Refine your search

The results of your search are listed below alongside the search terms you entered on the previous page. You can refine your search by amending any of the parameters in the form and resubmitting it.

Select all Deselect all Add selection to lightbox
Large Small
Thumbnails per page
Edwin Arthur Norbury (1849 - 1918) was the Director of the Royal School of Art, Bangkok, in what was then known as Siam.
Black slaves were imported into the Muslim world from Africa by a number of routes northward across the Sahara desert, and by sea into Arabia and the Persian Gulf. Estimates of the number involved vary greatly but it seems that there may easily have been 10 million, perhaps even twice that number.<br/><br/> Two-thirds of African slaves were female. The males were considered to be troublesome. An uprising of slaves from West Africa, the Zanj, who had been imported into the Tigris-Euphrates delta to reclaim salt marshland through their backbreaking labour, lasted from 869 until 883.<br/><br/> The mortality rate was very high because of the harsh conditions, but the trade was so lucrative that merchants were not deterred by the numbers who died. Harrowing eye witness accounts tell of the vast scale and miserable conditions of the slave trade in Africa. In the 1570s many thousands of black Africans were seen for sale in Cairo on market days. In 1796 a caravan was seen by a British traveller leaving Darfur with 5,000 slaves. Black eunuchs became favoured for the royal harems. Even after Britain outlawed the slave trade in 1807, a further 2 million Africans were enslaved by Muslim traders.<br/><br/> (Barnabas Fund, 2007).
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.
Jean-François de Galoup, Comte de La Pérouse (August 23, 1741-1788) was a French explorer and naval officer. In 1785, the King of France commissioned La Perouse to head an expedition to explore the Pacific Ocean, to investigate whaling and fur prospects, and to establish French claims in this area. La Pérouse had admired the explorer James Cook, and wanted to continue his work.<br/><br/> La Perouse was assigned two 500-ton ships called the Astrolabe and the Boussole. His crew of 114 included sailors, scientists, a physicist, three draftsmen, three naturalists, clergymen, and a mathematician. They left France in August, 1785.<br/><br/> La Perouse mapped the west coast of North America in 1786, and visited Easter Island and Hawaii. His ships reached the west coast of Alaska in 1786 and did extensive mapping of the North American west coast from Alaska to Monterey, California.<br/><br/> Next La Pérouse landed at Botany Bay (Port Jackson), Australia, before heading for the Solomon Islands. La Pérouse took the opportunity to send his journals, some charts and also some letters back to Europe with a British naval ship. He wrote that he expected to be back in France by June 1789, however neither he, nor any of his men, were seen again. Fortunately the valuable written documents that he dispatched with the Sirius from the in-progress expedition were returned to Paris, where they were published posthumously.<br/><br/> Both of La Perouse's ships were lost in a storm close to the Solomons in 1788. No survivors were ever found.
Made of rattan and bamboo, the single-room dwelling stands on wooden stilts to avoid the rainfall. The finials on the gables are carved in wood and are in traditional Siamese style.<br/><br/> The Siamese, or Thais, moved from their ancestral home in southern China into mainland Southeast Asia around the 10th century CE. Prior to this, Indianized kingdoms such as the Mon, Khmer and Malay kingdoms ruled the region. The Thais established their own states starting with Sukhothai, Chiang Saen, Chiang Mai and Lanna Kingdom, before the founding of the Ayutthaya kingdom. These states fought each other and were under constant threat from the Khmers, Burma and Vietnam. Much later, the European colonial powers threatened in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but Thailand survived as the only Southeast Asian state to avoid colonial rule. After the end of the absolute monarchy in 1932, Thailand endured 60 years of almost permanent military rule before the establishment of a democratic elected-government system.
Estimates of when the first indigenous Australians, or Aboriginal Australians, settled in the continent range from 16,000 years to 120,000 years ago. They lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and were semi-nomadic until the British arrived in 1788 to colonize Australia. At that time, there were an estimated 500,000 indigenous people (approximately the same as the aboriginal population today) who spoke 250 to 300 languages and 600 dialects. With the arrival of Europeans, the aboriginal Australians lost much of their land and freedom, and diseases such as smallpox and measles decimated their population.
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.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/>Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/>Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/>Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/>As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
Than Bokkharani National Park is located in Krabi Province about 45 kilometers (28 miles) northwest of Krabi Town. The park covers an area of 121 square kilometers (47 square miles) and is characterized by a series of limestone outcrops, evergreen rainforest, mangrove forest, peat swamp, and many islands. There are also numerous caves and cave complexes with some spectacular stalagmites and stalactites.<br/><br/> Than Bokkharani centers on two well known caves, Tham Lot and Tham Phi Hua, situated in an area of great tranquility and natural beauty, with surrounding streams, cascades and still, silent pools.<br/><br/> Tham Lot is a cave complex of winding passages filled with both stalactites and stalagmites that can best be reached by boat from Ao Luk’s Bho Tho pier. Nearby Tham Hua Kalok is similarly reached by boat from the Bho Tho pier, and is best known for the ancient cave paintings – some authorities consider they may be more than two millennia old – that feature in places on the cave walls. In all, there are around 70 petroglyphs or cave paintings, portraying ancient peoples and animals.<br/><br/> Other well-known caves in the area’s limestone mountains include Tham Sa Yuan Thong, which features a natural spring, Tham Phet or ‘diamond cave’ which derives its name from the shimmering rock walls, and Tham Song Phi Nong, which was found to contain skeletal remains of human beings, ancient pottery, bronze tools and earrings.<br/><br/> As well as caves, the park is a great place to explore mangrove swamps by boat – they are virtually impassable on foot, except in places where a boardwalk has been constructed. The park headquarters is set amidst a series of small streams and dark green pools, and is a popular picnic spot; it’s also possible to camp here by arrangement with the park authorities.
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.
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.