurs began to invest in luxury accommodation. Nevertheless, the best quality accommodation in Koh Phangan is still cheaper, on average, compared to the same standard accommodation offered on other islands.

2. The rare opportunity to experience the “old school” island paradise. Even the sworn lovers of Thailand will agree, that the days when the “paradise islands” were the place in which one can sit on a lonely beach and share his or her thoughts with a single coconut tree, are a thing of the past. Still, in Koh Phangan one can find some “reservations” of remote picturesque beaches with only a limited choice of accommodation, such as Haad Thong Reng, Haad Yao and Haad Sadet. Some of these forgotten venues feature about three dozens bungalows hidden in the midst of the jungle. These “old school” beaches make you fell like merging with a “real” paradise, created by true nature and not by wise and experienced tourism industry entrepreneurs.

3. Breathtaking diving sites. The Gulf of Thailand is considered to be an excellent diving area, due to its clear lucid water and the huge variety of underwater life. Until recently, the consensual opinion stated that the only place for “real” scuba divers in the Gulf of Thailand is Koh Tao Island, next to Koh Phangan. Nowadays, more and more divers are choosing Koh Phangan as a launching ground for their preferable diving sites: a small island Koh Ma, connected to Koh Phangan by a sand bar; the neighboring beaches Haad Salad, Haad Yao & Haad Chaophao, offering a hugevariety of tropical fish and coral reefs; and Ang Thong National Marine Park - a group of 42 islands, protected as a National Park.

4. The Full Moon Party. The full moon party, held in Koh Phangan since 1989, attracts thousands of travelers every month coming from all corners of the globe. Even if you are not the classic partygoer - the full moon party could be a unique and unforgettable opportunity to join thousands of joyful, exhilarated people dancing together in the most beautiful place in the world to the sounds of the best music.

5. To experience radically unique travel activities. Koh Phangan is quite a small sized island (about 170 km2), but it offers a widest variety of activities. You can come on a Sunday, as a backpacker to Sunrise Beach, become a professional diver on Monday in Koh Ma and turn into a seasoned partygoer on Tuesday as you take part in the exhilarating full moon party. If you’re able to wake up on Wednesday morning, you can meet local people in the fishermen’s village Chaloklum learn and experience their traditional way of life. Additionally, you can join forces with your sportsperson alter ego and go trekking on Thursday; and on Friday you’ll have the unique opportunity to pretend being a Mowgli riding an elephant’s back in Phangan Safari. On Saturday, you can try living as a sheikh in a luxury resort with a spa…and maybe get the chance to write a novel on the seven most unforgettable days of your life.

The Coral Reefs of Koh Samui

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Diving is suitable in Thailand throughout the year, visibility depending on the season. While in the Andaman Sea, the best time is from October through April, the Gulf of Thailand offers scuba from May through September. Most of the dive shops and establishments are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, holding multi-lingual courses. Thailand is also one of the most seacology conscious countries of the world. Several professional divers from fourteen dive centers on the island of Koh Samui recently organized a clean up at Sail Rock, which is one of the frequently used dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Their principal activity centered round removing fishing nets covering coral and sundry marine life. Twenty-five Koh Samui Easy Divers removed around 160 kg of debris from under the sea.

Koh Samui or the “island of the coconut tree” with its rolling hills, coconut plantations, carved sandy beaches and offshore islands has, over the years, developed into a supreme holiday destination with a distinct island flavor. It is also a place to relax, meet divers (scuba) from every corner of the universe, talk about the preservation of corals, sun bathe and party till deep in the night. Fringed by coral reefs and deeper offshore pinnacles, it is not very hard to appreciate the country’s wide popularity among backpackers and members of the selective dive community alike.

Surprisingly enough, few people realize that Samui is also a renowned Buddhist center with temples and artifacts, including mummified bodies of Buddhist monks, preserved with dignity and care. The Northern coast of Samui is dominated by the Big Buddha, a 15 meter figure that looks out over the sea and has become the island’s principal landmark.

So come to Koh Samui, and take a dip to the amazing world of corals – Samui offers among the cleanest waters in the region. Or you can also come to Samui on a religious trip.

Fabulous Koh Samui Hotels

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Travel to Thailand and include Koh Samui Island to your plan. The moment one arrives here, the place casts a spell on you, with its beautiful palm fringed beaches in the traditional villages and the relaxed atmosphere. Koh Samui is the third largest Thai Island, home to some of the well-known beaches like Chaweng, Lamai, Bophut, Big Buddha, Choeng Mon, Hua Thanon and Maenam. This island is famous for its natural beauty and charm, and importantly a place where one can enjoy their holiday their way, from a relaxed one, to a laid back or an active and fast paced.

This place is for the beach lovers with the beautiful white sand beaches, clean, clear water, thriving tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes. Koi Samui Island today is a familiar name in Europe, Australia to the USA. The first tourist arrival started in 1971 and since then the place is charming its visitors, though the current pace of development has made it a more commercial but the sleepy magic still exits and it is certainly a paradise out here. Visitor's to Samui are rewarded with an ideal tropical retreat away from the traffic and hustle bustle of city life, alluring white-sand beaches, a sapphire-blue sea, with loads of tempting Thai cuisine. To add the people are unusually warm and friendly. The best and most developed beaches are at Chaweng and Lamai, which offer a wide range of Koh Samui hotels, restaurants and nightspots to suit every taste and budget.

Make the most of your holiday as Samui offers a number of places to see and things to do. Kick-start by visiting the island's natural attractions the coral beds at Laem Sed and Tong Takien, the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls and the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai bay, which are just a few to name. If one has time on hand, beyond the main island there are other places worth exploring. Koh Phangan is world famous for its monthly Full Moon Parties, then Koh Tao offers with one of the best diving locations in Thailand and the Ang Thong National Marine Park is worth visiting.

Of the many things, the accommodation facilities at the Island are tempting. Koh Samui has a wide range of hotels in Koh Samui. There are five-star resorts available to bungalows on the beach. Moreover, this place is just perfect, if one is looking for a place without really big hotels, resorts and discotheques, but great beaches, places to eat, bars and even a couple of fine nightclubs. For no reason who come here once, want to come back again.

Koh Samui - Asia's Hottest Property Market

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There are several different ways to get into the Koh Samui real estate market, ranging from buying your own little holiday villa up to collecting a large parcel of land of which to build your own development, or even securing your own island for a tropical Eden.

Whichever way you decide to go Samui Network Realty can help you every step of the way, our contact details are on each of the link pages.

Services available:

- Land sales and acquisitions
- Luxury villa sales
- apartment sales
- private island sales
- project development
- full network of real estate agents on Koh samui

Travelling in Thailand

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Thailand is great value; an outstandingly beautiful country; the people are warm and welcoming; it offers a multitude of outdoor activities; it’s home to wonderful ruins of ancient kingdoms as well as present day temples; the food is out of this world and Thailand has some of the finest beaches on the planet.

Chiang Mai and its surroundings is any adventure enthusiast’s playground with a huge array of activities on offer- from outstanding mountain biking and trekking to rafting and elephant riding. You can even cycle all the way to Bangkok! If Chiang Mai and the north are associated with adventure and activity then the south is with beaches and sunshine. The islands are split on either side of Thailand’s peninsular, with, amongst others, Phuket, Koh Lanta off the Andaman coast to the west and Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan to the east in the Gulf of Thailand.

There is of course plenty in between as well, not least the ‘City of Angels’ – Bangkok, surely one of the most vibrant city’s on the planet! So many visitors pass straight through, convinced that it offers nothing but pollution and noise. Take our advice; give it a couple of days and you’ll fall in love with the place.

In the heartland of Thailand you’ll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!

Thailand as a Tour Destination

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Thinking of Thailand as a tour destination? Think exotic, oriental, majestic and more!

Thailand’s boundaries stretch to neighboring regions of Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Gulf of Thailand and the Indian Ocean. The exciting Eastern city of Thailand offers immense scope for sea, air and road travel, dependent on a tourist’s budget. Its four main regions, namely North, Central Plain or the Chao Phraya River Basin, North East (Korat Plateau) and South Peninsula live up to the true meaning of ‘thai,’ literally meaning free and denoting the same in its multicultural diversity that happily coexists with its diverse inhabitants.

Agriculturally rich, with paddy fields dotted landscape that make room for heritage palaces and famous temples alike, modern Thailand comes as a pleasant surprise for the global traveler: natural beauty of many beaches and islands, innumerable shopping bargains and vibrant festivities of carnivals and shopping centers that offer wide variety in local foods and gourmet cuisine, exotic hill - tribe villages and ancient ruins all contribute to Thailand’s cosmopolitan air as a tour destination.

Thailand as a tour destination: its many exciting activities and pleasures. Buddhism is the main religion in Thailand with the King of Thailand revered as the supreme monarch and also the patron of all religions embraced by the people. Thus, Thailand has religious tolerance woven into its social fabric and respects people of all races. This multiculturalism makes Thailand a hot favorite as a tour destination for the global traveler with add-on visits to nearby cities like Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Butterworth and other major southern Thai towns being part of an avid tourist’s list. Places of tourist interest in Thailand include Phuket, Koh Samui, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Koh Chang and Koh Samet while provinces like Krabi, Koh Libong, Koh Hai provides great photographic memoirs of Thailand as a tour destination.

A Hot Bed Of Fun And Investment Potential - Thailand's Koh Samui Is Truly Paradise On Earth

2008-02-25T06:56:00.001-08:00

Twenty years ago, Koh Samui was a sleepy backwater. An island of calm, clear blue waters, crystal white beaches populated only by fishermen and a few backpackers: what Alex Garland maybe had in mind when he wrote "The Beach". The reason for Koh Samui's allure was obvious. Situated in the middle of the Gulf of Siam, Koh Samui is blessed with year-round sunshine and pristine beaches. Like all good secrets, news spread quickly of this 'jewel in the sea' and it led to Koh Samui becoming one of the world's best-know tropical destinations for foreigners in their endless quest for a mythical paradise.

By far the most popular area on Koh Samui is Chaweng on the East coast, with its large white-sand beach, luxury hotels, restaurants and nightlife. Due to the lack of available land now around Chaweng, other areas such as Lamai, Ban Taling Ngam and Bang Por are undergoing major development and are set to boom in the very near future. The North and Southwest of Koh Samui is likely to become a major 'hotspot", with some of the biggest plots of land on the island being available and where some of the largest private houses are being built.

The real estate situation is in a lull at the moment following some recent illegal development scandals and as a result of the current political instability, but with new elections being held later this year and reputable agencies like Savills and Exotiq entering the market, the situation can only get stronger.

Currently part of the province of Suratthani, Koh Samui is soon about to become a province in its own right, meaning much more money from the central government and consequently much better investment in the island's infrastructure, making it an even better option for foreign investors. The airport is set for major renovations, which will result in easier access to South-East Asian destinations and increased tourist numbers, the Hyatt is developing a new hotel and Big C and Club Med also have plans to build new resorts on the island. Combine this with the fact that glitterati such as David and Victoria Beckham, Dustin Hoffman and Kristen Justin-Henin have recently bought land in Koh Samui; it lends loads of confidence to the island's real estate market. With both property and cultural developments such as these, surely it can only add to Koh Samui's reputation as one of the World's top island destinations.

What's so great About Koh Samui in Thailand?

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You’ve probably heard of Koh Samui, it’s the third largest of Thailand’s islands and many people seem to rave about it – but what’s so great about Koh Samui and is it really worth a visit?

Well, not only is Koh Samui worth a visit – it is one of those places on earth that’s once seen and never forgotten. In fact, many of those who visit Koh Samui once are hooked for life and some never leave. There are also an increasing number of Western expatriate retirees moving to live in Thailand and Koh Samui is a favourite destination because not only is it highly affordable but it offers up an excellent standard of living.

Basically what’s so great about Koh Samui is that it has the perfect blend of stunning climate, inimitable views, pristine sandy beaches, lush dense and incredible foliage, rare flora and fauna, excellent cuisine, plenty to see and do and experience and the people are among the friendliest on the planet – oh and healthcare is world class yet affordable and there are even international schools available on the island for those who wish to move there before their retirement years.

If you want to experience the best of Thailand in a safe environment and only moments away from all the amenities and facilities you could possibly want then Koh Samui is the place to go.

You can learn to dive in the crystal clean waters, you can learn to sunbathe (!) on the pure white sandy beaches which are fringed with beautiful palm trees, you can visit coconut plantations, witness incredible waterfalls, take boat trips to outer lying islands such as Koh Tao, Koh Wua Talap or Koh Mae Koh, you can snorkel in the National Marine Park or if all that sounds too energetic why not spend a day or even a week at one of Koh Samui’s spas?

Spa resorts are in abundance on the island and they offer peace, tranquillity and a whole host of luxurious treatments that will leave you feeling purified and whole again after the hustle and bustle of everyday life. And as soon as you’re feeling refreshed and energised it’ll be time to hit the abundance of excellent shops and boutiques or to go for a night out on the town where you can watch cabaret, go bar hopping, dine exquisitely or just while away an evening on the beach star gazing.

If all this sounds like your idea of heaven on earth you’re not alone – Koh Samui is great, it is well worth a visit but don’t blame me if you’re hooked and want to stay for life! There are new residential developments springing up in areas zoned and protected specifically for low rise residential construction and these developments all offer a taste of Thailand combined with contemporary architecture. One of the latest is Infinity Samui which consists of condos, penthouses and villas with infinity pools and infinity sea views. On site there is a spa and all residents will be treated to five star hotel like service – so you can actually live a life of affordable luxury in one of the most desirable places on earth - which is why we truly believe Koh Samui is just so great!

Full Moon Party - Koh Phangan

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The full moon party upon Koh Phangan is a very special event, there are few places in this world where you can live out your desert island dreams of palm trees and white sand beaches and still have a blinding night out at a rocking party every month, Koh Phangan is one of them.The town of Had Rin is a vibrant mix of friendly Southern Thai hospitality and Koh Phangan's unique party culture, creating a place and vibe that could only be found at the origin of the Full moon party, Koh Phangan.

The Full Moon Party is held at Haad Rin Nok, so the many restaurants, pubs and bars in Haad Rin are decorated to attract tourists.At the party, top-name DJs provide many genre of music, like Hip Hop, Dance, R&B, Reggae and lots more. In addition, any number of other performers may join the Party throughout the evening; fire blowers and dancers, face painters and impromptu firework displays among them.

In high season, there are over ten thousand people joining this party, but there are rooms to accommodate them scattered all over Koh Phangan, if you want to stay in Haad Rin you should book a room at least one week before the Full Moon Party.It is possible to stay on Koh Samui and get the ferry over for the party and back again early the next morning.

Police are cracking down on the drug scene at full moon parties, undercover police attend the party to try to catch people dealing or taking drugs. Large fines are the consequence faced by anyone caught. This is a significant change from the early days of the Full Moon Party when drug taking was actively encouraged upon Koh Phangan.

With the global notoriety that the Full moon party has gained as being one of the biggest and best beach bashes in the world, Koh Phangan gets more than its fair share of hedonists gracing its shores. Few know that the first Full Moon Party actually started as a going away bash for a friend of the owner of Paradise Bungalows on Haad Rin beach, which just happened to be at full moon.Each year the scene on Koh Phangan grows with the ever-increasing number of party faithful that return, bringing their friends and spreading the vibe.

Koh Naka - Phuket's "Castaway" Island

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Phuket is not only Thailand's largest island but is also widely known as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, a world class holiday destination attracting millions of visitors every year. The province is famous for many fascinating tourist attractions, but few people have heard of Koh Naka Yai, Phuket's secret gem and home to the Koh Naka Retreat.

Koh Naka Yai is a small island less than 15 minutes by boat off the east coast of Phuket. The island is set in the beautiful scenic surroundings of Phang Nga Bay, an area that first became famous when it was featured over thirty years ago in the epic James Bond movie 'The Man with the Golden Gun', and it hasn't looked back since. A National Park, this stunning bay of paradise island "getaways" is blessed with spectacular limestone outcrops and mangrove forests that line the bay and the many tributaries running into it.

Amazingly, Koh Naka has up until now managed to escape the tourist plight of many of Phuket's exotic islands, not least Phuket Island itself which has become so popular over the past few years and a "must visit" for holiday seekers worldwide.

Koh Naka Yai is the classic postcard image of island exotica with fine, pristine white sandy beaches lined with coconut trees - the ultimate place to unwind from the stresses of modern day urban madness. No roads, no cars, no internet cafes, just the chirping of birds and cicadas in the background. The only activity you would encounter during stay here would be Koh Naka Noi's famous pearl farms, which can be visited on a day trip, or the occasional yacht anchored in the bay.

Inevitably, and not surprisingly, the island will some day become home to some upscale resorts but, fortunately for now, Koh Naka remains a virtually uninhabited fisherman's island with only one major home on the entire island, the Koh Naka Retreat.

The Koh Naka Retreat is the stuff that dreams are made of, an exclusive private villa hideaway with a private jetty leading to an infinity edge swimming pool enjoying stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. With blue waters and 5 secluded sandy beaches to choose from, Koh Naka Retreat provides a beautiful romantic 'Castaway' environment for tranquility seeking holidaymakers and honeymooners alike.

Koh Samui Holiday Island

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Koh Samui Bungalows & Resorts

The great thing about Koh Samui is that almost every voyager can find lodging right on one of the Samui beaches and at the budget available to the visitor.

Koh Samui Population

Samui Beach

Acitivities on Koh Samui

Samui Weather

Patong And Karon Beach, The Hearts Of Phuket

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Located 862 kilometers south of Bangkok is Phuket, Thailand's largest island, which is often dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman, or the pearl of the south. Its natural resources- rocky peninsular, limestone cliffs, white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and tropical in-land forests contribute to making it the South's wealthiest, busiest, most visited and most popular island and province.

Patong Beach is the most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment. It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming, lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing. On the hills behind Patong you will find Phuket villa rentals which rank amongst the best in the world. The rich and famous from all of the world come here to enjoy the stunning beaches and sample the vibrant nightlight which Patong is famous for.

Also popular is Karon beach, located south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach's signature that drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may be affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach.

During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road. Again, luxury Phuket villas are dotted along this beautiful stretch of coast, offering great accessibility to Phukets attractions.

Thailand constantly is winning awards for its tourism infrastructure, recently The Swedish travel publication, Travel News, recently presented the annual Grand Travel Award - the equivalent of the travel and tourism industry's 'Oscars' - for the fifteenth consecutive year.

Thailand ranked first in the "World's Best Tourist Country" category, making this the fifth consecutive year that Thailand has won the Swedish Grand Travel Award. The other top ten travel destinations deemed to be popular with Swedish travelers include South Africa, the United States, Italy, China, Greece, Denmark, Spain, France and Croatia. Other awards include Asia's very own award-winning luxury travel and lifestyle magazine, DestinAsian, awarding Bangkok with 'Best Leisure DestinAsian City' and The Oriental Bangkok won the DestinAsian 'Best Hotel, Bangkok' award.

From Bangkok, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to luxury villas for rent. Stunning locations are within hours of the capitol making weekend breaks very popular these days, High flying professionals can fly in from Hong Kong and be relaxing beside their private pool a their Thailand villa in no time, and enjoying the Thai pace of life.

Beaches of Phuket

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Most tourists staying on Phuket during their holiday unfortunately only visit the beach located closest to their hotel. It is a shame as there are so many beautiful beaches which the tourists could visit. The best way to see all the beautiful beaches is by renting a motorbike or jeep and by simply driving up and down the coast line as travelers will encounter countless beautiful and deserted beaches.

Some of the nicest beaches of Phuket are those mentioned below.

Bang Tao

The beautiful Bang Tao beach is located next to the upscale Phuket Laguna complex where a number of excellent 5 star hotels are located.

Kamala

Kamala beach is one of the most popular beaches and is located only a few minutes drive from Patong beach. Travelers looking for a beach area which offers a peaceful surrounding should consider booking a hotel or resort in the beach resort area of Kamala.

Karon

The most popular after Patong beach is Karon beach and is located just south of Patong. Karon has a long beach and numerous resorts line this beach. Tourists visitingwith children often prefer the somewhat laidback atmosphere that Karon beach has to offer.

Patong

Patong beach is the busiest of all the beaches of Phuket. The vast majority of entertainment and business venues are located in Patong beach. If travelers are looking for a beach resort area where they can party until the early hours of the morning then Patong beach is the ideal choice for them.

Surin

One of the most upscale Phuket beach areas is the area around Surin beach. If tourists do visit Surin beach then they should definitely try the excellent and inexpensive seafood which is served at the Surin beach side restaurants.

Patong Beach In Thailand

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Patong Beach is located on Phuket Island's west coast. Patong Beach was once considered as to be too remote for people to go. However, today it is one of the most famous beaches of Thailand. The beach became popular with western tourists, especially Europeans, in the late 1980s. Today one can find many large hotels and resorts in Patong. Patong Beach is approximately 15 kilometers from Phuket Town.

The beach is oval shaped and the coastline is filled with luxurious hotels and restaurants. Patong Beach is famous for its nightlife. Nightlife is centered around two main areas - the Bangla Road and Paradise Complex. There are many restaurants, discos and bars right from budget levels to luxurious star hotels.

Patong Beach is a public beach and it is open to anyone. There are certain beaches in Phuket which are reserved just for foreigners and do not allow locals on to them. A number of facilities are available at Patong Beach. Tourists and visitors can hire a boat to visit other beaches around the island. Visitors can participate in water sports and tourists can go for shopping in the innumerous shops that sell items rather cheaply.

On December 26, 2004, Patong Beach was struck by a tsunami caused by the earthquake in the Indian Ocean. The wave caused a great deal of destruction. Although the destruction was not as bad when compared to Khao Lak, it took six months to rebuild a part of the destroyed beach. At that point it was estimated that another year or so would be required to rebuild the beach to its former glory while removing all traces of the destruction caused by the tsunami.

Lipa Noi Beach - Samui West Coast Holiday Destination

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Lipa Noi, the area just south of Nathon, which stretches down to Ban Taling Ngam, is for many who live here one of the most beautiful parts of Samui. It combines pure countryside with a wonderful coast land, with little in the way of development. It's also stunningly quiet, and if you have come to Samui to escape the noise of a big city, then Lipa Noi is bound to please you with its laid back lifestyle. The Thais who live here still practice many of their traditional occupations. You'll still see fishing boats going out across the water, and the family buffalo being taken for a gentle stroll by their owners as the sun sets. In the hills behind Lipa Noi, undisturbed jungle reaches up into the highlands, and the only sounds you'll hear are the splashing of one or other of Lipa Noi's waterfalls.

You might be forgiven for thinking that, admirable though Lipa Noi might be, surely it's lagging behind on infrastructure. Oddly this is not the case, and the roads here are undoubtedly some of the best on the island. Thanks to the slower pace of development here, fewer trucks are taking their toll on the highways and the infrastructure isn't under so much threat. You'll also find little in the way of snarl-ups, as there's little traffic around to cause them.

A great way to explore this area is to follow the series of roads that are to be found just a few hundred metres back from the beach and which lead all the way from close to Nathon Hospital and take you down to Le Royal Meridien hotel and beyond. Drive through a beachside temple and meander through some of Samui's finest (and least populated) coastal scenery, allowing for stops on the way, as there's a lot to see. Lipa Noi and the south have escaped the mass-development that characterizes Chaweng and the east coast. You might well think if you visit the west coast that you aren't even on the same island, so different is the feel to it. However, the shops, night life and all the amenities are a short drive away; head south from Lipa Noi and Ban Taling Ngam, and very soon you will find yourself in Lamai. Amenities in the Lipa Noi area do exist, and you will find them amongst the best on the island. For 5-star food and drink, but at reasonable prices, try The Five Islands restaurant, just down the road from Le Royal Meridien. There are also privately run tennis courts and even a fishing resort, one of the first in Thailand.

Those who love Samui come back to Lipa Noi time and time again; they find it unchanged; its pace of life has barely speeded up and its beauty remains intact. It can safely be said that it encapsulates all that is best about Samui, and the reason it became a number one travel destination in the first place: gorgeous beaches and views, a relaxed way of life, and miles and miles of lush, abundant tropical greenery.

Koh Samui, A Tropical Paradise

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Picture an island nestling in the calm, azure blue waters of the Gulf of Thailand fringed by coral reefs with beaches of powder soft white sand framed by a backdrop of coconut trees, their fronds dancing in the gentle breeze. The palms stretch upward to the central uplands, thick with lush tropical vegetation. The coast and lower slopes are awash with coconut palms making Koh Samui the ‘Coconut Capital of Thailand’. It is said the island sends 2,000.000 coconuts per month to Bangkok. This green vista is interspersed occasionally by black granite boulders. Some of these rock formations appear to defy gravity by hanging dramatically against the hillside. This tropical paradise is called Koh Samui. A 250 square kilometre rounded island which is about the same size as Penang.

Koh Samui translates from Koh, the Thai word for island, and Samui, which is probably derived from the Chinese “saboey” meaning safe harbour. The magic island first came to the attention of world travellers when it started to crop up in conversation in many of the cheap hotels that then clustered around Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway station some 45 years ago. It was difficult to get to, requiring special negotiation with fishermen in Suratthani lying 80 kilometres across the sea on the mainland. When you reached the island, there was no road and so those intrepid voyagers hopped from beach to beach by boat. In the past forty plus years things have changed hugely.

The island is now served by an international airport that looks more like a botanical garden than the accepted tradition of functional ‘air station’. Flights leave hourly for the new Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and link the island to additional destinations such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Pattaya and Phuket. A 52-kilometre road rings Samui and links all the major towns. Nathon the capital plays host to government buildings and banks and serves as one of the ferry ports serving the Thai mainland. The road skirts the 635-metre mountain that sits centrally astride the landmass and takes in the main resorts of Lamai and Chaweng. Lamai is the smaller of the two and offers a quieter and perhaps cleaner beach. The latter caters for, perhaps, a younger and more energetic visitor. Further on lies Bangrak is better known as “Big Buddha Beach” as it takes its name from the huge Buddha statue at the eastern end of the bay. Borphut boasts a trendy fisherman’s village, much favoured by French tourists and Maenam to the north offers spectacular views across to Koh Phangan and the Ang Thong Natural Marine Park.

This area is much less crowded than the bustling Chaweng and the marginally quieter Lamai. It still retains its original Thai flavour. However, to get to grips with authentic ‘Samui’ you need to rent a car or motorbike and take one of the many roads that lead up away from the coast and into the mountain. As you climb higher you come to rubber plantations and hidden away villages clustering around paddy fields, still hanging onto a traditional way of life that is far removed from the tourist dominated hotels, resorts, restaurants and bars that cluster around the coast.

Samui has over the years developed a reputation as centre of complementary medicine offering spas designed to detox inhabitants of an overstressed globe. The Health Oasis Resort located adjacent to the unspoiled Bang Po Beach to the west of Maenam offers stunning views across to Koh Phangan. Sit in the authentic vegetarian restaurant after six p.m. and turn your head to the west you will witness spectacular sunsets over the islands that comprise the Ang Thong National Park. Health Oasis is unique in that the Thai Department of Health lists it as a traditional medicine hospital. It specialises in supervised detox and fasting treatments.

Travelling To Koh Phangan - What Are The Options?

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So you have landed in Bangkok, probably spent a couple of days enjoying the crazy place and are now ready to head out to the islands? Great, but just how do you get there? Well you could consult your guide book, it will tell you how, but it won’t give you a very good idea of which is the best option. I will try to do that here.

Train and boat

There are several trains each day travelling south from Bangkok to Surat Thani. It takes around 9 hours to complete the train journey, you must then get a coach from the station (don’t worry they will be waiting for you to get off the train, not hard to find one) to pier in Donsak. From there you take a boat, approximately a 4 hour trip depending on the weather. Possibly the best way to do this journey is to take the overnight sleeper train, this gets you to Surat Thani early the next morning, you will arrive on Koh Phangan sometime in the afternoon. Be warned, the aircon is very cold should you take a 1st or 2nd class ticket, consider taking 3rd class, fan only, you really don’t need aircon at 2am.

Bus

Taking a bus is the cheapest option; it is also the least comfortable. So called ‘VIP’ buses can be booked from most travel agents in Bangkok. The journey takes up to 19 hours, a long time to be trapped on a slow moving vehicle. I only recommend this option if you are on the kind of budget where you need to watch every penny.

Flying

Unfortunately, Bangkok Airways still maintain a monopoly over flights to Koh Samui airport. This makes the Bangkok-Samui route the most expensive in Thailand. If you choose to fly during the day you will be looking at a fee of around 4,000 Baht. There are two promotional flights each day, one at 6am the other at 10pm, and these can be booked for 2,000 Baht, but book well in advance as they fill up fast. Once on Koh Samui just ask a taxi driver to take you to the pier for the next boat leaving to Koh Phangan, it’s a 20 minute crossing.

Once you arrive upon Koh Phangan you will be swamped by friendly taxi drivers asking you where you want to go, don’t be alarmed they are just trying to make a living and they really are your only option for public travel on the island. Renting a scooter is the best way to get around.

Sailing Off Samui

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Once regarded as a side trip from the more established Asian sailing routes, Samui has now burst onto the international yachting scene.

The annual Koh Samui Regatta, held each year at the end of May, has become one of the "must do" events on the Asian sailing calendar and regularly attracts yachts from as far afield as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Prior to the Regatta's inauguration in 2002 the island was home to just a few "privileged" local sailors who had made Samui their home. But Samui's first international yacht racing event spread the word throughout the region and beyond. This meant the great sailing conditions in this part of the Gulf of Thailand were no longer a secret and international publicity has led to a boom in the local sailing business.

Samui now has a burgeoning charter fleet with a range of boats available. There's everything from beach-launched catamarans to mid-sized cruising yachts, not to mention large day-sail vessels. Chaweng Beach is the main location for most of the beach sail boats, from Nacras and Hobie Cats to Lasers and Windrider trimarans. Head north to Bang Rak (Big Buddha Beach) and Bophut, there you will find the larger cruising boats such as the Coco Sailing twin-masted catamarans, the Polynesian style "Nok Talay", the 50 ft. day-sail cat "Kia Ora" and the "Easy Charters" 63 ft. Pinisi. If you would like to cruise in company or try your hand at flotilla sailing, the largest sail charter company in the world, Sunsail, base their fleet out of Bophut bay for the May to August summer season.

The increased number of boats resident around the island and the excitement of the annual Regatta has also led to the birth of monthly club racing. Conceived as an enjoyable way for local sailors and charter visitors to get together, this regular monthly weekend event is characterized by its attitude, where protests are not allowed and racing disputes are settled over a beer at the BBQ. With a healthy number of boats available for charter these events are proving very popular. especially with many sailors who fly in for the weekend, step onto a fully prepared boat, race the event and fly out when the racing and party is over. The Tradewinds Resort on Chaweng beach has become the meeting point for these get-togethers, which are generally held at different venues around the island, depending on the weather and the season.

Of course, with an expanding number of yachts resident on and around the islands, back-up services are needed. These include repairs, chandlery, supplies and a place to keep the boats safe and secure. There has been much talk of a marina project on Samui, and the island is certainly ready for one. The construction of a floating pontoon at Petcharat Marine in Bang Rak (Big Buddha) Bay will certainly be a welcome addition to their present fuelling, water and supply services. Renowned for their yacht-friendly services, Petcharat are also installing fixed moorings and with several other projects being mooted it wont be long before international class marinas and waterside developments provide the missing piece of the puzzle to make Samui's sailing scene complete.

Fun Above & Below The Waves At Koh Samui

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The sea is great place to spend time enjoying the region's tropical beauty and marine life. Samui is becoming a water sports Mecca, with a range of options for those who want to get wet. The warm seas that surround Koh Samui have long played an integral role in the island's allure, with few visitors able to resist the temptation of the waters that gently lap Samui's beaches. Right now, there have never been so many ways for people to take a dip around Samui. Here are just a few of the most popular options for water babes who need an H2O fix during their time in paradise.

10 Reasons To Visit Koh Samui

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Your destination for water sports, adventure activities, shopping and fine foods – Koh Samui or Samui is one of the top travel destinations of Thailand. It’s an island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 80km from the eastern coastline of southern Thailand.

The Thailand's second largest island has numerous lures, such as thick green forests, incredible coconut fringed white sand beaches, coral reefs, temples, gardens fantastic waterfalls, and remarkable rock formations, but the top 10 reasons to visit koh Samui are as follows:

The Big Buddha Beach is one of the major attractions of the Koh Samui. Sited 15 minutes from Chaweng, the stunning beach is the place full of entertainment and pleasure. The exotic beach offers perfect setting for partying long during nights and relaxing during the day times.

Wat Phra Yai temple attracts you with its sheer size and beauty. The temple is a great marvel famous for its 12 meter tall Buddha sculpture. It is Samui’s major tourist attraction, which is on Route 4171 near the airport.

The Ancient House is an amazing and the oldest house at Ban Thale on the island. The house built around 150 years ago, has all the parts fitted together without any nail. It is made of teak planks and shows off several beauteous woodcarvings.

The Hin Lat Waterfalls are probably one of the finest expressions of the scenic beauty. Located 2 kms south of Na Thon, these waterfalls are astounding to observe and you can even take a dip in a big rock pond made at the underside of the falls. The Hin Lad cloister is also close at hand that is worth visiting too.

Undoubtedly, Snake Farm is one of the top lures on the island. It is sited in the region of ‘Taling Ngam’ in the south of the island and of Nathon. There are 2 daily shows at 11 am and 2 pm showing snakes living on Samui, and some of Asia's most vicious species plus centipedes and scorpions.

Aquarium & Tiger Zoo attracts you to watch its lot of fish and coral species, among others sharks, catfishes, turtles and various others that lived in the local underwater ocean deeps. It also offers you opportunity to see tigers in their cages, and watch birds, such as parrots, falcons, sea eagles and others.

Situated at the south of the beach of Lamai, Hin-Ta and Hin-Yai is surely one of the most desired tourist attractions as they bear close resemblance to the male and female genital organs. These two rock formations are also called Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks.

Two Crocodile Farms on the Koh Samui Island are also great tourist traps. Located behind the airport and on a 7000 square meters area, one of the farms has over 100 animal species including Siam and sea water crocodiles, caymans, snakes, lizards, apes and many more. The other one is in the south of the island, at Namuang Waterfall II.

You can really have some nice time at Tamarind Spa, which offers excellent massages in a calm and green setting. The prices here are affordable and well worth it. You can also have all type of massage therapies, and other natural treatments at the best possible prices.

Accessed via a 30-minute boat ride from Ban Thong Krut, the Naga Pearl Farm is also a great tourist attraction. Here you are shown how pearls are cultivated. There is also a big shop on the premises where different kinds of pearls and pearl products are sold that include pearl shells and unique handicrafts.

Thailand's Beaches

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Thailand has some of the world’s better if not best beaches. With many seaside towns offering something for all kind of visitors. Here’re some of Thailand’s well known beach destinations.

Phuket: You can find almost anything to entertain anyone in Phuket. From the long-stretched beaches, luxury to budget hospitality, fine cuisine, buzzing nightlife, exciting shopping, great golf courses and extensive spa treatments.

Samui: 2nd to Phuket when it comes to the variety of attractions. Samui also has a few magnificent waterfalls, visitors should not miss.

Hua Hin: Thailand’s oldest beach resort that still remains popular with those wishing a quiet getaway only a few hours away from Bangkok. Also known for its night market offering a variety of exquisite foods and snacks.

Rayong and Koh Samet: Rayong doesn’t only have beautiful beaches lining its coast but also the cultural and natural resource riches. Koh Samet, the biggest island on Rayong’s coast with its crystal-clear water, is also a favorite for those seeking a quick visit out of Bangkok

Pattaya: Not known for the best beaches for its increasing popularity has caused a great deal of water pollution. But instead, Pattaya is renowned for its nightlife. Hundreds of beer bars, go go bars, restaurants and clubs lined the busy “Walking Street” also known as “The Strip”.

Wining and Dining on Koh Samui in Thailand

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Southern Thailand is home to some of the world’s finest cuisines, this can be seen by the number of Thai restaurants that have appeared throughout the world over the last number of years. Koh Samui is no different; the people here are highly imaginative when it comes to selection and presentation of food. Whether it is a local street vendor or a top end restaurant you can be sure that you’ll find something to suit any palate and budget.

There are three main areas on Samui for restaurants and bars; with a further four more secluded areas to explore. The first and most popular area is Chaweng beach. Here you can find a huge range of restaurants to choose from, including French, Japanese, Italian and Royal Thai, just to name a few. All of these can be enjoyed on the beach under the stars, beneath a thatched roof or in cool air-conditioned comfort.

Situated near the famous Big Buddha, in the north of the island, is Bophut beach. This once predominately fishing area has given way to a range of restaurants and is now the culinary heart of Koh Samui. The quiet and picturesque setting makes it an ideal place for a romantic night out.

The fisherman’s village, which is considered by most to be one of the oldest areas on the island, is littered with wooden houses reminiscent of a by gone era that have been lovingly restored and now serve as shops and restaurants. Here you’ll find French, Indian, Thai, Italian and seafood restaurants all of which are a stone’s throw from the waterfront.

Big Buddha beach has plenty of excellent Thai restaurants to choose from alongside international cuisine. Exceptional and inventive pub grub is available from funky cafés which are scattered throughout the area.

In the south of the island you’ll find Samui’s second largest beach – Lamai beach. In general dining here is cheaper than Chaweng beach and is where you will find a plethora of small, family run Thai eateries. Although, there is still an eclectic mix of restaurants from European to Asian fusion, ensuring all tastes are catered for.

One of Samui’s quietest and most picturesque beaches is Maenam. The restaurants here will cater to every budget and offer food from around the world. The area is packed with street stalls where you can purchase a portion of Pad Thai and eat it on the beach for an inexpensive but memorable dining experience.

For the more adventurous and those who enjoy heading off the well trodden tourist trail should make for the south-east and west coasts. As most of the island’s fresh fish is caught just of these coastlines, seafood lovers will be in culinary paradise. Some of the restaurants here are so small they don’t even have names but you are nearly always guaranteed a delicious meal and a warm Thai welcome. However, it’s not only the welcome that is warm; the dishes are spicy enough to blow your socks off!

Diving In Thailand -Koh Samui

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Koh Samui is Thailand's third largest island. It is still covered with coconut trees, jungle and rugged rocks of granite sloping into the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Siam. Samui measures 21km in its length and is 25km wide.

Nowadays Koh Samui is a preferred destination for divers who are looking for an up-market western infrastructure in the Gulf of when compared to what is available on Koh Tao the main diving destination in this area.

5 Star resort and luxury villa accommodation is easily found on all parts of the island. Four international hospitals are available as well as a golf course, plenty of Spa treatments from traditional Thai massages to healing fast and hot stone therapies. Many restaurants employ international high class chefs and the variety of international cuisine is enormous with no doubt -delicious. All the major fast food chains will be found as well.

Diving from Samui is varied, mainly boat diving and virtually possible all year round. The journey to the dive sites differs between 45 mins (Speedboat to Sail Rock) and 3.5 hrs (slower displacement boats/tourboat) depending on the destination and boat type, which means Speed- or Tourboat.

Depths range from shallow reefs between 10-18m and deeper Pinnacles down to 40m. However most of the dives are not conducted deeper than 30m and depending on diver's experience.

The majority of dive trips offer two or three dives which are more or less daytrips due to the destination and travel time.

One of the undoubtedly most famous dive sites in the Koh Samui Archipelago is

SAIL ROCK located 45 km north of Samui midway between Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. This rock pinnacle is, shaped like an ice-berg emerges from 40m to 15 m above the oceans surface. Sail Rock provides large schools of pelagic's steep walls, rock formation covered with corals and an awesome "chimney", a swimthrough located on its northwest side. The chimney starts at 18m down and exits at 6m where the natural light penetrating the top makes it fantastically picturesque. At its exit on the top you will find yourself surrounded by magnificent carpets of colourful anemones full of vibrant anemone fish. At 12m you will spot a hole that opens up. -"The window" is another opportunity to exit the chimney into the open water.

Apart from the big schools of fishes you see here all year round you have a good chance to spot whale sharks or manta rays passing by on their feed in season.

Koh Samui Holiday Island

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Koh Samui lies roughly eighty kilometers of the east coast of Thailand. Samui is situated surrounded by other Islands of the Ang Tong group. From the second a traveler arrives on Samui they will fall in love with Samui. Many travelers visiting Samui adore the wonderful atmosphere that can be found on Samui.

From nearly every position on Koh Samui, tourists are granted astonishing views of surrounding sea. The Samui airport will definitely be one of the most astonishing airports found any where on the globe. For those tourists arriving by boat to the wonderful Thai holiday Island, the ferry dock will steer them ahead instantly onto the white Samui beaches and its coconut trees.

Koh Samui Bungalows & Resorts

Koh Samui offers a remarkable selection and assortment of beachfront Koh Samui bungalows and resorts and is obtainable for virtually every tourist accommodation budget. Travelers will find on Samui a large offering of accommodation that ranges from standard beach bungalows on one of the beaches all the way up till incredible and luxurious Samui hotels and beach resorts.

The great thing about Koh Samui is that almost every voyager can find lodging right on one of the Samui beaches and at the budget available to the visitor.

Koh Samui Population

The population of Koh Samui is made up for the major piece of Thai Buddhists. Previous to the arrival of tourism dollars and the hefty number of tourists, Koh Samui has been living off coconut farming and fishing. Fishing and coconut farming are still an vital part of Samui however the vast mainstream of local residents are at present employed in the Samui hospitality and travel industry.

Samui Beach

The leading and most trendy Samui beach is of course Chaweng beach. Close runner ups are the Samui beaches at Lamai and the one at Maenam. Many of the beaches on Koh Samui have a huge number of bungalows and resorts however the Samui beaches by no means suffer from busy crows or noise as Koh Samui beaches are normally relatively stretched and spacious.

Acitivities on Koh Samui

Koh Samui offers tourists a lot of amusement and entertainment which ranges from the infamous Chaweng nightlife to relaxing trips by boat to deserted and fabulous beaches. Tourists visiting Koh Samui can also get pleasure from a wide choice of watersport options on Koh Samui. Visitors can also go one of the great trips to one of the beautiful waterfalls found all over Samui or go on an elephant ride through the natural rain forest.

Samui Weather

The ideal time of the year to visit Koh Samui is definitively during the dry season. The dry season on Samui starts in February and ends in June. If you stay on Koh Samui from March until October, you will experience temperatures in Samui which can get up to 35 Celsius. The Koh Samui rainy season lasts from early November until late February.

Koh Samui -Asia's Hottest Property Market

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On the opposite coast sits Phuket, which over the last 15-20 years has experienced massive growth and is now a millionaires playground. It was originally visited by backpackers, who as we all know always find the best beaches. Well, now is the turn of Koh Samui, which is seeing the visits of Backpackers slowing down, who instead pass through on their way to the "Angthong National Marine Park', which was the setting of the movie 'The Beach'. In their place is a flock of overseas investors looking to buy or build their own luxury getaway and at the same time a great investment property. Prices have been going up at a very healthy rate and don't show any signs of slowing down soon.

There are several different ways to get into the Koh Samui real estate market, ranging from buying your own little holiday villa up to collecting a large parcel of land of which to build your own development, or even securing your own island for a tropical Eden.

Whichever way you decide to go Samui Network Realty can help you every step of the way, our contact details are on each of the link pages.

Services available:

- Land sales and acquisitions
- Luxury villa sales
- apartment sales
- private island sales
- project development
- full network of real estate agents on Koh samui

The Coral Reefs of Koh Samui

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The brilliantly colored coral reefs of Koh Samui in Thailand attract scuba divers from all over the world for the sheer joy of diving. In fact, you can say that Koh Samui is probably the best diving site in South East Asia. Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport, providing unlimited excitement and a pleasurable pastime. With the help of modern scuba diving equipment that allow you to breathe underwater with effortless ease and comfort, a whole new marine world opens up before you, usually unseen by the human eye.

Those who have not mastered the technique yet, can find scores of dive schools with experienced professionals ready to give them diving lessons and hand-guide them to the abyss. Obtaining a certificate is a breeze. Neither is it a tall story to say that you can get a number of dive certificates in Koh Samui that include Scuba diver, Adventure diver, Rescue diver and so on. Also, scuba diving in Thailand is competitively priced, and once you have obtained the certification in this country, you may utilize it to go scuba diving anywhere in the world.

Diving is suitable in Thailand throughout the year, visibility depending on the season. While in the Andaman Sea, the best time is from October through April, the Gulf of Thailand offers scuba from May through September. Most of the dive shops and establishments are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, holding multi-lingual courses. Thailand is also one of the most seacology conscious countries of the world. Several professional divers from fourteen dive centers on the island of Koh Samui recently organized a clean up at Sail Rock, which is one of the frequently used dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand. Their principal activity centered round removing fishing nets covering coral and sundry marine life. Twenty-five Koh Samui Easy Divers removed around 160 kg of debris from under the sea.

Koh Samui or the “island of the coconut tree” with its rolling hills, coconut plantations, carved sandy beaches and offshore islands has, over the years, developed into a supreme holiday destination with a distinct island flavor. It is also a place to relax, meet divers (scuba) from every corner of the universe, talk about the preservation of corals, sun bathe and party till deep in the night. Fringed by coral reefs and deeper offshore pinnacles, it is not very hard to appreciate the country’s wide popularity among backpackers and members of the selective dive community alike.

Surprisingly enough, few people realize that Samui is also a renowned Buddhist center with temples and artifacts, including mummified bodies of Buddhist monks, preserved with dignity and care. The Northern coast of Samui is dominated by the Big Buddha, a 15 meter figure that looks out over the sea and has become the island’s principal landmark.

So come to Koh Samui, and take a dip to the amazing world of corals – Samui offers among the cleanest waters in the region. Or you can also come to Samui on a religious trip.

What's so great About Koh Samui in Thailand?

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You’ve probably heard of Koh Samui, it’s the third largest of Thailand’s islands and many people seem to rave about it – but what’s so great about Koh Samui and is it really worth a visit?

If you want to experience the best of Thailand in a safe environment and only moments away from all the amenities and facilities you could possibly want then Koh Samui is the place to go.

For Quality Accommodation - Phi Phi Island Hotels

2008-02-21T06:42:00.000-08:00

Phi Phi Island Adventure Tour - Krabi Thailand

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PHI PHI ISLANDs one of the world's best admirable and acclaimed day-tripper destinations. Consisting of two baby islands, blanketed in abundant forests with abrupt limestone cliffs from the Phang Nga Province chain, the name comes from the Malay language, acceptation "mangrove wood".

Beach of Plenty

Phi Phi Don, is the beyond of the two islands: one bisected accouterment to sun-worshippers, the added to the diving brigade. A attenuated isthmus of arch accolade - Tonsai Bay, and Lodalam Bay, , amidst by mountains to the east and jungles to the west - affix the halves. Because a abundant allocation of the autogenous is inaccessible, development is concentrated about the bays.

Trap Marine

Two kilometers to the south is the arid Phi Phi Ley, , added than six aboveboard kilometers belted by phosphoric bedrock formations and cliffs, preventing beach access. The arduous cliffs and limestone rocks trap surrounding waters, careful the accolade and giving them the actualization of civil lakes.

Cave Carvings

The Viking Cavern in the northeastern bend is home to bags of nesting swifts. In 1972, His Majesty the King renamed it Tahm Pya Nak (Cave of the King Serpent), from Buddhist mythology, because of the bedrock that resembles a serpent head. Locals admire the cave, admitting that doesn't stop them from occasionally stripping it of its nests for bird's backup soup. Paintings of elephants and ships are engraved on the close walls, believed the assignment of pirates apartment from monsoons.

Mythic Destination

Crystalline seas, aerial cliffs, foliated pillars of limestone, adorable apricot and a active underwater life, all amalgamate to accomplish the Phi Phi Islands a dream destination in the Andaman. Visitors not on a bound agenda should be abiding not to bypass this close paradise.

Travel to Krabi and Phi Phi Islands - Amazing Thailand attractions

2008-02-21T06:39:00.000-08:00

Learning to Fight in Phuket-Thailand

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Mixed martial arts or MMA is a combination of the most effective forms of fight sciences like Muay Thai, boxing, and jiu-jiitsu. The popularity of MMA based programing on television and cable like the Ultimate Fighting Championship, King of the Cage, and Cage Rage have fueled the expansion of training camps and schools throughout the world.

Today, fighters, young and old, travel around the world searching for training that will make the the next "Ultimate Fighter." You want to learn Jiu-Jitsu, then head for Brazil. Looking for boxing skills then you might try the U.S. And if you are looking for Muay Thai, there is no better place than Thailand; the home of Muay Thai and the national sport of Thailand.

From one end of the country to the other, Muay Thai is the pride of the Thai people. The fight sport has become popular around the world and now boasts organizations in more than 35 countries promoting tournaments, fights, and amateur and professional titles. For years, martial arts enthusiast and athletes have ben coming to Thailand to learn the science of eight limbs from professional Thai fighters. With the explosion in popularity of MMA in the rest of the world, and here in Thailand, there is a new breed of fighter making his way to Asia and the land of smiles. MMA fighter's are quickly learning that Thailand is the place to be to learn the secrets of striking through hardcore Muay Thai training.

Thai fighters are known for their aggressiveness, stamina, and ability to ignore pain, which are all prerequisites of the modern cage fighter. They want to learn the secrets of of the Siam warriors abilities and bring it back to the cage. In 2001, MMA programming on in Thailand took the country by storm, and is now one of the most popular sports viewed on cable TV. The Thai people immediately took to the sport as they quickly recognized Muay Thai as a key aspect of the ultimate fight game. If you are standing up, you are fighting Muay thai style. If you are on the ground, you are using wrestling and jiu-jitsu. The Thai people were proud to see their national sport in the world spotlight.

Starting in 2005, fighters from all over the globe were given the chance to save money and participate in comprehensive training in Muay thai and MMA in Thailand. Modern fight camps, like Tiger Muay Thai & MMA, Phuket, Thailand and Bangkok Fight Club opened their door to professional and amateurs looking to train Muay Thai and MMA all at the same place. Fighters can work their stand-up striking game with Muay Thai and then train Jiu-Jitsu to work on their ground fighting skills. Now fighters would not have to travel from one country to the next to find the training they need. Everything they needed was in one place; a great training environment in the tropics which is conducive to hardcore training, training partners with the skills needed to improve, and the ability to live and train under the same roof without going broke.

As if that was not enough, Thailand offers Muay thai fights seven-days-a-week in most big cities. It used to be difficult for most fighters to find a place to train and finally land a fight. Now fighters coming to Thailand can plan a training regimen and a fight before even arriving in Thailand. I you are in shape and are looking for a fight, head to Thailand and one of the many training camps that accept foreigners. Train for six weeks and then strap on the gloves against a Thai or another foreign fighter. You will head back home with experience and the experience of a lifetime after training in Muay Thai and MMA in Thailand.

4 Most Beautiful Thailand Beaches

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Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach. Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other. Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed. The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.

Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot. Enjoy this resort November through March. There is more than enough to do. It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in. The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world. There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.

Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around. Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here. It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names. This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.

West Railiy Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough. There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the “resort” for over a week and barely tap the budget. The sands are milky white and the water clear. Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing. This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.

Private Villas In The Exotic Dream Destination Phuket

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The kingdom of Thailand lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, making it a natural gateway to Indochina, Myanmar and Southern China. Its shape and geography divide into four natural regions: the mountains and forests of the North; the vast rice fields of the Central Plains; the semi-arid farm lands of the Northeast plateau; and the tropical islands and long coastline of the peninsula South.

Staying on the island is easy, as there are only two seasons in a year - the rainy season (May to October) and the hot season (November to April). The low season of phuket is between September and October as they are the wettest months. The best period for a visit, is from November to February, when it is possible to see the clear blue sky, feel the fresh sea breeze and marvel at the crystal clear water while lying on powdery, palm-fringed beaches. Average temperatures ranges between 23 degree and 33 degree.

Renting a Phuket Villa can be a daunting task, with literally thousands to choose from on the island, and more appearing every day it can be a difficult choice for many. Phuket villas come in all styles, sizes and in different locations around the island, from hill top locations offering panoramic views of the islands and the Andaman Sea, to beach front beach villas providing instant access to powdery white sand and azure calm seas.

When choosing a luxury villa guests must decide whether they want solitude or a more hectic atmosphere with hustle and bustle of street markets and beach activities. Luxury villas on the east coast offer the kind of peace and quiet that is more akin to Samui or Krabi. There is a sense of remoteness here, with traditional Thai fishing villages, and quiet serene beaches dotted along the coast.

The West coast is the far more recognized and notorious part of the island with luxury villas concentrated in Patong, Kamala, and Surin areas. Karon and Kata beaches also have some excellent choices for beach front accommodation. Villa estates such as The Samsara Estate, Phuket Pavilions, Baan Thai Surin Hill and The Plantation are gaining international recognition for their excellence both in terms of quality of surroundings and quality of service and value offered.

More secluded resorts nestle higher up amongst the trees in the center of this island, capitalizing on the wonderful sea and mountain views. With some of the most famous golfing in the world, Phuket villas in these locations are popular options for golfing fanatics. With such a developed infrastructure nothing is more than a 20 minute drive from these hill top locations. With space becoming a commodity in much of Phuket, the South - once a neglected part of Phuket - is becoming more and more popular and with much more affordable prices than their more famous West coast counterparts. The 40 minute drive from the airport is enough to put most off traveling so far down the island, but those that do find beautiful beaches and headlands, great restaurants and their luxury villas amenities match anything on the island.

As people seek a new getaway for their vacation, resorts including Andaman Cove have become extremely popular offering not only luxury accommodation but amenities such as tennis courts, kid's clubs and trips to private islands offering their guests that something extra that few other places provide at such great value.

Cosmetic Surgery in Thailand

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Cosmetic surgery is surgery which is specific to enhancing ones physical appearance. This is in contrast to the term plastic surgery which is surgery dedicated to both beauty enhancements and reshaping normal structures of the body in order to improve the patient's appearance and self-esteem as well as reconstruction of abnormalities caused by birth defects, tumors and aging. Reconstructive plastic surgery hence implies an extension of the plastic surgeon’s activities to more reconstructive procedures such as head and neck reconstruction, hand or extremity reconstruction, and breast reconstruction.

Plastic surgery in Thailand is a natural choice. Patients can recuperate at one of the many tropical resorts. More and more people from all over the world have opted for a holiday in Thailand combined with plastic surgery at prices considerably cheaper than what they would have to pay for the plastic surgery alone in their countries.

In Thai cosmetic surgery clinics there are several procedures that are very popular: nose reshaping, eyelid surgery, liposuction, hair transplantation, and breast reduction. Another cosmetic surgery that Thailand has gained recognition for the world over is sex change surgery - Thailand is the first choice for people who cannot get treatment at home for complex medical procedures.

Thailand is popular for travelers the world over because of its great food, fascinating culture, tropical climate, and excellent beaches. Combine this with world-class cosmetic surgery facilities at very reasonable prices compared to Western countries and you have an almost irresistible deal: economically improve your appearance and self-esteem during a pleasant holiday.

Buying In Thailand

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For the past decade or more Thailand has been growing in popularity as a destination for British property buyers. The country’s incredibly beautiful coastal regions including the best-known names such as Phuket and Ko Samui, have lured buyers in who also appreciated the relatively low prices and the country’s good investment potential.

However, there have always been some questions hanging over the legal ins and outs of buying property – as Thailand has a very different land and property ownership system compared to Europe, Australia or the US, for example.

The law is quite complex but in outline you should be aware that:

* The Thai law relating to property has always allowed and encouraged foreigners to buy property in Thailand – but what you can’t buy is land.

* Don’t believe anyone who suggests there are ways of ‘getting around the law’. This is incorrect. This may have been true in the past but since the military coup of 2006, the government has gone to great lengths to ensure that the law is properly upheld.

* Now there is stricter interpretation of the rules regarding ownership of property through a company. If a foreigner is going to operate a business in Thailand then he may purchase the freehold of the land through his Thai limited company. The land will be owned by the Thai Company, not by the individual.

* The company must be a legitimate enterprise and properly set up under Thai law. You will need to seek advice from a qualified lawyer as to the most suitable structure to adopt.

* Purchasers of condominiums may buy the freehold so long as total foreign ownership does not exceed 49% of the whole structure.

* So although there are a number of other ways to purchase freehold in Thailand, the avenue open to most foreigners is to lease land for 30 years. This is well defined under the law and although you don’t own the land you are permitted to own the structure built upon it.

Thailand is a beautiful and most desirable country in which to live and there are many thousands of foreigners who have purchased property within the Kingdom of Thailand.

Generally foreigners are most welcome in Thailand, so long as they adhere to the law. Recent speculation has dented confidence in investing in Thailand, but stems not from an anti-foreigner sentiment, but more to close the loopholes that allowed too many to undermine the law under the last government.

What Is So Special About Thai Girls?

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Thai girls are more conservative than women in many other countries and observe different customs.

You will gain a lot of respect and avoid embarrassment in Thailand if you follow Thai social rules and customs.

Be careful not to embarrass your lady. Holding hands, hugging or kissing in public, for example, are not permitted. Never lose your temper or speak out of line in Thailand.

Always show respect for Buddhist monks, temples and statues of the Buddha. Never touch a child's head and never point at anything with your foot.

Just a few simple rules to remember. Thailand is called the land of smiles so smile a lot and enjoy the wonderfully positive atmosphere around you.

Thailand is in the tropical zone. It is quite hot there from April through October but from November to March the climate is very enjoyable.

Compared with city dwellers in western countries, city residents in Thailand dress conservatively. Casual dress is acceptable in resort areas but sandals and shorts are not allowed in the cities, temples and in some restaurants.

Always remove your shoes before entering a temple (wat) or someone's house.

When traveling around Thailand, it is a good idea to use private transport and ride in an air-conditioned vehicle. Such transport is very affordable and travel arrangements can be made through a travel agent or at your hotel.

Traveling in comfort is an easy way to see the country and it will give you time to get to know your Thai girl.

Let her be your guide and show you the sights. The locals are usually very helpful and you can make friends easily.

Thailand is a great country to visit so relax and enjoy the atmosphere, the food and, of course, the company of the beautiful Thai girls.

Exotic and Amazing Golf in Thailand

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Over 260 golf courses, white sand beaches, tropical weather and friendly people make for an ideal golf vacation. Thailand golf holidays also promise a great value, top playing conditions, fascinating culture and awesome service. This golf in Asia paradise is growing in popularity, particularly with golfers and couples looking for an exotic golf location. The green fees are inexpensive from a western perspective. There is a wide range of courses, accommodations, destinations, sight seeing tours, and historical sights. The local currency is the Thai baht and there are golf courses in every major tourist destination. Golfers will find premier golf courses in Bangkok, Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Kanchanaburi (River Kwai), and Samui island.

The golf courses range from PGA championship layouts to municipal courses run by the Thai government and military. Every golf club has a clubhouse which serves a wide variety of Thai and western food. Caddies are included at all golf courses in Thailand and this makes for a fun way to enjoy golfing in Thailand. For the more adventurous, golf side trips to Vietnam and Cambodia are easily arranged from Thailand and these make excellent get-away golf vacation destinations. The capital city of Bangkok Thailand has over 60 golf courses to choose from. This makes Bangkok the usual first stop on most Thailand golf tours. In addition to golfing, there are numerous sights, markets, entertainment, and spas. It is an exciting blend of modern golf in a major capital city. Nightclubs, entertainment and restaurants give the city its after golf vibrancy.

The most popular golf courses are Thai Country Club, Alpine Golf Club, Navatanee Golf Club, and Royal Gems Golf Resort. Suwan Golf Club is a new course that rivals the others mentioned. Beach golf resorts entice many visitors, particularly Phuket, Hua Hin, and Pattaya. They caters to the golf holidaymakers tourists with numerous championship golf courses, hotels of all standards, shopping outlets and nightlife. Pattaya is also famous for its numerous go go bars and therefore appeals mostly to single golfers. Phuket and Hua Hin are more scenic and tranquil, thus attracts golf visitors who prefer more luxurious golf holidays. Thailand golf holidays can also appeal to non-golfers. Golf resorts which have on site spa and massage centers make for good choices for mixed groups of golfers and non-golfers.

Also resorts with water sports are well liked by golfers. Other activities such as elephant trekking, scuba diving, rafting, and Thai cooking are all very popular. The largest island in Thailand is Phuket and it is a center for golfers from around the world. Phuket Town is the largest town and a great place to shop. There are market stalls, department stores, shopping malls and outlets for golf equipment, antiques, and crafts. As usual on Thailand golf holidays, there are some premier golf courses like Blue Canyon, Mission Hills, and Red Mountain on the island.

Mark Siegel is the owner of Golfasian and has played golf for over 30 years. He has lived and worked across Asia during the last 20 years and during this time has traveled extensively both as a tourist and also as a resident throughout all Thailand. Out of the 200 or so golf courses in all Thailand, Mark has first hand playing experience at the 100 best courses from the North to the South of the country.

Patong And Karon Beach, The Hearts Of Phuket

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Plan Your Vacation In Thailand

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Thailand is a perfect place for vacation. There are a lot of fun things that you can do in Thailand. Thailand also has many great tourist attractions such as Wat Arun ( Temple of Dawn), Floating Market, and Wat Phra Kaew.

Thai people are known for their warming hospitality. If you need assistance, they would be very happy to help you out. Thailand is one of most visited countries in the world.

Here are some of the activities that you can do in Thailand.

1) Visit Wat Phra Kaew. Thailand is full of temples. You can see temples all over Thailand. However, Wat Phra Kaew is considered to be one of the most important temples in Thailand, because it is the national temple. It locates in the center of Bangkok within the Grand palace.

2) Visit Crocodile Farm. Crocodile farm is a very fun and exciting destination. You can spend all day here, and you will not feel bored. There are a lot of animal shows, and you are allowed to feed live crocodiles with chicken. They also serve crocodile dishes at Crocodile Farm.

3) Visit Rajadamnern Stadium ( Boxing Stadium). Thailand is very well known for kick boxing. Even if you are not a very big fan of boxing, you should check it out at least once.

4) Shopping at J.J. market. If you like shopping, you must visit J.J. market. You can buy a lot of cheap gifts here. You are expected to negotiate for lower prices at J.J. market. Do not buy items without asking for some discounts.

10 Reasons To Visit Koh Samui

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Thailand - An Unforgettable Place

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If you are interested to visit some place that will create unforgettable memories and you can enjoy your life on the trip, Thailand is a nice option to think over.

Thailand is situated in Southeast Asian region. It attracts thousands of people from all over the globe every year. The best thing about Thailand is that it is full of nature. Those who want to spend some time with nature, peace and enjoy too, Thailand is the right option for you.

So far as Thai People are concerned they are very understanding, independent, fun loving and have flare to live their life. One of the reasons for such a nice attitude towards their life is the influence of ‘Buddhism’ in Thailand.

Thai cuisine is rich in taste. You can find almost every type of food here. Thai food is generally sweet and spicy as well.

The tropical climate of Thailand makes it easy to attract people from all over the world. Those who can not tolerate Thailand’s scorching heat during February to May can come here in November.

You can see the famous ruins of kingdoms here. The culture in Thailand is highly influenced by two countries, India and China. English is commonly spoken here so you will not find communication problem here.

One of the most famous places in Thailand is the capital of it and that is ‘Bangkok’. It is a very beautiful place and centre of Thailand’s main trade. The best time when you can plan to visit Thailand is during its winter season that is between November to March. The climate is very soothing this time.

Thailand Travel Information

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Million of travelers visit Thailand yearly. In fact, Thailand draws more travelers than any other country in Southeast Asia. Why? There are million of travelers, because Thailand is a very beautiful country. Thailand is known for its renowned hospitality, sacred temple, and breathtaking natural beauty. Thailand offers something for all type of travelers.

When is the best time to go? If you plan to visit Thailand between July and November, the weather can be uncomfortably for you. Around July and November, it will be rainy season in Thailand. It rains a lot, and the weather can be unpredictably sticky. The weather is at its best from February to March. It is perfect time to go to the beaches.

The peak seasons are August, November, December, February, and March. There are secondary peak months in January and July. The tickets to Thailand around the peak seasons are usually high. If you plan to visit Thailand during the peak seasons, it will be a good idea to plan in advance. If you buy the tickets in advance, it will be much cheaper.

If you can travel during the least crowded months (April, May, June, September, and October), you will save big time from low-season air plane tickets and discounted rooms. If you avoid popular destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket during prime time, you will probably find a good deal.

Travel Thailand: 5 Top Destinations

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With several sights to see and surprises to offer, Thailand could be one of the best locations you should not miss to visit. Culture, beaches, people, and heritage sites are some of the things you can expect when you travel to Thailand.

Bangkok – Traveling Thailand wound not be complete without visiting Bangkok. As the nation’s capital with an estimated population of over 10 million (including the neighboring provinces), this city is by far the largest in the country. The city is divided into 50 districts or khet but for tourists and those who are new in the place, 6 divisions would be more useful. These are Ratchadaphisek in the northeast section of the city, Sukhamvit in the southeast, Silom in the south, Thonburi in the west, Rattanakosin in the central north, and Phahanyothin in the north. The whole Bangkok district would give you a diverse taste of culture, history, religion, modernity, and fast-phase life. You can actually witness how all these blend together to comprise the whole Bangkok package. Buddhist temples, historical museums, towering buildings, contemporary restaurants and hotels, shopping centers, canals and rivers, and food make Bangkok a one of a kind city in Southeast Asia.

Phuket – Down south, Phuket features magnificent beaches, tropical sunsets, white sands, blue seas, and breathtaking sceneries. No wonder it is the most popular vacation destination in Asia beating every beaches of the neighboring countries. It has several beaches like Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, and Surin Beach. The island showcases several water sports and activities including parasailing, jet-skiing, and scuba diving. By day, Phuket is alive with beachgoers and shoppers and by night, lights, sounds, and party people dominate the whole island.

Chiang Mai – The second largest city in Thailand with an estimated population of more than 200,000. This city located in the northern part of the country offers greener and quieter city. Chiang Mai’s tourism is becoming more and more popular and permanently settling at this city is very common. When you travel Thailand and visit Chiang Mai, you surely would want to see museums such as Hilltribe Research Institute Museum and the Chiang Mai City Arts & Cultural Center. With religion and history enriching the city, you can see several Buddhist temples such as Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Chiang Mun, Wat Phra Singh, Wat Oo-Mong, Wat Phra Jao Mengrai, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, and Wat Chedi Luang. The oldest temple dates back in the 11th century. Chiang Mai features attractions such as Chiang Mai Flower Festival in February, Bo Sang Umbrella & Sankampang Handicrafts Festival in January, The 2nd Orchid Fair also in January, and the Loi Krathong Festival usually falls in November.

Pattaya – Located 150 km. north of Bangkok, Pattaya is one of the most popular tourist destinations, which offers great beaches, beer and go-go bars, and a wide array of sport activities. Visit Pattaya when you travel Thailand is a must. Although it is the most overdeveloped part of the country in terms of tourism, prices in Pattaya still remains with reach. In fact, prices of foods, accommodation, and transportations are very affordable.

Krabi – In a small province of Krabi lies a small town with the same name. Paying a visit Krabi town when you travel Thailand is worth the time. Located south of Bangkok near Phuket and Phi Phi island, the town features great beaches along with high end hotels and not so expensive hotel that cater tourists of different classes.

Travel to Krabi and Phi Phi Islands - Amazing Thailand attractions

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Amazing Culture Of Thailand

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When you speak of Thailand, instantly a picture of people with small eyes and happy smiling faces appear before you. They have the typical south-east asian look. However, their ways, their way of speaking, their beliefs, and their culture are a symbol of their true identity.

Thailand mostly comprises of people who speak Tai language. Tai speaking people are spread over Central Thai, the Northeastern Thai, the Northern Thai, and the Southern Thai. Central Thai is the area where one finds most Tai speaking people.

In addition to Tai speaking people, there are Chinese who have blended seamlessly with the Thai. Other cultures include Malays, Mon, Khmer, and even Vietnamese.

Majority of Thais follow the Theravada Buddhist tradition, which ranges from animism to worshiping of ancestors. However, the Muslim community is also a big religious group in Thailand. The Muslim population is mostly prevalent in places south of Chumphon. The Malay group is present in the southern part of Thailand. In addition to these communities and groups, there is a sprinkling of Christians, Hindus, and Sikhs as well.

Based on their belief and main Buddhist tradition, Thai people pay a lot of respect and homage to their ancestors. It is the core of their spiritual belief and faith. They are very generous and hospitable people. Social hierarchy plays a very important role in their lives. They touch the feet of their elders as a mark of respect and to seek their blessing. The elders play a key role in any important decisions or ceremonies.

Travelling in Thailand

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In the heartland of Thailand you’ll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!

Thailand Travel Information

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Million of people travel to Thailand every year. Many of them do not know what to expect, and they know very little about Thailand. However once they have been to Thailand, they will be sure to return. Thailand is an amazing country with marvelous excitement in every corner. There are four natural regions in Thailand. The northern region is full of mountains and forests. Chaing Mai is a very popular tourist destination of this region. The central plain is very fertile. It is very suitable for agriculture. Many farmers produce rice in this area. Thailand has often been named,

“Rice Bowl of Asia”. Bangkok is the center of this region. It is also the capital of Thailand. The southern region is full of beautiful beaches and landscape. There are many minerals and ores to be found in this area.

Thailand is a humid and hot tropical country. Many Thai people like to joke that it has three seasons, hot, hotter, and hottest. The average temperature is about 23 to 35 Celsius. Thai people have great love and respect for the king and the royal family. If you have a chance to visit Thailand, it is not wise t to disrespect the loyalty. Do no say anything bad about the monarchy. It is illegal, and you can be arrested.

Thailand is great place for vacation. Some of the very popular tourist cities are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Samui, and Pattaya.

It is a good idea to learn a little Thai, before you visit Thailand. Thai people admire people who can speak some Thai.

Phuket In Thailand

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Phuket, the largest island of Thailand is located south of Bangkok. It is famous for being called as the ‘Pearl of Andaman’ or the ‘Pearl of the South’. Tourists flock this place round the year. It is well known for its limestone beaches, sandy white beaches, and tropical forests.

The northern side of Phuket is bordered by the Phang-nga Province and rest of the sides are surrounded by the Andaman Sea. This is the place to look out for if you have the knack for diving. Phang-nga Province is linked to the island by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Situated off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, it spans an area of approximately 543 square kilometers. But if the smaller islands are included, then it is estimated to cover an approximate area of 590 kilometers.

If you are planning to visit Phuket, then the best time of the visit is from the month of November to February. During these months, you will enjoy an average temperature of 23 to 33 degree Celsius. What’s more, you will get the opportunity to enjoy the clear blue sky and the caress of the fresh sea breeze and the sight of the crystal blue water. Phuket is also well-liked by the tourists for being endowed with Sino-Portuguese architecture and a sense of hospitality that is typical of Phuket. Travelers can choose from a wide range of accommodations ranging from modern resorts to sprawling bungalows. If you have a chance, you might want to visit Phuket.

Low Cost Airlines

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When Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes launched a no-frills, low-cost airline in 2002 with only two planes, few people realised the effect it would have. From only four routes, Air Asia set off a low-fare revolution that changed the face of the airline industry in the region. It is a stunning success story and now has 35 aircraft and flies millions of passengers across south-east Asia every year.

If you want to book a ticket with a low-cost carrier, the first trick is to find out which airlines serve your intended route. With lower advertising budgets than traditional airlines, this is often quite difficult. For your convenience we have listed the major budget carriers serving the two prime destinations - Singapore, Thailand.

Singapore:

The major budget carriers operating to and from this island state are JetStar Asia and Tiger Airways. JetStar Asia covers most major destinations in south-east asia, as well as Bangalore and Kolkata in India.

Tiger Airways covers Bangkok and Phuket in Thailand, Macau, and Padang in Indonesia. It is the only budget carrier direct to Vietnam from Singapore and the only budget choice to Australia, flying from Singapore to Darwin).

Thailand:

The three main operators in Thailand are Thai Air Asia, Nok Air and One-Two-Go. Thai AirAsia was launched in January 2004. Based primarily in Bangkok, the airline serves Thailand's major domestic destinations, as well as Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu), Singapore, Macau, Xiamen and Hanoi.

Nok Air, a subsidiary of Thai Airways International, flies from Bangkok to domestic destinations such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai and Udon Thani. One-Two-Go covers the major domestic routes within Thailand with fixed-price tickets.

As the number of people flying has increased, so has the demand for hotel accommodation and other products. Both Thailand and Singapore hotels are experiencing boom times as more people can afford to visit.

Water Sports Holidays In Thailand

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You get treasures of ethnic, scenic, gastronomic, and oceanic pleasures in Siam. Thailand certainly is the fascinating and exotic land of lovely people known for their fantastic culture, cuisine, and overall lifestyle. The land, of course, is well known for its beautiful beaches and pelagic pleasures. It is a wonderful destination for water sports in Southeast Asia.

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.

Thailand as a Tour Destination

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Thinking of Thailand as a tour destination? Think exotic, oriental, majestic and more!

Thailand - The Land of Smiles and Cheap Travel

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Thailand is known as the land of smiles, which is amazing considering the traffic jams in Bangkok. For budget travelers, Thailand simply can’t beat on price alone.

Thailand

Thailand is an odd mix of contrasts. It can be extremely stressful while trying to get around in Bangkok and gloriously relaxing while laying on practically any of the beaches that populate the coast of the country. Regardless of the situation, the Thais have a habit and custom or smiling regardless of what you ask or how you ask it.

Beaches

The beaches of Thailand need no introduction. Used as the setting for hundreds of movies, they come in a variety of styles. The beaches of Phuket and Phi Phi fall along the lines of traditional beach resort areas like you might find in a place such as Cancun, Mexico or Tamarindo, Costa Rica. On the other end of the scale, you can find more rustic beach areas in places like the island of Ko Chang where you’ll have a few beach bungalows, a couple of bars and one or two stores. If you’re looking for a little of both styles, just ask around.

Da North

Infatuated with the beach life, many people fail to head up country when in Thailand. This is a mistake as the north is the host to such locations as the city of Chang Mai, the Summer Palace of the King of Thailand and interesting little villages. For the outdoor enthusiasts, rafting, hiking and mountain biking are very popular and widely available.

Prices

If you’re on a budget, Thailand is a perfect travel destination. For some reason, flights to Thailand are particularly cheap with my recent flight on Korean Airlines running roughly $650 round trip. Once in country, your money will go a long, long way.

I think a note of caution is need at this point. Please beware. If you decide to take a trip to Thailand, you won’t want to come back to your native country. You will, however, definitely come back to Thailand!

The Coral Reefs of Koh Samui

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So come to Koh Samui, and take a dip to the amazing world of corals – Samui offers among the cleanest waters in the region. Or you can also come to Samui on a religious trip.

Eco-Tourism In Thailand

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Eco-tourism has become popular all over the world with people demanding that countries do more to preserve nature and environment. Thailand is not far behind in eco-tourism and many activities popular in Thailand fall under that category.

Thailand is very popular with tourists looking for adventure in the wilderness, and is mainly because of the abundance of natural resources that Thailand has to offer its visitors. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, camping and trekking, scuba diving, bird watching and rock climbing have become the done thing in natural tourist areas. All these activities are available all over Thailand, especially in the south, west and the mountainous regions of the north. The most popular of all these activities being offered to tourists are trekking, bird watching, scuba diving and mountain biking.

The government and private organizations are making sure that there are many back-to-nature activities for eco-tourism seekers. Most national parks in Thailand come under the purview of the Royal Forest Department and they have trekking trails for nature lovers. Many camping sites are also present in these national parks.

Neither trekking nor camping is a new activity in Thailand. They have been present for decades. However, eco-tourism has ensured that the activities are better managed now than before. Thailand is paying more attention to preserving its natural resources as it has come to realize that the tourists will come as long as the natural resources are unspoilt and off-the-beaten areas are better equipped to cater to tourists without disturbing the environment and the natural flora and fauna.

Phuket - A Tropical Wonderland

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Phuket Island is famous for it beaches but it’s more than just beaches. Thailand’s largest island is a wonderland of wildlife and rainforests. I discovered a part of Phuket Island which is often overlooked by tourists, number of forest reserves and parks, along with exotic wildlife and beautiful waterfalls.

I spent a couple of days in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park located in the north of Phuket which is a triple canopy rainforest. It is the only remaining virgin rainforest on the island. It was a rare opportunity to watch a number of species of wild animal: langurs, barking deer, mouse deer, bears, wild boar, monkeys and gibbons. It was truly an amazing experience as the park conserves about one hundred species of birds which inhabit the forest vegetation, which consists of huge trees, creepers and climbers of every description. During rainy season hikes provide the best views of Ton Sai and Bang Pae waterfalls, with great sightings of resident wildlife such as flying foxes and slow Loris. The reserve has several forest trails for hiking and guides are easily available from the reserve office near Ton Sai waterfall.

Our listing for Hotels will provide a list of hotels in phuket to help with your selection from a wide choice of accommodation. Our range of hotel accommodation is varied and reasonable to suit all budgets

Phuket - Jewel of the Andaman Sea

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The largest and most accessible island in Thailand, Phuket, lying off the South West coast, is also one of the most diverse and developed. It is blessed with a wealth of natural resources to entice the visitor. Lime stone cliffs, white sand beaches, rocky headlands, peaceful sweeping bays and a forested tropical interior. Alongside its natural assets Phuket has a range of accommodation and entertainment to offer something for everyone.

Phuket island is about 850 kilometers South of Bangkok. The province covers 590 square kilometers including the additional 39 small islands. The main island itself covers about 540 kilometer square and measures 48 kilometers North to South and 21 kilometers East to West.

As the island is the biggest in Thailand you can find quite beaches and you can party the night away at others. It is all up to what you are looking for.

Phuket is connected to the mainland by two bridges. These cover the narrow strip of water that separates Phuket from Phang-Nga province on the North side of the island. The rest of Phuket borders only the tropical Andaman Sea.

The island is a variety of manly forested mountains stretching North to South and flat plains. However it is the jewel of the Andaman Sea and its palm fringed beaches that has contributed to making it the wealthiest and most visited island in the South. It attracts thousands of visitors a year. Many are content to relax on its many beaches, but for the more adventurous Phuket is a center for diving in the area with world class dive sites a short boat trip away and facilities for all levels.

The year is divided into the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season falls from May to October, with September and October being the wettest. The dry season, from November to April gradually gets hotter and hotter until the rains start again. The most pleasant time to visit, but also the most busy, is from November to February. At this time blue skies and spectacular sunsets are the usual, along with a cooling sea breeze and average temperatures ranging from 23c to 33c.

Phuket also has something to offer those who are looking for more than beach lounging. Phuket town with its Sino-Portugese architecture, markets, temples and friendly small town atmosphere is a place to sample real thai living and enjoy the bustle - just be careful in the narrow streets with all the motorbikes! Phuket island has food and restaurants for any taste and budget. Surrounded by the rich Andaman Sea its no surprise that its sea food is exceptional. Accommodation ranges from five star world class resorts to simple bamboo beach side bungalows with everything in between.

Nevertheless, emphasis is put on the upper sector. Phuket is not just the most popular destination in the South of Thailand but it also is extremely popular among people from Hong Kong and Singapore and other foreigners that are looking for a holiday house. In no other place in Thailand is it as expensive to buy property as in Phuket. Many rich people are living here and the offered property is very much geared to the higher end.

Due to Phuket's world known status as a tourist destination it was rightly or wrongly at the center of the media attention after the tsunami of 2004. In comparison to other provinces in Thailand, Phuket actually received less damage and had a lower death toll. Also, compared to other countries that were affected by the Tsunami Thailand had probably the least problems. Only days after the tsunami many beach front bars were open and ready for business. Since then there has been much attention and help by the Thai government (focusing on the big businesses) and other organizations to get business back up and running and to promote tourism back to the region. Now apart from the warning sirens and 'tsunami evacuation route' signs there is little evidence that the tragic events of the 26th of December, 2004 ever happened.

Facts About Thailand

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The Kingdom of Thailand is spread across 513,115 square kilometers. It is equal to the size of France and a little smaller than Texas. The capital of Thailand is Bangkok. Other cities of Thailand are Nakhon Ratchasima, Chiang Mai and Muang.

Population of Thailand is more than 63 million. Most Thais are Buddhist while there are also Muslims, Hindus and Christians but are in the minority. The language of Thailand is Thai. However, English is spoken in isolated pockets.

Thailand has rich soil conducive for agriculture and most people in the rural areas make their living by cultivating rice in the central, northern and north-eastern part of Thailand. The climate of Thailand is tropical. However, Thailand is developing and industrialization is taking place resulting in a lot of people migrating from rural areas to cities.

The Thai language is similar to Tai, the language spoken by the people who live in Southern China. This has led to a belief that the Thai originally came from southern China before migrating to South East Asia in the 6th or 7th century. Until 1938, Thailand was called Siam. It has a very close relationship with United Kingdom which signed the Treaty of Amity and Commerce in 1938 with Thailand and ended up being the first time that this country was recognized by a western power.

Japanese occupied Thailand during World War II. In 1945, after the Japanese were defeated, Thailand started having close relationship with the United States, which helped the communist regime to come to power.

Economy of Thailand is based on exports. Rice is the major cash crop and it is exported to many countries around the world. Fishery and other affiliated products are a major industry and along with rubber, corn and sugar it forms a large part of the export market.

Bracing Thailand's Climate

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Are you planning to visit Thailand? Are you in a fix to trying to decide which time of the year is perfect to visit Thailand? You may have planned your itinerary or taken tips from your friends, internet or travel agent which places you should visit or what is the best cuisine. However, assessing the climate of any place before visiting is equally important. You need to know which is the best time to visit a place so that you can have the best of both the worlds, which means enjoying good food, rich heritage and the best of the weather at the same time.

Thailand has a tropical climate. It is usually sunny from February to May, with an average temperature of 34 degree celsius. This period is the hottest time of the year in Thailand. Monsoon arrives around the month of June. Plenty of rainfall coupled with sunshine is the typical climate in Thailand from June to October. The temperature is moderate and usually hovers around 29 degree celsius. November to January is the best time of the year with a temperature of 28 degree celsius. Compared to other parts, the northern and north eastern part of Thailand experiences cooler temperatures during evening and night time.

The southern part of Thailand enjoys a tropical rainforest climate. This part has the best climate throughout the year with an average temperature of 28 to 29 degree celsius.

Therefore, you can easily make out that you can have the best deal if you visit Thailand at any time between November to February. Also, if you visit South Thailand, you will experience better climates when compared to other regions of Thailand.

Thailand At A Glance

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Thailand, originally called Siam, is situated in the center of Southeast Asia. It covers an approximate area of 5,133,115 square kilometers. It is geographically divided into two areas, the large expanse in the north and the comparatively smaller peninsular portion in the South. The country is bordered by Burma on the west, Laos on the north and east, Cambodia on the southeast and the Gulf of Thailand on the south.

People of Thailand

Several stories revolve around the origin of Thai people. Some say they came from China. Others believe that they came from Vietnam. Wherever they came from, there is an undeniable influence of Chinese culture over their lives. There is also a blend of other cultures arising from various dynasties and clans, such as Mon and Burmese people from the west, Javanese from the south, and Khmer from the east. In addition, there was a tinge of Indian influence as well. So armed with a blend of various cultures, it has developed a culture, which is unique to Thailand yet faintly reminiscent of other cultures.

Religion of Thailand

Buddhism is the basis of religion and spirituality of Thailand. The country is dotted with numerous Buddhist temples.

Culture and Art of Thailand

To appreciate the art of Thailand, one should look at the beautifully sculptured images of Buddha in temples. The temples also reflect the typical Thai architectural style as indicated by the multiple-structured temple compounds. The temple and the idols are adorned with ornaments gilded and embedded with glass mosaic, gold leaf, mother of pearl, and so on.

Traditional Thai music bears a lot of resemblance to Laos and Cambodia musical forms. Phi Phat, Kruang Sai, and Mahori are the major orchestral types that played in theaters, village festivals and by solo vocalists.

Adventure Travel In Thailand

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If adrenaline is your thing then Thailand is a place where you can get your fix of adventure in graduated doses. Some would say that negotiating the Bangkok traffic on the way from the airport is adventure enough in itself, but if you want to put your experiences on a more organized footing there is no shortage of opportunity.

Most developed resort areas on the coast offer bungee jumping, para-gliding, Jet skiing and water skiing. So flinging yourself from great heights or being blasted in to the air or across water at great speed can be easily achieved.

Thailand also remains a veritable paradise for those who enjoy the world underwater, whether that’s diving, snorkeling or even submarining in Phuket.

It is also a country rich in wilderness areas of mountains, forests and waterfalls which makes trekking big business in the north of the country. The best season for trekking is between November and February when the weather is cool and the air is clear. Many operators in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and Pai offer trekking tours. Often these will be run from guest houses and it’s worth asking around to find one that suits you. A trek usually lasts between three and five days and you will need good boots and a proper pack since the walking can be quite hard especially in the heat.

The guide will usually take you through ethnic villages of Lisu, Karen, Meo, Akha and Paduang. All these tribes are different in dress, language and culture and most migrated to the mountainous areas of Thailand, Laos and Vietnam within the last century from China. Also included in a trek will be some rafting and maybe some elephant riding.

If the gentle rafting on a trek is not adventurous enough for you, many operators offer the white water variety. Pai is the best place to go for this and the tours are run from mid June to January when the rainy season raises the height of the water levels.

When it comes to two wheeled travel Thailand offers some of the best touring and off road motorcycling in the world. The roads are excellent and pass through mountain scenery of breathtaking beauty. Infrastructure is good with plenty of guest houses and places to eat en route. You can either go on a tour or hire bikes on your own, Chiang Mai having by far the greatest variety on offer. It is important to be an experienced driver and this is doubly true for trail riding. Many operators run tours and to get the best from off-roading, or simply finding obscure routes, it is often better to go with a guide who knows the area.

For those who spurn engines then mountain biking is now really popular and there are many operators who run trips. Whether on the lakes and rivers of the north or the Andaman Sea in the south Kayaking is available in most tourist friendly places where there is water. Tours are even run down the Mekong River. In the south Krabi and Phang Nga provinces offer spectacular scenery with luminous seas dotted with soaring limestone outcrops.

For those who want to get airborne there are a number of ways you can do it. Ballooning is offered both in Chiang Mai and Pattaya between October and March. The views in the North are better than on the coast. Perhaps, whether it’s the sea, the mountains or the jungle, it is the wealth of natural beauty available in the national parks all over Thailand that make it so attractive to the outdoor enthusiast. From the heights of Doi Inthanon in the north to the maritime depths of Surin in the south there are 103 protected areas where you can enjoy an amazing variety of scenery and wildlife. Where ever you are in Thailand there is a wilderness of some sort near by.

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Krabi Thailand

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With so many activities that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy, Krabi has framed itself as a laid-back resort destination where the emphasis falls on comfort and relaxation instead of on high-energy parties. The natural landscape is accentuated by limestone outcroppings known as karsts that pop up all over the countryside. With abundant plant life and beautiful coral reefs, there's plenty to explore while you're staying here.

Exploring the archipelago

One of the most remarkable ways to experience the limestone rock formations and spectacular beaches is to take a daytrip from one island to another. Many tour guides offer organised daytrips to the highlights of the archipelago, which are worth it and a chance to break away from the crowds of the mainland resort. For the more independent explorer, sea kayaks can be rented for trips out to some of the nearest small islands. A boat day trip to Phi Phi is a must too!

Than Bok Khoranie National Park

If you have a tent and would like a place to set up camp, consider heading out to Than Bok Khorani National Park, a secluded place with no concrete accommodation but an abundance of plant species culminating in a very picturesque pond surrounded by gardenias and apocynaceae. The park also boasts several limestone caves and some lovely mangrove forests. Many visit on a day trip from Phuket.

Rock climbing

Many rock climbing outfitters in Krabi also give lessons at various skill levels to help you improve your rock climbing abilities. The limestone cliffs and unique stone formations have helped Krabi carve out a global reputation among rock climbing circles. Ton Sai is the first stop for most climbers, as it’s the most frequented climbed spot in the area. Other climbing outings to more secluded areas are easily arranged with the help of climbing outfitters.

Koh Lanta Marine National Park

The sea gypsies, or Chai Leh, still live and work on the island of Koh Lanta—now a marine national park. For centuries they have practiced their own form of spirit worship and spoken their own distinct language. This island also has the region's standard fare of beautiful beaches, unique rock formations and stunning coral reefs for exploration. Some of the rainforest on this island is virtually untouched and remains protected. Visitors can rent bungalows and stay a while. It’s also connected to Phi Phi island by ferry.

Shell Fossil Cemetery

Thirty five million years ago, the site of Ban Laem Pho Cape was an enormous freshwater swamp that hosted millions of small snails. The remains of these creatures formed a fossilised composite that has grown almost 16 inches thick. This huge slab has become one of Krabi's most popular attractions and can be reached via a 10-mile drive from the town of Krabi.

Krabi nightlife

Ao Nang Beach resort area is the primary tourist hub of Krabi, with Krabi Town itself not offering a whole lot to out-of-towners except for a glimpse of everyday life for the locals. While not quite as exciting as Phuket, in the resort area you'll find bars and restaurants whose doors remain open past midnight, though you'll be hard-pressed to find any exhilarating parties or discotheques. Instead, this is a more family-oriented holiday spot with some nice restaurants and a relaxed, quiet atmosphere.

Scuba diving

The official diving season in Krabi is from November to Mach, though the conditions are hospitable all year round and divers are here at every time of the year. Snorkelling is also a great way to get a view of the coral reefs. Diving companies on the mainland can get you certified as a diver and will also arrange diving trips out to all of the best reefs in the surrounding area. The diving at Phi Phi is especially good.

Biking

Bikes can be rented in the Ao Nang resort area, and a cycling loop that heads out of town guides cyclist through the limestone rock formations that dot the landscape. The road curves through old villages and groves of coconut trees, and riders can stretch this spectacular route into as much as 15 or 20 miles of biking.

Railay Beach

Railay Beach may be the region's most unique coastal area, with its crescent shaped coastline that's cut off from the mainland by huge outcroppings of rock. Only accessible by boat, you can charter a vessel to drop you off for a daytrip to Phra Nang, a sacred enshrined cave, or for an overnight stay in one of the resorts that lay claim to these peaceful beaches. Even the beaches at Phuket don’t even compete!

Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua

Wat Tham Seua is the largest temple in Krabi, and its name means Tiger Cave Temple. It's literally tucked into the limestone cliffs of Ao Luk Thanu mountain range, and the Buddhist monks that live and worship here do so in the caves themselves. The highlight of this temple is 'Buddha's footprint', located at the summit of a 1,272-step climb, a point that affords wonderful views of the countryside spreading in every direction.

For Quality Accommodation -Phi Phi Island Hotels

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Tourists are left awe struck on a visit to the Phi Phi Island Thailand for its amazing and distinct landscape with pristine beaches, imposing cliffs, clear water and charming marine life. The island is one of the leading destinations in Thailand among the tourists located close to the more popular islands of Phuket and Krabi.

Phi Phi Island consists of two islands Phi Phi Don, which is a larger of the two and inhabited. The second island Phi Phi Lei is a small island, which became famous after the movie 'The Beach' was shot here. These two islands without any doubt are among Thailand's most beautiful and captivating destinations.

After the increasing popularity and development, the islands have lost most of its earlier tranquility, but still the regions natural beauty and crystal clear waters overwhelm its visitors. Set at the heart of a national park, the islands remain one of the country's most popular holiday destinations.

The country's foremost holiday destination Phi Phi Island is set in the heart of the national park and it does not disappoint anybody. However, the two islands are not as big but offer many opportunities for an exciting to a relaxing holiday. One gets excellent opportunities and facilities for diving and snorkeling, which top the list of exciting ways to spend time here. Then the crystal clear waters perfect for checking out the rich marine life.

From cliff diving, sunbathing, reading, exercising, hiking, to rock climbing there are a whole lot of possibilities to explore. With droves of visitor's flocking the island, it has accommodation for all kinds of travelers. There is an array of accommodation available from Phi Phi Island hotel, bungalows, to hostels.

Phi Phi Island has something for every budget, specially very kind to budget-minded backpackers, with rooms of one-star (or less) rating scale outnumbering the up market resorts. For those who want to experience a paradise, there are a few luxury hotels.

Phi Phi's beauty is the biggest attraction for the visitor's here. The place is certainly love at first sight for the tourists. It is the most popular destination on the Andaman Coast after Phuket, serving as the convenient escape from the hustle-and-bustle. Moreover, the place is affordable.

The islands excellent resort-style accommodation, top quality restaurants, shops and a lively nightlife all make it a perfect place. Whether one stays just a few nights or a week, the island is an amazing destination to relax, go diving, swimming, and snorkeling.

Get Scuba Diving Qualified While Holidaying In Thailand

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You’ll find PADI is the most widely available certification with just a handful of shops offering NAUI and SSI certifications. There are dive shops all over Thailand, in places like Phuket, Khao Lak, Chumpon, Hua Hin, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangnan, Koh Chang, Koh Samet, Pattaya, Phi Phi, Krabi and more.

Some dive shops are tied to resorts while many are their own businesses. You can do your PADI Open Water paperwork in your home country before you arrive and do your checkout dives in Thailand, or do the whole course in Thailand. You also have the choice of doing your checkout dives by daytrip or from a liveaboard vessel.

Where you go to take your course depends on what your preferences are. Each location has its own attractions and if you plan to spend more time above the water than below it, you might want to choose your destination for its other offerings. Likewise, not all dive shops or instructors are of the same quality.

You’ll want to visit several dive shops where you are staying and meet the instructor that you would have if you did your Open Water course there. If English is not your native language, you may find a dive shop with an instructor speaking Dutch, French, Italian, etc. Dive shops in the more popular diving areas provide instruction and exams in several languages.

Equipment standards vary between shops as well. You’ll want to make sure that the equipment is not too old and that it has been well maintained and stored, as well as cleaned properly. For instance, regulators go in your mouth and they should be well cleaned between users. Additionally, most people urinate in their wetsuits and these should be cleaned after each dive. All equipment must be cleaned of salt water or the crystallization can damage it.

Poorly maintained regulator, BCDs and dive computers can malfunction and cause a serious accident that may even lead to your death. Likewise, a poorly trained dive instructor or one who does not take his or her job seriously can get you killed too.

One of the most popular places to take PADI courses in Thailand is Koh Tao, known for its cheap diving and abundance of dive shops, and within easy reach of Samui. You’ll have plenty of choices here and would be wise to take your time and visit as many shops as possible. Koh Tao is a good place to learn how to dive and to proceed through Advanced, Rescue Diver, Divemaster/Master Scuba Diver, and Instructor courses.

However, this island is not recommended for fun, recreational dives as the visibility and quality of the reefs is relatively poor. Koh Tao is most popular with young backpackers, although there are a few resorts for those who do not enjoy this scene. Phi Phi offers a similar scene on a smaller scale with better diving.

For quality diving, it’s best to go to Phuket or Khao Lak, where you have easy access to the Similan Islands. These nine islands are part of Phang Nga province and located within a marine national park. They are pristine and rich with wildlife above and below the water. The beaches here are some of the most beautiful in the world and the dive spots are some of the best in the world. Colourful reefs and boulder formations are a plus, with a variety of coral and marine life. Visibility is also good, varying from 30 to 50m.

The best way to see the Similans is by liveaboard, and most dive operators will allow you to do your Open Water dives from the boat if you’ve completed the paper and pool work ashore beforehand, usually with diving courses on Phuket. Note that in mind that the Similans are closed during the low season due to unfavourable boating and diving conditions. Additionally, sites have depths well past the recreational limit of 40m and some may have currents. It’s advisable that you take courses past Open Water to become a stronger diver and be permitted to dive to the limit.

There are diving courses on Samui as well, and plenty of dive operators offering all levels of diving courses on Phuket, even a few in Krabi. In fact you’ll find scuba courses in Pattaya, Koh Chang and other places, but with less choice of date flexibility.

Popular Beach Wedding Destinations

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It is becoming an increasingly popular trend to get alternative weddings such as beach weddings.

After much deliberation, you and your partner decide to conduct your wedding under the warm sun and walking down the sandy aisle.

Which are the popular beach wedding destinations?

Hawaii

Hawaii is blessed with many great beaches and breathtaking scenaries. You should have no problem in getting the perfect spot for the unique beach wedding.

The more popular spots are in Maui or the Big Island. Other places are Honolulu, Kaui or Molokai.

Bahamas

Home to the Atlantic City. Besides the main Paradise Island, other great spots are Eleuthera / Harbour Island, Grand Bahamas.

Anguilla

Choose from 33 beautiful, secluded sparklingly white beaches, lined with clear blue waters for the great spot.

Florida

Key West, Destin/Ft. Walton, Miami Beach, is many of the fine beaches available of you to make your pick.

California

California is blessed with many great beaches. The most popular ones are Long Beach, Mission Beach, Coronado Beach and Ocean Beach.

Indonesia

Enjoy the Indonesian culture and traditions by opting for a Balinese flavor beach wedding in Bali or to have a beach wedding along the beaches of Lombok.

Lombok is one of the two places in the world who houses the blue coral. Enjoy snorkeling in the clear blue waters in the many 'gilis' (small islands) nearby.

Thailand

Enjoy the Thai hospitality. Go to Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi. Phi Phi is the island where the movie "The Beach" was filmed. Great views and scenic.

If you like serenity, choose Krabi.

Which ever final destination you choose, you can certainly know what you are in for, an out of the box experience in getting married in the soft white powdery sands with great picturesque views!

Top 10 Things To Do And See In Krabi Thailand

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4 Most Beautiful Thailand Beaches

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Thailand has one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet. For those that have traveled there they know that the beauty of this untouched place makes for some of the best vacations in the world. This is coupled with the vast amount of historical culture that abounds the countryside and there is never a shortage of things to do in this country. Because much of this land is untouched by development you will find that relaxation and peaceful living is more than possible. The reaches of the mighty have not gotten this far and that means that you will get the very best in the vacation arena, especially when it comes to the Thailand beach areas.

Khao Lak is a wonderful Thailand beach. Just a short drive from the airport, this paradise offers a remote vacation area like no other. Thanks to the area being largely uninhabited, there is lush rain forest nearby along with a whole host of wildlife to be viewed. The water remains warm in the November through December months and the fishing and scuba diving is out of this world.

Phuket Thailand Beach is another great spot. Enjoy this resort November through March. There is more than enough to do. It is a bit more crowded than other beaches as this area thrives on the tourism dollars that it brings in. The scuba diving is top notch in this area and you will also find some of the warmest most clear water in the world. There are several nearby attractions to keep one busy for quite a few days.

Phi Phi Don Thailand beach is quite the turn around. Once a remote and nearly unknown place, this Thailand beach came to life when Hollywood came in and filmed a movie here. It is now considered to be one of the most popular beaches in the entire country and is frequented by many big names. This is a site that you will not want to miss, as the views are breathtaking and the water warm and inviting.

West Railiy Thailand beach is one of the undiscovered diamonds in the rough. There is very little that is expensive here and one can stay at the “resort” for over a week and barely tap the budget. The sands are milky white and the water clear. Scuba diving is very popular here as well as the fishing. This location is only accessible by long tail boat so plan for a bit of a long ride.

Tonsai Bay Phi Phi Island.

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First Impressions of the bay. As you round the headland from Phuket Island between Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Ley Islands or arrive from Krabi rounding Shark Point you get the impression of entering a special part of the world. The cliffs of Tonsai through to the golden sands of Long Beach creates an awe inspiring spectacle. Many of the passengers of the daily move to the side of the ferries and even the bigger ferries list a degree or two.

The Bay stretches along a 2km wall of cliffs round to the man village which is a 2 km wide beach, which as it heads east is interrupted with headlands and smaller beaches.

Tonsai Beach.

This is the heart of the islands where the Asian bazaar like village is noisy, exciting and fun, to the coconut groves under the mountains near the health center, where cows wander among the short cropped grass and palm fronds.

The Hotels on Tonsai bay.

Hotels and resorts are numerous. They are as follows and all have impressive views of the cliffs and Phi Phi Ley; Cabana Hotel, Phi Phi Hotel, Phi Phi Banyan Village, Chao Koh Bungalows, PP Don Chukit, PP Andaman Bungalows, Phi Phi Villa, Phi Phi Andaman Beach Resort, Bay View, PP Villa School, Maphrao, Viking resort, Phi Phi Paradise Pearl, PP Long Beach, Phi Phi The Beach Resort and Phi Phi The Hill Resort.

Tonsai Village.

This bustling community of local Muslim, Thai trader, and western diver traveler and holiday maker create a rich and colourful spectacle. Stay in a comfortable 4 storey hotel like the Phi Phi Hotel, Dive at Sea Frog Divers, eat at the renowned Le Grand Blue, stay connected at Cheap Charlie Internet café, buy a painting at the art gallery, eat local spicy curries, organize Shark watching at the Adventure Club, get a Tattoo, watch the fire show at Hippies, watch the nightly Thai Boxing at the Reggae Bar, shop till you drop and much much more….. this is a wonderful place to visit.

Tonsai harbour.

With the sea dropping like a stone from the edge of the cliffs it is a natural deep water harbour. Protected from the worst winds of low season and while the seas can have 5 meter waves off shore the Tonsai Bay stays flat as a pancake. This has given rise to an all year water sports haven.

It is so deep that one of the more wild tours on Phi Phi Island is cliff jumping. I’ve seen some dare devils leap 12 meters off the cliffs and all bobbed to the surface with a huge grin.

Diving is often done here in the low season as there are very beautiful reefs under the cliffs and also a 30 m rock called Hin Dot just off the end of Tonsai Cliffs.

Accommodation on Long Beach Phi Phi Island

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Phi Phi Paradise Pearl resort is the largest and covers about half the beach nearest Tonsai bay. Prices this April 2006 for the best Phi Phi Paradise Pearl resort bungalows were 2200THB, Fan Rooms 1400THB. Reception is about 100 meters away from the Restaurant but looks smart. There have been 2 phases of building beach front accommodation and the new ones look tidier, it could be good to check which one you are booking into before you make a reservation.

Phi Phi Long Beach is the most economy accommodation and as it is on the beach is very popular. Prices April 2006 were 300 THB for basic economy bungalows, 500THB for standard bungalows and 800THB beach front.

Phi Phi The Hill is up a flight of 84 steps which makes getting to the beach a bit awkward. Once you are up there though the views and the quiet make this a tremendous choice for accommodation. Some of the bungalows have some of the best views for the hotels on the island.

Lastly Viking Bungalows is on the most westerly headland of Long Beach and is based on a reception – bar area on a pretty little beach no more than 35 meters wide. Simple accommodation we also saw tents there last time we went by on a Phi Phi Taxi

Long Beach Divers, Phi Phi Island describes itself as “The Most Chilled out and Relaxed Dive Shop on Phi Phi island” with 100% safety record, and budget rooms available with all courses.

It also has a Live aboard Boat that goes to Phi Phi King Cruiser Wreck Monday Wednesday and Friday during the 2006 high season. On this trip there is the option to get a pick from Songserm ferry from Phi Phi to Phuket for free. This is because the Dolphin One, the liveaboard dive boat is the same as company as the ferry company.

Tour Directory of Phi Phi Island

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Koh Phi Phi is an island for getting out side and enjoying incredible nature. 18 km of coral reefs surrounds 4 islands, Phi Phi Don (The Village), Phi Phi Ley (Maya Bay, The Beach, Leonardo Di Caprio), Bamboo island and Mosquito Island.

Phi Phi Ley is famous for being almost entirely cliff, but the mountains of Phi Phi Don are larger and in some ways more impressive. Bamboo and Mosquito are quite and remote.

Phi Phi Diving.
Phi Phi Island is ranked as one of the top scuba diving destinations in Thailand. Ship Wrecks, underwater walls, islands, shark and clouds of marine life make this a divers paradise. Phi Phi Island Tours

Phi Phi Snorkeling.
The champagne tours of the reefs are less than 8 meters (24 foot) deep and provide an unending variation.Phi Phi Island Tours

Phi Phi Kayaking
The cliffs provide shade, blowholes and magnificent scenery and the sea provides gardens of coral over which you paddle. Phi Phi Island Tours

Sightseeing.
Beach hop around the best reefs, beaches and scenery in style with one of Phi Phi islands favourite tours.Phi Phi Island Tours

Phi Phi Sailing.
Sunsail charters explore the remote and pristine of the Phang Nga Bay.Phi Phi Island Tours

Deep sea fishing charters.
Marlin and wahoo are just 2 off the species that hunt in these seas……......Phi Phi Island Tours

Familes / Honeymooners

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Phi Phi Island is extraordinarily beautiful and often hosts couples on their first trip as man and wife.

Quiet

The resort that is the most out of the way is the Phi Phi island Village.

Celebration

Any of the bungalows at Tonsai Village (where the ferry arrives) allow plenty of choice for good restaurants bars and clubs.

Action sport

Again the bungalows at Tonsai Village (where the ferry arrives) is the main center for kayaking, snorkeling and diving.

Specials

Honeymooners will get preferential treatment at Siam UK, allowing them to choose the routes for their tours and special prices on ferry tickets.