Koh Tao, little more than 21 km, is located about 70 km east of the coastline between Suratthani and Chumphon, in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Tao translates as Turtle Island, because in the past the waters teemed with sea turtles. Nowadays they have moved on to new breeding grounds since travelers and tourists enjoy Koh Tao’s beaches instead.

In the beginning, the island was uninhabited, and only the occasional fisherman from the neighbouring islands came by to seek shelter from a storm. On June 18, 1899, His Majesty the King Chulalongkorn (Rama V , 1868-1910) visited Koh Tao and left as evidence his monogram on a huge boulder at Jor Por Ror Bay next to Sairee Beach. This place is still worshipped today and should be treated with respect.?

From 1933 on the island was used as a political prison because of it’s far distance from the mainland. In 1947, Khun A -Paiwong, Prime Minister at that time, pleaded and received a royal pardon for all prisoners on the island. Everybody was taken back to the mainland and the “Turtle” was abandoned once again. Not for long.

In the same year Khun Ueam and his twin brother Khun Oh reached Koh Tao from the neighbouring island Koh Phangan, At that time, crossing over with a traditional sailboat was long and dangerous.

It took more than 12 hours crossing over from Koh Phangan, which is just 45km away. Even though the island was still under royal patronage, it didn’t keep these pioneers from claiming a good piece of land on today’s Sairee Beach for themselves. Together with them came their families, and they began to cultivate and harvest the fertile soil.?

Koh Tao evolved into a haven for divers, adventurers, travelers and holidaymakers from around the world. The island’s unique blend of coral reefs, natural & unspoiled beauty, and relaxed life-style makes it a ‘must-have-seen-it’ place !
How to Get There

Part I From Bangkok or Singapore
?????? Getting to Koh Tao is a two part process. Fortunately, the trip is pleasant and the scenery fascinating. Best of all, the extra step means there are fewer visitors on Koh Tao at any given time.

By Air (To Koh Samui or Surathani Province and then continue by boat to Koh Tao)
??????? – Bangkok to Koh Samui : Bangkok Airways* provides over 10 flights/day
.?????? – Thai Airways International (02 628-2000) offers daily flight to Suratthani. More information at www.thaiair.com
??????? – Singapore to Koh Samui : Bangkok Airways provides a daily flight

By Air (To Chumporn Province and continue by boat to Koh Tao)
??????? – Air Andaman flies four times a week to Chumphon. More information at www.airandaman.com

* Bangkok Air Tel: (Bangkok) +662 229 3434; 229 3456 (Bangkok Don Muang Airport) +662 535 2497-8; 535 3757 Internet: http://www.bkkair.co.th

By Train
??????? – From Bangkok to Chumporn (For travellers not in a hurry, the train is the most pleasant way to travel to Chumporn.)
??????? – Express #85 – (Bangkok – Chumporn) leaves Bangkok 19:15 daily and arrives in Chumporn between 3:30 and 5:00. 2nd class air conditioned and fan-cooled sleeping carriages and air-conditioned and fan-cooled ordinary carriages available. Ask the conductor to wake you up for Chumporn Station.
??????? – Diesel – (Bangkok – Chumporn) leaves Bangkok at 22:30 and arrives 06:00. 2nd class air conditioned ordinary carriages only.

By Coach
??????? – From Southern Bus Terminal – Air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches leave the Southern Bus Terminal for Chumporn throughout from about 09:30 to 22:00 daily. (We highly recommend air-conditioned coaches – non-air conditioned buses can be cramped and uncomfortable, particularly for taller people). The journey normally takes about seven hours. Fares range from 136-317 baht
??????? – From Kaosarn Road – daily bus & mini bus depart at 20:00-21.00 and arrives in Chumporn at approximately 04:00.
Part II – To Koh Tao
From Koh Samui or Surathani Province to Koh Tao
??????? – Songserm Travel provide a daily boat service which leaves from Na Thorn Pier at 10:30. You can catch a minibus from Koh Samui Airport to Na Thorn Pier. (If you catch the first Bangkok-Koh Samui flight, you should be able to catch this boat)
??????? – Lompraya Catamaran high speed boat provide a daily boat service which leaves from Wat Pra Lan pier at 08:00 and 12.30

??????? – FROM THA THONG PIER, SURAT THANI, Songserm Express Boat, Surat Thani-Koh Tao, 8:00 – 14:30, 455 baht/trip. Koh Tao-Surat Thani, 10:30 – 16:30
??????? – NIGHT BOAT FROM BAN DON PIER, SURAT THANI, Surat Thani-Koh Tao, 23:00 – 6.00, 400 baht/trip. Koh Tao-Surat Thani, 21:00 – 5:00.
From Chumporn to Koh Tao
??????? – Songserm Travel provides a daily boat which leaves Ta Yang Pier at 7:0. They also provide regular buses from Chumporn Train Station to their office (about 1 km) and at 06:30, a bus from their office to the pier in time to catch the 07:00 boat. The journey takes 3 hours.
??????? – Lomlak high speed boat provides daily service from Tung Ma Kam Noi Pier at 7:00 and 15:00. They also provide a bus service from Kao San Road to Chumporn leaving daily at 21:00, telephone 02- 280-0887, 02-280-1035 . Boat agents are available at Chumporn railway station. The journey takes 2 hours.
??????? – Ekawin high speed boat provides a daily boat which leaves Ta Yang Pier at 7:00. The jour ney takes 3 hours.

* All boat fares are generally 400 Baht per person. However, fares can be adjusted from season to season or according to the operators’ promotion campaign.
Night Life :
Koh Tao can have a pretty wild nightlife. The bars are generally a little more chilled, and a lot less crowded than the huge full moon parties on the nearby island of Koh Phangan, but with a bucket of Thai whiskey being passed around the dance floor you can quickly find yourself lost in a party that will continue through to the early morning.

Professional DJ’s from all over the world spin theit very best. Fire jugglers frequently perform on the beaches. Each night of the week will find a different party. Look out for flyers at shops and taxis. Most of the bigger clubs have dance floors on the beach, a couple up in the mountains.

There are also plenty of more relaxed, chilled little bars along the beaches in which to warm up for the parties or just unwind and get into the music.

Some places show live sports, some have pool tables and now & then places with daily changing movie programs invite you to come in and enjoy. Thai boxing is performed at irregular times,- check for flyers on the street. Don’t miss it!

Kohtao map

Thank : kohtao.com

Koh Sichang (Koh Si Chang, Ko Sichang) is a small island on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is the closest island to Bangkok and can be reached after an hour’s drive to Siracha followed by about 45 minutes ferry. Largely ignored by foreign tourists it is a great place for a peaceful beach holiday.

How to Get Here
Long ago, we watched people coming to the island on Chinese junks, but these days the choices are train, car or bus to Siracha, and then a ferry to the island.

Ferries leave hourly from 07:00 to18:00 with a final trip at 19:30, and they really leave on time. We have been left standing on the pier with 19 pieces of luggage on the ferry a mere 2 m away because we were 20 seconds late. If you miss the last ferry you can charter a special trip for B1,000.

Car
The fastest route is to go to Siracha by Highway 7, which is the extension of the Motorway. Watch for a field full of abandoned airplanes on your left at kilometer marker 18 beyond Chonburi. After kilometer marker 20 there is a flyover, and a sign for the Siracha Tiger Zoo. Immediately before the flyover turn left onto Highway 3241,? make a U-turn as soon as you can, and drive 6 km to town.

If you don’t start out on the Motorway, take the elevated part of the Bangna-Trad highway to the Bangwua exit about kilometer 38, then bear left to join the motorway.

Hesitant navigators will prefer to take the Bangna-Trad highway to the Chonburi bypass, and follow the signs for Bangsaen instead of taking the flyover onto Highway 7. From Bangsaen, it is about 10 km to Bangphra, and a further 5 km to Siracha.

Once in Siracha, proceed to Choemchom??phon Road, which runs along the seafront. See our map. Coming down Choemchomphon from the north (Chonburi direction) you will first reach an intersection? with Thai Phattana drugstore on the inland corner, and perhaps 80 m further, a second intersection with a defunct-looking Krung Thai Bank branch (the ATM works) stands on the southeast corner. On your right at this intersection Choemchomphon Soi 10 branches down to the water. Continue about 40 m to Choemchomphon Soi 14, with Mae Kim Chuay gold shop at its mouth. There’s a sign for Koh Sichang hanging over the road.

Turn right down this narrow lane. About 100 m in on the left you will find a reliable parking place, charge B100 per night. You may want to drive out on the pier to locate the ferry and drop your bags; it can be a long walk at low water. The last building on the right side of the pier is Charin Restaurant, which has satisfactory food and makes a good place to wait if you’re well ahead of the ferry. If you take the motorway, an hour and a half from the start of the Bangna-Trad highway is usually a generous allowance.

Bus
The air-conditioned tour coach from the Eastern Terminal at Ekamai leaves every half hour. Fare is B61 for the deluxe coaches, and travel time averages a touch over two hours. To save a little time, get off at the Robinson department store, and cross the highway for a samlor to the pier (“thaa reua pai koh sii chang”). Otherwise, the end of the bus route is at Laemthong Department Store on the south side of town; you have a little walk out to the road to find a samlor. From either point fare to the pier is B30.

Train
The Royal State Railways do not take passenger travel to the Eastern Seaboard terribly seriously: there is one train a day, leaving Hua Lamphong at 7:00, and departing Klong Tan Station (just at the Ekamai-New Phetchburi Road intersection) 07:23, arriving Siracha at 10:15. You will get to see a lot of rural scenery, and a different perspective on Bangkok’s suburbs, but the ride isn’t quick or especially comfortable. The fare’s an affordable B23. A samlor from the Siracha train station to the pier should be B40.

Activities around Koh Sichang
Samlor Tours
Among day tripping tourists, a very popular approach is to hire a samlor to take you to the sightseeing points mentioned below, the beach at Tham Phang, and more. The complete tour costs B250 for up to 5 persons, with negotiable stopping times at each point.

Boat trips
You can spend a pleasant day motoring around Koh Sichang and its sister islands, stopping to hike, swim, fish, or snorkel over the coral around Koh Khaangkhaao (Bat Island) just to the south of the main island. (The coral is not spectacular, but there is usually clear water and thousands of colorful fish to see.)

Swimming
The island’s best-known and biggest beach is Tham Phang (Fallen Cave Beach) on the outer, southwest side of the island. It offers a broad sandy beach, umbrellas and chairs for rent (20 baht per person as long as you care to stay), changing and bathing rooms, plus some simple food.

The beach at the palace is popular with locals, as is secluded Haad Sai Kaew to the south. When the wind is right, this is some of the cleanest and clearest water we’ve found in Thailand.

Fishing
The crowd of boats at either pier points to Koh Sichang’s economic mainstay-fishing, but above all, fishing for squid. A visit to the market on the pier about 08:00 is likely to present a scene of silver, gold and red fish, shrimp as long as 25 cm (ten inches), squid, and crabs, all vigorously alive, plus a variety of mollusks.

To catch something yourself, an easy start is to bring your own rod, and try your luck from the cliffs. Even an unlucky beginner can expect to land a few squid. To catch the bigger stuff, rent a small fishing boat for B600 on up a day.

Walking and Biking
Traffic on the island is light, and local drivers (unusually for Thailand) are careful of pedestrians, so you can walk everywhere there’s a road. Destinations not listed under things to see are the headland beyond Tham Phang Beach (by road) and the summit above the Buddha Footprint, to which there is a path of sorts. There is a lot of enjoyable bush walking, starting from the old palace, Tham Phang beach, or the Yellow Buddha. Be careful! Most of the island is limestone, and there are some concealed potholes. For mountain biking or longer hikes, the mostly empty southern half of the island has some very scenic tracks. There are also caving and climbing opportunities-ask at the information booth.

Snorkeling
Bring your own equipment, or buy cheap stuff in the market. The best place to see fish and coral is at the southwest tip of Koh Khaangkhaao, mentioned under boat trips.

Kayaking
You can rent sea kayaks at Haad Tham Phang. The very fit owner says he’s made a circuit of the whole island in less than three hours. Koh Khaangkhaao would be an easier paddle, and has nice, usually empty beaches as well as snorkeling opportunities.

Things to See King Chulalongkorn’s Palace
Built starting about 1890, the Judhadhut Palace was abandoned shortly after hostilities with France in 1893 showed how vulnerable it was to a modern navy. The main building was taken to Bangkok, where it is now famous as Vimarn Mek palace. Several of the remaining structures have been restored. A walk through the gardens and up the hill under century-old frangipani trees can be a delightful way to spend an hour or two, especially in the late afternoon.

Chinese Temple and Buddha’s Footprint
North of the town, very conspicuous as you approach on the ferry, is the Chinese temple known as Saan Chao Pho Khao Yai, or Shrine of the Father Spirit of the Great Hill. This predates [dmk1] the palace by centuries, going back to the days when junks from Ming China anchored in the sheltered water on the east side of the island. The shrine, founded around a cave from which seafarers saw a magic light shining into the night, draws tens of thousands of mainly Chinese supplicants from as far away as Djakarta and Beijing.

In a little gazebo about 100 meters above the main shrine is the Buddha’s Footprint. If you have the energy for a fairly stiff climb, the ideal approach is to go up the rear or western stairway early in the morning. After 505 stairs you step suddenly from close bush to a panoramic view of the harbor and Siracha on the mainland, spectacular at sunup. An improvised walking stick is handy for the steeper parts and for making yourself understood by any stray dogs that might claim the stairs for themselves.

Tham Yai Prik Temple
This unorthodox (nuns wear brown, and everybody works) Buddhist community offers a pleasant walk through shady gardens, sweeping views of both sides of the island, meditation cells in the rock, and a chance to talk to some of the monks and nuns.

Dining & Accommodation
Our main claim to culinary fame is seafood, but you can get a variety of other items-even a good steak, if you look. Koh Sichang also offers a surprisingly wide range of accommodation, from luxury hotel rooms to the simplest beach cabins. See the ratings and ads on the eat and stay pages for details.

Services
Financial
There’s a 24-hour ATM at the Thai Farmers Bank, which will change foreign currency and travelers’ checks weekdays 09:30 – 15:30. Nowhere on the island accepts credit cards.

Taxis
Most motorized travel on the island is by the distinctive three-wheelers (nobody calls them tuk-tuk’s here; they’re samlors, meaning three wheels). They are not cheap, but there’s actually an official rate structure you can expect them to follow. You can get a copy at the information/ police booth at the Tha Lang pier. The official limit is five passengers all for the same fare. For reliable and knowledgeable service, look for samlors displaying the Koh Sichang Tourism Development Council logo.? Motorcycle taxis are also widely available, and substantially cheaper for the person traveling alone.

Ferry
Ferries to Siracha run the same schedule every day, starting with the 06:00 trip. The next boat leaves at 06:40, followed by hourly departures 08:00 to 18:00. Service from Siracha is hourly from 07:00 to 18:00 with a final departure at 19:30. Departure times are from Tha Lang; you should plan to board 10 minutes early at Tha Bon. Outside normal hours, you can hire a whole ferry or speedboat for about B1,000 one way.

Health and Safety
It’s not usual to tell tourists of anything that might frighten or harm them, but we don’t want you to have any nasty surprises, and the island is basically a very safe and healthy place.

Medical care
There is a hospital in the center of the market where you can get emergency attention 24 hours a day. If an urgent procedure is required that the hospital can’t perform, they will send you to the mainland. Siracha has three
large, modern hospitals.

Stings and bites
There are very few cases of mosquito-borne disease on the island, but repellent is a good idea.

The island sometimes seems to be covered with millipedes (kingkue), the brown, tubular creatures you see inching across the roads and sidewalks, or squashed where they inched too slowly. Do not confuse them with flat, fast-moving centipedes, which are rare, but have a painful bite.

In general, whatever you might run into in the tropics, you might run into here. Wading around rocks or coral, watch out for sea urchins. Hiking, be careful of the cactus spines. We haven’t heard of any snake bites, but we walk carefully anyway.

Crime
With provincial, marine and immigration police offices, and a very small number of tourists, Koh Sichang is almost totally crime-free. You can safely walk anywhere, anytime, and if one of the locals accosts you it’s almost certain to be with friendly intentions. If you drop your wallet, there’s a good chance of getting it back with all its contents. Unlike Koh Samet, Koh Samui and other tourist islands, Koh Sichang does not take recreational drugs lightly. Don’t ask, don’t buy, don’t sell, don’t use where anyone might see you. If you want to swim nude or topless, hire a boat to a secluded beach.

Special Thank ko-sichang.com

Koh Phangan is located in Thailand in the province of Surat Thani. It is a relatively small island surrounded by two others known as Koh Samui and Koh Tao. Koh Phangan is famous for the grand view of the Full Moon it presents every fortnight. In the past it was also believed that the moon appeared biggest in Koh Phangan. There are even descriptions of Koh Phangan in Alex Garland?s novel The Beach.

Some time ago, a group of tourists found that the most beautiful moon was in Koh Phangan. They arranged a party along the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin to celebrate the Full Moon night. From then on, people from all over the world come to join the celebration…

And now there are 10,000-30,000 people at the party each month. The party begins at dusk, When the round yellow moon makes its appearance over the white sand beach. In twilight, small tables are lined up on the beach and thousands of lamps are lit…

As the evening progresses the beach explodes into a dancing frenzy as different m.c.’s take their furn on the decks. There is something for everyone here, trance, techno, drum and bass, commercial dance and reggae, no-one is disappointed. Jugglers and fire-eaters entertain the crowds as the night goes on and with the brilliant impromptu fireworks display, the party atmosphere is complete. After a few hours it could be time to chill-out for a while, maybe grab a drink or a bite to eat from one of the many beach traders and wade out or sit down in the warm surf of the Gulf of Thailand, pure, pure heaven.

Revived and relaxed it’s time to return to the main beach and get blown into another dancing dimension, While all around people are doing the same, there are no barriers here, no inhibitions, just people enjoying themselves with one unified intention, to rejoice in the magic that is the paradise Of FULL MOON PARTY (Full moon every month)

About Cha-Am
Cha-Am (it can also be written Cha am or Chaam, in Thai ชะอำ) is located 170 km south from Bangkok (2 hours by car) and 25 km north from Hua Hin, the famous seaside resort. Whereas Hua Hin has more facilities and a lot to offer for tourists (shopping, restaurants, entertainment…), Cha-Am is appreciated for its quiet and laidback atmosphere, its 5 km long beach, and its wide range of restaurants and accomodations.

Why visit Cha-Am
While Cha-Am successfully caters for foreign tourists, it remains a Thai resort, with a large majority of Thai tourists. So if you are looking for the “real Thailand”, for an “authentic experience”, well this is it! However, the sea isn’t really crystal clear, so if you want to do some diving or snorkelling, you should go further down south, to an island like Ko Tao or Ko Pha Ngan. Please also note that there is hardly any nightlife in Cha-Am. There are much better places elsewhere if you are after partying and nightlife action.

Thai people visiting Cha-Am usually come from Bangkok for the weekend. So the beachfront is very quiet during the week, and gets more animated during the weekends and national holidays. No need to say, Cha-Am is THE place to go if you are travelling with your Thai wife or Thai family. They will love it and they will feel comfortable here, which is not always the case in other popular resorts. Cha-Am is also ideal for western families, as there are a lot of activities for children and no bar scene like in Pattaya or Phuket. Expats and long term tourists in Cha-Am are mostly retirees from Northern Europe (Scandinavia, Netherlands…).

Koh Mak Island, where less is more ..
A natural, tropical island, Koh Mak, Thailand’s preserved ?treasure?, is an ideal destination for visitors who enjoy a tranquil environment unspoiled by mass tourism.Amongst 10,000 palm trees, there?s a temple, three fishing community villages, rubber plantations, two uninhabited beaches, a primary school, a market, a health centre, three diving schools, few shops, two internet caf??s, and thirteen small, unassuming resorts. Koh Mak is the perfect place to relax, explore, calm your mind and soothe your senses.

Koh Larn

Koh Larn is a wonderful little island in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Larn is located about 7km off the coast of Pattaya Beach of which is about two hours drive south of Bangkok. The Island is about 4km long and about 2km wide and has about a thousand residents most of whom live in the main village called Naban. Most of the people that live here also work and go to school on the island. Any of the everyday necessities are here including a police force and a small medical facility. There are about six beaches on the island that boast white sand and clear blue water. Koh Larn is a lush green tropical island which has an abundant amount of rain fall each year during monsoon. The terrain is mostly mountainous which is covered in most part with heavy vegetation, jungle if you will. Monkeys naturally inhabit the island as well as other wildlife. Infrastructure here in most part consist of narrow roadways covered with brick pavers.

There are many activities here for visitors to enjoy, some include para sailing, snorkeling, jet ski, banana boat, swimming in tropical waters, and there is even a shooting range located here. Because the island is mountainous there are also some spectacular views for those that like to take a few snapshots. Koh Larn is also very suited for bicycling and hiking, many bicycling events have been held here. Many movie production companies have used the island for movie shoots. There are many accommodations that will make you feel right at home. Then there are the places to eat many right on the beach, serving up fresh, catch of the day sea food. Many visitors come to stay their entire vacation on Koh Larn and return year after year, kind of a home away from home for some.

By the way Koh means island in the Thai language.

Thank : kohlarn.com

Pattaya A Travelers Paradise

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960?s, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation.

Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.

The Past

Pattaya?s name was originated from the march of Phraya Tak (later known as King Taksin the Great) and his followers from Ayutthaya to Chanthaburi just before the fall of the Ayutthaya Kingdom to the Burmese invaders in 1767.

When Phraya Tak?s army arrived in the vicinity of what is Pattaya today, he encountered the troops of Nai Klom who tried to intercept him. When the two leaders met face to face, Nai Klom was awed by Phraya Tak?s dignified manner and his army?s strict discipline, thereby surrendering without a fight. The place where the two armies confronted each other was later called Thap Phraya, which means the Army of the Phraya. This was later changed to Phatthaya, which happens to mean the wind blowing from the southwest to the northeast at the beginning of the rainy season. Today the spelling of the name has been simplified to Pattaya.

For centuries, Pattaya was a small fishing village almost cut off from the outside world. But a big change occurred on 29 April 1961 when the first group of about 100 American servicemen who would join the Vietnam War arrived in Pattaya for relaxation. Soon, sleepy Pattaya became Thailand?s premier and most successful beach resort, which annually attracts hundreds of thousands of pleasure-seeking visitors. A full range of accommodations from super deluxe hotels to bungalows and mini-pocket guesthouses replaced fishermens huts along the beach. Fishing vessels were adapted to become tourist boats and swimmers and sunbathers from various parts of the world frequented the quiet powdery golden beaches. Places of nighttime entertainment have also sprung up and are popular among international tourists.

The Present

Pattaya currently integrates the delights of a 1st class beach resort, city-like dining, shopping and night entertainment facilities with more than 300 assorted hotels, thousands of shops, restaurants and bars. In addition, there are an array of sports and recreational activities including beaches, golf courses, tennis courts, go-kart, gyms for working out, weight lifting and Thai-boxing gear. Pattaya offers a broad range of things to do. During the day, one may enjoy riding elephants or driving humble automatic mini-bikes, monstrous motorcycles, or even monster multicolored convertible Jeeps. Others go for shooting firearms, scuba diving and surfing, deep-sea fishing, speed boats, scooters, water-skiing, parasailing, or aerial sports such as gliding ultra-lights and flying motor-propelled gliders. On the other hand, at night, there are restaurants, bars, theaters, cabaret shows, night clubs, bowling halls, billiard & snooker clubs, discos, sauna & massage parlors, not to cite its absolutely incredible shopping which is available non-stop both day-and-night.

Pattaya Facts

This exotic beach resort welcomes approximately 5 million visitors a year. The friendly and hospitable Thai nature boosts its promotion, frequently bringing back the repeat visitors and constantly increasing the number of newcomers.

Pattaya city is located on the eastern coast of the country at latitude 13 N and longitude 101 E in the area of Chon Buri province. It is 147 kilometers from Bangkok and lies parallel to Sukhumvit Road on its east and the coastline on its west. Pattaya occupies an area of 208.1 sq. km. that is divided into 53.44 sq. kilometers of land and 154.66 sq. kilometers of islands and sea. Its coastline is 15 kilometers long.

Pattaya has a plain on the coast with some high mountains to the south. The area on the east slopes down towards the sea on the west.

Administration

Pattaya City has been administered under a special autonomous system since 1978. It has a status comparable to that of a municipality and is administered separately by the mayor of Pattaya City, who is responsible for making policies, organizing public services, and supervising all employees of Pattaya City Administration.

Reference: www.tourismthailand.org

This island is the farthest island from the coast of Trat. Its size ranks it as the fourth largest island in Thailand or the second largest island next to Koh Chang in Trat. The island, which is 25 kilometers long and 12 kilometers wide covers an area of approximately 105 square kilometers or 65,625 rai. Its natural features include mountains and plains where many streams originate and become waterfalls. One famous waterfall is Nam Tok Khlong Chao, which flows throughout the year and is an ideal place for swimming as it is comprised of 3 tiers; of which the upper two tiers are running streams and the lower one is a large pond.

In 1911, King Rama VI paid a royal visit to this waterfall and named it ‘Nam Tok Anam Kok’ to commemorate Ong Chiang Su. In addition; there are beaches with crystal-clear seas which are popular among visitors such as Taphao Beach, Khlong Chao Beach, Khlong Hin Beach, Phrao Beach, etc. Accommodations with a private atmosphere is available for visitors at the inner sea of Koh Kood, and the other two islands, Koh Rat and Koh Mai Si, opposite to Koh Kood.

Package tours including accommodation (on Koh Kood, Koh Lao Ya and Koh Ngam) as well as return fares are usually offered. Those wishing to charter a boat can contact the Laem Ngop landing or make advance inquiries at the Koh Chang Centre Point at Tel: (039) 538055, 538059).

Getting to Koh Kood
There are boats from Koh Chang to Koh Kood three times a week (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). Please ask for the departure times of the ferries from Laem-Ngop Pier to Koh Kood at the pier.

Infrastructure on Koh Kood
The island is rather flat compared to Koh Chang with the highest mountain on the island, Khao Phaenth, measuring 315 metres. It has a good number of wonderful beaches with crystal clear water (Ta Pho Beach, Khlong Chao Beach, Thakian Beach, Phrao Beach etc.). Inland, the island is very wild with a lot of coconut and rubber tree plantations located in the plains.

Population on Koh Kood
Most of the island inhabitants live off of the cultivation of coconut, rubber production or fishing. But meanwhile the expanding tourism industry gives more and more work to the less than 2,000 residents.

The best time to go to Koh Kood
The best time for a visit to Koh Kood is between beginning of November and the end of February. At this time it is relatively cool, dry and mostly sunny. But until the end of May, when it is hotter than the cool season, a visit is still convenient. Even during monsoon season, Koh Kood is worth visiting for it doesnt rain every day and all day long.

Activities on Koh Kood
Besides lazing on the beach, snorkeling at the beautiful coral reefs or just watching stars at night; visitors can also visit nearby islands for snorkeling and other activities. Some of the more expensive Resorts on Koh Kood offer Banana-, Donut-boat-trips and water-skiing. In addition visitors can do drop line fishing at the beaches and bays or rent a boat over night (about 3000 Baht) in order to try night time fishing.

Sights on Koh Kood
The village Aow Salad (Baan Aow Salad) in the Salad Bay (Aow Salad) is located in the northeast part of the island. It is the biggest fishing village on Koh Kood fresh seafood can be bought every day.

The marvelous waterfall Nam Tok Khlong Chao or Than Sanuk Waterfall, which was visited by King Rama VI in 1911, is one of the most beautiful spots to be found on Koh Kood.

It consists of 3 tiers: the upper two are running streams and the lower one is a large pond – an ideal place for swimming. Koh Wai, this small paradise is situated approximately 6 kilometers south of the southernmost end of Koh Chang The island is about 3 kilometers long, in the widest point 1.5 kilometers and has some very beautiful sandy beaches.

Koh Wai is reached daily by a boat starting at 3.00 pm from the Laem-Ngop-Pier. The travel time is 2.5 hours and costs 130 Baht.

Reference: www.tourismthailand.org

THE SECRET WONDERS OF THE KOH CHANG MARINE NATIONAL PARK

Koh Chang Marine National Park is new and virtually unknown to the outside world. Few people know of its secret wonders. Some even boldly call it ?the last paradise islands in South-East Asia?. A paradise it is, Koh Chang Marine National Park has been a heaven to the locals who need to replenish their mind and energy, to recharge.

Koh Chang is the largest of the 52-island Marine National Park, all of which are untouched by modernization with their natural resources kept intact. Thus, qualifying the park as a dream escape, a true hideaway, far from the bustling city-life. But in fact, Koh Chang is only 330 kilometers east of Bangkok or approximately 4 hours by road plus another 30 to 45 minutes by boat or ferry.

It is surprising even to the Thais that Koh Chang is actually the second largest island in the whole of Thailand, behind Phuket. Despite its size and close proximity to the capital, Koh Chang is least known, undeveloped, untouched, forgotten, and left idle for decades. No doubt, all these are a blessing in disguise.

Koh Chang Marine National Park is a secret retreat yet to be explored. Nearly 75% of the Marine Park is protected by law, under the jurisdiction of the Forestry Department of Thailand. This explains how it remains a virtual virgin wonderland shielded from devastating and vigorous developments. Hence, the lack of infrastructure and population.There are few thoughts of modernization.

The locals as well as their regular patrons are pleased the way it is. So, slow and gentle, tranquil and romantic, Koh Chang Marine National Park continues at its own pace, and still, a paradise for those who appreciate nature at its basics more than the sophisticated luxury of modernity.

The coastlines of the Koh Chang Marine National Park is a spectacular work of nature?s art and there are beautiful beaches, coves and bays around the islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is indeed a wonderland of fertile virgin rainforests, untrekked jungles, high peaks, breathtaking waterfalls, beautiful beaches, spectacular coastlines, colourful coral reefs, clear blue sea of warm waters, idyllic islands, fascinating wildlife and an abundance of healthy marine life. All waiting to be discovered.

Realising the rich tourism resources and the economic potential of the Koh Chang Marine National Park, plans are being carefully mapped out to open up more doors and windows to welcome environmentally-conscious visitors who can appreciate this forgotten paradise of leisure islands. Koh Chang Marine National Park is set to be the new holiday destination within an old natural Marine National Park. Soon it will be a secret no more.

Be the first to discover the secret wonders of Koh Chang Marine National Park.

White sands, tall coconut trees, dense foliage, rocky hills, and small coves – this is Koh Samui. Images like these are so like other famous islands of Thailand, Phuket, Koh Chang and Koh Samet, but Koh Samui has secrets and quiet allures that set it apart from all others.

The main town, Nathon, houses the basic necessities, including a post office and retail shops, but the experience of the island is in the surrounding areas. On this minute island the beaches of Chaweng, Lamai and Maenam offer the shade of palm trees, bars and restaurants hidden in the background, and perfect weather conditions most months of the year. Near the airport is the Temple of the Big Buddha, where a flight of stairs leads to a 12-metre golden statue sitting on an islet. He guards the area’s many small standing and reclining images and has a view of the bazaar down below, where vendors sell everything from cotton shirts to religious talismans.

The island’s three inland waterfalls are made for quiet afternoon picnics or cooling swims. A few kilometres away, the Bophut fishing village is a trip back into time, with its old beachfront houses and slow pace of life.