Showing posts with label Islands Thailand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Islands Thailand. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Thailand Travel - Ko Lanta


Ko Lanta lied on the west coast of Andaman Sea in between Krabi and Phi Phi Island . Large Size Island with 6 km wide and over 30 kms long, 9 beaches lie from north to south along the sunset coast. Stunning scenery, fantastic white sandy beaches, coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and under water life.
Exposed to the Tsunami hit southern Thailand , Koh Lanta got very little physical affected. She has been quietly recovering with most hotels operating normally.
Koh Lanta was very fortunate in that no damage occurred to the natural scenic beauty. All the beaches remain as beautiful as ever. All dive sites did not suffer in the disaster, rather the water is cleaner and clearer than ever
Dive Site Ko Lanta  
Andaman sea was named as the best area for diving in southern part of Thailand. But one of the best part is southern of Andaman sea which the greatest site “Hin Daeng & Hin Muang” - world top ten rated by international dive magazine located. Any divers who need to spend a quality time of diving in Thailand should base themselves in Koh Lanta. Where easy to access to many popular dive site as Koh Ha - underwater carvern dive and all others as Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Hin Bida and Koh Bida.

Hin Daeng (Red rock)

Only reason that diving activity of “Koh Lanta”has become to the world class was “Hin Daeng - Hin Muang” could offer everything as a diving addicted need, settle from dramatic walls, big action of Barracudas crowd, Manta, Whale Shark and the lush tropical underwater gardens.
Manta, Whale Shark and the lush tropical underwater gardens.“Hin Daeng” , about 3 meters left above the surface look like a small ordinary limestone which can be found from every where, but secret was slept under the surface “Hin Daeng” is the Huge rock which the southern side descend straight down to hit the sea ground at 60 meters depth, The most deep vertical drops underwater cliff of Thailand's seas. The cliff is dotted with lighten growths of soft and hard colorful corals and sea fans, all of them come with the same theme of red color “Hin Daeng” in Thai was equal to “Red rock”.

Hin Muang (Purple Rock)

“Hin Muang”, a few hundred meters away from “Hin Daeng”, the submerge rock under the surface, was inconceivable area, numerous of marine life have found between the clunk of huge rock
The name itself “Hin Muang”(purple rock) come from the thick purple growths of soft corals those were found everywhere on the rock. Approximately 200 meters length, almost 20 meters width, and is shaped like a loaf of meat, stand on vertical sides, rounded shape on top. The walls have decorated with large red, orange sea fans, lots of glass fish, or silver sides, marine’s school around the fans surround with plenty of various sea creatures. the shallower sections is the location of the pinnacle carpets of lively sea anemones.
Whale sharks, Manta ray are usually found around these pinnacles rock. This site sometime quite strong current. Experienced divers were recommend.

Ko Ha – Cave diving        

“Ko Ha”, settle from 5 small islands into a group, apart to the west from “Ko Lanta” about one and a half hours this group of islands separated by sections start from 3 - 50 meters depth, Here is characteristically clear water and excellent visibility sometime over 25 meters.
Highlight of diving here is cave diving with a series of underwater caves, the largest cavern of the islands is lies on “Ko Ha Yai”. Cave at “Ko Ha Yai” are safe to enter, even without light, as the large entrances and there is only one way in and one way out .
The best part of entering these caves is that you can ascend to the surface inside heart of island. Scenic of stalactites hanged from the top of ceiling over 30 meters height. Light filtering through the water from the entrance is the touch of the miracle.
This site were recommend to all level divers, and provide you the opportunity to see various fantastic underwater creatures such as Manta Rays or even the giant of the fishes - the Whale Shark also the Little star as Leopard Shark and Giant Turtle.

Ko Bida Nok / Ko Bida Nai
Two small limestone islands; “Koh Bida Nok” and “Koh Bida Nai”, away to the west from “ Koh Lanta” between the route to Phi Phi Island. This site will provide you an excellent and variety taste of diving.
Suitable for all level divers. Start from 8-28m depth. Colourful soft corals mixed with hard colorful coral reefs residential of coral fishes as Muray eel, Scorpionfish, Leopard sharks are also the star here which usually seen on site. At the shallower section will found the sea anemone garden which is the house of little famous star as “Nemo”

Hin Bida
This site has been called "Phi Phi Shark Point" Leopard sharks are the star here. “Hin Bida” located away from “Ko Bida Nok-Ko Bida Nai” a few kilometers. Shape itself as the breaks rock submerge under the surface. When low tide and drops down to hit the sea ground at 18-22m depth, surrounded by boulders, Stag horn corals. Large sting rays are also encountered here. The soft corals at the Southern end of the site are particularly beautiful.


King Cruiser Wreck - Dive site.
On the 4th of May 1997, the 85 meter passenger ferry "King Cruiser" on a routine run to the Phi Phi islands made history by straying several kilometers off course and hitting the Anemone Reef.
With a huge hole ripped through her belly the ship went down in less than an hour and provided the Phuket Diving community, at long last, with her own artificial reef. At 25 meters you'll find the engine room and car desk. Moving up to 18 meters you'll find the passenger section which has the heads, bar and lots of tables and chairs. Even though the ceiling is pretty low it is relatively safe to penetrate as the doors are broken off.
At 15 meters you'll find the captain's cabin and wheel house. The reef is teeming with life and its proximity to Shark Point and Anemone Reef has undoubtedly had a lot to do with it's rapid population growth. The Wreck is an extremely popular dive and considered one of the best in location.

Article Source : http://www.lantainfo.com/

Sunday, July 5, 2009

Koh Chang Island in Thailand

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Koh Chang Marine National Park

It's situated in Trat Province . Koh Chang Marine National Park comprises 52 islands scattered along the coastline close to the Cambodia border.

Description

Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand , covering 240 square kilometres. There are many resorts located at there. Most of these area are blanketed with rainforest and hill which rises to a peak at Khao Jom Prasart (744 m) in the center of the island.

There are few wildlife such as boar, hornbills, parrots and sunbirds which you can see in the forest. Most of the island's inhabitants make their living from fishing. The transport is convenient and comfortable.

Local Transportation

  • Car: Take highway no. 3 ( Sukhumvit Rd. ) or highway no. 37 (Bang Na-Trad) to Trat and then drive for about 22 kms from Trat (downtown) to Laem Ngop pier for going to Koh Chang.
  • Bus: Take bus at Eastern Bus Station at Ekamai (Sukhumvit 63) to Trat province and take service car to Laem Ngop pier.
  • Train: Leaving daily from Bangkok's Hualumphong Railway Station to Trat Province.

    Before you will travel to each place, please make sure about way to go there including both time schedule and open-close time.

  • Map of Trat, Thailand highlighting Ko Chang 400px-KohChangWhiteSandsBeach

    The island of Ko Chang is a tropical marine national park. Its hinterland consists of over 70% virgin rainforest and is the best preserved tourist holiday destination in Thailand. Situated to the east of the country in the province of Trat on the Cambodian border, it's Thailand's second largest island after Phuket.

    Recently, with the surge of the island's development and popularity, it has been elevated to Thailand's new tourist haven. It has an airport near Trat, just 15 minutes from the ferry terminal. Bangkok Airways run twice-daily services from Bangkok, Phuket and Ko Samui. Also, the island offers fast internet access via many of the island's internet cafés.

    With its chain of white sandy coves and beaches, pristine rain forests and abundance of wildlife and marine life, coral reefs, high mountain peaks, several scenic waterfalls, a rich variety of cuisine and great nightlife, Ko Chang is one of Thailand's most sought-after holiday destinations.

    Accommodation on the island ranges from simple beach huts and bungalows to luxury villas, suites and apartments. If you drive, you can hire motorbikes, jeeps and cars to take you to any of the beaches along the coastal roads and, in the evening, there are plenty of restaurants, live music bars and nightclubs to choose from to spice up your holiday.

    http://seasonhot.com/content/img/samui-info.jpg

    Ko Samui is a 247 km² large island located in the Gulf of Thailand, in the province of Surat Thani. It is, by many people, considered as one of the most beautiful islands in the South-East Asia region. Foreign tourists started to explore Samui in the 70s and today the island is a modern tourist destination with paradise like beaches.

    Ko Samui Beaches

    Chaweng beach
    Had (beach in Thai language) Chaweng is found on the island's East coast and it is the most popular beach on Ko Samui. Soft sand and shallow water makes Chaweng beach perfect for sunbathing and swimming. The 8 kilometer long beach road is pretty much covered with cozy restaurants, resorts, hotels and bars.

    Lamai beach
    Had Lamai is situated a few kilometers South of Chaweng and is the second most popular destination on Ko Samui. The 6 km long beach has a little grainy sand and the deep water is perfect for swimming, especially in the Southern and middle parts of this beach. Even if the Lamai area is growing, the relaxed atmosphere is still dominating.

    Ao Thong Takian
    A small almost idyllic beach North of Lamai with five small resorts. A lot of corals is found on the sea bed (mind cuts) and some days the water is very clear and turquoise and then suitable for snorkeling.

    Maenam
    Maenam beach is found on the Northern part of the island and one of Samui's calmer beaches. Many families chose to rent a bungalow along the 5 km long beautiful beach. At low season the beach can be almost "empty of people".

    Bo Phut
    A rather quiet and calm beach which earlier functioned as a fishing village for the local fishermen. The traditional house of teak tree can still be found in the small village. Even if there is no extensive nightlife found in Bo Phut, you will still find a number of cozy seafood and fish restaurants that work as natural meeting point.

    Big Buddha beach
    Also a rather quiet beach, next to the large Big Buddha monument/statue. The white sand and (often) calm water, makes the beach perfect for the visitor who are looking for a peaceful environment. Big Buddha is located not so far from Chaweng and the airport.

    Choeng Mon
    This beautiful but rather short beach is found in the North-East parts of the island. Here you will find mostly three, four and five star resorts. A perfect place for families and couples who are looking for a pleasant and convenient holiday. Choeng Mon beach is also located rather close to the airport and Chaweng.

    Bang Por, Lipa Noi and Taling Ngam
    Three quiet and long beaches on the North-West and West coast of Samui. For people who prefer a calm, very relaxed vacation. At low season, these beaches are often almost empty of people, but a some restaurants and resorts are to be found here.

    Ko Samet (เกาะเสม็ด in Thai) is a rather small island where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The water is also normally very clear here. Relaxation is the main activity here, so spoil yourself a little and "refill your batteries". It is a perfect place for hiding away from daily life stress and work. Anyhow, you are still close to Bangkok and it's shopping, night life and attractions.

    Reasons to go to Samet island
    There are several reasons to choose Samet as your holiday destination. First of all; the island has some of the best beaches found in the whole country. Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach), Ao Vong Duan and Ao Prao is three of them. Second, the short distance to Bangkok. Convenient! And third, the climate is very pleasant. Even though it is raining a little more in July-September, there is often just short and refreshing showers.