Renowned as a country full of cultural attractions,
Thailand is also known as a refuge for those searching
for serene beauty of nature. The green mountains, swelling
waterfalls, sheer cliffs, azure sky and deep blue sea
are welcoming all visitors who love to challenge themselves
with outdoor activities. Besides, thanks to Thailand's
warm weather, you can enjoy water- sports and adventurous
activities such as shooting the rapids without shivering.
In this issue, Thaiways introduces to you five interesting
activities as follows:
Shooting the rapids at Hin Phoeng Rapids,
Prachin Buri
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Shooting the Rapids
Shooting the rapids is fast becoming popular with adventure
lovers. The mountainous topography and pristine forests
of several provinces in the North, West and the Centre
serve as excellent venues for whitewater rafting, especially
in the rainy season (June-October). Recommended places
are:
Shooting the rapids at the Wa River, Nan
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- Mae Hong Son: The Pai River
- Chiang Rai: The Mae Kok River
- Chiang Mai: The Mae Chaem River
- Nan: The Wa River
- Tak: The Mae Klong River
- Phitsanulok: The Khek River
- Prachin Buri: The Sai Yai River
- Nakhon Nayok: The Nakhon Nayok River
Preparations
You should be able to swim if you wish to go shooting
the rapids. Safety is of paramount importance in this
activity. Life jackets and helmets must be worn at all
times. Always concentrate on the guide's advice for
your safety. Do check the weather and the condition
of the river before starting out on your trip.
Rock climbing at Rai Le Beach
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Rock
Climbing
Thailand offers challenging cliffs which keen climbers
from around the world come to conquer. Those who are
interested can experience this adrenaline-stimulating
activity both outdoors and at artificial cliffs. Beginners
can contact many operators to try a climb with instruction
and climbing gear at reasonable rates. Recommended
places are:
- Krabi: Rai Le Beach, the world-famous climbing
spot
- Phang-nga: Panyi Island
- Phetchaburi: Mount Yoi
- Lop Buri: Mount Chin Lae
- Uthai Thani: Mount Pathawi
- Chiang Mai: Muang On
- Lampang: Kiew Lom Reservoir
Preparations
Since climbing is a technical sport, you should not
go by yourself, especially if you are a beginner.
Rock climbing is safe if you use first-class equipment,
go with an experienced guide and teacher who will
show you how to practise safe climbing, and if you
follow safety procedures.
Scuba diving is a recommended
activity to
enjoy the beauty of the underwater world. |
Scuba Diving
Being in the embrace of the Andaman Sea and the Gulf
of Thailand, Thailand is a country where divers can
enjoy the underwater beauty at many sites, some of which,
such as the Similans, are world-renowned. Because of
its favourable location and reliable infrastructure,
Phuket has become the centre of diving activity of Thailand.
Recommended places are as follows.
In the Andaman Area:
- North Andaman: Diving sites in Similan Islands
National Park and Surin Islands National Park, Phang-nga
Province
- South Andaman: Diving sites in Noppharat
Thara-Phi Phi Islands National Park in Krabi, Lanta
Islands National Park in Krabi, Tarutao National Park
in Satun and the sea off Krabi and Phang-nga. |
In
the Gulf of Thailand:
-
Upper Part: Diving sites in the sea off Chumphon,
Tao Island and Pha-ngan Island.
- Lower
Part: Diving sites around Kra and Losin islands
- East Part: Diving sites in the sea
off Chon Buri, Rayong and Trat
Preparations
Most dive centres are affiliated with PADI. However,
NAUI, CMAS and BSAC certified instructors are all available
in Thailand as well. But generally the number of instructors
holding PADI certifications are larger than that of
the others. Diving courses range from basic Open Water
Diving Courses for beginners to Instructor Level Training
for those who would like to be instructors.
Sea canoeing at Tham Lot, Phang-nga Bay
and at Khao Sok National Park, Surat Thani
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Sea
Canoeing
If you would like to be embraced in a tranquil atmosphere
of pristine forests and the mirror-clear water, you
should consider sea canoeing as your choice. Sea canoeing
is an eco-tourist activity which allows you to exercise
while absorbing the freshness of the nature. Recommended
places are:
- Phang-nga: Ko Hong, Ko Phanak, Tham Lot
at Phang-nga Bay
- Krabi: Tha Pom
- Trat: Ko Chang
Preparations
Even though sea canoeing seems to be easy and all
safety equipment is provided, it is best to get instruction
first. Don't go on a long adventure without a guide.
Sea canoe expeditions are operated all year round.
However, some trips may be cancelled because of the
rain from June to October. People interested should
be able to swim. Operators providing sea canoeing
services are mostly in Phuket.
Elephant
Trekking
Upon a visit to Thailand where elephants are in abundance,
you should try elephant trekking. Riding on their
back, the jumbos will carry you to climb hills, ford
streams and lumber through the jungle. You can experience
elephant trekking at several places but generally
elephant camps are located in the North. Recommended
places are thick evergreen forests in the following
provinces:
- Chiang Mai: Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng districts
- Chiang Rai: The bank of the Mae Kok River
- Mae Hong Son
- Lampang: National Elephant Institute
- Kanchanaburi: Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhlaburi
- Surat Thani: Khao Sok National Park
- Phuket
- Phang-nga: Khao Lak-Lamru National Park
At National Elephant Institute in Lampang, you can
also take a course on how to be a mahout. Get to know
how to control the jumbos, how to take them to the
river for a bath, and sleep with the elephant out
in the jungle.
Elephant trekking at
Khao Lak-Lamru National Park
Photo by courtesy of Sutingroup.com,
Phuket
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Preparations
Bring along insect repellent to protect yourself from
insects when in the jungle. Wear comfortable clothes
such as those made of cotton and a hat. Apply sunblock
before going out.
Apart from these, Thailand is also an ideal place
offering other activities such as trekking, mountain
biking, sailing, windsurfing, jet-skiing and wakeboarding
which are no less interesting. No matter what activity
you choose to try, please collect further information
and consult your travel agency who can arrange everything
for you.
Related links
Khao Sok National Park
Attractions
of Natural Beauty Part I
Attractions of Natural Beauty Part II
Top
ten terrestrial national park I
Top
ten terrestrial national park II
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