Having been to Phuket and Krabi so many times, we decided to try something completely different. We spotted this little fishermen village call Bang Bao in the island of Koh Chang. This is also our first time to Koh Chang, much less develop compare with Phuket. Bang Bao is on the south side of the island, about a 45 minutes truck ride due to the multiple hair-pins pathway.

The place is tiny, just a long stretch of wooden deck with dive shops, seafood restaurants, and local housings on either side. It takes probably 5 minutes to walk fromroad end to sea end. There are limited and cheap accomodation for visitors. Since the place is mostly unknown, they don’t take reservation from travel agency. We stay in this place call Bang Bao Sea Hut, which is rather charming. It composed of 12 individual hut that erect from the nearby coast. Each hut is a octagon room, with a semi-opened shower. You can hear the waves coming in as you take shower. We spend 2 nights at this place, and get to know almost everyone in the area.

We went diving with one of the local dive schools at a nearby site. It is very convinient since the boarding deck is just one minute from our sea hut. And the dive sites are within a 30 minutes boat ride. We tried out a couple seafood restaurant at night, nothing outstanding, just your basic thai-style dishes. However, there are so local street food at the road side of Bang Bao. We bought a whole bunch of them (less than 100baht), and bring them back to our hut for a brunch by the ocean.

Thailand is great value; an outstandingly beautiful country; the people are warm and welcoming; it offers a multitude of outdoor activities; it’s home to wonderful ruins of ancient kingdoms as well as present day temples; the food is out of this world and Thailand has some of the finest beaches on the planet.

Chiang Mai and its surroundings is any adventure enthusiast’s playground with a huge array of activities on offer- from outstanding mountain biking and trekking to rafting and elephant riding. You can even cycle all the way to Bangkok! If Chiang Mai and the north are associated with adventure and activity then the south is with beaches and sunshine. The islands are split on either side of Thailand’s peninsular, with, amongst others, Phuket, Koh Lanta off the Andaman coast to the west and Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan to the east in the Gulf of Thailand.

There is of course plenty in between as well, not least the ‘City of Angels’ ? Bangkok, surely one of the most vibrant city’s on the planet! So many visitors pass straight through, convinced that it offers nothing but pollution and noise. Take our advice; give it a couple of days and you’ll fall in love with the place.

In the heartland of Thailand you’ll have the opportunity to trek, explore lost kingdoms, ride elephants, walk with tigers, raft and visit, and even stay with, hill tribe people!

It is the end of an era in Thailand. Political changes occur rapidly in SE Asia. Nowhere is that more evident than inside the Land of Smiles. In the wake of the John Karr / JonBenet Ramsey fiasco, Thailand has tightened restrictions on Tourism Visas and stymied the lives of tens of thousands of travelers. Officials claim the two are not connected.

For many years now, backpackers have flocked to Thailand. It?s tropical climate, gentle citizens, inviting beaches and ease of travel beckon youthful exuberance. Over time, many of us have matured to suitcases and still less-stylish travelers followed suit.

During these Golden Years of Thai travel visitors form 39 countries could enter the Kingdom of Thailand for thirty days without obtaining a visa before their arrival. Those staying on longer would simply make a border run, cross out of the country and return, often within minutes. Whish! Stamp! Boom! They had another thirty days.

Currently details of the new regulations are as clear as mud in an unlit cave. It appears starting October 1, 2006, travelers such as myself will be able to make a maximum of two border runs. We receive thirty days on arrival. Then, we receive thirty days each for the two reentries. After that we may not enter Thailand again for ninety days. In other words, after ninety days in, we must leave for ninety days. Whish! Stamp! Stamp! Out!

The tourism industry will suffer! From taxi drivers and guest houses, to massage schools and laundry services, the impact will be felt. I imagine a Tuk Tuk driver will look up this January and think, ?Hey, where?d everybody go?? I like to believe the cumulative economic loss will be more than the Kingdom fathoms and policies will loosen again over time. I also still hang a Christmas stocking up for myself.

Alongside Thais, how are long-term travelers being affected by the changes? If you think the inconvenience to individuals is negligible, consider the following. Here are some examples.

Donald Wood ? UK
?My sister and her family were to spend February in Thailand with me. They have canceled their trip. Why? Because, I?ll be out for ninety days by then.?

Kelly Laidlaw ? USA
?I paid for a one month TEFL Course and two months ?volunteer? teacher training on Samui next year. That?s three months total. I lose days from each 30 day allotment, because I have to do my visa border runs on weekend (to not miss class). This is what I?m left with. I leap into Thailand the day before class starts and sprint for Samui. Then, I fly out the day after I finish teaching/graduate. Perhaps a prospective school can interview me in the Tuk Tuk on the way to the airport.?

Claude DeVosjoli ? France
?I had many plans for my six months? sure to travel, but more. I?m always doing something. Mahout training, an expansive meditation experience, maybe I learn to cook Thai. And, there?s trekking, Muay Thai courses? There?s so much to do here. Now I can do only half. Half lose my francs. It?s so hard to choose.?

Barry Anderson ? Australia
?Funny thing is Burma (a.k.a. Myanmar) lost business because of the Thai regs. I wanted to hop over there bouts for a week mid-November. Can?t now. That would use up one of my precious two visa runs early. Don?t wanna torch thirteen days I figure.?

Kathy Taylor ? Canada
?I sold my home to come to SE Asia for a couple years. The thinking was I would maintain a small apartment in Chiang Mai, take some classes, travel around a bit and have a place to nest and write in between. Now when I travel to other countries it will go lock, stock and barrel, along with my tourism dollars for many months.?

Alan McLawrie ? UK
?I?m currently taking classes to learn to speak Thai. I?ll miss the third level now. Of course, I?ll be off in Vietnam not able to practice what I just learned anyway. Also, I volunteer at a dog rescue and will miss the pups. I?m financially independent, yet too young to meet the 50 year old requirement for a Retirement Visa here. Officials actually said this new law will stop bad people and not hurt good people. Well, if financially successful, charitable volunteers who study their culture are bad guys, send me to the front of the line.?

Anita Kroll ? USA
?This change is a bit of a pickle for me. I have a three month course this spring. So, in December when my 90 is up, I have to leave Thailand for almost four months, not three. I?ll need the whole next lot of ninety days to cover my class time. The course starts in late April and I?m out in December. I wish there had been more notice before the government changed things, though in retrospect I did not have to pay in advance.?

As you see there are dozens of ways Thailand?s new policies will cause little inconveniences. But, how little are they? You see, I am Anita. I am Alan. I am Kathy, Barry, Kelly, Donald and even Claude DeVosjoli. All these issues occurred for just one peaceful gal who simply loves Thailand. What else do these issues have in common? That?s easy. They take money away (Whish!) from the Kingdom of Thailand and its citizens.

A funny thing happened on the way to my closet. This unforgettable journey from my shower confirmed an age old theory: a lot can happen in fifteen feet.

One night earlier I?d switched on the news to see civil unrest in Budapest, Hungary. My sister August was just there, I thought. Grand old buildings towered behind burning cars. As many do, I wondered: what is wrong with the world? Some of these countries?

At the time, there was no physical sensation caused by my foot being put in my mouth. I was oblivious to its presence. Fast forward 24 hours and enter my studio apartment in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I pulled the towel from my wet hair as the newscaster spoke: ?Another country is in turmoil tonight.? Ho hum, here we go again. Now, where are my pajamas? As I stepped past the television, her words rang out: ?Tanks have entered Bangkok in a reported coup attempt.?

You know those moments in life when the space-time continuum warps around you? Everything freezes, yet your mind processes over three million random thoughts. That’s where I stood. Only then did I begin to notice my foot lodged deep in my mouth. In the .25 seconds it took to take one step backwards and wrench my head to the right, I had all the following thoughts.

Perched on the end of the bed, I watch three channels simultaneously for well over an hour. I resolved to take the coup in stride. But! Maybe I?d pack one bag. It would be a ?just in case? bag. The essentials a person would need if a quick exit should be close at hand. Of course, I?d sleep fully dressed in running shoes. Okay, I made that last part up. (My running shoes are in my gym locker.)

Then came slow motion. My eyes panned the room. Books, dishes, bedding, electronics, enough inventory for a small camera shop and clothes, lots of clothes?despite my vow, I had nested. How had this happened?

It was not the first time I had contemplated moving my small household. I had always planned on relocating to Southern Thailand in the spring. It wasn?t even the first time this week I realized extra stuff had to go. Just days before Thailand had suddenly tightened its tourism visa laws. Tens of thousands of other long-term travelers, such as myself, must be out of the country in ninety days. We can not reenter for three months. Now this.

The coup gave me a whole new perspective. I had been worried I needed to buy another suitcase to move my precious inane possessions. In my panic, I grabbed just important things. Money, my laptop, camera body & one lens, debit cards, IDs, a couple changes of clothes and three packs of dry noodles. My backpack was only ? full. I panned the room again.

Sleep prevailed. Perspective had returned. In the morning I had school and simply dumped my bag on the floor in a quest for missing underwear. After all, I?m in Chiang Mai, not Bangkok. But, my unpacked state was not to be.

At school, my teacher was visibly shaken. She?d seen soldiers on her way through town. They stood at the closed public schools, hospitals and local businesses. Tanks lined the Super Highway. They are in Chiang Mai.

Half the students had not shown up, others had no sleep. In my mind, I packed again. In my class, I absorbed nothing. None of us are any wiser for having been there. Strategies changed. I had time to organize. My ?just in case? bag was augmented.

On the way, home I stopped at the mall and purchased the most brilliantly blue suitcase ever seen from space. No doubt, right now, that female space tourist is looking toward Asia and reaching for sunglasses. Alas, it was half price.

Normally bustling, the mall ambiance was semi-dormant. Department store sales reps stood idle. And, I, their only customer, was buying a suitcase to leave. This was a likely sign of things to come for Thailands economy.

I walked away feeling as though I was carrying a scarlet letter? a big blue scarlet letter. It said, ?T? for traitor. It screamed ?C? for chicken. I?d have traded all my limited Thai vocabulary to know the phrase for ?just in case?. The glow from my suitcase could not be hidden. Shame set in. Stepping out into the rain, I resolved not to pack a single thing.

And, the beat goes on. Arriving home, I turned on the tele and listened. The Northern Borders with Laos and Myanmar have been sealed. Borders! Sealed? Laos! That was my imagined escape route. The rollercoaster continues. As I write this, it’s been less than twenty-four hours since the first reports of tanks in Bangkok. I write and I ponder. Will the coup affect the airline’s baggage limits? How much can I pack?

Bann Rim Pa
On the north end of Patong beach. Delicious Thai Cuisine, sophisticated embience of a traditional teak house and a stunning view of Patong bay make this one of the island’s favourite restaurants. Well-known pianist Tommy Doyle entertains most nights.

Baluchi
Baluchi represents the finest Indian dining on the island. In Horizon bech Resort, on Soi Kepsup, this restaurant has always been innovative and forward-looking, yet has remained true to its Baluchistani roots.

Baitong
Huge seafood restaurant with nightly live entertainment. Also has a super pizza section. On Patong beach road inside Patong Beach hotel complex.

Borsalino
Also situated in Horizon Beach Resort, Borsalino serves up virtuoso Italian cooking in a trattoria-style eatery. If there’s one word to describe the fare at Borsalino it’s ‘light’ . In a town where Italian cooking excels, Borsalino is one of front runners.

Da Maurizio
Far north end of Patong ( next to Baan Rim Pa ). Itailan haute cuisine and some great wines in an extraordinary setting right on the rocky shore. You don’t get much closer to the sea than this. Open daily, noon 11pm. Sunset recommended, as are reservations.

La Gritta
Situated at the south end of Patong beach in the Amari Coral Beach Resort, La Gritta has much more going for it than the average hotel restaurant does. The impressive view from La Gritta is of the sweep of Patong bay. Best to get there before sunset to fully appreciate the location.

La Salsa
For a fun-filled entertaining evening, nothing beats ” La Salsa”. Serving Cuban cigars, Meringue, Salsa, Mambo and the meanest Mojito’s in town, complimented by an exciting new Latino Pacific Rim Menu. Patong Beach road.

Otawa
Located on the north end of Patong Beach. This authentic, elegant Japanese restaurant is situated right on the rocky shoreline, serving Japanese barbecue specialties, ultra-fresh sashimi and sushi. Open daily from 11pm to midnight.

Patong Seafood
Serving fresh seafood daily plus Thai and Iternational cuisine. Fine wine with beach front atmostphere.

Sam’s Steak & Salad Bar
Known for its fine steaks and other USA-style dishes. Fresh salad bar. Holiday Inn, Patong Beach.

Tantawan Restaurant
Situated within the beautiful Thara Patong Beach Resort, Tantawan serves Thai, European and Italian dishes at reasonable prices.

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Krabi Attractions: What to Visit in Krabi, Thailand
Buses leave Phuket bus station for Krabi approximately every half hour. When you arrive you will get off the bus near Phuket town. The town doesn’t really have much in the way of interest except markets. Best to hop on a motorbike and head for Ao Nang beach. There is also an airport in Krabi with direct connections from Bangkok and Phuket. Or, go by ferry direct from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town – ferries leave Rassada at 8.30 am and 10.30 am.

Ao Nang Beach in Krabi is a buzzy little place – plenty budget guest houses and lots of restaurants. The beach road stretches in a U shape and takes about 15 minutes to walk down. If you stand facing the sea, the road that turns up to the left is where most of the budget guest houses are. The one that goes to the right is more resort material.

On the road to the left, apart from the fact that there is now a large McDonald’s, you’ll find cool eating houses and book shops amongst small market places selling all sorts of beach wear and sndals. Visit the Full Moon Bar for a welcoming atmosphere and a great selection of music. The owner, Tom. is a lovely Thai guy.

On the seafront, try out one of the many Italian restautants or, even better, Woodstock. This is a total gem. It’s a Mexican place run by a native Californian called Kim. The food is spectacular, prices reasonable and atmosphere excellent.

Grab a long tail boat from Ao Nang to Railay Beach. In West Railay, walk through to East railay and turn left to Ao Phra Nang cave down at the tip. Visit the cave with the princess at the end of the beach.

Ferry Boat to Phi Phi and nearby Islands
For a really enjoyable day out Island Hopper, one of the largest tour groups on Phuket, do a fantastic set of packages around the region. Phuket Guide tried the one to Phi Phi, Bamboo and Khai Islands and the Visitors were inpressed.

A mini van picked up visitors up at 7.45 am and set off for Koh Siray near Phuket town. There was coffee waiting for the visitors at the beach and, despite the fact that there were about 40 tuouists milling around, Island Hopper staff were well organized and spoke English well so the visitors all ended up in the correct group very quickly. The guide explained where the visitors would go and gave them all informative leaflets before leading them to speedboat. There were 11 passengers on board. The visitors sped out into the ocean and all started to relax as Ek, the lovely guide, served them some fresh fruit and told them stories of different sea creatures he had encountered on his travels.

Visitors stopped at Bamboo Island a protected resource and got off for some swimming and a walk around. Visitors were told not to remove anything from the island and to take care to respect the environment.

Next it was on to a beautiful cove for some excellent snorkelling and fishing feeding. Then off for a swim at Maya bay then a stop for lunch at a nice restaurant on Phi Phi Island. There was another snorkelling trip and a final stop on Khai island. There’s not much here except a few small stalls selling beer and snacks but it’s a good place to wind down after a day of activities.The companydrop visitors off at their hotel around 6 pm.

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Racha Island Phuket Thailand
For some old reason, Westerners call this beautiful island Racha and Thais call it Raya. Either way it is worth a day trip or, better still, a weekend away from the busy roads of Phuket. There’s good snorkelling here and Raya Divers if you want to learn to dive.

Raya has two main bays : Ao Patok where all the speed boats arrive and Ao Siam – a much quieter bay with superb walks and places to just be alone. Ao Patok is currently having a big, new resort built on it. The Racha- a high-class, eco-friendly set of bungalows. Opening mid 2004. Ao Patok has high tide swimming most of the day whereas Ao Siam is only swimable early morning or after 6pm.

Walk behind Ao Patok ( straight through the centre) and follow the sandy path to find Father Bungalows on the right and Raya Resort on AO Teau after that. Turn left at Father Bungalows abd keep on the path until you hit the beach and you’ll be just in time for a drink at the Reggae Bar there. The path literally ends right behind the bar. The chirpy owner, Max, will take care of you and explain where things are and where to get a decent lunch or dinner. At night Max usually has a BBQ going with freshly caught fish and perhaps a bit og fire throwing.

Next to the Reggae bar is Hippy Bar where Woot and Vicky will serve you a nice meal and further down the left hand side of the beach is the wonderful Bamboo Shack Restaurant. The lovely Thai couple who run it do a great masaman curry and are very welcoming. At the very end of the beach you’ll find Jungle and Sea View Bungalows up the hill. A bit precarious while walking at night but great views during the day.

Located around 12km south of Phuket, Raya is accessible via a variety of boats and day trips. If you want to do it yourself a speed boat from Rawai Beach or Chalong Bay will cost approx 1,000 baht per person or a longtail 1,500 baht for the whole boat. Some of the speedboats do special deals for 1,200 baht where you get a packed lunch and the use of snorkelling gear. Speed boats generally leave Raya for Phuket at 3pm daily. Crossing takes 40 min by speed boat and one hour 15 min by longtail.

Days Tours to Phang Nga Bay Thailand
Phang Nga Bay, to the east of Phuket, is one of the most beautiful tourist attractions of the world. But the impression you get of this wonderland depends largely on which tour you choose.

A James Bond Island tour wull cost very little and you won’t even have to look for one, it comes to you: most street touts and agencies will set you up with one straight away. Expect to pay about 400 baht. The trouble with these tours is that they take so long to get to the sights, stopping at a temple along the way and only allowing the visitor to alight at James Bond Island – a war zone of hawkers and cheap tat, and then for lunch at Koh Pannyi, a Muslim village on stilts. Okay, lunch at Koh Pannyi is delicious and the boat trip entertaining. For some, it’s an enjoyable and memorable day out, but what about trying some different?

If you’re travelling in a group there’s not much different in price but an awful lot more adventure if you take a taxi over to Bang Rong ( near the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center) and charter a longtail boat. For a full day its should cost 3,000-4,000 baht, max 6 people. With luck, your guide will procure some fresh seafood along the way. Speaking of food, why not a lunch cruise? June Bahtra Cruise will take you around the same area with a sumptuous meal and a lot of sight-seeing. This’ll set you back around 2,930 baht ( children 1,990 baht). The same company also offers a sunset cruise.

Finally, if you have your own transportation you might want to motor up to Takua Thung, a village up on the mainland on Route 4 towards Phang Nga Town. You can tour the mangrove swamps from there and even make a stop at Jame Bond Island if you wish.