Phuket

Phuket's spectacular scenery, stunning tropical sunsets and warm blue sea awaits at Asia's most popular beach destination. The island of fun provides an unbeatable combination of perfect silky soft beaches, superb hospitality and great value accommodation!
Whether it's world class diving in the Andaman Sea, golf at championship courses or exciting eco-adventures in tropical forest, Phuket is a place to extend your horizons. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to surrounding islands, or a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay. Or simply enjoy Phuket's vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach.

Families will find Phuket offers lots of attractions for kids of all ages; from toddlers and teenagers to the young at heart. Go elephant trekking, grab a mask and snorkel and discover the undersea world or have a picnic on the beach. If you're just after a little papering or indulgence spend a few hours at one of Phuket's wonderful Spas. Unforgettable!
Tsunami!! Phuket, while being hit by the disaster, it has recovered quickly. Phuket is Thailand's richest provence, and the modern inferstructure supported by tourisim enabled it to return to it's previous glory, but with an added bonus. The Tsunami has had a clensing effect, with the corals, beaches, and beachfronts returning to how they were ten years ago. Fresh and uncluttered. Now is a great time to go, as there are many great hotel deals and it's not so busy.

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

Nestled in the tropical zone off the west coast of the southern part of Thailand in the Andaman Sea and the Indian Ocean, the province covers an area of approximately 543 square kilometers (excluding small islets). It is estimated that Phuket Province covers an area of approximately 590 square kilometers if its 39 other small islands are included. The islands total length, from north to south, is estimated at 48.7 kilometers and approximately 21.3 kilometers wide.

Phuket borders on Phang-nga Province to the north. The other 3 sides are encircled by the Andaman Sea which is where many of the best diving sites are located. The island is connected to Phang-nga Province by Sarasin Bridge and Thep Krasattri Bridge.

Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors other than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky, beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travelers to the city, while Phuket-style hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walks of life.

Phi Phi Islands

Words can't really describe how beautiful the Phi Phi Islands are. I have tried to help you with the photos and information on this website, but you just have to see for yourself to fully appreciate them. The Phi Phi Islands are among the most beautiful tropical islands in the world. And as such are amongst Thailand's most popular holiday destinations. The famous movie "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio was shot here. The islands, together with Noppharat Thara Beach located close by, were recently established as a national park with a total area of around 390 sq.km.

Many of the visitors who come to Phi Phi travel from Phuket just 40 km. away. It is not suprising that many of them think that Phi Phi is part of Phuket, when in fact, both Noppharat Thara Beach and Phi Phi belong to Krabi province.
Tourists the world over generally think that the island group of Phi Phi Islands is composed of only 2 isles, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. But actually, the area of Phi Phi has six isles altogether, these are Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Mai Phai (Bamboo), Yung, Bida Nok and Bida Nai. The islands and the coastal hills are mostly composed of limestone and are an extension of the limestone mountain range of Phang-nga province. Some common features ande characteristics of the mountains and islands are their steep cliffs, large caves and miniture trees growing out of many of the crevices in the rocks, similar to those in Phang-nga Bay.

Phi Phi Don Island Among the isles of Phi Phi Islands, Phi Phi Don, the largest of the two which lies in the north, is well known for its fine beaches and the wonderful coral formations located around it. There is a resonable assortment of accommodation (not over developed) which keeps it nice and many tourists return year after year. The main curved bays of Ton Sai Bay and Lo dalam Bay are in the south and are really spectacular offering good facilities.The other beaches are located at the northern end of the island. Several shops on Ton Sai can arrange diving and snorkelling trips around the island or the nearby islands -- Phi Phi Le Island, Yung Island and Mai Phai (Bamboo) Island.
Phi Phi Le/Ley/Leh Lying almost 2 km. to the south is Phi Phi Le Island. In contrast to Phi Phi Don, this isle is uninhabited, not only because this is banned, but also because there are few beaches able to support hotels. The island's cliffs descend almost vertically into the sea on all sides. There are a ouple of really fantastic coves Au Maya and Au Lo Sama are the most scenic coves on the island offering a great place to go snorkelling. The sea around Phi Phi Le island is deep, especially the southern part, where it can be over 30 metres making it a popular diving spot to se the beautiful corals.

Krabi

Take it from me Krabi is a great place. Living in Thailand enables me to tell you about the places as they really are. Krabi is one of the better attractions in Thailand.
It has got the distinct advantage of being a later discovery as tourist attraction. As a beach resort Krabi and It's Hotels are located perfectly, close to Phuket and the Phi Phi islands. A blend of high class hotels and for those on a budget. It is well worth making Karbi part of your holiday in Thailand. You won't be disappointed.

Krabi town is very close to the river mouth that opens to the great Andaman Sea. The Krabi river flows about 5 km through the town and opens into the Andaman sea at Tambon Pak Nam. Quite a few other rivulets originating from the mountain ranges in the province , Kao Panom Benja ; the Klong Pakasi, Klong Krabi Yai and Klong Krabi Noy - also join the sea here.Shallow waters, dozens of tiny islands scattered around with protected mooring bays for boats made it a haven for seafarers. Quite naturally, the main economic activity in the region was fishing and agriculture. This was true until the eighties when tourists discovered Krabi once again.Well protected bays and innumerable beaches with fine white sand; crystal clear waters on the shallow shore line, boating and snorkeling facilities are all added attractions for the tourists who would like to add some colour to their skin from Krabi. Those who are more adventurous, can view or even climb the limestone precipices around on top of which stunning views can be found.Krabi and the surroundings are full of limestone outcrops and caves dating back thousands of years. The caves show evidence of human habitation for centuries. Thailand being a predominantly Buddhist state, the caves are mainly cave temples and monasteries or centers for meditation.Thick jungle provide an excellent panoramic backdrop. And there are very many habitable and virgin islands in the sea around. The islands all mainly belong to The Koh Phi Phi National Marine Park.

Koh Tao

Koh Tao (means turtle island) is a small beautiful island not far from the world famous island of koh Samui. This small tropical island features some of the best snorkelling and diving in Thailand. The beautiful beaches are edged with swaying palm trees. Normally when you read a description like this, you know its the holiday company inflating the description. NOT THIS TIME WE SAY!! Koh Tao is really as you see it in the picture.

While scuba diving is the main activity on Koh Tao you can go also do water skiing, wake boarding, kayaking, banana boat rides, even sailing lessons. On land you can go trekking, mountain biking or free climbing. There is island style bowling, petonque (boules) and croquet. It's a nice idea to charter an inexpensive boat for a tailor made trip around the island or islands go snorkelling in one of the many bays and getting a first glimpse of the spectacular underwater world or visit the neighbouring little island Nangyuan, with its unique triple connecting beach.
If you find you need to get rid of those exess pounds or want to keep in shape, workout at the fully equipped open air gym, take Thai boxing lessons or join the fight club. Explore the sights and heights on foot. It's worth all the effort to get there.

After all these activities why not relax and unwind with a traditional Thai massage, its something you should not miss out. It will relieve your strained body and revive your spirit. A herbal steam bath will add to your well-being and cleanse your tired skin.

Why not develop your inner strength and heal body, mind and spirit? There is Tai Chi, Chi Gong and Yoga, Reiki, Foot Refelexology, all practised and taught. Turtle Island has a lot to offer for non-divers after all.

Samui

Thailand is full of fantastic places to visit. But one of the places you really shouldn't miss is Koh Samui. Koh Samui is a beautiful island off the south-eastern coast of Thailand. It is 80% covered with coconut plantations and circled by palm-fringed beaches. It was once an 'untouched' backpackers' mecca, but is now well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged tourist resort. Coconuts are still the mainstay of the local economy, with up to two million of them shipped to Bangkok each month. Tourism is becoming more important to he local people, and that can be felt in the service and warmth that you feel when you get here.

Those who have known and loved Ko Samui since those early days may not agree about the current pace of development in some areas, but for the most part they do agree on one thing. The island retains its sleepy magic. Koh Samui is still a paradise.

Tourist arrivals have been increasing steadily in recent years. An impressive island-wide effort was undertaken in late 1999 and is still continuing to improve the island's infrastructure to accommodate these developments. Those who visited prior to 1999 will be astonished at the number of newly paved and widened roads, drainage systems, and perhaps most welcome; the addition of sidewalks in the bustling villages of Chaweng and Lamai - home to many of the islands hotels, nightlife and shopping areas.

However much of the island, especially the south coast, remains largely undeveloped. A day spent on scooters or in a jeep exploring this lush underbelly is a day of sheer serendipity. With its spectacular and astonishingly diverse flora, and its dozy little neighborhoods peopled by some of the world's most amiable islanders, this kind of exploration is sure to provide the delights you imagined when you planned your holiday.

Short direct flights here now depart several times a day from Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore. You can also arrive by train, bus and boat.

Koh Samet

Koh Samet is a small beautiful idyllic island (often refered to as crystal island) with superb beaches and a relaxed chilled out atmosphere. Around 200km from Bangkok make Koh Samet Island both easy and affordable to get to. Taking about 3-4 hours total travelling time from Bangkok, or 2 hours from Pattaya. Another plus point for going to Koh Samet is the cost of getting there. Buses from Ekamai bus terminal cost about 135 baht and the boat fare starts around 50 baht.

The Thai word Koh means island, and Samet is tree that grows in large quantities all over the island, and famed for its bark which is used both in traditional medicine and for boat building.
Its beautiful beaches especially in the north-east of the island have been described as having the "whitest finest sand" in Thailand. In 1981 Koh Samet was given national park status when it joined the Khao Laem Ya National Park. It has great natural beauty, secluded beaches and a lush rich interior. It is also the home to spectacular wildlife such as monkeys, hornbills, gibbons and exotic butterflies.

In the early 1970's Koh Samet was 'discovered' by Thai teenagers and young couples looking for a weekend place to go not too far from the Bangkok. Recently its popularity has increased with overseas tourists joining the locals in search of a tropical paradise. There are many really nice resorts and cozy bungalows on most of Koh Samet's beaches and you can easily book them from this website. Electricity is now available 24 hours a day, and resorts offer TV and air-conditioning. Camping is still popular on the more secluded beaches, but bring your own tents!

The eastern side of Koh Samet consists of wide open bays with pure white sand. The biggest and most popular is Hat Sai Kaew - known to westerners as Diamond Beach, is the closest to the mainland. The mile long sweep of bay has wide sand backed by palm trees, and on the promotory is a temple with a large Buddha statue. This beach is popular with day trippers, and with those staying for several nights. It is next to the small fishing village and several shops and restuarants. But it's sand is perfect, with a consistency like fine talculm powder and squeaks underfoot. The water is shallow and warm, and almost crystal clear. As you walk south along the narrow path linking the bays, you will come to bay after bay, all slightly different and perfect in their own way. The sand is dappled with fallen leaves and at the water line you sometimes find strange fish. You are able to sit for hours on these beaches, listening to the breeze in the trees, the soft murmur of the waves, and watch fish jumping. Koh Samet is a place where you can really unwind and relax.

The National Park Entry FeeIs something that really bothers visitors to Koh Samet. All non-Thais are charged a fee to basically enter the island. Now normally most people don't worry about this, but because the typical tourist pays ten times the local Thai person and the fact that the park has been over-developed and largely trashed by developers make it a bit of a joke. Worse, this entry fee has recently been increased to 400B per person for non-Thais (Thais pay only one-tenth that amount). In the past, it was possible to avoid paying this fee by arriving on the island at places other than Nadan or Ao Wong Deun. However, proactive rangers now meet arriving boats at almost every location to collect this fee. (Thais are not as dumb as they look!)

Koh Chang

Koh Chang Island is the main focal point of an island chain located in a national marine park. Ko Chang is the second largest island in Thailand after Phuket, measuring some 30km long by about 8km wide. But unlike Phuket or Koh Samui it hasn't been over developed. Although a very large Island it has quite a small population. But that's what makes it nice.

The west coast has the most beautiful beaches and is the more developed of Ko Chang's beach areas. The beaches on Koh Chang are large and don't get too busy. The number one beach is Hat Sai Khao (white sand beach) I can confirm it is nice, as I have been there.

As for the other beaches there is Hat Kai Bae, very similar to Hat Sai Khao. If you are a backpacker try Hat Tha Nam often called lonely beach, this is popular because it has a good range of inexpensive hotels and beach huts. It is also the main partybeach on the island. If you are seeking something a bit more laid back try Ao Bai Lan or even the larger beach of Hat Khlong Phrao.

The main resort areas of Koh Chang have internet, atm's, small banks actually everything you really need for a good holiday. From my experience try to book a hotel that is close or even in the main resort / beach areas. Koh chang is a big place and there is really nothing between these key areas. During holidays the resorts get filled up quickly, so book well in advance and check our Thailand national holiday section for local ones.

Koh Chang really started to develop into a true mainstream holiday destination in early 2001, and a massive amount of money has poured into it since then. It is a mountainous island so good roads have been built, and quite a few high quality resorts have popped up around the island.

The great beaches, impressive waterfalls & stunning scenery together with a choice of accommodation & entertainment that ranges from basic to luxury ensure that there will be something of interest to visitors on all budgets. Activities include diving, water sports & snorkeling, hill trekking, elephant jungle trekking & exploring the islands by kayak, cycle, car & motorbike (take care).

There are interesting local villages to visit & boat trips are available to explore or stay at other islands in the group. Whatever your choice of destination we hope that this guide gives you all the information that you need & wish you an enjoyable visit.