Koh Surin Island in Thailand

Mu Koh Surin National Park is paradise - fine white sandy beaches, thick jungle, crystal-clear waters, and the most extensive coral reef in Thailand. It is also home of the Moken Sea Gypsies. The park is the ideal place to go for people wanting to connect with nature in its most beautiful and pristine form, escaping traditional touristy beaches with their bars, noise, and crowds.

Many adventurous visitors to Thailand who has ever strapped on an aqualung knows that the islands of the Andaman Sea, near Phuket, exert a magnetic pull on diving enthusiasts and that the diving sites of the Similan National Park offer some of the best and colorful dives in Asia.

But there are many lesser-known, yet very spectacular diving areas along Thailand's stretching coastline of the Andaman Sea. To find a real jewel for divers, you have to go 100 kilometers north of the Similan Islands to find Mu Koh Surin National Park, close to the Burmese border on the southern coast of Phang-nga's Kuraburi district in Thailand.

The Mu Koh Surin islands resembles 5 dots of tropical rain forest in the middle of the ocean, each with an intoxicating "Paradise Fund" quality. Mu Koh Surin has been a National Marine Park since the year 1981, ensuring that the wonderful underwater life and corals are protected by the Thai government.

Mu Ko Surin National Park
Situated in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Ko Surin is an archipelago of 5 islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Ko Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of Ko Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Ko Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for 3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Ko Surin Nuea with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of Ko Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.

Interesting attractions on Ko Surin Tai include Ao Tao, situated to the east of the island. The bay is home to numerous sea turtles and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. It is where unspoilt coral reefs can be seen.

Ko Klang or Ko Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various kinds of fish.

Ko Khai or Ko Torilla, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. On the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoilt and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended activity here.

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

Introduction to Cha-Am Phetchaburi

Thailand's longest white sand beach is the main feature of this lesser-known resort town only two hours outside of Bangkok.

Longest Beach
As most foreign beachgoers choose to stay at nearby Hua Hin, Cha-am is very much a Thai resort. 178 km from Bangkok, it is quiet on weekdays, busier on weekends and bustling on holidays. With no real center, the town stretches along the length of the white-sand beach, said to be Thailand's longest. However, the post office and market are near the train station, and these three landmarks constitute the old center.

Beachside Accommodation
The beach has plenty of deckchairs and umbrellas for rent, and beer, soft drinks and tasty seafood are available all day long from local vendors. After swimming in the sea, you can wash off with fresh water at one of the public bathhouses for a nominal charge. There is a good selection of accommodation set back from the beach, with small hotels for budget travelers and more luxurious big-name chains for those looking for something a bit more comfortable.

Summer Palace
Nine km south of Cha-am, the summer palace (Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathayawan) of King Rama VI is open to the public through the gates of Rama VI Military Camp during government office hours (9.00 a.m. ' 4.30 p.m.). The palace consists of a series of one-and-two-floor units on stilts, linked by covered walkways. The whole structure is made of teak, with shuttered windows and tiled roofs similar to those of Vimanmek Mansion in Bangkok.

Mountain Climbing in Thailand

What is it about a mountain that make a person want to endeavor to get to the top? Is it the likelihood of an awe-inspiring view that awaits? Is it the feeling of accomplishment at doing something that not just anyone can do? Perhaps it’s a combination of the two, along with a realization that few, if any, have treaded this route before.

Mountains harbor the last bastion of old-growth and primary jungle in tropical Thailand and across the globe. Almost everything in nature that is beyond easy reach is still there in its pristine state. That is the bottom line. Unfortunately, humans across the world have altered nearly everything that was alterable. Nonetheless, pure nature can be yours. You can see the unaltered realm. In tropical Southern Thailand, the ground is supposed to be covered with greenery, big trees, water and rocks. Much of it still is.

Limestone preserves hidden valleys and lagoons. It is within this territory that pristine life exists. No one sees it; no one hears about it, until now.

The Top

There’s a feeling of tremendous excitement as you approach a summit. It doesn’t really matter whether you’ve climbed for two hours or eight; that feeling is there. Of course, if you’ve achieved a summit that you knew would push your personal envelope of physical fitness, there is a pride that also accompanies you to the top.

Each of us has goals in our lives. For some, a laid-back approach to life is fine; we can cruise by without ever really pushing the fragile wrapper at all. For the rest of us, there is that burning desire to do something that make us feel satisfied, feel satisfied that we have done something that few, if anyone, has done before. This is what PaddleAsia is offering you.

Difficulty Levels

PaddleAsia offers tropical mountain climbing trips of varying degrees of difficulty. For those who are fit and wish to accomplish a great feat of endurance and strength, we offer lengthy climbs with a lot of elevation change. You tell us what you are capable of and we’ll design a trip with that in mind. Like-minded and fit group trips are also available.

For those who want an easy climb up a gentle slope, we have plenty of trials that qualify. It’s not always about the push.

Destination

Khao Sok National Park has been our long-time favorite travel destination in Southern Thailand. Khao Sok covers an area of 740 square kilometers. The vast park shares borders with other smaller national parks like Sri Phang Nga National Park. Klong Saeng, Kaeng Krung and Klong Kakha wildlife sanctuaries share borders as well. The result is the largest area of protected land in Southern Thailand. Consequence, this is a vast enough area to give refuge to large mammals such as wild elephants, gaur (a wild cow), tapirs, bears, tigers and other cats.

Just imagine a land where the Great Hornbill is one of the most common birds seen. This massive tropical airborne beauty hosts a two-meter wingspan. Seeing it fly overhead is a treat; seeing it from above is magical! Envision a land where gibbons, a small ape with a cuddly nature, swing freely in towering trees. Their acrobatic skills exceed those of the best Olympic athletes by leaps and bounds. Gibbons also have this misfortune, they are cute when young. The result is the babies are often captured for the illegal animal trade. That aside, very large numbers of White-handed Gibbons survive in the wilds of Southern Thailand. Orchids are abundant in remote parts of Thailand. They are poached relentlessly across the globe. The only places where you’ll find them in the proper abundance is in areas that are hard to reach, i.e., at elevated heights. In other words, if you want to see nature in her purest state, you’ve got to earn it. The degree to which you ‘earn’ it, is up to you. PaddleAsia offers all levels.

Tropical Mountain Climbing

Mountain climbing is often associated with cold weather, frostbite and breathing difficulties. Tropical mountain climbing is very rewarding and there is very little suffering. Of course, hardships are a bit of what genuine mountain climbing is about. If it was dead easy, everyone would do it.

The mountain climbing gear needed to climb tropical mountains is much less bulky. The limestone karst formations that make up the majority of mountains in Thailand are often sharp and brittle. Most of the technical rock climbing tour operators in Southern Thailand choose to bolt climbing routes as a result. There are ethics involved in this as some climbers feel that bolting a route alters the natural look of the rock. That aside, our goal is to reach the summits. The method is not as much a concern as the end result. We often utilize trees for both holds and in the case of vertical sections on more strenuous mountain climbing routes we offer, we use trees for roped protection.

Safety Issues

Safety is of course paramount as injury and evacuation is a serious issue due to the remote nature of the areas where we operate. We have radio contact with the necessary rescue organizations. All PaddleAsia staff are CPR and first aid trained by local hospitals.

The time of year can change the difficulty level of some climbs. For example, a dry route on a certain mountain might be easy. But when wet, this same route could prove to be rather difficult.

At all times, caution must be taken. Three points of contact is a general rule in climbing. In other words, only one limb, be it foot or hand, should be moving at one time. That way, if you slip, the three other holds would be enough to support your weight.



blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music

BAAN TALING NGAM, MANDARIN ORIENTAL IN CHIANG MAI

You know that you have reached LJj paradise when your plane touches (LS down on one of the world's most charming airports. A colourful buggy takes you from the airstrip past blooming bougainvillaea to a group of thatched huts, your luggage arrives seconds after: this is Samui Airport, on the tropical island paradise of Koh Samui.

You are greeted with a refreshing cold towel graciously presented to you by your limousine driver, who then takes you on a scenic coastal route to the island's finest hotel.
As you approach the tiny fishing village of Taling Ngam on the south-western coast of the island, two mighty stone elephants appear amidst the never ending coconut groves. Perched high on top of a cliff, like an eagle's nest overlooking the Gulf of Thailand — Baan Taling Ngam, your home on the beautiful cliff.

The resort cascades down the cliff to the beach below and comprises various styles of accommodation. Deluxe Rooms and Deluxe Salas are located in the main building and command towering views over the azure waters and the 50 islands of Ang Thong Marine Park on the horizon. All rooms are furnished in contemporary Thai style and feature large, private balconies and sensuous bathrooms. A few steps from the beach are seven Beach Suites, two-bedroom bungalows with adjacent living rooms and wooden verandas, ideal for young families.

Behind the main hotel, nestled between slender coconut trees and landscaped gardens, are the luxurious and individually appointed Cliff Villas, located high above the sea and boasting 240 square metres of space, each with two bedrooms and large balconies. Clustered in villages around series of smaller,private pools, each Cliff Villa is a sanctuary.

In this peaceful seclusion, time becomes unimportant. You are soon enveloped by the harmony and tranquillity of island life, the only audible sounds are those of swaying coconut trees and the tinkle of temple bells carried by the breeze. At sunset, one of nature's most wonderful spectacles unfolds.
Mandarin Oriental's legendary touches of luxury are everywhere; from the crisp linen sheets and fluffy towels, to the impressive array of amenities in the bathroom. Each accommodation is equipped with a state-of-the-art audio and video system, complemented by a video and CD library.

Gracious and welcoming staff are eager to pamper and please you, proud to live up to the heralded traditions of their sister hotel, The Oriental in Bangkok Facilities at Baan Taling Ngam range from the sublime to the sporting. Sipping cocktails around one of seven pools or in the Jacuzzi is wonderfully relaxing. A therapeutic massage is the ultimate way to rejuvenate body and soul.
The more energetic can jog along the mile-long private and palm-fringed beach or enjoy a game of tennis on one of the hotel's private courts, beautifully located in a peaceful coconut grove.

Every morning the local staff escort their guests on an early morning biking trip to the nearby fishing villages. What a delightful way to start the day! Scuba divers find their base at the in-house PADI licensed diving school, which is fully equipped with its own luxury 18-metre dive boat. TJne less daring will enjoy a snorkelling trip by speedboat to the Ang Thong Marine Park, to see of Thailand's colourful marine life; or they may take "long-tail" boat outings along the coast or the magical sunset cruise to the Birds' Nest islands of Koh Si and Koh Ha.

Dining at Baan Taling Ngam is an experience on its own. Seafood lovers will delight in the array of the island's choice of fresh seafood, ranging from lobsters, rock lobsters, prawns, squids and crabs to Koh Samui's famous spotted Garoupas. These magnificent fish grace the noble tables of places as far away as Hong Kong. Lorn Talay, which translates as "Sea Breeze", serves Royal Thai cuisine and Western grill fare in a delightful alfresco setting. Close to the beach is the Promenade, a seafood restaurant for more casual and romantic evenings. You can meet for aperitifs or adjourn there for after-dinner drinks and a stunning view of the setting sun.

From the balcony of your room you see fishing boats disappear into the horizon. The sound of temple bells are carried by the evening breeze. You feel at peace and in harmony with life.
Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
51/4 Chiang Mai-Sankampaeng Road,
Moo 1, T. Tasala, A. Muang, Chiang Mai 50000

blog: Thaifood, Series, Inter Music