ATV
Southern region has various terrains for fun activity like ATV or All Terrain Vehicle. There are services across
the region at most major tourist destinations. The tracks run through forests, rubber plantation, palm gardens,
waterfalls, deserted beaches on sandy, muddy or gravel or rocky terrains where ones can appreciate the nature
and environment or mini off-road tracks with well-designed obstacles and landscape.
Recommended Services
Phuket ATV Tour:
Address: 59/26 M.5, Srisuntorn, Thalang, Phuket 83110; Tel. 076 617 747;
Website: www.atvphuket.com
Samui ATV Adventures:
27/1 M.4, Namueang, Namueang, Samui, Surat Thani 84140; Tel. 077 233 070, 018 914 690, 081 719 7828
Bird Watching
A home to many national parks, southern region is a bird watching haven with abundance of tropical birds as
there are lush jungles, rainforests and marsh areas such as Thale Noi where water birds feed.
There are bird watching trips available throughout escorted by experienced birders.
Recommended Sites
Khao Luang National Park:
The Park covers an area of 570 sq km, consisting of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and a great variety
of wildlife including birds. It is a habitat of more than 200 species of birds. The birds found are Blue-eared Kingfishers,
many species of Hornbills, Banded Pittas, Hairy-backed Bulbuls and 200 species more.
This is the best place in southern region for bird photography tour.
Address: M.4, Ban Ron, Khao Kaeo, Lan Saka, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80230; Tel. 075 391 218, 075 391 240
Khao Nor Chuchi:
Covering an area of 150 sq km, Khao Nor Chuchi - Khao Phra Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary is a lowland forest park
where there are more than 200 species of resident and migratory birds including Gurney’s Pitta, an endangered species.
Several walking trails as well as accommodation in the area are available.
Address: Ban Bang Tiao, Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom, Krabi 81120
Koh Yao:
Koh Yao consists of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai with many mangroves. The birds found are such as
Brown-winged Kingfishers, Flyeaters, Mangrove Pittas, Mangrove Whistlers, White-bellied Sea-eagles
and many more.
Address: Koh Yao, Phuket 82160
Bungee Jumping
One of the fun activities that will let the adrenaline running through is bungee jumping and the southern region
has a perfect landscape to witness from high above. Most bungee jumping operators are located near
the beach or in the jungle with lakes or big ponds. Visitors can opt to do day or night jump.
Recommended Operators
Jungle Bungee Jump (formerly Tarzans Jungle Jump):
61/3 M.6, Vichitsongkram Rd., Kathu, Phuket 83120; Tel. 076 321 351
Patong Bungy Jump:
2/59 Sai Nam Yen Rd., Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket, 83150; Tel. 076 345 185, 081 272 7614
Samui Bungy Jump:
Soi Reggae, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui 84320; Tel. 077 414 252, 086 266 4757
Canoeing & Kayaking
Southern region is comprised of 1,825 km of the coastline both on the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
The difference shapes of beach and bay is worth-exploring. There are many different ways to do that
but one of the best fun ways is canoeing and kayaking. Ones will get chance to get exercise,
witness the beauty of nature at the same time while being eco-friendly. There are stunning cliffs,
sea caves, deserted beaches and islands, mangroves and many more waiting to be explored.
Recommended Sites
Phang Nga Bay:
Phang Nga Bay covers a large area of amazing landscape and seascape. There are many secluded islands
and abundance of wildlife including birds, seabirds, lizards, macaques, languars and others.
Koh Yao Noi:
The island is situated in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. The rock limestone and a number of smaller islands
and deserted beaches, mangroves and wildlife are rewarding to explore. It is rare to see a motor boat
in the area.
Koh Lao Liang:
Explore the jaw-dropping cliffs, caves and its serene atmosphere. Koh Lao Liang is comprised of 2 twin islands,
Koh Loa Liang Phii and Koh Lao Liang Nong. It is 30 km off the coast off Trang. One of the islands inhibited
by fishermen and the other is a home to Lao Liang Resort where there are kayaks for rent.
Recommended Operators
Paddle Asia Co., Ltd.:
18/58 Rasdanusorn Rd., Rasada, Ban Kuku, Phuket 83000; Tel./fax. 076 241519
Gecko Extreme:
57/38 Suknirus Soi 2, Chofa Rd., Vichit, Mueang, Phuket 83000; Tel. 089 474 4776, 089 474 0662
Diving and Snorkelling
Paradise under the water is inevitably dabbed for the southern region of Thailand. An abundance
of colourful coral reefs and a variety of aquatic creatures beckon visitors from across the world to witness
such impressive sight for an experience of a lifetime. There is everything for every level of divers.
The region does not offer only scuba diving but also a host of snorkeling sites for non-scuba divers.
Diving trips by diving operators are located sparsely. Novices can also easily find diving schools
operated by professional associations such as PADI, DST, TDI or ANDI.
Recommended Sites
Krabi
Koh Phi Phi:
Koh Phi Phi is located in the Andaman Sea and comprised of Phi Phi Le and Phi Phi Don. The islands are teemed
with several amazing sites such as Hin Daeng and Hin Muang which have the deepest and steepest wall in Thailand.
Hin Daeng or red rock is named as it is covered with red anemone and it has nearly 70 metres to the sea bed.
Hin Muang or purple rock is teemed with purple soft coral found on the rocks. These two places are great to spot big fish,
Manta rays and whale sharks.
Koh Bida:
Koh Bida is comprised of 2 islands; Koh Bida Nok and Koh Bida Nai which is suitable for beginners and experienced divers.
Leopard sharks are often sighted and in early morning. Black tip sharks are also spotted. There are also moray eels,
scorpion fish and turtles in the backdrop of colourful soft corals and hard coral reefs.
Ao Maya:
Ao Maya, a famous bay that has been used as a setting in the film “The Beach”, features a large cavern,
sloping reef and stunning rock formations. Hawksbill turtles can be spotted in this area. The area is covered with whip corals,
a wall and a swim-through at 17 metres. It also has a big chamber and steep cliff in the south of the bay.
Anemone Reef:
As its name suggests, anemone is prolific in this area which is a shelter for many aqua-species such as anemone fish,
Porcelain crabs and shrimp. The bottom reaches over 25 metres. Soft corals are found in the deeper part as well as
Gorgonian sea fans. Leopard sharks are commonly spotted on the bottom. The pinnacle sometimes has strong current.
Large schools of fish can be found almost everywhere in this site as well as snappers, fusiliers and groupers.
Soldierfish in the along with yellow tiger tail seahorses are found in nooks and corners.
King Cruiser Wreck:
At 31 metres deep lies the 85 metre-long King Cruiser. It went down in 1996 after hitting the Anemone Reef.
Now it becomes a popular diving spot. You will find big schools of barracuda, fusiliers, porcupine fish as well as
a number of lionfish. As years have gone by, there are more and more variety of marine life is attracted
to make the wreck their home.
Recommended Diving Operators
Phi Phi Scuba Diving Center:
Address: Ton Sai Bay, Phi Phi Island, Krabi 81000; Tel. 075 601 148
Website: www.ppscuba.com
Barakuda Dive Centre:
Address: Ton Sai Bay, Phi Phi Island, Krabi 81000; Tel. 075 601 006
Chumphon
Koh Hin Lak Ngam:
Koh Hin Lak Ngam is located at the northernmost area between the four popular dive sites of Chumphon.
This dive site abounds with soft and hard corals. You can encounter the sight of Pipefish, clams, parrotfish,
Frogfish, sea anemonefish, seahorses, oyster and many more. The depth is around 5 – 20 metres
with the visibility of 5 -20 metres.
Koh Hin Pae:
Located in the north of Koh Ngam Yai, Koh Hin Pae has the depth of 6 – 23 metres and are abundant with sea anemones,
black corals, sea whips, giant clams, butterflyfish, barracudas, sting rays,
turtles and whale sharks are spotted occasionally.
Koh Rarn Ped and Koh Rarn Gai:
This spot has limestone pinnacle which drops down to 20 metres leaving it a home to many types of fish such as butterflyfish,
damsel fish, turtles, frog fish, Yellow Tail barracudas, parrotfish and fusiliers. Whale sharks are occasionally spotted.
It also has a beautiful underwater cave, wall and a large rock bed which covers with seafans, anemones,
sea whips, sponges as well as black corals.
The depth of Koh Rarn Ped is around 20 metres with visibility of 5 -15 metres and the depth
of Koh Rarn Gai is around 5 – 15 metres and visibility of 5 -10 metres.
Koh Rung Ga Jew:
This island is located 8 km from the mainland. The beaches are comprised of sand and rocks. Prolific coral reefs
and diverse species of fish are found in this area which makes a good spot for snorkeling.
There are a few residents’ houses located on the island but there is no accommodation.
It is also a home to a number of swallows.
Recommended Diving Operators
Chumphon Cabana & Diving Resort:
Address: 69 M. 8, Thung Wua Laen, Saplee, Pathiu, Chumphon 86230
Koh Tao
Chumphon Pinnacle:
Located approximately 11 km northwest, this site is widely regarded as one of the best dive sites in the region.
One main big granite pinnacle and a host of smaller ones protruding from the bottom at 36 m to within 14 m of the surface,
covered with anemones and their attendant Pink Clown Fish.
Large shoals of Great and Cheveron barracuda, schools of trevally, batfish and large groupers are commonly spotted.
Less common but still possible to see are Spanish mackerel and Scorpionfish. This great site also plays host
to seasonal visits by Whale sharks and manta rays.
White Rock:
A very popular dive site located 1 km off Sairee Beach. It boasts a large coral garden situated
between two distinct granite pinnacles to the north and south side and a vast array of bottom daytime
and nocturnal inhabitants. With a depth range of 26 m to 5 m, it is suitable for every experience level.
White-eyed Moray and Bluespotted Stingrays are commonly sighted, as well as the infamous Triggerfish.
Several species of Barracuda routinely visit the site, it is particularly impressive to see them hunting on night dives
and following divers torch beams to spot their dinner. Night diving also unveils many different kinds of feather stars,
hunting Cone Shell, feeding Stingrays, Black-spotted Porcupinefish, sleeping Parrotfish and Monocle Bream fish.
You may also be lucky enough to spot a Hawksbill turtle.
Shark Island:
Shark Island is one of the most varied sites in terms of marine life. Located about 300m southeast of Ao Luk,
this small granite peak rises out of the water from a sandy bottom at 20 - 24 m. Enjoy a huge variety of corals,
sea whips and Gorgonian Sea Fans covering the pinnacles. Some of the most usual marine life
includes Bluespotted Stingrays, Harlequin Sweetlips, Scribbled Filefish, Starry Pufferfish, various groupers
and Titan Triggerfish that sometimes like nibbling the fins of divers who get too close to their nesting site.
Although Shark Island is suitable for divers of all levels, strong currents may be encountered,
especially during full moon, allowing the possibility of exciting drift dives.
South West Pinnacle:
Situated 13 km southwest, depth ranging from 30 m upward, a series of seven pinnacles form an underwater mountain range,
with the largest peaks rising at 5m below the surface, covered with sea anemones. Along the lower edges
of the site is an abundance of whip coral and gardens of large sea fans. Impressive barracudas over a meter long can be seen,
as well as massive Groupers, schools of black spotted snappers, Emperor fish, Harlequin Sweetlips
and batfish. Not to forget that Manta Rays and Whale sharks as well as Leopard Sharks may also pass by.
Recommended Diving Operator
Ao Muong Resort & Diving:
Address: M.1, Ban Ao Muong, Koh Tao, Suratthani 84280
Blue Diamond Dive Resort:
Address: 24/1 M.2, Ban Mae Had, Koh Tao, Suratthani 84280
Elephant Trekking
Abundant with tropical forest, the southern region offers a great opportunity to explore its flora and fauna.
If trekking on foot is not your thing then perhaps, trekking on elephant’s back might be an ideal. Many tourist destinations
that are located closed to the forest offer elephant rides in the forest. During the ride, you will enjoy sighting lush vegetation
with these lovely animals. In the past, elephants were used in logging in the forest since logging is made illegal,
the elephant keepers lack of work and many have brought their elephant to the city to find work.
Many of them stray on the hot concrete roads and some of them work in elephant camps in tourist destinations.
It is advisable to see which camps provide good living conditions and treat the pachyderms with love and care.
Recommended Tours
Siam Safari Nature Tours, Phuket:
Address: 45 Chao Fah Rd., Chalong, Phuket 83130; Tel. 076 280 116
Siam Safari Nature Tours, Khao Sok:
Address: Head Office, 45 Chao Fah Rd., Chalong, Phuket 83130; Tel. 076 280 116
Game Fishing
Fishing in the southern Thailand provides a beautiful chance to have a rod battle with a multitude
of marine fish such as Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Yellowfin, Dogtooth tuna while enjoying the spectacular views
of the Andaman Ocean. While fresh water fishing is also available in inland natural lakes and man-made lakes.
Although the fish is abundant, there are some species that are endangered. Therefore,
all anglers should throw the fish back into the water.
Recommended Fishing Venues
Krabi:
Krabi waters have abundance of fish and waiting for hours to fish one is out of question. In the Andaman,
both amateur and professional anglers are sure to have a good time. Fish such as mackerel, cobia, trevally,
king fish, barracuda, grouper, snapper, jacks are rife. Night fishing will also offer a thrill and excitement.
Krabi does not offer only deep sea fishing but also fresh water fishing which is also popular. There is a fishing park
which is located just outside Krabi town centre. You an expect to fish some Giant Siamese carp,
Amazon red-tailed catfish, Giant Mekong catfish, alligator gar and others.
Recommended Fishing Resorts
Gillhams Fishing Resorts:
Address: 74 M.4, Khothong, Muang, Krabi 81000; Tel. 086 164 4554
Andaman Adventures:
Address: 23/8 M.2, Ao Nang, Krabi 81000; Tel. 075 637 754, 084 627 6779;
Website: www.andamanadventures.com
Samui:
The island is teemed with a variety of fish such as barracudas, cobia, groupers, gar, short-bodied mackerel,
sailfish, travelly, white and red snapper, queenfish and many others. Outing on a local fishing boat
or a luxury yacht with friends or family could be a great fun while having fun casting the rod
and wait for the bites.
Recommended Fishing Resort
TopCats Fishing Resort:
Address: 100/1 M.1, Ban Saket, Taling Ngam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84140; Tel. 077 415 387
Horse Riding
Strolling on the beach may not be enough fun. Riding a horse on the white sand beach with bright blue sea,
dotted islands far out in the sea or mountain as a backdrop can be a great alternative. The region offers a chance to explore the pristine nature
whether by the sea or in the mountain on the back of this lovely animal. Southern Thailand has perfect places for such activity.
Recommended Services
Krabi Nature Horse Riding Club:
Address: P.O.Box 76, Ao Nam Mao, Krabi 81000; Tel. 081 606 1701, 072 749 799
The Phuket Riding Club:
Address: 95 Viset Rd., Rawai, Meuang, Phuket 83130; Tel. 076 288 213, 081 477 7185, 089 970 5272;
Website: www.phuketridingclub.com
Sundowner Horse Ranch:
Address: Laem Sor, Ban Tale, Koh Samui 84140; Tel. 081 676 0992
Mountain Biking
The southern region does not only have stunning coasts but also lush green mountains and various terrains
where mountain bikers and all nature lovers would dream of. Biking to the mountain through
shady rubber tree plantations, pine forests, palm plantations and witness the local way of life would leave you
with an unforgettable memory about the southern Thailand. You can opt to bike around by yourself
or take a scheduled trip which guide will lead the way and provide information on the route, culture,
plants and what you will observe on the way.
Recommended Tours
Tala Beach
Gecko Extreme:
Address: 57/38 Suknirus Soi 2, Chofa Rd., Vichit, Meuang, Phuket 83000; Tel. 089 474 4776, 089 474 0662
Phang Nga
The Green Biking Club:
Address: 67/5 M.5, Petchakasem Rd., Kukkak, Takuapa, Phang Nga 82190; Tel. 076 443 211
Paintball
Paintball is a fun game imitating being in a battlefield. The players are required to wear the dress,
helmet and mask for protection from the capsules driven by the pressure of carbon dioxide inside the paint marker (gun).
The most common goal is to capture the flag of the opponent and turn back to the base without getting tagged.
Recommended Venues
Phuket Shooting Range:
Address: 46/2, M.6, Phra Baramee Rd., Kathu, Phuket 83120; Tel. 090 710 169
Black Hawk Hadyai Paint Ball:
Address: Located behind a used car dealer at Sam Yaek Umong, opposite Ruen Petch Hot Pot, Songkhla; Tel. 089 655 3883
Rock Climbing
The southern region is a home to a multitude of limestone mountains or karst formations protruding from the beautiful beach
or from the blue ocean. It provides great climbing venues for rock climbers. The region has challenged rock climbers
from across the world. Most of the venues are well-equipped and safety.
Recommended Sites
Phang Nga Bay:
Koh Panyee located in Phang Nga Bay would look very inviting to all levels of climbers. Experienced trainers
will provide climbing techniques and safety training. Once you are at the high level, the sight of Phang Nga Bay
you will receive is just breathtaking.
Gecko Extreme:
Address: 57/38 Suknirus Soi 2, Chofa Rd., Vichit, Meuang, Phuket 83000; Tel. 089 474 4776, 089 474 0662
Railey/Tonsai Beach:
Railey/Tonsai beach is the most famous rock climbing site. All the mountains and cliffs here are limestone
and there are a number of bolted routes for beginning level to expert level. The routes are just right off the beach.
There is also plenty of rock climbing companies in the area. One-to-one training is available.
The course varies from half day to 3 days.
Hot Rock Climbing School:
Address: West Railay Beach, Walking Street, Krabi 81000; Tel. 075-662 245
Samui:
Koh Samui has a large cliff and some smaller climbing walls for those who would like to challenge the height
and strength. It boasts a stunning view. There is rock climbing school with courses ranging from half day to 3 days
by highly qualified trainers. All levels of climbers are welcome.
Samui Rock Climbing:
Address: 211 M.4, Ma Ret, Samui 84310; Tel. 077 414 364, 081 367 1161
Thai Boxing
Thai boxing or Muay Thai is a national sport and martial arts that is popular in every part of Thailand as well as overseas.
The southern region has many stadiums for viewing the match as well as schools for training.
Recommended Venues
Suwit Muay Thai Training Camp:
Address: 15 M. 1, Choa Fah Rd., Chalong, Meuang, Phuket, 83130; Tel. 076 374 313
Lanta Gym:
Address: 245 M.2 Saladan, Koh Lanta, Krabi 81150; Tel. 075 684 848
WMC Lamai Muay Thai:
Address: M.3, Lamai Beach, Samui 84310;
Website: www.wmcmuaythaicamp.com
Thai Cooking
Thai cuisine has been widely known for its delicacy and spicy tastes. Once in Thailand, it is a chance to learn
how to prepare this delectable food. Thai cooking class has also become a popular activity during a holiday in Thailand.
Recommended Thai Cooking Schools
The Boathouse:
Adress: Kata Beach, Phuket 83100; Tel. 076 330 015 to 7;
Website: www.boathousephuket.com
Pat’s Home:
Address: 28/4 M.3, Vichit, Chaofa Rd., Phuket 83000; Tel. 081 538 8276
Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Art:
Address: 46/6 M.3, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui 84320; Tel. 077 413 172;
Website: www.sitca.net
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