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KrabiCity/Region: The Coast
The tiny Thai province of Krabi, 500 miles (800km) south of Bangkok, is a magical, as yet unspoilt Eden and one of the country's most enchanting coastal resort destinations. The tranquil Krabi coast is made up of pristine, coral-fringed white beaches, a myriad of caves and waterfalls, and numerous exotic islets washed by the azure sea. Beyond the beaches lie lush jungles where giant trees trail lianas, and rivers fall over high cliffs or swirl lazily through mangrove forests. Visitors spend their days scuba diving in the Andaman Sea, climbing
the cliffs above Ao Phranang and Railay beaches, hiking to mountain-top pagodas, discovering hidden temples set in the valleys, exploring caves, seeking out offshore paradise islands, or simply relaxing beneath a palm tree on an unspoiled stretch of white sand.
PhuketCity/Region: The Coast
In the Andaman Sea off Thailand's west coast, Phuket, or the 'Pearl of the South' as it has become known, is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. Thailand's largest island, Phuket is incredibly diverse, with rocky and sandy beaches, tall cliffs, forests, waterfalls and temples. Phuket caters to all, with a variety of resorts offering accommodation from backpackers and simple guesthouses to modern luxury hotels. There is plenty to do on the island, whatever your budget, and several offshore islands are good for snorkeling and scuba diving. Phuket also has its own airport, making it easy to get to and from Bangkok, and although the island hosts thousands of tourists in peak season, its sheer size allows visitors to escape from the madding crowds. Patong Beach is the island's most famous and developed beach resort, offering a wide choice of activities, dining options and nightlife. It is situated nine miles (15km) from Phuket City.
Phang Nga BayCity/Region: The Coast
Phang Nga Bay is characterized by sheer limestone cliffs that jut vertically out of the emerald green water. The bay contains a fascinating collection of 3,500 islands, most of them uninhabited, which are unique in that they have central hollows or 'rooms', actually collapsed cave systems, containing hidden realms of unspoilt fauna and flora. Many of these can only be reached by inflatable kayak, which makes exploring the bay on the water an exciting way to enjoy the spectacular scenery. The largest and most popular islands are James Bond Island and Koh Pannyi, the first named for having been where the movie
The Man with the Golden Gunwas filmed. Another interesting site is Sea Gypsy Island where a village has been built on stilts in the water with a giant monolithic rock guarding its rear. Regular boat trips carry tourists from Phuket to Phang Nga.
Koh Phi PhiCity/Region: The Coast
The twin Phi Phi islands, 30 miles (48km) east of Phuket, are world-renowned, particularly since the making of the Hollywood box office sensation,
The Beach. Phi Phi Leh, the smaller of the two islands, was the setting for this movie, which now draws scores of day trippers from Phuket, just a 45-minute boat ride away. The island has no accommodation and is accessible only by boat, but offers sensational snorkeling and the Viking Cave with wall paintings. Phi Phi Don, the larger island, has idyllic tropical beaches lining its shores and Ton Sai Bay, the main tourist center on Phi Phi, may be a little overdeveloped for some tastes. Although overrun by tourists, the islands retain their spectacular quiet beauty.
Koh SamuiCity/Region: The Coast
A sun lover's paradise, Koh Samui ('the coconut island'), Thailand's third largest island resort, is no longer the footloose and fancy-free backpacker's secret hideaway. It now rivals Phuket as one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, with regular flights arriving at its own airport disgorging keen holidaymakers. A range of accommodation options exists, from modest beach bungalows to luxury resort hotels. The island still retains its laid-back atmosphere though, with friendly locals, good food and some not too commercial local attractions like a crocodile farm and butterfly garden to keep visitor's entertained. Night time is party-time with open-air discos and music bars throbbing in the darkness.
Koh Pha NganCity/Region: The Coast
The beautiful little island of Pha Ngan, lying in the center of the Gulf of Thailand about 62 miles (100km) from the mainland, is home to 8,000 or so people, and hundreds of thousands of coconuts. Coconut exports and fishing have long been the mainstay of the locals, but in recent years tourism is becoming increasingly important as visitors flock in on ferries, lured by the island's magnificent beaches and the world renowned monthly Full Moon Party. Site of the legendary parties is the crescent-shaped beach of Haad Rin on the island's south-east corner, which is besieged by up to 10,000 people from around the world at full moon each month. As dusk falls thousands of lamps are lit on tables along the beach and the music is cranked up, sending party-goers into a frenzy under the rising orb of the moon. Visitors to Pha Ngan generally stay in one of about 200 thatched bamboo bungalows that line the island's beaches that are let out for a pittance. Those after more luxury can choose from three resort hotels: First Villa at Ban Tai Beach, the Pha Ngan Chai Hotel in the main town of Thongsala, and the Thong Nai Pan Beach Resort at Thong Nai Pan beach. Wherever you stay time is wiled away pleasantly with snorkeling, swimming or relaxing on the white sands. Facilities in Thongsala are limited, but there is a bank, police station, clinic and pharmacy. Motorcycle taxis can be waved down, or mountain bikes hired to explore the more remote beaches. Some beaches can only be reached by sea, and water taxis are available in the town.
Koh TaoCity/Region: The Coast
Koh Tao ('Turtle Island') has been described as offering 'heaven under the sea', its main attraction being the incredible snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities afforded in its clean, clear waters. Situated to the north of its more famous sisters, Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan, the island is a typical tropical paradise, with rich jungle in the center surrounded by quiet, palm treed beaches. Although tourist development has exploded in recent years, turning the traditional dirt-road villages into a montage of resorts, souvenir stalls and restaurants, there are still plenty of unspoilt spots both on the coast and inland. The main beach is Sairee Beach, stretching about one mile (2km) along the west coast, offering a range of reasonably priced accommodation, dive centers, restaurants, beach bars and other facilities.
PattayaCity/Region: The Coast
Pattaya, sited about 100 miles (160km) south of Bangkok, was once just a quiet coastal fishing town. Today it teems with holidaymakers, both local and foreign, and is packed with hotels, shops, restaurants and bars. The tourism boom came with the Vietnam War, when Pattaya was chosen as a popular venue for American GIs to enjoy some 'R&R'. The town has developed something of a reputation for sex tourism, an image it is trying to shake off, although most of the night-time entertainment is centered around spicy cabarets, massage parlours, go-go bars, and beer-bars with girls for hire. The town however, has a multitude of other attractions on offer, from its rather over-crowded and well-used beaches to some first-class restaurants, hundreds of recreational activities, bazaar-type markets, and excursions to nearby more peaceful spots and offshore islands.
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