Hua Hin (Prachuab Khiri Khan)

Introduction to Hua Hin (Prachuab Khiri Khan)

Situated about 200 kilometres south of Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan is not just another coastal province ' it has more than 200 kilometres of coastline. Besides its close proximity to the capital of Bangkok, it is known as one of the most up and coming beach destinations in Thailand.

The royal beach of Hua Hin
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan's first and most famous beach town (195 km from Bangkok), holds variable names from the royal beach town and the romantic getaway to the town of chic boutique resorts. Even though Hua Hin is the most popular beach in the province, its neighbouring beaches such as Naresuan beach, Had Nom Sao and Pranburi have gained recognition, if not by international travelers, from local tourists and expatriates. However, sea, sun and sand are not the only attractions in this province. Prachuap Khiri Khan boosts lush green national parks and a scenic former royal beachside mansion.

This popular resort town is about 200 kilometres south of Bangkok and can be reached by car, train and flight. The beach stretches some 7 kilometres from the hill in the south called Khao Takiap, where the famous temple Wat Khao Takiap is located. The beach is wide and long with white sand and scattering rocks in some area. Some parts of the beach can be tranquil but activities such as horse riding, kite boarding, and water sports can also be found here.

It offers a wide range of beachfront accommodation, good golfing, and seafood galore. Close to Bangkok, Hua Hin is becoming increasingly popular, although it has all but escaped the gaudy excesses of Pattaya and Patong. The town boasts accommodation to suit all budgets, with a good selection of resorts spread along its white sandy beach. Golfers can enjoy the 72-par Royal Hua Hin Golf Course for a reasonable non-member's fee.

The unspoiled side of Hua Hin at Suan Son Pradiphat Beach
If you are seeking a serene beach near Hua Hin, Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is probably a good place to go. This 2.8 kilometre long beach is located next to Hua Hin beach but divided by Takiap Hill. The atmosphere of Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is similar to Hua Hin yet quieter. The beach is shady with a line of pine trees stretching a long curved bay while the water is shallow ' suitable for swimming. The area belongs to the navy but is open to public.

Father south of Suan Son Pradiphat Beach is another beach named Khao Tao. The beach is wide and long. You can go up to Khao Tao hill for a viewpoint of Hua Hin. The beach is good for swimming and ideal for a picnic. There are some food stalls and sun decks for rent available near the beach.

Pranburi beach: a haven of boutique resorts
Pranburi is some 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. The beach itself may not be spectacular but its peaceful environment infuses a sense of privacy and exclusivity. It was never a popular weekend destination among travelers. In the past, holidaymakers preferred to stay in Hua Hin and drive to Pranburi for a one day trip.

However, this is not the case, today, since it becomes a popular getaway among travelers from Bangkok who seek to relax in style. That contributes to the increase in the number of chic and boutique resorts. The trend started in 2002 when Soneva hotelier group opened its first boutique resort in Pranburi. The resort was a huge success, luring local and foreign investors to follow its footstep. Yet it maintains its serenity. Some resorts in Pranburi offer a shuttle van service for their customers who want to go to Hua Hin for a night out. Nowadays, Pranburi is a tourist attraction by its own.

An interesting attraction nearby Pranburi is the Pranburi Forest Park, which occupies a large area with a 1-kilometre pine-fringed beach and mangrove nature trails.

ARTICLES SOURCE:http://www.beachthailand.com

Phi Phi Islands in Krabi

Phi Phi Islands Krabi

Hadnopparattara-Koh Phi Phi National Park is almost entirely dominated by the two Islands collectively known as ‘Koh Phi Phi’ - Koh Phi Phi Don (the larger of the two islands) and Koh Phi Phi Leh. Situated about 50 kilometres southeast of Phuket the islands are regarded by many as being the most attractive in the kingdom, if not the world. The islands feature beaches and clear water that have had their natural beauty protected by National Park status. Once only a destination of day trippers, the islands are now some of the most popular destinations along Thailand’s Andaman coast, and during the tourism high season of December to March they can become extremely crowded. Because of its clear waters the area has become a destination of choice for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts keen to experience the areas splendid corals and marine life that includes sharks. Koh Phi Phi Don Koh Phi Phi Don features two bays – Ao Ton Sai and Ao Lo Dalam - both with long attractive beaches. Ao Ton Sai is where most accommodation can be found and the area offers a wide selection of bars and restaurants. This is probably the most developed part of the island. Hat Yao is likely the island’s best beach and the waters contain the island’s best coral. Hat Ranti beach and Ao Lo Bakao bay are also areas worthy of note, the latter offering a number of upscale resorts. Electricity and water supplies on the island don’t properly meet demand, so bear this in mind when planning a trip – on certain days you might not have a regular supply of either! Tonsai - the island’s main town – is like the main towns of many other islands. A myriad of travel agencies, internet establishments, restaurants and shops, it is here you can book various tours to sites in the vicinity and also arrange your hiking and diving. There are over 20 ‘dive shops’ on Koh Phi Phi Don and they arrange some of the best diving in the world. Popular destinations are some of the smaller uninhabited islands around Koh Phi Phi such as Koh Ha, Koh Yung and Koh Mai Phai. For around 2,000 Baht it is possible to arrange a boat trip with two dives. Other activities on the island include rock climbing, canoeing and fishing. Rock climbing courses are available for around 5,000 Baht for a three day course. Canoes are available at many places on the island and a single canoe costs around 800 Baht a day to rent. For 2,000 Baht you can arrange boats to take you out to some of the best fishing areas, tackle included. Koh Phi Phi Leh Koh Phi Phi Leh features spectacular cliffs faces, some caves and a lake. The island is a major source for the ingredients of ‘bird’s next soup’. The bird’s nests are nestled high in the islands caves and due to their popularity (especially in Chinese cuisine) they can reach good prices and offer locals a reasonable income. However, getting the nests requires shimmying up bamboo poles and frames often to absurd heights. Collectors are rarely killed or hurt in falls and the activity is about as enthralling and exotic as they come! Although not as attractive as key areas on the island’s big brother, Ao Maya Bay and Lo Sama are its most attractive destinations, especially for snorkeling. These days Ao Maya Bay is of course a major draw. The spot where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed is now a ‘must do’ item in it’s own right. There is no accommodation on Koh Phi Phi Leh and you cannot stay overnight. Details: Although officially part of a National Park, there is no admission charge to either island. How to get there: From Krabi boats leave for Koh Phi Phi 10:30 and 14:30. From Phuket boats leave 08:30, 13:30 and 14:30. Boats leave Koh Lanta 08:00 and 13:00 for Kho Phi Phi and leave Ao Nang 09:00. Articles Source : discoverythailand.com

Koh Hong in Krabi

Koh Hong Krabi

Koh Hong (Room Island) is part of a group of islands one hour north of Krabi. Koh Hong has only one beach - Pelay Beach - but it is recognized for being extremely beautiful, boasting fine white sand, coral and lots of varieties of tropical fish. Pelay Beach is framed by limestone rock formations which give it an enclosed feel. Coupled with the fact that there are seldom many people there, Koh Hong very much offers a ‘desert island’ experience. Its name comes from an eroded group of caves in the middle of the island which harbours a large lake with a small passage to the sea. When the tide is high long tail boats are able to enter the ‘room’ and visitors can swim in around in crystal clear water with a depth of around one metre. Koh Hong is another collection point for the nests that provide the ingredients for bird’s nest soup. You can witness the fascinating sight of young men shimmying up bamboo poles to great heights to collect these nests, genuinely risking life and limb in pursuit of their income. Death and injuries do happen, so be warned! If you are on a limited time frame, a visit to Koh Hong might not be possible, but if you have the time it’s well worth the effort. A visit to the island is really getting away from it all and something you shouldn’t miss if you can avoid it! Details: There is no accommodation on Koh Hong and overnight stays are not permitted. How to get there: It takes about one hour to get to Koh Island from Ao Nang Beach. Group tours can be arranged from Ao Nang. Articles Source : discoverythailand.com

Beaches and Islands in Thailand

Thailand’s islands & beaches are the destinations of choice for hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Thailand is blessed with natural beauty & its islands are amongst the most scenic & attractive in the world. Likewise, its beaches are basically stunning - tidy sand, clear water, & brilliant scenery. Each of Thailand’s islands has its own character & identity drawing specific types of visitor. Some offer limited accommodation & facilities to draw the adventurous looking for a more ‘back to basics’ holiday experience. Others offer world class facilities (accommodation, restaurants, etc.) to entice visitors with bigger budgets who require their creature comforts. It is though important to note the diversity that exists not only between the islands, but between the beaches (both on islands & on the mainland). Whereas three beach might offer beaches that provide raucous entertainment, others in the same area might only draw those looking for a calm life. There is then a lot to explore on Thailand’s islands & beaches & to get the best out of your trip you ought to plan where you are going carefully.