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Phuket, an island as large as Singapore, offers a wealth of facilities
and a complete range of accommodation. At the same time, it is a
base for exploring the hundreds of islands and mainland beaches
of the Andaman Sea, including many within a day trip of Phuket.
The Phi Phi Islands
The stunning beauty of the two Phi Phi Islands have made them
world famous, and they are now the top day trip destination out
of Phuket. Sheer cliffs stained with earth colours soar from calm,
clear seas. Phi Phi Don, the largest of the two, also has idyllic
tropical beaches lining its southern and eastern shores. Ton Sai
Bay is the main tourist centre, a bustling village with a boat
landing, many bungalows and a string of shops and seafood restaurants.
Although Phi Phi is no longer isolated, welcoming as it does up
to 50 boatloads of tourists every day, the spectacular beauty
of the place remains. The northern end is quiet and beautiful,
with a few small resorts.
Phang Nga Bay
"James Bond Island" and Koh Pannyi (so-called "Sea
Gypsy Island", really a Muslim community) are just two of
the famous spots in this bay. The way to avoid the tourist crowds
and enjoy the spectacular scenery is to take one of the boat trips
from the northern end of Phuket. A leisurely daytrip cruising
past dramatic limestone islands and stopping to enjoy quiet beaches
is far more rewarding than the standard bus-boat tour. Call Siam
Exclusive Tours at (076) 340 910. For more information, read "Phang
Nga Booklet" and "Sailing Phang Nga" from Artasia
Press.
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about CANOE trips to Phang Nga Bay:
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Sea Canoeing
A highly recommended daytrip involves taking tough inflatable
canoes into caves inside the spectacular limestone islands of
Phang Nga Bay. Some of these caves lead to the so-called hong
("rooms"), collapsed cave systems open to the sky
-- hidden worlds preserved untouched for millennia. Lunch is provided
on the "mother boat" from which the canoes are launched.
Overnight trips in Krabi are also available. This is ecotourism
at its finest.
Rang Yai Island
 In
harmony with nature, Rang Yai Island provides a unique setting
for those who value personal freedom and privacy. Spend a day
on Rang Yai Island and enjoy your time relaxing on the beautiful
beach or trying the many different activities. The owners operate
it as a day resort and will pick you up from your hotel by bus
or car and take you to the Phuket Boat Lagoon. From there, the
journey to Rang Yai island takes about 15 minutes by speed-boat
Krabi
Krabi Province offers a mix of stunningly beautiful beaches,
cave temples hidden away in green forest, and dramatic limestone
mountains towering over all the rest. Krabi Town, meanwhile, is
a quaint old seaport town with an easy-going atmosphere. At present
it is one of the "in" places for backpack tourists,
although new resort developments are introducing up-market accommodation
as well. To get to spots that many visitors have described as
the world's most spectacular beach scenery, you take a boat past
the soaring cliffs that block the peninsula of Ao Nang off from
all land access. At present, this peninsula offers both basic
thatched bungalows and one luxury resort, the Dusit Rayavadee.
Khao Sok National Park
 This
is Thailand's largest virgin rain forest, with many rare animal
and plant species, some of them still unidentified. Just 2.5 hours
away by car, you'll find simple accommodations at eight bungalow
complexes, including tree houses and raft bungalows on mammoth
Chieo Lan Lake (Rachabrapah Reservoir), which forms the park's
eastern border. Enjoy the seven waterfalls, the giant rafflesia
(which grow during the rainy season, blooming to 80 centimetres
in December and January), the "langkow" palm, found
only in Khao Sok and Phuket, and the stunning scenery. Rafting,
fishing, trekking, caving, canoeing, drifting downriver in rubber
tyres -- it's all worth a couple of days. Rent a car or go with
Adventure Safaris. Tel (076) 441 988; fax (076) 340 292
Koh Raya Yai and Raya Noi (sometimes spelled "Racha"
on maps)
These islands lie directly south of Phuket. Raya Yai, the closer,
has two beaches, a few bungalows and some food stalls. A small
village of Muslim fishermen are increasingly turning to tourism
for their high-season living. Colourful coral gardens fringe the
island. Along with the exceptionally clear waters, they make this
a popular destination for day trip divers. Inland, the green hills
and coconut plantations offer pleasant walks. To get there, rent
a longtail boat on Rawai Beach (normally 1,000-1,500 baht).
Exploring Other Islands
There are scores of other island daytrip destinations from Phuket.
Many of them are uninhabited, and they offer swimming, snorkelling,
hiking or just lying in the sun feeling good. Look in Phuket
Magazine for maps and suggestions.
Sailing
Spectacular scenery and pristine beaches abound among the many
offshore islands. Beginners or those intent on simply relaxing
to the max can book onto a "joining cruise", while there
are crewed or skippered charters for those who want more hands-on
sailing. If you're sufficiently experienced, you can simply hire
a "bareboat" - much as though you were renting a car
-- and just sail away.
Sail Thailand (Bangkok: Artasia Press, 2nd ed. 1995) is
an excellent source of charts, itineraries and information on
anchorages. All types of vessels, including luxury sailing or
motor yachts, are available through Sunsail 239 057, fax (076)
238 940, and Thai Marine Leisure Tel 344 261, fax (076) 344 262.
Off-season discounts.
Diving
With some of the calmest, warmest waters, and some of the most
vivid coral reefs to be found anywhere, the Andaman Sea is perfect
for diving. Such conditions also make the area ideal for learning
to dive, the more so since Phuket offers first-rate training in
a number of languages by qualified local and international instructors.
A large number of local companies run daytrips and overnighters
to great sites around Phuket and neighbouring islands.
| More information
about DIVING trips to Phang Nga Bay:
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The Similan Islands
Ninety kilometres Northwest of Phuket, the nine Similan Islands
are washed by the deep, clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Water clarity
can be amazing, making this a favourite destination for divers.
The coral and reef fish are exceptionally colourful, and divers
often encounter mantas and whale sharks as well. Above water, the
islands aren't as spectacular as Koh Phi Phi or some other island
groups in the region. There are no coconut palms, and only a few
good beaches throughout the nine islands, so there's not so much
for non-divers to see or do. The real beauty is underwater. This
area is a paradise for scuba divers.
Gamefishing
Phuket is becoming internationally known as a major player in the
world of gamefishing. Mahi mahi (dorado), tuna, sailfish, marlin
and other species abound in the blue waters of the Andaman. Depending
on the tides, you can test your skills against marlin at the Drop-Off,
near the Similan Islands. For information on available boats, call
the Phuket Sportsfishing Centre at (076) 214 713 or Suk Chai Game
Fishing at (076) 282 084.
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