Thailand (Koh) Island Beaches for Travel and Vacations

Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 27 Jan 2007 16:23:00 +0000

Khao Lam Pee-Khao Tai Muang National Park is formerly so called "Lam Pee Waterfall" prior to The Royal Forest Department established it as "Lam Pee Forest Park" and assigned to manage and control by the National Park Division on April 14, 1986. It is the 52th national park of Thailand which cover area of 72 square kilometers or 45,000 rais.

Location and Journey

Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National ParkMu 5, Thai Muang Sub-district,, Thai Muang, Phangnga, Thailand 82120

Tel. : 0 7641 7206 Fax : 0 7641 7206

By Car
Using the 3 roads : the road no. 4th, no. 401th and no. 402th.

By Airplane
Since Phang Nga just far from Phuket airport only 66 kilometers, therefore you can easily take a plane to Phuket and then take a car to Phang Nga on the road no. 4th which only 57 kilometer to Tai Muang market and then drive for 6 kilometers to the national park office.

By Bus
Uses service of Bangkok-Phang Nga line of the bus company. It costs you about 425 baht for a normal bus and 495 baht for an air-conditioning bus. From Phang Nga to the national park, about 62 kilometers, you can take a normal bus, costs about 30 baht, or take an air-conditioning bus which costs about 45 baht or small bus which costs only about 20 baht.

Hat Noppharat Thara , South Island

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 03:37:00 +0000

The Royal forest department had surveyed and established the 75 million-year shell cemetery (Susan Hoi), Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi and near-by islands in Nong Thale sub-district, Ao Nang sub-district, SaiThai sub-district and Pak Nam sub-district of Amphoe Mueang Krabi, 389.96 sq.km, as the 47th National Park of Thailand so called "Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park". There after, it had been expanded to cover the shell cemetery and near-by islands, 0.02 sq.km. After that the area of Nong Thale sub-district, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Krabi province which is the area of the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Palace area has been excluded from this national park and left only 387.90 sq.km.

Geographical Features
Consists of the land area on the coast of the island such as Ao Nammao mountain area, Ao Nang-Hang Nak forest and other islands. The geological form of this area is the high mountain laid along the northwest-southeast direction. Coast area is the high mountain while the western side has deeper slope than the eastern side. Geological form of sea coast area and islands in Andaman sea would be affected by the line of earth layer movement so called "Indosenia Teotonic Movement". At the area of mangrove forest of Hang Nak mountain you would find the Klom mountain canal on the coast rim which get the drained water from a big pond, so called "Nong Thale" (Sea Pond) and originates the mangrove forest and low plain area of the Samed forest in the area of national park office namely "Khlong Haeng" (Noppharat Thara Beach).

Weather Condition

"Hat Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park is influenced by tropical monsoon wind. During November-October would has the southeastern-monsoon wind drives through and induces to have two seasons of weather here; the first is raining season starts from May till December and the hot season starts from January till April. Average temperature here is about 17 - 37 degrees celsius. Average rainfall per year is about 2,231 milimeters which would be highest in July and lowest in February.

Location and Journey

Address
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National ParkMu 7, Khuek Khak Sub-district,, Takua Pa, Phangnga, Thailand 82190Tel. : 0 7648 5243 Fax : 0 7648 5414
By Car
You can drive from Bangkok on the road no. 4 (Phetchakasem Road) until arrive at Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park which located only 50 meters from the road. Please notice Pho Ta Khao Lak spiritual house which be respected by local people.
By Airplane
Fly to Phuket international airport and take a bus to the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park by using the Petchakasem road direct to Amphoe Thai Muang.
By Bus
Takes a bus at the southern bus terminal, select one of an air conditioning buses or normal bus routed from Bangkok-to-Phuket and Bangkok-to-Takuapa or Bangkok-to-Phang Nga which cost you about 357 baht for a normal bus, 459 baht for an air condition bus and baht 685 for a special air condition bus.

Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, South Island Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 03:32:00 +0000

n the past this national park is only the sea shore forest park of Khao Lak, until Mr. Somchit Suksanga, village chief of Mu 3, Kapong sub-district, Kapong, Phang Nga, had proposed to the assistant minister of agricultural and cooperative on september 26, 1984 for considering to declare the forest of Amphoe Ka Pong and nearby forest to be the conservation forest for conserving the origin or source of water of Phang Nga province which still be the perfect forest and has a lot of wild animals. Morever, this area still has a colorful tourist attraction, especially many small waterfalls. This area became the 66th national park on August 30, 1991 namely "Khao Lak -Lam Ru Natitonal Park covers 125 squarekilometre

Geographical Features
General geograhy consists of many moutains such as Lak mountain, Lam Ru mountain, Sang Tong mountain, Mai Kaeo mountain and Prai Bang Toa mountain. The highest peak is about 1,077 meters about the sea level which is the origin of the important rivers of Phang Nga province, namely Ta Kua Pa river and Phang Nga river and also consisting of many small canals and streams. The Khao Lak - Lam Ru national park office is located in the shore area nearby sea covering the rock beach ecological system, sand beach and coral ecological system.

Weather Condition

The Khao Lak - Lam Ru national park is located in the western coast of Andaman sea, let it get an influence of southwestern monsoon wind and northeastern monsoon wind which induce to have raining for almost all year round. It's two seasons, hot season starting from January till April and raining season starting from May till December which would have a lot of rainfall.

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

The majority of the park is covered by Tropical evergreen forest, some is still pristine, whereas in other areas human encroachment has altered the forest structure. In some places the original forest has been completely replaced by fruit trees or rubber plantations. The park also has some small areas of coastal habitat and small secluded sandy beaches.

Tropical evergreen forest, this occurs on the forested hills of Khao Lak. In places with little human disturbance this forest is highly differentiated with; a ground flora, an undergrowth of seedlings, then a canopy of three levels, lower, intermediate and upper and above this a few emergent forest giants. The principle tree species recorded include; Dipterocarpus sp., Alstonia scolaris, Anisoptera costata, Michelia champaca, Syzygium sp., Hopea odorata, Mimusops elengi, several palm (Palmae) species and Bamboo (Gramineae). This forest is also very rich in epiphytes such as Orchids and ferns, and snaking between the trees are Lianes and many climbers including Rattans.

In small patches near the coast the forest includes many marine tolerant species including; Barringtonia asiatica, Anacardium occidentale and Pandanus odoratissimus.

Wild Animals
Mammal animals consists of Colugo, Binturong, Malaysian weasel, Drynaria. bonii H. Christ, Bat and the big mammal animals found here are. Sumatran serow, Malayan Tapir, etc.

Retiles could be classified into the daytime living reptiles such as Idian or Bengal Monitor, etc. and the reptiles that you could find directly are Snake such as Iridescent earth snake, Malayan pit viper, and White-lipped pit viper.

Amphibians such as Bufo asper Gravenhorst, Rana laticeps Boulenger, and Heymon's Froglet, etc.

Birds, from survey could be classified into 15 class-orders 108 families, for example Crested serpent-eagle, White-bellied sea-eagle, Emerald Dove and Scarlet Minivet , etc. while the big birds could be found 3 types, namely Bushy-crest hornbill, Oriental pied hornbill, and Homrai.

Daytime butterflies, most of them could be found in the primary rainforest, especially in the creek or pond area. The daytime butterflies are defined as conserved animals totally 3 types, namely Troides aeacus thomsoni, Troides amphrysus ruficollis, and Stichophthalma godfreyi.

Sea animals , for example the sea cucumber group such as Black Cucumber, H. scabra, etc. , the hedgehog group such as Malayan Porcupine, etc., the sea slug such as Feather star, etc., the fish group such as Morey eel, Lizardfish, Long Tom, etc., the star group such as Feather star, the crab group such as Giant murex, Tiger Cowrie.
Location and Journey
Address
Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park
Mu 7, Khuek Khak Sub-district,, Takua Pa, Phangnga, Thailand 82190
Tel. : 0 7648 5243 Fax : 0 7648 5414

By Car

You can drive from Bangkok on the road no. 4 (Phetchakasem Road) until arrive at Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park which located only 50 meters from the road. Please notice Pho Ta Khao Lak spiritual house which be respected by local people.

By Airplane

Fly to Phuket international airport and take a bus to the Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park by using the Petchakasem road direct to Amphoe Thai Muang.

By Bus

Takes a bus at the southern bus terminal, select one of an air conditioning buses or normal bus routed from Bangkok-to-Phuket and Bangkok-to-Takuapa or Bangkok-to-Phang Nga which cost you about 357 baht for a normal bus, 459 baht for an air condition bus and baht 685 for a special air condition bus.

Sirinat National Park, South Island

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 09 Jan 2007 03:26:00 +0000

In 2523 Mr Sanae Wattanathorn the governor of Phuket surveyed the province to identify sites worthy of preservation. He considered both the tourist potential and the local villagers needs at all sites. One location visited was at Saku village on the North Western coast of Phuket island, centred upon an area of community grazing land, the adjoining beach and bay. This site appeared to be suitable for preservation so it was recommended to the Royal Forest Department as a possible site for the creation of a National Park. The Royal Forest Department came and undertook several surveys to assess the site's potential . They realised that although the forest in the area was not especially diverse and in some areas had been replaced by fruit tree plantations, they did discover two large healthy coral reefs in the bay. They also noted the overall natural state of the site the clean water and its historic importance as a sea turtle nesting beach. The Royal Forest Department produced and filed a report with the government for the inclusion of the site as a National Park. Had Nai Yang as the site became known, was officially opened by Royal decree on 13th July 1981. It became the 31st National Park of Thailand and covered the area of coastline and extended 5 kms out to sea.

In 1992 the Royal Forest Department changed the name of the park in commmemoration of the 60th birthday of Her Majesty, Queen Sirikit. The park name was changed to Sirinath Marine National Park. The boundary covers a total area of 90 sq. kms. of which 68 sq. kms. (76%) is marine and 22 sq. kms. (24%) is terrestrial.

Geographical Features
There’re many white sand beaches with range of Casuarina and beach trees. Furthermore, there’s coral reef located around National Park office at Hat Nai Yang.

Weather Condition
Sirinath National Park located in the coast of Andaman sea, that’s why it rains all year round. There’s wet season from May to September and its time of northeast monsoon, which bring the cold wind into this area from November to April. It doesn’t low down the temperature but the rain from Ao Thai cool down the area.

Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

Forest: types can divided into 2 main groups as follow:
Beach forest: This forest type is characteristic of the more exposed beachfronts around the coast of Thailand and is dominated by Casurina pines. Due to the severe water stress occuring above the beach zone the tree density and total species diversity in beach forest is low when compared to other forest types. This forest type covers approximately 2 sq. kms. and has a moderately rich bird fauna. Birds species recorded include Magpie robin, Common myna, Spotted dove, Asian fairy bluebird, Blacknaped oriole, Greater racket-tailed drongo, and several Bulbul species, There are also many Marine cicades which can be heard calling in the trees, this insect only occurs in this forest type.

Beach forest provides good shade with good ventilation due to the low tree density and thus makes an excellent location for picnic trips, with many people visiting during the holidays. These trees also provide a windbreak thus reducing the impact of tropical storms inland probably saving a considerable quantity of fruit each year. The trees also help to stabilize beach deposits.

The principle tree species occuring within the beach forest is; Common Ironwood (Casuarina equisetifolia) other species include; Tulip tree (Thespesia populnea), Tropical almond (Terminalia catappa), White Barringtonia (Barringtonia asiatica), Cajeput tree (Melaleuca leucadendra), Alexandrian laurel (Calophyllum inophyllum), Screwpine (Pandanus odoratissima), Asoka tree (Saraca indica), Black Poum (Eugenia cumini), Dillenia indica and Convolvulus (Ipomoea sp.).

Mangrove forest : This forest type is an evergreen forest type. It is restricted to the area where freshwater and seawater mix and cannot survive in pure freshwater or pure seawater. This forest type occurs in sheltered locations such as the mouth of streams and rivers flowing into the sea and especially in estuaries. At Sirinath National Park mangrove covers a total area of approximately 1 sq. km. Although this area is small the mangrove forest which occurs here is the most natural and unspoilt mangrove forest occuring on the island. Mangrove forest provides a protected habitat for many species, birds recorded include; Collared kingfisher, Roseate tern, Sanderling, Terek sandpiper, Bar-tailed godwit, White-breasted waterhen, Slaty-breasted rail, White-bellied sea-eagle, Brahminy kite and Large-billed crow, also Monitor lizards, Snakes including Mangrove snake, Turtles, Shrimps, Shellfish, Crabs, Fish including Mudskippers, Mullet, Groupers, and Garfish etc. Mangrove forest preservation is important as mangroves trees with their extended root systems are important in preventing erosion of the mudflats, they also act as a global sink for carbon dioxide a major greenhouse gas.

Tree species recorded include; Red mangrove (Rhizophora mucronata), White mangrove (Avicennia officinalis), Olive mangrove (Avicennia marina), Black mangrove (Bruguiera gymnorrhiza), Rhizophora apiculata, Ceriops spp., Xylocarpus granatum, Xylocarpus moluccensis, Lumnitzera racemosa, Heritiera littoralis, Finlaysonia maritima and Derris trifoliata.

Marine Environment :
The marine environment of Sirinath is quite diverse and the coral reefs present in the bay are some of the most pristine found in Phuket province. The reefs are located about 700 to 1000m away from the shore near the park restaurant. The coral reefs are found in water between 4 to 7 m deep. Some of the marine species occuring include; Plate corals, Soft corals, Sea fans, Tree corals and Sea anemones.

Location and Journey
Address
Sirinat National Park
89/1, Mu 1, Ban Nai Yang, Sakhu Sub-district,, Thalang, Phuket, Thailand 83140
Tel. : 0 7632 8226, 0 7632 7152 Fax : 0 7632 7152

By Car
From Phang Nga province, cross Sarasin Bridge (Thep Ka Sat Tri bridge), turn left and drive for 3 kilometers you’ll find Tha Chat Chai National Park office which located in the north part of Sirinath National Park. You can walk across Sarasin Bridge and follow the highway No.402 to the airport, then turn left and have a 3 kilometers walk to Si Ri Nat National Park. It’s 876 kilometers from Bangkok to Phuket.

For local people, you can go there by follow highway No.402 for about 32 kilometers, turn left to the airport for 2 kilometers and you’ll reach the National Park.

There’re other ways which will lead you to Sirinath National Park such as Mai Khao village, Hat Nai Yang, Hat Nai Thon and Ko Ta for instance.

By Airplane
There’s Phuket International airport located next to Sirinath National Park. Many flights from both local and international airlines are available

Ao Phang-nga National Park , South Island

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 03:13:00 +0000

Believe It or Not Tabu Island was created because of anger. There is a local story that said : once upon a time, there was a fisherman who normally caught a lot of fish everyday for selling at the market. One day, as usual, he went to net, but it was not his day. He threw his net many, many times but got nothing. With great patience he tried again and again, but still got nothing. Consequently, he stared at the water looking for a waving pattern, he then threw his net again with a lot of hope. He kept his eyes fixed on the net when pulling it up, hoping some fish would be caught. Unfortunately he caught nothing but a nail. He became angry and threw the nail into the sea. Again with great concentration, he kept his eyes on the sea surface and tried his net once more. This time he threw his net as wide as he could with great hope of getting some fish. Then he pulled it up slowly as it was very heavy. He pulled it up with great care. At the end of the net he found the only thing caught was the same nail.He was so angry, he grasped his long knife and cut the nail with all his strength. The nail was cut in half. The nail was catapulted away and driven into the buttom of the sea standing up as you see it today.The area around Phangnga bay has a long history and is famed for its nature and beauty, especially Ko Tabu, Ko Panyi, Tham Lot and Khao Phing Kan. The rock art in this area has always been an important attractionThe popularity of the Phang Nga bay area led to the designation of the current area as a forest park in 1974, this was named Sri Phang Nga Forest Park. The Royal Forest Department then began to survey the area and realised it's heritage should be further protected by increasing the areas status to a national park.Ao Phangnga was created by Royal decree and gazetted under proclaimation number 98 section 64 of 29th April 1981. The park created covers an area of 400 sq.km, protects the largest area of this original primary mangrove forest remaining in Thailand. The park stretches from Muang Phangnga District to the coast at Takua Tung District. Over 80 % of the park is covered by the Andaman sea, with over 42 large and small islands, including such as Phra At Tao Island, Maprow Island, Boi Noi Island, Boi Yai Island, Rayaring Island, Phanak Island, Hong Island, Panyi Island, Phing Kan Island etc.
Geographical Features

The topography of the park is strongly influenced by several faults, particulary the north-east trending of the Klong Marui fault. This offsets the eastern terrain from the central mountain ranges by a right lateral movement. This fault movement resulted in the formation of a large graben parallel to the fault. This graben is marked by the present bay.The high ground is produced by massive limestone blocks displaying classic karst scenery. These blocks extend southward into Phangnga bay where they form islands with vertical cliffs, mainly orientated in a north-south direction.Phangnga bay slopes seaward and is filled with tidal sediments. The bay itself is composed of large and small tidal channels which originally connected with the fluvial system of the mainland.The main tidal channels for instance Klong Ko Panyi, Khlong Phangnga, Klong Bang Toi and Klong Bo Saen all run in a north-south direction. They consist of several tidal creeks or tidal channel distributaries. Most of the tidal channels are meandering with well developed point bars. Mangrove forests grow around the whole area of the Phangnga bay, they differ in species depending on elavation and relative tidal range.The landward boundary of Phangnga bay is marked by a gentle erosion slope, limestone cliffs and transition forest between mangrove and upland forest which extends beyond the bay margin.
Weather Condition
The climate experienced in Phangnga Bay is tropical marine, with characteristic high rainfall and year round high temperatures. Thirty year records of Meteological Department of Thailand (1961-1990) collected at Takua Pa weather station indicate that rain is abundant in the south-west monsoon season from May to October. The average annual rainfall is 3,560.5 mm. and the average total rain days is 189 days. The temperature fluctuates between 23๐C and 32๐C. The average relative humidity is 83%.
Varieties of Plants and Wild Animals

VegetationsPlant society in the Phang Nga Bay National Park could be divided into 3 types as follows :

Mangrove ForestMangrove forest in the limestone mountain which found a lot of important plants in mangrove forest upto 12 types such as Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Xylocarpus granatum, etc. In addition, also found sea holly and a lot of Acrostichum aureum which growing up in the bank area or mud soil. Sea cyad is found a little bit in only the oponed area or destroyed area.

Mangrove forest in the cell and quatsite rock mountain which found the 7 important types of plants such as Rhizophora mucronata, Rhizophora apiculata, Xylocarpus granatum, etc. The other important low level plant found in this area is the dense growing sea holly.Mangrove forest in sandstone mountain which found a little bit of important plants because this area is very far from the main land. The 5 types of important plants here are Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia ovata, Aegialites rotundifolia, Xylocarpus granatum and Melaleuca leucadendron. In addition, samed would be found in the area adjacent to land forest which has the lower salt level.

Land Forest, Defined as the evergreen forest which is rainforest and classified as follows :Land forest on the limestone mountain which could be found throughout the national park, there are 2 types :

the first is the forest on the plain land and the forest on the area so called Karst which is a valley area. They consist of the important plants such as Aporosa aurea, Hopea ferrea Heim. and Cassia alata Linn. Also, there are many important low level plants such as Fishtail palm.

The second is the forest on the moisture high area on a limestone mountain which consists of small and short plants such as Hopea ferrea Heim., Water wisteria, etc. Land forest on the cell quatsite rock mountain which found a lot of plants growing in the foot of mountain with very high moisture, we can find yang na woods scattering throughout this area and also find other important plants such as Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth., Bruguira gymnorrhiza, Carallia brachiata (Lour.) Merr., etc. while the low level plants found here are Bambusa arundinacea Wild, Glass, etc.Land forest on a sandstonewould be found on the slope area which has a lot of tree and not too high. There is a little bit of the low level plants here, most of them are grasses because of infertile soil. The important plants are Bruguira gymnorrhiza, Sesban, etc.
Aquatic Plant SocietyCould be classified as Padina, red alge, Halimida and including a lot of sea grass and plant planton.

Wild Animals, From survey could be classified as follows :Mammal animals, from survey could be found upto 27 types such as Macaca irus, Semnopithecus obscurus, Hylobates lar, etc. In addition, also found the important aquatic mammal animals such as Infonesian white dolphin, Malayan dolphin, Finless porpoise.Birds have been found totally 120 types, the important ones are Little heron, Pacific reef-egret, Little egret, etc.Reptiles have been found totally 26 types such as Siamese box terrapin, Pseudoxenodon macrops (Blyth), etc.Amphibians have been found 4 types such as Rana cancrivora, R. limnocharis, Rhaco phorusleucomystax, etc.Fishes consists of squat-headed hammer head shark sphyrna tudes, freshwater ater stingray dasyatis bleekeri, Moray eel, Puffer fish and many kinds of fish which live in the coral such as Butterfly fish and the economical valued fishes such as short-bodied mackerel.Marine LifeMarine life totals over 80 species: 24 species of fish, 14 species of shrimp, 15 species of crabs and another 16 species of manta-rays, sharks, and gamefish. In the bay, you will find blue crabs, swimming crabs, mud-skippers, humpback shrimp, mud-lobsters, pomfrets, jewfish, sole, anchovies, scad, rock cod, as well as rainbow cuttlefish, soft cuttlefish, musk crab, mackerels, spinefoots, groupers, black sea cucumbers, brain coral, staghorn coral and lastly flowerlike soft coral.The bay of Ao Phangnga National Park has a wealth of plankton, these are small plant and animal organisms that float at the water surface and serve as food for many species. The presence of large amounts of plankton is due to the shallowness of the water, rich nutrient supply and the higher temperatures found in the bay area. As the food resource is high, this makes a good nursery area for mothers of many species, which enter the bay to rear their young before returning to deeper water
Location and Journey

Address
Ao Phang-nga National Park80, Mu 1, Ban Tha Dan, Ko Panyi Sub-district,, Muang Phang Nga, Phangnga, Thailand 82000Tel. : 0 7641 1136, 0 7641 2188 Fax : 0 7641 3791
By Car
Once in Phang nga Town , go past on highway heading to Takua Thung District, pass the provircial Hall. About after 850 kilometers,at three junction,you turn left about 2.5 kilometers.
By Airplane
Takes a plane to Phuket International Airport, for about 1 hours 15 minutes, and then connect a car for 61 kilometers which takes time about 45 minutes to Phang Nga town. After that takes a minibus, Phang Nga-Tha Dan route, for 9 kilometers and will find it priot to Ta Dan 300 meters.
By Ship
Rent a boat or contact tour agent to handle for you.

Koh Samui, South Thailand

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 29 Dec 2006 16:08:00 +0000

Koh Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand in South China Sea in the Pacific Ocean. The island is a Amphoe or district in the Surat Thani Changwat or province. Samui is divided into seven Tambon or sub districts (administrative regions): Maenam, Bophut, Maret, Taling Nam, Namuang, Lipa Noi and Angthong. Koh Samui has been a backpackers destination since late 70's. Today, tourist from the whole world go to this easygoing paradise. It´s located in the Gulf of Siam and surrounded by more than sixty other islands, some small and inhabited, some bigger as Koh Phangan, Koh Tao (divers island) Koh Nang Yuan and Angthong Islands, the National Marine Park.
Beaches

Chaweng A 7 km long beach in the North-East of Samui. The most well-known and developed, but also one of the best. You can rent anything from a simple bungalows to a five star hotel room here. There are plenty of high standard resorts here. The sand is invitingly white, but it can be a lot of people here, especially at high season.
Lamai Not far as long as Chaweng but more quite and some people would say charming. The Southern part of the beach is somehow more inviting than the Northern, because there are not so much stones and corals there. Lamai is located in South-East of Samui, about 10 kilometers South of Chaweng. A little North of Lamai you will find Ao Tong Takian beach. It has became rather popular, and a few resorts are located there.
Maenam, Big Buddha, Bo Phut In the North of Samui you will find these fine beaches. You will also find the small but very beautiful Chong Mon beach in the North-East and Bang Por beach in the North-West. They are not as crowded as Chaweng and Lamai. A large range of hotels and bungalows are found here and it is close to the Airport, Pier(s) and Big Buddha too.
On Samui you can stay in anything from a rather spartan bungalow to a luxury hotel.
Waterfalls To be honest, you will not find a "Niagara looking" waterfall on Samui, but it can be a nice experience anyway.
Na Muang waterfall is located about 10 km south of Nathon. It is about 80 m high. You have to walk for a while to get here.
Hin Lad waterfall is located 2 km south of Nathon Town. Take a walk in the forest and enjoy a soft drink or why not a refreshing Thai beer afterwards.

Big Buddha Wat Phra Yai is a more than 12 meter tall Buddha statue, first built in 1972. It is located on a small island but today connected with main land with a bridge. Please show respect and wear proper clothes and shoes while visiting. This is not just a tourist attraction, but also an important Buddhist symbol for the local Thai people here. In 2005 and 2006, Big Buddha has been extended with a Dharma wheel and a traditional Suphannahong boat.
How To Go
Flight There are many daily flights from the International and domestic Airport in Bangkok; Suvarnabhumi Airport (opened in September 2006). Bangkok Air flies direct to Samui Airport. A flight schedule with Bangkok Airways is found here. Thai Airways flies to Suratthani. From there, just catch the bus or taxi to the ferry in Donsak.
Bus If you want a more economical way to travel, take the VIP bus from the well-known Khao San Road or from the Southern bus terminal at Boromrat Chonnani Road. The VIP buses are more comfortable than the so called A/C bus. You can buy a ticket in almost every travel agency in Bangkok. Ferry is often included in the price.
Train Another great way to travel is the night train from Hualamphong, the Bangkok railway station, to Suratthani. The sleeping cars are comfortable. It is a little more expensive than the bus, but you will get a good sleep. Upper beds are less expensive than the lower ones. A private "first class" cabin for two persons, is also available.
Ferry The fastest ferry leaves from the two main piers in Donsak on the main land with operators like Seatran, and Raja Ferry. The price is about 110 baht. You will see many of the small surrounding islands if you don't fall asleep. You might also take the Lomprayah ferry from Chumpon. On smaller ferries (like the Songserm ones) from other piers, you might be contacted by Thai-guys to convince you that "their" resort on Samui is great.

Kho Phi Phi, South Beach

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 14:31:00 +0000

The twin Phi Phi islands, 30 miles (48km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Hollywood box office sensation, 'The Beach'. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two islands, was the setting for this movie, which now draws scores of day trippers from Phuket, just a 45-minute boat ride away. The island has no accommodation and is accessible only by boat, but offers sensational snorkelling and the Viking Cave with wall paintings. Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its shores. Ton Sai Bay is the main tourist centre on Phi Phi, a little overdeveloped for some tastes. Even being overrun by tourists, though, the islands retain their spectacular quiet beauty.

Phi Phi Islands Activities
Snorkelling

Wonderful coral gardens, unusual cave fish, exotic tropical fish, and sharks - probably the best snorkelling anywhere. Depths vary from 2-7 metres (6-20 feet) and visibility is crystal clear
Fishing
The Andaman Sea is home to all the classic prize fighters of the fish world. Black Marlin, Giant Travelly, Sailfish, and Shark.
Yellowfin, Dogtooth and Skipjack, Tuna are common, while Wahoo are plentiful during the monsoon season. (June - October.)
Rock Climbing
Trekking

Koh Lanta , South beach

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 08:26:00 +0000

Koh Lanta lies on the west coast of Andaman Sea in between Krabi and Phi Phi Island. Large Size Island with 6 km wide and over 30 kms long, 9 beaches lie from north to south along the sunset coast. Stunning scenery, fantastic white sandy beaches, coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and under water life. Koh Lanta consists of 52 islands that from the Southernmost district of Krabi province. The two largest islands are Koh Lanta Yai and Koh Lanta Noi. The other islands are many different-sized island, some of which are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs such as Koh Ha, Koh Rok and Koh Hai (or Koh Ngai). The main island in the park is Ko Lanta Yai, where both the District Headquarters and National Park Office are located. The island itself is generally rugged and mountainous. There are beaches both gravelly and sandy toward the south. The suitable time to visit Ko Lanta is from November to April.

How to Go
By Car:
From Bangkok
The distance from Bangkok to Krabi is approx 950 kms or about 12 hrs by car.
Route 1: Phetburi - Prachuabkirikhan - Chumporn - Phang Nga - Krabi = 946 kms.
Route 2: Phetburi - Prachuabkirikhan - Chumporn (Highway No 41) to Chaiya (Suratthani) - Krabi (Viangsra) - Highway No 4035 - Krabi (Ao Luk) and along Highway 4 again = 814 kms.

From Phuket
The distance from Phuket to Krabi is 176 kms along Highway No 402 and 4, about 2 hrs.

By Sea:
From Krabi:
Visitors can travel from Krabi to Koh Lanta via ferry during high season (Nov - Apr). The ferry departs from Klong Chi Lard Pier, which is about five kms from downtown Krabi. The ferry departs at 11 am and arrives at Saladan Pier on Koh Lanta 1pm. The return trip to Krabi at 8am. There is no ferry during low season (May - Oct).

From Phuket:
There are no direct regular ferries from Phuket to Krabi but it's possible for you to charter a boat from Phi Phi or Ao Nang. Ex: departing from Phuket at 8am to Koh Phi Phi at 11:30am charting another ferry at Koh Phi Phi (Tonsai Bay Pier) to Koh Lanta at 3:00pm.

From Koh Phi Phi:
About 3 hrs from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta. During high season, there are two trips from Koh Phi Phi to Koh Lanta: 11:30am and 1pm.

Hat Chao Mai National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 14:03:00 +0000

Hat Chao Mai National Park consists of land area and sea area, located in the western side of southern part of Thailand. It covers land area about 93.64 sq.km and sea area of Andaman sea in Indian ocean about 137.21 sq.km. This national park is divided into 2 parts, the first part is the coast land including Muk island, Kra Dan island, Wan island, Cheaung island, Pring island and Meng island. This area consists of a steeply high limestone mountain where the northern part of the eastern side has Chong Chan mountain, Kwan Med Chune mountain, Kwan Dang mountain, etc. where are the source of many streams which joins together at Bang Sak canal and drains to the Trang river. In addition, this national park also consists of grass field, rainforest, mangrave forest, beach forest and sand beach whereas sea area has the deep sea widely covered with coral reef along the steeply high shoulder of mountain. This coral reef would be found in the Waen island, Cheaung island and Kradan island.

Location and Journey
Hat Chao Mai National ParkMu 5, Ban Chang Lang, Mai Fad Sub-district,, Sikao, Trang, Thailand 92150Tel. : 0 7521 3260 Fax : 0 7521 3260
By Car
To reach the park leave Trang on the # 4046 road and head towards Krabi until the 30 km post is reached when you turn left onto the # 4162 road. This road is followed until you reach Pakmeng beach when the road turns left to run along the beach. This followed for about 7 km. to the headquarters is reached.
By Ship

Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:58:00 +0000

Located in the west of Thai Gulf, in the territory of Kuiburi District, Sam Roi Yot Sub District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is Thailand’s first coastal National Park in 1996, covering the area of approximately 98.8 sq.km. The landscape is high steep limestone mountains by the beautiful coast, matching with plain area stand by the sea, which are marshy beach and shallow sea pond. There are limestones islands nearby the coast e.g., Sattakut Island, Kho Ram Island, Nom Sao Island, Rawing Island, Rawang Island and Khi Nok Island. The flat area with stagnant water through the year on the west of the park is Thung Sam Roi Yot, which is the large freshwater marsh, covering around 36.8 sq.km.
The name Khao Sam Roi Yot can be translated into "The Mountain With Three Hundred Peaks", a series of magnificent grey limestone mountains, which rise dramatically from the Gulf of Thailand and adjacent coastal marsh to a maximum height of 605 m.

Location and Journey
Khao Sam Roi Yot National ParkMu 2, Ban Khao Daeng, Khao Daeng Sub-district,, Kui Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77150Tel. : 0 3261 9078 Fax : 0 3261 9078
By Car
Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is located 63 km. South of Hua Hin, in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province.
Driving from Bangkok, take Highway #4 (Petkasem Road) to Pranburi (approx. 3.5 hrs.), and then it is a further 37 km to the headquarters. Turn left at Pranburi’s main intersection, drive 2 km, at which point the road forks right, continue for 2 km and turn right at the police substation. From here it’s 19 km to the park’s check post, and then another 14 km to the headquarters.
Driving from the south enter the park’s southern entrance off Highway # 4, 36 km past Prachuap Khiri Khan. Turn right at km. 286.5, at the sign which reads Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park and countinue 13 km to the headquarters.
By Bus
There are air-conditioned buses and regular buses service at the New South Transport Station going to Pranburi District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. At the point, Pranburi – Bang Pu, Bang Pu – Laem Sala, Pranburi – the park’s headquarter and Bang Pu – the park’s headquarter rental cars are on service.

Hat Wanakon National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Dec 2006 13:52:00 +0000

Hat Wanakon is located on a narrow coastal plain which stretches from the mountains of the Tennessarim to the gulf of Thailand. The deposits are of Quaternary origin and consists of layers of material laid down in horizontal beds. The deposits are dominated by Quartz sands, with a partical size ranging from sand to pebbles. Some of the beds also have sandstone rock fragments. The particals in the beds show a degree of rounding probably produced by fluvial action. The degree of rounding, <40%>

Location and Journey
Hat Wanakon National ParkMu 7, Huai Yang Sub-district,, Thap Sakae, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand 77130Tel. : 0 3261 9030 Fax : 0 3257 4558
By Car
Drives on the road no. 4, Petchakasem, from Bangkok to Prachub Kirikant, about 345 kilometers long, to Amphoe Tam Skare where far from Prachuap Khiri Khan Province about 23 kilometers.
By Train
You can take a train at Wang Duan station or Huay Yang and then get a car or a motorcycle taxi.
By Bus
Takes a normal bus from Bangkok to this national park which costs you about 150 baht or by a air-conditioning bus which costs about 210 baht.

Than Sadet - Ko Pha-ngan National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:42:00 +0000

The Royal Forest Department has surveyed; Pha Ngan island forest of national forest reservation, Namtok Than Sadet forest, Khao Lat Kaeo forest, Khao Khai forest, Khao Ta Luang forest, Khao Hin Nok forest, Laem Pho–Laem Kata Khwa forest and Khao Fai Mai forest. Nowadays, in the processing has proclaim it to be a national park and using call of the name “Than Sadet – Ko Phangan National Park” , covers a total area of approximately 65.93 sq. km.
The weather condition is rainfall almost all year round. Average annual temperature around 28oC , highest temperature around 33oC in May (hot). The lowest temperature around 24oC between December and January, it making the climate cool down during the period. Average annual rainfall is measured at 1,848 millimeters, February is the lowest rainfall around 38 millimeters and November is the high rainfall around 428 millimeters.

Location and Journey
Than Sadet - Ko Pha-ngan National Park108, Mu 3, Ban Madueawan, Ko Phangan Sub-district,, Ko Phangan, Surat Thani, Thailand 84280Tel. : 0 7723 8275
By Ship
Express boat is middle boat, it to have a capacity for 150 persons, services 2 times daily. It takes around 4 hours for the journey.
Night boat is normal boat and transport goods, 2 steps , have capacity for 160 persons. Travel in night time, also provides a bed for total passengers, services 2 times daily. It takes around 8 hours for the journey.
Ferry boat is the large boat and transport goods, have capacity of passenger around 500 persons with car, truck or van around 50 vehicles. Services 4 times daily, it takes around 6 hours for the journey.
By Bus
The distance from Bangkok go to Surat Thani totaling 650 kilometers by;
Train fee is 80 baht
Air-conditioned bus fee is 400 baht
Standard bus fee is 200 baht The distance from Surat Thani to Pha Ngan island, by
Standard bus fee is 40 baht,
Air-conditioned bus fee is 80 baht
Regular route public wagon fee is 80 baht.

Mu Ko Chang National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 11 Dec 2006 13:25:00 +0000

Mu Ko Chang National Park is located in the southeastern region of Thailand close to the border with Cambodia. The island runs parallel to the coast and appears very mountainous from the shore due to the mountain ridge which runs the length of the island. The ridge is composed of several summits the tallest of which are Khao Lan, Khao Chom Prasat, Khao Khlong Mayom, Khao Salak Phet and Khao Yai, which is the highest peak reaching 743m above sea level. The rock of the island is mainly Granitic and dates from approximately around 200 million years ago. The geology produces a very mountainous island, but with rounded slopes rather than sheer cliffs. The island of Ko Chang has many streams and rivers which are fed by the rainfall collected on the mountainous slopes of the island. Due to the great amount of rainfall here these streams are very clean and supply water all year round. The principle streams on the island are Khlong Son, Khlong Mayom, Khlong Khangkhao, Khlong Bang Bao, Khlong Phrao, Khlong Nonsi and Khlong Chaiyachet. This mix of mountains and streams produces some very beautiful waterfalls the most notable of which are Than Mayom, Khlong Phlu, Khlong Nonsi, Khiri Phet and Khlong Nung Waterfalls.
Location and Journey
Mu Ko Chang National Park23/7, Mu 3, Ko Chang Sub-district,, King Amphoe Ko Chang, Trat, Thailand 23170Tel. : 0 3955 5080 Fax : 0 3955 5080
By Car
Only 312 kilometers from Bangkok to Trat (Highway No 3). The bus fee is 157 baht for a fan bus and 194 baht for air-conditioned bus. It takes 17 kilometers from Trat to Laem Ngop dock. The bus fee from Trat to the dock is 12 baht. The ferry departure point is also available at “Center point” and “Ao Tham Ma Chat” where you can reach the island at Than Mayom dock, Dan Kao dock or Ao Sap Pa Rot dock. It takes 40 minutes from the mainland to the island. There’s ferry to Ko Chang every hour. The fee is 50 baht. When you’re there you can go to all part of the island by local bus.
By Bus
To get to the islands from Bangkok a bus should be taken from the eastern bus station(Ekkamai) on Sukhumvit road or North/northeastern terminal(Mochit Mai) to Trat province. Once in Trat town a taxi will take you to the ferry terminal at Laem Ngop which is 17 kms from Trat town. The ferry goes to several locations on the island so the trip to your chosen destination can take anything from 40 minutes to 5 hours, depending upon where you wish to get off and how busy the boat is. Travel around the islands is relatively easy with Jeep taxis and motorcyle taxis. The tracks are also suitable for walking.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:35:00 +0000

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago in the gulf of Thailand consisting of 42 separate islands, the principle islands being;Phaluai, Wua Ta Lap, Mae Ko, Sam Sao, Hin Dap, Nai Phut and Phai luak. All the islands occur in Ang Thong district, of Amphur Samui, Surat Thani province. The park covers a total area of 102 sq.km of which about only 18 sq.km is land. The National park does not encompass the entire island chain, its jurisdiction covers about 82% of the total area. The park was established on 12th November 1980.

During monsoon (November and December) in the Gulf of Thailand always have big waves and windy. Traveling to Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province is not safe. Thus, National Park office announced for temporary closing during 1 November - 23 December every year.

Location and Journey
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park145/1, Talat Lang rd, Talat Sub-district,, Muang Surat Thani, Surat Thani, Thailand 84000Tel. : 0 7728 6025, 0 7728 0222 Fax : 0 7728 6588
By Car
Use national road number 35 (Thonburi-Paktho) from Bangkok to national road number 4 pass Phetchaburi province, Chumphon province, and Prachuap Khiri Khan province to national road number 41 to Surat Thani province, approximately 644 kilometers. (The bus fare = 211 Baht, and air-bus fare = 295 Baht.) Go on to Donsak District and on board a ferry from Donsak District for another 60 kilometers
By Airplane
By Thai Airline Public Co, Ltd. from Bangkok to Surat Thani province. The airfare is 2,055 Baht.By Bangkok Airway Co, Ltd. from Bangkok to Samui Island. The airfare is 3,180 Baht. There is return flight every day, and about 1:15 hour a trip.
By Ship
Traveler can set off from Samui Island to Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park about 35 kilometers with 550 Baht a person by taxi-boat (tour boat). And, traveler can hire a speedboat from Samui Island to the national park with 4,000-5,000 baht for 10 persons. Also, traveler can hire a tour boat from Surat Thani province to the national park with 12,000-12,000 Baht for 70-100 persons.
By Train
Use the train everyday from Bangkok (Hua Lam Phong) to Phunphin Train Station, and take a bus to Surat Thani Province and go further by bus of Surat Thani – Samui Island.
By Bus
Take a bus from Surat Thani to Ko Samui District about 84 kilometers with the bus fair = 100 Bath, and the air-bus fair = 120 Baht a person. Then take a speedboat of Songserm Travel Center Co, Ltd. from Thatong Seaport, Surat Thani Province to Na-Thon Seaport, Samui Island, with two trips a day The departure times are at 07.30 AM. and 02.30 PM. from Thathong Seaport, and at 07.15AM. and 02.15 PM. from Na-Thon Seaport. For regular boat (sleeping boat), at 11.00 PM. from Ban-Don Seaport, Surat Thani Province, to Samui Island at 05.00 AM. And at 09.00 PM. from Samui Island to Surat Thani Province at 04.00 Am.

Thale Ban National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 15:22:00 +0000

Thaleban National Park was declared as the 20th National Park in Thailand on 27th October 1980. The park encompasses a total area of 196km2. Thaleban is approximately 1,000 km south of Bangkok, in the province of Satun. The park covers the mountainous border area between Satun province, Thailand and Perlis state, Malaysia.
Talaybun National Park is situated between Kwuan Doan District and Muang District, Satun Province, with the following adjacent territory

facing Tu Yoh Canal, Tambon Wangprachan, Kwuan Doan District, Satun province
bordering Sadao District, Songkhla province
bordering the Malaysian State of Perlis
facing the Andaman Sea, Indian Ocean

Satun province is normally affected directly by the South-Westerly wind from the Indian Ocean in May through to October and just when the South-Westerly wind is weakening North-Easterly wind from China will move in. However, since Satun province is situated on the west side of the shore line no direct impact from the North-Easterly wind is found, though, during October through to November, there could be certain amount of rainfall which will start decrease accordingly. During December to March, the weather can be quite dry due to the South-Easterly wind which will cause an increase in temperature during these months.

Location and Journey

Thale Ban National Park
Mu 4, Samankarat Burin rd, Wangprachan Sub-district,, Khuan Don, Satun, Thailand 91160
Tel. : 0 7472 2736-7 Fax : 0 7472 2730

By Car
From Bangkok, take Petchakasem Highway to Suratthani then take Highway No. 4 to Rattaphum District, Songkhla province then take Highway No.406 to Kuan Doan District then take the Thai-Malaysian Border Road No. 4184.

By Airplane
There is no direct flight to Satun. The trip by air can be made via Hat Yai Airport then taking a Hat Yai – Satun van to Kuoan Sator junction. The van leaves every hour from 6:00 a.m – 7.00 p.m. at 60 Baht/person. Buses from Hat Yai – Satun leaves every 15 minutes from 6:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. at 38 Baht/person for air-conditioned bus and 35 Baht/person for standard bus.

By Train
Visitors can take a Bangkok-Hat Yai train and get off at the Hat Yai Train Station, continue on to the National Park as by Car.

By Bus
There are buses from Bangkok to Satun daily and the distance from Bangkok to Satun is 973 kilometres or approximately 11hours. The cost for standard bus is 556 Baht.

Tarutao National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 14:03:00 +0000

Tarutao and the west coast of peninsular Thailand are subject to a monsoon climate. In the summer months high temperatures in central China cause the air to rise, thus creating a massive low pressure area. This draws wind from the cooler area over the Indian Ocean. The winds coming off the Indian Ocean pick up moisture and dump heavy rains on the west coast of peninsular Thailand from May through October. Normally 250-400 mm. of rain falls in each of these months. The other six months of the year receive little or no rain. Total yearly rainfall averages about 2500 mm. The monsoon winds make boat travel dangerous from May through October; that is why visitors are encouraged to come to the park from November through April.

The mean yearly temperature is between 27 and 28 degrees C. The warmest month of the year is April, with the April mean about 29 degrees C. High temperatures in April may be 35 degrees C. or more. November and December are the coolest months of the year with mean temperatures of about 15 degrees C.

The mean yearly humidity is about 80%. It is highest in September, October and November and averages about 85%. Humidity is lowest in February and March, varying from 70-72%. The climatic data recorded here was not taken on Tarutao. It is based on data actually collected at Phuket and Trang, and is thus not completely accurate. But it is unlikely that the actual values for Tarutao would be much different.

In rainy season, the national park will be closed (Adang - Rawi Islands) during 16 May - 15 November every year for visitors safety.

The history of Tarutao is tied to the history of democracy in Thailand. The need for an isolated and forbidding environment to lock away enemies of the state caused the Corrections Department to build a penal colony there in 1939.Two important revolutionary groups were imprisoned here: the Bowondet coup group and the Petty Officers' coup group. Their coup attempts were unsuccessful, but ushered in change nonetheless, and soon a democratic constitution was drafted.The first prison was located at Talo Udang Bay, but hundreds of new prisoners came every month, so Talo Wao Bay became the second site. Prisoners were forced to build a road 12 km. long and 6 m. wide between the two bays.From interviews of old guards and prisoners, it was learned that almost 1/3 of the convicts died on the island. Malaria was the main cause of death; but cruelty from guards and starvation were also other major factors.

Location and Journey

Tarutao National Park
Paknam Sub-district,, Langu, Satun, Thailand 91110
Tel. : 0 7478 3485, 0 7472 8027-8, 0 7472 9002-3 Fax : 0 7478 3597

By Bus
There’re 465 km. from Bangkok to Had Yai. From Had Yai, you can go to Pak Ba Ra ferry departure point by Had Yai – Ra Ngoo taxi or take mini bus from La Ngoo to Pak Ba Ra. You can even take the coach or local bus from Had Yai to Pak Ba Ra.

Mu Ko Phetra National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Dec 2006 13:56:00 +0000

The park is situated on the Andaman sea coast in Satun and Trang provinces. It consists of an area of coastline and over 30 islands. The park has many diverse habitats including; open water, coral fringed islands, sandy beaches, forest covered islands to sheer rocky islands which rise steeply out of the sea. There are also a few patches of mangrove forest, beach forest and tropical forest. The islands within the park are small the largest being Khao Yai Island which is about 4.7 sq.km in area. The sea area of the park includes many important fishing grounds for this reason many of the islands act as temporary refuges for fishing boats during monsoon storms.

Location and Journey

Mu Ko Phetra National Park
298, Mu 4, Ban Talo Sai, Paknam Sub-district,, Langu, Satun, Thailand 91110
Tel. : 0 7478 3074, 0 7478 3504 Fax : 0 7478 3504

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4 past Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon then take Highway No. 41 to Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung. From Phatthalung, drive on to Rattaphum District, Songkhla then take Highway No. 4 and turn right to Highway No. 406. It is 973 kilometres from Bangkok.

By Airplane

There is no direct flight to Satun. The trip by air can be made via Hat Yai Airport then taking a taxi or public bus to Satun for 97 kilometres.

By Train

Visitors can take a Bangkok-Ya La or Bangkok-Hat Yai train and get off at the Hat Yai Train Station, then take a taxi from Ratthakan Post Office to Satun. It is 97 kilometres from Hat Yai to Satun. Vans and public buses are also available. Transportation from Hat Yai Train Station is operating daily, departing every hour starting from 6:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Normal buses (Hat Yai –Pakbara–Satun route) from Hat Yai Clock Tower are also operating 3 times daily starting from 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

By Bus

The distance from Bangkok to Satun is 980 kilometres. The cost for standard bus is 450 Baht and 580 Baht for air-conditioned bus.

The distance from Satun to Phetra Islands National Park is 60 kilometres. The cost for standard bus is 33 Baht and 50 Baht for taxis.

Mu Ko Surin National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 13:45:00 +0000

Surint Islands comprise of five main islands, including 2 large islands consisting of the northern surint island and southern surint island which located very adjacent like the twin island. They are separated by the 200 meters width shallow sea. In the low tide period, you can walk across to the other island or so-called "cutted channel bay". The other three islands are the rock islands with some dwarf trees. Plants that found here are the rainforest plants. They are one source of the big and best fertile shallow coral reef of Thailand
Could be classified into 2 seasons consisting of hot seasons starting from mid of February - May, while the raining season starting from mid of May till October which has a highest level of rainfall. The yearly average rainfall is more than 3,000 milimeters and the average of related humidity is 83 percent. In rainy season, the national park will be closed during 16 May - 15 November every year for visitors safety.

Location and Journey
Mu Ko Surin National Park
Khura Sub-district,, Khuraburi, Phangnga, Thailand 82150
Tel. : 0 7649 1378, 0 7649 1582 Fax : 0 7649 1583

By Car
Drives on the road no. 4 (Phetkasem Rd.) from Bangkok to Amphoe Khuraburi which is about 720 kilometers long then turns to Khuraburi Port at milestone no. 721, about 6 kilometers prior to Amphoe Khuraburi. From this intersection about two kilometers, you would see the entrance sign board of Mu Ko Surin National Park on the right-hand side, then make a turn to the tourist service center which located in the area of national park office.

By Airplane
Takes a plane to Ranong Airport or Phuket Airport, then takes a car to Amphoe Khuraburi of Phang Nga province.

By Ship
At Khuraburi - Mu Ko Surin Port, you can take a private tour boat which controlled by the national park and serves tourists everyday. The cost for round trip is 1,100-1,700 baht per person. This tour boat departs from Kuraburi Port at 09.00 am. everyday and arrive at the National Park Headquarters unit on Northern Mu Ko Surin at 11.30 pm. From the port to this islands is about 60 kilometers which takes about 2.30 hours of journey. The return boat from Mu Ko Surin to Khuraburi Port departs at 13.00 am. everyday. However, this service would be closed at May 16 every year because entering of raining season.

By Bus
Starts from the New Southern Bus Terminal at 7.00 pm which would arrive at Khuraburi about 5.00 am. Bus fare is 480 Baht/person. From the Bus Terminal, in Amphoe Khuruburi about 10 kilometer, you can take a motorcycle or rental car to the Khuraburi Port area, the location of Mu Ko Surin National Park Office. Motorcycle fare is about 50 Baht/person while a rental car cost you about 200 Baht/person

Mu Ko Similan National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:36:00 +0000

Consists of numerous islands with high and steep granite mountain, beaches and rocks formation of many shapes. The shoreline of each islands are of inconsistent curves since they are situated in the outer part of the sea and are worn away directly by waves. Part of the water lies in the Andaman Sea and eastern side of the Indian Ocean while the shoulder of the continent borders the western shoreline of Phang Nga province and Union of Myanmar, paralleling the Nikobar Islands of India. There is no mud at all along the beaches, so the sands are very clean, white and very fine. Some islands do have hills in the area, which are usually quite tall with the highest top of 244 meters above mean sea level, while some islands are of flat area surrounded by sand dunes and coral reefs.

Mu Ko Similan National Park has been rated first by the U. S. publication Skin Diving of the top ten dive sites in the world. The Similan Islands in the heart of the Andaman Sea are indeed unparelled in their exotic beauty. If planning a visit, keep in mind that anytime between December to April is recommended, with the best month being March, because the monsoons are over and the water is clear.

Location and Journey
Address
Mu Ko Similan National Park93, Mu 5, Ban Thaplamu, Phetkasem rd, Lamkaen Sub-district,, Thai Muang, Phangnga, Thailand 82210Tel. : 0 7659 5045 (บนฝั่ง), 0 7642 1365 (บนเกาะ 4) Fax : 0 7659 5210
By Car
There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Phang Nga (approximately 788 kilometres)
Standard bus fee is 357 Baht, air-conditioned bus fee is 459 Baht, and VIP air-conditioned bus fee is 685 Baht.Then another 65 kilometres from Phang Nga to Thap Lamu District, it cost 35 Baht. for Motorbike can then be taken to continue on to Thap Lamu Pier (another 5 kilometres) at 30 Baht.
By Airplane
Flights from Bangkok-Phuket operate daily at 2,300 Baht. From Phuket, take a bus to Thap Lamu Pier, Phang Nga province then take a ferry to Mu Ko Similan National Park.
By Ship
Thap Lamu Port to Mu Ko Similan National Park, you can take a private tour boat which controlled by the national park and serves tourists everyday. The cost for round trip is 1,500 - 2,300 baht per person. This tour boat departs from Thap Lamu Port at 08.30 am. in everyday. From the port to this islands is about 70 kilometers which takes about 3.5 - 4 hours of journey. The return boat from Mu Ko Similan National Park to Thap Lamu Port departs at 13.00 pm. and 15.00 pm. in everyday. However, this service would be closed at May 16 every year because entering of raining season. Once reached Ko Similan, motorboats are available for tourist to get to different islands per the following fare

Mu Ko Ra - Ko Phra Thong National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 16:33:00 +0000

In general, the area, located the west of Phangnga Province, consists of sinking seashore and productive mud-beaches on estuaries of many long rivers. The area is influenced by ebb and high tide of the sea. There are high mountains and islands lie north and south such as, Ra Island with the mountains about 235 meters above sea level, Phra Island with plain area, Kho Khao Island with high mountain about 310 meters above sea level, and many small islands such as Pling Island, Tachai Island and Bosai Island which has the highest mountain about 450 meters above sea level.
Location and Journey
Mu Ko Ra - Ko Phra Thong National Park
Ko Phra Thong Sub-district,, Khuraburi, Phangnga, Thailand 82150
Tel. : 0 7649 1378, 0 7649 1582
By Car
Be able to go there by cars, from Bangkok by using a superhighway number 4 as far as Kuburi District then going to the piers for traveling to other islands.
By Ship
There are many piers such as Nang Yon Pier; nearby Visitor Center of Mu Ko Surin Nayional Park, Ban Nam Khem Pier in Takuapa District where can go to Ko Kho-Khao for only 30 minutes, Ban Tung La-ong Pier where can go by a long-tail boat to the south of Ko Phrathong for 20 minutes and to the north of Ko Kho-Khao for 20 minutes.

Mu Ko Chumphon , South Island

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 02 Dec 2006 03:56:00 +0000

The Chumphon area is popular with Bangkok residents as it is the Gulf’s nearest southern diving destination offering a wide selection of attractions, both natural and man-made, including spectacular beaches, over 40 perme-able-limestone islands, picturesque landscapes featuring waterfalls, caves and holy shrines. The other main islands in the group are; Ko NgamYai (east Cliff Rocks, Ko means island), Ko Ngam Noi , Ko Kalok , Ko Thalu , Ko Lak Ngam , Ko Samet , Ko Mattra, Ko Maphrao , Ko Lak Raet, Ko Lawa, Ko Kula , Ko Rang Ka Chiu , Ko Klaep , and Ko Khram.

Some parts of the park are included several hills eg. Khao Phongphang, Khao Bo Kha and Khao Chom Hiang where the highest peak located at the elevation of 255 m above MSL. Mu Ko Chumphon National Park covers a total area of 317 sq.kms. It also covers 70 km of the coast which includes sandy beach and mud flat. The park is relatively close to Chumphon town located 30 kms east in Hat Sai Ri.

Location and Journey
Address
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
Mu 5, Ban Phong Phang, Hat Sairi Sub-district,, Muang Chumphon, Chumphon, Thailand 86120
Tel. : 0 7755 8144-6 Fax : 0 7755 8145

By Car
follow Highway No.4 (Phetkasem Road). Turn left at Pathomphon Inter-section for 8 km to reach the town, and then turn right at the clock tower onto Route 4001 (Chumphon-Pak Nam Chumphon). Before Pak Nam Chumphon, turn right to Hat Sai Ri for 20 m and then turn right again for another 8 km. The park’s headquarters is on the right.

By Airplane
At present, Chumphon has an airport to serve you. This airport is located in Amphoe Patiew, Chumphon province.

By Train
It takes time about 8-9 hours, depending on type of trains. You can choose to go with any train either day-time or night-time because it has many trains to go there everyday. Please get it at Bangkok station or Thonburi station.

By Bus
Takes a bus for Bangkok-Chumphon (500 kilometers) at the new southern bus terminal. Bus fare cost about 162 baht for a normal bus, 272 baht for an air conditioning bus and 15 baht for a bus to this national park which far from the bus stop about 23 kilometers