Travel in THAILAND : Krabi Province

Krabi, a province on southern Thailand’s Andaman coast, is an almost otherworldly region of labyrinthine archipelagos, where islands seem to erupt vertically out of the sea and secluded beaches are only accessible by colorfully adorned long tail boats. Krabi’s myriad of bays and coves have sheltered pirates, merchants, and sea gypsies for thousands of years and archaeological evidence indicates that Krabi was originally inhabited as early as 25,000 - 35,000 years ago! With attractions including hot springs, a wildlife sanctuary, sea caves, flourishing coral reefs and exotic marine life, limestone cliffs that draw rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world, and national parks that include the island paradises of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, one could easily spend weeks in Krabi and leave yearning for more. If that wasn’t enough, Krabi features some of the most photogenic sunsets in Thailand, often accompanied by spectacular displays of cloud to cloud lightning, that are best enjoyed from a beachside bar or restaurant. Meanwhile, with all the tourists spread out among various beaches and islands, life goes on in Krabi Town, the somewhat sleepy provincial capital. Surprisingly few tourists spend time in the charming riverside town, whose hilly streets feature a number of cozy cafes and inexpensive and authentic Thai cuisine is served at an outdoor, riverside evening market. “Town” to most visitors is Ao Nang, a seaside strip of guesthouses, hotels, bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops that continues to grow as tourist arrivals increase, now spreading north into Noppharat Thara, whose quiet, shady beach is part of the national park that includes the Phi Phi Islands. Ao Nang is the major launching point for boat trips to nearby islands and the isolated beaches of Phra Nang Cape, where the famous former hippie enclave of Railey Beach is located. Krabi Province, which lies along the coast of the Andaman sea in Southern Thailand, is a top tourist destination as a result of its plentiful natural attractions including, white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, extensive coral reefs, numerous caves and waterfalls, and over 130 islands, including Koh Lanta and the jewels of the Andaman coast, the six islands of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park. While not the top destination in and of itself, Krabi Town is a charming provincial capital located along the banks of a river that leads to the nearby Andaman Sea. Consequently, Krabi is an important port city for both local fisherman as well as boats ferrying visitors to the nearby attractions, including Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and Railey Beach, one of the premier rock climbing destinations in the world.



Visitors are advised to make early reservations (up to a year in advance) for accommodation during the peak season from late December to early January because of the popularity of the Krabi and its attractions.

When traveling by ferry to islands around Krabi, it may be preferable to purchase only a one way ticket so that your trip can be more easily altered and you can more easily arrange your departure.

Transport

Options in Krabi, Thailand



Both getting to and getting around Krabi is quite easy. Visitors to Krabi may arrive by air, bus, car, or boat from destinations both north and south of Krabi, as well as from Phuket and Phang Nga provinces to the west of Krabi. Taxis, songtaews, and tuk-tuks are easily found in both Krabi town and Ao Nang and are reasonably priced for those who wish to explore the nearby attractions, though visitors may also rent cars, motorbikes, and even bicycles to tour the area on their own. The only way to get to Ao Nang Cape, including East and West Railey and Phra Nang Beach, is via boat from Krabi Town, Ao Nang, Koh Phi Phi, or Koh Lanta. There are no roads leading to or around Ao Nang Cape, which can only be explored by foot or kayak. Getting to and from Krabi Options in Krabi, Thailand As one of the premier tourist destinations in Thailand, Krabi has innumerable activities to participate in, ensuring that visitors with any interest will find something to keep them entertained on their Krabi holiday. The following are some of the most popular activities on Krabi Options in Krabi, Thailand Krabi town is still a scenic little backwater town, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in a number of great places to eat, including many that specialize in fresh seafood. In Ao Nang, the center of tourist activity on the Krabi Mainland, restaurants serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and various international cuisines, particularly Italian and German. Options in Krabi, Thailand In addition to the regularly celebrated national events and festivals, Krabi has the following annual events By Train: There is no train service to Krabi. The nearest train stations are in Surat Thani and Trang, where visitors can transfer to busses to Krabi. By Bus: There are both government run air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses that connect Bangkok, Phuket, Phang Nga, Trang, Hat Yai, and Surat Thani (Samui) to Krabi Bus Terminal. The bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Krabi takes approximately 12 hours. In addition to these busses, many private bus companies and travel agencies provide air-conditioned busses or vans to and from Krabi and these other provinces. Bus-boat packages between Krabi and Koh Samui should take no more than three hours, though some unscrupulous private bus companies have made this a lengthy ordeal in order to rip off passengers and their stored baggage. There is a more reliable government run bus service between Krabi and Surat Thani which requires bus or tuk tuk transfer to or from the pier that services Koh Samui. There is a regular shuttle bus service between Krabi and Phuket airports, which are roughly 2 hours apart. Krabi Bus Terminal is located 4 kilometers north of town at Talat Kao. For schedules and additional information contact the Krabi Bus Terminal at (66) 0 7561 1804 By Air: The Krabi International Airport (KBV) is about 10 km from the city limits, 15 km from the city center, and 40km from Ao Nang. Krabi is serviced by Thai Airways from Bangkok, Bangkok Airways from Koh Samui, and Thai AirAsia from both Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. By Other: By Boat There are numerous ferries connecting Krabi town, Railey Beaches, and Ao Nang to Phi Phi, Koh Jum, Koh Lanta, and Phuket. All ferry routes and schedules are subject to change, some operating only seasonally, and some making stops between A and B, occasionally requiring transfer to other ferries or long tail boats. Different color stickers are provided to passengers heading to different destinations to minimize confusion. Sea sickness tablets are recommended for journeys in the stormier monsoon season months from May to October. The ferry between Krabi Town and both Koh Lanta and Koh Jam only operates from October to April, during which time it departs twice daily at 10.30 a.m. and 1.30 p.m. There are ferries between Krabi/Ao Nang/Railey and Koh Phi Phi operating all year round with several daily departures from each location. Travel to and from Phuket and Krabi/Ao Nang/Railey/Koh Lanta usually require a transfer or stop at Koh Phi Phi. Free taxi transfer to the pier should be included in the price of your ticket. Getting Around Krabi By Bus: From Krabi Bus Terminal, located in Talat Kao, buses arrive and depart between 6.00 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. Local red buses into and around Krabi town costs 10 baht per ride. For travel to Ao Nang and Haad Noppharat Thara, local white buses leave from Maharat Road in Krabi town and cost 20 baht per journey. An air conditioned Airport Bus service connects the airport to Krabi town and Ao Nang for approximately 90 and150 baht respectively. By songtaew: Songtaew rides from Krabi town to the Krabi Bus Terminal cost around 10 baht per person. From Krabi Town most Songtaews hang out in front of the 7-11 on Maharat Road. Destinations and approximate fares include Ao Leuk (20 baht), Ao Nam Mao (40 baht), Ao Nang (20 baht), Haad Noppharat Thara (20 baht) and Su San Hoi-Shell Cemetery (40 baht). In Ao Nang songtaews travel up and down the beach road and passengers can get on and off at any point along the route for a fixed rate that should be agreed upon before climbing aboard. By Tuk Tuk: Tuk tuks can be chartered for trips around Krabi town and Ao Nang for flat rates that should be negotiated and agreed upon prior to travel. Car and motorbike rental: It is possible to rent a car in Krabi Town or from Krabi Airport to travel around town and to nearby provinces. In addition to international car rental companies, such as National Car Rental and Budget Car Rental, several private agencies and guesthouses provide car and motorcycle rental for 800-1,200 baht/day and 150-250 baht/day respectively. Be aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars (as opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance). Most international car rental agencies will offer this insurance (some only for those with a valid international driver’s license) while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request a copy of their insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial Use". Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing, especially the habit of Thai motorcycles drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road. Be sure to inspect motorbikes prior to rental and drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law. By Boat: Long-tailed boats depart regularly from Krabi’s Saphan Jao Fah Pier to East Railey Beach while boats from Ao Nang serve West Railey Beach with frequency. By Taxi: Motorcycle taxis are available at Krabi airport and around Krabi town. Krabi Limousine has a desk inside the Krabi Airport and provides "limousine taxi" (using large air-conditioned sedans) transport to Krabi town for around 500 baht; Ao Nang for 800 baht; and Phuket for 2500 baht. Krabi.com offers taxi and minibus at more inexpensive rates but travelers must make a credit card deposit of 200 baht online.  information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Phuket Province

What comes into the mind of travellers when we talk about sea, sun and sand? Phuket must definitely be one of the answers. Especially when we think about the island in which there is plenty of accommodation and all kinds of facilities. In addition, a number of various activities can also be found in this island. 

In the early Christian Era, the cape of Phuket was locally referred to as Jung Ceylon, while locals called it Thalang, which evolved to Thanlng the name of the main town to the north of the island. As the perfect stopover sheltering traders from monsoons, Jung Ceylon welcomed merchants from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China and aslo Siam. During the 16th century, the island was also a popular trading port for tin. In 1785, Thaland town was surrounded by Burmese troops who invaded the coastal area. It was under the leadership of 

Chan, the widow of the governor, and her sister, Muk, who united the local resedents and successfully fought and drove the invaders out of Phuket. It took over 30 days for the defending troops of Phuket, under the command of Chan and Muk, to claim their victory. As a result of such heroic deeds, noble titles were granted to Chan and Muk as 'Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Sri Soonthorn, repectively. There are still hightly respected by Phuket residents even today.

When the city was in a peaceful state, the development of mining was so unprecedented. Chinese businessmen and miners later migrated to Phuket and soon enjoy thriving weath. The island's long history has shaped the distintive Phuket of the present with its diverse ethnic groups, culture, architectural influence, and fine cuisine. Phuket has a lot more to offer its visitors than its natural heritage of sea, sand, sky beach, forest, and world renowned diving sites. Sino-Portuguese architecture casts its spell delighting travellers to the city, while Phuket style of hospitality has never failed to impress visitors from all walk of life.

Getting to Know:

1. Phuket is located approximately 862 kilometres south of Bangkok.

2. There are only two seasons in a year the green season ( May to October) and the hot season (November to April)

3. Phuket is divided into 3 adminstrative districts: namely, amphoe Mueng, Amphoe Thaland and Amphoe Kathu.

The beaches of the south coast are typically crowded, while the north is far more tranquil.
All the major beaches (such as Patong beach, Kata beach, Karon beach, Nai Han beach, Mai Khao beach , Nai Yang beach) offer instruction and equipment for diving, snorkling, wind surfing and sailing. Don't forget to notice red flag! before swim. 

Accommodation

Options in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket features a dizzying array of accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to family friendly beach resorts, secluded island villas to budget hotels. With so many types of accommodation available in Phuket, you may actually have a challenging time trying to decide which is the best to suit your needs; it may be helpful to learn about the attractions (or lack thereof) near each of the beaches in Phuket and then narrow your search once you have a couple different beaches in mind.

Transport

Options in Phuket, Thailand  As the most popular island destination in Thailand, Phuket has numerous options for traveling to the island and getting around once you arrive. Both domestic and international airlines service Phuket Airport with direct flights from numerous destinations in Thailand and around Asia. Once on the island, the size of Phuket makes a rental car arguably the best option, though there are various modes of transportation if you do not wish to drive.

Getting to and from Phuket

By Train:

There is no direct train service to Phuket. Travelers arriving by train must get off at Phun Phin Railway

Station in Surat Thani Province and continue by regular bus to Phuket. For more information, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690, 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020 or visit www.railway.co.th.

By Car:

From Bangkok, take Highway No.4 (Petchakasem Road) through Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phang Nga Provinces, then cross the Thep Krasattri Bridge or Sarasin Bridge to Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 kilometers and the travel time is approximately 12 hours.

By Bus:

Air-conditioned and non air-conditioned busses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for Phuket several times daily. Trips by air-conditioned bus, which normally leave in the evening, take about 13 hours. Call 0 2434 7192, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.

There are also regular bus services (VIP, air-conditioned, and non-air-conditioned) between Phuket and neighboring provinces such as Krabi, Phang Nga, Chumphon, Koh Samui (bus/boat), Nakhon Si Thammarat, Ranong, Surat Thani, Satun, Hat Yai, Takua-Pa, and Trang. Departures are from the Phuket Bus Terminal off Phang Nga Road. For more up-to-date schedules and fares, call Phuket Air-conditioned Bus Station, tel. 0 7621 1977.

By Air:

Flying to Phuket is arguably the easiest way to get to the island. Most domestic airlines operate several flights daily between Phuket and Bangkok, Samui, and Chiang Mai. Some domestic airlines operate flights from Phuket to Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, and Hat Yai.

There are also numerous international airlines that fly directly to Phuket from various cities around Asia, including Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Penang, Singapore, and Sydney.

Transportation to and from the airport

Phuket International Airport is located approximately 30 kilometers north of Phuket Town. Taxis between Phuket Town and the airport cost approximately 400 baht, but the fares to the beaches range between 500 and 600 baht. Minivans charge approximately 80 baht /person to town, but 120 baht/person to Patong, Kata, and Karon Beaches. Phuket Limousine (tel. 076 248596), located approximately 1 kilometer west of the city, operates hourly shuttles to the airport from 6.30 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.

By Other:

By taxi or minibus
There are also shared taxi and van services between Phuket and other nearby provinces. Fares for either are generally around double the fare of an ordinary bus. The stations for both taxis and minivans are also on Phang Nga Road.

By Ferry
There is fairly regular boat service between Phuket and nearby islands including Koh Yao and Koh Phi Phi. During the high season (October-May), travelers may also travel by boat between Phuket and Koh Lanta. Ferries to and from Phuket and Krabi (Ao Nang/Railey Beach/Krabi Town) operate throughout the year. Various ports on Phuket provide services to these other islands and beaches with fares ranging between 300 and 500 baht. The trip may take 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on weather conditions. Some ferries service multiple locations and travelers are provided color coded stickers to avoid confustion.


Getting Around Phuket

Car Rental Service:

There are numerous car rental services on Phuket. Cars or jeeps can be rented at the airport, in Phuket Town, and at most of the more popular beaches. Be aware that only Commercial First Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars (as opposed to limited personal or third party only insurance). Most international car rental agencies will offer this insurance (some only for those with a valid international driver’s license) while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request a copy of their insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial Use". Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing, especially the habit of Thai motorcycles drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road.

Motorbike Rental:

For around 150 to 300 baht per day you can hire your own 100-150cc motorbike, which will typically require you to leave your passport as a deposit. Be sure to inspect bikes prior to rental and drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law. Motorcycles can be rented from rental agencies located on Rasada Road or from different operators at various beaches.

Motorcycle taxis:
It costs approximately 20 baht / person / trip to travel via motorbike taxi around Phuket Town.

Songtaew and Tuk-Tuk:
Songtaews are operated along Ranong Road in Phuket Town to various destinations including most beaches. The cost ranges from 20 baht to 25 baht / person / trip. Normally the service is provided from 7.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m.

Tuk-Tuks can be chartered for travel between the beaches and Phuket Town or between different beaches; however, rates are negotiable and will cost at least 200 baht to Patong Beach, 230 baht to Karon and Kata Beaches and 300 baht to Nai Han and Kamala Beaches. Within Phuket Town, Tuk-Tuks should cost 20 baht for short distances.

Taxi Meter:
Visitors can call 076 232157-8 to get a metered taxi that will take them anywhere on Phuket. The metered fare will include a 20 baht surcharge.

Boat to islands nearby Phuket:
Boats to nearby islands can be found at the following ports:

Rawai Beach:
An old local port, it is from here that long-tail boats depart for nearby islands such as Koh He, Koh Racha Yai, Koh Mai Thon, Koh Lon, etc. The chartered price depends on the distance.

Ao Chalong:
The largest port of Phuket servicing all kinds of boats, including cruisers of tour companies that organize package tours to other islands.

Ao Makham:
Located near Phanwa Cape, this port is only for cruisers and container ships.

Boat Lagoon Port (Ao Sapam):
This port is for traveling boats of tour companies.

Food & Drink

Options in Phuket, Thailand Most restaurants on Phuket serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods. Most guesthouse and resorts have restaurants that serve both, while in the more popular beaches, such as Patong, there are restaurants specializing in various international cuisines, such as Italian and German. Beachside, seafood barbeque restaurants are also common, as dining on fresh seafood is certainly a Phuket attraction. Thanks to the diversity of visitors to Phuket and the variety of restaurants established to cater to them, tourists are hardly starved for choice when dining on Phuket. Even vegetarians are in for a treat as Phuket’s local residents celebrate a vegetarian festival each year (around September/October).

Shopping

Options in Phuket, Thailand As in most other Thai tourist destinations, Phuket features outstanding shopping opportunities, from street markets to shopping malls, and visitors can buy souvenir products from all over Thailand, such as Thai silk and chopstick sets, or essential beach supplies, such as swimwear, sun block, and children’s beach toys. Locally produced handicrafts that are popular with visitors to Phuket include cultured pearls, neilloware, pewterware, and dried seafood. Specialist shops dealing in souvenir products can be found in and around Phuket Town and at the more popular beaches of Patong, Kata, Karon, and Rawai. There are various other shopping districts in isolated inland areas of Phuket as well.


information : http://www.tourismthailand.org

Travel in THAILAND : Trat Province

General Information
Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province, located about 315 kilometers from Bangkok. This small province borders on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation. With 52 large and small offshore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, Trat offers delightful scenery and a tranquil hideout for nature-lovers. The province also serves as a major fruit-growing and fishing area.

The city of Trat is a starting point for Ko Chang island group or forays into outlying gem and Cambodian markets. Those enthralled by shopping will be delighted as Trat has more markets for its size than almost any other town in Thailand due to Cambodian coastal trade.

Like Chanthaburi, Trat is a very important ruby-mining province, with the most famous gem market located in Bo Rai District, some 50 kilometers north of the Cambodian border.

With an area of 2,819 square kilometers, the province is administratively divided into the districts of Meuang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the sub-districts of Ko Chang and Ko Kut.The weather in and around Trat is very comfortable with warm temperatures throughout the year. The region is influenced by the northeastern and southwestern winds, which sometimes limit sea transport to a group of islands particularly from May to October when the southwest monsoon blows. During this period the western coast can be wet and stormy and occasionally unsafe for ferries and smaller boats to lift anchor. However, visitors can still visit the islands via the normally more popular routes, most of which are to the northeast of Ko Chang, anyway.

The Past
The history of Trat can be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Formerly known as “Mueang Thung Yai”, Trat has played an important role in the development of country’s stability and economy due to its strategic location. The town of Trat has later become a community of Chinese Merchants.

Trat served as a checkpoint and buffer city in 1767 and was responsible for providing provisions to King Taksin the Great before he moved his navy from Chanthaburi to Ayutthaya, where he expelled the Burmese and liberated the Kingdom from Burmese rule.

In the Ratanakosin period, during the reign of King Rama V, Trat played an important role again in stabilizing the country’s sovereignty. King Rama V made an agreement with the French government (who had also taken Chanthaburi under its supervision) to get Trat back. In doing this, Phra Tabong, Siamrat and Sri Sophon were traded off.

During the Indochina War, the French Navy tried to seize Trat again. The French – Thai Battle broke out on 17 January 1941 at Ko Chang. The Thai Navy successfully drove out the French Navy

How to get there By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) Arriving at Klaeng, turn onto Highway No. 3 and proceed to Trat. The total distance from Bangkok to Trat is 318 kilometers.

By Bus
Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok’s Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Trat every hour from 6 a.m. to midnight. From Bangkok the buses to Trat cost 169 baht for 1st class air-conditioned buses (132 baht for 2nd class) and 197 baht for 24-seat VIP air-conditioned buses or 113 baht for regular buses. The trip takes five to six hours by air-conditioned bus or about eight hours by regular bus.

For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0-2391 -4164, Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0-2391-2237, Chok Anukun Tour Tel: 0-2392-7680 and Suppharat Tour Tel: 0-2391-2331.

Several non air-conditioned buses leave daily, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m. Fare is 78B (Tel.02 391-2504). Air-conditioned buses leave every 1.30 hours, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m.. Fare is 140B (Tel. 02 391-4164).

From Chanthaburi to Trat, the regular bus takes about 30 minutes. If one goes by taxi from Chanthaburi to Trat, it takes around 45 minutes.

Travelling around Trat
Car rent in Muang District
Suppharat Opposite to Choet Chai Tour, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 0-3931-2011, 0-3951-2236

Getting around the city
Sam lors around town should cost about 10 bahts per person. Small song taews cost about 5 bahts per person on a share basis or 20 bahts to 40 bahts for the whole vehicle.

Getting to Islands
Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat Pier, or Ko Chang Centre Point Landings between 07.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., with a travel time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be 4 wheel drive vehicles as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang there are song taew services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.

Festivals
The Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day
The Ko Chang Yutthanavi Day is organized in late January at the Ko Chang Yutthanavi Memorial on Laem Ngop.The event is to commemorate the bravery of the Royal Thai Navy’s action against the French on January 17, 1941. Merit-making and tribute rites are performed and there is exhibition by the Royal Thai Navy.

Trat Fruit Fair
Trat Fruit Fair , usually in late May or early June, features exhibitions and agricultural produce.
There fruit contests, particularly of sweet Salak (or Rakam)


Trat Memorail Day
Trat Memorail Day , on March 23, marks the day the province returned to Thai sovereignty after the French occupation. The celebrations are held at the provincial town hall.

Information from : http://www.trat.go.th/tat/English.htm