MOTOR CRUISES

Although many would consider a sea-canoeing expedition in Phang Nga Bay the ultimate experience, other people prefer more luxurious adventures. And Thailand has something for them as well how about exploring the islands of the Andaman and the Gulf safely ensconced aboard a cruise liner?

Two different luxury passenger liners are providing services in these waters at present. Aside from cruise liners, of course, there are many tourboats running regular daytrips from bases such as Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Phuket to the out-lying islands. In many areas, as well, local longtail boat operators will take you to nearby scenic islands and coral reefs for snorkelling.

Cruising the Gulf of Thailand

From Bangkok. during the May-October southwest monsoon season, when the weather in the Gulf is ideal, you have a choice of one-, two-, three-, or four-night cruises leaving from Bangkok.

The one-nighter takes you from Bangkok to Pattaya and back. This is just enough time to leave the smog and troubles of the metropolis behind and remind yourself what it is like to be out on the sea. The twonighter takes you all the way down to Ko Chang and back to Bangkok. Three nights aboard lets you cruise the islands of Samui, Ko Tao, and Nual Nuang - also giving you the opportunity to do some good snorkelling. The four-night cruise takes you through the Ang Thong island group, a scenic joy, and on to Nual Nuang and Ko Tao.

Aside from trips to deserted beaches along the way for swimming and snorkelling (masks and fins supplied), there is a jacuzzi and sauna room. The afternoon sees a variety of games on board. In the evening, after dinner, take in a show with songs and dancing. End the day with some drinks in the bar and disco. Given that five meals a day may be part of the package, you'd better count on a bit of discodancing.

Cruising the Andaman Sea

All the same activities are available aboard the Andaman Sea cruises, which are scheduled from November to May.

From Phuket. During the northeast monsoon season, you have a choice of two-, three-, or fournight cruises leaving from Phuket.

The shortest cruise takes in Koh Phi Phi and other islands in Krabi plus the Similans before returning to Phuket. The three-day package visits Krabi, the Similan Islands, and the Surin Islands, which lie just south of Burmese waters.

Or you can opt for Krabi plus Ko Rok Nok and Ko Kradan, in Trang Province. Stop to swim and snorkel on desert isles, on beaches right out of your favourite dream of a tropical paradise. Four-day cruises explore islands in the Tarutao group, on the border with Malaysia, and Malaysian islands such as Langkawi.

Cruise ships allow one to visit some of the most attractive parts of the country in great comfort and style. Please remember that each of us has a responsibility to that natural environment which is so much a part of Thailand's wealth. Take care that you leave nothing but footprints on the beaches, nothing but bubbles in the sea.

Diving Packages	Krabi	Phi Phi Island	Koh Samui	Koh Lanta