Showing posts with label Island. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Island. Show all posts

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Koh Pu - Thailand's Small Island Resort Offers Nothing But Peace and Quiet

Save for a 1/2 mile stretch in downtown Koh Jum, there are no paved roads on this small, relatively obscure tropical island located not far from Krabi in southern Thailand, only several somewhat rough and uneven dirt roads. Nightlife is nonexistent as far as I can see - there are no bars, trendy cafes or tourist cul-de-sacs (places where tourists hangout) unlike other more popular beach resorts. In terms of sheer physical beauty, Koh Pu pales in comparison to the lushly tropical and mountainous islands of Koh Chang or Koh Samui and while there are some fairly decent beaches scattered round the island, there are better beaches to be found elsewhere in Thailand. Did I forget to mention, that there is no electricity on the island except between the hours of 6:00PM-12 midnight?

Why should you schedule your vacation in Koh Pu? If you're looking for peace and quiet, you'll find plenty of it on this small island. That is the big attraction here. Koh Pu is the ideal place to chill out, meditate, detox and to do some serious reading. Scattered around the island, there are number of small resorts and bungalow rentals including the absolutely delightful Tingrai Bay Resort. Hint: Bring plenty of books and reading material with you.

To get to Koh Pu, there is express ferry service from Krabi twice daily - 11:00AM and at 1:30PM. Fare is 350 baht.

There are approximately 3000 inhabitants on Koh Pu; most of them are Moslem and the primary industry here is cultivation of rubber.

Phi Phi Island Beaches

If you are traveling to Phuket you might also want to consider a side trip for a few days to the island of Koh Phi Phi which is just 46 kilometers, or a short 90 minute boat ride, from the largest Thai island of Phuket. The Phi Phi archipelago is made up of 6 small islands and these islands have some of the most stunning beaches you ever want to visit. The combination of these sugary white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and a chilled out feel have made Koh Phi Phi a must visit for beach lovers around the world.

Naturally with all these available beaches there may be some question about which ones you have to visit, which are the best of the best. Here are 4 of the most popular Phi Phi beaches that I feel everyone should come to see.

Long Tong Beach - This beach is in northern Phi Phi and is accessible only by longtail boat. This factor makes the beach secluded and a perfect choice if you are looking for quiet and solitude. In addition, the beach is right across from the smaller islands of Koh Yung and Koh Phai and these two islands provide some outstanding snorkeling for those who want to get underwater and see the fantastic marine life.

Loh Dalum - This beach is opposite Tonsai Bay and can be reached by walking from Tonsai. It is a stunning crescent shaped beach with the bay in front the stuff that travel guide books are made of. Because it is close to Tonsai there are still some restaurants, shops and bars here, but the pace is much slower than the main area of Tonsai. It's a great beach to just chill out on and is perfect for those making a day trip from Phuket or Krabi.

Long Beach - Long beach has some of the softest sand of all the Phi Phi beaches. Snorkeling is also possible from the beach and there are some stunning corals and fishes to be seen just meters from the beach. If you plan on coming to Long Beach avoid the low season (May-October) because the water can be rough making swimming difficult.

Maya Bay - Possibly the most famous beach in all of Thailand thanks to the fact that it was the setting for the movie The Beach in 1999. It is quite stunning, with high limestone cliffs on three sides of the bay and several small beaches in this sheltered area. The entire bay is a large coral reef and the main beach is perfectly white sand fringed by palm trees. Many day trips come to Maya Bay and it's a great place to get some photos, go snorkeling or just have a picnic lunch and relax.

Friday, November 19, 2010

For Quality Accommodation - Phi Phi Island Hotels

Tourists are left awe struck on a visit to the Phi Phi Island Thailand for its amazing and distinct landscape with pristine beaches, imposing cliffs, clear water and charming marine life. The island is one of the leading destinations in Thailand among the tourists located close to the more popular islands of Phuket and Krabi. Phi Phi Island consists of two islands Phi Phi Don, which is a larger of the two and inhabited. The second island Phi Phi Lei is a small island, which became famous after the movie 'The Beach' was shot here. These two islands without any doubt are among Thailand's most beautiful and captivating destinations.

After the increasing popularity and development, the islands have lost most of its earlier tranquility, but still the regions natural beauty and crystal clear waters overwhelm its visitors. Set at the heart of a national park, the islands remain one of the country's most popular holiday destinations. The country's foremost holiday destination Phi Phi Island is set in the heart of the national park and it does not disappoint anybody. However, the two islands are not as big but offer many opportunities for an exciting to a relaxing holiday. One gets excellent opportunities and facilities for diving and snorkeling, which top the list of exciting ways to spend time here. Then the crystal clear waters perfect for checking out the rich marine life. From cliff diving, sunbathing, reading, exercising, hiking, to rock climbing there are a whole lot of possibilities to explore. With droves of visitor's flocking the island, it has accommodation for all kinds of travelers. There is an array of accommodation available from Phi Phi Island hotel, bungalows, to hostels. Phi Phi Island has something for every budget, specially very kind to budget-minded backpackers, with rooms of one-star (or less) rating scale outnumbering the up market resorts. For those who want to experience a paradise, there are a few luxury hotels.

Phi Phi's beauty is the biggest attraction for the visitor's here. The place is certainly love at first sight for the tourists. It is the most popular destination on the Andaman Coast after Phuket, serving as the convenient escape from the hustle-and-bustle. Moreover, the place is affordable. The islands excellent resort-style accommodation, top quality restaurants, shops and a lively nightlife all make it a perfect place. Whether one stays just a few nights or a week, the island is an amazing destination to relax, go diving, swimming, and snorkeling.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Topical Island Sailing Adventures Aboard the Suwan Macha From Phuket

Picture this! A sun-drenched glistening sea of green scattered liberally with exotic islands speckled with powder-white sandy beaches and harboring concealed lagoons and secret coves. Sounds like a fantasy land, a scene from Peter Pan but this is the cruising ground for a 4 day sailing adventure on board the Suwan Macha in Thailand; paradise it is, fantasy it is not.
This short cruise holiday takes places aboard the Suwan Macha, an Asian rigged traditional junk with distinctive burnt sienna sails that today navigates a route from Phuket Thailand to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands before reversing her course to go back to Phuket with a fresh set of lucky island hoppers over another 4 day tranquil family sailing cruise among the off-lying exotic islands of Phuket.
The Suwan Macha
With 5 cabins, the Suwan Macha can sleep up to 10 vacationers and sails with a qualified skipper and crew. Things are personal, slightly intimate but relaxed on-board this traditional junk which merges Asian world allure with Western amenities.
The Suwan Macha just accentuates the fairy story surroundings and looking at her is almost dream-like as this magnificent Oriental yacht sails majestically atop the verdant sea portraying an entirely ageless profile of lines and distinct colours. Most visitors to Thailand flock to Phuket yearly and some of those take to the seas to visit the bounty of off-lying islands on day tours or on live-aboard dive boats but not many have the chance to experience this exotic island boat trip free from the hordes and in complete harmony with the surroundings.
While salvagers have trolled the oceans for buried treasure, the Suwan Macha is a treasure in itself and a junk sailing cruise that takes you to explore and discover natural treasures like hidden lagoons, secret sandy bay's, mangrove forests and a small community of Sea Gypsies that still exist separated and independent from the general population of Thailand.
Suwan Macha Adventure Sailing
This tropical island sailing cruise can be done from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay and onto Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands or in reverse; the first option departs on Saturdays and the latter on Tuesdays but either way the cruise begins from the front door of your Phuket hotel. If you opt for the reverse cruise we collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the ferry which whisks you from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands where you will board the Suwan Macha.
Cast off, Castaway and James Bond (Day 1)
But let's start out from your Phuket hotel and join the Suwan Macha after a short drive to the Phuket Yacht Haven where she is moored. Departure time is 2pm and you will be onboard with plenty of time to spare.
Mooring lines are cast-off and the Suwan Macha plots a course for Phang Nga Bay weaving her way through towering limestone karsts and inching ever closer to the ever popular James Bond island that was put firmly on the chart in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Otherwise known as Koh Tapu the island is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park and after taking time to explore the island the day trippers flee for home leaving the Suwan Macha in peaceful harmony.
Drop anchor, kick back and prepare for a picture postcard sunset before enjoying a feast of Thai food for dinner taken on the teak decks.
Sea Gypsy's, Hidden Lagoons and Powder White Beaches (Day 2)
There is nothing quite like waking up on a sailing yacht (or junk!), coming up on deck to experience Nature in all her glory and in amongst the rock karsts of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the visual impact is awe-inspiring. Breakfast is served on-deck before guests are invited to explore a unique Sea Gypsy Village and experience a boat ride through the mangroves in search of hidden lagoons.
After visiting the Sea Gypsy's, sail onwards and southwards to the clear green waters of Krabi. This is time to stretch out on the sun-soaked decks whilst enjoying icy cold cocktails and the panoramic splendour of the tropical view. Today also exemplifies the real benefit of yacht sailing as the Suwan Macha discovers deserted powder-white beaches for swimming, snorkeling and some private sun-bathing.
As the afternoon draws to an end clients are treated to their second Andaman Sea Sunset followed by a table laden with Thai Food to enjoy beneath the stars on-deck.
Yacht Sailing from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands (Day 3)
one more morning, one more anchorage, one more feast for the senses topped-up with breakfast on-deck! The theme today is Tropical Island hopping. The ultimate destination is Koh Phi Phi but between there and the anchorage in Krabi are scattered many smaller islands and a chance to snorkel, swim and sunbathe occur in series.
Once at Koh Phi Phi, guests have a chance to go ashore to explore before returning to yacht in time to catch their final Andaman sunset aboard the Suwan Macha followed by the now ubiquitous smorgasbord of Thai food served up on-deck.
The Beach, the Bay and Return (Day 4)
As Koh Tapu became a lure for tourism after being featured in The Man with the Golden Gun, Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley seduced viewers movie-goers by its astonishing, hypnotic and mesmerizing beauty when it became the backdrop in the 2000 drama film "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Maya Bay is the final destination for the Suwan Macha 4 day cruise.
Unfortunately Maya Bay now attracts boatload after boatload of tourists on a daily basis who descend on "The Beach" for a glimpse of paradise. Having anchored in close proximity, the Suwan Macha has the upper-hand though and by making an early morning visit guests are spared the life jacket-clad hordes.
After visiting Maya Bay and exploring the cave guests Suwan Macha you dine on the island of Koh Phi Phi, before returning to Phuket by ferry.
Sailing Adventure from Phuket
Phuket, Thailand's largest island is washed by the Andaman Sea. Most of the tourists of Phuket known for its entertainment value and resonates opportunities for adventure sports, adventure and eco-recreation, while both water sports and outdoor activities on land. Phuket is also known for its nightlife, in places a little hedonistic,But this scene is included and easily avoided if the neon lights and a circular body is not your scene, and sumptuous Phuket has a positive side.
Opened in 1987, he led the annual Kings Cup Regatta in Phuket are the site of sailing in Asia, and remains the largest and most popular race in the region today. And while browsing Kings Cup Regatta Arts has the property's private yacht, flotilla sailing holidays, corporate sailing and thunderedSailing schools all hours throughout the year, although from November to April is the official Phuket Yacht sailing season.
Needless to say, the reasons to sail around Phuket are incredibly beautiful. Do not expect Fastnet and Sydney to Hobart conditions, but if you kindly holiday island hopping adventures of sailing and surfing in abundance to offer then look at sailing holiday in Phuket for an alternative formula inspired by the very typical holiday in Phuket. Sailingvacations in Southern Thailand are also perfect for Families with kids and provide end-to-end entertainment with swimming, snorkeling and island adventures each and every day.
The Suwan Macha is but one option where Phuket sailing holidays are concerned and this authentically shaped, Asian rigged traditional junk, exuding oriental world charm but with enough Western creature comforts, is a perfect platform for family cruises in and around the islands and she can also be chartered outright.


Reference : www.thaisabuy.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Koh Pu - Thai Small Island Resort offers nothing but peace and tranquility

Except in the case of one / two miles a track in the center of Koh Jum, there are no paved roads in this small, relatively obscure tropical island roads, not far from Krabi in southern Thailand, a few little rough and irregular 'dirty. The nightlife is not present, as far as I can - there are bars, cafes and tourist Cul-de-sac (places where a tourist destination), unlike other more popular. In terms of sheer physical beauty, Koh Pu pales in comparison to the lushtropical and mountainous island of Koh Chang or Koh Samui and while there are some pretty neat beaches around the island, there are better beaches elsewhere in Thailand. I forgot to mention that there is no electricity on the island, except during the period from 18.00 clock-12 clock?

Why should you plan your holiday in Koh Pu? If you want peace and quiet, you will find a lot of it on this small island to find. This is the big attraction. Koh Pu is themeditate ideal place to relax, do some serious reading and detoxification. Scattered around the island there are many small resorts and hotels, including the absolutely adorable Tingrai Bay Resort. Tip: Bring lots of books and reading material to you.

At the end of Koh Pu, there are ferries from Krabi to deliver twice a day - 11:00 and watch the clock at 1:30. The fare is 350 baht.

Muslims are about 3000 residents on the island of Koh Pu, most of them are primary andThe industry is growing rubber.