Hua Hin ( Hotels & Resorts in Hua Hin )

Hua Hin is a district in Prachuap Khiri Khan Province located 295 kilometres from Bangkok and 90 kilometres from the provincial capital. It boasts a large market, and is full of food and souvenir shops as well as hotels. Beaches are located in the east of the province, and the main pier is on Highway No.4 at Km.232. The beach at Hua Hin is 5 kilometres long, and full of white sand and clear water, ideal for swimming.

How to get there
The journey from Bangkok to Hua Hin can be arranged by car. From the Thonburi- Paktho Road, past Samut Songkhram, turn left onto Phetkasem Road toward Prachuap Khiri Khan. Alternatively, take the Phutthamonthon route from Bangkok and head to Prachuap Khiri Khan via Nakhon Pathom, Ratchburi, and Phetchaburi. The total distance is about 281 kilometres and takes around 4 hours. Bus services are available from the Southern Bus Station, and include the Bangkok- Prachuap Khiri Khan, Bangkok-Hua Hin, Bangkok- Pranburi and Bangkok Bang Saphan routes. For information, contact tel. 435-1199. Train services are also available. For more information contact tel. 223-7010, 223-7020 or Bangkok Airways Co., Ltd. at tel. 229- 3456. Around Hua Hin itself, samlor and songtaeo taxis, or car rentals, are available for sight-seeing.

What to see - What to eat
Popular attractions in Hua Hin are Khao Takiap and Khao Krailat, which are located on the beach stretching 6 kilometres from town. The Khao Krailat temple of the Thamayut sect houses an impressive collection of religious art. To get there, take the bus from the Dechanuchit Road station which departs every 20 minutes from 6:00 am to 4:00 pm daily. The fee is 5 baht. Ko Singto, 800 metres off Suan Son beach, is popular for fishing, sailing and diving. Boat rentals can be made at Khao Takiep village. Another peaceful spot is Suan Son Pradiphat beach 9 kilometres south of Hua Hin, where the fine white beach is lined with bungalows and food shops. Buses to this area depart from Dechanuchit Road station every 20 minutes. The fee is 5 baht. Khao Tao is 13 kilometres south of Hua Hin, and can be reached by the Hua Hin - Pranburi bus, disembarking at the Khao Tao intersection. Motorcycle services to Hat Khao Tao are also available. Pa Lau waterfall, 63 kilometres from Hua Hin along Highway 3219, can be reached by songtaeo at about 800 baht for a round trip. Spending a night there requires permission from the Pa Huai Pa Lao Sanctuary Office of Kaeng Krachan National Park or at the Forestry Department. A variety of food is available in town.

When to visit - Where to stay ( Hotels & Resorts in Hua Hin )
Hua Hin is an enjoyable holiday destination all year round, although the period from November to April is marked with high winds and big waves. A wide range of accommodation is offered, from small guest houses to luxurious resorts.

Souvenirs
Due to its popularity as a vacation spot, Hua Hin offers all sorts of souvenir items, from dolls, ornaments, and decorations crafted from sea shells and coconuts, to Kommapat woven clothes, pineapple products, dried fruits, and aloe vera.

Chumphon ( Hotels & Resorts in Chumphon )

Chumphon is often called the gateway to the south. With a 222 kilometre coastline stretching from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Surat Thani, Chumphon is a unique diving resource as many of its islands, such as Ko Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi, have been declared wildlife reserves. As a protected area, its islands have become a safe haven for natural fauna, including a stunning array of marine life. Admission to the islands is by special permission only.

How to get there
The journey to Chumphon may be made by car via the Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom - Phetchaburi route, or the Thonburi- Paktho Road, turning right to Phetchkasem Road at Paktho district past Phetchaburi, then proceeding from Prachuap Khiri Khan to the Patomphorn junction, turning left, and continuing for about 2 kilometres to Chumphon province. The area is also accessible by bus (call tel. 434-5557-8 for information) or by train (tel. 223-7010, 223- 7020). There is a dependable taxi service in and around town, with its main station behind the old market, opposite the Chumphon bus terminal.

What to see
The sea at Chumphon offers ideal diving sites at Hin Phe, Ko Ngam Yai, on the south tip of Ko Ngam Noi, and Hin Lak Ngam. Additionally, boat trips to the many islands throughout the area may also be arranged. In particular, Ko Kai, with its soft sandy beach and beautiful shallow coral life, is well worth a visit. From Ao Bo Mao, the trip takes only half an hour, and camping sites are available for an overnight stay, although fresh water must be carried in from the mainland. Ko Charake, south of Ko Kai, is another beautiful spot. Boats often anchor off the island's rocky shore, where spectacular coral reefs are displayed through the crystal - clear waters. Colourful sea anemones can also be found around the island. East of Ko Charake, Ko Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi offer the best diving in Chumphon. The sheer abundance of active coral life and mysterious underwater caves have lured many diving enthusiasts to this area in recent years. A boat trip to witness first-hand the natural wonders of Ko Thalu is a must. Ko Sak lies directly beside Ko Thalu, and it takes about 30 minutes by boat from Ko Thalu to reach Ko Mattra, where inexpensive bungalows and food shops are readily available. In front of this island, the sea's tranquillity is ensured by a long curving bay, creating the perfect snorkelling area. Perhaps the most interesting creature on Ko Mattra is the 'Pu Kai,' a kind of mountain crab living deep in the island mountains. South of Ko Mattra is Ko Raet, and beyond that Ko Lawa, a steep, nearly sunken island.

When to visit - Where to stay ( Hotels & Resorts in Chumphon )
The most suitable period to visit this area is between May and October, as there are high seas and strong winds in the Gulf of Thailand from November to April. More experienced divers, however, are fond of its particularly clear waters between April and early May.

Souvenirs
Souvenirs in this area are mostly fresh fruits and fruit jams, such as banana, pineapple, and Luk Chan fruit, as well as sea products and locally woven handicrafts.

Ko Samui ( Hotels & Resorts in Ko Samui )

Ko Samui, in the Gulf of Thailand, is 84 kilometres from Surat Thani province and covers a total area of 247 square kilometres, one third of which is a low plain surrounding a towering mountain at its centre.

How to get there
Reaching Ko Samui requires an entire night's journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani, which may be made either by car or train. A ferry service is provided at the pier in Don Sak district, where cars are transported back and forth between the mainland and the island. The bus from Bangkok takes 13 hours, and can be arranged by contacting Khon Song Co., Ltd. at tel. 435-1 199, 434-5557-8, or Sophon Tour Company at tel. 281 -2882, 282-1943. For the train service, call 223- 7010, 223-7020. Flight reservations may also be made by contacting Bangkok Airways Co., Ltd. at tel. 229-3456.

Alternatively, a speed boat service is available through Songserm Borikarn Co., Ltd., and arrangements can be made by calling tel. 982-8100-20. For the regular boat (sleeper boat) and the ferry, contact the Ban Don Pier at (07 7) 371 -151, 371 -205. Travelling around the island can be arranged by songtaeo taxi or motorbike.

What to see
Samui is encircled by many stunning beaches, the most popular being Hat Chaweng, Hat Lamai, Ao Bang Rak, Ban Bo Phut, Hat Ao Thong Takian, Hat Na Thon, Hat Thong Yang, and Hat Choeng Mon. A wide range of hotels and bungalows at varying prices are offered on most of the beaches. The best coral areas are found near the shoreline and around smaller neighbouring islands such as Ko Tao Pon, Ko Som, Ko Mat Lang, Ko Ratian and Ko Rahin. To hire a boat and diving equipment, contact the island's various bungalow services and tour agents. Tranquil Ko Taen, south of Ko Samui, can be a nice retreat, as can Ko Matsum, which boasts beautiful coral life. The 30 minute trip is made by long-tail boat from Ao Tong Krut. Hin Lat Waterfall and Na Muang Waterfall (Pa Lung National Park) are 3 kilometres and 14 kilometres, respectively from Na Thon Pier, and are easily the most popular attractions, followed closely by the Big Buddha Image, Phra That Hin Ngu, Chedi Laem So, Khao Le Buddha's footprints, Hin Ta, Hin Yai, the Bullfighting Field and the Samui Butterfly Farm. Ko Samui also offers a colourful and exciting nightlife, with a vast supply of uniquely styled beer bars, discos, pubs, and liquor stores scattered across the island.

Where to stay ( Hotels & Resorts in Ko Samui )
On Ko Samui, the rainy season begins in May and lasts well into October, followed by the monsoons of winter from November to January, and the gentle seas of summer from February to April. Good accommodation suited to every budget is provided across the island. Almost every beach now has a collection of hotels or bungalows, or both, at rates ranging anywhere from 50 baht to 10,000 baht.

Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park

The second marine national park in Thailand, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is located 20 kilometres west of Ko Samui. Spreading out over an area of 102 square kilometres, or 63,750 rai, the park's many islands, plentiful coral reefs, and jagged rock formations are home to schools of fish and a variety of marine life protected from strong winds and waves. The marine park is comprised of 42 islands, the most important being Ko Wua Ta Lap, where the national park centre is located. In nearby Bua Bok Cave incredible lotus- like stalactites and stalagmites have formed over the centuries. Ko Mae contains the crystal- clear Thale Nai, or inner lake, craddled in the centre of its tall mountain. Ko Sam Sao, a coral life area, features a natural stone bridge stretching out to the sea. Ko Tai Phlao and Ko Wua Kantang both have coral reefs and clean white sandy beaches. Scenic stone layers spread out along the beaches of Ko No Raet, while Ko Kon Ban, Ko Hanuman, Ko Nai Put (or Ko Lim) and Ko Tai Phlao to the north present the park's most beautiful resources of shallow coral life.

What to see - Where to stay
The easiest access to the park is from Ko Samui. A one-day trip to Mu Ko Ang Thong is provided daily from Na Thon Pier and Bua Phut Pier at 8:30 am. For more information, contact Air Sea Co., Ltd., at tel. (077) 422-262-3 or Highway Travel Co., Ltd. at tel. (077) 421 -290, 421,285. Accommodation is provided by the office of Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, and arrangements can be made by tel. (077) 286-025, 286-931 or from the National Park Division, Forestry Department tel. 579-0529, 579-4842.

Ko Phangan ( Hotels & Resorts in Ko Phang Nga )

Phangan is to the northest of Surat Thani, about 20 kilometres from Ko Samui. Its area of 170 square kilometres, or 106, 250 rai, is surrounded by several minor islands such as Ko Tao, Ko Tae Nok, Ko Tae Nai and Ko Ma. Vast plains stretch out on the west coast of the island, while steep cliffs drop to the sea in the east. It is encircled by charming beaches, beautiful bays, and clear waters, with an abundance of coral reefs and marine life.

How to get there
From Surat Thani, a speed boat departs at 8:00 am and 2:30 pm on the Surat- Samui - Phangan route, and takes about two and a half hours to reach Phangan. Alternatively, a ferry departs the same area at 1 1 :00 pm and arrives at 3: 00 am. Most of the sandy laterite road in Phangan are reliable, although some sections tend to wash away during the, rainy season, particularly the uphill route from Ban Tai to Thong Nai Pan, and care should be taken when driving.

What to see
Coral life can be seen along the shores of the island, especially in Ao Hat Lat, Laem Sri Thanu, Ban Tai, Hat Rin, Laem Ta To, Ko Ma, and Ko Tae Nai, and boat and diving equipment can be hired from most bungalow offices. Opposite Ao Thong Sala, the tiny islet of Ko Tae Nai offers a variety of spectacular coral life, and tours and bungalows are also readily available. Other worthwhile attractions include Ao Thong Sala, Laem Hat Rin, Ao Sri Thanu, Than Sadet Waterfal I, Ao Thong Nai Pan, Phang Park, Chom Thong Waterfall, and Manorah Pond.

When to visit - Where to stay ( Hotels & Resorts in Ko Phang Nga )
The monsoon season from October to January renders Ko Phangan unsuitable for tourism, -largely as a result of strong easterly winds. Throughout the rest of the year, bungalows lining the beaches provide comfortable accommodation from 80 to 300 baht.

Ko Tao ( Hotels & Resorts in Ko Tao )

To the west of the Chang group of islands, Ko Kra and Ko Rang offer dazzling waters and spectacular sights. Ko Kra, with an area of only half a square kilometre, is rich with shallow coral life, and ideal for snorkelling. Ko Rang's white sand and beautiful curved bays make for perfect camping sites, a popular activity which requires prior consent from the Ko Chang National Park Office.

Ko Kut is located in Ko Kut subdistrict, in the farthest reaches of the Gulf of Thailand. Its western beaches are clean and blanketed with fine white sand, from Ao Ta Tin, Hat Khlong Lahan, Hat Khlong Yai Ki, Hat Pho, Hat Khlong Chao, to Ao Phrao and Laem Tian. Most beaches on Ko Kut are scattered with leafy coconut trees. Khlong Chao Waterfall and Anamkok Waterfall are two worthwhile attractions, accessible by boat to Khlong Chao Canal and a short 500 metre hike.

When to visit - Where to stay
Ko Tao, a sub-district of Ko Phangan 45 kilometres away, is comprised of two islands: Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. Nearly the entire area is mountainous. The irregular bean-shaped Ko Tao features 1 1 bays full of natural beauty. Along its 28.6 kilometre shore stretches 8 kilometres of undisturbed coral reefs.

How to get there - Where to stays ( Hotels & Resorts in Ko Tao )
Ko Tao can be reached by speed boat from Surat Thani along the Surat-Samui- Phangan route. A second speed boat departing at 1:00 pm from Phangan completes the journey to Ko Tao, and arrangements for this can be made through Songserm Borikarn Co., Ltd. at tel.(077) 285-124-6. Additionally, a regular boat departs Pak Nam Chumporn Pier at 1 2:00 am and follows the Chumporn-Ko Tao route, while a sleeper boat departs at 12:00 pm, arriving at Ko Tao by 6:00 am. Alternatively, a speed boat directly from Chumporn departs at 8:00 am and arrives at 9:30 am. For additional information call tel.(077) 501 - 64 1. Accommodation rates on the island are between 100 and 300 baht on average. Motorbikes, boats and diving equipment are also available.

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