Sunday, September 27, 2009

Map of Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan


Koh Nang Yuan (เกาะนางยวน), Suratthani, Thailand

Koh Nang Yuan is not one, but 3 beautiful islands connected together by a sand bar of about 50 m. They are called North, Middle and South Island respectively. Nang Yuan is actually a separate island located to the northeast of Koh Tao, the privately developed Koh Nang Yuan offers some of the best dive and snorkeling sites in the Gulf of Thailand.

The water off Koh Nang Yuan is crystal clear, so clear that you can see schools of fish directly under the pier. There is only one resort on Koh Nang Yuan, and it's the Koh Nang Yuan Resort. The resort operator envisioned a tropical paradise when they created this resort, and they were serious to ensure the islands remain pristine. The architects designed the resort to have minimal impact on the environment. They leave the beaches untouched, building on the boulders.

A place where we can lie back and take the world in at our own place. It is a favorite choice for honeymooners and travelers who really want to get away from it all.
It is place of tranquility and serenity and is a perfect place to unwind from the rigors of travel, or for the more adventurous a chance to dive into an exciting new experience.

:: Getting There ::

If you are traveling from Koh Samui, we recommend you to go by a catamaran or a ferry, via Koh Tao. There are ferry piers located in Bo Phut, Maenam and Bang Rak.
If you are coming from the main land by train, bus or plane, it is easiest to go to Chumpon to Koh Tao. The Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran has several departures every day.

:: What to do..? ::

Sometimes it can be rather windy and rainy in October, November and December to the tropical monsoon season so the visibility is not always as good for diving then. The best time to travel here is normally from late January until September, if sunshine and good visibility in the water is important factors for you.

Koh Tao (เกาะเต่า), Suratthani, Thailand

Koh is "island" in Thai language. Tao means "turtle"

Koh Tao is a very beautiful island. The first travelers came here in the early 80's, and soon the diving enthusiasts found the island as well. The rates for diving are still comparatively low on Koh Tao, but the shopping facilities are not as extensive as in Samui and the prices are normally a little higher. The best shopping destination in Thailand is definitely Bangkok.

If you are going to dive on the island, you will find many certified PADI schools in the diving section. It might be economically wise to compare prices before you join a course and we also recommend you to compare the services and skills of the schools and the instructors. Make sure that your instructor is certified by a diver training organization such as PADI, BSAC, NAUI, PDIC, SSI, SDI etc.

:: Getting There ::

From Bangkok
Koh Tao is situated about 700 kilometers south of the capital city. There are several options to get to Koh Tao from Bangkok. The cheapest one is by bus or train to Chumpon and then ferry to Koh Tao. The most convenient and fastest way is a flight to Koh Samui, and then a ferry from there to Koh Tao. (See the Samui section for further information).

From Koh Samui
There are several transportation alternatives from the piers on northern Samui. You might take an express boat or a catamaran from there. Tickets can be bought at the pier or in any travel agency on the island. You'll arrive in Mae Haad, which nowadays has grown into a small town.

:: When to go..? ::

Sometimes it can be rather windy and rainy in October, November and December so the visibility is not always as good for diving then. The best time to travel here is normally from late January until September, if sunshine and good visibility in the water is important factors for you.

:: What to do..? ::

Diving, snorkeling and swimming! Or maybe just relax with a good book in a hammock. You can also rent a canoe or a kayak for a day trip around the island or go for a day or two to the beautiful island of Koh Nang Yuan.

If you are not interested in diving, snorkeling or other water sports, our suggestion would probably be to go to either Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan instead.

Nang Yuan Island (Koh Nang Yuan or เกาะนางยวน), Thailand












































Tao Island (Koh Tao or เกาะเต่า), Thailand




























Jesus statue in the clouds, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil


Lone tree, Tuscany, Italy


Friday, September 25, 2009

Nice Pictures of ZION National Park, Utah, USA (Part 2)


Autumn colors in Zion National Park


Autumn colors in Zion National Park


Autumn colors in Zion National Park


Emerald Pools


Emerald Pools


The Virgin River flows past the Temple of Sinawava


The Virgin River flows through Zion Narrows


The Virgin River flows through Zion Narrows


The Virgin River flows through Zion Narrows


Virgin River, Zion National Park


Water cascades down the Left Fork of North Creek on the trail to the Subway


Water cascades down the steep walls of Zion Narrows into the Virgin River


Water flows through a narrow channel of the Left Fork of North Creek on the trail to the Subway