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Dao Titov is a small island in Halong Bay named after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov. President Ho Chi Minh and Gherman Titov visited the island in 1962, with Ho renaming the island in honour of the cosmonaut.<br/><br/> In Vietnamese <i>ha long</i> means ‘descending dragon’, and legend has it that Halong Bay was formed by a gigantic dragon which plunged into the Gulf of Tonkin, creating thousands of limestone outcrops by the lashing of its tail. Geologists tend to dismiss this theory, arguing that the myriad islands that dot Halong Bay and extend all the way north to the Chinese frontier are the product of selective erosion of the seabed over millennia.
Toyohara Chikanobu, better known to his contemporaries as Yōshū Chikanobu, was a prolific woodblock artist of Japan's Meiji period. His works capture the transition from the age of the samurai to Meiji modernity.<br/><br/> In 1875 (Meiji 8), he decided to try to make a living as an artist. He travelled to Tokyo. He found work as an artist for the Kaishin Shimbun. In addition, he produced <i>nishiki-e</i> artworks. In his younger days, he had studied the Kanō school of painting; but his interest was drawn to <i>ukiyo-e</i>.<br/><br/> Like many <i>ukiyo-e</i> artists, Chikanobu turned his attention towards a great variety of subjects. His work ranged from Japanese mythology to depictions of the battlefields of his lifetime to women's fashions. As well as a number of the other artists of this period, he too portrayed kabuki actors in character, and is well-known for his impressions of the <i>mie</i> (formal pose) of kabuki productions.<br/><br/> Chikanobu was known as a master of <i>bijinga</i>, images of beautiful women, and for illustrating changes in women's fashion, including both traditional and Western clothing. His work illustrated the changes in coiffures and make-up across time. For example, in Chikanobu's images in Mirror of Ages (1897), the hair styles of the Tenmei era, 1781-1789 are distinguished from those of the Keio era, 1865-1867.
Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the Austronesian-speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel. They were used to transport these peoples both eastward to Polynesia and New Zealand and westward across the Indian Ocean as far as Madagascar during the Austronesian migration period.
Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the Austronesian-speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel. They were used to transport these peoples both eastward to Polynesia and New Zealand and westward across the Indian Ocean as far as Madagascar during the Austronesian migration period.
Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the Austronesian-speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel. They were used to transport these peoples both eastward to Polynesia and New Zealand and westward across the Indian Ocean as far as Madagascar during the Austronesian migration period.
Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the Austronesian-speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel. They were used to transport these peoples both eastward to Polynesia and New Zealand and westward across the Indian Ocean as far as Madagascar during the Austronesian migration period.
Outrigger canoes were originally developed by the Austronesian-speaking peoples of the islands of Southeast Asia for sea travel. They were used to transport these peoples both eastward to Polynesia and New Zealand and westward across the Indian Ocean as far as Madagascar during the Austronesian migration period.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the ten nations that take part in test cricket and one of the five nations that has won a cricket world cup. Cricket is played at professional, semi-professional and recreational levels in the country and international cricket matches are watched with interest by a large proportion of the population.<br/><br/> Cricket was first brought to the island by the British and is believed to have first been played there around 1800.
The Battle of Tarawa was a battle in the Pacific Theatre of World War II that was fought from November 20 to November 23, 1943. It took place at the Tarawa Atoll in the Gilbert Islands. Nearly 6,400 Japanese, Koreans, and Americans died in the fighting, mostly on and around the small island of Betio, in the extreme southwest of Tarawa Atoll.<br/><br/> The Battle of Tarawa was the first American offensive in the critical central Pacific region. It was also the first time in the war that the United States faced serious Japanese opposition to an amphibious landing. Previous landings met little or no initial resistance, but this time the 4,500 Japanese defenders were well-supplied and well-prepared, and they fought almost to the last man, exacting a heavy toll on the United States Marine Corps.<br/><br/> The Gilbert Islands are part of Micronesia. They became a colony of the British Empire in January 1916. They were invaded and occupied by the Empire of Japan in December 1941. The battle was fought almost two years later. In July 1979 the islands became independent from the United Kingdom and now comprise part of the nation of Kiribati.
The Battle of Peleliu was fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Theater of World War II, from September to November 1944 on the island of Peleliu (in present-day Palau). U.S. Marines of the First Marine Division, and later soldiers of the U.S. Army's 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture an airstrip on the small coral island.<br/><br/> This battle was part of a larger offensive campaign known as Operation Forager, which ran from June to November 1944 in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
The Battle of Peleliu was fought between the United States and the Empire of Japan in the Pacific Theater of World War II, from September to November 1944 on the island of Peleliu (in present-day Palau). U.S. Marines of the First Marine Division, and later soldiers of the U.S. Army's 81st Infantry Division, fought to capture an airstrip on the small coral island.<br/><br/> This battle was part of a larger offensive campaign known as Operation Forager, which ran from June to November 1944 in the Pacific Theater of Operations.
The Hurricane of 1900 made landfall on September 8, 1900, in the city of Galveston, Texas, in the United States. It had estimated winds of 145 miles per hour (233 km/h) at landfall, making it a Category 4 storm on the Saffir–Simpson Hurricane Scale. It was the deadliest hurricane in US history.<br/><br/> The hurricane caused great loss of life with the estimated death toll between 6,000 and 12,000 individuals; the number most cited in official reports is 8,000, giving the storm the third-highest number of deaths or injuries of any Atlantic hurricane, after the Great Hurricane of 1780 and 1998's Hurricane Mitch. The Galveston Hurricane of 1900 is the deadliest natural disaster ever to strike the United States.<br/><br/> The hurricane occurred before the practice of assigning official code names to tropical storms was instituted, and thus it is commonly referred to under a variety of descriptive names. Typical names for the storm include the Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the Great Galveston Hurricane, and, especially in older documents, the Galveston Flood. It is often referred to by Galveston locals as The Great Storm or The 1900 Storm.
Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, lies at the southernmost point of mainland India. It is the southern tip of the Cardamom Hills, an extension of the Western Ghats which range along the west coast of India.<br/><br/> Kanyakumari takes its name from the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, considered to be a sister of Krishna. Women pray to her for marriage. The goddess is believed to be the one who removes the rigidity of our mind. The temple here is a Shakti Peetha, one of the holiest shrines of the Mother goddess.
Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, lies at the southernmost point of mainland India. It is the southern tip of the Cardamom Hills, an extension of the Western Ghats which range along the west coast of India.<br/><br/> Kanyakumari takes its name from the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, considered to be a sister of Krishna. Women pray to her for marriage. The goddess is believed to be the one who removes the rigidity of our mind. The temple here is a Shakti Peetha, one of the holiest shrines of the Mother goddess.
Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, lies at the southernmost point of mainland India. It is the southern tip of the Cardamom Hills, an extension of the Western Ghats which range along the west coast of India.<br/><br/> Kanyakumari takes its name from the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, considered to be a sister of Krishna. Women pray to her for marriage. The goddess is believed to be the one who removes the rigidity of our mind. The temple here is a Shakti Peetha, one of the holiest shrines of the Mother goddess.
Thiruvalluvar was a Tamil poet and philosopher born in Kanyakumari sometime between the 1st century BCE and the 8th century CE. His contribution to Tamil literature is the Thirukkural, a work on ethics.<br/><br/> Kanyakumari, formerly known as Cape Comorin, lies at the southernmost point of mainland India. It is the southern tip of the Cardamom Hills, an extension of the Western Ghats which range along the west coast of India.<br/><br/> Kanyakumari takes its name from the goddess Devi Kanya Kumari, considered to be a sister of Krishna. Women pray to her for marriage. The goddess is believed to be the one who removes the rigidity of our mind. The temple here is a Shakti Peetha, one of the holiest shrines of the Mother goddess.
The Shore Temple was constructed in the early 8th century CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman II (also known as Rajasimha) of the Pallava Dynasty. It is so named because it overlooks the shore of the Bay of Bengal. It is a structural temple, built with blocks of granite.<br/><br/> Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram (Tamil: மாமல்லபுரம்) is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport from as early as the 1st century CE.<br/><br/> By the 7th Century it was the main port city of the South Indian Pallava dynasty. The historic monuments seen today were built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries CE.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Indonesia was the hardest-hit country, followed by Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.<br/><br/> Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram (Tamil: மாமல்லபுரம்) is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport from as early as the 1st century CE.<br/><br/> By the 7th Century it was the main port city of the South Indian Pallava dynasty. The historic monuments seen today were built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries CE.
The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was one of the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. Indonesia was the hardest-hit country, followed by Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand.<br/><br/> Mahabalipuram, also known as Mamallapuram (Tamil: மாமல்லபுரம்) is an ancient historic town and was a bustling seaport from as early as the 1st century CE.<br/><br/> By the 7th Century it was the main port city of the South Indian Pallava dynasty. The historic monuments seen today were built largely between the 7th and the 9th centuries CE.
The small but historic town of Hoi An is located on the Thu Bon River 30km (18 miles) south of Danang. During the time of the Nguyen Lords (1558 - 1777) and even under the first Nguyen Emperors, Hoi An - then known as Faifo - was an important port, visited regularly by shipping from Europe and all over the East.<br/><br/> By the late 19th Century the silting up of the Thu Bon River and the development of nearby Danang had combined to make Hoi An into a backwater. This obscurity saved the town from serious fighting during the wars with France and the USA, so that at the time of reunification in 1975 it was a forgotten and impoverished fishing port lost in a time warp.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Phuket, formerly known as Thalang and, in Western sources, Junk Ceylon (a corruption of the Malay Tanjung Salang or 'Cape Salang'), is one of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are Phang Nga and Krabi, but as Phuket is an island it has no land boundaries.<br/><br/> Phuket, which is approximately the size of Singapore, is Thailand’s largest island. The island is connected to mainland Thailand by two bridges. It is situated off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber, and enjoyed a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China, and was frequently mentioned in foreign ship logs of Portuguese, French, Dutch and English traders. The region now derives much of its income from tourism.
Paul Gauguin was born in Paris in 1848 and spent some of his childhood in Peru. He worked as a stockbroker with little success, and suffered from bouts of severe depression. He also painted. In 1891, Gauguin, frustrated by lack of recognition at home and financially destitute, sailed to the tropics to escape European civilization and 'everything that is artificial and conventional'. His time there, particularly in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands, was the subject of much interest both then and in modern times due to his alleged sexual exploits. He was known to have had trysts with several native girls, some of whom appear as subjects of his paintings. Gauguin died on 8 May 1903 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery (Cimetière Calvaire), Atuona, Hiva ‘Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia.
Paul Gauguin was born in Paris in 1848 and spent some of his childhood in Peru. He worked as a stockbroker with little success, and suffered from bouts of severe depression. He also painted. In 1891, Gauguin, frustrated by lack of recognition at home and financially destitute, sailed to the tropics to escape European civilization and 'everything that is artificial and conventional'. His time there, particularly in Tahiti and the Marquesas Islands, was the subject of much interest both then and in modern times due to his alleged sexual exploits. He was known to have had trysts with several native girls, some of whom appear as subjects of his paintings. Gauguin died on 8 May 1903 and is buried in Calvary Cemetery (Cimetière Calvaire), Atuona, Hiva ‘Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia.
A 1958 pinup of Diana Chang Chung-wen, popular movie star and sex symbol in Hong Kong cinema during the late 50s, billed as: 'The Most Beautiful Creature in Free China...' by her studios.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the ten nations that take part in test cricket and one of the five nations that has won a cricket world cup. Cricket is played at professional, semi-professional and recreational levels in the country and international cricket matches are watched with interest by a large proportion of the population.<br/><br/> Cricket was first brought to the island by the British and is believed to have first been played there around 1800.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the ten nations that take part in test cricket and one of the five nations that has won a cricket world cup. Cricket is played at professional, semi-professional and recreational levels in the country and international cricket matches are watched with interest by a large proportion of the population.<br/><br/> Cricket was first brought to the island by the British and is believed to have first been played there around 1800.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the ten nations that take part in test cricket and one of the five nations that has won a cricket world cup. Cricket is played at professional, semi-professional and recreational levels in the country and international cricket matches are watched with interest by a large proportion of the population.<br/><br/> Cricket was first brought to the island by the British and is believed to have first been played there around 1800.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Ko Phi Phi consists of two islands, Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, located southeast of Phuket. Both are part of Hat Noppharat Thara Ko Phi Phi National Marine Park.<br/><br/> Set in the centre of the Sea of Phuket, Ko Phi Phi is almost equidistant from Phuket and Krabi and can be reached by boat in around two hours.<br/><br/> Phi Phi Don is the larger of the two islands, with scenic hills, steep cliffs, silken beaches, azure waters and remarkable bird- and sea-life. The island narrows at the middle where long, white-sand beaches are only a few hundred metres apart. Boats from Krabi and Phuket dock at Ao Ton Sai on the southern side of the island. Hat Yao or 'Long Beach' faces south and is famous for the good snorkelling to be had on its coral reefs. To the northeast Hat Lanti is another fine beach with good waves for surfing. North of this beach is beautiful Ao Bakao, a bay with a small resort, while near the tip of Laem Tong are three more luxury resorts.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Tham Phra Nang, the ‘Beach of the Revered Lady’, is a beautiful white sand beach at the southern end of the small peninsula dividing Rai Le East Beach from Rai Leh West Beach. The beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Krabi Region, and also one of the loveliest in southern Thailand. Made up of gorgeous crisp, white sand and sheltered by tall limestone cliffs, the picture-perfect setting is enhanced by sharp, strangely-shaped karst outcrops.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Tham Phra Nang, the ‘Beach of the Revered Lady’, is a beautiful white sand beach at the southern end of the small peninsula dividing Rai Le East Beach from Rai Leh West Beach. The beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Krabi Region, and also one of the loveliest in southern Thailand. Made up of gorgeous crisp, white sand and sheltered by tall limestone cliffs, the picture-perfect setting is enhanced by sharp, strangely-shaped karst outcrops.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Tham Phra Nang, the ‘Beach of the Revered Lady’, is a beautiful white sand beach at the southern end of the small peninsula dividing Rai Le East Beach from Rai Leh West Beach. The beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Krabi Region, and also one of the loveliest in southern Thailand. Made up of gorgeous crisp, white sand and sheltered by tall limestone cliffs, the picture-perfect setting is enhanced by sharp, strangely-shaped karst outcrops.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Tham Phra Nang, the ‘Beach of the Revered Lady’, is a beautiful white sand beach at the southern end of the small peninsula dividing Rai Le East Beach from Rai Leh West Beach. The beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Krabi Region, and also one of the loveliest in southern Thailand. Made up of gorgeous crisp, white sand and sheltered by tall limestone cliffs, the picture-perfect setting is enhanced by sharp, strangely-shaped karst outcrops.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Tham Phra Nang, the ‘Beach of the Revered Lady’, is a beautiful white sand beach at the southern end of the small peninsula dividing Rai Le East Beach from Rai Leh West Beach. The beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Krabi Region, and also one of the loveliest in southern Thailand. Made up of gorgeous crisp, white sand and sheltered by tall limestone cliffs, the picture-perfect setting is enhanced by sharp, strangely-shaped karst outcrops.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Tham Phra Nang, the ‘Beach of the Revered Lady’, is a beautiful white sand beach at the southern end of the small peninsula dividing Rai Le East Beach from Rai Leh West Beach. The beach is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the Krabi Region, and also one of the loveliest in southern Thailand. Made up of gorgeous crisp, white sand and sheltered by tall limestone cliffs, the picture-perfect setting is enhanced by sharp, strangely-shaped karst outcrops.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Rai Leh divides into two beaches, East and West. The former, Rai Leh East, is rather muddy at low tide, and people staying here tend to frequent Rai Leh West. Hat Rai Leh West is sandier and generally more attractive.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Hat Khlong Muang sits to the west of Hat Noppharat Thara and is shielded from Ao Nang by a long, rocky headland. The beach faces due west across the Andaman Sea towards Ko Phi Phi.<br/><br/> Krabi Province is made up of more than 5,000 sq km of jungle-covered hills and sharp, jagged karst outcrops, as well as more than 100km of luxuriant, pristine coastline and around 200 islands in the neighbouring Andaman Sea.<br/><br/> About 40 per cent of the provincial population is Muslim, the remainder being predominantly Buddhist. This is a clear indication that Krabi sits astride the invisible dividing line between Buddhist Thailand and the four southern provinces—Satun, Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani—which are predominantly Muslim. Far from causing any sort of problem, this adds immensely to the cultural width and diversity of the province, blending mosques with temples, Malay cooking traditions with Thai cuisine, and giving the province a pleasantly relaxed multi-cultural feel.
Ko Lanta consists of two major islands, the larger, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands.<br/><br/> The coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the islands is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.
Ko Lanta consists of two major islands, the larger, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands.<br/><br/> The coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the islands is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.
Ko Lanta consists of two major islands, the larger, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands.<br/><br/> The coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the islands is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.
Ko Lanta consists of two major islands, the larger, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands.<br/><br/> The coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the islands is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.
Ko Lanta consists of two major islands, the larger, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands.<br/><br/> The coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the islands is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.
Ko Lanta consists of two major islands, the larger, more populated Ko Lanta Yai (commonly known as simply Ko Lanta) and the smaller Ko Lanta Noi, as well as several minor islands.<br/><br/> The coastlines have more than 70 small islands and plenty with forest, coral reefs and underwater life. The geography of the islands is typically mangroves, coral rimmed beaches and rugged tree covered hills. A popular tourist destination, the islands are known for their long, sandy beaches and scuba diving.
Trang province was dependent on tin mining until the first rubber seedlings were brought into Thailand around 1901 – part of a long journey from South America via the neighboring Malay States.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the province's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.
Trang province was dependent on tin mining until the first rubber seedlings were brought into Thailand around 1901 – part of a long journey from South America via the neighboring Malay States.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the province's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.
Trang province was dependent on tin mining until the first rubber seedlings were brought into Thailand around 1901 – part of a long journey from South America via the neighboring Malay States.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the province's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.
Trang province was dependent on tin mining until the first rubber seedlings were brought into Thailand around 1901 – part of a long journey from South America via the neighboring Malay States.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the province's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.
The varied coastal landscape of Hat Chao Mai National Park includes mangrove creeks, coastal karsts, and hidden beaches accessed through caves. Some of Trang’s many offshore islands, are under park protection including Ko Kradan, Ko Cheuk and Ko Muk. Rare dugongs can sometimes be spotted in the shallow waters and seagrass beds between the mainland and the islands; other mammals include sea otters and dolphins at sea, and langur, macaque, pangolin and wild boar on land.<br/><br/> Trang province was dependent on tin mining until the first rubber seedlings were brought into Thailand around 1901 – part of a long journey from South America via the neighboring Malay States.<br/><br/> Rubber, palm oil and fishing are the mainstays of the province's economy. Tourism is making an increasing impact as Trang’s Anadaman Coast and islands are increasingly developed and popularized.
Ko Adang is around 30 sq km (12 sq miles) in area, and is almost completely covered in tropical rain forest. The island is famous for its clear waters, fine quartz beaches and superb coral reefs, the latter providing a habitat for shoals of brightly-colored fish and a host of other marine creatures.<br/><br/> The interior of Ko Adang is also beautifully pristine, with several waterfalls cascading down from the central heights (703 m3t34w or 2,300 ft), most notably Nam Tok Chon Salat.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Adang is around 30 sq km (12 sq miles) in area, and is almost completely covered in tropical rain forest. The island is famous for its clear waters, fine quartz beaches and superb coral reefs, the latter providing a habitat for shoals of brightly-colored fish and a host of other marine creatures.<br/><br/> The interior of Ko Adang is also beautifully pristine, with several waterfalls cascading down from the central heights (703 m3t34w or 2,300 ft), most notably Nam Tok Chon Salat.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Adang is around 30 sq km (12 sq miles) in area, and is almost completely covered in tropical rain forest. The island is famous for its clear waters, fine quartz beaches and superb coral reefs, the latter providing a habitat for shoals of brightly-colored fish and a host of other marine creatures.<br/><br/> The interior of Ko Adang is also beautifully pristine, with several waterfalls cascading down from the central heights (703 m3t34w or 2,300 ft), most notably Nam Tok Chon Salat.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Adang is around 30 sq km (12 sq miles) in area, and is almost completely covered in tropical rain forest. The island is famous for its clear waters, fine quartz beaches and superb coral reefs, the latter providing a habitat for shoals of brightly-colored fish and a host of other marine creatures.<br/><br/> The interior of Ko Adang is also beautifully pristine, with several waterfalls cascading down from the central heights (703 m3t34w or 2,300 ft), most notably Nam Tok Chon Salat.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Adang is around 30 sq km (12 sq miles) in area, and is almost completely covered in tropical rain forest. The island is famous for its clear waters, fine quartz beaches and superb coral reefs, the latter providing a habitat for shoals of brightly-colored fish and a host of other marine creatures.<br/><br/> The interior of Ko Adang is also beautifully pristine, with several waterfalls cascading down from the central heights (703 m3t34w or 2,300 ft), most notably Nam Tok Chon Salat.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Rawi is the second largest island in the Adang-Rawi group which is itself part of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park. It has an area of about 29 sq km (11.5 sq miles) and lies just 10km (6 miles) to the west of Ko Adang.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Rawi is the second largest island in the Adang-Rawi group which is itself part of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park. It has an area of about 29 sq km (11.5 sq miles) and lies just 10km (6 miles) to the west of Ko Adang.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Rawi is the second largest island in the Adang-Rawi group which is itself part of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park. It has an area of about 29 sq km (11.5 sq miles) and lies just 10km (6 miles) to the west of Ko Adang.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Rawi is the second largest island in the Adang-Rawi group which is itself part of the Ko Tarutao Marine National Park. It has an area of about 29 sq km (11.5 sq miles) and lies just 10km (6 miles) to the west of Ko Adang.<br/><br/> Ko Tarutao Marine National Park consists of 51 islands in two main groups scattered across the Andaman Sea in southernmost Thailand. Just seven of the islands are of any size, including Ko Tarutao in the east, and Ko Adang-Ko Rawi to the west. Just 5 miles (8km) to the south lies the marine frontier with Malaysia’s celebrated Langkawi Archipelago.<br/><br/> Tarutao is world-famous for its pristine diving sites, rich marine life and outstanding natural beauty. Covering a broad area of 575 sq miles (1490 sq km), Tarutao became Thailand’s second national marine park in 1974. Because of the location of the islands so far out to sea, the park is only safely accessible during the northeast monsoon between November and April.
Ko Tao or Turtle Island, located in the midst of the Gulf of Thailand, was named by early settlers for the island’s hump-backed, turtle-like shape, though it is also a significant breeding ground for both Hawksbill and Green Turtles.<br/><br/> The economy of the island, which was once uninhabited except for transient fishermen, now revolves almost exclusively around tourism and scuba diving. The rapid development of tourism in recent years has had a negative impact on turtle breeding, but since 2004 the Royal Thai Navy in conjunction with a cooperative of local dive centers has sponsored the reintroduction of hundreds of juvenile turtles to Ko Tao’s ecosystem.<br/><br/> The island is about 21 sq km (8 sq miles) in area, and the main settlement, on the western side of the island, is Ban Mae Hat. Most of the island is rugged, with dense forest inland, quiet coves along the relatively difficult-to-reach east coast, and a fine sweep of sandy beach along the western shore.
Many Thai people believe that every house should have its own spirit house providing for the well-being of the locality spirit. These may be anywhere in the garden (even, in big cities, on the roof), with the important proviso that the shadow of human habitation should never fall on the spirit house, the home of the original and true owner of the land – the chao thii.<br/><br/> Naturally, this belief extends to shops and commerce as well. Scarcely a business in Thailand – from corner shop to multinational – is without at least one, and often two spirit houses. The first of these, raised on a pillar or in some high place, is purely Thai in origin. The second, generally to be found on the ground and decorated with Chinese characters and images of Confucian or Taoist sages, is purely Chinese and represents the pre-eminent position of Thai-Chinese in the world of commerce.