Author: Douglas Scott
Phuket, is the largest island in Thailand. Its old name was Ta-lanf the word is derived from the old Malay Telong which means Cape. Phuket Island runs 48 kilometers north to south and 21 kilometers east to west. It is broken by a chain of mountains and valleys. The tallest peak, Mai Tao Sip Song is 529 meters. And 30 percent of the island is flat land located mainly in the central and eastern.
Everywhere is beautiful on Phuket Island but the south part of the island is straight out of a tropical daydream. The southern beaches offer some of the most glorious sun sets in the world
Phuket's beaches have the powdery sand, blue-green water, casuarinas trees, palm trees and strutting mynah birds, yet each is unique and each satisfies a different kind of traveller. Most of the beaches are located on the west coast of the island. The greatest concentration of shops, hotels, and restaurants are located around Patong.
The night market offers products such as silk, sarongs, handicrafts scarves, beach and leisure wear, leather goods and luggage, computer games CD's, and electronic gadgets. The main night market is easily found, it extends all the way down the Beach Road and is on all nights of the week. Every thing that is available lines the streets in brightly lit stalls. Another night markets is Along Raj-Uthid Road, merchandise includes recycled jeans, clothes, funky shoes, Thai sweets, orchids, ornaments and hair accessories.
Patong is the centre of the island's night life scene. Bars in Patong can be divided into go-go, beer bars, bars and regular bars. The road around Bangla road is only about half a kilometre and is pedestrianised in the evening making it easy to walk around and bar hop.
Pool and Sports Bars will show live sports matches from around the world. Go-go Bars are where girls dance on stage wearing nothing more than a bikini, or even less. The girls can spend time with the customers when they are not on stage and, the girls can have lady drinks bought for them and are available for take-out. Prices for bar fines and drinks are higher than in beer bars. Beer Bars are usually a small bar with a few stools. You can have a beer and play games or chat with the ladies working in the bar. If you like the girl and enjoy her company you can buy her a drink for which she earns some commission.
Showing posts with label Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Island. Show all posts
2007/09/02
2007/08/20
Mu Ko Similan National Park
Similan Archipelago National Park (Mu Ko Similan)
The park offers extraordinary underwater sightseeing at depths ranging from two to 30 m and it also embraces powdery sand beaches, huge, smooth granite rock formations which plunge into the sea and form seamounts, rock reefs and dive-troughs.
Similan Archipelago National Park consists of a group of 9 petite islands and covers an area of about 130 square kilometers or 80,000 rai. Situated 50 km off the west coast of Phangnga amidst the Andaman Sea, it was designated as a national park on September 1, 1982.
Sometimes, Ko Similan is referred as Ko Kao, or Nine Islands as the nine of them also has the number as a nickname. Actually, similan is corrupted from the Malay word "sembilan" for nine. From the north to the south, the archipelago comprises Ko Bon, Ko Ba Ngu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (actually two islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, Ko Ku Yong. They are just petite islands and most of them are uninhabited except for park officials and occasional tourist groups.
Mu Ko Similan has been appraised by Skin-Diving Magazine of the USA as among ten loveliest places in the world. The Similans are also regarded as mainly deep water diving. Their reputation is deserved because of the great beauty of nature discovered on the islands and extensive surrounding coral gardens underwater. The islands are undeveloped and unspoiled. A considerable variety of species of fish, crustaceans, and other marine life flourish. The water in the area is as clear as a glass and excellent for diving.
Aside from the beautiful natural setting, thirty-two species of birds including resident birds: the Brahminy kite as well as white-breasted waterhen and migratory species of the pintail snipe, gray wagtail, cattle egret, watercock and the roseate tern are to be found on the nine islands. Some of the beautiful islands include:
Similan Island:The largest island among Similan archipelago has the largest granite outcrop shaped like a horseshoe in the north. One can reach the top to see an extensive panorama of the sea. Ko Similan is excellent location for hiking and snorkeling. It encompasses a long curving bay with powdery sandy beaches and wonderful underwater scenery. The water is shallow and beneath the waters coral reefs and colorful fishes abound. Spiny lobsters in rock crevices and sea fans and plume worms can be found in a small bay on the west.
Miang Island: Miang Island is the second largest island of the archipelago; actually, it is two islands connected. The park office and guesthouses of the Similan Marine National Park are located on the island. Ko Miang is eminent for its beautiful beaches and colorful coral gardens. Scuba gear is not necessary as Ko Miang is perfect for snorkeling and the best location is at the channel between Ko Miang and Ko Payu.
Ba Ngu or Hua Ka Lok Island: The seventh island in the Mu Ko Similan chain is a rocky island with a strange feature of a skull shape. It is famous for its incredible underwater scenery with colorful fishes, grass and coral reefs. In association with the youngest princess of the present monarch and the Thai navy, an extra effort at environmental protection is made here, and a sea turtle preserve is operated on the island. Ko Ba Ngu is a place where you can see turtles laying their eggs on the white sandy beach.
Hu Yong Island: Ko Hu Yong is notable for having the longest white sandy beach in Similan Archipelago. Sea turtles come up to lay their eggs on the beach from November to February.
Exactly the same as elsewhere in the Andaman Sea, it is recommended to visit during December to May as the weather is good and the sea is clearest. To get to the park, one can take a boat trip from the pier in Tambon Thap Lamu, Amphoe Takua Pa or from the pier in Amphoe Khura Buri. The trip takes about three hours. Or one can take a boat trip from a pier in Amphoe Kuraburi which also takes about three hours to get to the archipelago.
Basic accommodations are available at the National Park Office on Miang Island and can be reserved at the National Park Division, Forestry Department, Tel +66 2 579 0529, 579 4842 or Mu Ko Similan National Park office Tel +66 76 411913 to 4.
http://www.o2blog.com/myblog/blog.php?month=&year=&user=thailandbeach&page=&syear=&smonth=&sdate=&style=1&id=514
The park offers extraordinary underwater sightseeing at depths ranging from two to 30 m and it also embraces powdery sand beaches, huge, smooth granite rock formations which plunge into the sea and form seamounts, rock reefs and dive-troughs.
Similan Archipelago National Park consists of a group of 9 petite islands and covers an area of about 130 square kilometers or 80,000 rai. Situated 50 km off the west coast of Phangnga amidst the Andaman Sea, it was designated as a national park on September 1, 1982.
Sometimes, Ko Similan is referred as Ko Kao, or Nine Islands as the nine of them also has the number as a nickname. Actually, similan is corrupted from the Malay word "sembilan" for nine. From the north to the south, the archipelago comprises Ko Bon, Ko Ba Ngu, Ko Similan, Ko Payu, Ko Miang (actually two islands), Ko Payan, Ko Payang, Ko Ku Yong. They are just petite islands and most of them are uninhabited except for park officials and occasional tourist groups.
Mu Ko Similan has been appraised by Skin-Diving Magazine of the USA as among ten loveliest places in the world. The Similans are also regarded as mainly deep water diving. Their reputation is deserved because of the great beauty of nature discovered on the islands and extensive surrounding coral gardens underwater. The islands are undeveloped and unspoiled. A considerable variety of species of fish, crustaceans, and other marine life flourish. The water in the area is as clear as a glass and excellent for diving.
Aside from the beautiful natural setting, thirty-two species of birds including resident birds: the Brahminy kite as well as white-breasted waterhen and migratory species of the pintail snipe, gray wagtail, cattle egret, watercock and the roseate tern are to be found on the nine islands. Some of the beautiful islands include:
Similan Island:The largest island among Similan archipelago has the largest granite outcrop shaped like a horseshoe in the north. One can reach the top to see an extensive panorama of the sea. Ko Similan is excellent location for hiking and snorkeling. It encompasses a long curving bay with powdery sandy beaches and wonderful underwater scenery. The water is shallow and beneath the waters coral reefs and colorful fishes abound. Spiny lobsters in rock crevices and sea fans and plume worms can be found in a small bay on the west.
Miang Island: Miang Island is the second largest island of the archipelago; actually, it is two islands connected. The park office and guesthouses of the Similan Marine National Park are located on the island. Ko Miang is eminent for its beautiful beaches and colorful coral gardens. Scuba gear is not necessary as Ko Miang is perfect for snorkeling and the best location is at the channel between Ko Miang and Ko Payu.
Ba Ngu or Hua Ka Lok Island: The seventh island in the Mu Ko Similan chain is a rocky island with a strange feature of a skull shape. It is famous for its incredible underwater scenery with colorful fishes, grass and coral reefs. In association with the youngest princess of the present monarch and the Thai navy, an extra effort at environmental protection is made here, and a sea turtle preserve is operated on the island. Ko Ba Ngu is a place where you can see turtles laying their eggs on the white sandy beach.
Hu Yong Island: Ko Hu Yong is notable for having the longest white sandy beach in Similan Archipelago. Sea turtles come up to lay their eggs on the beach from November to February.
Exactly the same as elsewhere in the Andaman Sea, it is recommended to visit during December to May as the weather is good and the sea is clearest. To get to the park, one can take a boat trip from the pier in Tambon Thap Lamu, Amphoe Takua Pa or from the pier in Amphoe Khura Buri. The trip takes about three hours. Or one can take a boat trip from a pier in Amphoe Kuraburi which also takes about three hours to get to the archipelago.
Basic accommodations are available at the National Park Office on Miang Island and can be reserved at the National Park Division, Forestry Department, Tel +66 2 579 0529, 579 4842 or Mu Ko Similan National Park office Tel +66 76 411913 to 4.
http://www.o2blog.com/myblog/blog.php?month=&year=&user=thailandbeach&page=&syear=&smonth=&sdate=&style=1&id=514
2007/08/18
Top 5 Beaches in the World
by William Brister
The lure of the bronze sun, vast azure skies and the endless blue-green oceans on a tropical paradise beach resort make for a perfect holiday destination. With hundreds of beautiful beaches to choose from, some have been given the distinction of being the best beaches in the world. Some of these resorts are listed below.
1) Ka'anapali, Hawaii One of the most populated, popular, and best beaches in Maui, Hawaii, Ka'napali is a paradise on earth. It is located in West Maui, two miles north of the historic whaling town of Lahaina and is surrounded by numerous elegant hotels and condominiums. The beach is three miles long and is full of fun-filled activities where you can snorkel, windsurf, jet-ski, parasail and even kayak. It is divided into two separate long stretches by a massive 300 foot cinder cone Pu'u Keka' known as the Black Rock. The rock divides the sand in two and swimmers find themselves bathing in deep water. The rugged lava coastline around the Rock is also an outstanding snorkeling spot, one of the best on the island. Swimming in the crystal clear waters is safe throughout the year but best outside the season of high winter surfs. travelocity.com
2) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA With 60 miles of pristine beach, Myrtle Beach water sports and Myrtle Beach fishing are the finest among the different beaches in America. Besides lazing and tanning in the tropical sun, the soft wide beach provides ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, parasailing, shell collecting and volleyball.
Although your fun begins at the beach, always the most popular attraction, there is plenty more to do at Myrtle Beach. Besides beautiful beaches, it has delectable food, amusement parks, variety of shopping malls, lively nightlife and adventure sports. With hundreds of attractions, both indoors and outdoors, Myrtle Beach offers fun and excitement for all ages to enjoy.
This beautiful beach resort has more than 100 professional golf courses, a NASCAR sanctioned track, minor league baseball as well as tennis. You can take a deep sea fishing adventure from eight different piers or fish the backwaters and creeks all the way from Little River to Pawley's Island on the South Carolina coast. Moreover, there is a wildlife sanctuary where you are likely to spot alligators and deer combined with several boat tours to give you a real feel of the place. Visitmyrtlebeach.com
3) Cancun, Mexico Cancun is truly known as the vacation haven of the 21st century with gorgeous beaches of white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Having started off as a fishing village of only 120 people, Cancun is now a bustling beach resort with a population of half a million and a tourist onslaught of more than two million a year. One of Mexico's popular and best beaches it features world class resorts, hotels, clubs and malls. It offers something for people of all ages whether it an all-day fun at the beach or an isolated, tranquil island. It is close to Miami and has a number of activities to choose from like parachuting, jet-skiing, scuba-diving and golf. Topless bathing is an accepted activity in and around the surrounding areas of Cancun.
With striking modern hotels along the beach front and a lively nightlife, it is a fantastic getaway for the weary traveler. It encloses a huge lagoon, with water on both sides. Also, much of the Yucatan is easily accessible from here. There are two quite separate parts to Cancún: the zona commercial downtown which houses the shopping and residential centre and the zona hotelera - a string of hotels and tourist amenities around the Cancún Island. This is a narrow strip of sandy beach connected to the mainland at each end by causeways. cancun.com
4) Montego Bay, Jamaica Montego Bay is known for its long sandy stretch of bay with miles of coral reef and some of the most beautiful and best beaches in the world. Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city and rests between the gently sloping hills of Bogue, Kempshot and Salem. It extends approximately ten miles from the suburban rich area of Reading at its western edge to the plush villas and resort hotels of Ironshore and Rose Hall to the east.
Montego Bay is made up of two distinct parts - The Gloucester Avenue now called the Hip Strip and the city proper or the downtown.
All along the coastline are beautiful luxury hotels with three main public beaches which offer all amenities and several water sports. For a quieter and tranquil atmosphere you can head to the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean Beach Park, east of the town of Ironshore.
Montego Bay offers a wide variety of entertainment and sporting activities. From fun on the beach to the delicious food served at the waterfront, white water rafting and adventure sports, catamaran rides and fishing charters, it has it all. montego-bay-jamaica.com
5) Phuket, Thailand Sand between your toes, stunning tropical sunsets, cold drink in your hand and warm blue inviting seas - this is picture perfect Phuket. This island is known for its silky soft beaches, superb oriental hospitality and great value accommodation. You can go diving in the Andaman Sea, golfing at championship courses or indulge in exciting eco-adventures in the tropical forest of Phuket. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to surrounding islands or a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay, or simply enjoy Phuket's vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach.
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is a large island in the Indian Ocean. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the town is known for its quaint Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.
www.travelonguide.com
The lure of the bronze sun, vast azure skies and the endless blue-green oceans on a tropical paradise beach resort make for a perfect holiday destination. With hundreds of beautiful beaches to choose from, some have been given the distinction of being the best beaches in the world. Some of these resorts are listed below.
1) Ka'anapali, Hawaii One of the most populated, popular, and best beaches in Maui, Hawaii, Ka'napali is a paradise on earth. It is located in West Maui, two miles north of the historic whaling town of Lahaina and is surrounded by numerous elegant hotels and condominiums. The beach is three miles long and is full of fun-filled activities where you can snorkel, windsurf, jet-ski, parasail and even kayak. It is divided into two separate long stretches by a massive 300 foot cinder cone Pu'u Keka' known as the Black Rock. The rock divides the sand in two and swimmers find themselves bathing in deep water. The rugged lava coastline around the Rock is also an outstanding snorkeling spot, one of the best on the island. Swimming in the crystal clear waters is safe throughout the year but best outside the season of high winter surfs. travelocity.com
2) Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA With 60 miles of pristine beach, Myrtle Beach water sports and Myrtle Beach fishing are the finest among the different beaches in America. Besides lazing and tanning in the tropical sun, the soft wide beach provides ample opportunities for swimming, surfing, parasailing, shell collecting and volleyball.
Although your fun begins at the beach, always the most popular attraction, there is plenty more to do at Myrtle Beach. Besides beautiful beaches, it has delectable food, amusement parks, variety of shopping malls, lively nightlife and adventure sports. With hundreds of attractions, both indoors and outdoors, Myrtle Beach offers fun and excitement for all ages to enjoy.
This beautiful beach resort has more than 100 professional golf courses, a NASCAR sanctioned track, minor league baseball as well as tennis. You can take a deep sea fishing adventure from eight different piers or fish the backwaters and creeks all the way from Little River to Pawley's Island on the South Carolina coast. Moreover, there is a wildlife sanctuary where you are likely to spot alligators and deer combined with several boat tours to give you a real feel of the place. Visitmyrtlebeach.com
3) Cancun, Mexico Cancun is truly known as the vacation haven of the 21st century with gorgeous beaches of white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea. Having started off as a fishing village of only 120 people, Cancun is now a bustling beach resort with a population of half a million and a tourist onslaught of more than two million a year. One of Mexico's popular and best beaches it features world class resorts, hotels, clubs and malls. It offers something for people of all ages whether it an all-day fun at the beach or an isolated, tranquil island. It is close to Miami and has a number of activities to choose from like parachuting, jet-skiing, scuba-diving and golf. Topless bathing is an accepted activity in and around the surrounding areas of Cancun.
With striking modern hotels along the beach front and a lively nightlife, it is a fantastic getaway for the weary traveler. It encloses a huge lagoon, with water on both sides. Also, much of the Yucatan is easily accessible from here. There are two quite separate parts to Cancún: the zona commercial downtown which houses the shopping and residential centre and the zona hotelera - a string of hotels and tourist amenities around the Cancún Island. This is a narrow strip of sandy beach connected to the mainland at each end by causeways. cancun.com
4) Montego Bay, Jamaica Montego Bay is known for its long sandy stretch of bay with miles of coral reef and some of the most beautiful and best beaches in the world. Montego Bay is Jamaica's second largest city and rests between the gently sloping hills of Bogue, Kempshot and Salem. It extends approximately ten miles from the suburban rich area of Reading at its western edge to the plush villas and resort hotels of Ironshore and Rose Hall to the east.
Montego Bay is made up of two distinct parts - The Gloucester Avenue now called the Hip Strip and the city proper or the downtown.
All along the coastline are beautiful luxury hotels with three main public beaches which offer all amenities and several water sports. For a quieter and tranquil atmosphere you can head to the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean Beach Park, east of the town of Ironshore.
Montego Bay offers a wide variety of entertainment and sporting activities. From fun on the beach to the delicious food served at the waterfront, white water rafting and adventure sports, catamaran rides and fishing charters, it has it all. montego-bay-jamaica.com
5) Phuket, Thailand Sand between your toes, stunning tropical sunsets, cold drink in your hand and warm blue inviting seas - this is picture perfect Phuket. This island is known for its silky soft beaches, superb oriental hospitality and great value accommodation. You can go diving in the Andaman Sea, golfing at championship courses or indulge in exciting eco-adventures in the tropical forest of Phuket. Take an exhilarating speedboat trip to surrounding islands or a serene cruise around mystical Phang Nga Bay, or simply enjoy Phuket's vibrant nightlife in Patong Beach.
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is a large island in the Indian Ocean. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the town is known for its quaint Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.
www.travelonguide.com
2007/08/10
Phuket - Top Holiday Destination in Thailand
by James Bukovsky
Phuket Island - Popular Vacation Destination
Phuket has grown into one of the premier holiday destinations in South East Asia and is one of the busiest travel destinations of Thailand. It has replaced Bali as the most popular holiday island in the region.
What makes Phuket island such a great travel destination?
Phuket is first of all an inexpensive holiday destination. Phuket hotels, resorts and guesthouses can be found in all price categories and ratings and prices are considerably cheaper then what one would encounter in Europe or America.
Dining in restaurants or buying drinks in bars or clubs on Phuket is also less expensive then what most tourists are used to paying back in their home countries.
Phuket Beaches
The palm tree lined beaches of Phuket Island are of course world famous due to its crystal white sand and clear water of the Andaman Sea. Some of the nicest and most popular beaches found on Phuket Island are the beaches at Patong, Kamala, Karon, Kata and Nai Harn.
Phuket Nightlife
The Phuket nightlife is another reason why many tourists visit Phuket each year on holiday. Many tourists seem to keep coming back each year for especially the nightlife and bars of Phuket.
Most Phuket island nightlife venues can be found in Patong beach along the well known Soi Bangla. A number of large clubs are located along Bangla road in Patong including the very popular Tiger disco and the new Seduction Disco.
You can also find along Bangla road and the many small streets leading into Soi Bangla hundreds of beer bars. Each beer bar has a number of beautiful Thai ladies working for them who there to please the clients.
Phuket Shopping
Going shopping in Phuket in the past was not one of the most interesting activities for tourists due to the lack of a good variety of shops and products. Most of the shops sold the same tailor made clothing, bootleg movies and software and fake designer clothing.
Over the last few years however, a number of large shopping malls have opened on Phuket housing well known international retailers, unique local boutiques as well as international restaurant outlets such as Outback steakhouse and Burger King.
If you are going to visit Phuket for a holiday then please make sure to visit the brand new Phuket Junkceylon mall in Patong or the Central Carnival Mall along the Phuket bypass road.
http://www.phuketbeach.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
