Koh Samui. Photo courtesy of Gabriel Jorby via Flickr.

Koh Samui has undergone a major transformation since the island’s early days as a hippie backpacker paradise. Today, you’ll find five-star resorts and spas as often as budget beach shacks, but the beauty of Thailand’s third largest island remains constant. Travelers of all styles and budgets tend to agree on one thing: Koh Samui is pretty darn close to paradise.

If you’re traveling through the Thai Islands, you’re probably on the lookout for a good beach, and the plethora beaches here are Koh Samui’s top attractions. For a lively beach scene with plenty of eateries and bars blaring music close at hand, head to Chaweng Beach (the nightlife hub of the island. For something a little quieter, try secluded Mae Nam Beach, with its shallow water perfect for swimming and snorkeling. These are just two of the many options you’ll find on the island.

While you could certainly waste away your entire trip lazing on a little stretch of white sand, there’s a whole lot more to do in and around Koh Samui. For the best diving and snorkeling, catch a boat to Ang Thong National Marine Park or nearby Koh Tao Island. For some fresh water fun, make your way inland to either Hin Lat or Na Mueang waterfalls to swim in the cold, clear pools.

If you feel the need to dry off for awhile, there are many cultural things to do in Koh Samui on land worthy of your time as well. When you visit Wat Khunaram, the island’s most famous temple, you’ll see a somewhat macabre mummified monk still in meditation position. At Wat Phra Yai, check out the giant golden Buddha.

The period between December and July sees the biggest crowds descend upon the island, which means higher prices on accommodation. While rainy season lasts from July through October, September and October often have pleasant weather with only occasional rains and far fewer tourists that during high season.

-Lydia Schrandt

Koh Samui, a Beach Paradise in Thailand from Thailand Things to Do

Koh Chang Beach. Photo courtesy of Clay Irving via Flickr.

Some people come for the food, others for the culture and still others for the natural scenery, but Thailand has and probably always will attract visitors to its miles upon miles of powdery white sand beaches. Whether you’re looking for a raging party under a full moon or a quiet, secluded spot to relax, you’ll find it in Thailand.

Thailand’s Best Beaches

The lion’s share of Thailand’s beaches are located in the southern third of the country, along its south and east coasts and on the islands dotting the waters. The question of which is Thailand’s best beach is largely a matter of taste; they’re all gorgeous, but they each have a distinctive flavor that you may like or dislike depending on what you want out of a beach vacation.

Thailand’s beaches have a long history with the party crowd, and every month on the full moon, the sands of Ko Phangan fill with scantily-clad, body painted revelers moving to the beats of trance tunes well into the morning hours. If your perfect beach getaway involves a good party, Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Samui make good choices as well.

On the other side of the spectrum from the party-goers sit the seclusionists — the beach lovers who prefer blissful serenity in the sun and sand, and Thailand has plenty of beaches that cater to this crowd as well. In general, opt for the smaller islands, like Ko Tao, Ko Mak or Ko Kut. A variety of water sports are available at almost any beach you choose.

Beaches Near Bangkok

If you can’t make it south, you can still soak up a little Thai sun at one of the few beaches near Bangkok. For a quick day trip to the beach, hire a car to take you to Bang Saen beach, located 63 miles (102 kilometers) from the city. The water isn’t as clear as in the islands, and the sand isn’t quite as soft, but it’s a perfect place to kick back and enjoy some good seafood alongside the Thai locals who frequent this off-the-beaten-path beach.

A half-day’s travel from the capital, you’ll find the island of Ko Samet, a blissful retreat with 14 sandy beaches. Go during the week to avoid the rate hikes on weekends, when it seems that half of Bangkok’s population flocks to the shore. If you have the time to spare, consider taking a few days to enjoy Ko Chang, one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands.

Best Time to Go

Strictly in terms of climate, there isn’t really a bad time to enjoy Thailand’s beaches. It’s warm all year long, and the only thing that changes is the amount of rain. If you want to avoid afternoon showers that occur almost daily during the monsoon, plan your visit between November and February.

Unfortunately, the dry season coincides with the high season for tourism, particularly in the islands, with prices skyrocketing during December and January. If you don’t mind having to duck into a beach-side bar to escape a downpour to escape the heavy crowds of high season, plan your visit during April, May, June, September or October.

-Lydia Schrandt

Thailand for Beach Lovers from Thailand Things to Do

Koh Phi Phi. Photo courtesy of Eulinky via Flickr.

Krabi, less crowded that Phuket and more laid back than Koh Phi Phi, has become a favorite among tourists to the Thai islands. With Krabi as your base, you can easily head out to explore other regions with a variety of day trip options.

Khao Nor Chur Chi National Park

One of the most popular day tour options from Krabi City is a trek into nearby Khao Nor Chur Chi National Park. Whether you enter by elephant or by vehicle, you’ll have opportunities to soak in natural hot springs surrounded by jungle, go for a cooling swim in the clear blue waters of the Emerald Pool, visit Tiger Cave Temple and learn about tapping rubber at a rubber plantation.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi, some of the most stunning Thai islands seen in the film The Beach, is also easily accessible from Krabi. A 1-hour speedboat ride will get you there, where you’ll be able to bask on the beaches, swim in the clear waters or do some snorkeling right from shore. If you’re in the mood for a relaxing day trip, this is a good bet.

Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay and its limestone karsts jutting out of the water have also made their way to the silver screen, and when you take a day trip there, you can see James Bond Island as seen in The Man With the Golden Gun for yourself. Sea canoeing is also available in the area.

Koh Hong Island

The white sandy beaches of Koh Hong Island are nothing short of paradise. Ringed with limestone cliffs and mangrove forests, Koh Hong is uninhabited, and visitors can canoe around the entire island, trek to an inland lagoon or snorkel at the shallow reefs just off the beach.

Kayaking

For an active day trip, hop in a kayak. Krabi is surrounded by several prime kayaking areas, including the limestone cliffs of the Hong Islands and the biologically rich mangrove forests of Bor Thor and Ao Thalane.

-Lydia Schrandt

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Best Day Trips from Krabi from Thailand Things to Do

Sea kayaking in Phuket. Photo courtesy of chrisada via Flickr.

Blessed with abundant natural beauty, Phuket draws you in with her beautiful white sand beaches, clear waters, hidden lagoons and marine caves. The tourism industry here has also devised numerous adrenaline-pumping ways to explore this stunning Thai island.

Snorkeling and diving- If you think the surface of Phuket’s waters is pretty, wait until you see the underwater world of reefs and colorful sea critters waiting for you to explore. You’ll find the best snorkeling sites along the western coast and surrounding the Racha Noi and Racha Yai Islands. For divers, take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands, Anemone Reef or the easy dive sites along the western coast of Phuket.

Windsurfing- If you want to give windsurfing a try, rent a board from a shack along the beach. You’ll find them on nearly every beach, with a large concentration on Patong and Kata Beaches.

Kite surfing and boarding- The sports of kite surfing and kite boarding are quickly gaining popularity in Thailand, and if you want to try them in Phuket, head to the beaches along the southeastern corner of the island. Advanced kite surfers can catch air at Nai Yang or Layan Beaches in the northwest.

Sea kayaking- Sea kayaking through a marine cave to a hidden lagoon has become a quintessential Phuket experience. To get the most out of it, take a guided tour with a guide who can lead you to your own secret beach.

Parasailing- You’ve taken a dive and seen Phuket from a fish-eye view, now get the equally impressive birds-eye view by going parasailing. Rides typically last 10 minutes and depart from nearly any of the popular beaches, Patong Beach being a favorite.

Catamaran Sailing- The sport of sailing is surprisingly easy to learn, and you can do so by hiring a Hobie catamaran and letting the winds carry you across the blue waters just off the coast. November through May brings perfect wind conditions, but pass on the sailing from May to October when heavy surf becomes a problem.

-Lydia Schrandt

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Adventure Activities Near Phuket from Thailand Things to Do

Khao Yai National Park. Photo courtesy of Theerawat Sangprakarn via Flickr.

Thailand, a country known for its natural beauty, is home to more than 100 national parks. Whether you enjoy the ocean, the jungle or wildlife spotting, there’s a park for you. Choosing just one or two can be overwhelming, so here’s a rundown of the best in the country.

Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park, home to Thailand’s oldest swath of rainforest, is also one of the closest to Bangkok. It tops the list for wildlife viewing, as on any given visit you might see elephants, deer, otters, gibbons, porcupines, bats and brightly colored parrots; more than 300 species of birds have been observed here. You can also see the waterfall Leo DiCaprio dove off of in the film The Beach.

Khao Sok National Park

If you’re making your way from Bangkok to the Thai Islands, consider stopping at the beautiful Khao Sok National Park, a stretch of rainforest dotted with rugged limestone mountains, tumbling waterfalls and mid-jungle lakes. Aside from the ample wildlife-spotting opportunities, visitors to the park can go rafting, canoeing, spelunking or zip-lining through the evergreen canopy.

Erawan National Park

Erawan National Park, one of the most famous national parks in the country, is home to the seven-tiered Erawan Falls. Once you walk up the trail to the waterfall, you can swim in the blue waters alongside locals who often come here to escape the heat on the weekends. Make sure to wear shoes with good traction and a bathing suit.

Ao Phang Nga Bay National Park

Scenes in Phang Nga Bay marine park look like they were taken right from the pages of a tropical calender. Known for the dramatic karsts jutting up out of the water, this coastal area offers excellent diving and snorkeling, traditional villages, caves and the famous James Bond Island from the film The Man with the Golden Gun.

Mu Ko Surin National Park

If you’re interested in scuba diving, look no further than Surin National Park. Home to the Surin Islands, this marine national park offers visitors all the draws of the Thai islands — beaches, azure waters, jungle — without the backpacker hordes of the more popular Kos.

-Lydia Schrandt

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National Parks in Thailand from Thailand Things to Do

Songkran Festival in Thailand. Photo courtesy of Wyndham via Flickr.

The Songkran Festival that coincides annually with the Thai New Year is, among other things, a no holds barred water fight that has left many an unsuspecting tourist scrambling to find a towel. Traditionally, young Thais have long celebrated the lunar new year by seeking the blessing of their elders by pouring scented water over their hands (and bathing images of the Buddha), after which all bets are off and a good-natured aquatic battle ensues.

Held at the peak of Thailand’s hot season in mid-April, Songkran is an opportunity for the entire country (tourists and locals alike) to take a collective dip and blow off some figurative steam. If you’re planning a trip to the region during the month of April, this festival will likely be one of the most memorable highlights you’ll encounter.

Sand sculptures are constructed in the courtyards of the monasteries, birds and fish are set free, water balloons are let loose and hoses are turned on passers-by. Some of the best places to experience the pandemonium of Songkran include the northern city of Chiang Mai (where the intensity of the festivities is legendary); and the famous seven-tiered waterfall at Erawan National Park, where revelers splash happily in the many pools that form beneath the different levels of the falls. The festivities in Bangkok are reputedly less intense, as much of the population will have left the city.

Keep in mind that no one is considered exempt from the soaking. If you want to avoid getting wet, plan your visit for some other time, or prepare to spend virtually all of your time in the safety of your hotel room.

Places to Celebrate in 2013

• Bangkok – April 13-15
• Pattaya – April 18-20
• Phra Pradaeng – April 19-21
• Phuket – April 11-15
• Chiang Rai – April 13-15
• Chiang Mai – April 12-15

- John Reality

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Celebrating the Thai New Year with Songkran from Thailand Things to Do

Get ready for the full moon!

Ah, the time-honored tradition of the full moon party in Thailand. Backpackers across the globe tout this once a month drink fest along costal Koh Phangan as one of the best parties on earth, drawing up to 30,000 attendees who mingle and party from dusk till dawn. During the event, the many bars of Haad Rin town along the sunrise beach remain in full swing all night, offering drinks in ‘bucket’ form, as well as other terrific specials.

The history of this unique event stems from a likely group of backpackers who found that the full moon is most beautiful from this particular crescent beach, and hence, began the party in celebration of the aforementioned moon. Thirty years later, the beach now explodes in a frenzy of music on nights of the party as jugglers and fire-eaters patrol the beach entertaining patrons.

Although the full moon parties have become a staple among young travellers, it must be said that full moon parties have a recent history of being a little unruly, as alcohol abuse and drug use have become common practice for some. Nevertheless, if you are looking for an otherwise tranquil and exciting opportunity to meet interesting people on the sandy beaches of exotic Thailand, this is the place for you.

For those interested in attending, the next full moon party on Koh Phangan occurs on May 5. In order to get to this beautiful little island, you can hop on a bus from Bangkok at around 6:00pm that gets you there around noon the following day, or if you have a bit more to spend in the budget, you can take a number of hour-long flights from Bangkok or Phuket.

-  John Reality

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Full Moon Parties in Thailand from Thailand Things to Do

With three days in this sprawling metropolis, you can explore most of the cultural landmarks, such as Wat Phra, Jim Thompson’s House, Wat Arun, Chinatown and the National Museum, but you have plenty of time to spare with loads of amazing shopping centers. For the high-end stuff, there are huge shopping complexes such as the MBK and Emporium, or you can explore the traditional local shops such as the Night Bazaar, the Chatuchuk Weekend Market and the Pratunam Market.

Bangkok photo courtesy of Evo Flash on Flikr.

As many Thais speak English, do not feel that you have to limit your trip to just the major urban hubs like Phuket. Grab a bus and head over to the Andamom coast for some terrific island hopping and exotic beach life. Here, you can take on as many water sports as you please while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

If you do choose Phuket, down south is the famous Krabi province where you can choose to stay on one of many great islands, from quiet Ko Muk to pumping Ko Lanta, where things are a bit livelier.

Finally, Chang Mai is a first timers must, with a history and cuisine culture second only to Bangkok, and with more than 30 temples, Chang Mai affords plenty of culture.

-  John Reality

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First Time Visitor Tips for Thailand from Thailand Things to Do

Isaan Buddha statue photo courtesy of Hanumann on Flikr.

One of the best sites in the region is Sala Kaew Ku, with its bizarre but amazing statues. Sporting some of the largest sculptures in the country, the intricate handiwork of statues depicts quiet interesting Buddhist ideas, such as a Buddha meditating under several nagas and several gods and goddesses, as well as human-beast hybrids. With a nominal charge of 20 baht (or $0.66) to enter the park, seeing the park comes at not real expense.

With a heavy influence of Khmer culture here, the town of Nang Rong presents an opportunity to see some great historical monuments including the Prasat Hin Mueang Tam, a sanctuary surrounded by lovely gardens and Khmer architecture.

Another interesting aspect of Isaan is its cuisine, which borrows from neighboring Laos. Although still Thai food, it is distinctly different from the more common eats in places like Chang Mai and Bangkok as dishes tend use crab meat instead of shrimp. Then there are tasty dishes like som tam, a spicy salad made from papayas.

Getting to Isaan is no great challenge. The most common way is by train out of Bangkok with services running regularly. You can also fly in to one of many nearby cities—either Khon Kaen, Nakhon Phanom or Udon Thani, where you can grab a car straight away.

- John Reality

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Isaan from Thailand Things to Do

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden. Photo credit: AtomDocs via Flickr.

If you happen to be traveling in southern Thailand, one of the must-do attractions that you ought to visit is the Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden. Spanning an impressive 500 hectares, the lavish garden in Chonburi Province contains a wide variety of exotic plant life from cactus to palms to succulents.

The garden itself is very well manicured and divided up into several sections, creating some ease in the navigation and identification process. What is one of the more impressive features of the garden is that aside from its wide-array of plants, it is also organized in several styles from French to traditional European.

While there, take a stroll through the beautiful Stonehenge garden or check out flower valley. Other features also include a butterfly hill and an ant tower, a favorite among the youngsters.

As well as being a garden, the complex also doubles over as a major scientific facility dedicated to none other than the rare and gorgeous cycads. The stout woody tree, found across some tropical and subtropical parts of the world happens to be endangered and the garden has a cycad genebank and a team of scientists there to preserve the species.

Depending on what time of the year you get there, Nong Nooch runs some great shows, from elephant walks to cultural shows that include car displays. Check in with the website of the garden beforehand to time your visit accordingly. To get there, you can simply phone the gardens and arrange for a pick-up, or there are buses and minivans leaving several times a day from Bangkok and Pattaya.

- John Reality

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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden from Thailand Things to Do

Pattaya City. Photo credit: AtomDocs via Flickr.

Located on the coast of southern Thailand,  Pattaya is just two hours by car from Bangkok, and is a popular beach destination. It’s accessible by buses that run from Bangkok nearly all hours of day (though if there are a number of people going together, the best course would be to jointly hire a taxi).

Pattaya’s main outdoor attraction is the three-kilometer long Pattaya beach, where you’ll find plenty of  of hotels, bars and clubs. There is also a more family friendly beach called Jomtien, and the great amusement park and tower will keep kids entertained. Activities like golf, horseback riding, bungee jumping, diving, snorkeling and sailing are all available on and around the beach.

Pattaya isn’t short of cultural activities either. Buddha Hill features a fantastic view and a manicured Chinese-style sacred space where Thais from all around the country come to pay homage to Wat Khao Phra Bat. There’s also the Sanctuary of Truth, a beautifully crafted ancient wooden temple that  is filled with Buddhist and Hindu statues and motifs. Away from the beach you’ll find an orchid farm and tropical gardens, and for activities the kids will enjoy, there’s Ripley’s Believe it or Not, a crocodile farm, and aquarium.

Unfortunately, Pattaya also has a seedier side and is famous for its go-go bars. Sadly, sex tourism has become the number one attraction for this otherwise lovely destination, but with government efforts to clean up the towns and its beaches, tourism has steadily been changing hands. The town offers loads of great accommodations, shops and delicious restaurants, but you’ll have to be cautious if you want to avoid any raucous behavior brought on by the sex trade.

- John Reality

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Pattaya: Pros and Cons in a Beautiful Beach Town from Thailand Things to Do

This tropical park, which also overlooks the coast, is a picturesque and educational place to learn more about the regional habitat as well as take a relaxing stroll through a wonderfully manicured area. In addition to butterflies, the garden is home to a number of other attractions that includes various kinds of insects such as moths as bees, housed in the Insect Museum and Bee House respectively.

Samui Butterfly Garden photo courtesy of Mrlangeman on Flikr

Once there, you may regret it if you do not bring your camera as the butterflies and other creatures of the garden are surrounded by a landscape filled with foliage and exotic plants.

One of the nice things here is that access to the garden is quite easy since it is located by the beach. There is also a boat tour with a glass-bottom for checking out the coral reefs—great if you are not so keen on getting wet.

A lot of folks that take the time to visit Koh Samui tend to have a car, so that is the easiest way to get there; otherwise you can easily grab a bus from Bangkok. Hours for the park change depending on the season, luckily high season lasts from November to March, so the hours are longer, from 9am to 5pm.

- Contributed by John Reality

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Samui Butterfly Garden from Thailand Things to Do

In Bangkok, one can maneuver throughout the city for next to nothing by taking one of the inner-city buses. With stations all around the city, the bus system has drivers that are usually pretty friendly and will tell you when to get off and where connections are. They are also a much safer alternative to tuk-tuks and motorbikes that are known for scamming tourists. Just note that Bangkok is a very big place and traffic can be quite hectic, so if time is your priority, you may be better off taking the train if possible.

City bus in Bangkok. Photo courtesy of nist6dh via Flickr.

Otherwise, there are various kinds of buses you can take that may save some time, including the express, second class and first class buses, which skip some stops and take direct routes to the more popular stops. The schedules for these are usually posted at the stations.

On a national level, the government-run BKS, better known as the Transport Company, has terminals in each and every province, no matter how big or small. For longer rides, it is best to allow your hotel to arrange the tickets for you and just show up at the station. These buses usually include lots of air conditioning—perhaps too much–so bring a sweater.

Also, it is important to know that if you are leaving from Bangkok, different bus terminals leave for different destinations in the country. Those terminals are as follows: For destinations to the east, go to Ekkamai Station, for central, northeast and northern destinations, go to Mo Chit Station and for southern destinations, use Sai Tai Mai Station.

- Contributed by John Reality

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Bus Travel in Thailand from Thailand Things to Do

With visibility best between October and May, the sea has an extensive bedding of coral reefs and marine life unique to Southeast Asia. While in the area, check in with your hotel, who would certainly be advertising diving tours that are commonly very cheap. Loads of restaurants and bars are doing the same.

If you won’t be able to make Phuket, there are a few other places to be in Thailand that come recommended for diving adventures in the Andaman. Try places with more established resort areas such as Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands at Monkey Beach and the always stunning Ao Nang Beach.

Monkey Beach. Photo courtesy of stefanedberg via Flickr.

Because the north coast on the Andaman offers a different marine life and underwater appeal, Khao Lak is ideal if you happen to be in that area.

If you are starting off in Bangkok, the best way to get down to Phuket is by flying then taxi, which takes less than two hours. For the budget traveler there are very inexpensive buses that will get you all the way down, but get comfortable, they take about 10 hours.

- Contributed by John Reality

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Diving in the Andaman Sea from Thailand Things to Do

Chian Mai Flowers Festival. Photo courtesy of Electrostatico via Flickr.

As if Thailand’s Chiang Mai was not beautiful enough, the town really springs to life in the first weekend of February as public parks and shops display thousands of bright colored flowers for the Chiang Mai Flowers Festival.

Celebrating the end of the cool season, the Chiang Mai Flowers Festival transforms the town into a floral Mecca, with beautiful petunias, Damask roses and sterling white and yellow chrysanthemums. With several events throughout the weekend, be sure to head over to Charoen Muang Road for the Flower Festival Parade, which features several decorated floats and tribal Thais adorned in traditional garments.

Where the store fronts and streets are sure to be laden with floral décor for the weekend, all the best action is surely at the public parks, such as Suan Buak Haad, the Ratchapruek Royal Park and the Orchard Gardens, where one can see literally hundreds of species of plants, including ones that are particular to Southeast Asia or are rare hybrids.

For something that would appeal more to the kids, the Tweechol Botanic Gardens on Doi Saket Road has its own petting zoo, museum and camping facilities.

Access to some of these events is fairly easy to sort out, just note that for a few places, like the Queen Sikrit Botanical Garden, access by motorbike is forbidden so be sure to book a taxi. Ratchapruek Royal Park, meanwhile, is located 20 kilometers, or about 12 miles, southwest of Chiang Mai along Canal Road, so once again, your best course of transport is to book a car if possible.

- Contributed by John Reality

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Chiang Mai Flowers Festival from Thailand Things to Do

Surrounded by the stunning Andaman Sea, the islands contain sky-high rock formations and cliffs from limestone, untouched rainforest and all the white sandy beach you would come to expect in coastal Thailand. With the ease of booking one of several available tours from Bangkok, or any other tourism destination, visitors can ride a longtail or speed boat from Krabi and enjoy a number of activities including snorkeling or kayaking.

View of the Hong Islands. Photo courtesy of edwin.11 via Flickr.

Located about 30 minutes away from Ao Nang in the Phranga Bay, a day tour at the Hong Islands provides not just an opportunity to take a swim in the lovely aqua-colored waters, but also will often take you to a small local village, where you can enjoy a locally prepared lunch and even feed some of the marine life residing the shallow waters.

If you are looking for more of a private excursion of the Hong Islands, many tour agents will also let you rent out private boats. You would have to incur an extra national park fee of about $7 for the captain and you would not get the lunch, but a private tour gets you an able captain who will stop where you like and get you to the site of excellent cave diving nearby, an excursion that comes highly recommended.

- John Reality

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The Hong Islands of Thailand from Thailand Things to Do