Thailand Beaches Tour

Thailand Beaches

2009-06-10T00:50:00.000-07:00

Thailand is one of the best, most reasonably priced places for beach tours. You get the luxury of choosing from hundreds of options. Enjoying your time to the fullest, you can make the most of your vacation. Beaches in Thailand provide the unique combination of superb scenic beauty, entertainment, luxury and leisure.

Relax on the beach beside the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, or enjoy some of the world's most fantastic scuba adventures among the islands of the Andaman Sea. Thailand is one of the best, most reasonably priced places for a seaside vacation. There are hundreds of beaches to choose from. From the tropical paradise of a bungalow on Ko Samet off the coast of Rayong province, only a few hours from Bangkok by comfortable air conditioned bus, to the luxurious resort developments on Phuket Island, just a short flight from Bangkok, you can have the best vacation of your life. More remote venues, such as the lovely and unspoiled Ko Ngai in the Andaman off the coast of Trang, make it possible to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life without spending a fortune.

Thailand is one of the best places in Asia to come partying. Not least becasue many of the parties take place with thousands of poeple on the beautiful tropical beaches. Check out the best beach party spots in Thailand here. Perhaps among the most legendary aspects of a visit to Thailand for many young backpackers are the notorious party beaches dotted around the country. Whether you’re going to rave it up at one of the beach parties in Thailand, or simply want to know where they are, here we’ve provided you with a list of the best beach party scenes in Thailand.

ทะเลชายหาดประเทศไทย

2009-05-06T01:02:00.000-07:00

ประเทศไทยเป็นหนึ่งในตัวเลือกที่ดีที่สุดสำหรับการท่องเที่ยวชายหาดทะเล คุณจะมีตัวเลือกที่หรูหรานับร้อยที่จะทำให้คุณเพลิดเพลินไปกับเวลาพักผ่อนได้อย่างเต็มที่ ชายหาดประเทศไทยเต็มเปี่ยมไปด้วยความบันเทิงที่หลากหลายและควรค่าแก่การพักผ่อนอย่างยิ่ง

คุณจะรู้สึกผ่อนคลายบนชายหาดที่ค่อนข้างอบอุ่น ล้อมรอบไปด้วยทะเลสีเขียวบนอ่าวไทย เพลิดเพลินกับการดำน้ำและผจญภัยไปกับหมู่เกาะในทะเลอันดามัน ค่าใช้จ่ายที่คุ้มค่าสำหรับการพักร้อนริมทะเลในประเทศไทยจะไม่ทำให้คุณผิดหวัง มีชายหาดให้เลือกมากมาย เช่น บังกะโลสวรรค์เมืองร้อนบนเกาะเสม็ดอยู่นอกชายฝั่งจังหวัดระยอง เดินทางสบายๆไม่กี่ชั่วโมงจากกรุงเทพฯ หรือจะเดินทางไปรีสอร์ทที่หรูหราบนเกาะภูเก็ตด้วยเครื่องบิน คุณจะพบกับวันหยุดที่ดีที่สุดของชีวิต หรือจะพักผ่อนในสถานที่ที่ห่างไกลบนเกาะที่ล้อมรอบไปด้วยทะเลอันดามันนอกชายฝั่งตรัง ซึ่งจะทำให้คุณพบกับธรรมชาติที่แท้จริงปราศจากชีวิตที่ทันสมัยและเร่งรีบในเมืองหลวงอย่างสิ้นเชิง

ชายหาดประเทศไทยก็ยังถือเป็นหนึ่งในสถานที่ที่ดีที่สุดในเอเชียที่มีนักท่องเที่ยวมาจัดงานเลี้ยงรื่นเริง หลายร้อยหลายพันคนมาจัดงานบนชายหาดเมืองร้อนที่สวยงาม ไม่ว่าคุณจะไปชายหาดไหนในประเทศไทย คุณก็จะพบกับงานเลี้ยงที่รื่นเริง เพราะชายหาดในประเทศไทยพร้อมที่จะต้อนรับคุณเสมอ มาเที่ยวทะเลชายหาดประเทศไทยกันเถอะครับทุกๆคน

Phuket Island

2009-05-03T03:26:00.002-07:00

Introduction to Phuket

>>> One of the most popular island tourist destinations in Asia
>>> Most popular beach resort in Thailand
>>> Rendezvous of sports, adventure, shopping and night life

Phuket is likely the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of beaches in Thailand. While Phuket island has some beaches that are not so crowded, it is the most popular beach destination spot and it is not a place for those looking for an ecape from mass tourism. Some people visit Thailand beaches to avoid the crowds, not become part of them.

In general, the beaches closer to an airport will attract more tourists to occupy those destinations. Therefore, it may take some traveling to get to more secluded beaches.

Beautiful beaches, thrilling water sports, rollicking night life, frenzied shopping, endless amusement... Phuket island in Thailand is a place which can make dream holidays reality. One of the most visited beach destinations of Asia, Phuket island has earned the epithet 'Pearl of the South'. A visit to Phuket island is joy, joy and more joy.

Phuket island has always been the darling of water sports lovers. Think of any possible water-sport and it would be available in Phuket. Several dive shops and tour operators operating in sports activities like golfing, fishing, diving, kayaking, snorkelling, sailing, rafting, scuba diving etc, are in Phuket island, which would assist the tourists in every way possible.

Several resorts and spa therapy centers available all over the island including the town, can make you feel refreshed, after a day of sightseeing and adventure sports.

Dining
Phuket tour can be turned into an eating extravaganza effortlessly. Every type of cuisine Thai, International or Seafood is available on the island. Restaurants and eating joints are scattered all over the island, specially at the beaches. Street food never ceases tempting the tourists.

Open-air restaurants on the beaches, providing fresh scrumptious seafood are great Phuket dining experience.

Climate
Phuket island has tropical monsoon climate, which means that it is warm all year round. Periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest. Best time to visit Phuket town is November to March.

Phi Phi Islands

2009-05-03T03:26:00.001-07:00

Introduction to Phi Phi Islands

Ranked among top tourist destinations of Thailand, Phi Phi Islands are known for lovely beaches, astounding coral reefs, swaying coconut palms and thrilling adventure. With plethora of accommodation and dining options available, it is no surprise that they have emerged as darling of tourists and constantly climbed the ladder of popularity.

Phi Phi Islands have plenty to offer, attracting national and international tourists alike. They comprise two islands- Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lei.

Both the islands are known for their charming sandy beaches, assisted by stunning coral reefs and swaying coconut palms. One can lay down on the white beaches and listen to the whisper of the waves. Lovely coral reefs in crystal-clear waters made colorful by a variety of fish fascinate the visitors. In deeper waters, sights of 'whale sharks' and 'manta ray' might reward one.

Phi Phi Island is also known as James Bond Island, the epithet it attained from the popular movie The Beach. On the north-east side of the island is the well-known Viking Cave, containing murals from prehistoric times.

Accommodation & Dining
Phi Phi Islands have suitable place for the traveler of every budget. There are plenty of options; from simple beach huts to luxurious hotel rooms. One is advised to book early in high season i.e. December and January.

Options available for dining in Phi Phi Islands can spoil you. There are numerous restaurants offering Thai, Italian, German and a number of other cuisines. The luxury of choosing lies with the visitor.

Similan Islands

2009-05-03T03:23:00.001-07:00

Similan Islands

This cluster of nine islands is known for unspoiled natural beauty, specially extensive coral garden beneath water. Rated by the Skin Diving Magazine among the ten loveliest places on Earth, the islands are home of numerous species of fish. The water of Similan Islands is known for clarity and is excellent for diving.

The Beaches
Similan Islands have many exquisite beaches in their kitty for the visitors. The three most visited islands- Koh Similan, Koh Hu Yong and Koh Ba Ngu- lure the tourists with their assets. These islands are acclaimed all over the world for their beauty, both on land and in the surrounding underwater world.

Koh Similan, the largest island, has a long circular bay and underwater coral reefs look pristine. Sealife is aplenty and diving is strongly recommended. Fantastic formations also provide fabulous view. Koh Hu Yong is known for it's long milky white beach. Sea turtles come up to lay eggs between November till February. Their tracks are visible on the sand. Koh Ba Ngu or Skull Island is home of schools of fish. Under water, coral and a field of grass appear to be growing in a deep valley.

Surin Islands

2009-05-03T03:22:00.001-07:00

Surin Islands

Counted among Thailand's most cheerful and lovely travel destinations, Surin Islands are acclaimed for having some of the best diving and snorkelling opportunities in the country. Kingdom. The coral reefs and marine life are spectacular. Huge variety of fish and majestic coral formation abound the area.

Group of five islands is collectively called Surin Islands. Koh Surin Nua (Northern Surin Island) and Koh Surin Tai (Southern Surin Island) are the two main islands. Both the islands have white sandy beaches kissing crystal clear water. Dense forests form the backdrop of milky white sand.

Swift Passage is very popular among tourists. Located between Koh Surin Tai and Koh Torinla islands, the spot is subject to strong currents which the divers can use. The coral seabed and abundant marine life, comprising sharks, parrot fish and turtles, makes the experince noteworthy.

Boat trips ferrying from Phang-Nga town take the visitors to the islands.

Phang Nga

2009-05-03T02:59:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Phang Nga

It is charming, thanks to it's limestone cliffs standing out of green water. Mysterious caves, lovely lagoons and pleasant beaches await the travellers. Offering idyllic seascapes, Phang Nga is praised the world over as a diving destination.

Phang-Nga Bay or Ao Phang-Nga National ParkThis enthralling extension of the Andaman Sea is known for limestones that stand out of the green water in different shapes and sizes. Marvelous caves and beautiful bays assisted by rock formations and mangrove forests provide unforgettable sightseeing to the visitors.

Availing of sea canoe tours, you can see fantastic sights, which can be matched only by few tourist spots in the world.Though the town is quiet, it is surrounded by natural parkland, featuring caves, uninhabited islands, coral reefs and archaeological sites. While unremarkable in itself, Phang-Nga town is surrounded by hauntingly beautiful national parks with striking rock formations, limestone cliffs and uninhabited islands.

Cave Walks Suan Somdet Phra Srinakarin Park also contains limestone cliffs, and some have caverns and tunnels with walkways from which to view the pools below. For cave enthusiasts, Wat Tham Suwankhuha has a 15-meter reclining Buddha in a grand, ornately decorated cavern; a smaller one contains numerous assorted effigies.

Diving & Hiking For good beaches, try the west coast of Phang-Nga Province or cruise out to Muu Koh Similan (The Similan Islands), about 60 km from Hat Khao Lak and Thap Lamu. The beaches here are nice for swimming and snorkeling, while diving offers excellent visibility.

Koh Similan, the largest island, has hiking trails and good sea views from its highest point. The island's rich wildlife includes porcupines, lemurs, pythons, dolphins, turtles and up to 32 bird species.

Colorful Wildlife Ao Phang-Nga National Park, with its famous "James Bond Island" from the 007 film The Man with the Golden Gun, has hundreds of rocks and cliffs with picturesque coves and mangrove forests. The waters of Ao Phang-Nga support several species of sea snake, and giant two-banded monitors (some longer than two meters) live in the mangroves. The islands host various reptiles and mammals, including gibbons, macaques and langurs.

Koh Samet

2009-05-02T20:53:00.000-07:00

Koh Samet Island

Koh Samet was named after the Samet Tree or the cajuput tree that grows everywhere on the island. It was declared Khao Lam Ya Samet Archipelago Maritime National Park in 1981. The park encompasses Had Mae Rumpueng-a beach on the coast of Rayong, Lam Ya Mountain and the Samet Archipelago that consists of Koh Samet, Koh Chan, Koh San Chalam, Koh Hin Khao, Koh Kang Kao, Koh Kudee, Koh Kruoy and Koh Plateen. An ecological tour can be conducted through three itineraries on Koh Samet, Koh Kudee and Lam Ya Mountain.

To reach the island, tourists must take a local fishing boat, from Ban Phea in Muang District of Rayong Province for about 30mins. Boats run back and forth around the clock with the minimum of seven passengers. There are direct routes to some beaches including Had Sai Kaew and Ao Wong Duan, from which one can walk to other beaches through a relatively primitive inland road network. Most of the beaches are located on the northern and eastern sides of this T-shaped island whereas only a few, that is, Ao Prao, Ao Kham and Ao Kiu Na Nai lie on the west. It is more convenient to reach Ao Prao by a direct ferry from Ban Phea.

The weather on the island is more comfortable than inland area. However, the rainy season runs from May to September with heavy rains, high surges and monsoons in May. Ideal activities here are sunbathing on the beach, making an inland excursion on foot or by chartered bus, and taking a boat trip around the island. Also recommended is making a trip to some nearby isles.

Koh Tai Kang Kao and Koh Tam Rusi, located near Koh Kudee, offer swimming, scuba diving, seeing coral reefs and camping. There is information for accommodations and campgrounds provided at the park office on these isles. Koh Kruoy, Koh Kham and Koh Plateen, 600 meters north of Koh Kudee, are also other sites superb for coral reef exploring while Koh Talu is excellent for trekking, seeing some rare species of bats and turtles, and deep water diving.

Take note that the island is popular among local and foreign tourists and it is hard to find accommodation during the peak season, usually March, while September is the scantiest

Cha-Am

2009-05-02T20:38:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Cha-Am

Thailand's longest white sand beach is the main feature of this lesser-known resort town only two hours outside of Bangkok.

Beachside Accommodation
The beach has plenty of deckchairs and umbrellas for rent, and beer, soft drinks and tasty seafood are available all day long from local vendors. After swimming in the sea, you can wash off with fresh water at one of the public bathhouses for a nominal charge. There is a good selection of accommodation set back from the beach, with small hotels for budget travelers and more luxurious big-name chains for those looking for something a bit more comfortable.

Longest Beach
As most foreign beachgoers choose to stay at nearby Hua Hin, Cha-am is very much a Thai resort. 178 km from Bangkok, it is quiet on weekdays, busier on weekends and bustling on holidays. With no real center, the town stretches along the length of the white-sand beach, said to be Thailand's longest. However, the post office and market are near the train station, and these three landmarks constitute the old center.

Summer Palace
Nine km south of Cha-am, the summer palace (Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathayawan) of King Rama VI is open to the public through the gates of Rama VI Military Camp during government office hours (9.00 a.m. ' 4.30 p.m.). The palace consists of a series of one-and-two-floor units on stilts, linked by covered walkways. The whole structure is made of teak, with shuttered windows and tiled roofs similar to those of Vimanmek Mansion in Bangkok.

Patong

2009-05-02T20:26:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Patong

One of the most popular beachs of Thailand provides amazing nightlife experience, frenzied shopping and thrilling adventures. The idyllic powdery beach, which is acclaimed all over the world for diving, provides for a memorable vacation. Long milky white beach fringed with greenery fills the visitors with immense joy.

Patong is a paradise for adventure tourists. The place offers you an array of adventure activities like parasailing, scuba diving, jet skis, bungee jumping, etc. which can pump adrenalin in your body.

Swimming is very popular in Patong, for the beach is counted among the safe beaches. The sea is calm and inviting between November to March. During August, September and October, seasonal changes make a small surf which is ideal for sports like body surfing and boogie boarding.

Patong locals welcome every high season with fanfare. Normally celebrated at the beginning of November, the festival involves an array of activities like sports events, beauty contests, stage shows and parades. Street stalls are set up and people have of food and drink.

Tourists can join the carnival and enjoy their Patong experience to the fullest.

Snorkelling is also popular among tourists. Moving around the small caves and offshore reefs in Patong Bay is an experience with difference. Sports like sailing and windsurfing are also enjoyed by the visitors.

Koh Phangan

2009-05-02T19:52:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is probably better known as an island of a full moon party where both young Thai and foreign tourists become quite inebriated and party on into the night in gay abandonment. The party is periodically held at Had Rin, a beach on the southern tip of the island.

However, Koh Phangan is not famous solely for its "Full Moon Party"; its unspoiled nature and clear waters, magnificent beaches, backed by dense jungles, give rise to a number of outdoor activities including skin diving, scuba diving, trekking, bird-watching and observing the lifestyles of local folk.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand about 100 kilometres east of Surat Thani coast, Koh Phangan is 20 kilometres north of the bigger island of Koh Samui.

Covering an area of 168 square kilometers, Koh Phangan is Thailand's third largest island in the Gulf of Thailand after Koh Chang and Koh Samui. Smaller islands, including Koh Tae Nok, Koh Tae Nai, Koh Ma and Koh Tao, are grouped around Koh Phangan some 40 kilometers distant. It is one of 48 islands in the archipelago that makes up Ang Thong National Marine Park and has been inhabited for a thousand years. Malays were the first group to settle on the island; hence some places carry Malay names like "Koh Ra Hum", which means "shadow" and is the former name for Koh Phangan. Then there's "Loh Da Lam" the former name for Ban Chaloke Lam.

Buddhism predominates on Koh Phangan, only 5% of the populace being Muslims. The main industry is agriculture, coconut farming and fishing. For some years, the travel industry has taken over as the most profitable pursuit on the island with many landlords selling their land to move on or invest in hotels and resorts.

Koh Samui

2009-05-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the main Tourist Island situated in the gulf of Thailand. Koh Samui receives hundreds of thousands of visitors every year who come to enjoy the idyllic tropical island surroundings. Chawang Beach is the main centre of partying and nightlife on the Island with the usual array of restaurants, bars and a few nightclubs comparable to Patong beach in Phuket.

Despite its popularity, Koh Samui remains one of the country's more beautiful island destinations.

Popular Resort Areas
Originally settled by Hainanese from China in the mid-19th century, well-developed Koh Samui has a rather different culture to other parts of Thailand. The descendants of those pioneers now live mainly in the villages, as outsiders populate most tourist-oriented resorts. Known as Chao Samui (Samui folk), many of them still do the trade of their forebears - coconut farming. Indeed, the island is covered with palms, and coconut is a common ingredient of many local dishes.

Beaches & Nightlife
Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are Samui's most beautiful and most popular beaches. Both have a huge selection of places to stay, and prices rise from December to July. The nightlife of each is different: Chaweng is better for couples, women and families, while single men predominate amidst the beer bar culture of Lamai. These resorts, as well as Na Thon (Samui's main town), have communications, exchange and car/motorcycle hire facilities.

Temple Visits
Nice temples to visit are Wat Phra Yai (Big Buddha Temple) in the north, with its 12-meter Buddha statue, and Wat Laem Saw in the south, with its old and sacred stupa. Monks conduct meditation courses for foreigners at Wat Pang Ba, near Hat Chaweng.

Koh Lak

2009-05-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Koh Lak

Land covered by marvellous stretches of sand is constantly kissed by waves. In close neighborhood of the sands are the hills carpeted by lush greenery, which also hosts two national parks. Hard to resist by the lovers of nature.

Located not too far north from Phuket Island on the west coast of Thailand is Koh Lak. Along with sunbathing on the white, sandy beaches, other activities include diving, snorkeling, bamboo rafting, swimming, and hiking. The surrounding area also includes hot springs and golf courses. There are several national parks nearby including Koh Lak-Lam Ru National Park, Koh Sok National Park, Sri Phang-Nga National Park, and Thai Muang National Park.

Koh Tao

2009-05-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Koh Tao Island

Koh Tao got its name because the island was previously a favorite habitat for turtles (Tao means 'turtle'). Now that the island is no longer deserted, the turtles have moved elsewhere. Since it requires some traveling to get to Koh Tao, the island attracts less tourists but it is starting to become more popular. There is still things to do include diving and hiking. Sairee Beach is a common place for beach goers and there a several places on the island that offer spectacular viewpoints.

Motorbikes and bicycles are available to rent in order to explore the island.

The most famous southern province in the Gulf of Thailand, Surat Thani has several world famous islands under its territory; namely Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Ang Thong archipelagos, Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan. The last two are best known among intrepid travellers as the best dive site in the gulf of Thailand.

Dotted in and around Koh Tao's 11 bays and 10 rocky headlands are many, picturesque beaches: some long and sandy like Had Sai Ree, Had Mai Had, Chaloke Ban Kao Bay; others with smaller, rockier beaches.

Acclaimed to be the best dive location in the Gulf of Thailand, tourists tend to make diving their first priority as soon as they arrive on Koh Tao. It's not surprising therefore that each year Koh Tao's dive school turns out a number of proficient divers from around the world.

If you are looking for an alternative to diving, you might enjoy exploring the island, and swimming from its many beaches, or kayaking, or climbing hills to check out the vistas from numerous viewpoints. Alternatively, you can take a tour to its nearby islands of Nang Yuan, which is only 15 minute away by local boats.

Getting to Koh Tao
Despite being part of Surat Thani Province, it's more convenient and faster to go to Koh Tao from Chumphon Province. The island is only one hour ride on a high-speed catamaran from Ao Makham Noi Pier in Chumphon - a speed boat from Koh Samui takes you around 3 hours to get to Koh Tao. Nowadays, more travelers choose Chumphon as their starting-off point.

Koh Chang

2009-05-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Koh Chang

Koh Chang is surrounded by rain forest, waterfalls, tropical wildlife, and natural beauty. Koh Chang is home to Koh Chang Marine National Park and Tree Top Adventure Park.

The beaches on the east coast are more secluded and provide less amenities and development than the west coast. However, the west coast beaches are nicer and offer less crowds than many other beaches in Thailand. The beaches on this island include Klong Son Beach, White Sand Beach (Had Sai Khao), and The Lonely Beach. The island provides activities that will interest everyone including sun-bathing, diving, snorkeling, elephant trekking, and hiking.

Koh Chang the largest among the 52 islands of Trat, is also the nation's second largest island, after Phuket. Covering an area of 429 sq. kms., it features fine beaches, coral reefs, and plentiful marine life. It is also rich in natural resources, teeming with hills, forests, waterfalls and streams, the latter being an important source of freshwater. Dotting the island are many fruit orchards.

Most of the scenic beaches and bays are located on the western side, extending from the north to the south. They include Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost all the way to Hat Kai Bae. From here, a nature trail through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat meanders through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community located at the foot of the hill in the south.

To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated, and Ao Salak Khok. Along the eastern shoreline is a road that cuts through to Ao Salak Phet, a community and a boat pier in the south of the island. However, care should be exercised while driving for the roads on Koh Chang are unpaved, with steep hills in some sections. The best places for viewing coral reefs are at Ao Khlong Son , near Koh Chang Noi, and around the islands to the south of Koh Chang.

On Koh Chang itself are several accessible waterfalls. The Khlong Phlu waterfall is located 3 kms. from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes walk from the parking lot. The Khlong Nonsi waterfall is a 4-km. walk from the park headquarter, while the Khiriphet and Khlong Nung waterfalls are about 3 kms. from Ban Salakphet.

Rayong

2009-05-02T10:18:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Rayong

Never crowded or hurried, Rayong Beaches provide great alternative to tourists who are tired of overpopulated destinations. An ideal tour if you are seeking retreat from the pressures of city life. The best getaway is Ko Samet, known for it's picturesque beaches and relaxed atmosphere. Many beaches have also been designated as national parks.

Rayong is a famous province for tourists as it has a lot of exciting activities; with more than 100 kilometre-long coastline. There are beautiful beaches and scenic waterfalls amid natural surroundings. Rayong is also rich in sea-life resources and considered a major agricultural and industrial province. There are three distinct attractions, firstly white sand beach on the mainland and islands. Secondary, it has a variety of fresh seafood. Lastly, regional fruits such as durians rambutans mangosteens and pineapples. The way of lifestyle and local culture are also attracted to other people especially to foreigners as they will find themselves having a wonderful trip here in Rayong.

Rayong located approximately 220 kilometers from Bangkok is another delightful resort on Thailand's eastern coast - Rayong province. A late bloomer, the province is well known for its pristine beaches stretching along a 100-kilometer coastline and scenic waterfalls amidst exotic surroundings. Aside from this, Rayong is blessed with an abundance of seafood products such as shrimp paste, fish sauce and dried seafood, and tropical fruits of which rambutan, mangosteen and durian are the most famous.

Boasting indispensable sea-life resources, Rayong is one of the country's major agricultural and industrial provinces. On the other hand, the province has maintained its traditions and customs in the daily lifestyle of the locals. The best months to visit Rayong are from November to February.

Pattaya

2009-05-02T10:10:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Pattaya

Pattaya is known for variety of water sports, sprawling golf courses, raunchy nightlife, and needless to mention, lovely beach beauty. Most convenient beach to reach from Bangkok, it is specially popular among scuba lovers. The beach is committed to serve the tourists who come in pursuit of adventure, pleasure and excitement.

Pattaya is, however, a surprisingly inoffensive haven for the love-dispossessed - wrinklies, plug uglies & handicapped mix it with arabs, military personnel & stressed love refugees who have three things in common: they have money to spend, they are hot for sleek young Asians & they have all the fashion sense of a third-degree burn. Interestingly Thai men mostly don't seem bothered that many of their prettiest girls/boys are running around with butt-ugly foreigners. The hired hands too appear relaxed & tolerant & often spend a couple of weeks travelling around Thailand - especially to proper beach resorts - with men who treat them like princesses & pay them enough to support their families for a year. Love & /or marriage are not uncommon results of these liaisons.

With its murky sea, streets packed with highrise hotels, & touts on every corner, PATTAYA is the epitome of exploitative tourism gone mad. The town swarms with male & female prostitutes, & plane-loads of Western men flock here to enjoy their services in the rash of go-go bars for which "Patpong-on-Sea" is notorious. Yet watersports facilities here are among the best in the country, & it's not a bad place to learn to dive, though the reefs off the Andaman Coast are more spectacular.

Hua Hin

2009-05-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Hua Hin

Four hours by bus from Bangkok, Hua Hin is a lively, breezy town with a long white-sand beach. Tourists can take pony rides, and Wat Khao Takiap rewards those who walk there with a nice sea view. A few catamaran, parasailing and jet ski operators work off Hua Hin beach, but it is mostly peaceful.

The royal beach of Hua Hin
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan's first and most famous beach town (195 km from Bangkok), holds variable names from the royal beach town and the romantic getaway to the town of chic boutique resorts. Even though Hua Hin is the most popular beach in the province, its neighbouring beaches such as Naresuan beach, Had Nom Sao and Pranburi have gained recognition, if not by international travelers, from local tourists and expatriates. However, sea, sun and sand are not the only attractions in this province. Prachuap Khiri Khan boosts lush green national parks and a scenic former royal beachside mansion.

It offers a wide range of beachfront accommodation, good golfing, and seafood galore. Close to Bangkok, Hua Hin is becoming increasingly popular, although it has all but escaped the gaudy excesses of Pattaya and Patong. The town boasts accommodation to suit all budgets, with a good selection of resorts spread along its white sandy beach. Golfers can enjoy the 72-par Royal Hua Hin Golf Course for a reasonable non-member's fee.

The unspoiled side of Hua Hin at Suan Son Pradiphat Beach
If you are seeking a serene beach near Hua Hin, Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is probably a good place to go. This 2.8 kilometre long beach is located next to Hua Hin beach but divided by Takiap Hill. The atmosphere of Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is similar to Hua Hin yet quieter. The beach is shady with a line of pine trees stretching a long curved bay while the water is shallow ' suitable for swimming. The area belongs to the navy but is open to public.

Krabi

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Introduction to Krabi
This beach town and the islands nearby are famous for strange rock formations and unspoiled nature.

Krabi has a nice seaside atmosphere with cheap accommodation, tasty Thai/Moslem food and friendly people. Its striking rock formation islands and beautiful beaches made the area a pirate haven in bygone days. Now mainly a stopover for tourists going to outlying islands, the town itself is nice for short visits.

Unspoiled Nature
Krabi allows nature lovers to take organized trips to see mangrove forests and their resident wildlife. You can sail to unspoiled islets, walk through rainforest and swim in natural pools in the Khao Nor Chuchi Lowland Forest Project. Visitors can also spend time helping local rubber-tappers; the fees finance ecological projects.

Krabi is for visitors who desire pristine and somewhat relaxing refuge. Indulge in activities like kayaking and rock climbing, soaking in the scenic beauty of limestone cliffs jutting out of turquoise blue sea.