adventure travel thailand

Thailand

Each year Thailand is discovered by millions of visitors, drawn to its pristine beaches and aquamarine seas, as well as its rich culture, glitzy shopping malls, chic boutiques and colourful markets crammed with bargains.

With its enticing mixture of established destinations such as Phuket and Hua Hin, and out-of-the-way palm-fringed islands, Thailand appeals to the most varied of travellers, whether they are craving barefoot luxury or hippy chic. From staying on a converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or bedding down in a hill tribe village, Thailand offers a wealth of choice for every taste and budget.

Pampering is an art form in Thailand, and throughout the country spas offer authentic treatments whether it's in a 5-star luxury resort or a beach-side hut. If it's pulse-raising excitement you are after, head to the hectic sprawl of Bangkok's futuristic high-rise buildings.

Early morning is when the saffron-robed monks leave the sanctuary of their wats (temples) to receive alms from the people, be it in a dusty village or on crowded city streets. Buddhism is a way of life here and the Thai's are also strong supporters of their monarchy. In fact, His Majesty King Bhumibol is the longest reigning monarch in the world, since coming to power in 1946.

Following the end of absolute monarchy, Thailand moved towards democracy, but this was thwarted by the military, which has often staged coups in protest at government policies. The most recent was in September 2006 when a bloodless coup overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and replaced him with an interim prime minister until elections at the end of 2007.

For all this, Thailand has risen above the economic collapse of 1997, SARS and avian influenza as well as the devastating tsunami in December 2004, to become a hugely popular destination on the long-haul tourist trail.

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Pristine Beaches in Thailand

Had Khom (Coral Beach), north coast of Ko Phangan (click to expand)

I put together a few shots from the site of what I regard as some of the more pristine beaches in Thailand. Forget about dictionaries - let's define that as having nice sand, clear water, cleaned of wet-season rubbish and fishing junk, with no development or with unobtrusive development and never being crowded (at least away from public holidays or weekends for those beaches easily accessed by Thais).

This is just a sample there are others which fit the description - plus quite a few really nice beaches which don't meet the no/low development rule.

Donald Duck Bay, Similan Island

National Park Headquarter Beach, Similan Island

Nui Bay - southern Ko Lanta

Ao Si - Ko Jum

Relax Bay (Hat Phak Naam) - the Phi Phi knockers never make it to the lovely and uncrowded east coast bays. Image Louise F.

Leela Beach, back of Had Rin, Phangan

Bamboo Island near Phi Phi - this one is a bit contentious because it can get a bit busy with daytrippers in dry season. Looks pretty sweet here - image Louise F.

Oean beach near Poseidon Bungalows, Khao Lak (image Similantour)

The only beach on Ko Lialiang

Had Thong Reng, east coast of Phangan - site of the new Tree House moved from Ko Chang

Ao Pudsa/Tubtim - Ko Samet

Bang Bao, Ko Kut

Nai Yang, Phuket - Image: Arun Estate

Small beach just west of Pansand Bungalows, Ko Bulon Lae - Image: Pansand Resort

Loh Paret, Ko Yao Yai

Ao Jak, Ko Tarutao

Ao Malaka, NP headquarters beach, Ko Taruato

Eastern Beach, Ko Ngai (image Fantasy Resort)

Eastern beach at NP headquarters, Ko Adang.

popular cities : BANGKOK, THAILAND

Bangkok, Thailand: The yin-yang relationship between the old and the new is ever present in Thailand's capital city. Its 10 million residents strive to preserve the past (the Grand Palace) and expand for the future (with high-end shopping and luxury hotel developments that are among the best in Asia). The authenticity of the city's centuries-old culture can be discovered in its narrow alleyways, away from the grinding traffic, where visitors can find silk and handicrafts by local artisans.

Ko Lipe Beaches Thailand

Located in southern Thailand, this semi-off the map island is one of my favorites. Here on Ko Lipe, the super friendly locals bring in the daily catch for amazing seafood, as the island’s water is teeming with life. Accommodation is still basic, and most places turn off the electricity around midnight. Close to this island is a little island that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities. You may even spot a few reef sharks. Bathtub warm water and fine sand beaches kept me here for over three weeks. It will do the same for you. Visit during in November or March for the best weather and the fewest people. May through October sees a harsh monsoon season that shuts the island down. (There is actually a last boat!!). The best way to get there is by boat from Pak Bara.
Ko Lipe sea
Ko Lipe beach
Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe
Ko Lipe

Places to Visit,Places to See in Thailand,Tourist places

Ko Phi Phi is made up of two islands, Phi Phi Don with its endless beaches and Phi Phi Le, a private enclosed area girdled by sheer cliffs.

Previously (and still is) a temporary residence for sea gypsies, Ko Phi Phi has since turned into a favorite spot for diving lovers from all over the world. The coral reefs in the clear waters ensure a spectacular sighting and the colorful fishes swimming in their natural habitat is a sight to behold.

Situated 48 km from Phuket and 42 km from Krabi, the island is only accessible by boats. Tours to Phi Phi Le is commonly done on board kayaks where tour guides would take you to the Viking Cave, which is rich with its prehistoric paintings of things resembling Viking longboats. Most tours would include a visit to the cliffs where swiflets' nests are harvested for bird's nest soup, a Chinese delicacy throughout Asia.

Formally a quiet Muslim fishing village, Phi Phi Island now meets all touristy demands, including restaurants, diving schools, and hundreds of overpriced souvenir shops.

Krabi Tourism and Sightseeing,Places to see in Krabi

 Krabi is a paradise for nature lovers and visitors who want to enjoy the beauty and diversity of a seaside holiday in a laid–back, casual atmosphere. You’ll find fantastic beaches backed by towering limestone peaks, lovely tropical islands scattered off the coast and colourful coral reefs for diving adventures. Located 800kms south of Bangkok, Krabi is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations.

Most of the attractions in the Krabi area are natural ones, and in fact you’ll find some of the most dramatic seascapes in the world here. We’ve listed some of the most popular attractions here, and suggest that you consult one of the free tourist maps for exact locations.

Tourist Attractions of Krabi:

Ao Nang beach

 

This is Krabi’s main resort area, comprising a long stretch of beach, half of which has a backdrop of striking karst cliffs and the other half lined with resorts and tourist amenities along the beachfront road. Ao Nang is quite pleasant and a relaxed spot to enjoy your holiday. It’s not overcrowded like Patong in Phuket, and has a far more natural feel, but you’ll have to wander along the beach to avoid the noisy longtail boats that come and go from this point. Sunsets here are particularly good, with offshore islands as a fitting

Krabi Town

 

The small provincial capital that provides a glimpse into real Thai life. The town has largely escaped commercial tourism due to its lack of a beach, but it’s an interesting place to visit, having colourful markets, a pleasant walking path that follows the estuary mouth and lots of restaurants offering up local favourites, with seafood being a speciality

Railay Beach

 

Considered one of the most spectacular of all the Andaman coastal locations. This idyllic spot is a peninsula that canonly be reached by boat, as it’s separated from the mainland by sheer limestone cliffs. A few quiet resorts are situated between the two crescent–shaped beaches. In all, there are a number of beautiful beaches to choose from, but Phra Nang attracts most of the day–trippers as it features an ancient shrine inside a cave. Those who are fit can hike up a steep path to the top of the karst and gaze down into a hidden sinkhole lake in the middle

Koh Lanta Marine National Park

 

 Home to Chai Leh, who are known in English as sea gypsies. They typically live in small settlements and are nomadic, earning a living from collecting shells and fishing. The Chai Leh have their own language and set of spiritual beliefs, which are animistic in nature.

At the northern and southern extremes of Koh Lanta, the mountains are covered by virgin rainforest. On the west coast, there are numerous beaches that are wonderfully situated and also heavily developed but in a natural way, such as Khlong Dao, Khlong Khong, Khlong Nin and Phra Ae, providing views of spectacular seascapes. Along the western side and at the northern tip near Laem Kho Kwang, you’ll find coral reefs. Also at the northern tip’s Saladan pier, there are banks, shops, eateries and tour operators