Kayaking in Nga Bay

When amazing rock formations, islets, and caves are combined with the surrounding waters, it is definitely a pleasing sight to see. If you kayak in Phang Nga Bay, this sight is surely yours to explore!

Location

This bay is located between Phuket and the Malay Peninsula. This area is also home to many Thailand luxury villas for sale such as the famous Avadina Hills by Anantara promising a piece of heaven in terms of tourism and investors who are interested in real estate in this area.

Phang-nga_Bay,
Tony Ng, Phang-nga Bay, leading to James Bond Island – panoramio, CC BY-SA 3.0

Getting to the Bay

Just as the name suggests, it’s a Bay and the only way to get to it is via water. Most resorts will offer this service and so you can get to the bay first by a boat.

Your sea-kayaking experience

You can enjoy the kayaking experience in the day time or even in the night. But the most common is the day trip. While you kayak peacefully, do not forget to explore the beautiful sceneries all around you. You’ll come across tunnels, caves, and many other special places and they’ll bring you an exciting feeling.

Useful tips

The caves can sometimes be very dark and you should be prepared to experience this on your journey. If you are enjoying this experience during the summer, make sure you take more water bottles with you so you can stay hydrated.

Hiking the Dragon Crest Mountain Trail

Hiking enthusiasts heading to Krabi should not miss exploring the Dragon Crest Mountain Trail which is among the area’s best loved trekking hubs for travellers and locals alike.

Dragon Crest Mountain at a Glance

Known as Khao Ngon Nak in the local tongue, Dragon Crest Mountain is no ordinary hiking hub in Krabi. With a 3.7km long hiking trail that leads to some of the most spectacular viewing points in the area, it is a must explore highlight for all visitors. Accessible free of charge, the mountain is easy to navigate even for the least experienced hikers. The entire hike takes no more than 2 and a half hours or even an hour, depending on one’s own fitness and hiking prowess. The best reward of the hike awaits travellers who reach the top as it is said that all of Krabi lays open before one’s eyes.

Reaching Dragon Crest Mountain

The best way to reach the Dragon Crest Mountain is to hop on a motorbike taxi or a rented motorcycle and drive up to the location. It is important to carry bottles of water and snacks as there are few shops at the base of the mountain. Those based at Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort or any similar hotel in Ao Nang Krabi can get a picnic to go or a hamper full of snacks prepared in advance. The hiking trail also closes to visitors by 5pm so heading there early in the morning is recommended.

The Experience

Well marked with various points designated, the trail is easy to navigate. Hikers will also find picturesque areas and viewpoints on the way to the top so don’t forget to bring a camera.

Top-rated attractions in Thailand

Attractions you find in Thailand are diverse and all of them are well competent to provide you with memorable experiences in their own unique ways. It’s not just about enjoying history and culture, but also about enjoying the best food and admiring the sceneries.

Khon Kaen National Museum

Within close vicinity of hotels Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, you find the Khon Kaen National Museum which has various ancient tools, marble slabs, and stuccos as its exhibits. Not to forget, it features some dinosaur fossils and human skeletons as well.

The Grand Palace, Bangkok

When you are planning your day in Bangkok from your hotel in Khon Kaen make sure you do not miss to include visiting the Grand Palace in the city. You find royal halls, temples and ancient relics in these premises and they will all show you how advanced the craftsmanship has been back in the day.

Bealbrown at the English WikipediaGrand Palace viewCC BY-SA 3.0

Sunday Walking Street

If you are someone looking forward to cheap but tasty food in Thailand, then the Night Walking street in Chiang Mai will be the ideal option for you.

Sukhothai Old City

Although what you find here are some ruins of a great old city, the photo options that it provides are adorable. This old city is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and is considered one of the most significant historical sites in Thailand.

AhoerstemeierSukhothai historical park1CC BY-SA 3.0

 

Best Things to Do on Koh Phangan

Be it lazing around on a pristine beach, enjoying local delicacies or even having some fun in the wild, Koh Phangan is what you are looking for! Here’s what you absolutely can’t miss out on when on holiday on this atoll that is a part of Thailand.

Beach hopping

White sand, clear blue waters and a whole bunch of fun water sports is just what the beaches of Koh Phangan have to offer. Don’t forget to book up a room with Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas or any other stunning Koh Phangan resort for some self-pampering. Also, you simply have to experience a moon party at Haad Rin Beach.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Waterfall hunting

Experience the way the locals have fun by paying a visit to the waterfalls that are favourites among all tourists visiting Koh Phangan. Head over to Paradise Falls and have some splashy fun with the local kids. Remember not to make the mistake of visiting in the dry season!

Night market

Where better to find a night market than in Thailand? The Thong Sala Night market is an absolute must visit! If you are up for a culinary journey, then hit the night market to find all sorts of cuisines to entice your taste buds.

File:Thongsala - Food market - panoramio.jpg
lanjan, Thongsala – Food market – panoramioCC BY-SA 3.0

Slip N Fly

It’s all about the thrills and spills at Slip N Fly! Slide down water slides and into the plunge pool or enjoy a game of water volleyball. This is an ideal spot to hang out with friends and family.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Awesome Things to Do in Koh Phangan

From spending lazy days on the shore to making foodie discoveries and dancing till dawn under a full moon, Koh Phangan is an island full of adventures just waiting for you!

Beach Exploration

Being an island, Koh Phangan is blessed with some truly gorgeous stretches of shore, ideal for some beach hopping. Haad Yao, Haad Salad, Haad Yuan and Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach home to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas are amongst the beaches you can look to explore.

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Experience Moon Parties

Of course, no mention of things to do on Koh Phangan is complete without highlighting its legendary Full Moon Parties. Haad Rin Beach becomes party central each month with its heady mix music and dancing on the shore which attracts revellers from across the world. What’s more, the island hosts Half Moon and Black Moon parties too!

Full-Moon-Party-2016 DSC03418cropw.jpg
Per Meistrup, Full-Moon-Party-2016 DSC03418cropwCC BY-SA 4.0

Visit the Thong Sala Night Market

When it comes to this market, think less retail therapy and more food therapy! The Thong Sala Night Market is a must visit for foodies who can sample a huge range of authentic Thai dishes. Be it savoury, spicy, sour or sweet, the selection here is fantastic and will appease meat lovers and vegetarians alike.

Learn Muay Thai

Koh Phangan is a great place to learn the traditional martial art of Muay Thai which is very much a part of Thai culture. Since you utilise your hands and legs in a variety of attack and defence techniques, it offers a great cardio workout too!

Image Credit: Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Adventuring Chiang Mai from the Skies

Incredibly popular among almost everyone who visits, hot ballooning in Chiang Mai offers the greatest view of the entire area. Want to know how it happens?

Anantara Chiang Mai Resort
Image Credit: Anantara Chiang Mai Resort,

Booking

Offered by almost any Chiang Mai Hotel, you must make sure to make an advanced booking, especially if you are booking it during the December winter season of Chiang Mai. Most flight bookings include a 2-way transfer from the launch site to the hotel.

The process

With most places offering two flights per day, it’s best to stick to the schedule. Each basket can generally hold up to six adults, however, they usually limit it to one pilot and four passengers. First, the balloon is laid out, the crew then proceed to inflate it with cold air utilizing a powerful fan as well as turning the burner flame on afterwards.

The views

You’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise if you fly in the morning, upon a backdrop of terraced paddy fields and mountains. The highlight of the trip.

Wrapping up

It is a common tradition to have a champagne toast at the end of the journey upon landing, before heading back to the hotel. If you’re staying at Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, the launch sites are pretty close by.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Adventures in the National Parks of Krabi

Krabi is situated on the western coast of southern Thailand, and is one of the most beautiful places the nation has to offer. Krabi is also the national park capital of Thailand.

Bang Kram Wildlife Sanctuary

This is one of the most essential parks to visit since it occupies the last remaining lowland forest patch in Thailand. This sanctuary is famous throughout the world for being the best place for bird watching in southern Thailand.

File:Blue Pool at Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, near Krabi (Thailand) - panoramio.jpg
Scorewith German, Blue Pool at Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, near Krabi (Thailand) – panoramioCC BY 3.0

Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint

This is one of the most spectacular locales in Thailand, thrice so if you happen to be a hiker or a lover or breath-taking vantage points. If you’re staying at one of many Krabi resorts situated close by, such as Anantara Si Kao Resort, this is an essential experience.

Khao Phanom Bencha National Park

This is one of the most tranquil national parks, and is a great place to discover inner peace. Tham Khao Ping is a large cave within the park that is worthy of exploration.

Ron KnightGurney’s PittaCC BY 2.0

Klong Thom Hot Springs

Taking a dip in these relaxing and revitalising springs is an ideal way to conclude your Krabi adventure. These waters are known to be rich in minerals, and work to help with a range of ailments which include rheumatism and sciatica.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Trang Island Adventures

Thailand is one of the most ultimate choices for a tropical getaway and there are many breathtaking experiences to be had in this nation. A Trang Island adventure however, is something remarkable.

The Islands

There are more than 46 islands to explore outside of the mainland area, offering secluded beaches, snorkelling experiences, and many Krabi resorts to choose from such as Anantara Si Kao Resort.

Now showing Photo, Resort And Andaman Sea Panorama
Image Credit: Anantara Si Kao Resort

Pak Meng Pier

This is where most voyages concerning the Trang Islands begin, and the moment you set foot on this pier you will be able to witness the exquisite tropical splendour of these islands and Thailand as a whole.

Ko Lao Liang Phi in Mu Ko Phetra National Park
LerdsuwaLaoLiangPhiCC BY-SA 3.0

Ko Muk

This is the most popular first stop on a Trang Islands adventure. It features a range of affordable lodgings, a beautiful white-sand bar on the eastern side known as Hat Sivalai, and spectacular beaches on the west side, Hat Farang, which are eclipsed by looming limestone cliffs.

File:2016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Muk (02).jpg
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.02016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Muk (02)CC BY-SA 4.0

Ko Kradan

If you’re looking for someplace that is simplistic and isolated then Ko Kradan might just be perfect for you. The island has pristine beaches with fresh powdery sand leading to shallow aquamarine waters.

File:2016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Kradan (02).jpg
Photo: Marcin Konsek / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.02016 Prowincja Trang, Ko Kradan (02)CC BY-SA 4.0

Ko Ngai

A direct contrast to Ko Kradan, this is one of the most developed of the Trang Islands so it is best to visit Ko Ngai towards the end of the tour so you can feast on expertly prepared Thai cuisine at one of their many restaurants.

File:Koh Ngai 07.jpg
KhunkayKoh Ngai 07CC BY-SA 3.0

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Than Prawet Waterfall

Venture towards the country’s southeast to find the little island of Koh Phangan. Resort and bungalow properties operate during most of the month, to serve visitors looking for a quiet getaway. They cater to party goers during the full moon. This little island in Thailand is asleep for the most part and only comes to life once a month for the famed ‘Full Moon Party’. Hat Rin plays host to the large scale, wild party that welcomes thirty thousand people who all occupy one beach. After the nightlong party, the crowd thins and island returns to its regular slow pace. Koh Phangan is looking to establish itself as a luxurious destination and is already home to Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villas. There is plenty in the way of natural beauty; jungles, pristine bays and waterfalls await discovery.

Than Prawet is one of the two waterfalls in the Thong Nai Pan Noi area of Koh Phangan Island. It is a waterfall that flows year round but can be difficult to find due to the lack of signboards. However, it is worth the extra effort, for avid hikers in particular. In reality, the Than Prawet Waterfall is made up of a series of waterfalls that run alongside each other over great boulders and smaller rocks amidst abundant green foliage.

A hiking trail that follows a stream running to the village stretches two kilometers and will take you to the waterfall. Alternatively, you can opt to reach Than Prawet by making part of the journey by road. You can take a motor vehicle along the road by the bay but the last stretch will need to be made on foot. Hiking on from that point can prove challenging for some. Sturdy footwear is recommended while hiking alone or outside of daylight hours is not advised.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Island Safari

Koh Samui was once a sleepy remote location, home to only a quiet fishing community; today, Thailand’s largest island is a popular holiday destination. It attracts travellers of all descriptions. Accommodation on the island ranges from beachside bungalows to luxury resorts. Koh Samui is famous for palm-fringed, white, sandy beaches, coconut groves and rugged rainforest. It stands apart from Thailand’s big cities with the frenzied activity that is usually expected. However Koh Samui is known for its raging after dark activity. Chaweng Beach, on which you will find Anantara Lawana Koh Samui Resort, has a party atmosphere and is well known for its cabaret shows.

To explore the mountains of Koh Samui in style take a Land Rover tour and get ready for an adventure. Several tour companies now offer full day or half day trips that take you off road and bring you up close and personal with the highlights of the island. You can expect to see: the famous Grandma and Grandpa rocks located on Lamai Beach; Luang Pordaeng, the mummified monk which is a sacred local relic; Wat Phra Yai or Big Buddha Temple that houses several shrines and statues; the twelve meter tall golden Buddha statue that is the most celebrated landmark in Samui, it can be found on Big Buddha Beach on the northern coast of the island but can be seen several kilometers away. Stunning views await as you drive high into the mountains, along sea cliffs and then into low valleys, like Nuns Valley with its rural villages.

You can pick a tour depending on your interests. Some companies will transport you to and from your hotel and you can expect a tour guide who will explain the attractions and experiences. Refreshments and a traditional meal maybe provided, depending on the type of tour. Animal shows using baby elephants, crocodiles and monkeys are also offered on some itineraries but welfare of the animals is often questionable and in most cases, best avoided.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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