About Thailand
Southern Thailand – Chonburi, Koh Samui, Khao Lac, Krabi & Phuket,
The island of Phuket lies just off the west coast of Southern Thailand in the region of the Andaman Sea. It is approximately 900km from Bangkok City and is Thailand's largest island similar in size to that of Singapore, but is surrounded by groups of smaller islands.
Khao Lac is directly due North and Krabi is situated to the east of Phuket. Separated from the mainland by the Chong Pak Phra channel, Phuket is linked to the mainland by a causeway. The terrain around Phuket is hilly, but much of the countryside around the high peaks consists of dense jungle vegetation or rain forest. Plantation areas can be found where coconut, rice and pineapples grow alongside rubber plantations in the national Park. Tourism has been good to Thailand for over 20 years, attracting millions of visitors who wish to enjoy Thai natural delights or just sample a cheaper way of life at a much slower pace.
Chon Buri, Koh Samui, Kho Lac, Krabi, & Phuket
Chon Buri – The nearest coastal resort area to Bangkok is Chonburi, which is situated on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand approx 85 kilometres from the city. The area boasts an array of delightful beaches with superb restaurants, many of them offering local specialities and freshly caught sea-food. This popular seaside town is for Bangkok residents who need to escape from the city pressures and stifling heat, as Chon Buri has plenty for everyone to enjoy. Chon Buri is also at the forefront of the Eastern Seaboard Development Project - promoting the new industrial parks and fishing villages.
Phuket-There are stunning beaches to be found dotted all along Phuket’s West coast and many have rocky coves and inlets to explore. The East coast too has clean sandy beaches, whilst displaying spectacular limestone islands which surround the coastal shores. Gorgeous coral reefs attracting beautiful and exotic fish also capture much of the island visitor’s interest, but with continuously expanding tourism its future existence could undoubtedly be short-lived. The best time for swimming in the sea is generally November through to April when the seas are calm.
Krabi - enjoys 2 world class beaches Hat Rai Le and Ao Nang. Both offer stunning scuba dive opportunities, quality beach restaurants and a good selection of stores. There are terrific limestone rock and cliff formations, ideally suitable for rock climbers. There is also a National Park approx a 1 hour drive from the town. Set amid some spectacular scenery, the park benefits from some beautiful lakes and explorable caves.
Koh Samui –
Kho Lac -
Religion: The main religion in Thailand is Buddhism. Chinese immigrants practice Daoism.
Several Chinese shrines exist in the main City of Phuket which is extremely busy during the annual Vegetarian Festival. Around 35% of Phuket's population are Thai Muslims mainly occupying the Surin Beach area where many mosques are located.
Currency
Currency: 1 baht (B) = 100 satang.
Currency: 1 baht (B) = 100 satang.
Exchange Rate:1.00 GBP = 64.5851 THB
Exchange Rate:1 GBP = 64.5851 THB & 1 THB = 0.0154834 GBP
Food / Eating Out
One main attraction for many visitors to Thailand is to experience the wonderful Thai food. There are numerous eateries and quality restaurants in Chon Buri, Krabi, Koh Samui, Kho Lac and Phuket, many highly regarded for their tempting seafood platters, speciality meat dishes and other delightful flavours of the well known Thai cuisine! If you are not keen on spicy foods its best to ask if any Non-spicy dishes that are available. Thai restaurants are keen to please you whatever your taste may be. Vegetarian meals are well catered for on most menus.
You’ll also find many bakeries, delhi’s, supermarkets and wine stores in and around Phuket, so buying fresh food and drink is never a problem and always readily available.
Getting around
One of the best and cheapest ways of getting around Thailand is by Taxi or Tuk Tuk. There are also some local buses to use for your travel between the beaches and Phuket and around the City. Car and motorbike rentals are popular but its best to take advice on road safety before arranging it and check that you have suitable insurance cover and understand the legal requirements required. The islands are all very similar but just more laid-back than the mainland!
Language
Languages in Thailand:
Thai, English (as a foreign language), ethnic and regional dialects.
Weather
Thailand's weather is mainly tropical but generally predictable, and tourists can easily plan when to visit. North of Bangkok, the area has a climate determined by three seasons but the southern peninsular region of Thailand has only two. Being very warm all year round the holiday resort Phuket enjoys temperatures of between 26C - 34C which is approx 78F - 94F. The dry season starts off in December and often lasts until March, which is known as high season for tourist trade and when the climate is at its best. It is the time of warm, soft breezes, clear blue skies and calm seawater, being also the coolest time of the year. The rainy season however, starts during June and stays until October. The average rainfall in the Andaman region is 2500mm - approx 100 inches, with the most falling in the monsoon period between the 2 main seasons.