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Islands & Beaches
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 Koh Samet off the
coast of Rayong province which is only a few hours from Bangkok to the
luxurious resort developments on Phuket Island which is just a short flight
from Bangkok, you can have the best vacation of your
life. More remote
destinations, such as the lovely and unspoiled Koh 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.
Most visitors choose to come after the rainy season ends in late October and
before the hot season starts in April. But even during the peak of the
monsoon season in September, it usually only rains for an hour or so in the
afternoon. The rest of the time, you can indulge in the water sport of your
choice, or just lay in a hammock and chill out.
Spectacular off-shore islands dot the azure waters of Southern Thailand and
the Gulf of Thailand, providing ample opportunities for frolicking in the
sun or for perfecting those tans.
Islands in the Gulf, like Koh Chang, are great for a family excursion.
Backpackers will love the wild parties on Phangan Island off the coast of
Surat Thani. For scuba enthusiasts, exotic Koh Tao is not to be missed.
Single travelers may prefer the uninhibited nightlife of Pattaya Beach.
Whatever your holiday preference, Thailand's beaches and islands can provide
the precise combination of excitement, exotic locales, recreation,
entertainment and leisure that you desire.
Kayaking / Sea Canoeing
Having gained much popularity in recent years, kayaking is widely available
at all seaside resort towns. It first became known in Krabi and Phang Nga,
being the most peaceful way and only way to enjoy the strange karst islets,
narrow channels and mangrove forests.
Sailing
The international yachting fraternity love Thailand's dramatic coastline and
congregate once a year at Phuket for the annual King's Cup Regatta. Though
sailing is possible at Hua Hin and Pattaya, the best facilities and most
scenic sights are in Phuket. Charter a yacht, join a crew or even sail one
of your own, the choice is endless.
Scuba Diving/ Snorkeling
The Andaman Sea offers some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs,
ocean drop-offs, and submerged pinnacles. On the Andaman Coast, the best
diving conditions occur between December and April. Whale sharks and manta
rays in the offshore Andaman (e.g., Similan and Surin Island groups) are a
major bonus during plank-tonic blooms in March and April.
Generally speaking, the Gulf of Thailand has a year-round dive season,
although tropical storms sometimes blow out the visibility temporarily. Gulf
of Thailand offers numerous wreck dive sites and islands. The crystal clear
waters enables you to view colorful sea fans and soft corals for up to 100
feet, while the murky waters, full of nutrients, attracts larger marine
animals, with numerous sightings of the elusive whale shark. The tropical,
warm currents means suiting up in bathing suits is quite adequate.
Those in need of adrenaline rush and want more out of life, take your pick
of any of these thrill-seeking activities sure to be memorable. Whether
you're a novice or expert, the skilled staff and facilities ensures safety
is a priority.
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