Exploring the Beaten Track in Thailand

Southeast Asia is a tried and tested traveller’s mecca with thousands of tourists, but there is so much more to Southeast Asia than beach bars and night clubs and if you really look, you can find some amazing, untouched paradises. We are inviting you to explor the Beaten Track in Thailand, which lads to Cambodia.

BANGKOK. All journeys in Thailand start from Bangkok. The city is a true tourist paradise, proved by the growing number of travelers coming each year. Besides the city itself, Bangkok is also surrounded by many interesting provinces worth visiting. The north of Bangkok borders Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani Provinces, with tourist attractions like Koh Kret and Lotus Museum.

There are a great variety of tourist places in Bangkok, mostly historical attractions and temples with elaborate architecture and art. Famous temples are Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Wat Phu Khao Thong, Wat Ratchanadda, Wat Traimit, Wat Benchamabophit, Wat Bowon, and Wat Sutat.

The east of the city is next to Chachoengsao, a small province which is full of interesting places and activities. Tourists can pay homage to Luang Pho Sothon Buddha Image at Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihan, watch flying foxes or fruit bats at Wat Pho, see the golden church at Wat Paknam Jolo, and pray to the giant reclining Ganesh statue at Wat Saman Rattanaram. There are also old markets for you to visit and shop such as Ban Mai Market, Nakhon Nuang Khet Market, and Khlong Suan Market.

The south of the city borders Samut Prakan Province and the Gulf of Thailand, with tourist attractions like Bang Pu, Ancient City, and Samut Prakan Crocodile Farm and Zoo. The west of the city is next to Samut Sakhon and Nakhon Pathom Provinces. Tourist attractions include Don Kai Dee Benjarong Village, Phra Pathom Chedi, Sanam Chandra Palace, Don Wai Floating Market, Sampran Riverside, and Thai Human Imagery Museum.

Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel

Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel. Wake up in rooms and suites with arresting views – each and every one looks over the river and the city skyline. Wine and dine sky high and toast to the City of Angels taking in the panoramic views of the city’s skyscape. Treat yourself to a spa day or lounge by the rooftop infinity pool. Take your stay a notch above at an award-winning modern riverside location only short distance from the city centre and major access points to breeze you through Bangkok. 

There are also palaces, museums, parks, and a big array of shopping places, from luxury malls to flea and street markets like Chatuchak Weekend Market, Sampeng Market, and Pahurat Textile Market. Bangkok nightlife is another highlight that has attracted many of tourists from all over the world. 

NAKHON NAYOK. Nakhon Nayok a peaceful province not too far from Bangkok with many tourist attractions.  There are 4 districts – Muaeng, Ban Na, Ongkarak, and Pak Phli. There are many Bangkok – Nakhon Nayok buses from many companies in Morchit Bus Terminal.  It takes 1.30 hours and the first bus starts at 4.30 am.  For more information, call 1490 or go to www.transport.co.th.  

Kayaking with one or two people is more challenging than sitting on the big rubber raft. Many resorts provide some adventurous trails to ride an ATV or a bicycle. Taking a boat to see scenic view of the lake above the dam is one relaxing activity.

Khuean Khun Dan Prakanchon. Originating from Khao Yai National Park, the Nakhon Nayok River branches out at Wang Takhrai Canal. Canoe rafting trips leave from Wang Ta Krai Canal (next to Wang Ta Krai Bridge) and proceed along Nang Rong Canal to the Nakhon Nayok River. There are many exit points along the river, such as at Ban Dong, Kaeng Sam Chan, Wang Kutapha and Wang Yao. The distance for each section is 2-5 kilometers. The river is quite calm, with no white water, but has many unexpected (and thrilling) twists and turns.

Sarika Adventure Point. Sarika Adventure Point in Nakhon Nayok, is one of the interesting tourist spots since it is the center of many fun activities for you to enjoy. The point has distinct features from any other places. There are adventurous activities such as dangling oneself down the well-known Thanratana Waterfall, hiking around Khao Samor Pun-Khao Yai National Park, and rafting along the river with rubber boat. Significantly, the highly recommended activity is the activity at Khao Lon Adventure Point, which was especially designed from its owner’s direct experience. He has undergone many adventurous activities, and definitely applied them to the activities here.

 

TRAT. Trat is a province in Eastern Thailand, consisting of many large and small islands which some of them have already become major tourist destinations. Well-known for its beautiful islands and beaches, Trat also has a list of interesting attractions for tourists. With its rich natural resources and convenient access by road transportation and daily commercial flights, Trat has a high potential in becoming Thailand’s major tourist destination city. The province is divided into 7 districts; Mueang Trat, Khlong Yai, Laem Ngop, Ko Kut, Ko Chang, etc.

There are standard buses and air-conditioned buses operated by The Transport Company Limited and by private bus companies from Bangkok to Trat departing from Eastern Bangkok Bus Terminal (Ekamai) on Sukhumvit Road and departing from Northern and Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2) on Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road every day. Travel time takes around 5 hours. For more information, call The Transport Company Limited call center 1490 or www.transport.co.th. Online bus ticket booking is now available at www.busticket.in.th or www.thaiticketmajor.com  or www.thairoute.com

Ban Nam Chiao Ecotourism Community. At a very close distance from the municipality, you can easily get on the Trat-Laem Ngop  Route to visit this village known for the handcraft hat ‘Ngop Nam Chieo’ used for the sun and rain protection. The hat is developedfrom the ancestral local people who wisely crafted the hat from the palm leaf in the local mangrove forest. The traditional form of the hat can be found in this village and is still used todaywhile the more fashionable styledones areperfect for the souvenirs. Opening hours: 7am-5pm

KOH CHANG. Koh Chang is a large island covering an area of approximately 18 sq. km. located 20 km. from downtown Ranong and 4 km. from Koh Phayam. The island is inhabited by some 80 households whose main occupations are cashew nut–one of the country’s best varieties–para rubber plantations, and coastal fishery. There is also a local product center operated by the Koh Chang Housewife Group producing wine from cashew flesh and various cashew nut products. Koh Chang is the habitat of a small variety of hornbill: the oriental pied hornbills that fly between Koh Chang and nearby islands. As the inhabitants of Koh Chang never catch nor hunt them, the hornbills are familiar with humans and tame and easily encountered, except for the period of March-April when they nest and take care of their chicks. Various activities are available on Koh Chang; such as, trekking to hilltop viewpoints, sightseeing biking, herbal steam at Wat Koh Chang, hornbill watching, and fishing for various fish like grouper, sea perch, and Spanish mackerel. Accommodation is available.

Admission: 200 baht for adult and 100 baht for children Contact: Mu KohRanong National Park 077-813-840, 077-813-841, e-mail: reserve@dnp.go.th, www.dnp.go.th

To get there: Koh Chang is accessible by a long-tailed boat from the Chao Koh Pier, Saphan Pla Road (the entrance to the pier is next to the Pak Nam Police Station). There are three boats leaving for Koh Chang at 9:30am, noon, 2pm, and 2 boats on the return trip at 7am and 2pm. The boat trip takes one hour and costs 200 baht each. A chartered boat for approximately 20 passengers costs Bt 4,000 – 4,500.

Na tara Resort Koh Chang

Na tara Resort. Formerly known as Na Koh Chang Na Tara Resort places you 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Than Mayom Waterfall. This 22-room, 4-star resort welcomes guests with a restaurant, a private beach, and an outdoor pool. Ko Chang National Park is also within a 30-minute drive of this Ko Chang resort. 

What should I bring or not bring?

From April to October, the weather can be hot and/or rainy. We recommend you bring a change of cloths and rain coat as it might be raining. And comfortable clothing is encouraged.

• Sunscreen: We encourage the use of sunscreen and recommended.
• Hat can be worn during the programme.
• Flip flops and loose fitting shoes are not allowed.