ADVENTURE & ACTIVITIES


Thailand


Plus points: • Over 200 courses, some created by top names like Nick Faldo, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player


• More than 30 at Chonburi, just 30 minutes from Bangkok


• Hua Hin and Pattaya courses are reached without internal flights


• Fantastic value: green fees £30-40, equipment rental around £15 and (compulsory) caddy hire from £3 a day


• Well-equipped club houses, some offering saunas, massage and pools


• Drink stops every third hole • Courses are close to major resorts, keeping non-golfers happy


Affordable beginner lessons Some flood-lit courses for evening play. Some hotels have courses, others offer inclusive deals with those nearby.


Diving and snorkelling Khao Lak is the best departure point for world-class diving sites off Similan and Surin Islands, Burma Banks and the Merui Archipelago. Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Racha offer shorter hops to other good sites and Pattaya has several wreck dives. Koh Tao is the top spot for learners.


Plus points: • Warm waters and great value equipment hire


• Khao Lak has good luxury accommodation


• Non-divers can join liveaboard trips for snorkelling and sunbathing


• The Gulf of Thailand is best for diving between June to September but can be dived year-round


• Wreck, cave, drift, wall and historic dives are possible


• See giants like the whale shark and manta ray


Watersports, sailing and kayaking Pattaya, Phuket and Samui (particularly Jomtien, Patong and Chaweng beaches) have plenty of watersports. Phuket’s Kamala beach hosts windsurfing competitions. Phuket’s Surin, Laem Singh and Bang Thao and Samui’s Lamai


beach attract surfers. Krabi and Phuket are favourites for kayaking and Phuket for sailing.


Plus points: • Warm waters and less powerful waves suit beginners


• Year-round surfing (Phuket is best April to September, Pattaya and Samui at other times)


• UK specialist Sunsail has sailing bases in Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Chang


• Beautiful Phang Nga Bay can be kayaked from Krabi and Phuket, or Angthong National Park from Samui • Mangrove kayaking is popular


Fishing There are numerous catch-and-release lakes near tourist centres such as Bangkok’s Bungsamran fishery. Deep sea fishing is also widely offered.


Plus points: • Fishing is close to popular resorts - you won’t have to stray far from family and friends


• Thailand boasts giant stingrays and the world’s biggest catfish


• You can take a boat to fish for the likes of marlin and tuna from major beach resorts


• You can learn how the Muslim fishing community on Koh Yao Noi works on a homestay (see Ecotourism, page 14)


Trekking, rafting, cycling You can take a gentle hike to waterfalls and caves from most resorts. The North offers more strenuous trekking


“One thing that without a doubt I would recommend is the Golden Triangle Anantara Resort in Chiang Rai which has its own elephant camp where you can enjoy some really amazing animal-friendly experiences. The elephants are exceptionally well cared for and you can do mahout training, rides and elephant polo lessons. From there you can also take a trip along the Mekong river and into Burma and Laos.”


JAKE GOODENOUGH, THE DESTINATION LOUNGE


plus rafting - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Pai are good bases. Chiang Mai is a good base for biking. Luxury Khao Lak resort, The Sarojin, has launched extreme trekking adventures through the jungles of Southern Thailand as well as rock climbing for all levels on the limestone island of Phang Nga Bay. www.sarojin.com


Plus points: • There are national parks near all the major resorts


• You can take short treks by elephant in the North


• You can take gentle cycle rides around the historic ruins at Ayutthaya and Sukhothai or through Bangkok’s leafy outskirts


• Local operator Spice Roads offers a great variety of cycling holidays throughout Thailand and into its neighbouring countries www.spiceroads.com


Rock-climbing Krabi’s Railey and Hat Son Tai beaches are renowned for rock-climbing. You can also climb on Phi Phi islands and at Crazy Horse Buttress, Chiang Mai.


Plus points: • Krabi’s limestone cliffs are particularly scenic and some climbs are over water. Non-climbing partners can watch you as they laze on the beach


TOP TIP Talk to your golf club members and stress


the value and range of courses in Thailand.


• Krabi has over 700 graded routes for varied abilities


• Operators offer courses for beginners; typically three days


Thailand Travel Guide 2012 11


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