Hill-Tribe TrekkingSince the early 1970s
Chiang Mai has been a popular base for hill-tribe trekking in
Thailand. Treks into the mountains and forests of the North, inhabited by the hill tribes are a popular tourist attraction. Presently there are over 100 companies based in Chiang Mai, the center of tourism for hill-tribe trekking, offering treks into the mountains, and as these treks can be dangerous, tourists are advised only to trek with companies registered with either the
Professional Guide Association or the Jungle Tour Club of Northern Thailand. Hill tribe trekking in Thailand
round the
Chang Mai and Mae Hong Son regions allow tourists a glimpse into the rich culture of the numerous tribes living in the mountainous regions of the country, who live off the land cultivating crops, hunting and collecting produce. Their fragile existence is easily damaged and due to the rise in tourism over the past couple of decades, many of these tribes have been commercially exploited. It is important that the way of life of these mountain tribes is protected and that they benefit from any profits made from the hill-tribe trekking experience. For this reason, many of the operating tours in the Northern region work directly with the tribes involved by contributing directly to their village life. As the word 'trekking' suggests, there is a lot of walking involved and it is advisable to be relatively fit and prepared for the arduous trails that await you. The distance traveled and the amount of villages seen per day depends on the tour company, as many will try to incorporate as much as possible into a day. It is advisable to check before booking so that your fitness level will match the trek you choose. Bamboo-rafting on the river and elephant rides are usually included as part of the trek by many companies, although other extras can include traditional Thai cooking lessons and traditional singing and dancing with the village people.
DivingThailand has thousands of kilometers of coastline with warm, clear waters and a huge variety of marine life and coral reefs making it a haven for divers and snorkelers. Thousands of people learn to dive in Thailand every year and dive shops are located all over the southern peninsula. Between sites in the
Andaman Sea and the
Gulf of Thailand, diving is possible year round. The best conditions are from October to April in the Andaman Sea, and May to September in the gulf. The
Phi Phi Islands are one of the most popular diving destinations in the Andaman Sea due to their closeness to prime dive sites within a marine national park. Coral reefs surround the islands making it a paradise for snorkelers too. From
Phuket dive trips leave for prime sites such as Red Rock, Shark Point,
Koh Yao, Koh Raya and Koh Yai. Within the Gulf of Thailand, Sail Rock off the island of Samui is one of the most well known, Pattaya is famous for its wreck dives, and the live coral formations around Koh Pha Ngan are popular with snorkelers. Koh Tao is the heart of diving and snorkeling in Thailand with over 20 diving schools and its ease of access of many of its sites makes it ideal for beginners. Trips depart from Koh Tao to the Mu Koh Ang Throng National
Marine Park where divers and snorkelers can enjoy the corals.
Rock ClimbingRailay Beach and Ton Sai, near Krabi in Southern Thailand, is the most developed climbing area in Thailand and one of the most picturesque locations to climb in
Asia. Surrounding limestone cliffs and weathered formations characterize the landscape, attracting climbers of all grades to the crags, overhangs, hanging stalactites and steep, vertical walls. The French grading system is used; there are over 650 routes ranging from beginner (5a) to extremely challenging (8c), with single and multi-pitch routes. 1-2-3 is a good crag that is dominated by beginners and climbing schools with a variety of routes, while the superb Asia's Shadow Play (8a+) is one of the difficult routes at Dum's Kitchen. The Keep has fantastic views with popular climbs, but Andaman Beach or Ton Sai is the serious climbers haunt and the most popular place to climb, with classic routes such as Tidal Wave, Humanity and Eviction. There are several climbing schools like King Climbers who offer courses for all levels.
Train from Bangkok to Chiang MaiThe 12 hour overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai can be both a relaxing and alluring. The daytime view varies as much as the Thai landscape; jungle, mountain, grassland and farmland. Unlike the buses that whiz through the highways, the open door train cars put the passengers into the scenery. The train cars are much nicer than most other South East Asian railways but it is well worth getting a sleeper seat rather than a recliner. First class passengers are given clean sheeted bunk bedding for two in a lockable room. Second class sleepers are fine with most travelers. A bar serves cold beer and the potent SangSom rum. There are a number of express trains daily from Bangkok's northern line train station where one can make their own bookings if not through a travel agency.
Cooking LessonsThai-cooking is an art the local people are more than happy to share, with cookery schools and classes springing up countrywide; Bangkok, Phuket,
Koh Samui and Chiang Mai are the leading destinations for this appetizing endeavour. The lessons are relatively cheap and feature unique highlights, from watching professional hotel chefs at work, to a more hands-on approach with local market shopping trips and a free recipe book. Course schedules vary from introductory classes aimed at providing a basic knowledge of Thai food to 10 days of culinary instruction. Most of the schools or instructors have websites providing course and contact details, and Internet bookings are possible. This is a wonderful activity that will stay with travelers long after their tans have faded, ensuring a vacation reminder and skill for life.
Wedding and HoneymoonA wedding and honeymoon in Thailand is a romantic and exotic experience. Thailand's tropical islands are home to picture-postcard beaches, exotic culture and great weather, making this a perfect destination for a uniquely romantic wedding and honeymoon. Authentic Thai Buddhist, Lanna (northern Thai) and traditional Christian ceremonies are all available as Thailand wedding options, ensuring a deeply spiritual and binding experience for any couple.Thailand Wedding and Honeymoon DestinationsChiang Mai, Koh Samui, Phuket and Krabi are the top destinations for Thai weddings and honeymoons, while Pattaya and Koh Tao also have popular venues. There are various resorts and hotels, as well as wedding companies, offering their services to couples. Wedding and honeymoon couples in Thailand might enjoy hill-tribe trekking, diving, rock climbing or taking Thai cooking lessons together. The best time of year for a wedding and honeymoon in Thailand is in February or March, when the weather is dry and comfortably warm. Thailand Wedding FormalitiesMarriage requirements vary for different nationalities and couples are advised to consult their embassies beforehand for details. Thailand Weddings and Weddings Faraway offer legal wedding services and advice.
