the best travel in thailand

Koh Samui The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of BangKohk, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Koh Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated. At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall. There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island: Phra Yai is a massive seated Buddha image at Fan isle; Phrathat Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha’s relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.

Pattaya Beach is at the centre of the half moon crescent that makes up the Pattaya coastline with Nakula Beach to the north and Jomtien Beach to the south. This part of Pattaya is famous (infamous?) for its nightlife. Very much a hedonist’s paradise, Pattaya Beach is littered with go-go bars and swamped with people employed in the sex industry; both genders (and some of nondescript gender!) and a variety of nationalities including Russians and others from former Eastern Bloc countries. Although this is the part of Pattaya that has most accommodation available, the nature of the nightlife can put families off. In the last few years though there has been a drive to make Pattaya more appealing to families by restricting some of the less salubrious activities. This has been successful to an extent but the area still maintains its go-go, discos and nightclubs. By day the area is somewhat different - the water is packed with jet-skiers, water skiers, powerboats and the sky is full of parasails! It is also a centre for scuba divers. Although as a dive site it might not meet the excellence of other places in Thailand, Pattaya is convenient for Bangkok and those with limited time who want to experience diving might well benefit from taking a course at one of Pattaya’s numerous and inexpensive dive shops. Ko Lan, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Man Wichai, and Ko Rin are all in easy reach of Pattaya as is a major shipwreck where more advanced divers visit. Pattaya Beach itself has its appeal, but the numerous hawkers walking up and down the beach make it a difficult place to just sit and relax - you are offered everything from food to high technology with annoying regularity. There’s no doubt Pattaya Beach is a fun destination, but one that needs some consideration before a visit. Pattaya has its appeal, but perhaps it might not appeal to you or your situation.
How to get there: Pattaya Beach is on the Songtaew route and getting there is 20 Baht from anywhere in Pattaya.

Hadnopparattara-Koh Phi Phi National Park is almost entirely dominated by the two Islands collectively known as ‘Koh Phi Phi’ - Koh Phi Phi Don (the larger of the two islands) and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Situated about 50 kilometres southeast of Phuket the islands are regarded by many as being the most attractive in the kingdom, if not the world.
The islands feature beaches and clear water that have had their natural beauty protected by National Park status. Once only a destination of day trippers, the islands are now some of the most popular destinations along Thailand’s Andaman coast, and during the tourism high season of December to March they can become extremely crowded. Because of its clear waters the area has become a destination of choice for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts keen to experience the areas splendid corals and marine life that includes sharks.
Koh Phi Phi Don
Koh Phi Phi Don features two bays - Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam - both with long attractive beaches. Ao Ton Sai is where most accommodation can be found and the area offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants. This is probably the most developed part of the island. Hat Yao is likely the island’s best beach and the waters contain the island’s best coral. Hat Ranti beach and Ao Lo Bakao bay are also areas worthy of note, the latter offering a number of upscale resorts. Electricity and water supplies on the island don’t properly meet demand, so bear this in mind when planning a trip - on certain days you might not have a regular supply of either! Tonsai - the island’s main town - is like the main towns of many other islands. A myriad of travel agencies, internet establishments, restaurants and shops, it is here you can book various tours to sites in the vicinity and also arrange your hiking and diving. There are over 20 ‘dive shops’ on Koh Phi Phi Don and they arrange some of the best diving in the world. Popular destinations are some of the smaller uninhabited islands around Koh Phi Phi such as Koh Ha, Koh Yung and Koh Mai Phai. For around 2,000 Baht it is possible to arrange a boat trip with two dives. Other activities on the island include rock climbing, canoeing and fishing. Rock climbing courses are available for around 5,000 Baht for a three day course. Canoes are available at many places on the island and a single canoe costs around 800 Baht a day to rent. For 2,000 Baht you can arrange boats to take you out to some of the best fishing areas, tackle included.
Koh Phi Phi Leh
Koh Phi Phi Leh features spectacular cliffs faces, some caves and a lake. The island is a major source for the ingredients of ‘bird’s next soup’. The bird’s nests are nestled high in the islands caves and due to their popularity (especially in Chinese cuisine) they can reach good prices and offer locals a reasonable income. However, getting the nests requires shimmying up bamboo poles and frames often to absurd heights. Collectors are rarely killed or hurt in falls and the activity is about as enthralling and exotic as they come! Although not as attractive as key areas on the island’s big brother, Ao Maya Bay and Lo Sama are its most attractive destinations, especially for snorkeling. These days Ao Maya Bay is of course a major draw. The spot where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed is now a ‘must do’ item in it’s own right. There is no accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Leh and you cannot stay overnight.

Details: Although officially part of a National Park, there is no admission charge to either island.
How to get there: From Krabi boats leave for Koh Phi Phi 10:30 and 14:30. From Phuket boats leave 08:30, 13:30 and 14:30. Boats leave Koh Lanta 08:00 and 13:00 for Kho Phi Phi and leave Ao Nang 09:00.

Koh Chang is the focal point of Koh Chang National Marine Park. Until recently Koh Chang and the park were well kept secrets, even from local Thais. They received very few visitors and as a result there was little development. This is quite remarkable given its close proximity to Bangkok - only 330 kilometres direct. Over the last couple of years though their have been plans to develop Koh Chang into an upscale resort and as a result there has been an increase in the amount of building that has taken place on the island.
Koh Chang is the largest of the 52 islands in Koh Chang National Marine Park and the second-largest island in Thailand. Most of the island is rainforest and it features a range of hills, the highest (Khao Jom Prasat) nearly 800 metres high. The result is a very dramatic landscape that acts as a backdrop for some excellent bays and beaches including Ao Klong, Hat Sai Khao and Ao Khlong Prao. The island is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including a good selection of birds, snakes, deer and a number of elephants. The island and its vicinity are great places for snorkelling and diving. The best time to dive here is between November and April and the south of the island offers the best visibility. For more advanced divers there is a Thai warship that was sunk by the French in 1941. A number of excellent diving centres offering courses and guides are available on the island. Kayaking and sail boarding are also available on the island.
The island is also a great place for hikes, and it is possible to walk from one side of the island to the other (although it’s not advisable without a guide). Elephant rides into the jungle are also popular. Elephants based at Ban Khlong Son Elephant Camp can be hired for 900 baht for one and a half hours. The more usual attractions like Buddhist temples are also available on the island.

How to get there: Probably the easiest and cheapest way to get to Koh Chang is to take a Songtaew from Trat to Lean Ngop and from there take the ferry. The Songtaew trip will cost 20 Baht.

Hua Hin Beach is the focal point of Hua Hin - Thailand’s first beach resort. Although it has a beautiful white sand beach and crystal clear water, Hua Hin is not as famous as resort towns like Pattaya and is still a bit off the beaten track as far as foreign tourists are concerned. As a result the beach is generally not so crowded, except at weekends when locals from Bangkok make the 190 kilometer journey to descend on the area. It is though increasingly the destination of choice for foreign visitors interested in water sports. The beach is about six kilometers long and features a particularly good sunrise, and nice sunsets. Dotted along the beach are some great restaurants where you can enjoy local seafood. The beach does though cater for a growing expatriate community and the area hosts an increasing number of foreign restaurants and bars.

Details: Between March and August the water doesn’t come up the beach as far as it does at other times in the year and there are a greater number of beach-based activities (such as horse riding) available. During the rainy season there are quite a few jelly fish and this can lead to a slightly stinging sensation while you are in the water. Avoid jelly fish at all costs! All year round water sports such as jet skiing are readily available.

How to get there: Hua Hin Beach is only a short distance from Hua Hin town centre and Songtaews are available for around 20 Baht to 30 Baht

Thailand’s islands and beaches are the destinations of choice for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Thailand is blessed with natural beauty and its islands are amongst the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Likewise, its beaches are simply stunning - clean sand, clear water, and wonderful scenery. Each of Thailand’s islands has its own character and identity drawing specific types of visitor. Some offer limited accommodation and facilities to draw the adventurous looking for a more ‘back to basics’ holiday experience. Others offer world class facilities (accommodation, restaurants, etc.) to entice visitors with bigger budgets who need their creature comforts. It is though important to note the diversity that exists not only between the islands, but between the beaches (both on islands and on the mainland). Whereas one beach might offer beaches that provide raucous entertainment, others in the same area might only draw those looking for a quiet life. There is then a lot to explore on Thailand’s islands and beaches and to get the best out of your trip you should plan where you are going carefully.