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| Adventure |
Nature has blessed Thailand with many natural treasures guarded in national parks that extend across the Kingdom. They are the habitat of a great profusion of wildlife, and plants ranging in size from tiny forest floor flowers to towering trees.
Northern Thailand is characterized by forested hills and deep valleys that are an invitation to adventures: rafting along fast-flowing rivers, trekking along jungle paths, or discovering waterfalls cascading down cliff faces, like the Ti Lo Su falls in remote Umphang.
Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city, was once the capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom. In the countryside around it there are elephant camps where you can see these much loved creatures at work and play, and hire one with a mahout to take you on a trek. There is much to see when trekking in the North, like the orchid farms and botanical gardens along the Mae Sa Valley, the towering splendour of Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest mountain, the villages of the hill people and the handicraft centers of Sankhamphaeng where village artisans work in silk, cotton, wood and silver.
Further North, Chiang Rai is the home of many ethnic hill people in distinctive costumes, and they are proud to show visitors their age-old customs and traditions. Doi Tung is a mountain that has been transformed into a garden of flowers and fruit plantations.
Thailand’s national parks are usually accessible by road, and the most popular of these, Khao Yai, is just a three-hour drive from Bangkok. Khao Yai attracts a large number of visitors with its scenic beauty and abundant plant and animal life. It covers four vegetation zones: evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous, and hill evergreen forest, at altitudes from 100 meters to 1,400 meters. Kaeng Krachan is Thailand’s largest park with 3,000 square kilometers of
evergreen and mixed deciduous forests.
It is recommended for its long-distance hiking trails, though few hikers and campers have ventured into the interior where the wildlife is most abundant. In the northeastern province of Loei by the border with Laos, Phu Kradung National Park is famous for its pine forests and mountain views. A nine-kilometre trail leads to the flat summit of a mountain where tents can be rented for the night. Chaiyaphum’s Nam Nao National Park has dry forest, bamboo groves, and rolling sandstone hills, and it adjoins Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary.<
In the South, Thale Ban National Park is nearly 200 square kilometers of rainforest along the Malaysian border. Hiking trails lead you through spectacular limestone formations and the forest abounds with birds, macaques, and gibbons. Khao Sok National Park in western Surat Thani is connected to the Khlong Saen Wildlife Sanctuary and together they form the largest tract of virgin forest in southern Thailand, with trails to scenic caves and waterfalls.
Travelling in green Thailand is an experience like no other, and the exciting diversity of the country’s natural heritage will guarantee a perfect adventure holiday.
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| White Water Rafting |
| Rafting is fast gaining popularity among the young and young at heart. The mountainous regions of the North are the natural venue for whitewater rafting, especially after the rains from June to October when the rivers swell with floodwater. But first-class rafting is also to be found in the northern reaches of the central region.
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| Canoeing and Kayaking |
Sea canoeing is an eco-tourist activity par excellence, and proves the benefit of the natural approach. The quiet of this mode of tourism heightens your sense of awareness, and wildlife is not scared by your silent approach. It is also an exciting physical challenge providing an aerobic workout and tones and develops your arms, shoulders and chest.
Some of the most spectacular sites for sea canoeing are around Krabi and the island of Phuket and Phang-nga Bay. Sea Cone Thailand, based in Phuket, was the pioneering eco-tour company that launched thousands of travellers on their sea adventures.
Sea canoeing adventures from Phuket take small groups of two passengers on inflatable kayaks, accompanied by a support boat carrying food and equipment. Threeday excursions include instruction in kayak management, camping and barbecue dinners and the exploration of eight islands, including Ko Chong Lat and its Blue Room, a three chamber stalactite grotto.
On the southeastern seaboard near the Cambodian border, Ko Chang National Park in Trat Province has more than 50 pristine islands ready to be ex-plored by sea canoe. Ko Kra has some of the best coral in Thailand, but no less spectacular are the golden sands of KO Mak and the bays of Ko Ngarm.
Although sea canoes are easy to handle and all safety equipment is provided, it is best to get instruction first. Don’t venture out on a long adventure without a guide. Sea canoe expeditions are running all year round, although the rains from June to October can inhibit operations.
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| Spa |
The Thai spa experience brings together a range of indigenous resources, folk wisdom and traditions that have been handed down through the centuries. It captures the very essence of traditional Thai living. Spa operators delve into this ancient treasure trove to create exceptional spa products so that alluring dimensions of this tropical paradise enrich the spa experience. Gracious hospitality and service is complemented by the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, adding a uniquely Thai touch to world-class service and hospitality. Kindness, compassion and the act of comforting and caring for others, as advocated by the Theravada Buddhist tradition, is very much part of everyday life. The gesture is instinctive and genuine.
Many of the healing techniques and well-being therapies featured on the contemporary spa menu have been adopted and adapted from such practices. These include natural healing a tradition based on the healing power of indigenous herbs and plants, holistic remedies specially formulated to restore balance and rejuvenate mind, body and spirit and a variety of other healing techniques, including meditative practices, which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences. For example, the act of performing traditional Thai Massage is considered to be an act of compassion in which the healer (or therapist) practices the physical application of metta (loving kindness) and bestows a healing touch in the spirit of giving. The Thai spa experience thus enables guests to experience various aspects of Thai-ness.
Thailand excels in the quality and diversity of its spa offerings. Thai spas really do have it all variety and value framed in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian wellbeing therapies. Value for money is an added plus. A harmonious blend of cultural heritage and destination diversity makes Thailand an infinitely attractive spa destination.
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| Golf |
Golf is one of the most popular sports in Thailand. The game arrived in the county a century ago and was quickly taken up by the elite and the fashionable. Among the first sponsors of the game were the armed forces and government institutions, which built and continue to own some of the finest courses in the county.
There are over 200 high standard golf courses nationwide, many of them are of championship standards. The world’s top designers have made a significant contribution. Jack Nicklaus, Roboert Trent Jones Jr, Gary Player and many others have perfected modern layouts, using the best grasses and latest techniques.
The result is some of the most attractive courses in Asia, with excellent facilities, memorable signature holes and regular maintenance to keep them in top-class condition. Every course has its caddies; it's mandatory to employ one caddie for your round. They are Thailand’s secret weapon in making golf such good fun. These brightly clad ladies, in smart uniforms and straw hats, know lots about the course, smile almost all the time, and very good at reading putts.
There are at least a few courses in or within easy reach of all major cites. Most of the newer courses offer accommodation on site or nearby, plus recreational facilities for the whole family.
For the more adventurous, there are older, natural courses in remote areas around the courses in remote areas around the country owned by the Royal Irrigation Department, the Electricity Generation Authority of Thailand, all offer good value. So for golfers who not only appreciate a challenging course, but an exotically different one too, there is an extraordinary choice.
The best time to plan a golfing trip is the cool season, from November to March. From April to October it is hot and wet, but even in the rainy months the downfall usually comes in the afternoon, and for only a few minutes. Most courses have good drainage systems, and the rains should not interrupt your game for long. At some facilities you may need to book ahead, through your club or your hotel, and advance booking is recommended for weekends. Greens fees continue to be very reasonable, as are the fees for caddies.
As most of the golf courses are located in the provinces, promoting golf also furthers the TAT policy of ensuring that throughout the provinces.
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| Marine |
It is not called the Caribbean of Asia for nothing. Yet, until recently, Thailand's unparalleled marine playground has been quite difficult to access, enjoyed by but a handful of cruising yachts and an even smaller group of charter holidaymakers. But no more. A surge in the development of marina facilities and in the number of yachts available for charter mean that Thailand is set to burst upon the international scene as the world's newest yachting playground.
Unimaginable coastline and beaches
Over 1,000 miles of coastline bordering the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, literally thousands of islands, countless beaches with pristine white sand, crystal waters and superb coral reefs, hidden creeks and headlands meeting the sea, mystical sea mountains. All these combine with a tropical climate to create the world's most stunning cruising waters. Welcome to Thailand... The Thailand that independent cruising yachtsmen tell tales about on their travels... The Thailand that many have never left.
Safe tropical climate
Although in the tropics, Thailand has no typhoons. It is not in a hazardous weather zone. Even the seasonal monsoons are gentle. Temperatures range from 25' - 35'C for most of the year, and the sea rarely varies from a balmy 28'C. This means comfortable, exotic cruising all year round.
Stunning culture
Who has not heard of the friendliness of Thailand's people, the magnificent cuisine and the stunning culture? They are all fact. And all are harnessed to ensure visitors to this magical Kingdom have an unforgettable experience. Whichever part of the kingdom you visit, the experience of Thailand adds a wonderful extra dimension to a boating holiday.
Thailand's weather
Coastal Thailand lies between 5'C and 13'C north of the equator, which places it firmly in the monsoonal weather patterns of the northern hemisphere. This means that the prevailing winds from November to April are northeasterly and from May to October are southwesterly. Typhoons are not a risk in Thai waters and temperatures range from maximum 35'C to minimum 25'C.
The Andaman Sea coast in the West experiences regular, fair to strong, breezes between May and October, when the best sailing is in the sheltered waters of Phang-nga Bay. Rain showers are frequent but not persistent and are interspersed with excellent sunny clear days. During this season, the Gulf experiences the same prevailing winds, but tends to be dryer in the lee of the southern Thai peninsula.
Between November and April, the winds can be quite strong in the early mornings tailing off in the afternoons. Later in the season, the winds become lighter. Thailand is unique as a sailing holiday destination. There is no off-season. Indeed, the May-October 'Green Season' offers near-perfect conditions for keen sailors with reliable winds averaging 12 – but rarely exceeding 25 – knots, bright sunshine interspersed with showers, and generally cooler temperatures.
A regional base
Thailand has deservedly become Asia's premier cruising and boating destination. Residents of South East Asia already take advantage of this magical marine world, as do cruising yachts on their way between the two hemispheres. If you base your own boat in Thailand, you may find you never need finish exploring within the Kingdom's borders, but should you want to look further, there is no better base from which to explore the whole region. And Thailand welcomes you each time you return.
A regional base
Thailand has deservedly become Asia's premier cruising and boating destination. Residents of South East Asia already take advantage of this magical marine world, as do cruising yachts on their way between the two hemispheres. If you base your own boat in Thailand, you may find you never need finish exploring within the Kingdom's borders, but should you want to look further, there is no better base from which to explore the whole region. And Thailand welcomes you each time you return.
A thousand places to see
The world-famous ‘Pearl of the Andaman' – Phuket – to the mysterious limestone karsts, mangrove swamps, creeks, islets and perfect beaches of Phang-nga Bay, Krabi, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Lanta. The almost unknown and unspoiled islands off Thailand's west coast, heading towards the Myanmar border, to the extraordinary Similan Islands northwest of Phuket and south to the Malaysian border.
From the favorite holiday islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan in the Western Gulf of Thailand across to the mountainous and heavily forested Ko Chang and Kut Archipelagos in the Eastern Gulf.
The sheer number of destinations awaiting you within Thailand's borders is outdone only by the unbelievable variety. From world-class marina to tiny fishing village, from big city Pattaya to deserted beaches and uninhabited islands, this is the marine wonderland of Thailand. This is Asia's boating playground. This is the ‘Caribbean' of the East.
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| Diving |
Scuba diving is Thailand’s most popular water sport and the country boasts of some of the most beautiful diving sites in the world. The water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved your certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.
Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the under-water world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.
All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.
For group or family travelers, all good live aboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world’s most beautiful waters.
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| Thai Food & Cooking |
In recent years, Thai food has become one of the world's favorite cuisines. When we speak of ‘Thai food’, we are in fact talking of four very distinct regions in the country, each with their own culinary traditions. We are speaking too of the dishes created in the royal courts and palaces of Old Siam, that have been passed down through many generations of chefs, and finally into public domain.
Good food also comes up from the street level, and many of Thailand's most popular dishes can be found at the smallest food stalls and restaurants. And there is the influence of China, India, Malaysia and other neighboring countries. So all these different factors come together under the label ‘Thai food’, and you will find them in varying degrees at any Thai restaurant you care to visit, anywhere in the world.
One of the most distinctive aspects of the cuisine is its use of herbs and spices. With regard to the spices, some Thai dishes are very hot, but by no means all of them. The herbs have another function, in addition to providing flavor, in that they all have to varying degrees various medical and therapeutic benefits.
Thailand has a long history, going back to ancient times, of the use of herbs for medical purpose, and this in turn has permeated the ways of cooking and preparing food. Coupled with its low-fat qualities and its essential freshness, this helps make Thai food one of the healthiest anywhere. Another important aspect about Thai food is the hospitality and friendliness, the sheer enjoyment of good companionship and of eating that is such a powerful element of the Thai personality. Sharing a meal is an important part of the day for any Thai person, and meals are very seldom taken alone. That is why all the dishes are generally served at once during Thai meal, and why there is a communal spoon placed alongside each dish for people to help themselves and to serve others.
A Thai meal ideally is a communal affair, principally because the greater the number of dinners the greater the number of dishes that can be sampled. Diners choose what ever they require from share dishes and generally add it to their own plate of rice. All the dish are serve simultaneously, or nearly so. The object is to archive a harmonious blend of the spicy, the subtle, the sweet and sour, and a meal is meant to be equally satisfying to the eye, nose and palate.
Thailand is blessed with many varieties of plants, herbs and spices which ensure s balanced diet. Today, visitors can both relish classic Thai menus and the benefits of a natural diet, and study the art of Thai cooking at several specialist schools in Bangkok and major beach resorts.
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| Special Interest |
Thai Boxing
Muay Thai or Thai boxing is both a sport and means of self defense. Contestants are allowed to use almost any part of their body: feet, elbows, legs, knees, and shoulders, are all weapons. The playing of traditional music during bouts makes for even greater excitement.
For those who are interested in experience in watching Thai Boxing, there are Boxing stadiums in Bangkok and main tourist cities as the list displayed below.
Thai Boxing:
- www.muaythai.co.th provides information on Thai boxing martial arts in Thailand
- www.onesongchai.com provides information on Boxing by Promoter Songchai Ratanasuban
- www.muaylok.com provides information on Boxing news in Thailand
- www.muayying.com provides information on ladies boxing and thai boxing martial art in Thailand
- www.onesongchaigym.com provides information on Gym and Thai boxing institute in Thailand
- www.bangkokboxingstadium.com provides information on Fighting Stadium in Bangkok
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