Phuket Thailand

Introduction

The largest island in Thailand is Phuket. It is about 870 kilometers south of Bangkok. The main export is tin and rubber. The island is extremely flush with marine life. The statue of Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sisunthon makes a landmark on this island.

Phuket is a beautiful island with coves, bays, palm-fringed white beaches, island dotted seas, very friendly people, wonderful accommodations, fantastic seafood, majestic mountains, relaxing waterfalls, and many marine parks. In other words, there is no better place to create wonderful memories of your vacation than on the island of Phuket.

While staying at Phuket, there are numerous various attractions and activities to keep you and the family busy the entire stay. If you don't want to be active, you can relax on the white sand of the beaches.

You can golf on the 9-hole course that fronts Surin Beach where you really can't swim there due to the surf and undertow. The most developed beach, Patong Beach, has many of your entertainment establishments from nightclubs to hotels as well as many of your water sport activities that you would enjoy doing on your vacation.

Travel to Phuket

In order to get to Phuket you would need to ride 14 hours on air-conditioned buses between Phuket and Bangkok (Cheapest tickets are from Bangkok's Khaosan Road). The easier way would be to go by Thai Airways or AirAsia, which would take only 1 hour and 10 minutes. The flights go out of Bangkok roughly five times a day. There is no rail service to Phuket.

Accommodations in Phuket

Once you arrive, you will need a place to stay. The hotels and resorts in Phuket such as the Amanpuri Phuket, Central Waterfront Suites Hotel Phuket, the Chedi Phuket, the Dusit Laguna Resort Hotel Phuket and Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club Phuket are first-class and will offer you free transportation to Phuket Town. Those that are economy class would be available as well. If you choose the first-class hotel offers many choices such as cabins and bungalow complexes. If you don't have the money for the first-class accommodations, then you can stay in a native-style complex, which is built out of bamboo, rattan, and thatch.

Phuket Beaches

The various beaches offer varied things among the beach itself. The first one is the Mai Khao Beach. It's the resorts longest beach. Between November and February every year the sea turtles will lay their eggs. The next beach is Nai Yang Beach. This is a great beach to swim and relax. If you move inward away from the water, you will find Wat Phra Thong where there is a partly buried Buddha enshrined.

The next two beaches are Karon and Kata. They are very peaceful and will allow you to get full sun while you are swimming, snorkeling, or even sunbathing. Kata is fronted partly by a complex by Club Mediterranean. The white Nai Han Beach is at the southern most point of Phuket. You can enjoy water sport activities at this beach as well. The Promthep Cape is a fantastic place to go and watch a sunset because it's the resorts' southern most point.

The last beach you can enjoy is Rawai Beach, which is home to many offshore islands that have bright white beaches, and you can see magnificent underwater scenes that draw scuba divers and fishermen alike.

Map of Phuket

Sightseeing in Phuket

Aside from the beaches there are other natural places to go such as Ton Sai Waterfall Forest Park and Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park where you can go and see the birds, boars, and monkeys along with the cascading waterfalls and beautiful flora. If you head northeast, you will reach Chalong Bay where Wat Chalong enshrines statues of the most revered monks. If you head southward to the southernmost tip you will reach Phanwa Cape, where you will find a Marine Biology Research Center as well as the Aquarium displaying numerous marine species found in the waters off the coast. If you don't care for the beach there are other things to do while visiting Phuket. You can visit hotels and coffee shops. You can find Thai, Chinese, and Islamic food across the island. The seafood found in Phuket is probably the most delicious seafood in all of Thailand. If you eat Southern Thai food, remember that can be very spicy, but many of them are worth the taste. If you are looking for a more natural food, then you can taste the fruits found on the island. Pineapples and coconuts are local to this resort. You could also go shopping if not in the mood to spend your time out in the sun. You can find many wonderful handicrafts to take home with you at any of the gift shops such as shell and coral ornaments and even cultured pearls. At night, things are quiet unless you are in the town center and Patong Beach's restaurants, bars, and other places open in the evening.

Pattaya Travel Guide

Introduction

Millions of people from around the world visit Asia's top beach resort, Pattaya. Everything you could ever imagine that would you be experiencing is wrapped up in the magic of Pattaya. You can windsurf, scuba dive, visit the coral islands, stay in palm-fringed hotels, eat fantastic seafood, and just take in the wonderful atmosphere this resort provides. At night you could also take in the phenomenal nightlife. You have everything at your fingertips to create a memorable vacation.

Upon arriving in Pattaya, you will be offered accommodation according to your financial situation. You will have the options to stay in hotels, bungalows, economy-class hotel, inn, and guesthouses. So depending on your own personal preferences, you have a wide array of options.

While staying at Pattaya you will have the best foods at your disposal. You can either eat at the hotel buffets or specialty and gourmet restaurants. There are steak houses, coffee shops, as well as fast-food restaurants to visit. If you wish to try the traditional Thai foods, there is plenty of that available as well.

Pattaya Sport Facilities

There are a wide variety of activities to keep you and your family very busy the entire time you are at the resort if that is what you wish. There are numerous water sports if you are into those types of activities such as windsurfing, sailing, game fishing, parasailing, water skiing, and scuba diving.

Sightseeing in Pattaya

If you are more into keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground then check out the land sports, recreation, and entertainment such as golf, horseback riding, motor and motorcycle racing, tennis, going to Pattaya park, an amusement water park; Pattaya Elephant Kraal, where you can watch the elephants; and Nong Nooch Village, an orchid nursery, art and crafts center, and culture show. You could even go shopping for almost anything.

In order to arrive at Pattaya, you must travel the 147 km. 2-hour ride on Highway No. 3 going through Bang Pakong, Chon Buri, and Siracha from Bangkok. You can ride in either air-conditioned or non-air-conditioned buses.

Pattaya Nightlife

After the sun sets you might want to take in the sites and sounds of the nightlife in Pattaya. You can enjoy eating in a gourmet restaurant, or having cocktails in one of the lounges or nightclubs. You could visit a supper club where they have entertainment and music along with food and drinks. That's an ideal plan to have if you have your family with you.

You could also go to a massage parlor for relaxation or visit one of the Go-Go Bars in Pattaya. Most establishments such as above are usually located on the beach in the southern part of Pattaya.

If you wish to take a drive while at the resort you can rent a motorcycle, jeep, or car on a daily basis. The mini-buses run in circuits driving around the roads of Beach Road and Pattaya 2 Road. That only costs between 5 and 10 Baht.

Map of Pattaya

Accommodation in Pattaya

Pattaya has so many hotels and resorts on offer. Some of the best resorts are the Ambassador City Resort on Jomtien Beach, or Royal Cliff Beach Resort. If you have questions while visiting, you can go to the Tourism Authority of Thailand's beachside office. It's located at 382/1 Beach Road, which is next to the Tourist Police Center. This office will give you information on events as well as handing over some publications for tourists.

If you have an emergency during your stay in Pattaya, the Tourist Police will work quickly to assist you. Residential Calculator for Pattaya

Ko Mak

Ko Mak

Ko Mak is located to the south of Ko Change, and is about 60 km. from the mainland. About 20 k. north of Ko Mak is Ko Kood. Chinese immigrants to Thailand were the first people to originally settle on the island, about 100 years ago. Ko Mak is the third largest island in the seas of Trat, and covers an area of approximately 16 km2. It is about 10 km. long and 5 km. wide and has a 27 km. coastline. About 80% of the island is flat, with occasional coconut and rubber plantations. Although the island has a local community, it still retains much of its natural environment. Most of the area supports forests and coconut plantations, though with little development. It is a tranquil island suitable for relaxation, quite different from Ko Chang. At present, there are approximately 15 resorts on the island.

Topography - Ko Mak is one of 21 variously sized islands that nearly separate into 2 main archipelagos. - Mu Ko Mak comprises 9 island; Ko Mak, Ko Kham, Ko Pii, Ko Rayang Nok, Ko Rayang Nai, Ko Kradard, Ko Nok Nok, Ko Nok Nai and Ko Chu. -Mu Ko Rang comprises 12 islands; Ko Rand Yai; Ko Rang Lek, Ko Tun, Ko Kra, Ko Tiean, Ko Thong Lang, Ko Ma-pring,Ko Yak, Ko Khampan, and another three islands commonly know as Ko Sam Pii Nong. Mu Ko Rang is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park. Important natural resourses include spectacular and rich coral reefs, and the birds-nest caves of Ko Rang Lek.Education, Religion and Public Health. There is one school, one temple , which is the centre of spirit and religious ceremonies, and one health clinic.

Tourist Attractions on Ko Mak. There are many long beaches on the weastern and southern coasts of the island.

Nid Bay is located on the east coast of the island. It is the transportation hub between Ko Mak and other islands. All boats must stop at Nid Bay to let tourists disembark. It is a beautiful spot to watch the sunrise. Limites accommodation is available here

Pai Bay/ Son Cape. Pai Bay is a long red sandy beach covered with rocks. It is unsuitable for swimming but is very scenic. At the end of the beach, you will reach Son Cape, from where you can see Ko Kradard.

Laem Son Yai Bay is frequently referred to as Ao Ko Mak Resort because the Ko Mak Resort has been established here for so long that its name is common to people of this island. This long bay has the most beautiful beach of the island. The white sand beach gently slopes towards the sea and is lined with coconuts and ironwoods. It is very suitable for swimming and relaxation, and is yet another beautiful view point. Three resorts are located here. Opposite Laem Son Yai Bay is Ko Kham, which is a small island, also with accommodation. Ko Kham has beautiful coral reefs and can be reached by boat from this bay

Kaow May is another interesting bay with a white sandy beach. It has a peaceful atmosphere and has coconuts along the beach. Opposite Kaow Bay are the islands of Ko Rayang Nai, which can be reached by boat. Kaow Bay has limited accommdation

Activities on Ko MakKo Mak is surrounded by several small islands and is let and is therefore a centre for diving, as well as fishing and sightseeing. Visitors can hire a boat from Ko Mak to visit the nearly islands for fishing and squid catching at night. Bicycles or motorcycles can be hired to observe local life and to conveniently visit other tourist attractions on the island. Trekking, canoeing, kayaking and many viewpoint are availiable.

Trat Information

General Information

Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province, located about 315 kilometers from Bangkok. This small province borders on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation. With 52 large and small offshore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, Trat offers delightful scenery and a tranquil hideout for nature-lovers. The province also serves as a major fruit-growing and fishing area.

The city of Trat is a starting point for Ko Chang island group or forays into outlying gem and Cambodian markets. Those enthralled by shopping will be delighted as Trat has more markets for its size than almost any other town in Thailand due to Cambodian coastal trade.

Like Chanthaburi, Trat is a very important ruby-mining province, with the most famous gem market located in Bo Rai District, some 50 kilometers north of the Cambodian border.

With an area of 2,819 square kilometers, the province is administratively divided into the districts of Meuang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the sub-districts of Ko Chang and Ko Kut.

The Past

The history of Trat can be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Formerly known as “Mueang Thung Yai”, Trat has played an important role in the development of country’s stability and economy due to its strategic location. The town of Trat has later become a community of Chinese Merchants.

Trat served as a checkpoint and buffer city in 1767 and was responsible for providing provisions to King Taksin the Great before he moved his navy from Chanthaburi to Ayutthaya, where he expelled the Burmese and liberated the Kingdom from Burmese rule.

In the Ratanakosin period, during the reign of King Rama V, Trat played an important role again in stabilizing the country’s sovereignty. King Rama V made an agreement with the French government (who had also taken Chanthaburi under its supervision) to get Trat back. In doing this, Phra Tabong, Siamrat and Sri Sophon were traded off.

During the Indochina War, the French Navy tried to seize Trat again. The French – Thai Battle broke out on 17 January 1941 at Ko Chang. The Thai Navy successfully drove out the French Navy

How to get thereBy Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) Arriving at Klaeng, turn onto Highway No. 3 and proceed to Trat. The total distance from Bangkok to Trat is 318 kilometers.

By Bus

Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Trat every hour from 6 a.m. to midnight. From Bangkok the buses to Trat cost 169 baht for 1st class air-conditioned buses (132 baht for 2nd class) and 197 baht for 24-seat VIP air-conditioned buses or 113 baht for regular buses. The trip takes five to six hours by air-conditioned bus or about eight hours by regular bus.

For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0-2391 -4164, Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0-2391-2237, Chok Anukun Tour Tel: 0-2392-7680 and Suppharat Tour Tel: 0-2391-2331.

Several non air-conditioned buses leave daily, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m. Fare is 78B (Tel.02 391-2504). Air-conditioned buses leave every 1.30 hours, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m.. Fare is 140B (Tel. 02 391-4164).

From Chanthaburi to Trat, the regular bus takes about 30 minutes. If one goes by taxi from Chanthaburi to Trat, it takes around 45 minutes.

Travelling around Trat

Car rent in Muang DistrictSuppharat Opposite to Choet Chai Tour, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 0-3931-2011, 0-3951-2236

Getting around the city

Sam lors around town should cost about 10 bahts per person. Small song taews cost about 5 bahts per person on a share basis or 20 bahts to 40 bahts for the whole vehicle.

Getting to IslandsFerries

depart either from Ao Thammachat Pier, or Ko Chang Centre Point Landings between 07.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., with a travel time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be 4 wheel drive vehicles as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang there are song taew services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.

Festivals

The Ko Chang Yutthanavi DayThe Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day is organized in late January at the Ko Chang Yutthanavi Memorial on Laem Ngop. The event is to commemorate the bravery of the Royal Thai Navy’s action against the French on January 17, 1941. Merit-making and tribute rites are performed and there is exhibition by the Royal Thai Navy.

Trat Fruit Fair

Trat Fruit Fair , usually in late May or early June, features exhibitions and agricultural produce. There fruit contests, particularly of sweet Salak (or Rakam)

Trat Memorail Day

Trat Memorail Day , on March 23, marks the day the province returned to Thai sovereignty after the French occupation. The celebrations are held at the provincial town hall.