Tao Island (Ko Tao)

Tao Island is composed of 21 kms of rocks and coconut trees, surrounded by shallow beaches. It is located 45 kms north of Samui and 40 kms east of Chumphon. On the west coast Mae Nam, the main town, is the residence of most of the local population. The busiest beach is Sairee Beach north of Mae Haad where you can have the widest choice of accommodation. The second most famous beach is Ao Chalok Ban Kao south of Mae Hadd. Other small bays and beaches are difficult to access by road.

Ko Tao, meaning turtle island, is named after the topography of its central mountain which resembles a turtle's back. The small tropical island amid the deep blue sea is encircled by miles of coral reefs and pinnacles where you can find some large, deep-water fishes such as mantas and whale sharks.

Most tourists come here for diving as its diving industry is reaching a higher and higher peak. Yet, Tao Island still has other charms of a tropical island; beautiful and quiet coves, wide stretches of sand, transparent seas, cheap accommodation, and a peaceful atmosphere. However, the beaches are not nice and the sea is too shallow for swimming.

Although there are a variety of choices of accommodation to choose from, the facilities on the island are simple and basic, but are improving. Electricity on the island comes from the generator which is shut down at 7 pm. However, most bungalows and resorts provide 24 hour electricity service and some have air-con rooms.

How to get there
From Samui: There are speedboats leaving Bophut and Maenam piers at 8.30 am for the price of 450 baht. Speedboats leave Nathon at 12.00 am and it takes a half hour to get to Ko Tao. Or else you can take Songserm Express boats from Nathon leaving at 12.00 to Mae Haad via Phangan for the cost of 450 baht. For cheaper transport, there are slow boats running from Maenam - departure at 9.30 am to Mae Haad via Thongsala for 100 baht.

From Phangan: Speedboats run from Thongsala to Mae Haad leaving 8.30 and 12.30 am for a fare of 250 baht.

From Chumphon: There are speedboats leaving Chumphon pier at 7.00 and 8.00 taking almost 2 hours to Mae Haad with a fare of 500 baht. Another alternative is Songserm Express boats leaving at 7.30 am for the cost of 400 baht.

Article Source: http://www.thailand.com/

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Phangan Island (Ko Phangan)

Located just 12 km north of Samui, Phangan can be easily accessed by a half hour boat ride. Once it was just a backdoor neighborhood of Samui. But it is getting a new look.

Since Samui has begun to target up-market tourists, more and more backpackers and budget travelers have found the great hideaways here. It becomes increasingly attractive to other travelers who discover that Samui has nothing matching with their interests. Less expensive and less crowded are two main advantages experienced by backpackers. There are 160 places to stay around the190 square km of the island, at a cost of about 100 baht. Except for Rin Beach, many of the beaches are nearly deserted.

The island has two main attractive sites: Rin Beach and others. Rin Beach is a center for parties and hanging out while other beaches are tropical escapes with untouched nature and breath-taking scenes. Phangan has long been famed for its astonishing beauty which attracted King Rama IV to make regular visits here. Thong Nai Pan, one of the top five of Thailand's best beaches, was his long time favorite.

There is not the full range of modern development and tourist entertainment like the atmosphere of Samui. Not to mention no airport, big resorts, hotels, or paved roads. But it is a real paradise for all the senses, with undamaged nature and raucous parties, which may seem to be a contradiction, but the island has a certain magnetic power which makes it magically possible.

Getting There: Speedboats leave Samui daily from Maenam and Bophut piers to Thongsala at 8.30 am at a cost of 250 baht and also leave Nathon at 12.00 am, then return from Thongsala at 10.30 am for the price of 150 baht.

Songserm Express operates express ferries from Thatong, Samui to Thongsala via Nathon. The ferries leave Thatong at 8.30 am, arrive at Nathon at 10.30 am, then leave Nathon at 11.00 am and arrive at Thongsala at 11.45 am. They also run a car ferry service from Kanom to Thongsala via Na Thon. The ferries leave Thongsala at 6.30 am, arrive Na Thon at 8.00 am, and reach Kanom at 9.30 am. The return trip from Kanom leaves at 6.00 pm, arrives Nathon at 7.30 pm and reaches Thongsala at 9.00 pm.

Longtail boats run from Maenam pier to Phangan at three main destinations: Rin Beach for 120 baht, Tien Beach for 150 baht and Thong Nai Pan for 200 baht.

For an alternative route, but a longer trip, you can take nightboats from Ban Don, Surat Thani to Thongsala. The boats leave at 10.00 pm and take six hours and a half for the price of 170 baht.

Getting Around: It's recommended to take a songtaew as it's the fastest and most convenient means of transportation on the island. Fares depend on the destination, but are not higher than 100 baht around the island. Or else you can hire a motorcycle which is pretty much more expensive depending on how great you are at bargaining. There is crowd of motorcycle taxis outside Bovy Supermarket near the pier at Thongsala.

The interesting beaches and natural attractions on the islands include:

Thongsala: Thongsala is the only main port and it is also the only town on Phangan, houseing most of the island's residents. It provides all kinds of necessary facilities you may need including banks, ATMs and a post office. Aside from that, there is not much of interest about the town, just a small under-developed Thai village with some construction in progress.

The town is busy during the day because crowds of tourists come and go. At least, if you have to hang out waiting for the boat, there is a line of restaurants along the road leading toward the pier. There are lots of alternative choices here to enjoy local and western style food. For a more entertaining moment, you can absorb the Thai art of boxing at a boxing stadium within Thongsala. Or there are a few karaoke restaurants that create a bouncing atmosphere. Tourists go wandering away from Thongsala at night and the local people are left with a quiet and sleepy town.

Rin Beach and Full Moon Parties: On the far southeast of Phangan, Hat Rin is the liveliest and craziest beach. It has been marked as "something different" from all other places in Thailand, and probably the world. It now has become a spot for a travelers' community whose members truly believe in hedonism.

Rin is composed of two beaches: sunrise on the east and sunset on the west. Sunrise beach is a wide stretch of white sand in a stunning curved bay while sunset beach is not really as nice. All ranges of accommodation from low budget to air-con bungalows are concentrated around the two beaches. There are no comfortable and luxurious five-stars hotels and resorts here as Rin's reputation is for cheap and wild living.

Rin Beach is the ideal for all kinds of pleasure that the young and young at heart are searching for. It is a venue for the world famous Full Moon Party happening every month on the sunrise beach. Hanging out, going to parties, meeting wild and weird people, matchmaking, listening to techno, garage, house music, marijuana, drugs and spiritual awakenings all can be experienced at Rin Beach. Hat Rin has all kinds of music to fit with everyone's tastes and you'll not be disappointed.

The party starts when the first gleam of golden moonlight touches the white sand. The beach is lighted up with thousands of lamps and is full of thousands of travelers until dawn. Have fun and get wild!!!

Thong Nai Pan Beach: Thong Nai Pan is a magnificent double bay which is split by a narrow cape creating two wide beaches of white sands: Thong Nai Pan Yai and Thong Nai Pan Noi.

As a major attraction for members of the Thai royal family, the beach has long been kept as a secret and hidden place away from the crowds. There is not much development going on around here and it has the old and authentic atmosphere of Thai beach village. You may have to put in some effort to go there, but it is well rewarded with perfect beaches and friendly people.

On the southern bay, Thong Nai Pan Yai, the bigger of the two, is the residence of nearly all the local population. The beach has a wide sandy beach and a small village encircled by coconut plantations. There are a few bungalow resorts along the beach, two shops and a few bars and restaurants and the locals own most of the businesses here. Thong Nai Pan Noi, the quieter of the two, is a magnificent long beach of white sands with coconut trees in the background and surrounded by mountains. There are plenty of beach huts and bungalows along the beach. Thong Nai Pan Noi is a good place for pleasurable swimming and snorkeling.

There are two ways of commuting to Thong Nai Pan. You can take a pick-up songtaew from Thongsala and it can be accessed by boats from Thongsala, Rin Beach and Maenam.

Yao Beach: On the west coast of the island, Hat Yao means Long Beach. It has almost one and a half kms of white sand with deep water making for good swimming. There are just a few basic and low budget bungalows on the beach, but a more comfortable and expensive resort is in the process of construction.

One main thing to be informed of is that Hat Yao is quite a laid back village, but under development. Once Hat Yao was quite difficult to reach because there was no proper paved road, but now the situation is better as the road from Thongsala to Hat Yao is almost finished. Not everywhere in Hat Yao has electricity yet. All the electricity used during a few hours each evening comes from the main generator. So no nightlife entertainment at all.

Than Sadet Waterfalls: Than Sadet Waterfalls means "Royal Stream" as many members of Thai royal family have made frequent visits here, including King Rama V, King Rama VII, and King Rama IX, the present king. For a confirmation, the three kings left their signature on the rocks below the falls. So it could be assumed that the waterfalls must have some sort of extraordinary beauty to attract even the rulers of the country to come for a vacation. The falls have been guaranteed and it's really worth it to prove it for yourself.

Situated at Thong Nang Village, you can reach it by taking the road from Ban Tai Village to Thong Nai Pan Beach. Then turn-off about halfway up the road and head east toward Sadet Beach at Thong Nang Village. The trail follows a river along which you can see a series of waterfalls.

Phaeng Forest Park Waterfalls: About halfway between Thongsala and Chalok Lam there's a turn-off heading to the waterfalls. The waterfalls themselves are worth a visit, but you can have some pleasure absorbing the magnificent nature and stunning viewpoints on the way. Uncountable coconut trees, pure white sands and deep blue sea colored with a bright blue sky can be seen from here. Along the trail to the falls there is a marble Buddha Image which is said to be one of the finest statues on the island.

The best way is to get a motorcycle to explore the splendid vistas. It is most convenient to rent one. You need at least 125cc to travel up and down the hills because some roads are dirt tracks which are sheer and uneven.

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Galapagos Islands

Galapagos Islands - one of the best places in the world to experience Mother Nature at her best

Ecuador and its Galapagos Islands are only small but are actually regarded as one of the 17 most diverse countries in the world! And the Galapagos Islands are a haven for wildlife inspired by Charles Darwin himself and his theory of evolution.

Ecuador is equally as fascinating with its diverse landscapes, from sandy beaches to the high peaks of the Andes. Being the second smallest country in South America, the first thought is there is not a lot on offer, but quite the opposite: one day you can be walking through the market in Otavalo with its traditional Ecuadorian feel and the next day trekking through Mindo Cloud Forest admiring its beautiful and diverse range of wildlife and plants, in particular the humming birds.

Ecuador holidays are fantastic for a lover of the outdoors trekking through jungles and through the Andes along with other outdoor activities such as horse riding and surfing.

The Galapagos are made up of 14 main islands and over 40 little rocky islands and lay peacefully in the Pacific Ocean one thousand kilometres of the coastline of Ecuador. A nature lovers paradise, the Galapagos Islands are the perfect place to see phenomenal amounts of diverse wildlife up close as they are very tame and used to having people around them.

The Galapagos Islands are also home to the Charles Darwin Research station, which gives a insight as to what wildlife thrive on these islands, including flamingos, penguins, the blue footed booby, giant tortoise, albatrosses and many more. P

erhaps what the Galapagos Islands are most famous for it the diving! Diving in the Galapagos Islands is a truly unique experience where you will be met with friendly seals, turtles, non aggressive sharks, rays and many species of exotic fish.

Both Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands are one of the best places in the world to experience Mother Nature at her best. A holiday to Ecuador can be active and cultural where as a trip to the Galapagos Islands are relaxing and an amazing way to see some of the most diverse ranges of wildlife in the world! So why not do both!

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Mu Ko Lanta National Park (Krabi National Park)

Establised in 1990, according to the order of Mr. Chaun Leekpai, Prime Minister and Wild Animal and Plant Foundation of Thailand. It includes Ko Rok, Ko Mai Ngam Tai, Ko Ta La Beng, Ko Lanta Yai, Ko Ngai, Ko Tu Kon Lima, Ko Rok Nok, Ko Rok Nai, Ko Hin Dang and nearby islands of Ko Klang district, Ko Lanta Noi district and Ko Lanta Yai sub district, Amphoe Ko Lanta, Krabi province. It is the 62th national park of Thailand which covers area of 134 square kilometers or 83,750 rais.

Geography

Over all geographical feature is the complexity of mountains and rather deep slope. The plain area would be found only in a beach area in the southern part. Most of area here is more than 35 percent slope, except only the middle part of island where a slope is more than 50 percent. The height of this are is range from 100 meters above sea level to a heigth of 488 meters at the peak of mountain.

Climate

Most rainfall is in September which is about 391.4 milimeters and the lowest in January which is about 6.5 milimeters. Number of days of the highest raining is in September which is about 21.6 days and the lowest is in February, about 1.6 days.
In rainy season, the national park will be closed (Rok Nok Island, Rok Nai Island, and Hin Moung - Hin Deang Rock) during 16 May - 15 November every year for visitors safety.

Flora and Fauna

There are a lot of fertile forest resources and varieties of vetgetation which could be classified as follows :

1. Rainforest covers 19.42 square meters of Lanta Yai island, along the Lanta mountain which covers most of area of the national park. Upper level trees and middle level trees at average height about 15-25 meters are found in this forest. The important plants are L. siamica, Hopea ferrea Heim.,etc. And also the palm tree and cane wood species are the low level trees here, the important species are Fan palm, Calamus erectus Roxb., Calamus caesius Bl., Calamus peregrinus Furt.,etc.
2. Mangrove Forest could be found in Mai Ngam island, South Mai Ngam island and Ngu island. These islands are not big and most of area is covered with the mangrove forest. Mangrove trees are tall at the same height with averange about 5 meters. Plants could be found here are Avicennia alba, Rhizophora apiculata, Rhizophora mucronata
3. Beach Forest covers the small area between connecting area of beach and rainforest of Ngai island. The important plants are Bengal Almond, Derris indica, beach moring glory, etc.

Wild Animals
Able to classified into 6 groups as shown below.

1. Mammal Animals consists of 20 families 30 genuses and 38 species which 2 species had gone from Lanta island. They are wild deers and tigers, and the other species is the sea cow which is the conserved animal. The other two species that being gone are the common barking deer and fishing cat. The rarely finding animal on this island is the the marshall big ear crow bat .
2. Birds on these islands are totally 58 families, 130 genuses and 185 species. Most easy find in this national park are Brahminy Kite, Birdled Tern, Emerald Dove , etc while the most difficult find are Orange-Breasted Trogon, Siberian Thrush, and Little Spiderhunter, etc.
3. Reptiles, mostly are Water Monitor, Reticulated Python and Cobra , etc.
4. Amphibians could be found two species, the first one living in canal is Giant Mountain Frog, Ornate Froglet and the second one living in building and ponds. Others amphibians in forest are Polypedates leucomystax (Gravenhorst)-1829 and Small Toads and the difficult find species is the Dorria frog.
5. Sea and Fresh Water Fishes which could be found in fresh water ponds of the islands, fresh water fishes that you can find here such as Blue danio. While the sea fishes would be found along the coral reef, rock beach and fresh water canals such as Lizard fish and Porcupine fish, etc.
6. Animals in the Coral Reef are Staghorn coral, Fungia fungites, Anemone coral, Starflower coral, etc.

Article Source : http://www.dnp.go.th

Ko Lanta - The most beautiful island of Andaman Sea

Just off Thailand’s south western coastal town of Krabi, on the east side of Phang Nga Bay, exists a unique, unspoiled tropical island: Ko Lanta Yai. Ko Lanta Yai preserves its community spirit in both family and business life. With clear, cool waters and superb white sand beaches stretching along a 27 kilometer coastline, its paradisiacal appeal remains unmarred by mass tourism. The island, which reaches a height of almost 500 meters at its extreme end, also boasts a mountain range covered with rain forest.

The Ko Lanta archipelago is made up of over fifty small islands, though only three are inhabited: Lanta Yai , Lanta Noi and Ko Ngai. Lanta Yai is the most attractive to tourists, with its impressive beaches and activities for visitors. Approximately 10,000 of the regions’ 20,000 inhabitants reside on Lanta Yai. Most of Lanta Yai’s residents are practicing Thai Muslims, deriving their income from rubber farming, fishing, palm tree growing, coconut or cashew nut plantations, and the travel industry.

The island itself runs from north to south, with the west coast established as the main tourist area, offering accommodations for all budgets, a variety of activities, and a choice of bars and restaurants. Picture-perfect sunsets can be seen from any of the many beaches, while the colorful local fishing boats known as “long tails” bob lazily in the foreground.

The east coast is far less developed, affording the curious explorer a glimpse of life outside of tourism. Facing toward the mainland, the coastline largely consists of mangroves, with yellow sand beaches towards the southern end. It’s here you will find the ancient Sea Gypsy Village, home to the indigenous settlers on Ko Lanta who live in harmony with the sea.

Article Source : http://www.lantainfo.se/en_index.htm

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Similan Islands

Similan Islands

Mu Koh Similan National Park

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.

The national park is established in 1982 and located in Ko Phrathong Sub-distreict, Khuraburi District, Phang-nga Province and covers 128 square kilometers, 80,000 rais, of area, 14 square kilometers of which is land composed of all the islands put together. Located along the western coastline of the Andaman Sea and in the Indian Ocean, rest these nine exotic granite islands created by upwellings of hot magma during the Teritiary-Cretaceous Period some 65 million years ago, then smoothed by glacial ice and the wave action of the sea.
Similan is really the Malaysian word for nine, as there are nine islands in the Similan group: Ko Bangu, Ko Similan, Hin Huwagralok, Ko Payu, Ko Ha, Ko Hok, Ko Miang, Ko Payan, Ko Payang, and Ko Huyong.

In 1998, the park boundary was expanded to cover Ko Tachai which is located further north of Ko Bon and the Similan group. Then the park area becomes 140 square kilometers.

Topography
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.

Climate
Summer begins in mid February and ends in May. Rainy season starts from mid May till October with North - Western wind. Average annual temperature is 27๐c with average of approximately 83% humidity all year round. Average annual rainfall is measured at 3,560 millimeters with evaporation rate of 1,708 millimeters per year. In rainy season, the national park will be closed during 16 May - 14 November every year for visitors safety.

Flora and Fauna
Types of forests can be divided into 3 main characteristics
Beach Forest –open forest with scattered plants at approximate height of not over 15 meters such as Terminalia catappa, Barringtonia asiatica, Callophyllum inophyllum. Small perennials and large shrub not exceeding 10 meters in height found are Xylocarpus gaugeticus, Herltiera littoralis, Hibiscus tiliaceus which is a smaller shrub found are Capparis micracautha, Breynia vitris-idaea Fischer, Pandanus odoratissimus. Grounds covering plants common in the area are beans, Vigna sp., Spilanthes sp., Ischaemum barbatum, Lophatherum gracile, Hoya parasittrica, Asplenium nidus.

Scrub Forest – habitat for shrubs which can develop on grounds with soil depth of not exceeding 30 centimeters. A few cacti can be found while more common shrubs found are Cercus spp., Dracaena spp., Memecylon caeruleum, Cleistanhus polyphyllus.

Primary Forest – habitation for perennials at a height of 20 meters or above such as Dipterocarpus costatus, Dipterocarpus boudii, Shores spp.,. Lower perennials at 15-20 meters in height are palaquium obovatum, Eugenia denaiflora, Wrightia sp., 10-15 meters in height are Hydnocarpus ilicifolius, Semecarpus curtisii, Diospyros wallichii. Bambusa sp., Calamus longisetus, Plam, Amydrium medium and Bauhinia glauca are also found with other creepers and parasites such as betel pepper, bauhinia and orchid.

The most unique vegetation found only on Ko Yai in the Andaman sea are sapodilla and Nguang Chang Talay while edible plants are Manilkara sp., Toumefotia argentia, Bouea oppositifolio, Lepisanthes rubiginosa, Diospyros wallichii, Neang and Copparis micracantha.

Marine and Wildlife:
Beneath the sea at Mu Ko Similan National Park lies a complex ecosystem commonly called the rainforest of the sea: the coral reef. The major residents of the reef are coral and the closely related sea anemones; of the Phylum Cnidaria, Class Anthozoa, which contains all radially symmetrical invertebrate animals. Corals and sea anemones exist as individual polyps living in either solitary or mostly colonial forms. The polyps of hard corals construct communal limestone homes which are built up into a multitude of shapes and sizes eventually giving rise to a coral reef. Soft corals have soft bodies made of large numbers of identical polyps connected by fleshy tissue (Zooxanthallae). These soft corals contain small algae within their tissues which are able to convert the sun's energy into food. This cooperative relationship is known as symbiosis and also exists in hard corals, clams and other marine organisms. There are several factors that support good environment for the reef i.e. temperature, salinity, light, wave and tide, sedimentation and nutrient. Therefore, healthy coral reef can be found easily in the Andaman Sea comparing to the Gulf of Thailand. In Andaman Sea, coral reefs are able to classified as deep water and medium water. For the deep water coral reef grow down to 30 m. Of course, in this case water allows enough light for the algae. This reef type is mostly found in Similan and Surin islands. For the rest area, medium water coral reef grow between 8-15 m beneath the surface.

Coral can also be classified to fall into these structural categories: massive, columnar, encrusting, branching, foliceaous, laminar and free-living coral. The hard corals found in Mu Ko Similian National Park are deep water species of mostly staghorn coral types (Acropora echinata) and the smaller cauliflower shaped types (Seriatopora histrix). Many other species of marine life co-exist within the coral reef: Gorgonian sea fans, flower-like soft coral, several species of crabs, spiny painted lobsters, squid, sponges, sea cucumbers and giant clams.

Above the sea surrounding each island lies Beach forest, which steadily becomes Tropical forest further inland. Important tree species include Manilkara sp. Cordia subcordia, and Tournefotia argentia. A survey conducted in 1992 revealed that 39 species of birds can be found on the nine islands. Resident species include the Brahminy Kite, and the White-breasted Waterhen, while migratory species include the Pintail Snipe, and Grey Wagtail. Temporary migratory species include the Barn Swallow, Cattle Egret, Watercock, and the Roseate Tern. The most commonly seen species include the Pacific Reef-Egret, Nicobar Pigeon, Pied Imperial Pigeon, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, and the Collared Kingfisher.

The environment of Mu Ko Similian National Park is obviously that of a small island, wherever you go, you are not far from the sea. Natural fresh water reserves are few, and as a result, large mammal species cannot exist. Surveys have revealed that 27 species of small mammals exist within the park, including 16 species of bats namely: the black-bearded tomb bat, the lesser false vampire bat, the intermediate horseshoe bat, the lesser bent-winged bat, and the hairless bat. 3 species of squirrels can be found including the gray-cheeked flying squirrel. 4 species of rats: the yellow Rajah rat, the ricefield rat, roof rat and noisy rat can be seen scurrying around as well. Finally, the more unusual but fairly common residents include the bush tailed porcupine, common palm civet, flying lemur and the bottlenosed dolphin. 22 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found in the park including the banded krait, reticulated python, white-lipped pit viper, common pit viper, garden blue lizard, hawksbill turtle, leather turtle, Bengal monitor lizard, common water monitor lizard, ornate froglet, common Asiatic frog, marsh frog, and the common bush frog. Finally, another most interesting species located in the Similans island is called the hairy leg mountain land crab. This crab is found in such large numbers you will be sure to see many just by walking around a bit. No matter where you are on the island, seeing this creature will be a reminder you are never far from water.

Article Source: www.sawadee.com

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Krabi - Phi Phi Islands

Krabi - Phi Phi Islands

● Travel to the Phi Phi Islands
Koh Phi Phi can be reached by boat either from Krabi or Phuket. In downtown Krabi tourists can take a boat at Chaofa pier. The boat leaves for Koh Phi Phi daily. Boat tickets are available at the pier or from travel agents in the town. It takes about 2 hours and a half for the journey. Regular boats from Ao Nang to Koh Phi Phi are also available during high season.


● Mu Koh Phi Phi
An archipelago of six islands consists of Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le as the major islands. The superb scenery of the islands includes high hills with jutting cliffs surrounded by marvelous beaches and emerald sea, hiding underneath a bank of coral reefs and colorful marine life. Places to visit of Mu Koh Phi Phi include

● Koh Phi Phi Don
covers a total area of 28 square kilometers : 8 kilometers in length and 3.5 at its broadest point. At the north end is Cape Laem Thong, where there is a Chao Ley, or sea gipsy village. These sea gypsies emigrated from Koh Lipeh in Tarutao National Park, near the border with Malaysia. Diving at Laem Thong is excellent, as it is also at Hua Rah Ket to the extreme south. There are long beaches with rocks scattered about. Two curving bays are especially beautiful : Ton Sai and Loh Dalam. This is also where accommodations and tourist services are found.

● Koh Phi Phi Le
is 6.6 square kilometers in total area : 3 kilometers in length and 1 at its broadest point. The island is entirely limestone and steep cliffs rising from the sea very nearly ring it. Surrounding waters average about 20 meters in depth, reaching 34 meters at the deepest point off the island's southern tip. Phi Phi Ley has several beautiful bays : Pileh, Maya and Loh Samah ; Ao Pileh is very nearly enclosed by the limestone walls of the island's cliffs, so that the water appears almost to be an island sea. On Phi Phi Ley's northeast is the famous Viking Cave; this was renamed by H.M.Rama IX when he visited it in 1972, Tam Pya Nak, from the shape of a particular boulder, which resembles in shape the head of the great serpent of Buddhist legend, the Naga.

It is a place much revered by the local people who come there to collect the swift's nests used to make Bird's Nest Soup, a Chinese delicacy. On the eastern and southern walls of the cave are colored drawings dating from historic times. There are pictures of elephants and also of various boats : European, Arab and Chinese sailing ships ; baroques, motorboats, and steamships. It is theorized that these pirates who paused in their travels from west to east, sheltering in the cave to escape the monsoon winds, transfer cargo, or make repairs. Travel to the Phi Phi Islands Tour operators in both Phuket and Krabi provide transport and tour packages to this popular destination. Regular boat service is available form Jao Fah pier in Krabi.

● Koh Phai
lies also to the north of Phi Phi Don, not far from Koh Yung. Sandy beaches are on the north and east sides of the island. Broad coral reefs stretch away into the south.


● Koh Yung
lies to the north of Phi Phi Don. There is a rocky beach on the east side, and a smaller strand of sand in a fold of the hill. Many beautiful and various corals are found there.


Published At : http://www.sawadee.com

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Amazing Ko Samui

Samui Island or Ko Samui is the largest of a group of nearly 100 tropical islands in the Gulf of Thailand along the east coast of Surat Thani Province. These islands are known as the Samui archipelago. The most phenomenally famous tourist destinations, attracting a wide range of visitors from all over the world, are the three largest islands: Samui, Phangan, and Tao. Long sandy beaches, green mountainous interiors, colorful coral reefs, a warm tropical climate and an easy-going people with a ready smile clearly define Samui's appeal.

Some 1,500 years ago Samui was probably first inhabited by fishermen using the island as a base to fish its rich waters. The island was first officially recorded on a Ming Dynasty map from China in approximately 1,500 AD. Many immigrants from Hunan have settled in the northern villages of Nathon and Maenam. Muslim fishermen settled in the South and East and Huan Thanon is still a strong Muslim enclave. During the 17th to 18th centuries the islands came under the rule of Nakhon Si Thammarat which at that time was the main power in southern Thailand. Eventually it came under the direct rule of the Siamese from Bangkok in the late 18th century, but Samui and other islands have always been essentially self-governing. By the end of the 19th century, the remote communities had been established and word of the beautiful islands in the Gulf of Thailand was already seeping through to the greater Thai country. After the Second World War, Thailand became more economically sophisticated and natural products such as timber, rubber and fruit became tradable commodities. These fertile islands were important for the plantations of coconuts which began to assume economic value to the country. Then the backpackers arrived and gradually tourism began to dominate the island economically and socially.

Ko Samui, the third largest island of Thailand and the largest in the southeast in the Gulf of Thailand, is surrounded with almost a hundred islands. The main islands, which are all near Samui Island and are inhabited, are Phangan, Tao and Tan Islands. Samui Island is 247 sq km It is full of tropical jungle and mountains up to 600 m high and is covered by almost 3 million coconut trees, some over 160 years old and 35 m tall.

The interesting spots on the island of paradise include:

Big Buddha Temple: The Big Buddha temple, locally called "Wat Phra Yai", is named after the 22 m golden Buddha enshrined at the very far end of the northeast coast. It is really a must for every visitor to Samui.

The temple is located on route 4171 not far from the airport. The Big Buddha sits magnificently upon the small island, Ko Fan. Usually plenty of tourists both local and international visit the huge statue. It is the island's most prominent landmark, which you can often see from the air before your aircraft even lands. There are a number of restaurants and souvenir stands around the temple to serve the visitors.

Kunaram Temple: The highly respected Kunaram Temple houses the mummified body of Samui's most famous monk, Loungpor Daeng. The body is on display here in a specially constructed building. Over 20 years ago, he died in the sitting position while he was performing meditation and his body shows few signs of any major decay. Wat Khunaram is on the 4169 ring road between the Na Muang waterfalls and Hua Thanon.

The Laem Sor Pagoda: The pagoda is located on the grounds of Laem Sor Temple. It sits magnificently at the rocks on the water's edge. It is covered in countless small yellow tiles, which appear golden when viewed from a short distance. At the far south of the island off the 4170 road between Ban Tale and Ban Page Ka, you can reach the temple by following the track with a sign that reads "Waikiki Bungalow."

Sumret Temple: This old temple is the guardian of the ancient White Marble Buddha, believed by the monks there to be many hundreds of years old. It also has within its grounds the "Secret Hall of Buddhas." This building houses a fine collection of revered and valuable Buddha images, some of which have recently been stolen resulting in the temple doors being locked most of the time. However, the monks will open them for a request, although a donation will be expected. Wat Sumret is 200 meters down the second concrete road on the left, West of Hua Thanon on the 4169 ring road.

Na Muang Waterfalls: Na Muang Waterfalls, a set of two waterfalls, are the finest natural scenery on the island. The waterfalls are located just 10 kms south of Nathon near Ban Thurian.

The first level of Na Muang Waterfalls is 18 m high and tourists can easily take a vehicle to reach there as it is at the end of the road. The second level of falls is about 80 m high and a 30 minute walk is the only way to reach them. The second level is less frequently visited even though they are arguably the prettiest falls on the island and worth the walk. If you prefer to experience the elephant ride into the forest, Na Muang Safari located at the cross roads and can take you for a wild ride.

Hin Lad Waterfalls: Hin Lad Waterfalls with a well-posted sign are a 2 km walk from the main road just south of Nathon. It is quite a tough trek so make sure you have decent footwear or else you may get hurt from the uneven uphill and downhill track. The falls are really nice as long as there is enough water, but during the dry season, it is probably not worth the trek. Within the waterfalls, there is a pool that you can swim in to cool off.

Hin Ta and Hin Yai: The famous Hin Ta and Hin Yai or Grandfather and Grandmother rocks are strange natural formations fashioned by the elements into massive sculptures of male and female genitals. The strange, scenic spot makes an interesting viewpoint where the tourists can take great photographs. A local story has been told generation to generation about an elderly couple. They sailed a ship and it was wrecked in the bay. Their bodies were washed ashore to create the rocks. The rocks are well signposted and can be reached from the 4169 ring road just south of Lamai.

Samui's Butterfly Park, Bee House and Insect Museum: For nature enthusiasts interested in tropical insects, Samui's Butterfly Park houses many brightly colored butterflies. They live in a peaceful garden setting within a huge net cage. It is probably worth visiting for a nature walk although the price is quite expensive.

At Samui's Butterfly Park there is also a Bee House. All bees are kept in an old traditional Thai-style house and visitors are allowed to observe the activities of bees. Rare insects from Thailand and other countries are on display in the Insect Musuem. The Butterfly Park is situated in Laem Set on the southeast coast of Samui off highway 4170.

Samui's Monkey Center: Samui's Monkey Center is located on highway 4169 near Bophut. There are funny and enjoyable elephant and monkey shows. There are daily elephant rides for an adventurous jungle trek. The Monkey Center is open daily from 9 am until 5 pm. Show times for the hilarious performances are 10.30 am, 2 pm and 4 pm.

Article Source: http://www.thailand.com/travel/beach/beach_surat_samui.htm

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