Land of Adventure: Geography and Natural Attractions

For the active traveler, Thailand presents endless opportunity for new and exciting adventure. Hiking, jungle treks, scuba diving, bird-watching, whitewater rafting, dirt-bike tour, rock climbing: These are just some of the ways to explore the country's immense natural and cultural wealth.
On the map Thailand has the shape of an axe with a long, narrow handle. From the topmost part to the butt end is a length of some l,650 kilometers, roughly the distance between New YOrk and Miami. Thanks to its extraordinary length, the country has the most diverse climate in Southeast Asia. In the mountainous North, wintertime temperature can drop below freezing points, while in the Peninsular South it stays balmy all year round. Geographically Thailand is divided into four regions, and the landscape varies from one to the other. The Central Plains, which includes the capital of Bangkok, is flat and fertile. The North is marked by forested mountains, while the high plateau of the Northeast is re1atively dry The Southern Peninsula, flanked by the Gulf of Thailand to the East and the Andaman Sea to the West, has beaches and wetland either side of its lush central mountain range. The country has 2,700 kilometers of coastline along both coasts, making it one of the top destinations for beach and sun lovers.
Thailand's location at the heart of Southeast Asia means an unusual array of plant and wildlife. The mountains of the North form the Southern tip of the Himalayan range and thus support high-altitude species that are not seen in other parts. The Southern Peninsula on the other hand is home to flora and fauna similar to those in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Cultural diversity makes up a large part of the country's charm. Village life varies from one corner to another, and the ethnic tribes and native people of each region have their own distinct traditions and ways of life. Trips to their homeland will enab1e you to explore both the country's natural beauty and the people's amazing customs and lifestyles.
To do all and see all that the country has to oher, you will need months or even years. But if you are planniflg an adventllre holiday you will probably have to choose among the many choices:
For beach and sun: Pattaya and other beach resorts on the Eastern Seaboard; Phuket, Phangnga and Krabi in the South; and the islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman.
For trekking, mountain hiking and hilltribe culture: The mountains of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Mae Hong Son and the forest land on the Western border with Myanmar, in Tak and Kanchanaburi.
For diving and marine life: Islands in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, especially Ko Tao, Ko Pangan, Ko Phi Phi and Ko Similan.
For animal spotting and birdwatching: Khao Yai to the North of Bangkok, Doi Inthanon in Chiang Mai and other wildlife sanctuarles around the country.

Trekking
Trekking is one of the most popular outdoor activities enjoyed by visitors of all ages. While trekking you can soothe your mind and spirit in the fresh air and stunning scenery of Thailand's undiscovered wilds, and get a comprehensive aerobic workout at the same time.
Treks can range from a single day's light excursion to physically challenging adventuresof a week or more.
Trekking in Tak
Trekking in Phitsanulok Phetchabun
Forest Trekking
Trekking in Loei
Trekking in Nakhon Ratchasima
Trekking in Kanchanaburi
Trekking in Surat Thani
Trekking in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Elephant trekking
Hilltribe trekking
Useful websites
www.3rdeyetravel.com
Adventure www.lisulodge.com
www.thaiecotours.com
www.wildwatchthailand.com
www.geocities.com/RainForest/Canopy/2313
Trekking in Tak
Trails are found in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary and the western portion of Thung Yai Naresuan, which together with the adjoining Huai Kha Kaeng Wildlife Sanctuary has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Campsites are provided but you must bring your own tent and camping gear. Permits are required for entry into the wildlife sanctuary. These can be obtained at the Umphang Eco tourism Club in Umphang. Pack light for a jungle trek, and bring insect repellent. Most who visit Mae Sot in Tak are determined to see the spectacular Ti Lo Su Waterfall.
Tour operators usually offer mountain biking, elephant-back rides, or rafting for part of the long trek, but most of it is done on foot.
Trekking in Phitsanulok Phetchabun
Both provinces are popular camping and trekking destinations because they contain several national parks between them, each featuring different landscape and flora and fauna. The rocky hills along the border between the two provinces were Communist hideaways in the 1970s. Nowadays an efficient road network links the area with the rest of the country, and nature lovers flock there for the waterfalls, the fields of wildflowers and butterflies, and the spectacular landscape, which changes with the seasons. Best time to go is October-December for the wildflowers, although any time of the year is suitable for hiking and camping.
Each of the national parks in the area has its own distinct character. Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, 80 kilometres from Phitsanulok on the route to Lomsak, is marked by its open savanna, which blazes with colour during the wildflower season (July-October). Wild animals are often spotted feeding around these fields.
Phu Hin Rong Kla, 125 kilometres from Phitsanulok, got its name from the strange-looking rock fields eroded by wind and rains. The park features many hiking trails, most of them leading to beautiful waterfalls.
Nam Nao National Park on the Lomsak-Chum Pae route is one of the top camping destinations in the cool season (November-February), with its picturesque pine forest, caves of stalactites and stalagmites, and dry, cool weather. It is a watershed area and
the source of several rivers in the North and Northeast.
Forest trekking
Chiang Mai: The best trails are found in Doi Inthanon National Park where over 360 bird species, spectacular butterflies, wildlife, orchids and other distinct flora vie for the hiker's attention. Within the national park, there are beautiful Siriphum and Chedi waterfalls. The Army Pack Division Headquarters on Chotana Road in Mae Rim District offers camping trips and horseback riding along with basic jungle survival skills training. Contact 0 5329 7478 ext 205.
Trekking in Loei
The province has long been a favourite destination for nature lovers, most of whom come to scale the famous mesa mountain Phu Kradueng. The other two of Loei's triple lofty treats are Phu Luang, within whose range lies a wildlife reserve, and Phu Rua. Best time to go is November to April.
Hiking trails on the summit of Phu Kradueng lead through changing landscapes, from flower dotted meadows to pine forests to waterfalls. The mountain is part of a national park and
a natural habitat for rare orchids, birds and wildlife including the tailed turtle, or Tao Pulu.
Phu Luang, nicknamed "Emerald of the Northeast" is known for its biodiversity. A wide array of wild orchids, ferns and wildflowers make hiking along its trails a delight.
Phu Rua, or Mount Boat, is marked by a landscape of sandstone cliffs and oddly shaped formations created by wind and rains. The hiking trails are relatively easy. From the peak, you have
a view of the Mekong, a natural border between Thailand and Laos.
Trekking in Nakhon Ratchasima
Khao Yai, or "Big Mountain", sprawls over parts of Nakhon Ratchasima, Prachin Buri and Nakhon Nayok. It is the most popular national park in the country, attracting one million visitors a year with its scenic beauty and abundant plant and wildlife. Khao Yai has four vegetation zones, spanning elevation from 100 metres to more than 1,400 metres: evergreen rainforest, semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous and hill evergreen forest.
It is also home to a large array of birds and animals. Any time of the year is suitable for visiting. Fifty trails follow the migratory paths of wildlife to beautiful waterfalls. Commonly spotted animals include gibbons, langurs, deer, and monkeys. You can join a night time safari in which rangers shine spotlight onto night-feeding herds, making them easier to spot
Trekking in Kanchanaburi
Home to a large ethnic population, including the Mon, Karen and Burmese, who have long settled in the border towns of Sangkhlaburi and Thong Pha Phum. Most tour operators in Kanchanaburi offer trips to these areas that combine culture and adventure in one easily accessible package. Some of the best hiking trails are in three national parks: Saiyok in Saiyok District and Erawan and Chalerm Rattanakosin in Srisawat District.
Trekking in Surat Thani
Khao Sok in western Surat Thani and the adjoining Khlong Sean Wildlife Sanctuary provide a home for tigers, clouded leopards, Malaysian sun bears, elephants, gaur and many other rare species. The park has hiking trails leading to caves and waterfalls surrounded by virgin forest.
Hiking is also popular on coconut-grove-dotted Samui and Ang Thong Archipelago's Mae Ko, which has a lake at its centre.
A number of tour operators on Samui specialise in trekking on both Samui and the main islands of Ang Thong Archipelago
Trekking in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Most of the activities are centred on Khao Luang National Park, which contains the highest peak in the South, Khao Luang. The area owes a lot of its new found international fame to the people of Khiriwong village, who led the way in community-based eco-tourism.
The hike to Khao Luang (1,835 metres above sea level) starts at Khiriwong village at the foot of the mountain and takes about two days. The trail spans four vegetation zones and leads through the natural habitat of numerous species including, Malaysian black bear, tigers, elephants, leopards and 200 species of bird, plus turtles, lizards and insects.
Khiriwong Village's Eco-tourism Club offers biking tours of Suan Somrom, or fruit orchards that are grown in the forest alongside indigenous trees. This innovative and eco-friendly growing method is unique to the village. Local tour operators offer treks that comprise rafting down Khlong Klai, which forms the northern border of the park, and elephant riding through surrounding forest.
Elephant trekking
Chiang Mai: At Chiang Dao Elephant Camp in Chiang Dao District, elephants are trained to perform for tourists and available for rides in the nearby forest. Mae Taeng Elephant Camp in Mae Taeng District, offers bamboo rafting in addition to elephant-back rides.
Chiang Rai: Elephant riding is available at Mae Kok Elephant Camp on the bank of Mae Kok. You can take a ride through the surrounding forest and to nearby Karen hilltribe villages.
Kanchanaburi: An elephant ride through the jungle is popular with visitors to Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhlaburi. A ride can be incorporated into a longer trek featuring mountain biking and rafting.
The Thai Elephant Conservation Centre: in Lampang is offering an opportunity to eco-tourists to stay with real-life mahouts. The programme lasts three days and two nights. The provided activities are fun-filled and environment-friendly. The participants will have a chance to gain first-hand experience on nature, wildlife and, of course, elephants. Fax: 0 5423 1150.
Hilltribe trekking
In northern Thailand, there are ten different tribes of hill people. The Karen are by far the most numerous and they're easy-going and friendly. Many of the Hmong people live in Chiang Mai near the mountain peaks. The most remote of the hilltribe people are the Akha, who still practise shifting cultivation. Trekking is one way to learn about their lifestyles and traditions.
Chaing Mai: Hilltribe treks are a popular variety of trekking in and around Chiang Mai. These consist of stretches trekked on foot, on elephant back, and by mountain bike, bamboo raft and rubber kayak. Popular programmes include stops and overnight stays at ethnic villages: Karen, Lahu, and Shan.
Chiang Rai: Hilltribe treks at Chiang Rai also combine hiking, elephant back rides and rafting, and include stops or overnight stays at hilltribe villages.
Mae Hong Son: One of the best hiking trails in Mae Hong Son is Doi Mae Ukor, in Khun Yuam District. This centres around the Mae Surin Waterfall. The trails here wind through Waterfalls and a vast field of wild sunflowers that bloom in November.
Sports and soft adventure options are varied and thrilling. At sea, diving is the top attraction with Thailand's coastal waters and offshore islands home to world class dive spots. Other choices include yacht cruises, exploring islands and marine caves by sea kayak, windsurfing and a host of other popular water sports.
On land, the forests and rugged hills of northern Thailand provide the perfect setting for soft adventure: whitewater rafting, elephant treks, 4WD safaris, camping and mountain biking. Down South, the fabulous cliffs behind Krabi's beaches combine the challenge of rock climbing with spectacular views
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is Thailand's most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world, the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved you certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.
Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the underwater world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.
All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.
For group or family travellers, all good liveaboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world's most beautiful waters.
Unforgettable underwater experience
Day 1 : Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay. Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands.
Day 2 : Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago and myriad colours
exhibited by countless fish and corals. There are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive.
Day 3 : Continue your diving odyssey at three locations. Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon Island and Ko Tachai, home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There is
one night dive at Surin Island.
Day 4 : Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground of the whale shark.
Day 5 : Dive at three more Similan locations before taking the night boat to Phuket
Dive sites
Andaman Sea:
Dive sites are found off the coast of Phuket with prime spots
such as Shark Point, Red Rock, Ko Yao, Ko Yai, and the twin
islands of Ko Racha, extending to the Similan and Surin islands
to the west, Krabi and Trang to the east.
Gulf of Thailand:
Sites are around Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Nang Yuan,
Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, and Ko Chang in
Trat Province near the Cambodian border.
East Coast:
On the east coast of the Gulf, Pattaya offers dive trips out to
Ko Larn, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Rin, Ko Pai and Ko Marn Vichai.
There are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours
to any level and in any language.
Andaman Sea scuba diving
Day 1 : From Patong Beach, Phuket, sail overnight to the Similan Islands.
Day 2-3 : Wake up at a Similan dive site and after breakfast, explore
the area. Surroundings range from delicate sloping reefs to giant boulder drop-offs. The variety of marine life here is exceptional, with diverse corals and an enormous huge range of fish. Set sail for the Myanmar Banks in
the evening.
Day 4-5 : Two days are spent on the Myanmar Banks exploring marine life including many different varieties of shark. The area is subject to strong currents and changing underwater visibility so it is strictly for
experienced dives.
Day 6 : Dive at Richelieu Rock and Ko Tachai. Return to Similan in the evening.
Day 7 : The last full day of diving around Similan, visiting several important reefs, such as Shark's Fin
and Elephant's Head. Evening departure for the return passage to Phuket.
Day 8 : Early morning arrival at Patong.
Participating divers should be certificated, but there is plenty of action on these tours for non-divers and various entertainment on board the mother ship, plus the chance to explore ashore.
Ko Tao - divers' paradise
Day 1: Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkelling around this tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf. The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the occasional and harmless whale shark.
Day 2-7: Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard diving schools or discovering the beautiful underwater world with experienced divers.
Day 8: Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumphon
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