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Grand Palace (The)
Grand Palace (The), Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Erawan Shrine
Erawan Shrine, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Wat Pho
Wat Pho, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Ancient City
Ancient City, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Jim Thompson's House and Museum
Jim Thompson's House and Museum, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel |
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Islands of Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ang Thong National Marine Park Thailand Travel Guide
Located in the Gulf of Thailand, a stay at the islands of Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan provide easy access to the Ang Thong Marine Park. Drawing hordes of nature lovers, divers, and revelers to its shores every year the area is probably the most famous and infamous of Thailand's white sands and emerald waters.
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Ko Tao
Ko Tao, meaning "Turtle Island," was so named because of its shape, but real turtles can also be spotted in many of the local dive spots as the island serves as nesting grounds for both Green and Hawksbill turtles. With tourism serving as the islands primary industry, the renowned diving and snorkeling locals have drawn scores of travelers since the mid 1990s. The island can be reached from from Surat Thani in 4 to 9 hours, from Chumphon in 2 to 3 hours, from Ko Samui in 4 hours, and from Ko Pha Ngan in 2.5 hours. Sairee on the west coast is the largest and most popular beach on the island with numerous bungalows for let. Until recently the island was mostly popular with the budget minded crowd, but Ko Tao is now developing a wider range of accommodation like neighboring Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan. Most of the resorts and bungalows are located on the more popular beaches Sairee, Chalok Baan Kao, and Mae Haad. Ko Tao has good dive spots most of the year for new divers and old such as Shark Island, Mango Bay, and Green Bay. There is also a growing sport fishing industry for those after the billfish, cobia, and mackerel that live in the surrounding waters.
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Ko Pha Ngan
Ko Pha Ngan, renowned for the infamous "Full Moon Party," that takes placed every full moon as the name implies, draws just about every mid-20s backpacker that ever graced the shores of Thailand. The party, now complete with serious sound systems and guest DJs, draws roughly 8,000 people each month and takes place on the busy beach of Haad Rin. Because of the popularity of this event, the island also offers smaller soirees during the half moon and black moon. For those looking for a more laid back experience, Ko Pha Ngan has several other white sand beaches and tranquil bays, as well as stellar nature treks and dive spots. Check out Ao Thong Nai Pan Noi and Ao Thong Nai Pan Yai in the northwest of the island for great swimming, laid back bars and restaurants, and affordable accommodation away from the crowds. Catering to the up-market crowd, Mandalai Hotel, Haad Yao Bay View Resort, and Blue Hill offer a more insulated experience. The island is reached either direct from the mainland pier of Donsak or via Ko Samui.
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Ang Thong National Marine Park
Ang Thong National Marine Park, Providing some of the best diving in the Gulf of Thailand, Ang Thong Marine Park is composed of over 60 islands. Rising dramatically from the sea, the limestone islands, covered in green vegetation, offer a breathtaking panorama as you sail through the surrounding crystal blue waters. The islands are uninhabited by people (expect for one island still occupied by local fisherman and many tourist are still looking for the hippie enclave of Alex Garland's book The Beach), but do provide a refuge for wildlife such as otters, monkeys, wild hogs, and bats. The Marine Park is also known for the dolphins, turtles, and whale sharks that grace its waters - check with local dive operators to find out which sites are best at the time you arrive as visibility can vary. Access to the park is controlled and is best accomplished through tour operators that can arrange day trips or livaboards. If you are up for trekking in the park, be sure not to miss the hike to the interior emerald colored lake on Ko Mae Ko or any of the cave formations that can be found throughout the islands.
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About The Author
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com - All of the materials on this site are the sole property and responsibility of Cheapthaitravel.com. This material may not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
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