ประเทศไทย หรือชื่อทางการว่า ราชอาณาจักรไทย เป็นรัฐชาติอันตั้งอยู่บนคาบสมุทรอินโดจีนและมลายู ในภูมิภาคเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ มีพรมแดนด้านตะวันออกติดประเทศลาวและประเทศกัมพูชา ทิศใต้เป็นแดนต่อแดนประเทศมาเลเซียและอ่าวไทย ทิศตะวันตกติดทะเลอันดามันและประเทศพม่า และทิศเหนือติดประเทศพม่าและลาว มีแม่น้ำโขงกั้นเป็นบางช่วง ปกครองด้วยระบอบประชาธิปไตยแบบมีรัฐสภา มีศูนย์กลางการบริหารราชการแผ่นดินอยู่ที่กรุงเทพมหานคร และการปกครองส่วนภูมิภาค จัดระเบียบเป็น 76 จังหวัด
ประเทศไทยมีขนาดใหญ่เป็นอันดับที่ 50 ของโลก มีเนื้อที่ 513,115 ตารางกิโลเมตร และมีประชากรมากเป็นอันดับที่ 20 ของโลก คือ ประมาณ 66 ล้านคน กับทั้งยังเป็นประเทศอุตสาหกรรมใหม่ โดยมีรายได้หลักจากภาคอุตสาหกรรมและการบริการ ไทยมีแหล่งท่องเที่ยวที่มีชื่อเสียงเป็นอันมาก อาทิ พัทยา, ภูเก็ต, กรุงเทพมหานคร และเชียงใหม่ ซึ่งสร้างรายได้ให้แก่ประเทศ เช่นเดียวกับการส่งออกอันมีส่วนสำคัญในการพัฒนาเศรษฐกิจ และด้วยจีดีพีของประเทศ ซึ่งมีมูลค่าราว 334,026 ล้านดอลลาร์สหรัฐ ตามที่ประมาณใน พ.ศ. 2553 เศรษฐกิจของประเทศไทยนับว่าใหญ่เป็นอันดับที่ 30 ของโลก
ในอาณาเขตประเทศไทย พบหลักฐานของมนุษย์ซึ่งมีอายุเก่าแก่ที่สุดถึงห้าแสนปี นักประวัติศาสตร์มักถือว่าอาณาจักรสุโขทัยเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของประวัติศาสตร์ไทย ซึ่งต่อมาตกอยู่ในอิทธิพลของอาณาจักรอยุธยา อันมีความยิ่งใหญ่กว่า และมีการติดต่อกับชาติตะวันตก อาณาจักรอยุธยามีอายุยืนยาว 417 ปีก็เสื่อมอำนาจและล่มสลายไปโดยสิ้นเชิง สมเด็จพระเจ้ากรุงธนบุรีทรงกอบกู้เอกราชและสถาปนาอาณาจักรธนบุรี เหตุการณ์ความวุ่นวายในช่วงปลายอาณาจักร นำไปสู่ยุคสมัยของราชวงศ์จักรีแห่งกรุงรัตนโกสินทร์
ช่วงต้นกรุง ประเทศเผชิญภัยคุกคามจากชาติใกล้เคียง แต่หลังรัชสมัยพระบาทสมเด็จพระจอมเกล้าเจ้าอยู่หัวเป็นต้นมา ชาติตะวันตกเริ่มมีอิทธิพลในภูมิภาคเป็นอย่างมาก นำไปสู่การเข้าเป็นภาคีแห่งสนธิสัญญาหลายฉบับ และการเสียดินแดนบางส่วน กระนั้น ไทยก็ยังธำรงตนมิได้เป็นอาณานิคมของชาติใด ๆ ต่อมาจนช่วงสงครามโลกครั้งที่หนึ่ง ไทยได้เข้าร่วมกับฝ่ายสัมพันธมิตร และในปี พ.ศ. 2475 ได้มีการปฏิวัติเปลี่ยนแปลงจากระบอบสมบูรณาญาสิทธิราชมาเป็นประชาธิปไตย และไทยได้เข้ากับฝ่ายอักษะในระหว่างสงครามโลกครั้งที่สอง จนช่วงสงครามเย็น ไทยได้ดำเนินนโยบายเป็นพันธมิตรกับสหรัฐอเมริกา ทหารเข้ามามีบทบาทในการเมืองไทยอย่างมากหลังปฏิวัติสยามอยู่หลายสิบปี กระทั่งมีการตั้งรัฐบาลพลเรือน และเข้าสู่ยุคโลกเสรีในปัจจุบัน
By http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand
Friday, November 8, 2013
Monday, March 23, 2009
Liveaboard trips to Similan Islands, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Ha, Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock
Liveaboard trips to Similan Islands, Hin Daeng, Hin Muang, Koh Ha, Surin Islands and Richelieu Rock
We started this trip with something very unusual: an exploratory dive in the Similan Islands! It turned out to be really, really good, sowe’ll keep this one as our own little secret. To enjoy it, I guess the only way is to join a trip!
The first day of diving rewarded us with plenty of Hawksbill Turtles, schooling Chevron Barracudas, curious Tallfin Batfish, Banded Seasnakes and lazy Leopard Sharks at the northern part of Similans.
Next stop on thetrip was Koh Bon. As usual here, very good Leopard Shark action, with plenty of chances for the photographers onboard to get that great shark shot. For those interested in the smaller critters, we found a Leopard Blenny and a pair of Egg Cowrie Shells.
On our way upnorth, we did two dives at Koh Tachai. Some waves at the divesite, but very pleasant underwater, with close to zero current (not always the case at Tachai…). Schooling Batfish, a million or so Fusiliers beeing chased by Giant Trevallies and beautiful fan corals and featherstars.
Richelieu Rock - always a brilliant dive. A bit ruff surface conditions, but, again, no currents. Chevron Barracudas, thousands of Yellow Snappers, hunting Jackfish, many different kinds of Morays, including the entertaining White - eyed Moray. Fancy Chromodoris Nudibranchs, GhostShrimps, Clownfish and a pair of massive Marbled Groupers.
A very atmospheric sunset dive at Koh Bon, with hunting Whitetip Sharks, and we steamed back to the Similan Islands for the night.
Still some waves this last day, but we decided to make profit of the weak currents and dive Boulder City, an exposed divesite a bit outside the Similans. Beautiful dive, with Leopard Sharks, Napoleon Wrasse and Stingrays.
Last dive of this trip was Sharkfin Reef. Another good one, with mating Leopard Sharks, Mantis Shrimps, huge Moray Eels and a young Ribbon Eel. An excellent finale of this Liveaboard trip!
About the Author: PJ Widestrand is the Tourleader and Video-Pro Liveaboard diving Thailand, on Scuba Adventure and Mermaid 1. Live-aboard diving from Phuket Thailand - the gateway to some of the best diving in the world.
Phuket, Thailand is the starting point to some of the world's most varied and amazing diving. Let us show you the treasures of the Andaman Sea. We are some of the pioneers of liveaboard diving in this part of the world and since 1994 have been operating live aboard trips to many locations that are now world-famous divesites.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-27277.htm
We started this trip with something very unusual: an exploratory dive in the Similan Islands! It turned out to be really, really good, sowe’ll keep this one as our own little secret. To enjoy it, I guess the only way is to join a trip!
The first day of diving rewarded us with plenty of Hawksbill Turtles, schooling Chevron Barracudas, curious Tallfin Batfish, Banded Seasnakes and lazy Leopard Sharks at the northern part of Similans.
Next stop on thetrip was Koh Bon. As usual here, very good Leopard Shark action, with plenty of chances for the photographers onboard to get that great shark shot. For those interested in the smaller critters, we found a Leopard Blenny and a pair of Egg Cowrie Shells.
On our way upnorth, we did two dives at Koh Tachai. Some waves at the divesite, but very pleasant underwater, with close to zero current (not always the case at Tachai…). Schooling Batfish, a million or so Fusiliers beeing chased by Giant Trevallies and beautiful fan corals and featherstars.
Richelieu Rock - always a brilliant dive. A bit ruff surface conditions, but, again, no currents. Chevron Barracudas, thousands of Yellow Snappers, hunting Jackfish, many different kinds of Morays, including the entertaining White - eyed Moray. Fancy Chromodoris Nudibranchs, GhostShrimps, Clownfish and a pair of massive Marbled Groupers.
A very atmospheric sunset dive at Koh Bon, with hunting Whitetip Sharks, and we steamed back to the Similan Islands for the night.
Still some waves this last day, but we decided to make profit of the weak currents and dive Boulder City, an exposed divesite a bit outside the Similans. Beautiful dive, with Leopard Sharks, Napoleon Wrasse and Stingrays.
Last dive of this trip was Sharkfin Reef. Another good one, with mating Leopard Sharks, Mantis Shrimps, huge Moray Eels and a young Ribbon Eel. An excellent finale of this Liveaboard trip!
About the Author: PJ Widestrand is the Tourleader and Video-Pro Liveaboard diving Thailand, on Scuba Adventure and Mermaid 1. Live-aboard diving from Phuket Thailand - the gateway to some of the best diving in the world.
Phuket, Thailand is the starting point to some of the world's most varied and amazing diving. Let us show you the treasures of the Andaman Sea. We are some of the pioneers of liveaboard diving in this part of the world and since 1994 have been operating live aboard trips to many locations that are now world-famous divesites.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-27277.htm
Koh Lanta Yai - A Paradise for Your Indulgence
Koh Lanta Yai - A Paradise for Your Indulgence
If you are looking for a secluded desert island, with lush green vegetation, pristine beaches and a aqua marine ocean then you don’t have to look to far off the Thai coast. Ko Lanta Yai which is located near the Andaman Islands on the Andaman Sea fit the description of thousands of romantic movie settings and would even make Daniel Defoe re-script “Robinson Crusoe.” Despite being close to the Phi Phi Islands off the west of Thailand the islands are for administrative purposes classified under Krabi Province. It is just a classification though, for once you arrive here all ties with the outside world are severed and all that remains is you and the deep blue ocean.
Despite its miniscule proportions (its only 30 km long and 6 km across), the Lanta Yai Island offers a diverse range of recreational activities to indulge in. It is popular for scuba diving as the rock and coral formations around the island serve as a home for many species of marine life. Experiencing a ride on a traditional Thai Long tail boat is also something no tourists should miss; nothing can beat rowing out to the vast expansive ocean and being so close to nature.
Lanta Yai is mostly frequented by tourists who want to get away from the crowded party oriented beaches of Phuket and are instead searching for a more relaxed, laid back holiday. Due to its popularity among a niche market the island’s are extremely peaceful and non-commercialized; no red light districts or night clubs here!
As described earlier Lanta Yai is not the place to head to if you are looking rollicking nightlife or crowded night clubs. None the less a couple of more laid back night time pursuits can be enjoyed here, the island boasts of a wide variety of restaurants. They can range from banana pancake joints to fully fledged gourmet restaurants; many of them offer breathtaking locations right on the beach itself. A couple of laid back bars and pubs can also be found around the Lanta Yai Harbour and also in most hotels.
Enjoy the comforts of this exquisite paradise while staying at a krabi luxury villa such as Langham Place Koh Lanta which is highly regarded for its unmatched quality and service excellence.
About the Author: Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-164977.htm
If you are looking for a secluded desert island, with lush green vegetation, pristine beaches and a aqua marine ocean then you don’t have to look to far off the Thai coast. Ko Lanta Yai which is located near the Andaman Islands on the Andaman Sea fit the description of thousands of romantic movie settings and would even make Daniel Defoe re-script “Robinson Crusoe.” Despite being close to the Phi Phi Islands off the west of Thailand the islands are for administrative purposes classified under Krabi Province. It is just a classification though, for once you arrive here all ties with the outside world are severed and all that remains is you and the deep blue ocean.
Despite its miniscule proportions (its only 30 km long and 6 km across), the Lanta Yai Island offers a diverse range of recreational activities to indulge in. It is popular for scuba diving as the rock and coral formations around the island serve as a home for many species of marine life. Experiencing a ride on a traditional Thai Long tail boat is also something no tourists should miss; nothing can beat rowing out to the vast expansive ocean and being so close to nature.
Lanta Yai is mostly frequented by tourists who want to get away from the crowded party oriented beaches of Phuket and are instead searching for a more relaxed, laid back holiday. Due to its popularity among a niche market the island’s are extremely peaceful and non-commercialized; no red light districts or night clubs here!
As described earlier Lanta Yai is not the place to head to if you are looking rollicking nightlife or crowded night clubs. None the less a couple of more laid back night time pursuits can be enjoyed here, the island boasts of a wide variety of restaurants. They can range from banana pancake joints to fully fledged gourmet restaurants; many of them offer breathtaking locations right on the beach itself. A couple of laid back bars and pubs can also be found around the Lanta Yai Harbour and also in most hotels.
Enjoy the comforts of this exquisite paradise while staying at a krabi luxury villa such as Langham Place Koh Lanta which is highly regarded for its unmatched quality and service excellence.
About the Author: Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-164977.htm
Thailand ,The Land of Smile which is located in Southeast Asia
Thailand ,The Land of Smile which is located in Southeast Asia
The Kingdom of Thailand, the land of old culture with a beatiful nature for relaxing, traveling , and your vacation.
Thailand, or Siam , or The Land of Smile which is located in Southeast Asia , the capital's name "Bangkok", the population amount 60 millions and most of people are Buddhist, has well known in beautiful traveling places. Every year there are many foreigners come and visit our country. The popular places are the beach and sea, island, waterfall , forest and mountain, and cultural
There are two side of the sea here ; 1. Andaman sea side and 2. Gulf of Thailand sae side
Andaman sea is full of under water world marine life such as corel, fishes, sea flower, etc. So Andaman sea is the paradise of scuba diving and snorkeling. The beach is very clean and has white sand which attract the tourist for sun bathing. Phuket Island is one of the province of Thailand which located at the Andaman sea side. This island is the most popular in Thailand. Every year many tourist come and visit Phuket expecialy the Europain and American because it has beautiful sea and beach. Around Phuket Area, there are many places which very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. At Phuket you can choose to stay with economic hotel to 5 stars hotel because there are many hotels here.
At night Phuket changes to the civilize town for tourist who want to eat and drink, lot of bars, pubs and restaurants are open for service you. That why the foreigner who love to come and visit Thailand never forget to go to Phuket also.
The islands which are located in Andaman sea side such as Koh (meaning island in Thai) Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Similan, Koh Tarutao , etc. are very popular and beatiful not less than each others. Oh!! more than word to say and explain with them.
Gulf of Thailand sea side is beatiful not less than Andaman sea side. The most popular island is Koh Samui wich located in Suratthani province. Europian and American likes to visit here. Near Koh Samui, there are Koh Pha Ngan , Koh Tao and Angtong islands which have nice sea and nature.
In The East of Thailand, the popular island are Koh Chang, Koh Samed, Koh Mhak, Koh Man-Nork, Koh Man-Nai. The Asian likes to visit them.
Contined to talk about the the waterfall, forest, and mountain. Kanchanaburi is the large province located in The West of Thailand. Here is full of the perfect forest. The popular waterfall here is Erawan waterfall which has 7 tires. The City is old with the history of The World War II. War Cemetery and The Bridge over The Kwai River are located here.
Furthermore, the perfect and large forest in The Northeast of Thailand is Khao Yai has beatiful nature, waterfalls, you will enjoy adventure in the forest.
Chiang Mai is the largest province of Thailand which has beatiful nature , forest and mountain. There are many cultural places here for cultural traveling. The tourist loves to go to Chiang Mai during Songrand Festival which call Thai New Year, in the middle of April to join with this tradition.
From the above details is talk about the beach and sea, waterfall , forest and mountain in Thailand but if you are the one who love cultural traveling you should go to Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. They will attract and impress you with the old cultural places.
All of Thailand information that I describe for you is just a little part of us. Come to visit and touch us by yourself, you will love us never forget Thailand.
About the Author: All information of Thailand and find hotels in Thailand please visit www.hotelatthai.com
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-14113.htm
The Kingdom of Thailand, the land of old culture with a beatiful nature for relaxing, traveling , and your vacation.
Thailand, or Siam , or The Land of Smile which is located in Southeast Asia , the capital's name "Bangkok", the population amount 60 millions and most of people are Buddhist, has well known in beautiful traveling places. Every year there are many foreigners come and visit our country. The popular places are the beach and sea, island, waterfall , forest and mountain, and cultural
There are two side of the sea here ; 1. Andaman sea side and 2. Gulf of Thailand sae side
Andaman sea is full of under water world marine life such as corel, fishes, sea flower, etc. So Andaman sea is the paradise of scuba diving and snorkeling. The beach is very clean and has white sand which attract the tourist for sun bathing. Phuket Island is one of the province of Thailand which located at the Andaman sea side. This island is the most popular in Thailand. Every year many tourist come and visit Phuket expecialy the Europain and American because it has beautiful sea and beach. Around Phuket Area, there are many places which very popular for scuba diving and snorkeling. At Phuket you can choose to stay with economic hotel to 5 stars hotel because there are many hotels here.
At night Phuket changes to the civilize town for tourist who want to eat and drink, lot of bars, pubs and restaurants are open for service you. That why the foreigner who love to come and visit Thailand never forget to go to Phuket also.
The islands which are located in Andaman sea side such as Koh (meaning island in Thai) Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Koh Similan, Koh Tarutao , etc. are very popular and beatiful not less than each others. Oh!! more than word to say and explain with them.
Gulf of Thailand sea side is beatiful not less than Andaman sea side. The most popular island is Koh Samui wich located in Suratthani province. Europian and American likes to visit here. Near Koh Samui, there are Koh Pha Ngan , Koh Tao and Angtong islands which have nice sea and nature.
In The East of Thailand, the popular island are Koh Chang, Koh Samed, Koh Mhak, Koh Man-Nork, Koh Man-Nai. The Asian likes to visit them.
Contined to talk about the the waterfall, forest, and mountain. Kanchanaburi is the large province located in The West of Thailand. Here is full of the perfect forest. The popular waterfall here is Erawan waterfall which has 7 tires. The City is old with the history of The World War II. War Cemetery and The Bridge over The Kwai River are located here.
Furthermore, the perfect and large forest in The Northeast of Thailand is Khao Yai has beatiful nature, waterfalls, you will enjoy adventure in the forest.
Chiang Mai is the largest province of Thailand which has beatiful nature , forest and mountain. There are many cultural places here for cultural traveling. The tourist loves to go to Chiang Mai during Songrand Festival which call Thai New Year, in the middle of April to join with this tradition.
From the above details is talk about the beach and sea, waterfall , forest and mountain in Thailand but if you are the one who love cultural traveling you should go to Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. They will attract and impress you with the old cultural places.
All of Thailand information that I describe for you is just a little part of us. Come to visit and touch us by yourself, you will love us never forget Thailand.
About the Author: All information of Thailand and find hotels in Thailand please visit www.hotelatthai.com
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-14113.htm
Travel Along the West Coast, Phuket – Pearl of the South
Travel Along the West Coast, Phuket – Pearl of the South
Phuket is largest island located southern of Thailand, connected by bridges to the Andaman Sea coast in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7′45″ and 8′15″ north latitude, and from 98′15″ to 98′40″ west longitude on the map. This tropical island is mostly mountainous, forming 440 km mountain range from north to south. The highest elevation of the island is at 529 m above sea level. 70% of geographical area is covered by forest. The western coast is filled with tourists because of its geographical sandy beaches while the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Phuket is Thailand’s largest islands and surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers.
In the past Phuket was known as Bukit, Junk Ceylon, or Muang Talang for variety of reasons. Bukit has its definition from the Tamil manikram which means Crystal Mountain. Junk Ceylon was named according to the Ptolemy’s Geographical written by the Alexandrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. and found on the old maps. Muang Talang was named as a change from Monton Phuket in Rama V’s reign. The trading business had long been major economic income especially with the Europeans. The trading consisted of shipping and dealing with sailors. By the 16th century, the island made itself known to the Europeans, first Portuguese and Dutch, then English and French sailed to its fabled shore.
Tourism industry has become the major economic income for Phuket since early 1980. Hotels, restaurants, tour agencies and souvenir shops have become booming business all over the west coast. However, not only tourism is the economic income for this island. Majority of locals rely on agriculture products such as crops, coconuts, cashews, and pineapples. The most colorful and noisiest beach is Patong, also best for experiences in nightlife. Other beaches are much more quieter and well suited for conservative tourisms.
All kinds of entertainment can be found on the west coast. The tourists can experience a trip with submarine to discover the colorful marine lives while sailing, diving and snorkeling are typical entertainment ashore. Every beach offers excellence conditions for swimming and bathing. Only during the monsoon season that the red flags are hoisted to warn of the strong currents that the beach isn’t safe for swimming. The life guards should warn tourists off the danger zone to a safer one along the beach. However, in the beginning of December 2006, the first U.S.-made tsunami-detection buoys have been positioned around the Indian Ocean to detect against giant waves caused by earthquakes under the sea. The satellite-linked buoy will float on sea surface 1,000 km offshore, positioned between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Asides from dining restaurants, pubs and bars, there is plenty of accommodations available ranging from standard bungalow resorts to five star hotels, so it won’t be hard to find place to stay in. Whether you are on back-packing tour or a short vacation away from the busy office, the friendly people and relaxing atmosphere will treasure you with delightful experience.
About the Author: Phuket upscale resort is a place where tourists can find luxury while relaxing in a humid, tropical island. Phuket hotel is easy to find around the west coast and available at ranging prices.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article.php?action=fullnews&id=156366
Phuket is largest island located southern of Thailand, connected by bridges to the Andaman Sea coast in the Indian Ocean, lying between 7′45″ and 8′15″ north latitude, and from 98′15″ to 98′40″ west longitude on the map. This tropical island is mostly mountainous, forming 440 km mountain range from north to south. The highest elevation of the island is at 529 m above sea level. 70% of geographical area is covered by forest. The western coast is filled with tourists because of its geographical sandy beaches while the east coast beaches are more often muddy. Phuket is Thailand’s largest islands and surrounded by 32 smaller islands that form part of the same administration, with a total area of 570 square kilometers. Measured at its widest point, Phuket is 21.3 kilometers; at its longest, 48.7 kilometers.
In the past Phuket was known as Bukit, Junk Ceylon, or Muang Talang for variety of reasons. Bukit has its definition from the Tamil manikram which means Crystal Mountain. Junk Ceylon was named according to the Ptolemy’s Geographical written by the Alexandrian geographer in the Third Century A.D. and found on the old maps. Muang Talang was named as a change from Monton Phuket in Rama V’s reign. The trading business had long been major economic income especially with the Europeans. The trading consisted of shipping and dealing with sailors. By the 16th century, the island made itself known to the Europeans, first Portuguese and Dutch, then English and French sailed to its fabled shore.
Tourism industry has become the major economic income for Phuket since early 1980. Hotels, restaurants, tour agencies and souvenir shops have become booming business all over the west coast. However, not only tourism is the economic income for this island. Majority of locals rely on agriculture products such as crops, coconuts, cashews, and pineapples. The most colorful and noisiest beach is Patong, also best for experiences in nightlife. Other beaches are much more quieter and well suited for conservative tourisms.
All kinds of entertainment can be found on the west coast. The tourists can experience a trip with submarine to discover the colorful marine lives while sailing, diving and snorkeling are typical entertainment ashore. Every beach offers excellence conditions for swimming and bathing. Only during the monsoon season that the red flags are hoisted to warn of the strong currents that the beach isn’t safe for swimming. The life guards should warn tourists off the danger zone to a safer one along the beach. However, in the beginning of December 2006, the first U.S.-made tsunami-detection buoys have been positioned around the Indian Ocean to detect against giant waves caused by earthquakes under the sea. The satellite-linked buoy will float on sea surface 1,000 km offshore, positioned between Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Asides from dining restaurants, pubs and bars, there is plenty of accommodations available ranging from standard bungalow resorts to five star hotels, so it won’t be hard to find place to stay in. Whether you are on back-packing tour or a short vacation away from the busy office, the friendly people and relaxing atmosphere will treasure you with delightful experience.
About the Author: Phuket upscale resort is a place where tourists can find luxury while relaxing in a humid, tropical island. Phuket hotel is easy to find around the west coast and available at ranging prices.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article.php?action=fullnews&id=156366
Marlas Mystery - the first artificial reef in Thailand
Marlas Mystery - the first artificial reef in Thailand
The creation of the first Artficial Reef in Phuket Thailand.
I am standing on the deck of a boat on the Andaman Sea. Two friends are with me; all is still and peaceful with the full moon shining overhead. Suddenly, the calm sea that has been noiselessly filling our boat comes pouring in over the gunwales and everything starts happening very, very quickly. November 11th 2000, a night to remember.
This story really begins in 1989 when I made the first of hundreds of SCUBA dives at Raya Island located south of Phuket Thailand. In the subsequent years I continued to enjoy and marvel at the incredible beauty of the underwater environment that I was privileged to be a part of.
As is too often the case this very beauty spelled trouble- more and more divers were coming to Raya and it has become the busiest dive location close to Phuket. These large numbers of divers were certainly having an impact on the tranquillity of what had been and I began to wonder what could be done to lend a hand to the Island to help accommodate these new visitors.
It seemed an obviously thing to do would be to create new dives sites slightly apart from what was now being dived. This would help relieve diver congestion and create new habitats for marine life. The underwater topography of Raya suited this idea perfectly as the sea bottom is sandy, sloping gently away from the island. I even managed to find a large area of coral rubble- all that was left of a reef that had been destroyed by dynamite fishing. Now the plan was clearly in my mind.
The hull of a confiscated smuggling boat had been lying abandoned in a Phuket shipyard for years. This was a big boat, 34 meters long, and everything removable was long gone leaving behind a sterile and environmentally friendly potential artificial reef. A fair bit of work was involved patching the vessel for her final voyage, 15 years of shipyard fees paid and we were finally ready.
The timing had worked out perfectly as the November full moon and the loveliest of Thai festivals, Loy Kratong, was fast approaching. This would be my chance to make an offering to the spirit of the Underwater Kingdom, although my “kratong” wouldn’t be floating for long!
Chris, Jessie and I are standing on the stern of “Marla’s Mystery” clad in SCUBA gear. It seems only proper that we escort her to her new home. The filling of the boat is a slow silent, process and we have plenty of time for speculation of what is about to happen. The bow appears to be sinking first; hence we are at the stern. Torches are switched off; the moon will supply all the illumination we need.
As the sea pours in over the gunwales the bow of the boat rises up in the air in classic style, rapidly submerging the stern, and us, for our ride to the bottom. There is no turning back now! We are being sucked down with the boat; the vortices produced have me going fins over head just like being in a washing machine. On the first revolution I sense our support vessel that has been sucked over the sinking boat- sure hope they don’t panic, start the engine and turn the propeller! Now going down again- make sure to clear my ears. Had been having some ear problems of late; this might hurt. Now going up again, no pain, looks like clearing has been successful. Now going down, as helpless as any other piece of plankton adrift in the ocean. How deep are we going? I reassure myself that we are exactly at the chosen location and the bottom will be where we expect. Next thought- is there any chance that I will somehow get sucked under the boat and then crushed like a bug? Hadn’t thought of that before! A quick reassurance, the boat is dropping much too fast; I will never get caught underneath.
Suddenly there is a loud THUD as the boat crashes into the bottom and my washing machine cycle is over. I turn on my torch and find myself in the middle of a dust storm as the fine sand thrown up by the impact slowly settles. Two other torch beams are close by and we find ourselves on the deck of the boat. Tentative OK signals are exchanged and when the reality of the situation sinks in High 5’s and squeals of delight christen the new reef. A glance at our computers shows the 30 meter ride to the bottom as taken slightly less than a minute.
I visited Marla’s Mystery just the other day (20-07-04) and had a delightful dive, as always. The bat fish came up to say hello and the regal looking lion fish peacefully drifted about. The large amount of fishing line inside the boat attests to its popularity as a fishing spot. Two more anchors have appeared at the bow of the boat and will soon be joining my collection. Scattered on the bottom around the boat are the remains of trawl nets; illegal to use this close to the Island. Raya now has a strong defence on her eastern flank! Throughout the dive a sea turtle contentedly rested on the deck. We made eye contact- was he saying “job well done?”.
About the Author: Mike is the owner of Scuba Cat Diving, Phuket's most complete dive center. We are a long established PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre located in Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand. Since opening in 1992, we have become one of the most popular and certainly the most complete scuba diving center in Phuket.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-27445.htm
The creation of the first Artficial Reef in Phuket Thailand.
I am standing on the deck of a boat on the Andaman Sea. Two friends are with me; all is still and peaceful with the full moon shining overhead. Suddenly, the calm sea that has been noiselessly filling our boat comes pouring in over the gunwales and everything starts happening very, very quickly. November 11th 2000, a night to remember.
This story really begins in 1989 when I made the first of hundreds of SCUBA dives at Raya Island located south of Phuket Thailand. In the subsequent years I continued to enjoy and marvel at the incredible beauty of the underwater environment that I was privileged to be a part of.
As is too often the case this very beauty spelled trouble- more and more divers were coming to Raya and it has become the busiest dive location close to Phuket. These large numbers of divers were certainly having an impact on the tranquillity of what had been and I began to wonder what could be done to lend a hand to the Island to help accommodate these new visitors.
It seemed an obviously thing to do would be to create new dives sites slightly apart from what was now being dived. This would help relieve diver congestion and create new habitats for marine life. The underwater topography of Raya suited this idea perfectly as the sea bottom is sandy, sloping gently away from the island. I even managed to find a large area of coral rubble- all that was left of a reef that had been destroyed by dynamite fishing. Now the plan was clearly in my mind.
The hull of a confiscated smuggling boat had been lying abandoned in a Phuket shipyard for years. This was a big boat, 34 meters long, and everything removable was long gone leaving behind a sterile and environmentally friendly potential artificial reef. A fair bit of work was involved patching the vessel for her final voyage, 15 years of shipyard fees paid and we were finally ready.
The timing had worked out perfectly as the November full moon and the loveliest of Thai festivals, Loy Kratong, was fast approaching. This would be my chance to make an offering to the spirit of the Underwater Kingdom, although my “kratong” wouldn’t be floating for long!
Chris, Jessie and I are standing on the stern of “Marla’s Mystery” clad in SCUBA gear. It seems only proper that we escort her to her new home. The filling of the boat is a slow silent, process and we have plenty of time for speculation of what is about to happen. The bow appears to be sinking first; hence we are at the stern. Torches are switched off; the moon will supply all the illumination we need.
As the sea pours in over the gunwales the bow of the boat rises up in the air in classic style, rapidly submerging the stern, and us, for our ride to the bottom. There is no turning back now! We are being sucked down with the boat; the vortices produced have me going fins over head just like being in a washing machine. On the first revolution I sense our support vessel that has been sucked over the sinking boat- sure hope they don’t panic, start the engine and turn the propeller! Now going down again- make sure to clear my ears. Had been having some ear problems of late; this might hurt. Now going up again, no pain, looks like clearing has been successful. Now going down, as helpless as any other piece of plankton adrift in the ocean. How deep are we going? I reassure myself that we are exactly at the chosen location and the bottom will be where we expect. Next thought- is there any chance that I will somehow get sucked under the boat and then crushed like a bug? Hadn’t thought of that before! A quick reassurance, the boat is dropping much too fast; I will never get caught underneath.
Suddenly there is a loud THUD as the boat crashes into the bottom and my washing machine cycle is over. I turn on my torch and find myself in the middle of a dust storm as the fine sand thrown up by the impact slowly settles. Two other torch beams are close by and we find ourselves on the deck of the boat. Tentative OK signals are exchanged and when the reality of the situation sinks in High 5’s and squeals of delight christen the new reef. A glance at our computers shows the 30 meter ride to the bottom as taken slightly less than a minute.
I visited Marla’s Mystery just the other day (20-07-04) and had a delightful dive, as always. The bat fish came up to say hello and the regal looking lion fish peacefully drifted about. The large amount of fishing line inside the boat attests to its popularity as a fishing spot. Two more anchors have appeared at the bow of the boat and will soon be joining my collection. Scattered on the bottom around the boat are the remains of trawl nets; illegal to use this close to the Island. Raya now has a strong defence on her eastern flank! Throughout the dive a sea turtle contentedly rested on the deck. We made eye contact- was he saying “job well done?”.
About the Author: Mike is the owner of Scuba Cat Diving, Phuket's most complete dive center. We are a long established PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre located in Patong Beach in Phuket, Thailand. Since opening in 1992, we have become one of the most popular and certainly the most complete scuba diving center in Phuket.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-27445.htm
Go scuba fishing in Koh Lanta
Go scuba fishing in Koh Lanta
Koh lanta hailed as the most beautiful island in Andaman Sea, is located just off the Thailand’s western coastal town of Krabi. The island is a unique, unspoiled island of the true spirit of humanity and traditions. Koh Lanta is surrounded by 27 kilometer coastline beautified by the golden sandy beaches.
Koh Lanta is actually an archipelago which consists of fifty small islands from which only 3 are inhabited. So the waters surrounding Koh Lanta is virtually untouched and it is one of the best places to go in scuba diving. The Scubafish is one of the designated diving centeres which offer services to the professional as well as the amateurs in the field of diving in Koh Lanta.
The main advantage of diving in Koh Lanta is the clearness of the water. The vivid colors, the great visibility and the range of dive sites are some of the key factors which attract divers from all over the world to Koh Lanta. In Scubafish, divers can get the help of experienced instructors who knows the place as well as the technology and they are willing to provide their knowledge without much hesitation to travelers of all expert levels.
Some of the diving areas in Koh Lanta waters are Ko Haa, Ko rok, Ko Phi Phi and Hin Daeng. The special diving sessions also can be arranged in the sites like the King Cruiser Wreck, The Shark Point and Anemone Reef. A special Marine Education centre is also established in the premises to support any visitor with the knowledge and guidance about the Koh Lanta waters. The divers also can try underwater photography first hand in Scubafish underwater videography and Photography Company offers limited number of internships about this craft.
Langham place Koh Lanta; a premier luxury vacation spa resort in Koh Lanta, is the ideal place for all the scuba diving fanatics to stay with the luxuries and comforts in this magnificent tropical region.
About the Author: Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing services and specializes in hotel Internet marketing industry.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-231636.htm
Koh lanta hailed as the most beautiful island in Andaman Sea, is located just off the Thailand’s western coastal town of Krabi. The island is a unique, unspoiled island of the true spirit of humanity and traditions. Koh Lanta is surrounded by 27 kilometer coastline beautified by the golden sandy beaches.
Koh Lanta is actually an archipelago which consists of fifty small islands from which only 3 are inhabited. So the waters surrounding Koh Lanta is virtually untouched and it is one of the best places to go in scuba diving. The Scubafish is one of the designated diving centeres which offer services to the professional as well as the amateurs in the field of diving in Koh Lanta.
The main advantage of diving in Koh Lanta is the clearness of the water. The vivid colors, the great visibility and the range of dive sites are some of the key factors which attract divers from all over the world to Koh Lanta. In Scubafish, divers can get the help of experienced instructors who knows the place as well as the technology and they are willing to provide their knowledge without much hesitation to travelers of all expert levels.
Some of the diving areas in Koh Lanta waters are Ko Haa, Ko rok, Ko Phi Phi and Hin Daeng. The special diving sessions also can be arranged in the sites like the King Cruiser Wreck, The Shark Point and Anemone Reef. A special Marine Education centre is also established in the premises to support any visitor with the knowledge and guidance about the Koh Lanta waters. The divers also can try underwater photography first hand in Scubafish underwater videography and Photography Company offers limited number of internships about this craft.
Langham place Koh Lanta; a premier luxury vacation spa resort in Koh Lanta, is the ideal place for all the scuba diving fanatics to stay with the luxuries and comforts in this magnificent tropical region.
About the Author: Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing company that offers integrated Internet marketing services and specializes in hotel Internet marketing industry.
http://www.easyarticles.com/article-231636.htm
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