ADVENTURE & ACTIVITIES
Thailand
Windsurfing & other watersports Top Spots: Pattaya, Phuket and Samui
Why? Warm waters and gentle waves make Thailand a great place for beginners.
Where? Pattaya’s Jomtien beach, Phuket’s Kamala which hosts annual contests at its Surin, Laem Singh and Bang Thao beaches, plus Samui’s Lamai beach
Fishing Top Spots: Kanchanaburi, Bangkok, the Mekong and many coastal resorts
Why? The world’s biggest freshwater fish, plus incredibly accessible fishing spots.
What? Mekong Catfish (including the giant variety), Carp, Arapaima, marlin, tuna shark and a host of other species.
Where? Bangkok’s Bungsam lan Lake
fishery currently holds 10 IGFA World Records and the Mekong river has catfish too. Khao Lem Dam near Kanchanaburi, the Mae Klong River at Samut Songkhram province of Thailand or the Bangpakong River at Chaochoengsao province for giant freshwater stingray. Most resorts offer sea excursions.
www.fishthailand.co.uk
Trekking, cycling & rafting Top spots: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai
Why? A stunning tapestry of mountains, waterfalls, rice paddies and jungles is best seen up-close.
Where? In short, the north. Starting points for treks and cycling are around Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai in Mae Hong Son province.
How? Most Thai resorts offer hiking excursions to waterfalls and caves but the mountainous, jungle-clad North is the
“I would recommend honeymoon
clients staying on Koh Lanta visit the nearby islands for diving or snorkelling. The beaches are among the top ten in the world.”
TONY OGG SALES CONSULTANT, BRYTON TRAVEL, EDINBURGH
centre of activities for more serious trekking, along old opium routes and visiting colourfully-clad hill tribes.
What’s the alternative? Check out the national parks – like Erawan near Kanchanaburi for waterfalls and walks, or Khao Yai National Park near Bangkok for bike trails. Pai is the place for white- water rafting, or try cycling around the historic ruins at Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.
Rock-climbing Top spots: Krabi, Phi Phi and Chiang Mai
Why? World-class rock-climbing on limestone cliffs and vertical island stacks.
Where? Over 700 graded routes for all abilities. Reccomend Krabi’s Railey and Hat Son Tai beaches, Phi Phi’s islands and Crazy Horse Buttress, Chiang Mai.
Opposite: Bamboo rafting and elephant treks up north and snorkelling down south. Inset left: Royal Hua Hin. Above: Phuket's Mission Hills course
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