Touring The Andaman Region
This andaman region is deceptively easy to get around in,whetherr by bus, air-conditionedcoach,motocycleor, safest of all, by car.
The main rode through Phang Nga and Krabi provinces have been recently laid and the result is a plesureable, smooth experience. It a breakdrown occurs don't worry unduly; Thais are extremely helpful and more often than not will pull straight over to se what the matter is an lend a han. If you car is rented, keep tha repairs receipt to present to the regency on your return for a refund. Watch out for road construction and tha resulting forced lane changes though; they're not always well marked.
The orange and red buses can be a rough experience for longer trip and an air conditioned coach isn't significantly more expensive. (Phuket-Krabi is only 101 Baht) Touring the region by motorcycle can be a great Easy Rider experience; when it isn't raining, that is. If you 're choosing a motorcycle from a rent shop try to get one with the softest seat an the most comfortable fit corresponding to your size for the longer hauls! For some mysterious reason, once off the island,the hell-for-leatherdriving mentality of Phuketians disappears nad thinks mellow out to more of a sedentary pace. There's a lot less traffic,too.
Perhaps it's because of the majestic limestone speaks,or may be it's the rural mentality of these provinces but things definitelyget butter,driving-wise. Getting too adventurous on off-rode trips isn't advised unless you have a 4x4. When asking directions, don't be surprised if you get three different opinions as to where your destination is! Thais don't like to use a answer "Sorry,I don't know ." Then often save face by simply pointing in a direction and nodding. Take it easy, it's your holiday, you'll get there in the end. Bon Voyage!
Trekking in Khao Lak
The rainforests of the Thai- Malay peninsula are a botanical wonderland and the flora here is second only to the Amazon basin in diversity and range. Once, rainforest covered most of Southeast Asia and today, in Thailand, there are 138 National Parks that protect the remains of this once vast tropical jungle. Happily, Phuket is located in the direct vicinity of three: Khao Phra National Park, on the north end of the island, Khao Sok, National Park about a three hour drive northeast and Khao Lak, a two hour drive north of Patong
Our day began at seven o'clock in the morning when we boarded a company minibus on Chao Fa road in Phuket. Over in Patong we up more trekkers and our (very) talkative Dutch tour guide. Rocketing through the early morning traffic he explained the basics of the Thai language to us in three different languages. At about eleven we clambered out at the foot of the park and sweated through the jungle to Khao Lak beach. The jungle contains a myriad of creatures: chameleons, squirrels snakes (non-poisonous), exotic birds and sadly, a variety of empty plastic water bottles which will be there long after the animals are gone if someone doesn't bother picking them up.
But the real adventure began with the elephant treks. Merely observing the relationship between the mahouts and their beasts is a lesson in gentleness. If was fascinating to sway along in a cage-like seat lashed to the elephant's back, negotiating angles of up to forty degrees as the animal climbed muddy slopes that would be difficult for humans to manage. At times it was frankly uncomfortable, forcing us to hang on for dear life if we were ever going to make it to lunch Speaking of which; the food was excellent and a variety of dishes were available-all Thai, but not overly spiced. Next, we jostled and bounced up the trail in 4x4 Land Rovers to trek through rubber, tea and coffee plantations to the Bang Gluay Tuen (Wild banana) waterfall. The trek itsefisn't demanding but in rainy season it can be quite slippery. Proper walking shoes are beneficial but good sneakers work just as well-either way you, ll get drenched. Down the trail we bumped again to bamboo rafts, each one lashed together by rattan cords. We boarded these, leaving our valuables in the jeep, without a hope of getting home dry and we were darn right; we got absolutely soaked on a trip downstream best described by on word; "exhilarating" although this wasn't the exact word I kept yelling as we careened over rocks, racing under low-hanging branches and slamming against the banks to arrive at the pickup point twenty minutes later.
The tour took almost thirteen hours, all in all, and was quite exhausting. The actual trekking is easier is than Khao Sok and not as picturesque but the elephants and the bamboo rafting were memorable. Cost1950 baht per person.
Water Sports
DIVING
Watch could more enticing than a clear aquamarine sea and the prospect of viewing an artist 's palette of colorful sea life whether you are scuba diving or snorkelling in shallower waters, you 're right there - part of the teeming underwater life surrounding you. To experience this, try any of the companies listed here or the other reputable companies also on the island. Just make sure that is 's a certified shop. Although visibility is lesser during the rainy season, that doesn't necessarily mean there's absolutely no diving done at all and a big plus for the visitor is that diving education is cheaper this time of year. If the sky is blue, the winds calm, go for diving to be celled off because of "bad" weather. Last year, only four days of diving were cancelled for this reason. Call around and find out:
SAILING
Sai ling in the waters surrounding Phuket island, even as far south as Langkawi in Malaysai or north into the Merguj Aechipelago in Myanmar (Burma), is a dream for many visitors to Thailand. It 's quite possible to have it come true by contacing any of the boat charter companies located here. You can rent anything from bareboats to fully equipped and staffed yachts. Also many of the dive shops offer diving trips to these areas on their liveabords (see Dive Shop listing).
FISHING CHARTERS
Gamefishing is very populra off the shores of Phuket. There are a number of sport fish living in the surrounding sea and an equally large number of charter gamefishing operations to take you to find them. However, please consider the catch - and - release method of fishing when it comes to a species like saifish. By practicing this method of fishinh you are not only ensuring the life of the but of the fishing industry as well. By all means enjoy the thrill of the sport and the beauty of the big fish, but let them go and pass on the thrills to your fellow fishermen. Besides what evidence would there be to dispute your stories of "the one that got away"?
Sailing in the waters surrounding Phuket island, even as far south as Langkawi in Malaysia or north into the
Mergui Archipelago in Myanmar(burma), is a dream for many visitors to thailand. It's quite possible have it come true by contacting any of the boat charter companies located here. You can rent anyting from bareboats to fully equipped and staffed yachts. Also many of the dive shops offer diving tripsto these areas on their liveaboards.
