Koh Samui is Thailand's second largest island after Phuket and one of the most popular destinations for travelers. An island of great natural beauty and variety, Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. The palm-fringed shoreline and coconut and fruit cultivation of the coastal lowlands rise to a central granite massive, the slopes of which are cloaked in virgin rainforest. The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and southern China. In the early 1970s the first backpackers travelling on the back of a coconut boat arrived on Koh Samui.
For years after that the island had just a few bungalows and a trickle of tourists. Things started to change in the early 1990s when tourists started arriving on full boats and since then the place has grown substantially. Samui is now the second-most popular place as an island destination in Thailand (the first is Phuket). The most popular and commercialised beaches are Chaweng and Lamai, while the northern beaches and their adjacent villages of Mae Nam, Bophut, Bang Rak (Big Buddha) and Choeng Mon are more peaceful choices, and the west coast beaches are still (comparatively) quiet.
Clockwise from Nathon on the west coast, the main beaches are:
Nathon - Samui's port and administrative centre, but with little to attract the tourist.
Laem Yai - set on the Northwest tip of the island, a secluded beach overlooking the islands of Ang Thong
Mae Nam - a quiet and beautiful beach on the northern coast
Bophut - known for its fisher's village, laid-back but growing fast
Bang Rak - at the northeastern tip, home of the Big Buddha
Choeng Mon - quiet north shore beach
Chaweng - the largest and most-developed beach, with a curious mix of luxury hotels and backpacker guesthouses and a hopping nightlife
Lamai - Samui's "second" beach south of Chaweng, more backpackery than Chaweng but still full of nightlife and swank resorts and restaurants
Samui South Coast - the small beaches of Ban Hua Thanon, Na Khai, Laem Set, Bang Kao and Thong Krut
Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand which lies to the north of ferry hub Koh Samui. It is a very interesting place and has been attracting tourists of all nationalities and intentions since the 70’s.Whether you are looking for a unique experience of relaxation and spiritual awakening, or you just want to chill in an interesting and beautiful environment, there are very few places in the world on par with Koh Phangan. Most beaches on Koh Phangan are great for swimming and snorkeling. Had Rin, where you will find the famous Full Moon Party is actually two beaches, Had Rin Nok and Had Rin Nai. The Full Moon Party begun in the late 80's (and grew in the early 90's) when friends arranged intimate parties in the light of the full moon. A guitar, tape recorder, good friends and a beach fire made their night. There are about 10,000-20,000 people participating every month at this Koh Phangan beach party. International and Thai DJ's makes the crowd dance and go wild. Just paint yourself in UV colors and let your body lose control! The beach has been equipped with small tables where you can sit down with your friends or meet new ones from all over the globe. Drinks and food can be ordered from the restaurants and the bars along the Had Rin Nok beach.
Koh Tao is less developed than is less developed than Ko Samui and Koh Phangan, but has become increasingly popular especially with the mid-20s backpacker crowd in search of relatively inexpensive scuba diving certification.For the last two years the demographics of the island has seen an age increase with many of the visitors that first visited the island over ten years ago are now returning with their families. Scuba virgins from all over flock to Koh Tao to learn how to dive. Not only is this lush, pistachio-coloured island blessed with crystal clear water and trippy coral reefs shallow enough for beginners to explore; it’s also is one of the world’s cheapest and most popular places to get your open-water dive certification.
Khao Sok National Park is covered by the oldest evergreen rainforest in the world, huge limestone mountains shooting straight up in the air, deep valleys, breathtaking lakes, exciting caves, wild animals and much more. Khao Sok is perfectly situated on the mainland between Phuket, Krabi, Khao Lak and Koh Samui, the most popular destinations in southern Thailand.It is a fantastic place to go on vacation. Elephant trekking, trekking on foot, canoeing and jeep safaris are all possible activities, which will give you the experience of a lifetime.We also recommend tours to visit various locations in Khao Sok. One of the most interesting areas is stunningly beautiful Cheow Larn Lake in the heart of the National Park with its floating raft houses and luxury tents.
Chumphon is a city at the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. It is the provincial capital of Chumphon Province. Like Suratthani, most people only stay here in transit going between Bangkok and the southern regions, including the islands inside the Gulf of Thailand.Chumphon has been able to maintain its natural beauty largely untouched by tourism and unspoiled by time. Chumphon is an elongated province with 220 km (137 mi) of coastline offering many fine-sand beaches, like Thung Wua Laen and attractive offshore islands.There are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing, walking tours, sunbathing, swimming,canoeing, cave exploring, night squid fishing, fishing, yachting, paragliding, diving and snorkelling.The public bus service operates from two terminals. The main one is some 10 km out of town, and buses from Bangkok and most other places will stop there. The railway station is in the centre of town.Ferries leave from Tha Yang Pier. For those in the gulf islands wishing to return to Bangkok, Chumphon is more direct than returning via Suratthani.
Suratthani (often shortened to Surat) is the largest province of south Thailand. Surat Thani means "City of Good People", the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).It is a gateway to the islands of Thailand's Gulf Coast: Ko Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. They are much-visited destinations, as well as Ang Thong National Marine Park. The Suratthani train station, despite its name, is located in Phun Phin, about 12 km west of town centre.The new Suratthani bus terminal is located a bit outside the city; however if you plan to go directly into the city, it is usually possible to ask for a stop before.The old bus terminal in the middle of city is now frequented only by some private bus companies. The Suratthani airport is located about 30km north of the city. Bandon Pier is located on Ban Don Rd next to the Ta Pi river in downtown Suratthani. Donsak Ferry Pier is located 1.5 hours to the east of Suratthani, and has departures to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Tatong pier is the departure point for the express boat, and is 8 km outside of Suratthani.
Hua Hin is a seaside resort city in Thailand. It is popular with Thais, having become quite fashionable as a weekend getaway spot for Bangkok residents, as well with foreigners and as an ex-pat retirement or holiday home location. King Rama VII commanded the Klai Kangwon (Far From Worries) Palace to be built in 1929. This Spanish-style summer palace faces the sea and dominates an extensive ornamental garden. The Thai Royal Family still customarily spend the hottest months of the year, usually March to April, there. Members of the public can visit the palace every day, when the Royal Family is not in residence. There are many ways to get around in Hua Hin, Sawngthaews run the same routes all day and cost only 10 baht. There are numerous motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks, fewer car taxis. Negotiate price beforehand, but you will not get a tuk tuk for less than B100 over any distance (unless you are lucky) if you are a Western tourist. You will also be able to find samlors (rickshaws). There are quite a lot of upscale tourists in Hua Hin and prices are sometimes adjusted upwards. Better to clarify the matter ahead of time. Motorcycle rentals are readily available. Hua Hin is very flat, and bicycle is a good way to get around locally. Hua Hin has a tropical climate with high humidity and occasional rain. It is typically pleasant however, and can be enjoyed all year round. Generally, the best time of the year to visit Hua Hin is in the cool season from November to February, but for those who like it hot, then the hot season is from March to May (temperature gets up into the higher 30s). The rainy season (although it doesn't rain every day) is from June to October with September being the rainiest of all. For those who don't appreciate rain, be advised that the rain in Thailand usually comes in short sharp bursts. It doesn't usually drizzle for long periods of time.
Khao Lak is a 20 km long strip of coastal resorts in Phang Nga Province on the Andaman Sea beaches of Southern Thailand, about 100 km north of Phuket Town. When the disastrous tsunami of 2004 struck South Asia, the Khao Lak region was the hardest-hit area in Thailand with over 4,000 fatalities, more than 3,000 more who were never accounted for, and thousands who were injured. It has since made an impressive recovery and is once again a popular tourist destination. Unlike Phuket, the many resorts in the Khao Lak area cater mainly to families and those looking for peace, quiet, and nature. The name Khao Lak translates as Lak Mountain. The mountain is the centerpiece of Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park. The headland formed as the mountain plunges into the sea near the southern end of the Khao Lak roughly marks the southern boundary of the Khao Lak region. The attractions of Khao Lak are impressive and many, but they are not flashy.The expanses of lovely uncrowded parks, mountains, roads, and beaches, relatively unspoiled nature, easy access to great off-shore diving, accommodations ranging from luxury to basic, and an infrastructure that supports western tourism, but not at the expense of local customs or the Thai way of life, appeal to an increasing number of visitors. It is popular for its serene ambiance and as a departure point for liveaboard scuba diving trips to the Similan Islands. Compared with a place like Patong, Khao Lak can seem boring, especially during low season (April-November). If exotic nightlife and its associated attractions are the reason you’ve come to Thailand, Khao Lak is probably not the place for you. On the other hand, it’s an excellent vacation spot for people seeking to get off the treadmill, for family getaways, and for nature-lovers.
Ao Nang: A Central Location with a Modern Flair
Ao Nang’s central location in the Andaman Sea and many sporting activities make it a very popular all-around beach destination. Families come to Ao Nang to enjoy their favorite sports together. Hiking, snorkeling, rock climbing, kayaking, elephant trekking, cycling, Thai cooking classes – Ao Nang holds plenty of opportunities for the adventure-seeking traveler. A few low-key bars and two nightclubs provide for some entertaining nightlife as well.
Ao Nang is very westernized and a fetching place to shop for some fine hand-tailored clothing. After traveling around remote islands in the area that have few amenities, Ao Nang is the mainland stop for travelers to decompress, use a fast internet connection, make a few phone calls, and maybe eat a cheeseburger.
Ao Nang in Andaman Sea in Thailand is known for its spectacular resorts. Its resorts take luxury, fine dining and entertainment very seriously, but for a more reasonable price than can be found in other areas nearby. Its central location makes it a perfect jumping off point for island-hopping day trips to some of the more remote locations in Thailand's Andaman Sea, such as Railay.
It’s only a 20-minute long-tail ride away from Railay, which is a peninsula connected to Ao Nang, but cut off from it by towering limestone cliffs. It is only reachable by sea, and Ao Nang is the closest connector. Finding accommodations on Railay can be tricky during the high season, so staying in Ao Nang is a good option that many travelers choose. Ao Nang is appealing for island-hopping tours or sea-kayaking adventures in general. Also, most major sport companies are based in Ao Nang.
Most of the services and hotels in Ao Nang are located along either the main beach road or on short side streets. Highway 4203 heads west into town, then runs north along the beach about 500m, and then heads back inland for a bit before curving towards the coast again at Hat Noppharat Thara. Ao Nang is not a very big city and is relatively easy to navigate.
All of the information offices on the strip are private tour agencies and most offer international phone calls for about 10 baht/min. and internet access for approximately 1baht/min. Several banks have ATMs and foreign-exchange windows on the main drag, open from 10am to 8pm daily. The nearest post office is in Krabi Town (20 minutes away), so many of the 'finer' hotels in Ao Nang offer postal services on site. There are plenty of banks and ATMs along the beach road and there are a couple of exchange booths near the Phra Nang Inn.
There are at least seven companies in Ao Nang that offer sea-kayaking tours to mangroves and islands around Ao Nang. Some companies offer personal tour guides and paper bag lunches, so it’s a good idea to inquire about what’s included in their packages. Some of the more popular destinations include the lofty sea cliffs and wildlife-filled mangroves at Ao Thalane and the sea caves and paintings at Ban Bho Tho that are between two and three thousand years old. The caves are also filled with layers of archaeological shell formations.
Ao Thalane is a karst-walled cavern that holds some of the oldest and most beautiful, exposed rock formations in Krabi. Paddlers negotiate the canyon by either entering or exiting the mangrove estuaries that make Ao Thalane so scenic and unique. The sandstone over 300 million years old and was formed before the ancient reefs and shells of marine organisms made the karsts that are visible today.
Another interesting opportunity in Ao Nang are the half and full-day cooking classes offered at Krabi Thai Cookery School. For between 1000 and 2200 baht, travelers can learn the secrets of Thai cooking. Much of the appeal of Thai cuisine lies in the spices, and a full day course will introduce students to the main spices – many of which are unique to the area and difficult to track down outside of Southeast Asia. Students choose a dish that they would like to make from a prepared menu and then learn how to make something authentic that will always remind them of their time in Thailand.
When planning your travel to Ao Nang, book your ferry rental with us at phiphi-ferry.com. We travel between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay, Ao Nang, Krabi, and all of the other beautiful small islands in the surrounding area. It is easy to make your reservations online. We also provide shuttle services from hotels in Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang or Railay. We provide fast, easy and reliable service. Book online, print your e-ticket and present it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Koh Lanta: A Tranquil Holiday in a Timeless Place
Koh Lanta is a popular destination for tourists who are seeking a tranquil holiday. Its long beaches and breath-taking sunsets make for serene walks along the shore. There are certainly enough bars and parties to be found if desired, but Koh Lanta does tend to be popular with an older crowd that enjoys a chill atmosphere. It is also popular with families and scuba divers.
There are several islands off the coast of Koh Lanta, the two largest are Koh Lanta Noi and Koh Lanta Yai. Koh Lanta Yai (the big island) is where most of the action is. There are several beaches on the west coast lined with resorts and bungalows. However, development of the island is concentrated in certain areas, ensuring that there will always be some locations that are uninhabited and give the feeling that you are on a deserted island. Development on the island has always taken the natural beauty of Koh Lanta into account. Many resorts are situated so that they are unseen from the beach.
The owners of the first five-star resort on the island, Pimalai Resort and Spa, designed it so that no trees were cut down in the process, and it is virtually invisible from the sea. It is located on one of the finest beaches on Koh Lanta (and possibly one of the most beautiful in Thailand). It is stunning, well-designed and known for its hospitality.
A recent surge in new and creative transplants has resulted in a number of interesting new resorts. The Narima, which is owned by an academic & bureaucrat from Bangkok has been featured in Elle Décor, and consistently receives glowing reviews from guests. Two Frenchmen redesigned an abandoned resort at Relax Bay and quickly transformed it into a stylish haven for international artists and business executives. There are 100 small resorts on the island’s western coast, catering to different tastes and styles.
The island is very popular with Swedish and Scandinavian tourists; though English is still the most common second language (signs and menus are often translated into English). There are also many English and Irish style pubs and restaurants. Koh Lanta Pizzeria is a very popular destination with both locals and tourists, as they serve traditional Italian-style pizza baked in wood-fire ovens. The island was also “re-discovered” in the past decade by backpackers and German divers.
Koh Lanta is home to diverse people, none so much as the sea gypsies that have inhabited the area for hundreds of years. Sea-Gypsy Village (Chao-Le) is a secluded community that has its own language and unique traditions and beliefs. Thai fishermen and farmers also moved here many years ago. Buddhists, Thai-Chinese, Muslims and Sea Gypsies all live harmoniously on the island.
Koh Lanta is a melting pot of cultures that has resulted in the development of a growing variety of bungalow resorts: most are small, with 30 to 50 bungalows or less. Klong Dao is the island’s most developed beach; however, it’s rare to see more than 80 people there at any given time. This is a very quiet and spread out island that always feels remote.
Travelers come to Koh Lanta for snorkeling and diving. The island’s dive sites are featured on top ten lists around the world. Koh Lanta is characterized by some of the best beaches in Thailand, with magical sunsets and verdant jungle. It's an island where time easily passes watching the antics of hermit crabs. It is possible to rent a bike or a jeep and spend days exploring the beaches, rivers, caves and waterfalls. The island is only 25 km long, but travelers will find a wide range of things to do and see when they take the time to explore it.
The care taken to preserve the islands natural beauty and the customs of the people who have lived here for centuries makes it a timeless sort of place. In the old town, travelers get the feeling that they have stepped off a time machine. Life hasn’t changed here in more than a hundred years. There are majestic coconut palm gardens and rubber tree plantations that still operate as they did fifty years ago, and sea gypsy fishermen can be found on the coastline building nets using the same techniques that have served them well for centuries. When the fishing boats come back from a day on the water, it is possible to pick up a fresh and delectable seafood feast for the price of a bagel and a cup of coffee.
When planning your travel to Lanta, book your boat rental with Phi Phi Ferry - we travel between Phuket and Lanta and to other beautiful small islands in the surrounding area including: Railay, Ao Nang and Krabi. We make your online reservations easy. We also have shuttle services between Phuket hotels and Railay and to Krabi and Ao Nang. Fast, easy and reliable service! Book online, print your e-ticket and produce it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Railay: Far and Away the Best Place for Romance and Adventure
Railay is arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth. Travelers looking for a truly remote, beautiful and exciting holiday will find everything they are looking for on this tiny peninsula that is hardly touched by the modern world. Towering cliffs virtually cut off Railay from the rest of the southern islands and the world beyond. It can only be reached by sea and there are no motorized vehicles on the island.
The isthmus is surrounded by four beaches, each separated from its neighbor by huge cliffs. Railay is Southeast Asia’s premier rock climbing destination. Whether travelers get a kick out of climbing craggy rock formations or watching other people do it while they relax on the beach, climbing is a part of life here, though certainly not the only facet.
Railay is also home to two of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches, Phra Nang and West Railay. The peninsula’s two other beaches, East Railay and Tonsai are also beautiful destinations. East Railay Beach is where the nightlife is happening and Tonsai Beach is a premiere rock climbing destination.
Phra Nang Beach, recently voted one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world, has just the right amount of modern conveniences without the spoils of pollution, traffic and other noises that are commonly found on popular beaches. Roast chicken and salad lunches are cooked on the beach. Modest vendors quietly sell cold refreshments. It is also possible to receive a traditional Thai massage on the beach.
West Railay Beach is particularly magical when the sun goes down. The rock-faces surrounding the beach are silhouetted in an almost other worldly kind of beauty. The Railay Bay Resort has a prime location on this beach and is highly recommended, as is the Railay Village, which has a very nice restaurant. (Note: Many of the resorts on Railay are Muslim owned. The restaurants in these establishments do not serve alcohol. However, it is usually acceptable to purchase beer at the local store and bring it into restaurants that don’t serve.)
Fun activities to experience on Railay include snorkeling, fishing, diving, kayaking, climbing, island hopping and trekking the Railay Lagoon. Setting up group activities can be done easily at railay.com. Various companies have partnered with the site in order to give visitors easy access to all of the Railay’s amenities.
Adventure seekers and families will both feel right at home on Railay, but it is primarily a place that was made for romance. The unique and quiet landscape, beautiful sunsets, glorious beaches and emerald green waters beckon visitors to slow down and enjoy the view in the company of loved ones.
During high season, Railay can get fairly crowded, so it’s a good idea to book accommodations in advance. Travelers often choose to stay in nearby Ao Nang, and visit Railay on day-trips. However, one thing is for certain, if you are in the area, Railay should be top on your list of places to see.
It is easy to make your sailing reservation to Railay online! You can book a ferry boat rental with us. We travel between Phuket and Railay and to Koh Phi Phi Island, Krabi, Ao Nang and Koh Lanta. Visit other beautiful exotic islands in the Krabi Province area. We provide shuttle services from and to hotels. Phi Phi Ferry offers fast, easy and safe travel in the Phuket area island destinations. Book online, print your e-ticket and produce it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind destination.
Krabi: One Province is Home to some of the Most Exotic and Entertaining Attractions in the World
Krabi province, home to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in the entire world, is characterized by archipelagos that travellers can navigate in a variety ways, finding food, fun and adventure around every turn. There are more than 150 islands in the area, which is characterized by scenic limestone karsts and beautiful secluded beaches. It is easily one of the most attractive destinations in the world.
The province is divided into eight districts : Amphoe Muang (Krabi Town), Khao Panom, Khlong Thom, Plai Phraya, Ko Lanta, Ao Luk, Lam Thap and Nhua Khlong. Much of the province has been the seat of several national parks. Kayaking, sailing, bird watching, snorkeling, diving, cycling and trekking are just a few of the top activities to experience here. The many festivals, safaris, treks, restaurants, clubs, resorts, golf courses, cooking classes and sight-seeing adventures to discover throughout the province guarantee fun for all ages to experience in a setting that is beyond breath-taking.
The Andaman coast is an almost otherworldly region. People have lived in the province for thousands of years. It has a rich history of sheltering pirates, merchants, and sea gypsies. Archaeological evidence suggests that the province was originally inhabited as early as 25,000 - 35,000 years ago.
Attractions that include hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs, world-class rock climbing and national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta are just a few of the reasons travelers from all over the world visit the province. The optimal time for a visit is between October and April. May – September are monsoon months.
Krabi Town is the somewhat sleepy provincial capital of Krabi. It’s a charming riverside town. The hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes. One can also find some of the best authentic (and inexpensive) Thai cuisine at the outdoor, riverside evening market. Krabi’s charm lies in its friendly people, delicious food and relatively low traffic compared with other destinations in the province.
Overlooking Krabi Town is a mistake, as Krabi offers travelers easy access to a number of sport adventure tours, modern conveniences, medical facilities and other opportunities that can only be found in a larger town. Also, like Ao Nang (which is the place that locals call “Town,” located about 20 min. away), it’s a great place to establish as a home base for island-hopping day trips. After spending a day out in the wild, it’s nice to come back to a fine meal, soft bed and relaxing massage, which are easily found in and around Krabi Town.
There are two mainland national parks in Krabi, Khao Phanom Bencha and Than Bokk-horani that offer inland scenic attractions including waterfalls and caves, and opportunities for trekking, bird watching and eco-tours. In the Koh Lanta National Park there are several coral-fringed islands with well-known diving sites. Khao Phanom Bencha includes some parts of Amphoe Ao Luk, Amphoe Khao Phanom, and Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Phanom Bencha National Park, whose thick forests are filled with rolling streams, crisp waterfalls and wild animals.
Learn more about specific islands throughout the province in the articles throughout the site. We offer more details about some of the best features and must see attractions throughout the Krabi Province, including the best places in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay and Ao Nang.
Plan your trip from Phuket to Krabi or any of the beautiful small islands in the surrounding area with us. We travel between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Railay, Ao Nang and Krabi. Making your online reservations is easy. Shuttle services from hotels in Phuket, Krabi, Ao Nang or Railay also provided. Phi Phi Ferry offers safe, fast and reliable service. Book online, print your e-ticket and produce it upon arrival at the gate for quick and comfortable service to this one-of-a-kind exotic holiday destination.
Koh Tao: A tropic island for the adventuresome at heart…
Many travelers want to go somewhere exotic, but to live the way that they do at home. A large proportion of tourists, however, go abroad with the express intent of getting away from their regular lives. There are certainly a number of rustic and pristine destinations all over the world to foot this bill, but they are always decreasing in number as more people discover and exploit them.
Despite a recent explosion in tourism and even settlement, there are numerous islands in the Gulf of Thailand which have not been exploited in this way. Koh Tao (which in Thai means "Turtle Island", named so because of its iconic shape) is a perfect example. While it has served a steadily growing number of tourists over recent years, particularly diving and fishing enthusiasts, the island remains well preserved even by stringent Thai standards.
Koh Tao, unlike her larger sisters Samui and Phangan to the south, was not settled in ancient times, and has not supported any significant population in the modern era until the middle part of the 20th century. Prior to that, it was sporadically farmed and used as a port for fishermen. King Rama V (also known as King Chulalongkorn, one of Thailand's most revered kings) came to Koh Tao in 1899 and left his mark on a boulder here, an object of great reverence to this day for the locals.
Nowadays, you will find Koh Tao to be a lovely, unspoiled spot. It is rough around the edges without being too harsh. Posh accommodations are indeed available, but if you choose to be totally pampered on Koh Tao you are missing out on its greatest offerings. The diving and fishing here are just about the best you can find anywhere in the world.
Koh Tao is surrounded by deep, reef filled waters, which means that underwater life will be abounding. It’s not difficult to find scuba outfitters and instructors here. In fact, inexpensive scuba certification is one of the primary businesses flourishing on Tao.
The other industry, deep sea fishing, is driving people in droves to Koh Tao. Anywhere else in the world, the fishing excursions available here would probably cost twice or three times as much. Tao is right on the border of the continental shelf and the deep sea drop off, a perfect point to launch your very own deep sea fishing expedition. Marlin, sailfish, and mackerel are the most popular quarry.
The beaches of Koh Tao are not to be underestimated. In fact, the laid back and unexploited nature of their boulder-smattered beaches has become quite the draw for young, restless, and alternative seeking travelers. If you want to get to Koh Tao, you’ll need to get there by ferry. There are several options available for you, from several points on the Thai coast, but you’ll be best served by phiphi-ferry.com.
When you’re in Thailand, you want to see as much of the beauty and take in as much of the culture as you possibly can. Visits to the islands and coastal resorts can be for a day, or as long as a week if you so choose. www.phiphi-ferry.com wants to take you to those special places.
A place to party like no other….every full moon on Koh Phangan!
Koh Phangan is an island in the Gulf of Thailand which lies to the north of ferry hub Koh Samui. Phangan, more properly spelled Pha Ngan, is a very interesting place and has been attracting tourists of all nationalities and intentions since the 70’s. Whether you are looking for a unique experience of relaxation and spiritual awakening, or you just want to chill in an interesting and beautiful environment, there are very few places in the world on par with Koh Phangan.
In the electronic music scene, there are very few internationally recognized festivals which compare with Koh Phangan’s Full Moon Party. It’s a monthly affair, obviously falling on the full moon. While attendance is never below 10,000 people, it quite often approaches 3-4 times this number during peak tourist season. Much of Koh Phangan’s reputation as a destination for world travelers is tied to this fun-packed event, which in the past had a reputation for being somewhat of a free for all.
Recent increased police presence, a focus on public safety, and greater overall regulation of behavior has not stifled the spirit of fun and harmony on the island of Phangan. Quite to the contrary, as a matter of fact… it has served to bolster this beautiful and naturally abundant place’s profile as a destination for the entire family. Sure, you can still oscillate and gyrate to the latest rave hits at the beautifully lit beaches on a monthly basis, but you can also feel ok about bringing your kids along for the ride.
Phangan is a very tolerant place, and people from many different religious and cultural backgrounds call the island home. Unlike much of southern Thailand, which is primarily Muslim, Phangan is home to a large and flourishing Buddhist population, which considers this island to be something of a sacred place. You can see this reverence in the large number of temples dotting the island. You can also see it in the way that the natives have largely preserved the place in its natural state. Certainly, there has been quite a bit of development along the coasts. It’s comforting, therefore, to know that over 90 square kilometers of untouched rain forest have been set aside as a national park.
You will not find beaches like Thailand’s anywhere else in the world. The beaches of Phangan are some of the best even in Thailand. It’s the main reason why this island has exploded in popularity with international tourists in recent years. Many people have even decided to make this place their home. The natives of this island are fine with this, just as long as new residents are respectful of native ways.
If you would like to visit Koh Phangan for yourself, you’ll need to get an itinerary together. No trip to Phangan is possible without a ferry ride, because there is no airport. www.phiphi-ferry.com is by far the best place to make ferry boat arrangements for your trip to Koh Phangan.
Visit Koh Lipe for a diving and snorkeling paradise
Koh Lipe is one of the more interesting destinations in Thailand. It is a rather small island, right on the maritime border with Malaysia, and is a very popular spot for undersea activity. Diving here is considered some of the best in the world, with apparently 25% of the world’s tropical fish present in the area.It is not subject to the stringent restrictions or the nearby national parks, which explains why such a small island is the object of such international affection.
This earthly paradise is so small that even a child could walk around it in around an hour. Yet there are dozens of diving outfitters ready for your business. The number of ferries connecting here has proliferated greatly in recent years.It is now possible to catch a long ride to Koh Lipe from any one of the tourist centers on the Andaman coast of Thailand. Depending upon where you depart from, you may have a very long ride ahead of you. The best bet is to catch the fastest boat available.
Koh Lipe is right on the edge of one of the world’s most pristine and beautiful maritime parks, Tarutao. There are very few people who actually live within the islands, probably fewer than 1,000 year round. The people who do live here are known as “Sea Gypsies” to English speakers, although their self –identification varies from family to family and tribe to tribe.
It is possible to take tours of the islands within Tarutao, but it is not for the faint of heart. There are no resorts here. The islands are so wild, in fact, that they were used for the setting of one of the early editions of the popular TV show Survivor. A species of saltwater crocodile was native to this area all the way up until the mid-90’s.
Time on Koh Lipe is best spent relaxing on the beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and scuba diving. People come here from all over the world to take advantage of the warm, clear water and pleasant breezes. But what about restaurants and nightlife? Fortunately, there are several on the island from which to choose. From very casual cuisine to some of the best Thai food available, it is available here for your pleasure. If you do happen to make it here, do everything you can to check out a bar called Peace & Love.
There’s no other place like it in the South Andaman.
Whatever your plans are in Koh Lipe, or anywhere else in Thailand, make sure that you consult with phiphi-ferry.com for all your over-the-water traveling needs. Nothing spells disaster to an otherwise great vacation like poor planning does. phiphi-ferry.com offers sailings to Phuket, Koh Phi Phi island, places in Krabi province, various other ferry destinations and has the resources and experience in the Thai travel industry to make your trip as pleasant and exciting as it could possibly be.
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