Ao Nang, One of Thailand's Premier Attractions

Ao Nang is steadily becoming one of Thailand's premier tourist attractions. Getting there is quite easy, by bus, car, minivan, or plane, but sadly not by train. The Thailand train from the Thai border with Malaysia stops at Hat Yai then goes East across country to Surit Thani thus missing Krabi altogether. Krabi is the main town in this area, and from here Ao Nang is easily accessible.

If you're not keen on a flight to Krabi, which is in fact an international airport, my advice is to take a minivan from the van terminal in Hat Yai which will only cost about 200 baht and takes about three to four hours.

If you're coming from Bangkok, then the train will get you to Surit Thani and from there again I advise a minivan. It's also about 200 baht and takes about the same time.

Once in Krabi a local opened backed bus will take you to Ao Nang for about 60 baht and takes about 30 minutes. The bus ride to Ao Nang takes you through some beautiful countryside and then just as the bus approaches the town you find yourself surrounded by towering limestone cliffs which are a feature of this area. It really is an amazing site. Ao Nang is a small, quaint, seaside town loaded with things to see and do.

There is just one main street that bananas from one side of town to the other. One side of the road is filled with shops and restaurants and the other side of the road is pure beach.

The beach here is excellent, great for swimming, lazing and walking. There is a colony of monkeys at one end that are always ready for a feed and a pose for some pictures. All along this beach you will find the long tailed boats that are ready to take tourists to the many islands and beaches that are easily accessible from here, fares are quite reasonable too.

There is plenty of accommodation here from 2 star upwards and a bargain can always be found. There are plenty of good eating places ranging from the humble street kitchen to top grade restaurants, you will also find the usual fast food outlets.

There are plenty of tour shops, chemists, 7/11's, massage parlors, and bike hire outlets. There are two good bar entertainment areas for those who want to stay up late.

Ao Nang is a great place to spend time on your travels, I did and I will return.

Hello, my name is Jim and I have a website designed to give honest and real advice to travelers going to Thailand, I have toured all over the country and I am happy to pass on my experiences which will hopefully improve your trip. http://www.thailand-cheap.com

By James D Jones

Koh Samui is a Beautiful Tropical Island in Thailand

Koh Samui is the 3rd biggest island in Thailand that is located in the Gulf of Thailand, around 90 km east of Surat Thani and approximately 750 km south of Bangkok. In fact, it is really an Amphoe (district) of Surat Thani and is divided into 7 sub districts (tambon): Angthong, Bophut, Lipa Noi, Maenam, Maret, Namuang, and Taling Nam. It is also called as the Coconut Island, as it grows over 2 million coconuts each month.

The area is a tropical paradise due to its lovely white sandy beaches, azure-blue sea, vibrant green forested hills, distinct limestone and scenic coves and bays. There is hardly any traffic and the locals are warm and friendly. Due to this, the place has become a hotspot for tourism.

The island is renowned for its glorious shoreline, lined with a long arc of palm lined white sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Chaweng Beach is one of the busiest and most famous beaches here. It has a large number of beachside cafes, disco bars, and cocktail bars. Another famous beach here is Lamai Beach, which is full of an assortment of restaurants and amusement centers. It is not very crowded, and so a walk on this beach is actually relaxing and peaceful.

If you want peace and privacy, then head over to Maenam Beach, which is a suitable venue for backpackers and elite. This beach houses few of the excellent deluxe resorts and hotels in the area. Bophut is another lovely beach here and has a quiet fisherman's village, full of tranquil eateries, hip boutiques, and old wooden houses.

Other famous beaches on the island include are Big Buddha Beach, Choeng Mon Beach, and Lipa Noi Beach. Every beach on the island has facilities to let you experience a wide range of activities like diving, snorkeling, swimming, and sea canoeing.

Besides this, there are infinite number of things to see and do in Koh Samui. For nature lovers, a trip to Na Tian Butterfly Garden to see a wide array of different types of brightly colored lepidopterans is a must. It also has a bee house and an insect museum, containing few rare breed of insects.

For animal lovers, there is a Crocodile Farm that contains crocodile species like Caimans and saltwater crocodiles; Samui Aquarium and Zoo containing scores of fish species and specialties such as Asian tigers, sea hawks, and parrots; and Snake Farm housing few rare and most hazardous snakes in Asia.

If you want to go sightseeing, then Koh Samui offers many enchanting attractions. One of them is Big Buddha, the most famous symbol of the island. It is a 12 m tall golden idol of Lord Buddha in sitting pose, which is visible from a distance,

Hin Ta Hin Yai, are spectacular rocks also called as Grandfather and Grandmother rocks and are regarded as the forefather of the Mui race. Magic Statue Garden is an astonishing garden situated at the heart of the forest and accessed by traveling through precipitous cliffs and forested rivers and hills and Overlap Stone, is quite tough to arrive at these remarkable boulders.

Other must-see attractions in Koh Samui comprise of temples like Hainan Temple, Hin Lad Waterfall Temple, Laem Sor Pagoda, and Pagoda Khao Chedi. Other things to see here also include Buffalo fighting, Monkey Show, and conventional Thai Boxing.

Koh Samui is well-connected by sea, land, and air and has excellent accommodation alternatives.

You are welcome to publish the article along with the hyperlinked URL: Hotels Koh Samui

By Jack Dan