Khao Sok National Park
Thailand for connoisseurs and those inquisitive
The Khao Sok National Park in southern Thailand shines with its adventurous diversity. As a paradisiacal area full of exotic flora and fauna, it is just as suitable for adventurous trips as it is for study trips. This is supported not least by the mysticism of the limestone mountains, which provide a suitable background for encounters with wild elephants and at the same time are the starting point and also an attraction for numerous trekking tours. It often rains here, unless you go there when winter has arrived in Europe. Time won’t be long between waterfalls and caves, which will be remembered for their bizarre character.
Jungle feeling with shopping opportunities
The rainforest is characterized by its continuous growth, here also the probably largest flower in the world thrives with a flower size of almost 80 cm. The jungle inhabitants are best approached at night, but only during the day do the butterflies and dragonflies really come into their own in their variety of colors. The predators tend to stay in the background, while the macaques are quite sociable. To get here, a boat tour is recommended if you do not want to choose the road connection. In the immediate vicinity of the jungle, which is heralded by the screaming of monkeys and the chirping of birds, there are numerous opportunities to stay overnight and go shopping.
Go kayaking or ride the elephant
Those who sleep in the tree house can also dive in a cave, and those who find that too exciting are content with a trip in a kayak down rapids. In the face of the rushing Bang Hua Raet waterfall, this is indeed a refreshing pleasure, the leisurely ride on an elephant is less strenuous, although you have to get used to the steady rocking motion for the time being. From this perspective one has a much better overview and is also protected from attacks by bats that have found their home in the stalactite caves.
Damnoen Saduak floating markets
The floating markets of Damnoen Saduak are more than an insider tip for Thailand vacationers from all over the world and an extremely popular destination. It is, after all, one of the few remaining traditional Thai floating markets. Even today, in the morning hours on the many small and large branched canals of the Chao Phraya River, about 80 kilometers southwest of Bangkok, there is an extremely lively market in the middle of the water.
Fresh groceries and traditional souvenirs
Among other things, Thai women sell fresh fruit, vegetables, fish or meat on elongated wooden boats right on the water. And when looking for a suitable souvenir or traditional Thai household items, market visitors will definitely find what they are looking for. The numerous visitors from home and abroad can rent boats including a driver here and shop to their heart’s content and also take a look at traditional Thai life on the river. The best time for an extensive tour of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets is the early hours of the morning between 6 and 8 a.m. Traditional Thai cuisine and plenty of culinary specialties can be enjoyed at the floating boat cookshops.
Day trips from Bangkok
Many tour operators offer regular day trips to Damnoen Saduak from the capital, Bangkok. You should plan a full day to visit the Damnoen Saduak Floating Markets.
Ko Phi Phi
Ko Phi Phi is a diving and snorkeling paradise in the Andaman Sea off Thailand’s coast. The archipelago has only recently become such a well-known and popular tourist attraction. Between November and February, the high season, the paradise with the white beaches and green overgrown mountain slopes, which are part of the National Park Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi, attracts countless holidaymakers who want to soak up the peace and sun to Thailand. Here, where there are no cars or roads, nature is as good as untouched. Everything is done on foot or by boat.
Geography and Accommodation
The Phi Phi Islands belong to the Thai province of Krabi. They are made up of two main islands, Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Ley. Ko Phi Phi Don is just 8 kilometers long and 3.5 kilometers wide. This is where Tonsai Village and most of the hotels for visitors and tourist crowds are located. To the north are the small islands of Ko Mai Phai and Ko Yung. Ko Phi Phi Don offers numerous, different accommodations, which can be both central and remote. Central locations are only recommended for people with a strong sense of nightlife. If you want it a little quieter, you should look for a place to stay in one of the numerous resorts.
Activities and sights
Ko Phi Phi offers numerous opportunities for activities and sights. Those who like to hike can explore the magical, jungle-green rocky landscape in this way. But no matter whether diving, climbing, sunbathing or canoeing – there is something for every preference and taste on Ko Phi Phi. The reefs in front of the rocky islands reach deep and invite you to exciting, extended diving excursions in the midst of dazzling, colorful fish and corals. Numerous dream beaches enchant with white sand and turquoise water. Macaques and white-handed gibbons can be seen on the monkey beach. In addition, markets in Tonsai Village invite you to stroll and linger.
