Koh Samed Rayong



          Looking for a tropical island break not too far from Bangkok? Koh Samed is your destination! Yes, only 200 or so kilometers southeast of Bangkok lies a somewhat undisturbed sanctuary. So what are you waiting for? Spend your holidays and free time away in the relaxing environment of Koh Samed.






          The island derives its name from the cajeput tree that grows in the area (yes, you guessed it, cajeput tree means Samed in Thai and Koh means island). It is also not a big island, measuring only 13.1 square kilometers around it's almost T shaped borders.


















          Despite it's closet proximity to the mainland, The entire island receives less rainfall than anywhere else in Thailand. The island's rainy season lasts from May-July, which is much shorter then the May-October rainy season the rest of Thailand receives. Some good news there, eh? Even though the island receives less precipitation, it still consists of lush rainforests covered with evergreen and deciduous forests, with an abundance of the mentioned cajeput trees.

We highly recommend spending your time on Koh Samed in total leisure. Bask in the sun, lie on the beach, swim in the waters, it's all yours to do! If you do want to move around and bask in the island, why not hit the waters a little bit? There are some nice snorkeling and diving spots. It also doesn't hurt to know that the waters here are clear and filled with some beautiful corals and marine life. Windsurfing is also a popular activity at Koh Samed. So is just about any beachside activity (volleyball, football, frisbee, you name it). If night fishing is your thing, then Koh Samed is your island. Oh yeah, you are on the beach, right? Koh Samed is also your ticket to some wonderful and certainly fresh seafood.

By Collen Steinbring    

Weekend Vacation in Krabi Island

          Krabi, a province on southern Thailand's Andaman coast, can be an practically otherworldly area of labyrinthine archipelagos, the place islands seem to erupt vertically out of your sea and secluded beaches are only accessible by colorfully adorned prolonged tail boats. Krabi's myriad of bays and coves have sheltered pirates, merchants, and sea gypsies for hundreds of a long time and archaeological proof indicates that Krabi was initially inhabited as early as 25,000 - 35,000 several years back! With attractions which include hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from all around the globe, and nationwide parks that incorporate the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one particular could very easily spend weeks in Krabi and go away yearning for a lot more.If that wasn't ample, Krabi functions some of your most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, generally accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, which might be very best enjoyed from a beachside bar or restaurant.

          Meanwhile, with all of the tourists unfold out among a variety of beaches and islands, everyday living goes on in Krabi Town, the somewhat sleepy provincial capital. Surprisingly couple of tourists devote time within the charming riverside city, whose hilly streets attribute a number of cozy cafes and low-cost and authentic Thai cuisine is served at an out of doors, riverside evening market. "Town" to most new age travelers is Ao Nang, a seaside strip of guesthouses, lodges, bars, restaurants, and souvenir outlets that continues to grow as tourist arrivals enhance, now spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady beach is part of your national park that consists of the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang could be the main launching level for boat trips to nearby islands plus the isolated beaches of Phra Nang Cape, wherever the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located. Krabi Province, which lies along the coast with the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, is usually a leading tourist vacation spot being a results of its plentiful pure attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, intensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and above 130 islands, such as Koh Lanta and the jewels of your Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Koh Phi Phi Nationwide Park. Though not the top rated destination in and of by itself, Krabi Town is usually a charming provincial main city located together the banks of the river that sales opportunities to your nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is surely an essential port city for the two native fisherman too as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, a single of your premier rock climbing destinations inside the world.

          The two obtaining to and acquiring all around Krabi is very straightforward. Site visitors to Krabi may possibly arrive by air, bus, car, or boat from destinations equally north and south of Krabi, as well as from Phuket and Phang Nga provinces for the west of Krabi. Taxis, songtaews, and tuk-tuks are effortlessly found in the two Krabi town and Ao Nang and therefore are reasonably priced for people who want to explore the nearby attractions, however visitors may possibly also rent cars, motorbikes, as well as bicycles to tour the spot on their own. The only way to have to Ao Nang Cape, which include East and West Railey and Phra Nang Seaside, is by means of boat from Krabi City, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta. There are no roads top to or close to Ao Nang Cape, which may only be explored by foot or kayak.By TrainThere is no train service to Krabi. The nearest coach stations are in Surat Thani and Trang, wherever readers can exchange to busses to Krabi.

          By Bus There are both equally administration run air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses that join Bangkok, Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani (Samui) to Krabi Bus Terminal. The bus from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi requires approximately 12 several hours.Additionally to these busses, quite a few exclusive bus firms and vacation agencies produce air-conditioned busses or vans to and from Krabi and these other provinces. Bus-boat deals in between Krabi and Koh Samui ought to require no greater than 3 several hours, even though some unscrupulous non-public bus organizations have produced this a lengthy ordeal so as to rip off passengers and their stored baggage. There is usually a more dependable government run bus program among Krabi and Surat Thani which requires bus or tuk tuk exchange to or from the pier that expertise Koh Samui. There can be a standard shuttle bus program between Krabi and Phuket airports, which are roughly two hrs apart.

          You will find plenty of excellent resorts in Krabi island, ranging from spending budget to 5 star resort category. Make certain you choose the best Krabi hotel as part of your upcoming trip!



Doi Suthep Temple, the Most Famous Chiang Mai Attraction

First time visitors to Chiang Mai are sure to take notice of the mountain which borders the western edge of the city. Northern Thailand is known for its many mountain ranges and Doi Pui is the eighth highest peak in Thailand. Chiang Mai's famous Doi Suthep temple sits on the eastern side of this mountain and looks out over the city. The official name is Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep and it has kept its eye on Chiang Mai for hundreds of years. On a clear day, the temple can be seen from locations throughout the Ping valley.

 Legend has it that the present day site was chosen by divine intervention. A relic of the Lord Buddha was placed on the back of an elephant. The elephant then headed toward the mountain and after three days of wandering it died at the current location of Doi Suthep temple. The relic is believed to be buried under the chedi in the courtyard of Chiang Mai's famous temple.

Doi Suthep is a must see Chiang Mai attraction for first time visitors to Chiang Mai. Temples are an important part of life in Thailand and the temple on Doi Suthep is almost as famous as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok. One of the unique features of this Chiang Mai attraction is the over 300 step staircase which is bordered by mythical naga snakes. The climb to the top of the stairs is not an easy endeavor, but the view at the top is well worth it.

  If you wish to enter the inner temple area, adherence to a dress code is required. Don't worry; there is clothing to borrow for those who may not be prepared for the strict dress code. The large chedi in the sacred temple area is the center of many photos which represent the city of Chiang Mai. This inner area is often busy with Thai nationals making merit at several designated altars.

The outer courtyard has much activity as well. Tourists and Thai pilgrims alike often take pictures of the many Buddha images and the view of the city below. One of my favorite attractions in this outer courtyard is the row of bells and gongs on the outside sanctuary wall. It is okay to ring the bells for good luck. Doi Suthep temple is a popular Chiang Mai attraction for locals and foreigners.

   

Every tourist site, whether for foreign or local tourists, offers any array of small restaurants and shops selling souvenirs. The area around Doi Suthep temple is no different from other tourist areas. There is no need to pack a lunch or even to bring drink along on your trip to the mountain. Anything you need for basic survival can be purchased on the spot. Unlike western countries, prices for food and drink are rarely inflated in the tourist areas.

Getting to the temple is very easy. Every taxi and songthaew driver in Chiang Mai will be able to find their way up the winding road to the base of the temple. Many taxis sit at the base of the mountain near the entrance to Chiang Mai zoo waiting for passengers to whisk up the road for a morning at Doi Suthep temple.

Entrance to the temple is free for Thai nationals, but foreign tourists are asked to 

make a 30 baht donation. This is a small price to pay for an opportunity to visit the most famous Chiang Mai attraction.

  
By D. L. Zimmerman

Phucheefah Forest Park

The stunning viewpoint of Phu Chee Fah has been long popular with Thai tourists, but remains little known amongst western travellers. On a clear morning, the views out and over a vast stretch of mist swathed Laos, are absolutely breathtaking.

Set in a remote part of the Thai-Lao border in eastern Chiang Rai province, the view from the summit of 1,628m stretches over a vast stretch of Sainyabuli province in Laos. The view is best at dawn on a clear day, when the valley below fills with mist -- November to February is considered the best time of the year to visit.

There are a bunch of guesthouses and camping is also available, but the difficult part is getting here -- you really need your own transport -- either motorbike or car -- to reach Phu Chee Fah.

Phu Chee Fah can be approached from Wiang Kaen in the north or Thoeng in the south, with the latter being the more popular route taken.

If you choose to approach from Wiang Kaen, expect some stunning mountain scenery and some moderately challenging road conditions. Also, if you choose this route, the more northern viewpoint of Doi Patang is also worth visiting.

If travelling by motorcycle, you're best to do this route with others as if you have a problem with your bike you could be stranded for a long time -- very little traffic uses this road -- though it is about 95% sealed.

There are three areas around Phu Chee Fah with guesthouses, one about 2km north of the final turnoff to the summit a second solitary guesthouse about 1.5km north of the turnoff and the other about 500m south of the final turnoff.

On weekends most places are open, but midweek, many are closed and food opportunities may be limited. From the turn-off it is another km to the parking area, then a 700m hike to the summit.

You can reach Phu Chee Fah by motorbike from either Chiang Rai or Chiang Khong, with both trips taking around 3-4 hours. For those with their own transport, an overnight visit to Phu Chee Fah is highly recommended.