Mu Ko Poda Situated south of Ao Nang, 8 kilometres offshore, Mu Ko Poda is fringed by clear waters, and offers white sandy beaches, as well as, pristine coral reefs. This is why it is a year-round attraction and an excellent place for fishing because it is not affected so much by the monsoon. Mu Ko Poda can be reached within 25 minutes by boat from Ao Nang. Many noteworthy islands like Ko Thap, Ko Mo, Ko Hua Khwan, and Ko Kai are situated nearby. A beautiful sandy beach, connecting these islands, is visible at low tide.

Koh Tarutao National Park is composed of 61 islands, 7 of them covering relatively large areas, namely Tarutao, Adang, Rawi, Lipe, Klang, Dong and Lek Islands. The rest are small islands scattered on the east coast of Tarutao and surrounding Adang and Rawi Islands. Therefore, the park can be divided geographically into two main parts: the Tarutao Archipelago, located 30 kilometres away from the coast and the Adang-Rawi Archipelago another 45 kilometres to the West. The southern boundary of the national park is the Thai-Malaysian border with the island of Langkawi only 5 kilometres away from the southern tip of Tarutao Island.

 
Ko Tarutao Island covers a land area of 152 square kilometres and stretches for 24 kilometres in North-South direction. The topography is mainly mountainous with the highest peak reaching 713 metres. There are only few plains on the island, like at Talo Wao Bay and Talo U-dang Bay, that have been used for planting seasonal crops and coconut plantations. Only the latter can still be found there as all residents have been moved out, when the island was declared Thailand’s first marine national park in 1974. Important beaches are at Phante Malacca Bay, Chak Bay and Son Bay that are all located on the western coast.

 
Koh Tarutau Island was used as a prison during the Forties of the last century. While the prison site at Talo Wao on the eastern side served for normal prisoners, at Talo U-dang Bay normal prisoners and political prisoners from the first democratic movements in the country where detained. As the distance to the next islands and the crocodile infested mangrove forests at this time made escape unlikely, most buildings were made only from wood and have vanished over the decades. Besides earthen foundation walls and overgrown tracks, some iron tools are the only remains of this dark period of the island. (The Pirates of Tarutao by Paul Adirex, ISBN 9748904695)

 
More interesting than a visit to the historical sites of Tarutao, might be an excursion to the Crocodile Cave. Located in the hinterland of Phante Malacca Bay, the cave can be reached by long-tail boat along one of the most important streams of the islands, Khlong Phante Malacca, that passes through dense mangrove forests and the limestone cliffs of the northern part of Tarutao. The entrance to the cave is above sea level but inside the cave, where the sea water enters subterranean transportation is by raft that will be pulled through the cave along a rope.

 
Koh Tarutao’s national park office is located at Phante Malacca Bay. Visitors to the island have to contact there and ask for permission to built up tents at the designated areas or use the long houses for their stay. There is a restaurant, a small shop and a small exhibition showing the features of the islands. The limestone cliff that bounds the plain area to the East offers a beautiful view to the bay and the mouth of Khlong Phante Malacca.

For reservation of accommodation on Tarutao Island, please contact the Royal Forestry Department of the National Park Division at Tel ++ 662-5790529, ++ 662-5794842 or ++ 662-5795269.

Thank : andaman-island-hopping.com

Koh Lanta? unique cultural ambiance derives from the resident ethnic groups – a mosaic of Muslim, Chinese and Sea Gypsies (Chao Ley) who retain their traditional customs. While some locals earn their living from the tourism industry, the livelihood of many is still based on prawn farming, fishing and work on rubber plantations.

This unpretentious tropical island is developing steadily, and you don’t have to survive without ATM machines, mini-marts and quality international restaurants – these can be found in all the main resort areas. And there is an official post office at Lanta Town in the southeast of the island.

Because it isn’t yet a frenzied tourist hub, Lanta is very family-friendly – a great destination for people who want to share quality time with loved ones – of any age!
Koh Lanta Weather and Climate
Koh Lanta’s temperatures range from 20?C- 36?C, April and May being the hottest months. November through April are the best months to visit (high season).

September and October see some rain, but May is the wettest – that’s monsoon season. From May to October there are very strong winds and high waves.
Dining in Koh Lanta
Authentic Thai restaurants serving fresh and inexpensive seafood have been joined by pizzerias and other restaurants offering cuisine from around the world – every resort has one.

From basic to deluxe, the choice is yours. And many tourists say the coffee tastes extra delicious on Koh Lanta.
Getting There & Around
Koh Lanta is accessible by land and sea, depending on your starting point. Koh Lanta Yai itself boasts a vehicle-friendly road system so, once there, you can cross the island from north to south in about 20 minutes. It’s easy and cheap to rent a motorbike on the island.

Taxis (looking like motorized rickshaws) are also available in Saladan Town (nothern Koh Lanta), or you could thumb a lift from a local.

There are various ways to get to Koh Lanta and however you get there you can look forward to a refreshing change of pace.

From Krabi
A regular passenger ferry operates twice daily (November to March) from Krabi’s Khlong Chilat pier, located approximately three kilometres (20 minutes by car) west of Krabi Town centre. It takes two hours, costing about 200 baht. Some resorts offer a convenient car-boat transfer.

From May to October public minibuses provide transportation between Krabi and Koh Lanta. It takes two to three hours, and costs about 180 baht.

Koh Lanta also can be reached from Koh Phi Phi (90 minutes, about 200 baht) and Railay Bay by express boat. However, this option is not available during the monsoon season (May to October), due to severe winds and high waves.

From Trang
Minibuses depart for Koh Lanta Yai from a stop opposite the train station in Trang Town, every day. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. During high season there are additional buses. You can book a seat at a local tour agency.

Should you rent a car, you can get a car ferry to the Saladan ferry port in the north of Koh Lanta.

From Phuket
No ferries currently travel direct from Phuket to Koh Lanta. You must catch a ferry to Phi Phi Island first (available only twice a day, morning and evening) and then go from there to Lanta. Bear in mind that ferries only operate during the high season, November to April.

Visas
People holding a valid passport from a country on Thailand?s approved list may enter the Kingdom for thirty days without a visa. Those wishing to stay longer must apply for a 60-day tourist visa, available at any Royal Thai embassy or consulate.

Tourist visas are not available once you are already in Thailand, so make the necessary arrangements before you leave your home country. Within Thailand, it is possible to apply at immigration checkpoints for a ten-day extension of stay.
Maps of Koh Lanta

Thank : kohlanta-thailand.com

The beautiful Andaman coastline of Southern Thailand, in Phang Nga province, provides the peaceful tranquil paradise setting of Khao Lak with it’s 9km stretch of pristine sandy beach set against a background of casuarina pines and overlooked by the towering evergreen forest of Khaolak-Lamru National Park.

This is an unsurpassed and unspoilt locale for nature lovers or those seeking complete relaxation.

Khao Lak is 80km from Phuket International airport, and is ideally situated to provide visits to numerous points of interest and natural attractions, including several land and marine based National Parks. The Similan and Surin islands, with their world renowned dive sites, are just a short trip away. The list of attracions and activities is quite extensive – beautiful deserted beaches, hiking, waterfalls, hot springs, elephant trekking, diving, snorkeling, reefs, lakes, estuaries, canoeing, wild life, remote islands … to name a few.

There is a good range of excellent accomodation, discreetly nestled in the environment, and offering every amenity and luxury, according to your budget, with views to the sea and surrounding forest. Night life is quiet and relaxing.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Emergency Calls ( 24 hrs )

191 (police)
199? (fire)
1699 (tourist police)

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Helicopter Emergency Service
1719
See Bangkok-Phuket hospital
Phuket
(lands at Seaview Resort, Khao Lak)

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Diving Emergency Service
(SSS Recompression Chamber Network)
(Global Hyperbaric Medicine)
24 hrs

Tel + 66 (0) 81 081 9444
24 hrs but operates from
Phuket from May to September

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Police stations
Khao Lak? (076) 420558?
Khuk Khak? (076)? 420519?
Takuapa (076)?? 421116
Phang Nga provincial police (076)?? 412075?
Muang police? (Phang Nga) (076)?? 412073?
General hospital (Phang Nga) (076)?? 412032, 411616, 411617?

Takuapa Hospital 39/2 Moo 1, T. Bangnaisri
Takuapa (076) 431488 (076)?? 431513-6 (076)?? 421080

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Clinic Dr. Chusak
KhaoLak 10/1 Moo 7
Petchkasem Road
Ban La On
(076) 485738
081 737 6098
081 968 9702

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Clinic Dr. Sumet
KhaoLak Petchkasem Road
Bang Niang
086 946 7638
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Clinic Dr. Seree
KhaoLak (towards the beach)
Ban La On
(076)?? 420149
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Inter Clinic
KhaoLak (entrance road to Bang Niang beach)
Bang Niang
(076)?? 486551
087 628 3577
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Dental Home clinic
KhaoLak
21/20 Moo 7
Petchkasem Road
Ban La On
081 135 3559
(076)?? 485895

Dental Clinic
KhaoLak
5/9 Moo 7
Petchkasem Road
(076)?? 420571

Bumrungrad Hospital (BH)
Bangkok 33 Sukhumvit 3
Soi Nana Nua
Wattana Bangkok 10110 (02)?? 6671000
( The Bumrungrad Hospital is truly internationally acclaimed )

Making telephone calls

Use the red phone booths for making calls within the same province only; they accept 1 Baht coins. Blue booths (5 and 10 Baht coins) and green (card) booths can be used for calls anywhere within Thailand.

Oversea calls can be made from the telephone office. Hotels and agencies will make a surcharge.

The international dialing code from Thailand is 001. Cheaper international rates can be obtained using 008 instead.

Special Thank : khaolak.net

The Similan Islands, located about 50 Kilometers West of Khao Lak, are composed of nine granite islands washed by a clear blue tropical ocean and blessed with some of the world?s finest beaches.

Similan is a Yawi or Malay word, which means nine or a group of nine islands. In 1982, this 128 square kilometres area was declared a marine national park, and in recent years this group of nine small islands has become one of the leading attractions for visitors to Southern Thailand.

With the establishment of stations by the Royal Forestry Department on Koh Miang and Koh Similan, fishing within the national park boundaries was banned and the unwanted visitors were substituted by tourists, especially after 1987, when leisure boats and dive operators started coming out on a regular basis.

Today Mu Koh Similan National Marine Park and all its reefs have recovered from earlier disturbances. Boats entering the Similan Islands National Park have to follow strict rules imposed and controlled by the national park officials, have to use the moorings prepared by the national park and use closed waste water systems to avoid any pollution.
Activities include Diving, Snorkelling, birding, camping and lazing on the beaches. Many tour operators make visits to these islands. Please see our links page for more information on agents we recommend.

Similan Island Information

The nine Similan Islands are named from South to North.

The Southernmost island – Ko Huyong is also known as Similan Island #1
Ko Payang also known as Similan Island #2
Ko Payan also known as Similan Island #3
Ko Miang also known as Similan Island #4
Ko Ha also known as Similan Island #5
Ko Payu also known as Similan Island #6
Ko Hin Pousar also known as Similan Island #7
Ko Similan also known as Similan Island #8
Ko Bangu also known as Similan Island #9 is the Northernmost of the islands.

Part of the park, but geologically and physically quite separate are Koh Bon and Koh Tachai.

Ko Bon (Bon Island) – with no beach and no accommodation this is still an island to visit. A portion of the islands coral was destroyed by dynamite fishing before it became part of the National Park. It still holds some stunning scenery. This is also the most common site for sightings of Manta Rays.

Ko Tachai (Tachai Island) Tachai Island is located at the northern most tip of the park. There is a beautiful white powdered beach on the island. There are several sites suitable for SCUBA diving. In addition there are several reefs suitable for snorkeling. Whale sharks and Manta rays are often found here during their seasons. Facilities incloud a freshwater source, campsites, a restaurant and small boats for snorkeling.

“Similan” comes from the Sea Gypsies. They speak a language similar to Malay. They named them ?The Nine Islands? (Sembilan is ?nine? in Malay). They designate the islands by names in Thai-and a number. The islands achieved national park status in 1981 and thus are fully protected under Thai law.

The National Park Authority maintains a residential center for Park Rangers and support staff on two of the islands: Ko Similan (Island #8) which is the largest Island and Ko Miang (Island #4), which lies mid-way through the chain. These are the only residents allowed on the islands, excepting the overnight guests.

Recently, the islands have come to the special attention of the Thai Royal Family which further assures protection of this national treasure. The Princess has had a “cabin” built on Island #4 and visits almost every year.

The Similan Islands are famous for hosting some of the most beautiful beaches, snorkeling and dive sites in Thailand and are one of the better areas for diving in the entire world. One of the most fantastic characteristics of the islands is that we have two entirely different types of environments in one destination.

the rocky slopes of the Western Islands are barren and feature massive boulders and wind swept trees. The Eastern Side features the famous white sand beaches and coral reefs.

Getting to Similans (Mu Koh Similan)

Thap Lamu Port is the main gateway to the Similans, as it is the closest point of land AND a deep water pier – home of the Thai Navy’s 3rd fleet. Island #4 is almost directly west of the port. It is approx 50km away. If you travel by speedboat, the journey is between 60 and 80 minutes. Larger boats and liveaboards take 3-5 hours to get there, so most of them depart at night.

The cost varies wildly from 1000 baht for a space on the deck of a fishing boat to 5500 baht for guided diving trips. A simple ride on speedboat is about 2000 baht. There are several options for this. There is also a boat owned and operated by the national park that takes 4 hours and costs 1500 baht. It leaves each day at 09.00.

These services are not available after May 16th of each year, as the park shuts down for Monsoons. Diving boats are the only way to get here from then until November 15th when the park reopens.

Taplamu is about 5km from the main North/South Route in Thailand, so getting there via bus is quite easy. The easiest way is to make your way to Khao Lak and get a taxi. If you have arranged a tour through a local company, they will offer transfer free of charge.

Daytrips to the Similan Islands:
The Similan Islands are famous throughout the world for the clear tropical waters, white sandy beaches and incredible marine life. That’s why you are even reading this page? Most people choose to Visit the Similan Islands for a single day trip. This is typically done via speedboat. While tours can be arranged from Phuket – very few people are told that this involves a 90 minute ride in a minibus to AND from the pier.

In Khao Lak you can chooe from many companies that operate to the Similan Islands. Again – please choose only those companies that are indured, certified with the TAT and carry safety equipment. You can choose Snorkeling only boats, diving boats or ones that cater to both.
Getting To Similan Islands via Bus:
Impossible! However you can reach either Khao Lak or try to reach Tablamu and then get a boat to the Similan Islands

There are daily bus services from Bangkok to Khao Lak (approximately 750 total kilometres), air-conditioned bus fee is 460 Baht, and VIP air-conditioned bus fee is 896 Baht. These leave from Bangkok at approx. 06.00 and 18.00 each day. The VIP takes 12 hours, and the Regular bus takes 14-15 hours. DO NOT purchase a ticket from the travel agents in the tourist areas. They sell tickets to Surat Thani and then put you on a local bus which adds several hours to the journey and lots of inconvenience. Please Purchase your tickets from the Government Bus Station – Southern Terminal.

From Phuket:

Almost all buses heading North (Bangkok, Surat Thani, Ranong, Chumphon, Takuapa) will pass through Khao Lak. The 1st class buses will take 90 minutes, the 2nd class can take three hours. They will depart about every hour. Just make your way to the Bus station at Phuket Town.
Getting to Similan Islands by Air
The nearest airport to the Similan Islands is Phuket International Airport. It is about 70km south of the pier. There are buses, and a confusing system of Taxis. We recommend using Khao Lak Taxi Service. Reliable, safe and secure. They are also quite affordable.

It is possible to get to Khao Lak/Tap Lamu via bus from the the airport. It is time consuming. Make your way to the main road (about 5km East). This can be done by taxi or a new public bus. The bus stop is on the opposite side of the road, heading North. It is about 600 Meters South of the crossroads. Every bus will stop there. Please ask the driver if they are heading to Khao Lak/Tap Lamu. The total trip should take about 3 1/2 hours.

Phuket Airport is serviced by several international airlines and a great many regional airlines.
Thank : similans.net

Patong Beach is simply where Phuket?s action is! It?s by far the most frequented destination on Phuket and has just about everything a tourist could desire ? it is therefore Phuket?s most developed beach! Located 15 kilometres to the west of Phuket town, this 3-kilometer-long white sand beach is jam packed with hotels, restaurants, bars (go-go and other types), discos and shops sitting alongside dive shops, travel agents and the outlets that cater for the windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing and parasailing that goes on around the beach. Despite the often frenetic activity, the water remains reasonably clean and suitable for swimming ? there are actually separate ?lanes? for swimmers and those involved in water sports? This is a good thing ? I would hate to see the consequences if they weren?t separated! Patong is particularly famous for its nightlife, which some say might rival that of Pattaya. Given that, Patong may not be as family friendly as the other beaches in the area. It is though a good place to start your exploration of the surrounding areas and a variety of tours are available that include Kayaking in Phang Nga, half-day snorkeling trips to islands off Phuket, sightseeing tours around the rest of island, and fishing trips into the open sea. Patong is also a good place to arrange your ?liveaboard? diving trips (October to May).

How to get there: Songtaew regularly leave Phuket Town for Patong Beach (20-100 Baht) as do buses from Thawiwong Road (15 Baht).

History

Phuket is the modern name for the island, and a variation on the older spelling ( a Thai ‘T’ has been substituted for a Thai ‘J’ in the Thai language spelling of the word ) which evidence shows was itself an exact translation of the word ‘manikram’, used by Tamil visitors from India as long ago as 1025 A.D.(B.E. 1568). It means ‘Crystal (or jewel -like) City.’ Because Phuket was a well-known stop among sailor in ancient remains, maps, and texts, the oldest of which is Ptolemy ’s dating from the early 3rd century A.D., where it states that in traveling from Suwanapoom, (the’Golden Land’ : identified as the Southeast Asian Peninsula) down to the Malay Peninsula, one passes ‘Cape Junk Ceylon’, which is a name often seen on old maps applied to Phuket.
There are also references in Thai history to Phuket being a part of the Shivite Kingdom of the Malay Archipelago. Later, from the period of the Sri Vichai Empire to that of Siritam Nakorn, Phuket was known as “The Town of TakuaThalang” being number 1 1 in a group of 12 towns that took as their badge the sign of the dog. Phuket was associated with Takua Pa until the age of Sukothai. During the Ayuttaya period, the Dutch arrived and built storehouses to use in the tin trade. Thus the northern, and central parts of the island were governed by Thais, and southern and western portions were where foreigners came to buy tin ore. During the beginning of the Rattanakosin, that is the present period (c. 1780), the Burmese King brought his armies to attack various cities in Thailand, and came constantly to attack Thalang in the south. At that time the governor had recently passed away. Khunying Jan, the governor’s wife and Khun Mock, her younger sister, ollected forces to fight with the Burmese army, and finally defeated them on March 13, 1785 ( B.E. 2328). The King Rama I raciously bestowed upon Khunying Jan the honorific title, Thao Thep Krasattri, and upon, Khun Mock, Thao Sri Sunthorn. Afterward Phuket grew and prospered through the mining and sale of tin.

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Location

Phuket is located on the west coast, in the southern part of Thailand. This largest island of Thailand, which is surrounded by other 32 islands, has total area 570 square kilometres. Phuket has it greatest breadth of 21.3 kilometres it greatest length of 48.7 kilometres, the province is bordered as follows :
On the north : is Pahk Prah Channel; Phang – nga Province is connected to Phuket by two bridges in the same area, Sarasin Bridge and Thao Thep Krasattri Bridge.
On the south : lies the Andaman Sea.
On the west: lies the Andaman Sea.
On the east : is the Bay of Phang – nga.

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Geography

Phuket is broken by mountains and valleys throughout mainly from a north – south range . running down the west coast. This accounts for about 70 percent of the land area. The tallest peak, Mai Tao Sip Song ( 12 Cane Peak) is roughly 529 meters, in Tambon Patong, Kathu District. The other 30 percent of the land mass is flat land located mainly in the central and eastern portions of the island. Sandy beaches and mountains lie on the west; in addition there are small estuaries and lagoons, including Klong Bang Yai, Klong Ta Jeen, Klong Ta Rua, and Klong Bang Rong.

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Weather

Phuket’s weather is typical of its location near in an area influenced by monsoon winds: warm, humid, but pleasant all year long. There are only two seasons: the rainy season, from May to November, during the southwest monsoon, and the hot season, from December to April, when the monsoon winds blow from the northeast. March has the highest average temperature, 33.4 c, and the lowest average temperatures are experienced early mornings in January, when the thermometer fails to 22 c. (Current? Weather and Weather forecast click here)
Population

The total population in January 1995 was199,847. Most are Thai Buddhists of ethnic Chinese blood. In addition there are Thai Muslims, Sihks, Christians, and a small group called ‘Thai Mai’ (new Thais) but better known as’ Chaolay’ or ‘Sea Gypsies’.
Government

Phuket government is divided into 3 districts ( called ‘Amphur’)
??? Amphur Muang ( Phuket Town )
??? Amphur Thalang
??? Amphur Kathu

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Sunset Times (at Promhtep Cape)

MONTH? TIMES?
JANUARY? 18.20-18.34?
FEBUARY? 18.34-18.38?
MARCH? 18.37-18.39?
APRIL? 18.36?
MAY? 18.37-18.42?
JUNE? 18.40-18.48?
JULY? 18.47-18.50?
AUGUST? 18.36-18.47?
SEPTEMBER? 18.19-18.35?
OCTOBER? 18.06-18.18?
NOVEMBER? 18.04-18.07?
DECEMBER? 18.07-18.20

Useful Telephone number
Country code +66
Long-distance code 076

Phone Directory Service : 13
Overseas Phone Service : 100
Tourism Authority Office : 212213
Thai Airways Office : 211195, 212499
Phuket Bus Terminal : 211480
Phuket Air Port : 327230-4
Fire Brigade : 211111

Police?? 191
Tourist Police?
1699? and? 1155
(076)?? 214368?
(076)?? 219878
(076)???212046
(076)?? 212213

Ambulance??
(076)?? 254425?
(076)?? 210935
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Medical Emergency??
1719

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Bangkok-Phuket Hospital
2/1 Hongyot Utis Road
Phuket Town (24hrs) 1719
(076)?? 254421-4
info@phukethospital.com
www.phukethospital.com

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Phuket International
Hospital Bypass road
next to Big C supermarket
44 Chalermprakiat Ror 9 Rd
(076)?? 249400
(076)?? 210936
info@phuket-inter-hospital.co.th
www.phuket-inter-hospital.co.th

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Mission Hospital 4/1 Thepkasattri Road
Phuket Town
(Sun-Thu 08:30-16:00)
(Fri 08:00-12:00)
(076)?? 212386
(076)?? 212149
(076)?? 237220-5
(076)?? 211907
pkah@phuket.ksc.co.th
www.missionhospitalphuket.com

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Wachira Hospital? Yaowarat Rd
Phuket City
(Daily 08:30-16:00)
(24 hours Emergencies) (076)?? 211114
(076)?? 211155
(076)?? 212150
vachirapkt@hotmail.com
www.vachiraphuket.go.th

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Patong hospital Soi Sainamyen
Patong Beach
(076)?? 344225
(076)?? 340617
(emergencies)?? (076)?? 340444
patonghospital@hotmail.com
www.patonghospital.com
Thank : thephuket.com

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Phi Phi island, or Koh Phi Phi is a God given masterpiece. Just 45 minutes from Phuket, Koh Phi Phi, offers an extraordinary landscape with immaculate beaches, impressive cliffs, aquamarine water and fascinating corals. Phi Phi Island, boasts a convenient escape, providing its locals and holiday makers with amenities and services they need while having a fabulous time offshore. Charming beachfront Phi Phi, hotels are scattered around make guests feel as though they truly wake up in paradise! Not to forget a healthy Phi Phi, vacation must include some outdoor activities especially scuba diving in one of the most striking sites on earth.