Category: Destinations

Koh Tao

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A paradise hiding in the heart of the Gulf of Thailand, Koh Tao – or ‘Turtle Island’

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has etched its name in the hearts of those who have been lucky enough to witness its beauty. The island stands as a testament to the sheer splendor of Mother Nature, offering a unique blend of fascinating history, stunning beaches, thrilling adventures, and much more.

A Glimpse into Koh Tao’s Past

The charm of Koh Tao extends far beyond its clear turquoise waters and scenic landscapes, its rich history adding an extra layer to its allure. Its name, translating to ‘Turtle Island’, was inspired by the island’s turtle-like geographical shape. Over time, the moniker took on a more literal meaning as sea turtles found refuge in its inviting shores.

Koh Tao has seen a dramatic transformation from its somber past as a political prison in the 1940s to its current status as a vibrant travel destination. It wasn’t until the 1980s that adventurous backpackers stumbled upon this tropical paradise, igniting a tourist boom that led to its evolution as one of the world’s top diving spots.

Embarking on the Journey with Songserm Ferries

The journey to Koh Tao is an adventure that sets the stage for the experiences that await you. Your voyage begins with Songserm Ferries, Thailand’s experienced ferry operator, offering a safe, comfortable, and scenic ride from several departure points.

From the mainland, you can board our ferries in Surat Thani or Chumphon, or even hop aboard from neighboring islands Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. As you sail across the tranquil waters, soak in the breathtaking views before finally setting foot on the mesmerizing island of Koh Tao.

Immersing in Koh Tao’s Activities

Koh Tao offers a variety of activities to match the interests of every traveler. Here’s a deeper dive into some of the most popular ones:

  1. Scuba Diving: Koh Tao is a diver’s paradise, boasting over 25 dive sites, each offering a unique underwater spectacle. Whether you’re a beginner or a certified diver, schools like Big Blue Diving or Roctopus Dive are ready to guide you through your underwater journey.
  2. Snorkeling: If diving is a step too far for you, snorkeling offers a great alternative. With snorkeling tours, you get to explore the island’s stunning coral reefs and swim among vibrant marine life.
  3. Hiking: For those who prefer land-based adventures, Koh Tao’s hiking trails are a treat. The trail to Mango Viewpoint, for instance, will reward you with breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
  4. Rock Climbing: Offering both natural and artificial climbing routes, the island is a haven for climbers of all levels. Companies like Goodtime Adventures offer guided climbs and instruction for beginners.

Exploring Koh Tao’s Beaches

Each beach in Koh Tao possesses its own unique charm. Let’s delve deeper into what some of the top ones offer:

  • Sairee Beach: As the longest and most popular beach, Sairee buzzes with energy and life. Its white sand stretches for nearly 1.85 km, housing a variety of restaurants, bars, and resorts. During the day, its azure waters invite you for a swim or snorkeling. When the sun goes down, the beach transforms into a hub of nightlife, with fire dancers lighting up the evening.
  • Freedom Beach: Nestled at the southern end of the island, Freedom Beach is a tranquil escape from the busier parts of Koh Tao. Its crystalline waters are perfect for snorkeling, while its rocky terrain makes it a great spot for a bit of solitude while you read or sunbathe. The beach can be accessed by a longtail boat or a challenging hike.
  • Shark Bay (Thian Og Bay): Known for its resident blacktip reef sharks, Shark Bay offers an exhilarating snorkeling experience. The bay is located in a protected cove, providing calm waters for you to swim with these harmless sharks. The sandy beach is also perfect for sunbathing.
  • Ao Tanote: Known for its picturesque coral reefs, Ao Tanote is a snorkeler’s paradise. In addition to the abundant marine life, the bay is framed by lush hills, providing a serene atmosphere for relaxation or a picnic.

Insider Tips

Koh Tao promises the best experiences between February and April when the waters are calmest, and visibility for diving is at its peak. Remember to respect the island’s environment and wildlife, particularly when interacting with marine life.

Koh Tao is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered, and Songserm is here to be your trusted partner in your journey. We are committed to making your island adventures as unforgettable as the destinations we help you explore.

Andaman Sea

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Geography and Significance of the Andaman Sea

The Andaman Sea is a core body of water southeast of the Bay of Bengal, south of Myanmar, west of Thailand, and east of the Andaman Islands that is part of the Indian Ocean. Fishing and cargo transportation has long been practiced on the seas, and its coral reefs and islands are popular tourist destinations. In the south, the Andaman Sea becomes thin and constricted, narrowing to form the Straits of Malacca, which separate Sumatra from the Malaysian Peninsula. It is bordered north by the Andaman Islands, west by the Indian Ocean, and east by the Bay of Bengal. The Andaman Sea is the main home to many islands, including Phuket, Phi Phi, and Krabi.

Ko Hong (เกาะห้อง) is a small island in Andaman Sea in Southern Thailand. It is one of the destinations in Krabi Province.
Koh Hong

Andaman Sea Islands:

  • Phuket
  • Phi Phi
  • Krabi

Phuket:

Phuket is known for its vibrant night market, delectable fish dishes, white marble Big Buddha, and scuba diving.

Phi Phi:

The island of Koh Phi Phi, located off Thailand’s Andaman Coast, is best recognized as the backdrop for Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach. Most people visiting the Phi Phi islands want to find a pristine island utopia.

The Phi Phi Islands are an island group in Thailand between the large island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. The islands are administratively part of Krabi Province.
Koh Phi Phi

Krabi:

Krabi is a favorite destination for tourists worldwide, not just for its beautiful scenery and magnificent Beaches and Islands. The city’s coral reef vistas are also among the world’s most stunning, making it an ideal destination for coral diving.

The Andaman Sea is a famous destination for tourists, as it offers beautiful beaches, clear water, and a variety of activities. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, fishing, and exploring the many islands.

India’s top three sea turtle nesting beaches for three species—Hawksbill, Green turtle, and the world’s most enormous sea turtle, the Leatherback (Coriacea) — are in Andamans and Nicobars.

Amazing Things to Do in Andaman Sea:

The Andaman Islands’ tourism industry holds an annual event in December and January. However, the islands may be visited anytime between October and May. The clean and tranquil water makes it ideal for snorkeling, swimming, and other aquatic activities in Andaman. The temperatures are also not as harsh as expected, ranging from 23°C to 30°C throughout the year.

  • Seakart (Self-Drive) – Get into the action with Seakart

Seakart is Andaman’s most popular and recent adventure activity, allowing you to drive it at sea along Port Blair’s coastline. It’s a one-of-a-kind hybrid watercraft that combines speed, excitement, and safety with convenience and comfort.

  • Snorkeling – a Water Sport to Enjoy

This is your chance to do it before, for those who have never snorkeled. Snorkeling rightly occupies a prominent place on our list of the most acceptable activities to do in April in Andaman. Explore the beautiful marine creatures and rarest corals as you snorkel at North Bay Island or Elephant Beach on Havelock Island.

  • Scuba Diving – Adventure Enthusiasts Will Appreciate It

Scuba does not require you to be a good swimmer! Many people avoid it, thinking that knowing how to swim is essential, but this is far from the truth. You will only need swimming abilities if you want to attempt higher levels of scuba diving and explore the open seas. However, this program does not include PADI Scuba Diving and Sea Walking. There are numerous opportunities to scuba dive in the Andaman Islands.

Koh Samui

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Exploring Koh Samui: History, Population, Weather, and Activities

The island of Koh Samui is in the Gulf of Thailand and is inhabited by a Thai majority. It is about 35 kilometers northeast of Koh Pha-ngan and Koh Tao. The island has an area of 228.7 square kilometers and a population of 63,342 (as of 2006).

History, Population:

The island was probably first inhabited by fishers from the Malay Peninsula around 6,000 years ago. Koh Samui first appears in history as part of the territory of the Kingdom of Ligor, a historical kingdom in southern Thailand.

The name “Samui” is thought to be derived from the Malay word for haven or shelter (Sarana), although some believe it may come from the Thai word for “oily” or “greasy” (som).

Weather:

Koh Samui has a tropical savanna climate. The temperature is constant throughout the year, averaging 27-28 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from May to October, and the dry season is from November to April.

How To Get There:

The island may be reached by plane or boat. By air, Koh Samui has an airport with direct flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong. By boat, Koh Samui is a 2-3 hour ferry ride from Koh Pha-ngan or Koh Tao.

Activities:

Popular activities include swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, diving, fishing, and kayaking. Koh Samui is also best home to many luxury resorts and spas.

Must See Places:

Wat Phra Yai
Wat Phra Yai

Some must-see places on Koh Samui include Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai), Na Muang Waterfalls, Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai), and Koh Samui Butterfly Garden.

  • Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is a Buddhist temple located on the northeastern coast of Koh Samui. The 12-meter tall statue of Buddha is the main attraction.
  • Na Muang Waterfalls are two waterfalls located in the southern part of Koh Samui. The taller of the two falls is about 80 meters high.
  • Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) are two rock formations located on the southern coast of Koh Samui. The rocks resemble a man and woman in a compromising position.
  • Koh Samui Butterfly Garden is a garden located in the central part of the island. It is home to over 1,500 butterflies from 50 different species.

Best luxury resorts in Koh Samui 2022

  • The Ritz Carlton- Koh Samui

The Ritz-Carlton, Samui is a seaside resort with one-of-a-kind activities to share. The resort is located on a quiet bay amid a secluded island. You will have the opportunity to restore your mind, body, and spirit at this facility through health programs, cultural excursions, and culinary experiences.

  • Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, Thailand

Spend the day at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, where you may explore lovely white beaches surrounded by tranquil blue seas and tropical foliage.

  • Vana Belle Samui

Vana Belle Resort is located on the beautiful island of Koh Samui, surrounded by lush tropical forests, meandering streams, enchanting gardens, and glistening blue ocean waters. This resort is near several of Koh Samui’s top attractions, including Sanctuary, Wat Phra Yai, and Chaweng Beach.

Conclusion:

Koh Samui is a beautiful island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is home to many luxury resorts and spas and offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Some must-see places on Koh Samui include Big Buddha Temple, Na Muang Waterfalls, Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, and Koh Samui Butterfly Garden. Koh Samui is the perfect place to enjoy the tropical lifestyle.

Koh Phangan

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Discovering Koh Phangan: Full Moon Party, Natural Beauty, and Must-See Places

Koh Phangan is a tiny island in the Gulf of Thailand. It is known for its Full Moon Party, which is held on the night of every full moon. The party attracts thousands of people from all over the world who come to Koh Phangan to enjoy the music, dancing, and fireworks.

But it has all you could desire on a tropical island:

  • Towering palms
  • White-sand beaches
  • Coral reefs with exotic fish
  • Lush jungle areas dotted with waterfalls all framed by the gorgeous turquoise sea

The island has about 15,000 people, most of whom live in Thong Sala’s capital. The weather is tropical, and Koh Phangan experiences two seasons: the wet season (May-October) and the dry season (November-April). Koh Phangan can be reached by boat from the mainland of Koh Samui.

How To Get There:

There are different ways to get to Koh Phangan, including flying into the nearby airport on Koh Samui or taking a ferry from Koh Samui, Koh Tao, or Surat Thani

What to see:

There are also several must-see places on the island, such as the Wat Koh Tao temple, the Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach, and the Haad Rin Nok Beach.

  • The Wat Koh Tao temple is a Buddhist temple on the eastern coast of Koh Phangan. It is one of the most elegant tourist attractions on the island.
  • Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located on the west coast of Koh Phangan. It is the best spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
  • Haad Rin Nok Beach is the beach where the Full Moon Party is held. It’s on the south coast of Koh Phangan.

The majority of people, when they think of Koh Phangan, think about wild parties, neon paint, and buckets full of alcohol.

The Most Interesting Activities in Koh Phangan

With this collection of the most delicate things to do on Koh Phangan, I aim to provide insight into the island’s other exciting activities and natural wonders.

On this island, regardless of whether you don’t drink or prefer not to party, you may have an unforgettable time.

  1. Hike to Bottle Beach

Bottle Beach, a real treasure of Thailand’s Gulf with a stellar reputation as one of the finest beaches and a must-see attraction, is a true gem.

  1. At Slip N’ Fly, you may soar through the air like a bird.

Visit the Slip N’ Fly water park for a little adrenaline rush.

The Jawfish Pool is a water park located in the Indian River Lagoon. It has several pools, water slides, pool games, and a bar and restaurant.

Its most distinctive features are the two 40-meter-long water slides that scoop up at the end of the park. So, you accelerate down the slide, then come back to earth with an upward curve before flying into space.

  1. Get A Thai Massage

You may like to give your body a Thai massage after launching yourself into the air at the Slip N’ Fly.

Allow the experienced local masseuses to knead, twist, and smooth out your muscles, and you’ll feel revitalized afterward.

  1. Visit the Ang Thong National Marine Park for a day.

This beautiful island archipelago in the Gulf of Thailand is a spectacular natural wonderland.

  1. Visit Koh Ma

Koh Ma should be on your list of Koh Phangan sightseeing activities. The tiny island of Hat Chaweng, a peninsula of the larger Koh Phangan, is joined to the main island by a sand bar exposed at low tide.