The Delights of the Tropical Beach Life

The east coast of Thailand draws huge numbers of holiday-makers from around the world every year. It offers 250 miles of coastline from Chonburi to Rayong with some of the finest beaches in Asia. To the basic ingredient of a superb coastal location, Pattaya adds just about every amenity one can think of for recreation, entertainment, sightseeing and fun. To get away from it all and leave your troubles on the mainland, travel further down the coast to the lovely islands of Mu Ko Chang National Park.

Pattaya – Something for Everyone

Once a tiny fishing village, it has developed into a renowned international playground. Located just 90 miles southeast of Bangkok and facing a wide bay and a long majestic sweep of beach, Pattaya is unrivalled and has something for everyone.

Water sports are centered around on two main beaches, Pattaya itself, a 1.8 miles stretch of sand and majestic bay, and Jomtien, a 3.6 miles largely straight beach situated around the headland from Pattaya. Popular water sports include swimming, windsurfing, sailing, water skiing, game fishing, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Pattaya is also an excellent choice of land-based activities ranging from golf to horse riding, from go-karts to bungee jumping.

For food lovers, Pattaya is a gourmet paradise providing a wide array of options for travelers. Seafood is superb here and shouldn’t be missed. Nightlife is liberated with discotheques, nightclubs, karaoke bars, open-air bars, and transvestite cabarets. For the cultural insights, visit Mini Siam and the Sanctuary of Truth. You will enjoy the miniature city of Mini Siam featuring places of worship, ancient remains and famous sights in Thailand and abroad and the Sanctuary of Truth’s gigantic wooden architectural structure with exquisite carvings.

To enhance your experience, visit the nearby provinces of Rayong and Chanthaburi known as Thailand’s ‘Garden Provinces’. Toping the list of fresh produce are three of Thailand’s most exotic fruits; mangosteen, durian and rambutan. You will love spending your time in the orchards as a part of their famous agro-tourism activities.

Ko Chang – Spectacular Coral, Hidden Waterfalls and Pristine Beaches

The irresistible allure of Trat province, bordering Cambodia and situated some 250 miles from Bangkok, has a lot to do with its archipelago of 52 islands in the Mu Ko Chang National Park. Lying 5 miles off the coast of Trat, Ko Chang is sparsely populated and roughly 70 percent of the land is virgin rainforest. It has a mountainous interior, which accounts for the name, ‘Elephant Island’, as from a distance the mountain ridges are said to look like the back of several elephants.

Contrasting with a rugged forested interior is a coastline characterized by small bays and exceptionally fine beaches. The best spots to enjoy swimming and sunbathing are on the western side of the island, notably, from north to south, at Ao Khlong Son, Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. Close by each of these beaches are small villages where the inhabitants support themselves mainly by fishing, harvesting coconuts and cultivating fruit orchards. At Bang Bao Fishing Village, you can really wade in for some cultural immersion by booking a home-stay with the villagers.

Of other main islands, Ko Kut is the second largest in the group. The island also has its fair share of pleasant beaches, and the visually appealing Namtok Khlong Chao, the beautiful waterfall which has a pool at the bottom where you can swim in the midst of verdant jungle to the melodies of birdsong and insect chatter. Another green gem, Ko Kradat has a long beach encircling the island. Though the waters around many islands have an abundance of colorful coral, Ko Kradat is a superb site for diving.

Away from the beaches, hiking in the hinterland of Ko Chang offers marvelous views and a rare appreciation of tropical island scenery. The quiet Trat mainland, on the other hand, is well known for its gems markets. Trat also has a few things going for it, like some lively day and night markets, as well as reasonably priced seafood restaurants.