Thailand: Khao Sok National Park

Thailand'National Park makes a challenging jungle adventure for those who prefer to travel off the beaten s Khao Sok path.

Tired of glitzy resorts and over-hyped nature treks more tailored to tourists than adventurers? Look no further than Khao Sok, a jungle situated on the Thai/ Malay peninsula that showcases thick vegetation and close to 300 animal species. As you approach the entrance, awesome geological formations called karsts (limestone conglomerations) loom to welcome you to this humid yet lush green world of shrieking monkeys and treehouse lodgings.

The truly hardy swear by the daylong hike into the jungle near Cheow Lan Lake, a manmade body of water that you cross on a pleasant boat ride to Tone Teuy Creek. After wading through the creek, the going gets tougher, as you cross a leech-infested trail; the best way to fend off the bloodsuckers is to keep moving, as they gravitate to warm, still bodies. Once past their nastiness, however, you have the opportunity to see tigers, elephants, and pythons in their natural habitat. For many, though, the highlight of the day is swimming through Namtaloo Cave's deep and rocky waters to come out at the other side of the trail.

Just about anyone could use some rest and relaxation after a stay in the jungle, and the perfect spot to unwind is the Amanpuri Resort in Phuket, about two and a half hours from Khao Sok. This elegant hotel offers all the amenities that treehouses do not: hardwood floors, large teak beds, and modern bathtubs for washing away jungle grime. The staff even provides guests with their very own gazebos for dining on scrumptious Thai cuisine and gazing out over palm trees. After a few days at Khao Sok, a glitzy resort doesn't look so clichéd after all.
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/12-22-2001-8333.asp

The 10 best things about Krabi in Thailand

by Andy Burrows
Located in Thailand's deep south, Krabi is considerably more tame than it's coastal resort counterparts. Much of the emphasis in this region is on the stunning natural beauty and there are many opportunities to venture out into forests or coral reefs. The entertainment scene is fit for the whole family, and there are plenty of planned activities to keep you engaged during your stay.

Rock climbing Krabi is known the world over for its excellent rock climbing. The abundance of unique rocks formations and limestone cliffs make for thrilling climbs and the best marked and bolted climbs can be found at Ton Sai Beach. Independent climbers usually head here first, although local outfitters can arrange trips to other more remote locations and offer lessons to help beginners get started.

Daytrip to Wat Tham Seua One of the most striking cultural phenomena of Krabi is the Tiger Cave Temple, or Wat Tham Seua. It's located in the jungles of the Ao Luk Thanu Mountains and is the largest temple in the province. Buddhist monks live within the caves, worshipping in their labyrinth. A long climb up more than 1,200 stairs brings you to a summit on the limestone cliffs where you can view the chedis and Buddha statues as well as take in spectacular panoramic views of the area.

Than Bok Khoranie National Park A daytrip to Than Bok Khorani National Park is a good way to enjoy the natural geology and plant life of Krabi. The park takes its name from a pond here that is hemmed in by wild gardenia, asoka and other botanical treasures. Camping is allowed in the park, though you have to bring your own supplies; there are no hotels or guesthouses on the premises.

Shell Fossil Cemetery The Shell Fossil Cemetery is one of Krabi's most popular attractions, consisting of an enormous slab of rock that has been forming for the past 35 million years. Over the millennia, the composite of fossilised shells has grown to a thickness of nearly 16 inches. This archaeological find is located at Ban Laem Pho Cape, only 10 miles from the Krabi Town.

Scuba diving Scuba diving and snorkelling is a must while you're staying in Krabi. All of the Andaman Islands sport wonderful coral reefs and the clear water makes for fantastic snorkelling or diving. Diving certification courses can be completed in four days and expeditions lasting up to several days can be chartered through one of the many diving companies.

Koh Lanta Marine National Park A trip to Koh Lanta Marine National Park will bring you face to face with the unique culture of the Chai Leh, or sea gypsies. These people speak a distinct language and have their own animistic religion. The island also hosts some pristine rainforests, spectacular beaches, coral reefs and laid-back guesthouses.

Exploring the archipelago A great way to see the archipelago of islands is with a paddle in hand. Sea kayaks can be rented for offshore exploration and from Ao Nang, you can paddle to several nearby islands for great views of the many karst pillars, caves and remote beaches. Organised daytrips are easy to arrange and are well worth the expense, as they'll take you to secluded beaches you'd never have found on your own.

Railay Beach Any holiday in Krabi warrants a visit to Railay Beach, one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline that the Andaman has to offer. Two crescent beaches are removed from the mainland by enormous limestone cliffs making the beach only reachable by boat. The most popular attraction here, other than the beaches themselves, is the enshrined cave at Phra Nang. Resort accommodation is available if you'd like to stay overnight.

Krabi nightlife The nightlife in Krabi isn't as high-powered as in some of southern Thailand's other hotspots. Most of the establishments that cater to tourists are confined to the Ao Nang Beach Resort. There are a few places aimed at visitors in Krabi Town itself, though it is mostly a local scene here. Ao Nang hosts a string of restaurants and bars. There aren't any discos, and for the most part, an evening in Krabi will be comfortable and low-key.

Biking Biking is another good way to see the island, particularly the area immediately around Ao Nang. Cycling inland will open up vistas holding the signature landscape of limestone outcroppings, coconut groves and quaint villages. You can hire a bike in the resort area and the inland loop can be stretched to as much as a 15 or 20-mile ride.
www.1stopkrabi.com

Excellent day trips from Phuket Island - Thailand

by Andy Burrows
Phuket is named the Jewel of the Andaman. Or is it maybe the prime gem in the crown of Thailand's tourism? However, Phuket is just the core of a spacious wonderful playground. And the other part of the 'crown' is worth discovering, even if the tropical fabulous beaches you're sunbathing on seems so great you never want to get away from them. Phuket sightseeing tours are a must.

Making day trips from Phuket Island is definitely a must when you visit this South East Asian tropical piece of Heaven. Within a few hours ride or trip by boat are several mind-blowing landscapes including the renowned Phi Phi islands, the wonderful Khao Lak coast, the eye-opening Pha Nga Bay, exclusive scuba diving off the Similan islands, and the breathtakingly beautiful karst-scapes of Krabi. There are national parks boasting lush forests, picturesque fishing villages, spectacular waterfalls, crystal clear waters, private tiny islands, pristine mangroves and exclusive beaches to seek out.

Phuket is without a single doubt Thailand's best developed and most popular island, a high standard, jet-set travel destination that has become a very upmarket place during the last decades. If you're travelling to Phuket for your next holiday you'll invariably find yourself based at one of several wonderful bays lined along the West Coast. From this location you can either rent a private car or use the option taking one of the available day trip tours to a destination of your choice. This is highly recommendable and there are both many travel agents and opportunities.

For first time visitors exploring the island itself is absolutely a great idea. There are numerous exciting and splendid beaches. Towards the south from Kamala you'll find a cluster of the best, past the popular and crowded Patong, and onwards to the posh Kata and sweeping Karon. Every beach is worth making a stop for a few hours to sunbath or sample a spicy Thai papaya salad (som tam) for lunch. Keep travelling south and you'll finally reach the untouched Nai Harn beach, a good spot for avoiding the crowds. All beaches on Phuket have their own special ambience.

To reach the island's north takes about a one-hour drive. This area has not been developed and tourists do not dominate the scene. The east coast's mangroves offer an altogether different look of Phuket. While visiting this area you might want to cool off in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park's Bang Phrae Waterfall or drop in on the 'singing gibbons' at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre. Tours to this area of Phuket are very rewarding.

The best scenery can be found offshore, the first thing on you itineraries list should be a trip to Phi Phi. This distinctive craggy island is formed like a butterfly. The island featured in the Hollywood movie The Beach and was world news because of the Tsunami tragedy. Actually there are several islands, and the majority of the available trips stop off for some mind-boggling snorkelling adventures en-route. Food is mostly served once you arrive at Phi Phi Ley's paradisiacal Maya bay. Only campers and park rangers are allowed to spend the night here so you'll have the immaculate beach all to yourself. Phi Phi Don is more dramatic and was drastically overdeveloped before the gigantic Tsunami washed it all away. On a tiny sandwich of coconut palms the resorts are found between two gorgeous bays, with rising to the blue sky karst cliffs all around. Once you've reached this spot you probably not want to make the trip back to Phuket!

Similarly popular and impressive is Pha Nga Bay's unique karst seascape, enjoyed free promotion in the James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Now also known as the James Bond Island, this is a must-see on all trips from Phuket but its all part of a gigantic theatre of pillars, dotting this vast bay and must be ranking as the most photogenic spot in the whole Andaman. Lunch will be served at the idyllic fishing village of Koh Phan Yee, which is positioned in the water on stilts. Don't forget purchasing some souvenirs and stroll around this remarkable community. Kayaking among the karst cliffs and caves is especially rewarding.

If diving is your thing and you have just one opportunity to see the finest, then you may want to join a few days lasting trip to the Similan islands which are located West of Phuket. There is also a protected marine reserve and diving excursions or day trips are the only way to reach the area's unspoilt reefs, or swim in the clear blue ocean. If you do not have a dive certificate, no worries there are plenty of available courses. As an alternative you could take a tour to Hong Island, between Krabi and Phuket and simply enjoy underwater snorkelling and unwind. This unique island boasts a hidden lagoon inside, reachable at low tide only through a cave tunnel.

Renting a car for a drive into the hinterland is also a great option. Phuket is by a short causeway linked to the mainland and after that you have the freedom, roaming the lush isthmus provinces of Southern Thailand. Travel to the north to Khao Lak, to explore a more untouched and wild shoreline, and some fabulous coastal parks. Khao Sok National Park is a bit beyond this with its vast lake, magnificent rainforests and distinctive landscapes. In the park chalets you can even stay overnight. Thai tropical national parks feature fantastic ecosystems full of streams, waterfalls, nature trails, a few animals and varied birdlife.

Even Krabi is a popular tourist destination attracting many visitors, it can conveniently be reached within a 90 minutes drive from Phuket and features some of most distinctive landmarks in the region. But this is a completely other destination!

www.1stopphuket.com

Had Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

Had Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park

The Royal forest department had surveyed and established the 75 million-year shell cemetery (Susan Hoi), Noppharat Thara - Mu Ko Phi Phi and near-by islands in Nong Thale sub district, Ao Nang sub district, SaiThai sub district and Pak Nam sub district of Amphoe Muang Krabi, 243,725 rais, as the 47th National Park of Thailand so called "Had Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park". There after, it had been expanded to cover the shell cemetery and near-by islands, 12.68 Rais., to have totally area of 243,737 rais. After that the area of Nong Thale sub district, Amphoe Muang Krabi, Krabi province which is the area of the Royal Thai Navy and the Royal Palace area has been excluded from this national park and left only 242,437 rais.

Topography

Consists of the land area on the coast of the island such as Oaw Maow mountain area, Oaw Nang-Hang Nak forest and other islands. The geological form of this area is the high mountain laid along the northwest-southeast direction. Coast area is the high mountain while the western side has deeper slope than the eastern side. Geological form of sea coast area and islands in Andaman sea would be affected by the line of earth layer movement so called "Indosenia Teotonic Movement". At the area of mangrove forest of Hang Nang mountain you would find the Klom mountain canal on the coast rim which get the drained water from a big pond, so called "Nong Tale" (Sea Pond) and originates the mangrove forest and low plain area of the Samed forest in the area of national park office namely "Klong Hang" (Dry canal)(Nhoparatanatara Beach).

Climate

"Nopharatanatara - PhiPhi Beach National Park are influenced by tropical monsoon wind. During November-October would has the southeastern-monsoon wind drives through and induces to have two seasons of weather here; the first is raining season starts from May till December and the hot season starts from January till April. Average temperature here is about 17 - 37 degrees celsius. Average rainfall per year is about 2,231 milimeters which would be highest in July and lowest in February.

Flora and Fauna

Vegetations in the national park area could be classified into 3 groups as follows :
Primary rainforest could be found in the high steep mountain. According to these are the limestone mountains which have a thin layer of soil and are frequently impacted with strong wind, lets the rainforests in this area are not naturally fertile. Most of plants are iron wood, rubber and shorea, and the low level trees such as chanpha, rattans, banyans and many kinds of vines.
Mangrove forest could be found in dry canal and Yan Saba canal. Found plants are red mangroves, samae, peninsular, withe beans, black beans, etc.
Phru forest is the society of dominant plants which found the dense samet trees in the Nhoparatanatara beach. Other found plants are shorea, jambolan plum, cogon grass, etc.

http://www.travelthai.com