Koh Tao Thailand

Swim&Diving Shop
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On a holiday to Koh Tao, the scubadiver's equivalent to Mecca, I made the disheartening discovery that I couldn't dive. Blame nerves, claustrophobia, or downright wimpiness; the thought of being deep underwater filled me with panic. And so, while my friends and travelmates had a ball on the sea floor, I sought out other activities to keep busy. Lucky for me, and any other island-bound traveller, Thailand's diving capital is amok with back-up options.

On a holiday to Koh Tao, the scubadiver's equivalent to Mecca, I made the disheartening discovery that I couldn't dive. Blame nerves, claustrophobia, or downright wimpiness; the thought of being deep underwater filled me with panic. And so, while my friends and travelmates had a ball on the sea floor, I sought out other activities to keep busy. Lucky for me, and any other island-bound traveller, Thailand's diving capital is amok with back-up options.

Koh Tao ("turtle island," though I didn't spot any) is the smallest and most northern in a cluster of traveller-friendly islands in the Gulf of Thailand, along with Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. But unlike the hard-partying Phangan, and the touristy-picturesque Samui, Koh Tao is often left off the backpacker itinerary. The bulk of Koh Tao's visitors are scubadiving enthusiasts or curious amateurs, ready to dive and then leave for the hotspots further south. Here, KhaoSanRoad.com shows why Koh Tao merits a visit, even if you never venture past shallow waters.

In the water or on dry land, your itinerary will overflow with things to do. Sairee Beach, Koh Tao's largest and busiest stretch of sand, teems with life and energy at all hours of the day or night. It boasts many options for the curious traveller, with guesthouses, restuaurants and stores as well as many dive and rental shops to choose from. Those looking to escape the hustle of Sairee beach should head to the southern point of the island, where Ao Chalok Baan Kao, Koh Tao's second most famous beach, where a dense row of guesthouses, mellow bars, restaurants and dive shops overlook one of the cleanest beaches around.

The small island is relatively easy to explore, and motorbike rentals and taxis are abundant. While the uneven roads might ensure a white-knuckled journey, the quiet, rocky Laem Nam Tok (at the north end of the island) and the picturesque snorkeler-haven of Ao Leuk (on the eastern side) are well worth the bumpy rides motorbike or taxi. Alternatively, a day of exploring the parameter of Koh Tao by kayak gives an up-close look at the small scenic beaches which are difficult to access by road, but are easy to dock at for some sunbathing or swimming on sparkling clean shores.

Venturing around the island by kayak, swimming in the clear turquoise waters, or snorkelling past the bright green reefs and tropical fish; there are many aquatic pastimes close to land. Meanwhile, in deeper waters, divers from around the world converge to explore the intricate coral, bright and exotic fish, and beautifully unsual plantlife that thrive underwater. Many dive shops on the island offer a full range of dive experiences, PADI courses ranging from beginner to professional, as well as fundives at any of the 30+ dive sites surrounding Koh Tao. My travelmates sung the praises of Carabao Diving School (at Ao Chalok) for their scenic diving experiences with friendly multilingual instructors.

In terms of island dining, you won't fall short of options on Koh Tao, where local fish is served up beside more tourist-friendly fare. The island boasts an oddly high number of Mexican restaurants (music to this North American's ears), bakeries with coffee and pastries, and 24-hour pizza. I would recommend the reasonably-priced barbecue stalls of freshly-caught fish, served with buttery baked potatoes and corn on the cob.

On the western side of Ao Chalok, the View Point restaurant, which you might mistake for the German embassy on account of all the expat divers, has the best food I've tasted on the island. At the end of a late night, Sairee beach is prepared with all-night food options. The old tourist standby of foodstall phad thai and banana pancakes is sold on most corners to keep the hungry partiers happy.

Phi Phi Island Thailand

Located in the Andaman Sea off the coast from Thailand's Phuket, Phi Phi Island is an enchanting tropical paradise offering a myriad of exciting out-door activities. The sparkling, azure waters and the varied marine life around the region's coral reefs make diving and snorkeling rewarding experiences. The depths of the diving areas range from 2m to 7m while the marine life shows variations according to the distant of the reef from the shore. A visit to the offshore reefs will provide many opportunities of witnessing unusual forms of aquatic species and an insight to the splendid interconnected life cycles that occur in the obscurity of the deeps.
Boating and Kayaking are the best ways to explore the wonders of Phi Phi as shown by their immense popularity among visitors. It is also possible to combine diving and snorkeling on a boating expedition making maximum use of time. Visitors can choose between exciting high speed Kayaking and a slow relaxing ride enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings. In addition, boat rides are filled with surprising chances to watch sharks and other exotic fish that are abundantly found in the Andaman Sea. The sharks in the region are marked by shy and peaceful character traits making the inviting waters safe for activities. Phi Phi is governed by a "Catch and Release" fishing policy ensuring that fishing enthusiasts will have an enjoyable experience while protecting the marine life of the surrounding seas.

The most popular inland activity is undoubtedly rock climbing which is easily facilitated by the islands abundant natural rocks. Both novice and expert climbers will be able to enjoy their climbing experience in Phi Phi due to the wide range of rocks and trails available.

by Pushpitha Wijesinghe

Koh Samui, Thailand

Within an hours flight from Bangkok, on the east coast of Thailand, lies the lovely island of Koh Samui. It is a great place for a serene and relaxed holiday.
Koh Samui is the 3rd biggest island in the Gulf of Thailand. It covers 80-isle archipelago. It is famous for its dazzling beaches and clear waters are suitable for swimming. There are numerous excellent bars and local restaurants too. When you land in Koh Samui, you can see a wide expanse of majestic coconut trees that form a green umbrella in the sky. Don't be surprised if a coconut falls on your head. Coconuts are the backbone of the island's economy. Experts reckon Ko Samui's coconuts are the best in Thailand. About 2 million coconuts are exported to the mainland every month.

The natives are either harvesting coconuts or growing rice in the paddies, fishing in the sea. But today, they are also involved in expanding tourist business.

Ko Samui was "discovered" quite late due to its comparative seclusion. It is about 560 km (350 miles) to the south of Bangkok, and around 80 km (50 miles) to the east of Surat Thani. When the island's airport was constructed, it reduced distance from the capital and thus commenced the period of mainline tourism. Vacation in Koh Samui are rapidly gaining in popularity.

Here you will find that Thai food can be very hot. So you may be enticed to gulp a glass of cold water to quench the fire. Don't! Instead some mouthfuls of plain boiled rice will work much better. Actually, chilli peppers are just one of the elements included in Thai cuisine; the others are as diverse and unique as lemon grass, coconut milk, garlic, ginger and mint.

When visiting Koh Samui Island, cuisine usually includes the delectable local seafood. Some restaurants cater foreign cuisines - French, Italian, Spanish or general "international" exclusively. Street stalls are filled with tasty surprises, and rejuvenating fruits, unusual and common.

Just 14 km (9 miles) north of Ko Samui, lies the island of Ko Pha Ngan with gorgeous beaches and relaxing waterfalls. The main port is Thong Sala, but many holiday boats take you to the village of Hat Rin, on the southeast coast. It is infamous for its wild party environment. Also a visit Ko Tao, an untouched island with magnificent coral reefs is a must. It takes 2 hours from Ko Pha Ngan by express boat.

The most amazing sights are guarded under the aegis of the Ang Thong Marine National Park. They are 40 islands, northwest of Ko Samui, and contain all the elements of tropical dreamscapes-crystal-clear seas, arced beaches, coral reefs, rain forests, caves and limestone structures. There are day trips from Ko Samui.

by Ken Bent

Koh Lanta Thailand

Koh Lanta is beautifully set on the west coast of Andaman Sea in between Phi Phi Island and Krabi. It boats of 52 islands of which Koh Lanta Yai is the largest. Koh Lanta is positioned about 70 kilometres from the lively Krabi town. It is an ideal holiday retreat for those who wish to explore breathtaking and unique natural surroundings, superb white sandy beaches, forest, coral reefs and spectacular under water life. The best time of the year to visit this marvellous island is from November to April. Offering perfect peace, comfort and tranquillity, Koh Lanta's main attractions are its low key development and unspoiled nature. This island is home to a clan of Chao Ley or Sea Gypsies who quite ardently follow their traditional customs and culture. Only 20,000 people reside in Koh Lanta. A majority of the island's earnings come from the tourism industry. However there are a number of families involved in rubber, prawn farming and fishing. Although well known as an island that offers peace and privacy, Koh Lanta is also a place for some great fun. For instance, visitors can enjoy snorkelling along the west coast of Koh Lanta. This area is also known for coral and reef fish. Significant dive sites in Koh Lanta include Ko Ha, Koh Phi Phi, Hin Daeng, Ko Rok, and Hin Muang. These dive sites mirror the scenic beauty of the Island and therefore some areas are given special names such as Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck and the Anemone Reef. Elephant trekking can be found at Phra Ae Beach and at Nui Beach. Visitors can also join in a daily paddle trip through the enthralling world of mangrove forests and local caves.
Located about 3 kilometres west of the town centre, the new passenger terminal at Khlong Chilat operates a regular ferry, twice daily. A widespread network of local buses, ferries and private transport also operates throughout the province offering maximum service.

by Naveen Marasinghe

SimilanIslands Liveaboard Diving - Scuba Diving Made Easy

As you arrive at Phuket International Airport for a Similan Islands Liveaboard trip it is immediately evident that you have descended to a tropical and aquatic paradise. From the window of the plane there is nothing but azure blue seas for as far as the eye can see, monolithic limestone karsts and islands dot the seascape, and of course all of the tropical foliage you would expect on one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful islands.

The airport though small and quaint is equally as impressive. With one baggage claim area and numbers of friendly locals offering help and direction it is easy to navigate through the arrival point, locate your belongings ,and proceed to an area where transport to your resort or bungalow is easily arranged. Transportation can be arranged in a group with a shuttle van or by private metered taxi just outside and to the right as you exit the arrival area. It is a good idea to keep the phone number and name of your resort with your travel documents so you can present it to your driver, this will make it much easier to find those out of the way picturesque getaways.

Once you have checked into your resort, grabbed a bite, and indulged in a tropical cocktail on the beach it is a good idea to check in with your Similan Liveaboard operator to confirm your pick up location and time. This is the opportune time to go over any last minute details or request you may have before the liveaboard departs. After you have touched bases with the liveaboard or dive shop it's now time to just relax and enjoy all that Thailand has to offer: warm tropical nights, white sand beaches, international cuisine, cooling breezes, or the perfect Thai massage. After a few nights of fun be sure to prepare all the gear that you are taking to the world famous Similan Islands.

Your day to depart for the Similans has finally arrived; everything has been arranged and prepared for you so just sit back and enjoy the ride. Your liveaboard operator will send a driver to pick you up and take you to your departure point for the dive trip. Depending on the liveaboard selected, pick up times will vary from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Most liveaboards will pick up between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and transport you to Thap Lamu pier, just one hour north of Phuket Island. Thap Lamu pier is just a ten minute ride from the beach side resort area of Khao Lak. A few liveaboard operators will depart directly from Phuket at Chalong pier in the southern part of the island. Your booking agent or liveaboard operator can give you the details of departure. The Similans are approximately 120 Km north of Phuket and 50 Km due west of Khao Lak. Khao Lak is the resort area closest to the Similan Islands.

Once you have reached your departure point you will have a short ride out to nine of the most exquisite islands in the world. Most of the time you will cruise to the Similans on your liveaboard, but you could also take a shorter ride by speed boat to your Similan based liveaboard. Either way the trip will be exciting and get you to what is arguably the best diving in all of Southeast Asia. If your departure is later in the evening you will usually have dinner as you cruise to the Similans, followed by a boat briefing, and then some time to get acquainted with your fellow divers. Before you know it, it will be time for a good night's rest, only to wake to one of the most pristine diving environments on the planet. Sit back enjoy the scenery, take a big deep breath, and cross your fingers for a Whale Shark or Manta encounter. If you miss the big guys, no need to fear, the Similan Islands is one of the most bio-diverse marine environments to be found anywhere on earth. From Macro to Massive you will not be disappointed with Similan Islands Liveaboard diving

The Similan Islands are located in a National Park in the southern part of Thailand. As the park is on the western coast of the country the diving season is only from mid October to mid April. It is during this time that diving conditions are best, the big pelagics are in attendance, and the weather and seas are perfect for scuba diving. Book your trip well in advance as space on quality Similan Liveaboards is limited to a first come first serve basis. The Similans and Richelieu Rock are world class diving at its very best; don't miss this diving adventure of a lifetime.

Koh Chang, Trat, Thailand

Koh Chang

"Koh Chang" or "Ko Chang" or "Elephant Island" is Thailand's second biggest island after Phuket island. Koh Chang is situated to the east of Thailand in the province of Trat (around 315 kilometers from Bangkok) on the border of Cambodia.

Koh Chang is about 30 kilometers long, almost 14 kilometers wide, and 217 square kilometers. Around 80 percent of Koh Chang, along with an archipelago of 52 islands, is part of the Koh Chang Marine National Park. Koh Chang is the largest island in the Marine Natural Park. The Marine National Park has a total area of 650 square meters and 70% is marine. Clear waters of various blue shades surround the island while a terrain of high mountains and steep cliffs provide magnificent scenic points.

Koh Chang has idyllic beaches and bays for vacation. The beaches and bays of Koh Chang are like a fiction story. These are beaches and bays on Koh Chang.

- White Sand Beach

- Klong Prao Beach

- Kai Bae Beach

- Pearl Beach

- Lonely Beach

- Long Beach

- Bang Bao Bay

- Klong Son Bay

- Bai Lan Bay

- Salak Phet Bay

- Klong Kloi Bay

- Salak Khok Bay

- Nam Khum Bay

- Wai Chek Beach

The most famous beach on Koh Chang, White Sand Beach (Had Sai Khao), is where most visitors get together. There are restaurants, bars, and pubs scattered on White Sand Beach for nighttime entertainment. Klong Prao Beach (Had Klong Prao) is distinct because of its more serene environment. Kai Bae Beach (Had Kai Bae) is quiet and calm beach. Bang Bao Bay (Ao Bang Bao) and Salak Phet Bay (Ao Salak Phet) are fishing villages and also a gateway to other islands around Koh Chang. House styles are built on water.

On land, beautiful waterfalls amid unspoiled natural surroundings, pristine beaches, rich marine resources, 52 outlaying tropical islands, and excellent seafood are amongst the many reasons to stay at hotels and resorts in Koh Chang, Thailand. Most of hotels and resorts in Koh Chang are thatched roof bungalows sitting on spacious land and long beaches. At the same time, plush hotels and resorts providing luxury services with modern architecture and amenities are fast becoming more numerous.

Various activities are available on the island such as kayak, canoe, snorkeling, elephant treking, or boat trip to other smaller islands of the Koh Chang Marine National Park.

By: Panu Unap