Pattaya

In fact only 40 years ago Pattaya as we know it today, didn't even exist. On the stretch of coast between Sriracha and Sattahip, there were only a small number of fishing villages and in Pattaya bay itself, there were just a few fishing families who had settled here because of the calm waters and the safety of the bay, protected headlands to the North and South and by mountains behind. Their nearest neighbors lived just around the headland to the north, where, in the old days salt used to be produced (Naa-Klua = salt fields) but where there were now mainly fishing families. People traveled about by foot or by bullock carts because, except of the main road from Bangkok to Sattahip, only a few dirt roads and tracks existed.

Nevertheless, the bay and nearby islands provided good, safe fishing and more and more families came here to settle down, Gradually a village developed. At first was know as Tupphraya the general name for the area which dated back to the time when Pharaya Taksin (Duke Taksin) camped near here with the followers he had gathered to help free Thailand from the Burmese (Tupphraya - the Pharaya' - army)

As the village grew, the villagers wanted to give it a separate identity, so they adopted the name of Pattaya,which was the name they used for the strong winds which came from the South West at the beginning of every rainy season.
The pace of life was slow and it seemed as if Pattaya would remain an out-of-the-way place forever. Even up to 30 years ago there were only a few buses serving the 100 or more families who lived here and visitors from elsewhere were few and far between. But things were destined to change and as usual, it was a war (the Vietnam War) which changed them. The U.S.A. sent soldiers to build the air base at U Tapao and many of these took to spending their leisure time and money in Pattaya.

The beaches were clean in those days and the sea breezes made it pleasant and cool. People in the surrounding areas were quick to spot the business opportunities and bars guesthouses begun to spring up. The fisher - folk probably resented this intrusion, but it provided a good market for their catches and they soon got on the bandwagon by offering fishing trips to Koh Larn for about 50 Baht per head. Gradually, visitors from Bangkok also begun to use the resort at weekends, although the trip was a tiring 3 to 4 hours on the two-lane road.

Later the US Military based in Thailand begun to use Pattaya for rest and recreation (R&R) and bigger hotels and entertainment places (including the oldest profession of them all) were built to cater for them. Thus the' 60s and' 70s saw the most rapid change and development. In 1964 in view of its new importance, Pattata was raised to the status of a village and in 1979, elevated to that of a Teasban Nakhon (Municipality), responsible now for its own administration.

Today Pattaya is Thailand's premier beach resort and attracts annually more than a million tourists from all over the world. Pattaya provides high standard hotels, restaurants, sports, entertainment and shopping facilities. The resort is Thailand's most important diving center and the east coast is also a paradise for golfers.

Pattaya resort is located on the eastern coastline of Thailand's exotic Gulf of Siam and is approximately 140 km southeast of the capital city of Bangkok and about 160 Km from Bangkok International Airport. Which four parts: Central Pattaya, North Pattaya, South Pattaya and Jomtien Beach.



Central Pattaya

Pataya Klang, or Central Pattaya, is a little funkier than the Northern district. The hotels are not so grand, the restaurants smaller, and here you will find the beginning of Pattaya's bar-beers, or open-air bars. There are plenty of tailor shops, and some go-go bars. Pattaya police station, and the Immigration Office are here. Two main shopping malls, the Royal Garden Plaza and Mike's Place, are both in Central Pattaya. In addition to the action along Beach Road, many of the sois are very lively: Soi Post Office, and Soi Pattayaland 1, 2 and 3 in particular. There is a Tourist Police office on Beach Road near the junction with South Pattaya's Walking Street. The sois will all take you through to Second Road, where there are more bars and restaurants, and a couple of dive shops. There are many small hotels and guesthouses here, offering good value accommodation and no-frills Western and Thai dining.



North Pattaya / Naklua

Naklua means "salt fields", after the main occupation of the area before the rise of tourism and industry. There is still the air of an ancient village to Naklua today, for here you will see old wooden houses and narrow streets, traditional noodle shops and working fishing boats. The old houses over the creek are especially picturesque, and a walk through the streets will reveal plenty of little shops selling handicrafts and domestic goods. The Dolphin Roundabout and the beginning of Beach Road mark the junction with North Pattaya, and the surroundings change dramatically. This is the classy end of the resort, with upmarket hotel and restaurants facing out over the beach. Here too you can begin a pleasant walk along the bayfront, for a recently built promenade will take you along the shore under the palm trees right up to through to the back part of Pattaya, known as Second Road. There are more major hotels here, along with shopping areas, bars, clubs, and a Tourist Police office.

South Pattaya

South Pattaya Road curves sharply off from Beach Road, taking the traffic away from this busy district which is now known as Walking Street. A relatively recent development, this pedestrians only zone is welcome relief, allowing visitors to browse amongst the endless little shops offering fast tailoring services, sports goods, jewelry and souvenirs. Here too the bars are almost endless, as are the big seafood restaurants, several of them built out over the ocean and offering pleasant surroundings to enjoy you meal. South Pattaya tends to be older, brasher and busier than the remainder of the city. You can walk uninterrupted all the way through to the Siam Bayshore Hotel and Arthachinda Road, which effectively marks the boundary of South Pattaya. Take any of the sois, no matter how tiny they may seem, to make you way through to Pratamnak Road, the back part of Pattaya which links up with Second Road.

Around Jomtien Beach

As is so often the case in Thailand, you will see several different spellings of "Jomtien". This district, with its 6km beach, is divided off form the rest of Pattaya by the hill which rises to the back of South Pattaya. Drive over the hill, past the big Buddha and the Royal Cliff Hotel, and down into the relatively quiet Jomtien. The beach is popular with windsurfs and water sports enthusiasts, largely because the area enjoys brisk and fresh breezes sweeping inland from the Thai Gulf, and because the seas are less congested with boats than in Pattaya Bay. This is also the place to relax for a suntan, of go for long early morning or sunset walks along the oceanfront. There is little in the way of shopping or beer - bars at Jomtien, which is essentially a residential area with beachside hotels, bungalow complexes, condominiums and restaurants. Jomtien has its own very distinctive gay beach, accessed by turning right at the bottom of the hill; for all other attractions, turn left.

By Car

Departure from the Bangkok's Don Muang Airport to Pattaya daily (by direct expressway) at 09:00, 12:00, and 19:00. Duration +/- 2.5 hrs. Reservation: Thai limousine service, Thai Airways, arrival lounge, Bangkok Airport (Don Muang).

Fare : 280 baht.
Tel. 02- 535-2801, 02-535-2803. (Bangkok)
Tel. 038-423140-1(Pattaya)

(individual taxis are available for the same journey and cost from ?1500 to 2000 baht, one way)

By Bus

By 1st Class Air Conditioned Bus (Duration 2 1/2 hrs.)
Depart form the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Rd. daily at 05.00 hrs. and every 30 minutes until 23.00 hrs. One way fare: 117 baht. Reservation: Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 02-390-1230

Depart from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) to the Pattaya Bus Station on North Pattaya Rd. daily at 04.00 hrs. and every 30 minutes until 22.00 hrs. One way fare: 124 Baht Reservation : Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 02-271-2962

Depart from the Bus Terminal (North Pattaya) to the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) One way fare: 113 Baht and to the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) One way fare: 121 Baht. daily at 05.00 hrs. and every 30 minutes until 23.00 hrs. Reservation : Rung Ruang Tour Tel. 02-271-2962

Depart from the Bangkok Airport to Pattaya at 09.00, 12.00 and 19.00 hrs. One way fare: 180 Baht Reservation: Thai Airways, arrival lounge, Bangkok Airport Tel. 02-535-2801, 535-2803 Pattaya Tel. 038-423-140

Departure from any hotel in Bangkok to Pattaya daily at 09.00, 11.30, 14.30 hrs. One way fare is 200 baht. Reservation: bell Travel Tel: 02-747-4675-6
By 2nd Class Air Conditioned Bus and Regualar Bus (Unspecified)

Departure from the Eastern Bus Ternimal, Tel. 02-391-2504, Daily at 05.00 hrs. and every 30 minutes until 21.00 hrs. One way fare: 120 baht.

By Train

Few visitors to Pattaya are aware that the city does have a railway station. It is north of Sukhumvit Rd close to the Siam Country Club. One train a day leaves Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong) at 7am and takes 5 hours to works its way down to Pattaya. For more details call (66-2) 223-7010, 223-7020.

By Air

The vast majority of tourists going to Patttaya are unaware that the resort does have U-Tapo Airport at Sattahip. Currently the only scheduled flights are operated by Bangkok Airways to and from Koh Samui.

Beach

Jomtien Beach

Jomtien Beach this 6-kilometers long, largely straight beach, some 4 kilometers south of Pattaya, is the most notable of several beaches south of the resort. The beach is popular with windsurfs and waterspouts enthusiasts, largely because the area enjoys brisk and fresh breezes sweeping inland from the Thai Gulf, and because the seas are less congested with boats than is Pattaya Bay.

Jomtien is also a major residential area with beachside hotels, bunga low complexes, condominiums and restaurants.

Pattaya Beach

Pattaya Beach some 4 kilometers long, this beach faces Pattaya Bay, the major venue from where boats visit Pattaya's offshore islands. The beach curves from north to south and is largely paralleled by a tree-lined promenade and beach road, which is lined, in the northern and central parts, by hotels and restaurants.

The northern section of the beach is largely tranquil, while the central and southern parts become increasingly lively, thanks to a juxtaposition of shops, department stores, boutiques, beauty salons, supermarkets, bars, discotheques, restaurants and night clubs. The central area of the beach is a major shopping area, while the southern end is one of Pattaya's major nightlife areas.

Wong Prachan Beach

Won Prachan Beach is on the northern side of Pattaya Bay. The 1-kilometer beach shares the same entrance as the Central Wong Amat Hotel. A quiet spot, the beach is ideal for swimming and relaxation.

Island



Larn Island

Koh Larn situated to the West of Pattaya Strait, about 7.7 Kilometers from the shore, covering an area of about 4 square kilometers, popularly known as Coral Island and is 45 minutes by ferry or 20 minutes by speed boat from Pattaya Beach.

There are beautiful beaches, clear water, and an abundance of coral. Visitors can view the coral either from a glass-bottom boat or by diving down directly. A well-known beach is at Ta Waen Beach in the northern part of the Island, a 750 meters stretch of white sand with many stalls andshops. Sightseeing boats mostly dock in this area.

There are also Laemtien Beach and Samae Beach on the south-western side, each beach spanning a length of 700 and 100 meters respectively.Both are regarded as beautiful and interesting sports, especially Laemtien Beach which has remained exceptionally clean and tranquil. There are now a few stores servisitors. Ta Pan Beach on the western part of the island is 500 meters in length with make-shift lodging available.

On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, sightseeing boats usually dock along this beach all the way to Laemtie where there is coral. On the southern part is Nual Beach 450 meters in length. On this beach a hotel which accommodates a large number of tourists. This is another good place for viewing coral.



Phai Group Island

Koh Phai Group of islands is comprised of Koh Phai, Koh Manvichai, Koh leom, Koh Klung Badan etc., Koh Phai being the largest. The islands are presently under the supervision of the Royal Navy. The Koh Phai groups of islands are situated at a distance about 13 kilometers from Pattaya and takes 2 hours to reach by boat. There is a lighthouse on top of a hill at Koh Phai. Visitor's can enjoy relaxing-moments, swimming, fishing and diving down to view the coral.

Krok Island

Koh Krok a small island covering an area of 0.05 square kilo -
meters, approximately 8 kilometers from the shore. The island comprises mostly rocks. Only one sandy-beach on the east of the island is Koh Krok beach which is only 100 meters in length. This is an ideal place for coral viewing.



Sak Island

Koh Sak some 10 kilometers west of Pattaya strait or 600 meters away from Koh Larn. Koh Sak is another Small Island shaped like a horseshoe with an area of 0.05 square kilometers. It has two beaches, one on the northern cover 250 meters in length, and area in which boats usually stop for tourists to swim and another one on the southern part of the island opposite the first island, with a pathway linking the two beaches, a small beach 80 meters in length. A coral is found at the area in front of the beach. Skin-diving is also possible in this vicinity.

Chanthaburi

Famous for its abundance of tropical fruits and as a centre of gems, the eastern province of Chanthaburi is also blessed with rich, verdant forests with scenic waterfalls. The Chanthaburi River flows through the town which has been the home of ancient communities. Quiet fishing villages and peaceful beaches are not far from town.

Chanthaburi was occupied by the French during the early part of the 20th century. Their influence can be seen in the architecture of many buildings including the largest Catholic cathedral in Thailand, catering to a sizeable Christian population.

About 245 kilometres from Bangkok and covering an area of 6,338 square kilometers, Chanthaburi as administratively divided into the following districts:- Mueang Chanthaburi, Tha Mai, Khlung, Laem Sing, Pong Nam Ron, Makham, Soi Dao, Na Yai Am, Kang Hang Maeo and Khao Khitchakut sub-district.

How To Get There

Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) and proceed to Chanthaburi along Highway No. 3.

Bus

Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) to Chanthaburi every hour from 4 a.m.-midnight. For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0 2391 2504; Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0 2391 4146; Phonnipha Tour Tel: 0 2391 5179.

The Trok Nong Waterfall

There are two other waterfalls in the park. The Khlong Narai waterfal, about 6 kilometres from town via Highway No. 3 at a right turn at Km. 338-339 and two kilometres further away on foot. The Trok Nong waterfall is off Highway No. 3277 (Khlung-Makham route) with a left turn at Trok Nong market and a further 2 kilometres on foot.

Chantaburi Horticultural Research Centre

Located at Tambon Phliu, about 15 kilometres from the city. In its large area are various plantations such as durian, mango steen, rambutan and a variety of herbs and spices. The centre is opened for group visitors (more than 10 people). Advanced contact is necessary at Tel: 0 3939 7030.

Hat Laem Sing

Laem Sing is about 30 kilometres from town and can be reached via Sukhumvit Road on the way to Trat with a right turn at Km. 347, a further distance of 16 kilometres to the beach. The beach itself is shaded with pine trees lining the entire shore and cooled by constant gentle breezes. There are food shops and boats for rent to visit two nearby isles, Ko Chula and Ko Nom Sao. The trip takes 30 minutes and one hour respectively.

Hat Laem Sing

Laem Sing is about 30 kilometres from town and can be reached via Sukhumvit Road on the way to Trat with a right turn at Km. 347, a further distance of 16 kilometres to the beach. The beach itself is shaded with pine trees lining the entire shore and cooled by constant gentle breezes. There are food shops and boats for rent to visit two nearby isles, Ko Chula and Ko Nom Sao. The trip takes 30 minutes and one hour respectively.

Khuk Khi Kai

The notorious Khuk Khi Kai, just before Laem Sing beach, was built to hold Thais who were against the French occupation of Chanthaburi in 1893. A 7-metre high, square-shaped prison, it was built in bricks with each side measuring 4.40 metres. The walls were holed for ventilation. The porous roof is said to have been used as chicken coop through which the birds dropped their excrements.

Namtok Phliu National Park

A left turn at Km. 346 on Highway No. 3 is the Namtok Phliu National Park, covering an area of 134.5 square kilometres along forestland at Khao Sa Bap mountain range. The 3-level Phliu waterfall features a basin of cool, clear water for splashing around and plenty of fish make the flowing streams their home. Nearby are a small Chedi and a pyramid built by King Rama V as a loving memorial to Phra Nang Chao Sunanthakumarirat, his first consort, who died in a boat accident.

There are two other waterfalls in the park. The Khlong Narai waterfal, about 6 kilometres from town via Highway No. 3 at a right turn at Km. 338-339 and two kilometres further away on foot. The Trok Nong waterfal is off Highway No. 3277 (Khlung-Makham route) with a left turn at Trok Nong market and a further 2 kilometres on foot.

Trat

Trat is Thailand's eastern-most province, located about 315 kilometers from Bangkok. This small province borders on Cambodia with the Khao Banthat mountain range forming a natural demarcation. With 52 large and small offshore islands, long white sandy beaches and unspoiled coral reefs, Trat offers delightful scenery and a tranquil hideout for nature-lovers. The province also serves as a major fruit-growing and fishing area.

The city of Trat is a starting point for Ko Chang island group or forays into outlying gem and Cambodian markets. Those enthralled by shopping will be delighted as Trat has more markets for its size than almost any other town in Thailand due to Cambodian coastal trade.
Like Chanthaburi, Trat is a very important ruby-mining province, with the most famous gem market located in Bo Rai District, some 50 kilometers north of the Cambodian border.

With an area of 2,819 square kilometers, the province is administratively divided into the districts of Muang, Khao Saming, Laem Ngop, Khlong Yai and Bo Rai, and the sub-districts of Ko Chang and Ko Kut.

The weather in and around Trat is very comfortable with warm temperatures throughout the year. The region is influenced by the northeastern and southwestern winds, which sometimes limit sea transport to a group of islands particularly from May to October when the southwest monsoon blows. During this period the western coast can be wet and stormy and occasionally unsafe for ferries and smaller boats to lift anchor. However, visitors can still visit the islands via the normally more popular routes, most of which are to the northeast of Ko Chang, anyway.



The Past

The history of Trat can be traced back to the reign of King Prasat Thong of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. Formerly known as Muang Thung Yai, Trat has played an important role in the development of country's stability and economy due to its strategic location. The town of Trat has later become a community of Chinese Merchants.

Trat served as a checkpoint and buffer city in 1767 and was responsible for providing provisions to King Taksin the Great before he moved his navy from Chanthaburi to Ayutthaya, where he expelled the Burmese and liberated the Kingdom from Burmese rule.

In the Ratanakosin period, during the reign of King Rama V, Trat played an important role again in stabilizing the country's sovereignty. King Rama V made an agreement with the French government (who had also taken Chanthaburi under its supervision) to get Trat back. In doing this, Phra Tabong, Siamrat and Sri Sophon were traded off.
During the Indochina War, the French Navy tried to seize Trat again. The French Thai Battle broke out on 17 January 1941 at Ko Chang. The Thai Navy successfully drove out the French Navy.


How to Get There

By Car

From Bangkok, take Highway No. 34 (Bang Na-Trat) or Motorway to Chonburi, then use Highway No. 344 (Ban Bung-Klaeng) Arriving at Klaeng, turn onto Highway No. 3 and proceed to Trat. The total distance from Bangkok to Trat is 318 kilometers.

By Bus

Both air-conditioned and non air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Trat every hour from 6 a.m. to midnight. From Bangkok the buses to Trat cost 169 baht for 1st class air-conditioned buses (132 baht for 2nd class) and 197 baht for 24-seat VIP air-conditioned buses or 113 baht for regular buses. The trip takes five to six hours by air-conditioned bus or about eight hours by regular bus.

For more information, contact Transport Co. Ltd at Tel: 0-2391 -4164, Choet Chai Tour Tel: 0-2391-2237, Chok Anukun Tour Tel: 0-2392-7680 and Suppharat Tour Tel: 0-2391-2331.

Several non air-conditioned buses leave daily, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m. Fare is 78B (Tel.02 391-2504). Air-conditioned buses leave every 1.30 hours, starting from 07.00a.m.-11.00p.m.. Fare is 140B (Tel. 02 391-4164).

From Chanthaburi to Trat, the regular bus takes about 30 minutes. If one goes by taxi from Chanthaburi to Trat, it takes around 45 minutes.

Travelling around Trat

Car rent in Muang District

Suppharat Opposite to Choet Chai Tour, Sukhumvit Road, Tel: 0-3931-2011, 0-3951-2236

Getting around the city

Sam lors around town should cost about 10 baht per person. Small song taews cost about 5 baht per person on a share basis or 20 baht to 40 baht for the whole vehicle.

Getting to Islands

Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat Pier, or Ko Chang Centre Point Landings between 07.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., with a travel time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be 4 wheel drive vehicles as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang there are song taew services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.

Ban Hat Lek

Ban Hat Lek is the farthest border village in Trat. It is on Highway No. 318 within Khlong Yai District about 16 kilometers from the district town, or approximately 89 kilometers from the provincial capital. After the conflict ended in Cambodia, it has become a channel for Thai-Cambodia trading. There is an immigration check point at the border. Visitors wishing to enter Cambodia from here have to apply for visa at the Cambodian Embassy in advance. Along Highway No. 318 (Trat-Khlong Yai) are several white clean beaches and other attractions including:

Hat Ban Chuen

This quiet beach is at Km. 59 of Highway No. 318 (Trat-Khlong Yai).
Accommodations are available.

Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre

The Khao Lan Thai Red Cross Centre on Trat-Khlong Yai Highway at Km. 48 was formerly a facility to assist Cambodian refugees who fled the fighting in their country into Thailand from 1978 until peace was restored in 1986. After the refugees were repatriated, the centre was closed. Today, the site has been adapted into a tourist facility. Tel: 0 3952 1621.

Wat Saen Tum

This temple is a Dharma-practicing facility amid the cool shade of forests and fruit orchards. To the south of the temple is what is called the Khao To Mo Ancient Site where piles of stone pillars have been discovered. It is believed that they were components of ancient Khmer structures. In addition, a large number of relics such as pottery and ornaments and beads were found at the site.

Wat Saen Tum can be reached by taking the Saen Tung-Bo Rai route. At Km. 18.5, take a left turn to head for Ban Tha Lai, Ban Na Makham and Ban Erem where the temple is situated. The temple is about 38 kilometers from Khao Saming district.



Ko Chang

A stretch of long white sandy beach dotted with coconut tree orchards is a common sight on Ko Chang the largest and busiest island in Trat and the second largest island in the country after Phuket.

Covering an area of 429 square kilometers, Ko Chang, boasts several amazing natural wonders that blend magnificently with the traditional way of life such as 70 percent undisturbed island rainforest, steep hills, cliffs, waterfalls, and notable wildlife, fine beaches, coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. In addition, numerous fruit orchards dot the island.

Most of the scenic beaches and bays are on the west side spreading from the north to the south they include Ao Khlong Son , Hat Sai Khao , Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae. A road cuts through the western shore almost reaching Hat Kai Bae where there is a nature trail passing through Ao Bai Lan and Ao Kruat and meandering through wet forestland to Ban Bang Bao, a fishing community on the foot of the hill in the south.

To the east are Ao Sapparot, where a ferry landing is situated and Ao Salak Khok. In addition, along the eastern shoreline is a road cutting through to Ao Salak Phet, a community with a boat pier to the south of the island. Coral ranges worth visiting are at Ao Khlong Son near Ko Chang Noi and around islands south of Ko Chang.

In addition to sea-based attractions Ko Chang has numerous inland attractions including several waterfalls with reasonable access. They are the Khlong Phlu waterfall, 3 kilometers from Ao Khlong Phrao and a further 20 minutes on foot; Khlong Nonsi waterfall, a 4-kilometre walk from park headquarters; and Khiriphet and Khlong Nung falls, which are about 3 kilometers from Ban Salak Phet.
As well as the obvious activities Ko Chang offers many other attractions including waterfalls, temples, the National Park and Museum or the beautiful scenic lookout points, which are all worth a visit. Divers will find fascinating diving areas off of the shores of Ko Chang and the surrounding islands. Besides the many coral reefs, sunken warships, a reminder of times past, can be visited in the Salak Phet Bay.

The Ko Chang National Park occupies an area of 650 square kilometers and is comprised of 47 islets, which spread from Laem Ngob to Klong Yai Districts. . The most popular islands includes Ko Chang, Ko Klum, Ko Ngam, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Rung where natural wonders await travelers. The most popular season for traveling to the National Park is from November to March. The park headquarters are divided into 4 units namely Tha Than Mayom, Ban Khlong Son, Tha Khlong Plu and Ban Salak which provide useful tourist information. At any one of the headquarters, an entry fee of 200baht is collected.

For transportation to Ko Chang, please refer to the traveling to Ko Chang section.

Wat Bang Bao is on the roadside, next to the turn-off to Ban Bang Bao.

Wat Khlong Prao is located in Baan Khlong Prao, also right off the main road.

Wat Khlong Son is approximately 500 metres from the intersection in Ban Khlong Son, in the direction of the bay.
At the top of the hill after Sapparot Bay towards Ban Khlong Son there is a Chinese temple.

Wat Khlong Nonsi is situated just before the Dan-May Pier in Baan Khlong Nonsi. Turn towards the sea at the intersection on the main road. Proper clothes should be worn during temple visits.

Ko Chang Naval Battle Area

This area is located to the south of Ko Chang close to Salak Petch Bay. It is the area where the battle between the Thai and French Naval forces was fought over the eastern border conflict. The Thai Navy holds an annual event to commemorate the combat victory and make merit for the dead naval forces on 17 January.

Namtok Than Mayom

A 3-tiered medium-sized waterfall located behind the parks office. There is a trail situated 500 meters from a durian orchard that leads to the site where King Rama V and VI had visited and signed their royal names on the highest cliff of the cascade.

Namtok Kiri Phet

Located to the south of Ko Chang, approximately 3 kilometers from Ban Salak Petch.

Namtok Khlong Nonsi

This is a little waterfall in the northeast zone of the island. The path to the area lies 3 kilometers from Baan Daan Mai or 3 kilometers from the national park office.

Namtok Khlong Nueng

This is a small 120 meter high waterfall situated in a remote area from Salak Petch Community near Salak Petch Waterfall is an ideal place for relaxation.

Ban Salak Petch and Ban Rong Than

These are the largest fishing villages on the island and are ideal venues for visitors wishing to experience or observe their lifestyle. Bungalows and food shops are available.

Bang Bao Fishing Village

Another ideal spot to learn more about the lifestyle of fishermen where residents build up their houses with poles pitched into the sea and the community is linked together via a bridge that reaches every house. In addition, Bang Bao is one of the zones rich in corals.

Hat Sai Khao (White Sand Beach)

One of the longest beaches on Ko Chang, this beach provides the most magnificent seascape. The beach, which is 2 kilometers long, is dotted with reasonably priced bungalows and resorts. Embracing the beach to the rear are orchards of coconut trees and forests.

Khlong Son Bay

Rich in coral lines, the bay is located on the western coast of Ko Chang where Klong Son Community is situated.

Namtok Khlong Plu

A large 3-tiered waterfall situated 3 kilometers or a walking distance of approximately 20 minutes away from Khlong Prao Bay that is a rewarding experience.

Tri Petch Waterfall

This single level waterfall is situated 3 kilometers from Salak Petch Community along an orchard of rubber trees.

Hat Khlong Phrao and Laem Chat Chet

Laem Chai Chet is along the sea adjacent to Kai Bae Beach, which is rather steep but offers possibilities for swimming. Standard bungalows with facilities are available. The northernmost area of Klong Phrao Beach is adjacent to Chai Chet Bay and Beach where visitors can take in the beautiful landscape while enjoying the superb relaxation and tranquil retreat.

Kai Bae Beach

This beach is close to Khlong Phrao Beach and is similar to Khlong Phrao in that the beach is steep but safe for swimming with quite a few inexpensively priced bungalows in the area.

Ao Bai Lan

This small bay with its long sandy beach where visitors can enjoy the spectacular view in serene ambience is situated close to Kai Bae beach.

Hat Khlong Kloi

This shady beach with coconut trees located next to Bang Bao Village is a perfect place for relaxation.

Activities in Ko Chang

The main thing to do when in Ko Chang is to relax. Other than that, there are numerous activities for visitors such as fishing, snorkeling and visiting nearby islands. In addition, many resorts rent out kayaks and arrange jungle treks as well as provide all day boat tours to the nearby islands. Moreover, scooters can be rented in most places, which make the island easier to explore independently, however the driver should have some two-wheel experience as the roads have a tendency to fade away to nothing more than tracks.

Furthermore, there are diving schools at all of the 4 largest beaches on the west coast, where tours can be booked or various diving licenses can be obtained and sailing-tours can also be booked in many resorts and travel agencies.

Accommodations on Ko Chang

There are many resorts and bungalows on Ko Chang thus visitors purchasing boat/ferry tickets from any of the piers should inform the staff of the desired beach and resort accommodations reserved to prevent misunderstandings on the destination. Facilities on Ko Chang include mainly bungalow-type accommodations on most beaches which generally rent out bicycles and boats. Budget and high-end accommodations are also available with prices ranging from 100 baht (bungalow) to 6,500 baht for superior/deluxe rooms in boutique hotels and internationally accredited resorts.

Best time to visit Ko Chang and other islands

The season is from October to May as from mid May to mid October most of the resorts are closed, but visitors will still be able to find a few open, as some of the owners actually live there and are open all year round.

Dining delights in Ko Chang

Ko Chang is still virtually an untouched gastronomic paradise as the islanders have made a living fishing in the beautiful blue seas for centuries. There are plenty of seafood restaurants dotted around the island and with the recent addition of a number of resorts, visitors can now enjoy a wide range of local and international cuisines.

As the island only has a single road and most restaurants are located on the road or in resort compounds, they are easy to find. It just takes a little looking around to find a place that suits your fancy. Reservations are not normally required but if you want to dine further up the scale it is best to book in advance.

Getting to Ko Chang

A 5 hours bus trip from the Eastern Bus Terminal will take visitors to the Trat Bus Terminal (departures between 06.00 a.m. until 12.00 p.m.). From there continue by song taew transport to Laem Ngop, which is 17 kilometers from town, or the ferry landings at Ao Thammachat and Ko Chang Centre Point where services are operated all day.

Passenger boats usually leave from Laem Ngop to Ao Sapparot on Ko Chang every hour from 8.00 a.m. until 5.00 p.m. The trip takes 45 minutes and the fare is 50 baht per person. Visitors can continue to Hat Sai Khao, Hat Khlong Phrao and Hat Kai Bae by local bus which charges 30 baht per person. The schedules and fares are subject to change without notice due to climate condition. For current information, please contact TAT Trat office, Tel: Tel: 0-3959-7255, 0-3959-7259-60 Fax: 0-3959-7255.

Ferry Services

Ferries depart either from Ao Thammachat or Ko Chang Center Point Landings between 7.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a traveling time of 30 minutes. Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Please note that vehicles used on the island should be the 4-wheel drive types as road conditions are bumpy and there are steep slopes to be negotiated. From the landing on Ko Chang are song taew services to various points. Fares should be settled beforehand.

Naval Battle Monument Pier (Krom Luang Pier)

Wooden boats depart every hour from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The passenger fare for a round trip costs approximately 100 baht. Call tel. 039 538 084 for more details.

Center Point Pier

Ferries leave hourly from 6.00 a.m. until 7.00p.m. Call 039 538196 for more information.

Rates for round trip:

4-wheel vehicles, 60 baht/passenger
6-wheel vehicles, 250 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger
10-wheel vehicles, 500 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger

Ao Thammachat Pier

Ferries leave every hour from 6.30 a.m. to 7.15 p.m. Contact 039 528288-9 for more details.

Rates for round trip:

4-wheel vehicle, 60 baht/passenger, no charge for driver
6-wheel vehicle, 500 baht, no charge for driver but 60 baht fee is applied for any passenger
10-wheel vehicle, 1,000 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger

Ko Chang Ferry

Ferries depart every 45 minutes from 6.30 a.m. until 7.15 p.m. For more information call tel. 039 597143.

Rates for round trip:

4-wheel vehicle 150 baht, no charge for driver, but a fee of 60 baht/passenger is applied
6-wheel vehicle, 500 baht, no charge for driver but 60 baht fee is applied for any passenger
10-wheel vehicle, 1,000 baht, no charge for driver and one passenger
For visitors planning to stay at Ko Wai there is a ferry service from Laem Ngob to Ko Wai at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 120 baht/person/one way.
For visitors planning to stay at Ko Kham there is a ferry service from Laem Ngob to Ko Kham at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 170 baht/person/one way.
For visitors planning to stay at Ko Mak there is a ferry service from Laem Ngob to Ko Mak at around 3:00 p.m. with a fare of 150 baht/person/one way.
Facilities on Ko Chang include mainly bungalow-type accommodations on most beaches and rental services for bicycles and boats.
Several smaller isles south of Ko Chang include Ko Wai, Ko Lao Ya and Ko Kradat. Noted for both deep-water and shallow-water corals are the Ko Kra group and Ko Rang which are to the west of Ko Mak.
Travel to other Islands
Most visitors come to Amphoe Laem Ngob where there are 2 piers namely Laem Ngob and Ko Chang Centre Point, offering daily boat services to islands such as Ko Mak, Ko Wai, and Ko Kham. Tourist spots in Ko Chang and other groups of islands.

Ko Chang Noi

Ko Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi lie to the north of Ko Chang. The sea between Ko Chang Noi and Laem Chang Noi is abundant with corals.

Back Next

Tawau Tour

 
Tawau is a town on east side of Sabah. From Kota Kinabalu you can take a 45 minutes flight to Tawau Airport. From the airport take a taxi for 30 minutes ride to Tawau. There are plenty of hotels in Tawau but I stayed in Hotel Emas.
 
If you need Internet access, Sedap corner has free wifi. Its only 3 minutes walk from hotel emas. Ask the counter staff and they will show it to you. The food is good, the girls are pretty and friendly. If you are lucky you can also ask them out for dinner at the same time ask her to show you around town before you show her around your hotel room :).
 
From Tawau I went to Semporna. The journey took about 1 hour. At Semporna you can take a boat to go island tour. Go to the Jeti, beside the entry to Dragon Inn there a lot of small challet. Those are offices for tour and boat operators. Ask around and you can get good price for island tour. There are also diving packages there. Maybe you can dive Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. In Semporna there are lots of hotels. Dragon inn is a good one. As for pub and karaoke there are plenty. Food?? Lots of food here. Seafood especially. For me I dont like to stay in Semporna coz its too small with nothing to do at night except going to the pub one after another.
 
My advise stay in Tawau and make daytrip to Semporna.

Holiday Villa, Cherating

 
I stayed at Holiday Villa, Cherating in Kuantan, Pahang for 5 days. From Kota Kinabalu I took a 21/2 hour flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport and from there another flight to Kuantan that took about 30 minutes. From Kuantan Airport took a taxi to Cherating Villa that cost RM55.
 
This time of year Cherating is very warm. Luckily the room has air-condition and its working well. I stayed in Challet by the pool. Its a big room, has good funiture and its comfortable.
 
Overall the room here are good. There are 2 swimming pool and if pool isnt big enough you can always go to the beach which is very near. There is also a karaoke there if you are looking for something in there but no girls in the karaoke. There is a Spa with reasonable price package. Internet access in the rooms there a none. At the lobby there is tmnet hotspot. Buy the prepaid at the counter and register online. Its RM28 for a 30 day access. If you are not willing to pay, there is a free wifi which not many people knew bout it. Eastern Pavilion has a ballroom. Inside the ballroom there is a wireless router. Ask the staff there to switch it on and you will get free wifi. You can sit at the SPA and surf. Good rooms, good facility and good service.
 
Unfortunately the food here is not good. Its not bad but try eating it for 5 days str8 and you will understand what i mean. Take a 3 minute walk and go outside. Turn right at the gate and you will find 2 malaysian food restaurant, 2 seafood restaurant and a bunch of shops. You can eat all you want and the price is good. The seafood restaurant also sell beer. The shops has all the basic needs and they even sell clothing. I bought 2 Cherating shirt for RM10 each. If you are looking for disco, The Legend is a resort that have disco. Leisure Villa (if im not mistaken) has a lounge with live band every night. The nearest town is Bandar Chukai which is 15 minutes away if you take a taxi. Bandar Kuantan is 30 minutes away. Along the way there are a lot of stalls selling Keropok Lekor. If you want to buy Keropok Lekor buy the dark ones. The white ones have too much flour in them. Sometimes the dark side is better.

Overall Holiday Villa Cherating is a good place to stay. As for the food you can always find a place to eat within 3 minutes walking distance. The rooms are big with lots of facility to choose. If you a planning a quiet holiday by the beach this is it.

Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2 Airport

 
Kota Kinabalu Terminal 2 Airport is finish for about 6 months now. Its now working fully and no more smell of wet paint. If you fly AirAsia then you will be using Terminal 2.
 
Its now bigger and have a lot more room. Easier to park car if you are waiting but beware there are police wathing and will ask you to park the car at proper parking space if you wait too long. As for parking space there are plenty.
 
Terminal 1 is currently under renovation. Its going to be bigger better and can accomodate a lot more flights because the current airport is at it maximum usage.

Dive into Sabah Waters

Pulau Sipadan, Sabah
Good for all level of divers, big sea creatures, challenging dives.

The first time celebrity diver Jacques Yves Cousteau visited this island in the 70s, he was so impressed with the island's biodiversity that he stayed on for six months and crowned Sipadan as one of the top five dive sites in the world. Tengku Datuk Zainal Adlin, Chairman of World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia and an avid diver, agrees. " You can see everything in one single dive - turtles, giant parrotfish, schools of trevally jacks, sharks, and many species of reef fishes ". What makes Sipadan so unique is its location at the heart of Indo-Pacific basin, which supports a rich marine ecosystem dating back to 100 million years. shaped like a mushroom, the island is perched on top of a submarine volcano.

The list of dive sites in Sipadan is staggering and it is the playground of giants: turtles, hammerheads, manta rays, gray reef sharks and humphead parrotfish. Most of these creatures are hard to come by elsewhere in South East Asia. You get to surround yourself with a vortex of barracudas so huge that they eclipse the sun. Swim into an underwater cavern that sneaks up the 'central pillar' of the islan, or go to the Cleaning Station to see turtles and other big fishes behaving docilely while being cleaned by small reef fish such as moon wrasse and surgeonfish. When you want to take a break from the legendary wall dive, perch yourself at the edge of the Drop-off and stare into the deep blue. Prepare to be overwhelmed as ocean life plays out in front of you. Do like most divers do - group Sipadan together with Kapalai and Mabul in one extended dive holiday.

Lodging: There is none on the island. Divers stay at Mabul and Kapalai, which are just 15 minutes away.
Getting there: Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau before continuing the journey on hired minivan to Semporna for your boat transfer to the Islands.

Pulau Mabul, Sabah
Good for Much Diving, Experienced divers.

Mabul holds the reputation as one of the best sites in the world for much diving (diving in shallow depths with limited visibility). The objective is to spot rare and sometimes bizarre macro species such as vibrant-coloured nudibranches, mantis shrimps, ribbon eels, seahorses, stonefish and ghost pipefish.

Lodging: Sipadan Water Village Resort is one of the premier places to stay.
Getting there: Same as Pulau Sipadan. Its adviseable to arrange for pick-up from Tawau airport for a fuss free journey to Pulau Mabul.

Pulau Kapalai, Sabah
Good for Beginners, night dive, macro diving.

Though it is very near to Sipadan, diving in Kapalai opens up to a completely different world. The island's relatively shallow waters is suitable for beginners, yet a quick dive off the jetty is fascinating enough with the presence of leaf scorpionfish, crocodilefish and lionfish. Kapalai is considered a heaven for macro lovers and a good site to spot rare creatures such as frogfish, blue-ringed octopus, harlequin ghost pipefish and sea moths. Hifzie Hassan, an underwater videographer who has logged in more than 500 dives, highly recommends a dive in the evening to steal a peek at the mating dance of the elusive Mandarin Fish.

Lodging: Sipadan-Kapalai dive Resort is a beautiful gateway tailored for divers.
Getting there: Same as Pulau Sipadan.

Pulau Mantanani, Sabah
Good for Manatee and ray spotting

Mantanani is a faily new dive spot but already, 16 dive sites have been identified along with three wrecks. The dive sites are home to the rare and gentile manatees, known locally as dugong. You'll also be able to spot many different species of rays, including the marbled stingray, blue spotted ray and eagle rays. Muck diving is also recommended, with high chances of finding imperial shrimps, pink-eye gobies and blue-ringed octopus.

Lodging: Mantanani Resort is the only dive resort on the island.
Getting there: Fly to Kota Kinabalu and the make your way by taxi to Kota Belud, which is just an hour away. There are speedboat connections between Kota Belud and the island.

Pulau Mataking, Sabah
Good for Macro diving

Mataking is linked to Sipadan via the 328ft deep Alice Channel. Of the 30 dive sites available at Mataking, Magic Rick, Mantis Reef and the Alice Wall are firm favourites. The island is known for macro and well camouflaged creatures, such as thorny and pygmy seahorses, scorpion leaf fish, robus giant pipefish and blue ribbon eel. It is also common to find trevally, giant clams, Spanish mackerels and dogtooth tuna in these waters.

Lodging: The Reef Dive Resort is a recommended place to stay.
Getting there: Pulau Mataking is accessible from Semporna via a 45 minute speedboat ride.

Layang-layang, Sabah
Good for Hammerhead shark spotting, experienced divers.

Layang-layang is not an island but an atoll of linked coral reefs that have never been polluted or fished. Hence, the biodiversity is astounding and rewarding to all levels of divers. The highlight is to swim with schools of hamerhead sharks, which gather here in April and May to perform their mating ritual. The visiblity at Layang-layang can reach up to 50 meters. However, ths can also be dangerous because you could easily dive deeper than you think, so check your depth constantly.

Lodging: Layang-layang Island Resort is the only dive operator and accommodation on the island.
Getting there: There are regular flights between Kota Kinabalu and Layang-layang

Pulau Langkayan, Sabah
Good for Quiet dive holiday macro diving

Victoria Hilley of Kota Kinabalu based Touchdown Luxury Yacht Charters prefers to dive in the secluded setting and quiet atmosphere of Langkayan, an island that combines a rewarding cocktail of reef, wreck and macro diving. Jawfish Lair is one of the mostloved dive sites. The resident yellow jawfish is well camouflaged and easily missed by untrained eyes, so ask your dive master to point one out to you. Who knows, you might see one with a mouthfull of eggs. Also try spotting mimic octopus, ghost pipefish, frogfish, devil scorpionfish, stingray and leopard sharks.

Lodging: The resort on this island is run by Pulau Sipadan Resort & Tours
Getting there: Fly from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu into Sandakan. The speedboat transfer to Langkayan departs from Sandakan Yacht Club.

Back In Kuala Lumpur

After 5 days in Cherating, Kuantan now I am back in Kuala Lumpur. The 1st thing I did was go to Low Yat Plaza. Its a place to buy computers, handphone, PDA, Camera and all electronic gadget. I upgraded my laptop RAM which is quiet cheap now. I spend RM150 on a piece of 512MB DDR 333 RAM. Then bought a new battery for my laptop cost me RM290. All of it come to RM440. Very reasonable comparing the price when I first bought this laptop.

It seems now that PC business no longer belongs to the chinese. At Low Yat Plaza now there are quiet a few Pakistani shop competing directly with the chinese. Most of the sell laptops and I upgrade my laptop at one of these pakistani shops.

I will be returning to Kota Kinabalu tomorrow. Hopefully I can post pictures and article of Cherating, Tawau and about Diving in Sabah. Now I am in Pandan Indah at Steven Corner. Its a coffee shot with free wifi access.

Working in Tawau

Currently I am in Tawau Sabah. I am staying at Hotel Emas. I have been staying here for 3 days now. My flight back to KK will be at 2:40pm. Tomorrow morning I will be going to Kuantan, Pahang. Hopefully I can post pictures that I have taken of the places here.

In Tawau I am using a free wifi provided by Sedap Corner near Hotel Emas. Yesterday I was at Semporna for the whole day. The rest of the group went on island tour which I didnt go coz done that a few times already and to me only Sipadan Island is the best. Its cool its beautiful compare to other islands that are hot like hell.

There are a few internet cafe in Semporna but unfortunately no free wifi. The only available wifi is provided by an internet cafe called Email Express but its lock. Semporna also have a lot of good hotels now. The latest one is called Sipadan Inn.

Anyway if you happen to be in Tawau do stay at Hotel Emas. A bit far from the town center but for an internet addict like me, free wifi is just 2 minutes walking distance. Plus its a cafe. U can eat and drink here while wasting time surfing and looking at people.

I will be updating this blog if I have the time to upload some pictures form my mobile phone. Btw Tawau is a heaven if you are looking for night entertainment.

Some Pictures of Places

1st picture is Mount Kinabalu taken from Kundasang. I was on a trip that day and i drove from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang in 1 hour. Stop by at a small restaurant and took the picture. Btw that small car is not mine. No way I can do 1 hour with that car.

2nd picture is taken during sunset of a landmark in Kota Kinabalu. Its a big sword fish or I think it is in a middle of a roundabout. Its located near Hyatt Hotel.

Take a Sight-Seeing Tour to Australia

If you haven’t been to Australia or are planning to visit it a second time, then you must have all the information about the places to visit so that you can fully experience the wonderful land that is Australia.

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and is divided into 6 states and several territories. The 6 states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The two major territories are the Northern Territory (NT) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid, but the south-east and south-west corners have temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part has tropical climate, which is part tropical rainforest, part grassland and part desert.

When you go to Australia, you just cannot miss seeing The Great Barrier Reef. It is the world’s largest coral reef and extends for over 1,200 kms! It lies a short distance from the north-east coast.

Another spectacular place to visit is Uluru. It is the second largest monolith in the world and is located in central Australia. You can also visit the Great Artesian Basin, which is the world’s largest and deepest fresh water basin. Along with its beauty, it also serves as an important source of water in the parched outback.

You sure can’t miss going to Sydney if you visit Australia. Sydney is located in a coastal basin situated between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Blue Mountains to the west. You can enjoy all the activities associated with beaches because there are more than 70 beaches in Sydney! If you have limited time, then you can only go to the famous Bondi Beach of Australia.

Sydney has more amazing landmarks for you like Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Both are located in Sydney Harbour. If you are interested in rowing, boating, recreational fishing, racing small yachts and Dragon Boat racing, then you can get all that in Sydney Harbour.

The city also boasts of musical, theatrical and artistic activities which come under one roof in the Sydney Festival which happens every January. More information can be found here - Sydney Australia.

Melbourne is another major city of Australia which is situated in the south-east corner of the mainland Australia. It has a large and vibrant cultural life along with a chain of pubs, bars and nightclubs. Fashionable nightclubs, ubiquitous faux-Irish pubs, serious jazz venues on Bennetts Lane, massive pickup joints like The Metro on Bourke Street are all part of the city’s magic.

If shopping is what tempts you the most, then there are many reasonably priced shopping places where you can go and shop till you drop. Melbourne has innumerable clothing shops for every budget and various outlet stores in Bridge Road, Richmond for bargain hunters too!

Perth is a city known for the pristine quality of its beaches. Unbroken stretches of golden sands run through the entire length of the city’s coastal suburbs. If you are a nature lover, then you got to see this place.

Adelaide or the ‘City of Churches’, as it is often referred as, is a coastal city situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The name City of Churches is a reflection of Adelaide’s past rather than its present. The city has many wine growing districts such as the Baroosa valley.

Food lovers can taste traditional Australian cuisine which consists of grilled chops, Sunday roasts etc. Some English trends are still evident in domestic cuisine like hot roast turkey, chicken or ham with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. Australia’s two most traditional takeaway dishes are the meat pie and sausage roll.

Take a Sight-Seeing Tour to Australia

If you haven’t been to Australia or are planning to visit it a second time, then you must have all the information about the places to visit so that you can fully experience the wonderful land that is Australia.

Australia is the sixth-largest country in the world and is divided into 6 states and several territories. The 6 states are New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. The two major territories are the Northern Territory (NT) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The largest part of Australia is desert or semi-arid, but the south-east and south-west corners have temperate climate and moderately fertile soil. The northern part has tropical climate, which is part tropical rainforest, part grassland and part desert.

When you go to Australia, you just cannot miss seeing The Great Barrier Reef. It is the world’s largest coral reef and extends for over 1,200 kms! It lies a short distance from the north-east coast.

Another spectacular place to visit is Uluru. It is the second largest monolith in the world and is located in central Australia. You can also visit the Great Artesian Basin, which is the world’s largest and deepest fresh water basin. Along with its beauty, it also serves as an important source of water in the parched outback.

You sure can’t miss going to Sydney if you visit Australia. Sydney is located in a coastal basin situated between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the Blue Mountains to the west. You can enjoy all the activities associated with beaches because there are more than 70 beaches in Sydney! If you have limited time, then you can only go to the famous Bondi Beach of Australia.

Sydney has more amazing landmarks for you like Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. Both are located in Sydney Harbour. If you are interested in rowing, boating, recreational fishing, racing small yachts and Dragon Boat racing, then you can get all that in Sydney Harbour.

The city also boasts of musical, theatrical and artistic activities which come under one roof in the Sydney Festival which happens every January. More information can be found here - Sydney Australia.

Melbourne is another major city of Australia which is situated in the south-east corner of the mainland Australia. It has a large and vibrant cultural life along with a chain of pubs, bars and nightclubs. Fashionable nightclubs, ubiquitous faux-Irish pubs, serious jazz venues on Bennetts Lane, massive pickup joints like The Metro on Bourke Street are all part of the city’s magic.

If shopping is what tempts you the most, then there are many reasonably priced shopping places where you can go and shop till you drop. Melbourne has innumerable clothing shops for every budget and various outlet stores in Bridge Road, Richmond for bargain hunters too!

Perth is a city known for the pristine quality of its beaches. Unbroken stretches of golden sands run through the entire length of the city’s coastal suburbs. If you are a nature lover, then you got to see this place.

Adelaide or the ‘City of Churches’, as it is often referred as, is a coastal city situated on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The name City of Churches is a reflection of Adelaide’s past rather than its present. The city has many wine growing districts such as the Baroosa valley.

Food lovers can taste traditional Australian cuisine which consists of grilled chops, Sunday roasts etc. Some English trends are still evident in domestic cuisine like hot roast turkey, chicken or ham with all the trimmings followed by Christmas pudding. Australia’s two most traditional takeaway dishes are the meat pie and sausage roll.