AstroSpeak 2008 (Cont...)

Previous: Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces, Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo

Continue...

Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

Many new possibilities will come within your reach in 2008 and your ambitions will grow and bear fruit fast. Tapping new opportunities will call for strategic manoeuvring at work, and that includes maintaining the right equations with key people. Be persistent about requests or enquiries. Discuss new projects or enterprises with and strong points will make all the difference. Keeping yourself abreast of current developments will help you to review your own options better.

In money matters, a year to go ahead with schemes, especially those related to the stock market.

In love, your rapport will be good.

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

Success will be yours more frequently in 2008. You'll work with a new zeal, armed with determination to attain goals. You'll have a clear-cut set of priorities and take up new challenges. Don't postpone action on sensitive matters. Keep taking a fresh look at the manner in which you're managing your resources. Stay abreast of tasks and flesh out strategies and proposals. Coming up with quick responses will add to your gains. You'll be able to find time to soak in the latest information. Most of you will be able to consolidate your position of power.

In money matters, planning will be necessary, especially if new investments are involved.

In love, being more adventurous will appeal to you.

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

Review current approaches and move on with new plans in 2008. A prestigious responsibilitiy is also on the cards. But ensure that you get the attendant facilities to carry out tasks. If you're anticipating some competitive situations, it would be a good idea to keep yourself updated. Knowing the right people and staying tuned to the grapevine will be important. Make some bold adjustments to the approach you have been following and the results can exceed what you've envisaged. Don't hesitate to re-introduce old techniques which have worked for you. With a new stategy, these will give you good results.

In money matters, put your best foot forward, even if it means taking risk.

In love, at least one secret desire will be fulfilled.

Have a good and smooth through the year 2008 (The year of Rat)

AstroSpeak 2008

Previous: Sagittarius and Capricorn

Continue...

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

You'll be able to inspire yourself to move in new directions in 2008. You'll realise that you need to tread warily to notch up lasting, long-time gains. However, unforeseen delays will prove to be a blessing in disguise. You'll feel the need to see results in terms of growth instead of mere praise from seniors. Many of you may find that you have been recommended for something prestigious. Being on the look out and identifying slow-moving areas or snags will yeild divideds. New responsibilities will strengthen your position, but move carefully initially. You'll demonstrate that you're capable of handling complexities, competitive demands and challenges.

In money matters, ensure that you don't miss out on oppurtunities to augment your resources.

In love, new desires will lead to new commitments.

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

Throughout 2008, armed with ideas that will click, you'll be pushing towards desired outcomes rather than accepting routine progress. You must sort out issues the moment they crop up. You'll need to be more open to new ideas because, firstly, it's more than likely that you'll unexpectedly find themes and issues which have the kind of dimensions that would provide you with scope to use your talent better. Secondly, while people are likely to be more receptive, you may have to rethink your stand on a couple of issues. Use changes as oppurtunities for growth or else you could lose out. Your stock will rise substantially in the right places.

In money matters, a good year with satisfying returns.

In love, reviewing your emotional attachment from time to time will result in more sharing and greater fulfilment.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

In 2008, you'll enjoy making use of a combination of old and new knowledge to obtain some striking results. Mid-year will see many of you making a shift, either in your approach or your place of work. Planning afresh will become a necessity. The sooner you get started on clearing things on your mind, the better. New factors are likely to speed up things at various levels. Be careful that you're not too rigid and refuse to deviate from a course which isn't going down too well with someone else. Although you won't mind working as a team, you'll be more at ease working at an individualistic level. However, keep tabs on how your initiatives are being noticed be people who count.

In money matters, 2008 will be more profitable than the previous year.

In love, despite some irritations, unexpected fulfilment will be yours.

Next: Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo

Happy New Year 2008 (AstroSpeak)

Seasons Greetings!

On behalf of the Backpacker team, I wanted to send you our best wishes for the New Year, hoping 2008 will be full of happiness, perfectly health and success - a big thank you for those of you who have been supporting us the whole way through and we certainly look forward to an even better year at http://www.siambackpack.com/! We will be launching many new facilities soon:)

Enjoy the festive season and again, best wishes for the New Year!! :)

Before the first month pass, let's see what might be happened in your life in the year 2008 (Indian Horoscope)

Ref: Veenu Sandal

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

The new year will be the time to cash in on your early progress, success and efforts. Your ways of thinking will undergo some radical and valuable changes. You'll realise that despite assurances from key peaple, it is your own public relations that work the most. Instead of being content with taking with comes, you'll push hard for what you want.

In the second half of 2008, by exercising your choices wisely, you'll gain something you covet and have been working towards for some time. Despite a constant quest to make worthwhile new beginnings, you'll handle tasks with confidence. Attaining some short-term goals will be an important lever to reach a new position of power and strength.

In money matter, there'll be marked improvements. In love, a good year, but do not become too dominanting.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

You'll be able to deal with matters not just competently but in an inspired manner in 2008. The most marked effect of your focused thinking will be on your capacity to come up with new strategies and make the most of new situations. You'll be able to break away from pattern where you make your fair share but don't get adequate recognition. While you'll promote your interests and raise your performance levels, you're not going to become a workaholic.

In April though, do take care that you don't act on the wrong cues as your analysis could be correct but your timing may be wrong.

In money matters, whatever the situation, you'll be able to turn them to your advantage. In love, if you're attracted to somebody, but are not sure if your feelings will be reciprocated, 2008 will make things clearer.

... to be continued

Beach and Boat Safety

Strong seasonal undercurrents at popular beach resorts pose a some-times-fatal threat to surfers and swimmers. During the monsoon season from May through October, drowning is the leading cause of death for tourists visiting the resort island of Phuket. Some, but not all, beaches have warning flags to indicate the degree of risk (red flag: sea condition dangerous for swimming; yellow flag: sea condition rough, swim with caution; green flag: sea condition stable).

Also, boat safety has become an increasing concern in Thailand. Ferries and speedboats used to transport tourists and local nationals to and from the many islands off the Thai mainland are often overcrowded and carry insufficient safety equipment. In January 2005, three U.S. citizen tourists died when the over-crowded speedboat they were in capsized and sank off the coast of Koh Samui. Three month later, two British narrowly escaped death when their dive boat sank off the coast near Phuket. We would like to encourages you to avoid travel on overcrowded boats, and to ensure that proper safety equipment (including life preservers) is available before boarding any boat or ferry.

Trip from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin

Chiang Mai launches new bus route to Hua Hin

Chiang Mai Province Transportation Authority Office has launched a new bus route, Chiang Mai – Hua Hin, to advance transportation services between the North and the South, as well as to support domestic travelling in Thailand. Chanchai Kirapang, an official from the Chiang Mai Province Transportation Authority Office, revealed that Thepsombat Co.Ltd (Sombat Tour) has been allocated by the authority to operate on the new route using their 32 person- first class air-condition bus, Scania type Euro 3.

The route will go through Nakhonsawan, Chinat, Supanburi, Petchburi, Cha-am and Hua Hin, taking about 12 hours 30 minutes. The bus leaves from Chiang Mai at 6.15 p.m. and arrives in Hua Hin at 6.45 a.m., then leaving from Hua Hin at 5 p.m. and arriving in Chiang Mai at 5.30 a.m. The fee is 785 baht per person with one meal and some refreshments.

The service started 30th May. For more information or reservations, call 053-246531 (Chiang Mai) and 032-514837 (Hua Hin)

(Refer to: ChiangmaiNews.com)

Hua Hin, Cha-am & Pranburi (IV)

Natural Attraction: Khao Sam Roi Yot, Khao Takiab, Cha-am and Pranburi

While the township caneasily be explored on foot, some of the other attractions will require transportation. A car is always handy, but those without have a choice of day excursions which take in all the major sights, including natural sttractions like Khao Sam Roi Yot (Three Hundred Peaks) National Park with its magnificent views of the Gulf of Thailand and caves to explore. Just to the south of Hua Hin, Khao Takiab Temple is located on a rocky hill with good views of Ao Takiab (Chopsticks Bay) where more beaches and resorts are located. You can also visit other beaches along this coastline, waterfalls, and the kids will enjoy Hua Hin Zoo.

About 25 kilometers north of Hua Hin is Cha-am. More spread out than its southern neighbor, Cha-am has the longest stretch of beach in Thailand. The casuarina-lined beach is covered with deck chairs and umbrellas providing plenty of shade, and vendors walk up and down the beach selling everything from foods to handicrafts. For those looking for some action, jet skis tow banana boats around much to the delight of their screaming passengers.

Cha-am is a popular beach among Thais and, although relatively quiet on weekdays, it's crowed at weekends, and completely packed on long weekends. There are plenty of accommodation options to choose from including some resort-style hotels that are popular with westerners.

While the other two beaches are well known, Pranburi is rather new to the scene. Located 30 kilometers south of Hua Hin, this stretch of sand used to be visited just as a day trip, but now has a number of boutique-style resort operations of its own. It's much quieter than its northern neighbors, but still easily accessible to Hua Hin for those after a bit of action - many of the resorts offer free transportation services to Hua Hin for this purpose.

Once in Hua Hin city you can get around easily on foot. However many of the attractions outside of town will need some form of transportation. Hua Hin has tuk tuks, motorcycle taxis, songthaews and taxis; you usually have to negotiate the rate before you get in. You could also consider doing a day tour which takes in all the main attractions.

Hua Hin, Cha-am & Pranburi (III)

Hotel: Hua Hin Railway and More on the beach

The famous Hua Hin Railway Hotel was built near the beach here in 1923. The magnificient two-storey colonial building has been beautifully restored and is now operated by Sofitel Central Hua Hin Resort. To the north, the Hilton Hotel was the first rise hotel in town, while Marriot Resort and Spa is located along the southern beach.

Down on the beach in front of the Hilton, deck chairs and umbrellas provide a place to relax and vendors sell all kinds of things from snacks to grilled prawn. Along the beach you can get a Thai massage or even ride a horse.

If you love seafood then you'll love Hua Hin. There are still fishermen operating from the Fishing Pier who land the catch of the day which is cooked to order and served fresh to your table at any of the waterfront seafood restaurants. You'll never find seafood this fresh and at these low prices elsewhere. As well as seafood, plenty of international restaurants line the streets, some with live entertainment. There are also a few beer bars but the atmosphere here is pretty relaxed.

Hua Hin, Cha-am & Pranburi (II)

Hua Hin -- Rock Head to go

Once a sleepy fishing village, Hua Hin started to become better known in the 1920s when it was linked to Bangkok by rail. It developed into a popular retreat for the Royal family and, nowadays, the King himself resides at the summer palace there. (Due to its proximity to Bangkok and popularity with the Monarchy, many wealthier Bangkok Thais now have condominiums along this stretch of coast.)

Hua Hin literally means "rock head," but don't let the name fool you! - a few smooth boulders are scattered along the beach but the seabed itself is all sand safe for swimming. The town is developed but still compact making it easy to walk around, and it has retained its casual beachside feel. You'll find all major amenities including accommodation to suit every budget, from cheapies in town to big name resort operations on the beach.

Hua Hin, Cha-am & Pranburi

Tropical seas & beach resorts are closer than you think

You don't need to journey all the way to the south of Thailand to find perfect tropical beached and resort-style accommodation. A short distance from Bangkok, the beachside towns of Hua Hin, Cha-am and Pranburi on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Thailand make an ideal short escape from Bangkok or are equally suited as longer tropical holiday destinations.

Hau Hin is the biggest of the three towns and easily accessible at only three hours drive south of Bangkok. The town itself is laid back but by no means boring; good swimming beaches, water sports, golf courses, historical sites, national parks, and shopping are all available to keep your days filled. There's also some nigtlife but not quite as over the top as Pattaya, making Hua Hin suitable for families and travelers in general. And it's ideal for those who don't want to make the long (and expensive) journey to Phuket or Koh Samui.

Cooler weather year round makes Hua Hin, Cha-am and Pranburi more pleasant than Bangkok. Now we're in the middle of summer and while the temperatures in Bangkok and the North are near boiling, the beaches here still average a pleasant 30 degrees Celsius during the daytime.

Next will come with the places to visit in Hua Hin ...

Greenery Travel in Thailand

June for journey

The rainy season in Thailand may begin in June but that is not the end of the traveling season. Indeed, this is a good time for another type of travel, the eco -traveling. The sites for this kind of tourism are various, ranging from evergreen forests, rolling hills, white sandy beaches, to adventurous activities such as trekking, hiking, rock-climbing, rafting, canoeing, diving and fishing.

Finding Peter Pan: Koh Kood Trip Day 2

Koh Kood, The paradise on earth: Day 2

Today, I woke up at 5:30 am as usual as I stay in Bangkok ... but this time I just living in the different place fully with th enature of the sea. Ohhh! you must better to be there, fresh air and the sound of wave attached the rock and the beach. I'd fallen asleep at the sea terrace for an hour then the rain was drop down to the island quite heavy ... T-T (I got stuck at the terrace alone, then my friend came to pick me back home ^^ ... Thank you)

The plan of the day is trekking to the waterfall named "Klong Yai Kee Waterfall" where we had to take a boat pass through the mangrove trees (a kind of plant growing in the muddy forest at the seaside.) We spent time at the waterfall apaproximately 3 hours.

Then we're back to the resort had lunch then living as a disposition with the same activities as yesterday (Day 1) ... all we did just leisure living before back to work in the confusion and stress atmosphere. Well, before our last day gone, it's time for dinner ...

The last meal on the island was Seafoods BBQ ... That's awesome and very impression with the special show which is Fire Dance (try to give you the clip of the show, but waiting for my friend upload on the web).

Ok, I might not have much time to tell you guys more as first mentioned cos my picky boss had squeeze my last sweat to write the SOP for the organization before I move to another section. I promise to update the information often about events and tips for travel in Thailand (try to do so!!)

See you around :)

Finding Peter Pan: Koh Kood Trip Day 1

The Paradise on Earth: Koh Kood Day 1

As promised, today I'd like to tell you guys about my trip to koh kood, Trat ...

There are 6 travellers for this trip that we call "Finding Peter Pan", don't think that much on the trip title just refer to the name of resort "Captain Hook Resort". Here's all the brave of finding Peter Pan trip

Tong (me); Luk Tor; Jibby; Yaowalak; Nut; and Note

Resort information: Captain Hook Resort – situated facing by the beach of Haad Klong Yai Ki, and Klong Ra Harn beach at the back. The crystal clear water in the front of resort is the perforct diving points to see marine lives. Beside the resort, there is a small canal that could lead you to natural waterfall of the island.

We devided into 2 cars for girls (Toyota Yaris) and boys (Mazda), took off from bangkok at 2 am (5 May, we all slept early for long journey to Trat) on Motorway (the meeting point). We drove through the route 344 then connect with route 3 direct to Glang District for about 2 hours. Then follow the signs to Chantaburi and Trat ... Well, while we were on the way to Laem-Soak Pier, the rain was raining but remember -- There's a light after cloud, so it's sunny all the first day on the island.

Note Tip: Most visitors to Koh Kood have to purchase a package tour offered by resort operators on Koh Kood at different prices that includes food, accommodation, and a boat fare. A boat for rent is also available apart from a ferry boat leaving Dan Kao Pier and Laem Ngob Pier.


Laem-Soak Port, early morning 6.00 AM

Captain Hook Resort

After take the speed boat for about an hour to Koh Kood, Captain Hook Resort we had breakfast and then take a rest in our house (and tent) before leaving to do a snorkeling. The water is very clear ... so beautiful but I dare to say that Samui is much more clear like a mirror (Next time I'll show you my Samui trip.)

Snorkeling, Highlight activity -- Feeding the Nemo and other fishes

This activity (Snorkeling) take 3 hours then we're back to the resort ... take a bath and relax, some sleeping; kayak; entertainment by sign a song; and playing card -- waiting for our first dinner which is seafood grilled and other menus as you can see in the pictures below.

Kayak - Entertainment

Dinner: mixed Seafood

Koh Kood Day 2 continued ...

The Paradise on Earth

Today, I'd like to mention about the beautiful island I have dream on ... Yeah! Koh Kood. Last year I always asked my friend to bring me to Koh Kood, but we can't because all resorts are full and we don't wanna stay over night on land just for waiting to get the speed boat (Pranburi was our destination instead). However, this year my friends and I am going to this Island for 3 days 2 nights ... and tonight I will drive to the port at 2 am start from bangkok (Someone leaving to the State tonight for educational reason, I wish you have a safety good journey!! -- Byeeee). Well, I have to take a nap before leaving, will tell you guy when I come back safety from the trip ... OK?!?

Here's the information about Koh Kood, ...

... the paradise island close to Koh Chang in Thailand, is located at the very end of the Thai eastern maritime territory bordering Cambodia. Koh Kood is the last Island in the Trat Sea Waters. Covering 105 square kilometers, it is the second biggest island of the province of Trat, after Koh Chang. Koh Kood the nature lover destination and save money.

What draws visitors, mostly locals, to come to this island is its completely pristine nature, both inland and underwater. Small mountains and ridged plains have given rise to many inland brooks, streams and waterfalls. Klong Chao Waterfall in particular is particularly spectacular. With three tiers, it brims with glittering water all year round, superb for soaking and swimming. It was once visited by King Mongkut (King Rama VI) and was given the royal name ‘Anamkok Waterfall’ in commemoration to Ong Chiang Lue, a Vietnamese king taking refuge in the Kingdom of Thailand during the reign of King Rama I in the late 18th century. Koh Kood Island , Trat, ThailandThe original inhabitants were Thais and Cambodians who fled to the Thai territory when the French took over the city of Padjantakiri in 1904. The oldest community is Klong Mad Village whose residents still make a living out of planting rubber trees, coconut trees and basic fisheries. But the biggest community here is Ao Yai Village, a harbor where many fishing boats seek refuge during rough weather.

If you have any suggestions or comments, please e-mail us at backpacker@siambackpack.com

The Journey begins ...

Phang Nga: Food and Drink vs. Shopping and Souvenirs

A meal and life on the Island

Dining out:

Phang Nga cuisine is heavily influenced by Phuket, with Chinese and Southern Thai food predominating. In the morning, don't forget to try Phang Nga's kanom jeen, accompanied by a wide variety of fresh vegetables. One of the most popular variation is kanom jeen tha nun (ขนมจีนท่านุ่น). Also on after around the town are salabao (Chinese buns), dim sum, tea and traditionally-made coffee. In the market there are many khao man kai (chicken and rice) and khao kha moo (pork leg with rice) stalls.

For lunch there are many kinds of noodles to try out, particaly in the market and around the Ma Jor Po shrine.

Another famous food in the town is pork satay -- there are at least three excellent satay restaurants for you to choose from. The key to the dish, locals will tell you, is roasting the pork until it's tender and ensuring that the peanut sauce is really tasty.

For a main meal or seafood, Boo Dum Restaurant (ร้านปูดำ) just north of Khok Kloy has a good choice of seafood and local dishes.Lert Rot Chinese restaurant in Takua Pa District is another good choice. One thing you will remember about Phang Nga is the delicious food.

A Nightlife:

Phang Nga is a quite province, so don't expect to come across too many bars, pubs or other nightspots. If you really want to go for a night out, your best bet is Ran Pu Kan (ร้านพู่กัน) in Takua Pa District but even then most of the nightspots are little karaoke bars.

Shopping and Souvenirs:

About 800 metres past the Sarasin Bridge from Phuket, you'll come to a strech of little shops by the roadside selling many local food products and seafood which make perfect gifts. There are also many stalls selling big juicy pineapples at shockingly low prices - as little as three for 10 baht in the right reason.

Just past Phang Nga Town are other little shops with similar products as well as cashew nuts.

..................
Now all about Phang Nga has been present and recommend by Anongnat Sartpisut (on www.SiamBackPack.com 's Blog)

How to get to make a good time there is going down here:

Phang Nga Province has no airport. However, there are some flight such as One-Two-Go flies daily from Bangkok to Phuket and Krabi airport. Find the Best Flight Every Time!


From Phuket airport to Phan Nga Town is 58 kilometres along highway 4; from Krabi airport the distance is about 86 kilometres. In Phang Nga Town, it is easy to find songthaew (converted pickup trucks) and motorbike taxi services.

Welcome to Phang Nga:

• Phang Nga Bay is the sheer limestone cliffs


• Phang Nga: The places with lot of activities to have fun


• Phang Nga: Food and Drink vs. Shopping and Souvenirs

Phang Nga: The places with lot of activities to have fun

More Things To Do...

Waterfalls, Trekking and Rafting

Song Phraek is in Pa Ton Priwat Wildlife Conservation Area. From Phang Nga Town drive about five(5) kilometers to the east along Highway 4, then turn left towards Kapong. Go another three(3) kilometers and turn right. This will you towards Song Phraek. After about 10 kilometres you’ll come to the Tambon Song Phraek rafting center.

This stretch of rapids shouldn’t be missed by any traveler wanting a challenge. Rides down the river vary in length from five to 15 kilometres.

Nearby is a 2.4-kilometre forest walk. Or, if that seems like too much work, tourists can take an elephant ride through the trees. If you’re lucky, you may get to see a Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.

You can finish off with a picnic or by setting up camp next to the 40-metre-high Ton Priwat waterfall. The pool at the bottom is perfect for a cooling swim.

Not far away is Sa Manora National Park which consists of a number of streams at different levels surrounded by plants and trees such as bamboo and fern. The park is perfect for exploring the area’s plants, birds and animals – such as the Asian fairy bluebird, the orange-chested flowerpecker and the pig-tailed macaque – as well as limestone caves such as Khang Khao Cave.

Island

For a full-day boat trip, head for Tab Lamu on the west coast and take a boat to the Marine National Parks of the Surin and Similan Islands off Kuraburi District. The Similan Islands have some beautiful deep-water dive sites ranked in the top in the world. Just simply snorkeling is also delightful. The Surin Islands have the biggest and most pristine shallow-water reefs in the country, and both island groups have beautiful clear water.

Phang Nga Bay National Park is another place where you can see the beauty of nature. There are 42 islets, some well known ones are Koh Hong and Koh Tapu, better known to tourists as James Bond Island as it was used in the filming of Tha Man with the Golden Gun. The sea here has coral clown fish and giant clams. Even whale sharks can sometimes be seen.

More to be continued…

Phang Nga Bay is the sheer limestone cliffs

Phang Nga: Caves, Waterfalls, Trekking, and Rafting
Rich in Things to Do and See
Major By: Anongnat Sartpisut

It may not be the biggest city in Thailand, but Phang Nga Town, a former tin-mining centre offers a rich variety of things to do and see. I'd love to give a quick rundown on the attractions of the town and its surroundings.
Phang Nga has the longest stretch of beaches in Thailand, running from Kuraburi District south to the southernmost tip of the province - about 40 kilometres.

If you are coming from Phuket, as many people do, you can stop at Haad Khao Pi Lai, a long, pristine beach in Khok Kloi District. This is also a good fishing spot, though you have to be careful as the sea is deep and shelves steeply, so it is not so good for inexperienced swimmers. Other well-known stretches of sand in the area are Bang Sak, Nang Tong and Bang Niang beaches, all in the Khao Lak area.

Cave:
There are many limestone caves scattered around Phang Nga Town and the various islands in the province. One of these is Samnaksong Tham Tapan, which is decorated with depictions from Buddhism. Here you can walk through the Dragon Cave, which is about 100 metres long and represents "Hell", with depictions of punishments inflicted on people who have lived an immoral life. The "Heaven" section is an 800-metre-long natural cave with running water, stalactites and stalagmites. Outside are stairs leading up to the "Hall of Heaven". At the top are stunning views of the province.

Phuang Chang (Elephant Belly) Cave is part of Khao Hua Chang (Elephant Head Hill), which is a symbol of Phang Nga. A stream flows through it and you can take a boat ride past stalactites and stalagmites that glitter when light hits them.
Other caves around Phang Nga Town are Suwan Khu Ha Cave and Reusi Cave. By the coast and on the province's islands you can find Lod Yai Cave and Nak Cave.

Waterfalls, Trekking, and Rafting
(...to be Continued)

Koh Samet, the alternative for backpacker trail

The Quite Comfortables of Koh Samet

Just a few hours drive from central Bangkok lies the pictureque island of Koh Samet. Known for its blinding white beaches and turquoise waters, the island has undergone a great deal of development since it welcomed its first questhouses in just the last decade. The islans is officially a national park, but beause of its abundant natural beauty and proximity to Bangkok, it quickly became a prime destination for Bangkok residents seeking a convenient, idyllic weekend retreat. And even now, with its bungalow lined beaches and constant flow of motorbikes and pick-up trucks inching their way along the few dirt roads that interconnect the island, it has someow retained much of its charm. While many lament the effect that overdevelopment has had on islands like Phuket, Koh Samui, and more recently Koh Chang, Koh Samet, by virtue of being the smallest of these by quite a margin, has probably alredy hit its limit in terms of construction. What remains, despite the generally poor conditoin of its roads, is an island devided into beautiful little pockets, each with its own distinguishing characteristics.

The main pier to Koh Samet is on the northern end of the island and is closese to Hat Sai Kao, or White Sand Beach. True to its name, the san on this beach is dazzling, fine powdery white, and is reason this is also the most crowed beach on the island. Shops, bars and restaurants are crammed next to each other running southward down the beach as far as the eye can see. Accommodation on the northeast end of the island is primarily in the questhouse range in terms of comfort and amenities, but the sheer number of people staying here make it less attractive option for those seeking a vaction from the vacationers. This may be a great place to enjoy a few loud drinks in a few loud bars, but for a romantic gateway it is advisible to look elsewhere.

One attractive alternative is the scenic west coast beach of Ao Orao. Aside from the obvious benefit of suset views from your cottage or villa.

It is certainly true that Koh Samet is no longer the undiscovered paradise it may have been in years past, but it would be unfair to say that recent developments have ruined it. The island still boasts a lot of character, and most of the new properties are serving a more upscale clientele, providing alternatives for those no longer on the backpacker trail. And unlike Samui or Phuket, Koh Samet is a very small island - you could literally walk its entire circumference, taking breaks to dip in the ocean or enjoy a cool drink in well under a day. Like any small mainland city, the island has many options for socializing and dining.