|
 |
 |
 |
| Travel Guide |
|
|
| Travel Tips |
|
|
| Travel Directory |
|
|
| Top 5 Destinations |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
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 | Songkran (Thai New Year)
Songkran (Thai New Year), Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Victory Monument
Victory Monument, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple)
Wat Benchamabophit (The Marble Temple), Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel | Sri Mahamariamman Temple
Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Bangkok, Thailand : Find latest reviews and deals, maps, photo at Yahoo Travel |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Islands of Ko Samet, Ko Mun Nork, Ko Maak, and Ko Kut Thailand Travel Guide
If you are looking a weekend getaway from Bangkok, there are several options within 3 to 4 hours travel time from the city.
|
|
Ko Samet
Just 200 km southeast of Bangkok, the island of Ko Samet offers usually clear waters and attractive white sand beaches. Rayong Province is easily accessible by bus from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) and takes approximately 3 hours. The high season is November to February as well as the summer months. The most popular beach is the long Hat Sai Kaew (Diamond Beach) on the east coast which is a good option for those who want laid back restaurants and bars just steps away. The smaller beaches of Ao Phai, Ao Vong Duan (the place for sunrise gazing), Ao Wai and Ao Kui Na Nok also draw a steady business. There is one beach on the west coast, Ao Prao, which offers a few upscale resorts and memorable sunsets. Many establishments offer budget bungalows as well as mid-range rooms such as Tub Tim Bungalow on Ao Tub Tim, Lung Dam Bungalow on Ao Lung Dam bay, and Tarn Tawan located on Ao Cho. If you are looking for a resort getaway, you will not be disappointed with the posh Ao Prao Resort or the trendy Lima Bella. Restaurants and bars are not hard to find, and specialize in - you guessed it - fish. Although Ko Samet is not among the serious party islands in Thailand, a few bars to check out include Gecko Bar (good food and drinks), the popular Silversand Bar, and Tok's Little Bar (for laid back beers and pool).
|
|
Ko Mun Nork
Ko Mun Nork is a privately owned island with a single hotel that offers a good escape from Bangkok if you are looking for relaxation and rejuvenation. The island is located east of Ko Samet and a 45-minute boat ride from Laem Tarn. Mun Nork Island Resort caters to groups and weddings, but individuals are welcome when availability permits. Complete with the blue waters and white sands you come to expect in Thailand, the resort sprawls throughout the most picturesque area of the island. With wooden pavilions offering a quite respite for you to wile away the hours as well as beach lounge chairs and a restaurant deck, you will not be in want of places to catch of view of the azure waters. Snorkeling and kayaking are also available for the more adventurous. The rooms themselves vary with the more expensive rooms being very stylish and the cheaper rooms slightly tardy.
|
|
Ko Maak
Although not far off the southern coast of Ko Chang, Ko Maak seems like a world away. The island is mostly undeveloped reminding the visitor of the glory days of the unspoilt beaches of Thailand's past. Easily accessed from both Ko Change and the mainland, the island can be reached in 4 hours from Bangkok. There is a single road that meanders through the jungle and along the coastline that facilitates exploration of the island's virgin forest as well as coconut and rubber tree plantations. With more than 20 options for accommodation, it is usually not necessary to book in advance, but you might still want to in the peak of the high season. Most accommodation is found on the beaches Ao Suan Yai and Ao Kao. Snorkeling and dive trip can be arranged to the nearby Marine Park and bicycle paths beckon you to come explore the deserted beaches and local wildlife.
|
|
Ko Kut
Closest to Cambodia, Ko Kut (sometimes spelled Kood) is the southernmost island in the Ko Chang chain. Mountainous, verdantly green, and surrounded by crystal waters, the island still mostly caters to pre-arranged groups. With a range of options for both the budget traveler as well as a wealthier clientele that prefers seclusion and anonymity, the island is a nature lover's delight. More affordable places to stay on the island include Baan Pai, Siam Beach, and Ko Kood Laguna. Luxury options include Shantaa Resort and Dusita Resort. Many resorts are all inclusive, with only spa treatments and alcoholic beverages to be paid upon check out. Activities on the island include snorkeling in fish filled waters, sea kayaking, and trekking.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
