Tag Archive | scuba diving

The Top Beach Holiday Destinations In Thailand

Apr18

thailandThailand is a country that is quickly developing an excellent as a tourist destination, and the range of amazingly beautiful beaches, bays and coves in the country is likely to see this reputation continue to grow.  The small nation of Thailand is one that is distinctly split between the mountainous north and the low lying coastal areas and islands of the south of the country, with the best of the beach resorts in the south of the country.  Although it enjoys a warm climate throughout the year, it is worth noting that Thailand has a significant monsoon season which is worth checking before booking your holiday.

 Patong

The town of Patong is one of several beach holiday resorts that can be found on the island of Phuket, and although it was devastated during the tsunami in 2004, it has been entirely rebuilt.  The sandy beaches of Patong are perfect for relaxing, and for those more adventurous types there are plenty of exploring opportunities around the island.  Among the most attractive features for those considering a trip to the town is the vibrant nightlife, and like much of the country the prices for nightclub entry and drinks are particularly reasonable.

Krabi

The town of Krabi is another excellent destination for those looking for easy access to top notch beaches, and beaches such as Phra Nang are among the most beautiful in the country. The azure waters and the golden sand on these beaches are often surrounded by idyllic unspoiled woods and they are also a great base for activities such as kayaking and snorkeling.  The town has grown significantly over recent years, with many more chain stores being found in the area, and accessibility to the region has improved with the opening of KrabiAirport.

Koh Samui

The island of Koh Samui is the second largest of the islands to be found of the coasts of Thailand, and this has long been one of the most popular destinations for those heading to the country for beach holidays.  The peaceful sands and clean waters are an idyllic setting for a beach holiday, while the exciting and vibrant nightlife in the resorts is almost as good as that to be found in the capital Bangkok.  Lying further south than much of the country, Koh Samui also benefits from a drier climate, with the monsoon season being much shorter between January and September.

The coral reefs that lie off the coast of Koh Samui have also helped to make this idyllic island popular among divers and snorkelers, and provides a change of pace after a few days relaxing on the beach.

Koh Phi Phi

The island of Koh Phi Phi is a destination that has grown in popularity over recent years, and the island tends to be quieter and more idyllic than some of the more popular tourist destinations in the country.  As with many other islands in this area, the excellent beaches and clear waters are ideal for those looking to enjoy activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling, and its waters can boast some of the best marine life in the region.  The island was largely untouched until the film ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio brought the island to international attention in the 1990s, and it is still much more traditionally Thai than some of the tourist islands.

Koh Lanta

The island of Koh Lanta is another of the Thai isles that can claim to be sparsely developed in terms of the tourist industry, and many visitors will find it much closer to the Thailand that people would have found decades ago.  The beaches here are again amongst the best in the country, and the sensational waters are excellent for swimming and other water activities.  The majority of tourist accommodation on Koh Lanta is still in bamboo huts, which will really give people a taste of the traditional Thai lifestyle.

The Top Activities To Enjoy In The Maldives

Jan16

scuba-diving-maldivesFor those who dream of golden beaches and exciting water sports, then the Maldives must be one of the most idyllic destinations in the world.  This small nation is made up of hundreds of small coral islands rising from the Indian Ocean, and the capital Malé is located on one of the largest of these islands.  With none of the islands rising above ten meters above sea level, rock climbing isn’t on the menu, but there are still plenty of fun and exciting activities that people can enjoy in this wonderful corner of Asia.

Scuba Diving

This is certainly one of the most popular activities for visitors to the Maldives, and many of the staff to be found at each resort are likely to have some experience leading diving groups.  The clear waters to be found off the islands are perfect providing excellent visibility, and along with the islands themselves there is also plenty of coral to be enjoyed in the reefs lying off the inhabited islands here.  The marine life here is also particularly impressive, with over a thousand different fish species to be found in the waters around the Maldives, including Butterflyfish, Lionfish, Angelfish and the wonderfully named Oriental Sweetlips.

For those who are looking to gain experience or learn more about Scuba Diving, then the Maldives is a great place to learn.  There are many different guides who can teach you the basics about Scuba Diving in shallow, clear waters, and there are also plenty of intermediate sites for people to test their improving skills.

Explore Malé

Malé is a city that is squeezed on to one of the larger islands in the Maldives, and because of the scarcity of space most buildings will have several stories.  Although it is not a huge city it does have a few places worth exploring, with the Hukuru Miskyi mosque being one of the most historic buildings on the island, dating from the seventeenth century.  The Islamic Centre is another of the most attractive buildings in the capital, although for tourism purposes it is a shame that the RoyalPalace was destroyed when the monarchy was overthrown in 1968.

Water Sports

Along with Scuba Diving, the stunning waters around the islands of the Maldives also offer a wide range of other sports to enjoy too, with swimming in the shallow lagoons perfect for younger or inexperienced swimmers.  There are also a number of well noted surfing spots to be found, where the waves can be between three and eight meters in height.  There are also great opportunities such as wind-surfing and sailing to be enjoyed, and whilst you’re enjoying a boat trip why not try out some fishing too?

For those looking for a little more power in their water sports, the Maldives also have opportunities for people to water ski and ride a jet ski in the calm open water a little further from the shore.  It is also recognized as a popular destination for people to go kite-surfing.

 Relax And Be Pampered

The most attractive feature for the majority of visitors to the Maldives is the peace and tranquility that is on offer on these islands, and probably the most popular activity of all is relaxing in the sunshine.  The golden beaches are quiet and calm, and particularly on the more exclusive islands it is often possible to go hours without seeing anyone else.

The reputation of the Maldives as a luxury destination is also well deserved, with many of the resorts boasting five star spa facilities and top restaurants to enjoy, so it is also a great place to be pampered.