Travel through Thailand is really easy. The country is a well-worn destination on the backpacking trail and everything is convenient and easy. Though well on the map, there are still good destinations to visit away from the tourist masses and prices. Overall, Thailand speaks for itself. It’s so well-known around the world that when you hear the name, you already think about beaches, beauty, jungles, and food. And your thoughts are dead on.
Ko Chang
An amphoe (district) in Trat Province, Thailand. It is located on the Gulf of Thailand's eastern seaboard, 310 km from Bangkok and near the border with Cambodia.
It is the country's second largest island, and the largest island in the Mu Ko Chang National Park archipelago.
The name means Elephant Island, and comes from the elephant shape of its headland. Despite the presence of elephants on the island, they are not indigenous to the island. At present, there are 9 villages on the island.
It is a mountainous island, with Khao Salak Phet being the highest peak at 743 metres. The island is known for several waterfalls, thriving coral reefs and rainforests. The island has an area of approximately 217 square kilometers.
Ko Tarutao
Located in the Andaman Sea, this is Thailand’s largest marine park that is a popular area for outdoor naturalists, snorkelers and scuba divers.
The National Park on Ko Tarutao is open only from November 15 to May 15 each year, and visiting during the off-season is prohibited. There is a admission charge upon arrival of 200 baht for foreigners and 40 baht for Thai citizens.
Phan Nga Bay
Phang Nga’s official slogan goes something like this: “A town of valuable minerals, amidst water-village, fantastic caves, peculiar mountains, Champoon flowering plants and fertile natural resources.”
Well said – though if they were interested in increasing tourism they might consider adding, “and only an hour from Phuket.”
As people who enjoy fantastic caves and peculiar mountains – not to mention temples, waterfalls, and the occasional wild-goose chase – Stephan (photographer and chauffeur) and I built a do-it-yourself daytrip. Northern neighbour, prepare to be checked out.
Similan Island
The best islands we visited on our thailand trip. The waters are clear and you can see the corals right from surface of the sea. Similan Island number 4 offers the best Snorkelling experience. Waters are very clear, seems like you are viewing a HD movie clip. The beach is not allowed to be accessed from island no 4. The beach on island no 7 and 8 is a nice place to relax. I recommend to go for an overnight trip to Similan and stay on island no 7 overnight. You can sleep in the tents out there. White Sand, blue waters, fishes present on the beach shore as well. This place should be on the to do list for all who visit thailand!
