The second highlight lies in the locations of the sea which allow tourists to visit in all seasons.

While the Andaman Sea (covering Ranong to Satun) is in the monsoon season from May to Novem ber, tourists can enjoy the west of the gulf of the Thailand (from Prachuab Khiri Khan to Narathiwat). During this period, East of the Gulf (Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi and Trad) also suffers from storms.

When the monsoon season in the Andaman Sea comes to pass, from December and May, it is open for all when the west of the Gulf will be hit by storms. Our sea is thus open all year round, particularly Hua Hin, Pattaya and Bang Saen. We offers more choices than other countries.

Some misunderstand that there are no high waves in Thailand. We're now in fact attracting wind surfers, particularly foreigners who usually go to sea, particularly to the Andaman Sea, near Phuket, during the rainy season.

Yet, wind surfing here may not be as popular as in Hawaii.

Source Photo : luciusm

Dr.Torn Tumrongnawasawat, Marine Biologist of Kasetsart University, Advisor to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Advisor to the Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is known as a guru of the Thai sea. From his data, Thailand's coastal areas cover 428,000 square kilometers.

There are 900 islands, 90,000 rai of coral reff areas, 750,000 rai of mangrove forests, and 2,000 kilometers of coastal length. Compared to the world, Thailand's sea is small but it portrays the uniqueness that is rarely found anywhere else.

"Thailand's coastal areas are split between the areas along the Gulf of Thailand (east and west) as part of the Pacific Ocean's Sounth China and the Andaman Sea which is part of the Indian Ocean. Thailand is where two oceans meet : one, the Pacific, is the world's biggest ocean and the other, the Indian ocean, is the world's smallest and least explored. Thailand thus boasts the uniqueness in terms of marine life. We are one of top 10 countries in the world with the highest diversity of marine life"

Compared to those of the Philippines, Maldives or Indonesia, our sea is of small size. We have about 900 islands, but there are 13,000 in Indonesia. Vietnam's coastal area is longer than ours.

However, becuase the two oceans meet here gives ours a unique feature.

First of all, marine life of the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are different in the eyes of the tourists.

source Photo:
takau99 , yaniverse

Koh Samet is the miracle glass island, made famous by the legendary Thai poet - Sunthorn Pu.

approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok, is another delightful resort on Thailand’s eastern coast. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings


It is the island of great natural beauty of Rayong province. It is famous with both local and foreign tourists and is comprised of 2-3 hills that are arranged in an interesting manner on the northern and western parts of the island.

It is known as Koh Samet becuase of the 'Samet' specie of plant that bears red and white seeds.

Previously, villagers would use them to light fires for living. The island does not have any water source with 80% of the island coverd with stony hills and deciduous forest. The raint season starts in May to September.

The island faces some rough weather in May and rains mainly in August.

Source Photo : Kris_B

Koh Nangyuan is a perfect place to unwind from the vigours of traveling. It is a unique place, three “Virgin Islands” connected by a white stretch of beach and fringed by reefs. It is breathtaking and a joy to experience. There is no traffic and hustle and bustle. Koh Nangyuan is tranquil and peaceful.There are other activities besides diving, either you can enjoy lazy days on the beach, snorkeling and sea kayaking or take a walk up to Mountain View where there are spectacular views and is especially beautiful during sunset.Accommodation caters to all tastes and budgets. Bungalows blend into the natural environment either nestled into the lush vegetation or along the beach. If you take the plunge and come diving with us we can offer further discounts on your accommodation.The cheapest option is the F bungalows which are the dive bungalows. They are simple and clean with a Fan, Fridge, T.V. and VCD and a magical view onto Japanese Gardens. The cost is 400 baht per night including a buffet breakfast for two people.If you would like to upgrade to standard air conditioning we can offer a 20% discount during high season or 40% in the low season. And the L, K9, Q and B bungalows a 10% discount all year.


FUN DIVING

For already certified divers we have an exotic mosaic of dive sites for you.Our friendly dive staffs offer 5 dives a day. Also if you do 2 fun dives a day we can offer you a discounted rate on your accommodation.For those who have not dived for a while we recommend to do a Scuba Review first just to refresh your knowledge and skills. The cost is 2,000 baht. We go over dive theory to reinforce the safety aspects as well as to refresh how to use the dive tables. Then we take you into Japanese Gardens and do some dive skills with you and then go for a dive. This is highly recommended if you have not dived for over 6 months it just reestablishes your confidence and safety.

Morning Dive is at 8:30 a.m. We meet at the dive shop at 7:45 a.m. and go out on our dive boat. We get back at 12:00 p m.

Afternoon Dive is at 1:00 p.m. they are Beach Dives.

Night Dive is at 6:30 p.m. for the more adventurous.

The cost of the dives includes all your Equipment and Dive Leaders.

1 Dive 1,000 baht

2-5 Dives 900 baht

6-9 Dives 800 baht

10+ Dives 700 baht

We also offer beach dive without a guide for 700 baht. If you have a full set of equipment you get a 15% discount. These are set prices for the Koh Tao region, all dive shops must comply with these set dive prices. see Nangyuan Resort Room Rate for 2007

Source Photo :
kengdotcom namaRyo Alasdair Milne

Despite the reputation of the the Similans, some pros argue that for sheer excitement, you can't beat Koh Bon. Divers to this small island 20 kilometers north of the largest Similan should, as they negotiate the vertical walls, be prepared for close encounters with leopard sharks. Here the corals come in unique rich hues; blue, yellow and turquoise. Koh Bon is also renowned for its high number of manta rays, especially at the end of the season in April and May. A further 25 kilometers north of Koh Bon is Koh Tachai, with a stunning pristine beach straight out of fairytale imaginations. Koh Tachai is famous for its large sea creatures. Divers and snorkellers can expect to see whale sharks, leopard sharks and nurse sharks, as well as rays and hawksbill turtles. The waters around the island are teeming with all kinds of tropical fish and coral.

How to get there
By boat from Phuket with regular sailings provided by numerous tour and dive operators. One-day excursion and longer tours are available. Tours last from five to 14 days. The longer tours for divers usually include Mu Koh Surin National Park and the much distant Myanmar hanks.

Best time to visit
December to April is the main tourist season with good weather.• Island cruising is best between November and April. Great care should be taken in anchoring onlv on a sandy beach bottom to avoid coral damage.

Accommodation
Simple bungalows on Koh Miang. Camping is permitted. Advance booking is necessary at the National Parks Division in Bangkok, tel: (662) 579-4842, 57.9-5269, 579-0529.

There are also a number of live-aboard provided by tour operators. These range from converted fishing boats with only basic facilities to luxury cruisers.

Facilities
On Koh Miang, there are visitor and information center, restaurant, toilets and showers, telephone and longtail boat service.

(source : www.bab.com.ar)
Koh Bon is one of the better places to see manta rays, especially towards the end of the season when there is more plankton in the water.

see Photo Album : hloc

British football stars have hit the news as Chelsea midfield player Joe Cole is holidaying in southern Thailand while football superstar David Beckham will travel to tourist islands of Phuket and Samui.

Joe Cole is holidaying at the Evason Resort in Prachuap Khiri Khan, where he enjoyed swimming and strolling along the beach on Wednesday morning. Mr. Cole, a former West Ham United player, is now Chelsea's midfielder.

According to reports, football superstar David Beckham has arrived in Thailand Wednesday and will visit Phuket and Surat Thani's Samui island.

Thailand's stunning and beautiful southern coastal islands have white sand beaches popular among tourists worldwide.

source: TNA

9 days -- from USD 895 per person

A perfect holiday bliss for lovebirds. A full-day cruise in the emerald green ocean in a traditional schooner and basking in hot springs by the sea. A 9 day/ 8 night program includes luxury accommodation and tickets to watch colo urful shows at Phuket Fantasea. Explore the unforgettable Phang Nga Bay on a kayaking tour amid the deep blue sea and the fascinating outcrops of the Andaman Sea. Note: Kayaking tour operates on every Tues / Thus / Sats)

Itinerary:

Day One: Arrival in Phuket

Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, after luggage collection, assistance and transfer to your hotel.

Check in at the hotel and rest of the day at own leisure (normal check in time at the hotel is 12.00 noon)

Overnight at Amora Beach Resort or Thara Patong Beach Resort

Day Two: June Bahtra

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

Pick up from the hotel by air-conditioned bus. Board "JUNE BAHTRA" and cruise the enchanting Phang Nga Bay. After a visit at James Bond Island, ride a long tail boat to the Sea Gypsy village. Visit the Mangrove Delta and the Grotto Cave.

Thai buffet lunch on board June Bahtra.

Overnight at Amora Beach Resort or Thara Patong Beach Resort.

Day Three: Relax in Phuket

Meal: Breakfast

All day free at your own leisure or joining the activities at the hotel and the Laguna.

Overnight at Amora Beach Resort or Thara Patong Beach Resort.

Day Four: Relax on the beach - Phuket Fantasea

Meal: Breakfast, Dinner

A day at your own leisure

In the evening, transfer to Phuket Fantasea, the cultural theme park, to watch spectacular shows of various kinds of animals such as elehpants, ducks, chickens and birds. International buffet dinner is provided at the Golden Kinnaree restaurant.

(The pick-up time from the hotel will be informed locally or upon reservation is made)

Overnight at Amora Beach Resort or Thara Patong Beach Resort.

Day Five: Phuket - Phang Nga

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Meet you at your hotel and transfer to Ao Por pier. Depart by longtail boat to the East Bay. After arriving Lao Gu Du Islands, enjoy a short introduction of how to handle your kayak. Then, explore the island by kayak. After that, depart to Koh Yao Noi. Upon arrival at Tha Khao pier, Tuk-Tuk transfer to Tha Khao bungalow for check-in.
After lunch, depart to Koh Pak Bea for paddling, snorkeling and relaxing on white sand beach. Then, return to bungalow for seafood dinner.

Overnight in simple wooden Thai style, Tha Khao bungalow.

Day Six: Tha Khao - Krabi - Tha Khao

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the bungalow. Then, depart from Tha Khao pier for paddling in the mangrove swamp and big lagoon at Krabi. Picnic lunch on the beach. After that, continue to Lao La islands, explore the bird-nest collector village or enjoy activities: paddling, swimming, snorkeling.
Dinner and overnight at Tha Khao bungalow.

Day Seven: Tha Khao - Krabi - Ao Por - Na Toey (Phang Nga)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast at the bungalow, depart for Talen (Long canal part of Krabi province, which blends with the nature in the mangrove swamp). After a picnic lunch on the beach, continue to Koh Hong (Krabi). Enjoy swimming, snorkeling and relaxing on the white sand beach. Then, depart for Ao Por pier. Transfer to Hot spring Beach Resort at Na Toey Beach for a truely relaxation at the unique hot spring resort.

Overnight at The Hot Spring Beach Resort & Spa

Day Eight: Hot Spring Relaxation

Meal: Breakfast

Day free at leisure. Enjoy an 80-minute traditional massage in the hotel (Please make reservation in advance for the time of massage). Rest of the day free for your total relaxation after kayaking.

Overnight at the Hot Spring Beach Resort & Spa

Day Nine: Departure to Phuket Airport

Meal: Breakfast

All day free at leisure until departure transfer to Phuket International Airport for your departure flight to onward destination.

Package includes:

- 4 night accommodation at beach resort in Phuket with daily breakfasts
- 2 night kayaking tour in Phang Nga and Krabi with basic accommodation and meals on full board
- 2 night accommodation at hot spring resort in Phang Nga with daily breakfasts and 80-minute traditional massage in the hotel

Source Reference : Thailandwonders.com

Bangkok, Thailand, 24 May 2007 – The Thailand Tourism Festival 2007 (TTF 2007), the annual travel and tourism showcase event targetting Thai and expatriate residents, will be held during 7-10 June, 2007, at the Challenger Hall 1-2, Impact Muang Thong Thani Exhibition Centre between 1000-2100 hrs.

This event will be held in conjunction with the Thailand Travel Mart Plus 2007 for international trade visitors and consumers and will help to further boost the publicity and promotional value of Thai tourism products and services.

This year, the Festival will include many activities to promote the preservation of Thai culture, traditions and local lifestyles through four region villages. Special traditional parades from each of the four regions will be held, along with stage performances to demonstrate local folklore, plays, Thai puppet performances, Khon dance, etc.

Over 300 exhibitors including tour operators, travel agents, diving schools and equipment, spas, hotels and accommodation, airlines, golf courses, car rental, souvenirs, local handicrafts, local foods, and entertainment suppliers are expected to participate.

Seminars will also be organised for tourism experts and interested public to discuss new travel trends, sustainability and marketing.

Other special activities at this year’s fair will include an exhibition held in honour of His Majesty the King on the auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary, an exhibition of TAT history, Tourism Award exhibition, and tourism destination in the four regions of Thailand.

TAT Governor, Mrs. Phornsiri Manoharn says, “This event is designed to help Thais and expatriate residents discover Amazing Thailand’s destinations as well as the wide range of tourism products and activities nationwide.”

The Thailand tourism industry is doing well.
In 2006, International visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 13.8 million, an increase of 20.01% over the same period of 2005.

In January-April 2007, international visitor arrivals at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi International Airport totalled 3,413,197 an increase of 2.61% over the same period of 2006. This figure excludes direct arrivals by air into other points of entry like Phuket and Chiang Mai.

The TAT has set its 2007 targets at 15 million international visitors and 82 million domestic trips, respectively generating estimated revenues of 547.5 billion baht and 377 billion baht.

Source : Tatnews.org

3 days -- from USD 233 per person

Discover the wonders of Phang Nga Bay and its unique limestone formations sailing with the June Bahtra through the lush tropical archipelago of the south of Thailand.

Day 1 - Arrive Phuket

Pick up from Phuket Airport and transfer to Novotel Coralia Phuket for check-in. Accommodation at Novotel Coralia Phuket hotel

Day 2 - Phang Nga Bay tour (Breakfast, Lunch)

American breakfast at Novotel Phuket Hotel.

Depart from the hotel for the boat landing to board the June Bahtra and cruise through enchanting Phang Nga Bay. Arrive at James Bond Island. Travel by a long-tail boat to the Gypsy Village. Visit the Mangrove Delta and Grotto Cave. Thai lunch on board June Bahtra. Afternoon at leisure for swimming or lying around under the shades of the canopy of the trees.

Then cruise back to Phuket Island. Return to the hotel in Phuket. Accommodation at Novotel Phuket Hotel.

Day 3 - Depart Phuket (Breakfast)

American breakfast at the Hotel. Leave the hotel for Phuket Airport.

Source : Thailandwonders.com

Date: June 17, 2007
Races: Marathon, Half Marathon, 10 Km Fun Run, 5 Km Walk, 1 Km Kids Run
Location: Phuket, Thailand
Start & Finish: Laguna Phuket Resort
Time Limits:
Marathon 7 HoursHalf
Marathon 4 Hours
10 Km Fun Run 2 ½ Hours
5 Km Walk 2 hours

With the slogan “Run Paradise” organizers encourage runners from around the world to participate in the Phuket International Marathon on Thailand’s world renown resort island of Phuket.

2nd Laguna Phuket International Marathon™
announced for 17 June 2007

The 2nd Laguna Phuket International Marathon™ will take place on 17 June 2007. After the success of the inaugural event with more than 2,000 participants, organizers expect more than 4,000 participants including 1,500 international runners from more than 40 countries. Online registration will open on 1 October 2006 and close on 6 June 2007. Early bird entry fees will apply until 30 April 2007. Accommodation packages will also be available for booking. All details for the 2007 Laguna Phuket International Marathon™

can be found on the official web site http://www.phuketmarathon.com/.

Holiday package in a tropical resort in Koh Chang. Pamper yourself in a spa and learn Thai cooking in a tropical atmosphere. Full board including transfer from Bangkok to the island.

Note : Minimum 2 persons.

Day 1 - Bangkok – Trad (Lunch, Dinner)

Pick up from major hotels in Bangkok in the early morning for an overland journey to Trad, the westernmost province of Thailand. En route stop is made at Chantaburi for refreshment. Continue to Koh Chang, upon arrival at Ao Thammachat Ferry, boarding the ferry to Koh Chang (30 minutes). Check in at Koh Chang Tropicana Resort & Spa. Thai lunch is served at the restaurant in the hotel and rest of the day is free at your own leisure. You can take the optional tour of elephant riding, canoeing or island hopping to near by snorkeling sites. Dinner and overnight at Koh Chang Tropicana Resort & Spa.

Day 2 - Yoga & Thai Cooking & SPA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Warm lemon juice is served before yoga session (40 Minutes).

After a yoga class, enjoy American breakfast at the hotel followed by free consultation with Yoga teacher. Thai cooking class, learn how to cook Thai food such as Phad-Thai (Fried noodle in Thai style) and Tom Yum Kung (Hot & sour spicy shrimp soup) or others. Thai lunch will be provided. In the afternoon, pampering yourself with a 1.30 hours aromatherapy or traditional Thai Massage. Dinner & overnight at the resort.

Day 3 - Yoga – Depart for Bangkok (Breakfast, Lunch)

Serve warm lemon juice before yoga practice for health (40 Minutes). After the yoga class, take a short break before having breakfast at the resort. After breakfast, rest of the day is free until departure transfer to the jetty for ferry crossing to Trad and transfer back to Bangkok.

Upon arrival in Bangkok, drop off at your hotel or at Bangkok International Airport.

Source : Thailandwonders

Koh Kham is a small island near Ko Mak, on Trat Province, Thailand. It can be reached with a sea kayak from Ko Mak or by walking during low tide. Ko Kham has nice places to snorkel, depending on the direction of wind. Especially the south beach has a calm sea, nice sand dune, black lava rocks with shells and crabs (or crayfishes or shellfishes). Near rocks, you may see (or swim over) black sea urchins that have 15-30 cm radius and many thin black pipes about 30-50 cm long (don’t know the name, help wanted). Locals say that the pipes contain small needles and poison: if one touches the pipes and gets the needles, the needle should be crushed with a rock. The poison is only irritating and not lethal. In Thai, the name is Hoi Ment.

3rd Annual Kalim Surfing Contest 2007

The Monsoon Begins!

30 June - 1 July, 2007!

Presented by: Phuket Boardriders Club

The Phuket Boardriders Club presents the third annual 2007 Kalim Surfing Contest – The Monsoon Begins!

All Club Members and interested visitors are invited to kick off the monsoon season during the 2 day event to be held at Kalim reef on the south end of Patong Bay. This year’s contest will be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 30-July 1.

With tons of sponsors and over 100,000THB in prizes, this year’s event promises to be the best yet, providing Mother Nature cooperates and sends us some swell! And, as always, the event will be capped off with the usual A-class awards party at BAYA BEACH pub&restaurant, the end of Bang-La road, Patong.

Entry fee will be THB500. Above all, PRAY FOR SURF!!

Kalim Contest 2007 supported by: Tourism Authority of Thailand (TTT) , Static Group(JAPAN), Freedom Surf Adventure , Jack Daniel's, TAT, CNT, Original Vision, Casuarinas Shore

According to news accounts, Bill Gates and his wife had a one of their best holidays ever, last month, on a 54 metre yacht, off the coast of Phuket. Gates loved it there so much that he was inspired to construct a multi-million dollar man-made island off the resort. Gates is not alone.My son, who is completing his studies at Prince Songkla University,Phuket campus, has no plans to come back home. He lovesPhuket!!! Me, too. What inspired Bill Gates and my son also inspires me. I went to Phuket about 8 times in the last 4 years. I can tell you that the city has dramatically changed – beautiful new buildings, new supermarkets, seaview villas, hillside resorts are sprouting all over Phuket Island. If you've dreamed of owning an island home Phuket is the place to make your dreams a reality. Phuket calls to everybody.

Looking at the map of thailand, you will see that the 222 kilometers long road skirting by the beach southward through Chumphon is not common at all, as not too far from the shore along the road lie a number of island, each of which an be reached even by ordinary boats within less than an hour.

Now it's time to make a choice for the islands of your style. First in the list is Koh Khai, while Koh Pitak - ideal for homestay and enjoy fresh mouthwatering crabs -- comes last before entering Surat Thani.

In between, near Ampher Muang are never-to-miss islands which include Koh Ngam Yai - Noi for a dive; Koh Mattra for camping on the white sandy beach like that in the Andaman; Koh Ma Prao that is fine enough just a view over from Khao Chao Muang -- no boats are needed; and Koh Samed - the only island with resorts to serve very conveniently.

A stay here includes a program to go for a swim and a dive at nearby Koh Lang Ka Jiew, Koh Thong Lang and Koh Lawa.

The high season for Chumphon's sea begins from end of February till early September yearly. Besides a number of islands to tour, this province is well known as all year long abundant land for fruit of the seasons as well as cheap seafood and economical accommodations.

A province that Bangkokians may visit as often as they want. At this time when the country is kind of mess, a retreat to Chumphon to see the beautiful nature will help ease our hearts.

Editor's Note : Thanaboon Jamgrajang
Trips Magazine Vol.11 No.127 May 2007