Looking to add some spice to your stay in Thailand? There's a lot more to do than just sun, sea and sand or visiting temples. More and more visitors combine their beach holiday and shopping tour with something more adrenalin pumping to really etch their stay into their long-term memory. Southern Thailand and the islands are famous for sea canoeing and game fishing, while the northern provinces abound with adventure choices, including trekking, caving, rafting, mountain biking and even hot air ballooning.
The longest running and best known soft adventure choice for visitors to Thailand is surely hill tribe trekking. Chiang Mai is the best base for this, with ever more tour agencies offering a plethora of organized treks to choose from. Treks range from one day to a week and typically include elephant riding and bamboo rafting. Overnight stays in hill tribe villages can provide for a wonderful cultural experience or be more like a trip to the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar, depending on the operator. Be prepared for some heavy walking and lots of spectacular nature.
River rafting has gained in popularity in recent years. The Nam Wa River near Nan sees lots of Thai tourists, as does the Mae Klong near Tak. The Pai River in Mae Hong Son Province is bordered by lush forests and widely untouched. The abundant birdlife and monkeys crossing the river are some of the attractions here. Nearer Chiang Mai is the Mae Cham River, popular for one-day rafting tours.
Mid-June to end of January is the best time, when water levels are not too low or too high. August and September see the most water and some rivers are too dangerous to negotiate at this time. Make sure the tour operator provides basic safety equipment such as helmets and life vests. A plunge overboard is a common occurrence while rafting.
If you want to keep your feet dry, try some mountain biking among the verdant peaks of northern Thailand. Plenty of tour operators organize trips from Chiang Mai with bikes, overnight accommodation, food and even back-up cars transporting supplies and luggage. You can also rent a bike and set off on your own. This is particularly easy for short, one-day trips.
Northern Thailand boasts some of the most spectacular cave systems in Asia, with many caves having already been developed, while others take more of an effort to explore. Possibly the best choice of caves is in Pang Mapha district between Pai and Mae Hong Son.
Here the famous Cave Lodge offers a prime base for exploring the vast network of pristine caves, many of which were first discovered by the lodge's Australian owner. If you decide to set off on your own just armed with a map and supplies, be sure to notify someone as to your destination and intended itinerary.
Down south, many caves can be explored by means of sea canoe. Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket are particularly popular with boating fans. Here you can easily book guided tours lasting from one to several days. Hidden lagoons, only accessible by canoe or kayak, make for prime camping spots.
Another option is game fishing for those who want to test their hunting skills. Phuket is the preferred base, with many operators offering tours including all equipment. A strict catch-and -release policy is enforced, so dinner will have to be in a restaurant. Adventure seekers are spoilt for choice no matter where they go in the Land of Smiles.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=505712
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment