Thaiasiatoday.com – Travel Gateway: Looking for ways to explore Thailand’s numerous attractions, accommodations, or opportunities for an exhilarating adventure? Find diverse travel ideas and resources before venturing out.
The stunning twin islands of Koh Lao Liang are the perfect location for travelers seeking an adventurous break close to nature.
Located in the Andaman Sea, Koh Lao Liang is situated off Trang province within the Petra archipelago. These isolated islands are blessed with white sandy beaches, steep limestone cliffs, and warm, clear waters.
There is plenty of soft and hard coral found on the ocean floor around the islands, including a impressive form that featured seven shades. The coral can be viewed easily since the ocean around the island can often be as shallow as two to three meters.
The islands of Koh Lao Liang are a great spot for adventurous travelers, since there are plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, rock climbing, scuba diving, or snorkeling. Climbers should be made aware that the cliffs found on the islands pose a fairly challenging level of difficulty.
Trips to the island include a luxury camping package, which offers a mix of raw adventure and basic creature comforts (including electricity supply). Each tent can easily accommodate two people.
Listed as a world heritage site by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science, Culture and Communications (Unesco), Khao Yai National Park is one of Thailand’s best known wildlife sanctuaries.
The park’s rolling hills and temperate climate make it an ideal spot for cycling among its trails and vineyards. In response to strong demand, Spice Roads has developed a program so that cyclists can not only clock up the kilometers, but also take in some wine-tasting opportunities, and the chance to enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
Participants in the program travel to the park from Bangkok by car, stopping a various points along the way to admire the views. There is a short trek through the jungle to the Heo Naraok waterfall, before heading for Cabbages & Condoms Resort to check in.
In the afternoon, participants can enjoy an adventurous ride through the countryside before arriving at Gran Monte vineyard for the first opportunity to do some wine tasting. After leaving here, the group heads to Khao Yai Winery for a second round of wine tasting, as well as a tour of the facilities.
After a restful night’s sleep at Cabbages & Condoms Resort, participants can enjoy a hearty breakfast to start Day Two before heading off on a pleasant ride through the park to Hornbill Restaurant for a Thai lunch. This restaurant is part of the Khao Yai Winery.
Then it’s time to head back by bike to the resort for a relaxing swim before heading back to Bangkok via Saraburi. The trip back to Bangkok takes about two hours.
This two-day, one-night tour has been specially designed for the discerning traveler; someone who enjoys the countryside, likes cycling, and has a penchant for good food and fine wine. It’s also suitable for families.
For further information, contact SpiceRoads on Tel: +66 (0)2 712 5305, or Tel: +66 (0)89 895 5680.
Sample Pattaya's 'island getaway'
If you find Pattaya a bit too crowded, head off by boat to the nearby island of Koh Lan, which is just a 45-minute ferry ride from Bali Hai pier in South Pattaya’s Walking Street.
Although the island only covers about 10 square kilometers, it boasts half a dozen beaches, as well as several distinctive coves. Among them is the crescent-shaped Thien beach, which boats several seafood restaurants.
The waters around the island are crystal clear, and so it is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving. You could also sample parasailing, or for the less adventurous just kick back and soak up the sun’s rays.
Most boats heading for the island drop off their passengers at Na Ban Pier, from which it is easy to reach other parts of the island by pickup truck or motorcycle. Some boats also make a stop at Ta Waen, which has several restaurants, souvenir shops, and sun decks.
Several boats depart Bali Hai Pier daily, while a speed boat service is also available.
Accommodation on Koh Lan is provided at Baan Sukkee Resort (Tel: +66 [0]38 434 090) and Lareena Resort (Tel: +66 [0]38 434 083).
A splashing time at Erawan National Park
Located about 65 kilometers from Kanchanaburi, the Erawan National Park offers a host of natural attractions for visitors to explore, including caves, lakes, and waterfalls.
Most weekend visitors head for the stunning 1,500-m high Erawan Waterfall, which features seven distinct levels. You can easily reach the sixth level by a nearby trail. The area is surrounded by lush forest, featuring numerous kinds of orchids, shrubs, and trees.
The waterfall is said to resemble the head of the Erawan Elephant, a three-headed creature featured in Hindu mythology. Indeed, this is how the waterfall got its name.
Chachoengsao province’s Ban Pho district boasts a good deal of ecological diversity, thanks in large to the Bang Pakong River, which cuts through the province.
Ban Pho district has several interesting places to visit, including the traditional markets of Khlong Suan and Ban Mai, and the temples of Wat Luang Pho Sothon and Wat Chin Pracha Samosorn. These, and other nearby attractions, can easily be accommodated within a single day if you have limited time. Otherwise consider a one-night stay to allow for a bit more time to soak up the history.
The traditional riverside market of Ban Mai is among the most interesting locations to visit in Ban Pho district. It includes a network of over 120 shophouses and stalls, and the market has barely changed since King Rama V famously paid it a visit in 1907.
The market’s teak shuttered buildings, built during the reign of King Rama V, have been well preserved, but have also been underutilized. However, in 2004, the local community succeeded in bringing about a revival of the market. Indeed, these days it has become a popular destination among Bangkok residents.
A visit to the market gives visitors a unique glimpse into the past. Visitors are fascinated by watching local vendors prepare their dishes, while the riverside restaurants within the market offer plenty of local dishes, including Thai and Chinese delicacies.