Snorkeling,
island hopping, pearl farm
If you don't want to travel far, then visit off-shore islands including
Coral Island, Ko Rang Yai, Ko
Khai or further to Racha Yai only 15
minutes away.
Take snorkeling trips with the dedicated snorkeling boat, or by
chartering a private boat at an affordable price. Ko Naka
Noi, on the ear tern coast of Phuket, is 1 pearl
farm worth a visit, open to the visitors who want to learn
about the pearl farming and also those who only want to enjoy the
beach and activities.
Phang Nga
Bay
James Bond Island, Caves,
Hongs, Sea Gypsies
Spectacular limestone
scenery rising from the sea, sea caves, mangroves and little
coves. One of southern Thailand's most scenic areas.
Take a day trip or a cruise in a converted Chinese Junk.
Or take a tour by speed boat from either Phuket
or Krabi. Go sightseeing and stop at the famous "James
Bond Island" (a movie location) and Koh Pannyi
- an unusual village perched on stilts with a backdrop of towering
limestone cliffs.
For an different view of the bay, take a canoe trip
along the coastline and explore the caves and hidden interior lagoons
(someone else will do the paddling!) Learn about mangroves and the
fragile environments hidden inside this other world.
Phang Nga also has a rich forest perfect for eco-tours,
whitewater rafting and elephant
trekking. Take a day or stay overnight for an experience
you won't forget!
Khao Lak
Located on the mainland province of Phang Nga north
of Phuket Island, The area stretches across three national parks
and offers nature lovers an unspoiled landscape of beaches, mountains,
hills, forested valleys, mangroves and estuaries.
Khao
Lak is also a jumping off point for the
Similan Islands just one hour away, which offer
superb diving. Day trips operate from November
to April with specialist dive operators, but if you prefer
just snorkeling and sightseeing, you can charter a speedboat.
Phi Phi Islands
This island group is 1 of the most beautiful to
be found anywhere, and makes a fine day-trip destination out of
Phuket.
The beauty of the 2 islands has made them world
famous. Most visitors come at 10.00 am and leave by 3.00 pm.
Snorkelling around the archipelago's coral
reefs or climbing to 1 of the many limestone
lookouts is an impressive experience.
Sheer cliffs with earth colours soar from calm, clear seas. Phi
Phi Don, the larger island, has tropical beaches lining
its southern and eastern shores. Phi Phi Le, to
the south, is host to day trippers snorkelling and visiting the
Viking Cave during the day, but offers no accommodation.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands National Park is northwest
of Phuket. This is home to soft corals with the
whole range of coral fishes, manta rays and other
exotic marine animals. Similan opens
to visitors only in the monsoon-free season during November
to April, and there is a national park entry fee
of 200 Baht for snorkelers and another
200 Baht per day for divers, which have to be paid
by cash before departure.
The excursions to Similan Islands
include day trips by either speed boats, and scuba
diving liveaboards. You can also charter a boat or sailing
yacht for a private trip. Speed boats leave from
Tablamu pier in Khao Lak. Most
operators offer pick up services from Phuket hotels. Expect the
early pick-up time.
If you have 4 or more days then take one of the liveaboards.
Liveaboard diving provides comfortable and easy diving conditions
and allows you to reach the most spectacular dive sites with ease.
It is a long journey to Similan, but when you arrive
you'll see why it is all worth it!
Khao
Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park, is the largest
natural jungle in southern Thailand. Just a 90
minute drive from Phuket Island, the area has outstanding
natural beauty, with limestone mountains, cliffs, caves, rivers,
and waterfalls. Much of the forest is still intact and home to a
huge variety of birds, animals, insects, reptiles and plant life.
Elephant, Tapir, Gibbons and the Rafflesia (the largest flower in
the world - up to 80cm in diameter!) are to be found in this diverse,
special place.
Krabi
Krabi province is a natural beauty with both inland
and coastal areas to explore.
Many islands and coves, white beaches, stunning coral reefs, dramatic
limestone formations, lush jungle and mangroves are all within easy
reach. Jungle trekking, sea canoeing, rafting, rock climbing and
island hopping are just a few of the activities available. Only
a few hours by boat from Phuket, Krabi is worth a 2 or 3
day exploration. |
