Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong Festival

Loy Krathong is one of Thai traditions this festival is held in full moon day of twelfth month annually. At this time, the water in a river is high. It is a great time to float Krathong in order to thank the god of water for letting us consume the water.
Besides Yee Peng Festival at Chiang Mai, there are many Loy Krathong festival held throughout November as in Bangkok, Sukhothai, Tak, Ayuddhaya and Samut Sakorn.

Koh Larn

Koh Larn is located on the eastern side of the Gulf of Siam and belongs to the Amphoe Bang Lamung, Chonburi Province 

How to get there : The ferry ride takes about 40 minutes. Ferries leave south Pattaya Bali Hai pier daily from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, the one-way fare is 30 Baht. The return ferry leaves Koh Lan’s Na Ban Beach at 06.30 am to 6:00 pm.

Nang Bay (Ao Nang)

Nang Bay many people known in Thai as Ao Nang ( Ao is mean Bay) Nang bay is a central point of the coastal province of Krabi, Thailand. The town consists chiefly of a main street, which is dominated by restaurants, pubs, shops and other commerce aimed at tourists. The main beach is used by sunbathers to a certain extent, but there are a large number of longtail boats which offer access to other beaches on the mainland and on nearby islands.

There are a number of scuba diving centers, most of which offer basic diving courses. The islands outside Ao Nang are relatively easy to access and uncrowded compared to many of the diving sites around Phi Phi Island. Climbing is another activity widely available through centers in Ao Nang, although most of the climbs are actually in the areas around the Railay, Tonsai and Phra Nang beaches.

BTS Skytrain System



The Bangkok Mass Transit System, many people known as the " BTS Skytrain". It is operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTSC). The skytrain runs on an elevated track.

In addition to serving businesses, shopping districts and residential areas in the heart of Bangkok, an extension project is also in the plan in order to reach the broader community of potential passengers in suburban Bangkok.

BTS skytrain system map Bangkok

Pha Ngan Island (Koh Pha Ngan)

Pha Ngan Island (Koh Pha Ngan) is an island off the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand, halfway between the islands of Samui  (Koh Samui) and Tao Island (Koh Tao).  Koh Phangan is located about 100 km off shore and about 15 km north of Koh Samui. The located in Surat Thani Province.

It is known as a land of coconut trees and surrounded by white sand beaches and aquamarine waters.  the world famous full moon parties at Haad Rin Beach and as a backpackers destination. Koh Phangan features some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, most of which are still only moderately developed, providing visitors with easy access to either a wild beach party or a relaxing and quiet beach holiday. Koh Phangan is an ideal for those looking to party, relax, or engage in wellness programs, such as a yoga or meditation retreat.

Koh Phangan was once the exclusive destination of backpackers who wished to escape the more commercially developed Koh Samui, there are now resorts that cater to all travelers, from honeymooners to families with children. That said, there are still many resorts that embody the hippie spirit of Koh Phangan and draw numerous budget backpackers looking to get away from it all, study meditation or yoga, or engage in other holistic, Ayurvedic or health oriented programs.

While each month thousands of young people flock to the world famous Full Moon Party in Haad Rin, where local and international DJs play music on the beach, there are dozens of other beaches in varying stages of development that are alternatively occupied by five-star beach resorts, budget beach bungalows, and a number of yoga, meditation, and health retreats.

Koh Phangan is a large island off the east coast of Surat Thani province in the Gulf of Thailand. Koh Phangan is located about 100 km off shore and about 15 km north of Koh Samui. Most well known for its monthly full moon party, Koh Phangan features some of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand, most of which are still only moderately developed, providing visitors with easy access to either a wild beach party or a relaxing and quiet beach holiday.

Koh Phangan is a very special place, there are few places in this world where you can live out your desert island dreams of palm trees and white sand beaches, and still have a blinding night out at a rocking party every month. With the global notoriety that the Full Moon Party has gained as being one of the biggest and best beach bashes in the world, we get more than our fair share of hedonists gracing our shores. Each year the scene here grows with the ever-increasing number of party faithful that return, bringing their mates and spreading the vibe.

One thing most of them have in common is they want to find a relaxed and easy going place. It is rare how tranquillity and parties can mix so amazing on the island. On one side, you can have a good time at the regular happening parties attracting young people with a wide range of music, dancing and a relaxed atmosphere. As a natural eden-like island in the Southern Gulf of Siam, Koh Phan Gan serves as the ideal getaway retreat.

Haad Rin is home to the Full Moon Party and also houses about 3-5000 rather mad people, it is the island's nightlife capital and has Koh Phangan's biggest concentration of beach clubs that collectively put on the ultimate travellers get together. There are over 12 major sound systems running the length of Had Rin beach, catering for 8000 to 12,000 punters in low season, 15,000 to 20,000 in high season and up to 30,000 at New Year. Within this transient crowd of party animals some highly talented DJ's pass through, banging out their wares to the raging lunar explorers that have landed on planet party.

Climate

The best time to visit island and also high season is during December-March when the water is high, clean, and good for swimming. It's also not rainy and temperatures are pleasant. Another high season time is during July/August after dry season when water is raising. The worst time where you should avoid visiting island is during dry season April-June which makes all of the best beaches on the northwest coast (Mae Haad, Haad Yao, Chaloklum, Haad Khom) useless for swimming due to shallow water. Swimming in this season is possible only in north coast on beautiful Bottle beach and on dirtier less accessible east coast (Thong Nai Pan, Haad Sadet, Haad Rin), where only beach with good access/road and swimming possibilities is Haad Rin, which is not in low season so crowded. South coast should be avoided during all year because of bad water and sand.

 

Getting Koh Pha Ngan By Boat

From Koh Samui There are at least 3 ferries a day from Koh Samui's Big Buddha pier to Thongsala pier Seatran Discovery and Haad Rin Queen Ferry directly to Haad Rin. Boats also leaves from Nathon pier (Songserm Express) and Mae Nam pier Lomprayah) to Thongsala 3 times a day.

From Koh Tao get Songserm, Lomprayah or Seatran boats departs frequently from Mae Haad pier and arrives to Thongsala pier. Last boat from Tao to Phangan Island is 15:00.

Emergency contacts
Fire: dial 199
Police: dial 191 (077 377 114)
Tourist Police: dial 1155 (this supersedes the old "1699" number)
Phangan Rescue Centre: dial 077 377 118

Samui Island (Koh Samui)

Samui Islands (Koh Samui) is an island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is Thailand's third largest island, located about 496 km.(308 miles) south of Bangkok, and it belongs to Surat Thani Province. Koh Samui has been developed into a very
popular holiday resort in South East Asia. Tourists and visitors can really enjoy the great natural beauty and spend a great holidays there. It is rich with natural resources, white sandy beaches, coral reefs and coconut trees.

Samui is home to about 40,000 full-time inhabitants, 90% of whom are Buddhist. Samui is big enough for serious exploration by the adventurous and fit, but can be circumnavigated in just a couple of hours by motorbike or car.

The island was probably first inhabited about 15 centuries ago, settled by fishermen from the Malay Peninsula and Southern China. It appears on Chinese maps dating back to 1687, under the name Pulo Cornam. The name Samui is mysterious in itself. Perhaps it is an extension of the name of one of the native trees, mui, or it is a corruption of the Chinese word Saboey, meaning "safe haven".
 

Climate

The best time to visit is during the hot and dry season, since February to late June and since July to October it can be raining on and off, when it does rain, it usually doesn’t last long; rain showers of 20–60 minutes are typical and from October to January there are sometimes heavy winds.

Attraction

Lamai Beach Like Chaweng, Lamai has transformed from a ‘hippy’ hangout into a fun, party place packed out with bars and exciting nightlife. The beach though, is still in better condition than Chaweng and the place doesn’t get quite so crowded. If it’s a quiet relaxing location you are after, then Lamai won’t be the ideal place for you. At the southern end of Lamai, there are some odd-looking rock formations.

Maenam Beach This quiet beach, located in the north of the island is decent enough for swimming and sunbathing especially for families with children due to the shallow water.

Bophut Beach situated in the north of the island, is a popular starting point for diving tours. The place isn’t in any way as developed as Chaweng but there are still plenty of restaurants, shops and bars.

Choengmon Beach is in the North-East of Samui just 10 minutes from Chaweng. Unlike the latter it is a perfect place for relaxing.

Big Buddha Beach Located in the north-east of Samui, Big Buddha offers visitors good swimming and lovely views. The area has developed a lot over the past few years and there are now a plentitude of restaurants, shops and bars.

Na Thon - The island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo Ko Samui Located at Ban Harn beach, the Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo offer a fun day out for the family. The undersea world of the aquarium has an amazing collection of tropical fish and other vibrant aquatic animals such as turtles and colorful coral. The tiger zoo is home to Bengal tigers and leopards. For those who are daring enough, they can have their photograph taken with the awesome animals. The Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo are open daily from 9AM till 6PM.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) Also known as the Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), has a 15 meter tall statue of the Buddha. It was built in 1972 and is in the north of the island.

Laem Sor Pagoda Ko Samui This chedi (pagoda) situated at Laem Sor temple is one of the most important shrines on Ko Samui. The structure with its yellow tiles which gives off a golden aura is quite impressive.

Samui Butterful Garden / Insect Museum This butterfly garden can be found in the south-east of the island. There is a huge collection of different butterflies, some quarter of a meter wide. The visitor can also enter the insect museum nearby to see a variety of rare bugs and a bee house.

Secret Buddha Garden This beautiful garden was made by a 76 year-old Ko Samui fruit farmer in 1976. It is surrounded by lush jungle, rocky hills and is adorned with sculptures depicting both humans, in various poses, as well as various deities. Since the garden is the highest point on the island, there are also some awesome views to be had. Organized tours to the garden last for about 2 hours.

Monkey Shows These shows can be enjoyed at the open-air theater on the main road behind Bophut beach. The entertainment also includes performing elephants.

Events and festivals

Buffalo Fighting Festival One of the best-known festivals on Ko Samui is its Buffalo Fighting Festival, which is held on special occasions such as New Years Day and Songkran. Unlike Spanish bull-fighting, the fighting on Ko Samui is fairly harmless. The fighting season varies according to some ancient customs and ceremonies. The buffalo are beautifully decorated with ribbons and gold-painted leaves. Before the contest which lasts just two rounds, monks spray them with holy water. The winning owner typically takes home millions of baht in prize money.

Ten Stars Samui Art Party A recurring cultural event bringing together art lovers, local Thai and international artists and their new, original artworks. These bi-monthly events, hosted at various high-end resorts and other 5-star venues on the island, focus on building the art community on Ko Samui with presentations by featured artists.

Bowling Championship This is an annual bowling event held in May every year.

Avis Samui Tennis Open The annual amateur tennis tournament held in July.

The Fisherman's Village Festival This five-day festival is celebrated with fun, music and food. The music is usually played by well-known artists and food tents sell inexpensive cuisine provided by local hotels.

Triathlon Event The International Triathlon Union organizes this event every year. This event in Ko Samui draws more than five hundred participants from around the world. The event attracts competitors and visitors as well as locals.

Samui Regatta The Samui Regatta is a sailing tournament, held every year. The tournament is internationally known and competitors come from as far away as Australia, Singapore, Japan and China. This event, for boats of all sizes and shapes, began in 2002.

Ang Thong Island

 Ang Thong Island or Mu Koh Ang Thong oris a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, at the shore of the Surat Thani Province. It covers 42 islands in a total area of ​​102 km ², of which only 18 km ² are land. The park was established on November 12, 1980. The name Ang Thong means bowl of gold, while Mu Koh simply means group of islands.

The most attractive islands (Koh) include:.
Koh Wua Ta Lap.
Koh Mae Ko.
Koh Prayat.
Koh Sam Sao.
Koh Nai Put.
Koh Wua Te.
Koh Phaluai.
Koh Wua Chio.
Koh Kha.
Koh Hindap.
Koh Phi.
Koh Wua Kantang.
Koh Mae Yat.
Koh Changsom.
Koh Hanuman.

In November and December is During monsoon in the Gulf of Thailand always have big waves and windy. Traveling to Ang Thong National Park, Surat Thani Province is not safe. Thus, National Park office announced for temporary closing for a period during 1 - 30 November every year.