Amazing Thailand

Live-Aboards - Click here for information on Thailand Live-AboardsThe Kingdom of ThailandThe Kingdom of Thailand covers an area of 514,000 square kilometres in the heart of Southeast Asia. It is bounded by Malaysia in the south, Myanmar to the west, Laos to the north and northeast and Cambodia to the east. It is ideally located for both economic and recreational travel throughout the region. Thailand is divided into four distinct areas: The mountainous North, the fertile Central Plains, the semi-arid plateau of the Northeast, and the Southern peninsula, distinguished by its beautiful, tropical beaches and offshore islands. The country lies within the humid tropics and remains hot throughout the year. Temperatures average about 29 degrees Celsius, ranging in Bangkok from 34 C in April to 25 C in December. There are three seasons: The cool season (November to February), the hot season (March to May), and the, rainy season (June to October). Thailand has a population of about 60 million. Ethnic Thais form the majority, though the area has historically been a migratory crossroads. The Mon, Khmer, Burmese, Lao, Malay, Indian and, most notably, the Chinese have ensured a degree of ethnic diversity. Integration is such, however, that there is widespread unity, culturally and socially.Diving in ThailandThailand is becoming increasingly popular as a divers' retreat. The southern peninsula is particularly famous. This, stretching across the Malaysian frontier, bordered on the east by the Gulf of Thailand and on the west, by the Andaman Sea, offers numerous world-class beaches, islands and dive sites and easy access to professional diving facilities as well as a variety of accommodation, from budget to first class resorts. Giving divers, both beginners and professionals alike, the advantage of variety, these locations also offer a wonderful and unforgettable opportunity to explore Thailand's marine world. The diversity of corals, marine life and ship wrecks have made Thailand's dive sites famous worldwide, with some of them even challenging the world's best. Moreover, new destinations, such as the Burma Banks and the Andaman Islands in the Andaman Sea, Ko Tao in the Gulf and Ko Chang near the Cambodian border, have been opened up and been made more accessible to a wider variety of visitors. As all dive sites are located on the southern 3,219 km.-long coastline, most of the country's dive centres can be found here. Mostly affiliated with PADI, these centres usually offer classes in multiple languages by NAUI, CMAS and BSAC certified instructors. Prices vary, depending on distance, convenience and content. The best time to dive in the Gulf is between May and October, whereas diving in the Andaman Sea is best enjoyed from November to May.Andaman Sea OverviewThailand's Andaman Sea is a small part of the eastern Indian Ocean. Over the years, due to its favourable location and reliable infrastructure, Phuket has become the centre of the region's diving activity. To the northwest of Phuket, we find the most popular and best-loved dive sites in the Andaman Sea. The Similan Islands, a national park, consist of nine uninhabited islands of unique beauty and brilliant marine life. They are famous for warm, clear water and mild sea conditions, and are home to more than 25 dive sites. North of the Similans are Ko Bon, Ko Tachai, Ko Surin National Park and Richelieu Rock. These islands and pinnacles are celebrated for larger marine life, such as the whale shark and manta ray. Further to the east, the remarkable landscape and casual shore-life of Ko Phi Phi attract divers from all over the globe. The areas are famous for frequent sightings of the bottom-dwelling leopard shark, which grows to over 2 m. in length. Moving southeast of Krabi and Trang, we find unpopulated jungle-covered islands, ringed with clear blue water. The offshore pinnacles of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are noted for vertical drop-offs of over 60 m. Whale sharks and schooling fish await divers here. Lying northwards are the paradise islands of Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi, an easy day trip from Phuket with exciting drift dives. Tarutao National Park in Satun also offers fantastic sites for divers in Thailand. For international diving enthusiasts, there is something for everyone in the Andaman Sea. World class diving, modern amenities, international-standard boats and professional dive facilities make it one of the most popular diving areas in Southeast Asia.Andaman Travel TipsBest time to visit - Between November and April, when unclouded skies accompany clear, calm seas. Water temperature is around 29 degrees Celsius.Getting there - Phuket has an international airport with overseas flights arriving directly or through Bangkok International Airport. Buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for the 14-hour journey to Phuket daily.Accommodation - There is a wide choice of accommodation in Phuket, from five-star hotels and resorts to small guesthouses, bungalows and rooms above shophouses. On smaller islands, there are often air-conditioned hotels as well as beachside bungalows.Restaurants - All hotels and resorts have their own restaurants, mostly with reasonable prices. Phuket has numerous restaurants with local and international menus, including one or two gourmet restaurants.andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;andnbsp;Gulf of Thailand OverviewThe Gulf of Thailand stretches southeast from Bangkok, to the narrow Cambodian border to the east and the Malaysian border to the south. The gulf averages a depth of only 30 m. but reaches 86 m. at its deepest point. This long, narrow gulf has two main areas that appeal to scuba divers: Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Chumphon Sea, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan in the south and the more easily accessible Pattaya and Ko Chang in the northeast. Located at 84 km. east of Surat Thani Province, Ko Samui is famous worldwide for being the ultimate traveller's paradise of Southeast Asia. Twenty km. north of Samui lies Ko Phangan, a small island, which also attracts divers. Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan, two sleepy little islands which have become hugely popular diving destinations over the past few years, are located approximately 65 km. north of Ko Samui. Another big dive location is the Chumphon Sea, which is greatly recommended to the new diver. Pattaya, a beach resort, which is just two hours from Bangkok, has long been the gem of the east coast, while east of Pattaya is located Ko Chang in Trat Province.Gulf of Thailand Travel Tips