Outdoor Activities and Special Interests in Thailand

In Thailand an impressive range of special interest activities is available. The south’s spectacular coastline is ideal for aquatic fun, from sailing, water skiing, and wind surfing to big game fishing and diving to see some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world. Northern Thailand’s mountainous forests are famous for their waterfalls, caves, and wildlife, including rare birds, gibbons, elephants, and tigers. Trekking in this beautiful region to see hill tribes has become controversial in recent years, and care should be taken in choosing a responsible trekking company with knowledgeable guides. Thailand has an extensive network of beautiful national parks. Exciting ways to explore Thailand’s natural wilderness include sea canoeing, leisurely bamboo rafting, thrilling whitewater rafting, elephant riding, and rock climbing. Some visitors take advantage of the country’s growing number of excellent golf courses.

Diving and Snorkeling

Abundant coral reefs thronging with aquatic life serviced by countless diving operations – make Thailand one of the world’s most accessible and rewarding destinations for underwater exploration. The Andaman coast and islands in particular have some stunning reefs, ocean drop-offs, and submerged pinnacles – plus visibility often exceeding 30 m (100 ft). A rich variety of marine life can be spotted, such as whale sharks off the Burma Banks.

Much of the best diving is to be found in the national marine parks containing the Surin, Similan, and Tarutao archipelagos in the Andaman Sea, Angthong in the western Gulf of Thailand, and Koh Chang in the eastern Gulf. The once magnificent Koh Phi Phi has not been protected by this preserve status, though, and has been heartbreakingly damaged by careless anchoring and snorkelers breaking the coral. Reckless fishing with dragnets, harpoons, and explosives has also killed some reefs, while siltation and pollution pose growing threats.

Because of rough weather brought on by monsoons, the Andaman sites are accessible from November to April; the shallower waters of the western Gulf coast are best visited between January and October. The Eastern Seaboard is accessible all year. Trips vary in length from one to several days, and many tours include snorkeling. Access to many untouched reefs around Burma’s Andaman islands is slowly becoming established via Phuket.

PADI- and NAUI-approved diving courses are widely available. In order of importance the main centers are Phuket, Pattaya, Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi, and Krabi.

Basic diving rules include: inspect your equipment and get the right fit; don’t dive unless you are confident in your instructor and have been well trained; make sure there’s a buddy system; check that your group is small enough for the divemasters to monitor; and never touch the coral.

Sailing

Thailand’s Dramatic coastline is popular with the yachting fraternity, who come to Phuket every December for the King’s Cup Regatta. Chartering a yacht or joining a crew is possible from Hua Hin and with Ocean Marina from Pattaya. However, the best facilities and scenery, and the widest choice of sailing companies, are found on Phuket. Some of the best are Thai Marine Leisure, Sunsail, and Southeast Asia Live-aboards.

Water Sports

Recent Years have witnessed a mushrooming in the popularity of water sports, although the disturbance they cause is of concern. In places such as Krabi water sports are banned. However, in most resorts windsurfing boards can be rented, and jet skis and “inflatable banana rides” are becoming commonplace even in national marine parks such as Koh Samet.

For the best range of water sports, including paragliding, waterskiing, and motorboat rental, head for Jomtien beach at Pattaya; Hua Hin and Cha-Am; and Patong and Karon beaches on Phuket.

Anglers make for the excellent facilities for big game fishing at Pattaya and Phuket.

Sea canoeing is not just the most peaceful way to enjoy the strange karst islets of the Angthong archipelago, but also the only way to explore their collapsed sea caves. Ringed by forest and often containing tiny beaches, many of these spectacular hongs were first discovered by Sea Canoe Thailand, who run the most responsible tours to these fragile “lost worlds.”

Whitewater Rafting

Sedate Bamboo Rafting is a popular tourist pastime, particularly on the rivers in the north. More exciting, though, is whitewater rafting on hardy inflatables. The upper reaches of the Pai and Moei rivers are ideal for this fast-growing sport, and Umphang’s Mae Klong district near Mai Sat is particularly notable for world class rafting. Thai Adventure Rafting and The Wild Planet are two of the best trip organizers.

Rock Climbing

The limestone karsts that pepper south Thailand’s Andaman coast make ideal playgrounds for rock climbers, and the sport has really taken off here in the last decade. Most climbing is centered round East and West Railay beaches on Laem Phra Nang in Krabi province, where there are dozens of routes within easy walking distance of tourist bungalows, restaurants and beaches. Several climbing schools have already established centers here, providing instruction, guides and all the necessary equipment. Koh Phi Phi also offers a few interesting routes and a couple of climbing schools. The best place to learn rock climbing is Laem Phra Nang: half-day introductory courses cost B800, a full day’s guided climbing B1500 and a three-day course B5000. Equipment rental is charged at about B1000 per day for two people

Golf
Golf is reaching near fanatical popularity levels in Thailand, which has hosted international competitions at its fast-growing number of courses. The many around Bangkok are mostly flat and uninteresting, but there are some staggeringly scenic back drops at golfing resorts in Phuket, Khao Yai, Chiang Mai, and Kanchanaburi.

Exclusivity is a feature of many clubs, but golfing vacation packages are particularly popular at places such as Pattaya, Phuket, and Hua Hin. The best guides to courses are the Thailand Golf Map and Thailand Golf Guide, and TAT publishes a free directory of the country’s top 75 courses. For improving your handicap, there’s a David Leadbetter Academy of Golf at the excellent Thana City Golf and Country Club.

Elephant Riding
After the Merchanization of logging, and then its supposed ban in 1989, working elephants suddenly found themselves unemployed. Offering rides is a relatively positive means of ensuring the survival of this national symbol since their lowland forest habitat has been largely destroyed. However, some unscrupulous mahouts ply their mounts with drugs to lengthen their working day.

An hour’s ride is frankly all the time you need to appreciate the pachyderm’s vehicular novelty, take photos, lurch through forest, and be sprayed by its trunk. Most treks include rides, which are also available from elephant camps. Most of these are clustered around Chiang Mai and include the Elephant Training center Taeng Dao, Mae Sa Elephant Camp, and Thai Elephant Conservation Center. You can also ride elephants in Bangkok’s Dusit Zoo and Safari World.

Trekking
Thailand has some ideal terrain for hiking, from the precipitous karst forests of Krabi and Khao Sok to the undulating mountains surrounding Mae Hong Son and Loei.

Aside from the country’s natural beauty, it is the opportunity to visit hill tribes that has undoubtedly caused the trekking business to boom. The novelty of encountering hill tribespeople in elaborate costumes undeniably adds cultural frisson to a trek. However, over time traditional tribal values cannot but be eroded by continued exposure to tourists.

Additionally, there is the problem of trekkers feeling like voyeurs, particularly at cynical freak shows such as the long-necked Paduang. Try to establish a rapport with tribespeople and ask their permission before taking photos.

Villages close to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (and, increasingly Pai and Mae Hong Son) are all depressingly exploited. Be wary of Burmese border areas, especially in Tak, where there is the chance of encountering fighting. Malaria is also a risk here, as it is in Kanchanaburi. In general, the health risks increase the father you travel away from the towns.

For exclusively nature-based treks, head for Khao Yai and the south. Most treks also include an elephant ride and, if the rivers are high enough, poling on a bamboo raft. Treks can last a week, but most are over two to three nights and include a visit to at least one village. Scams are commonplace, and TAT keeps lists of companies recognized by the professional Guide Association of Chiang Mai or the Jungle Tour Club of Northern Thailand, but world of mouth is often best.

All treks should be led by at least two competent guides (who should speak the tribal languages and be aware of local customs). Check that the group doesn’t exceed about eight trekkers that the trek is registered with the police, and that transportation is not by public buses. Tips include lining backpackers with plastic bags to keep wet clothes in and damp out; always sleep in dry clothes – even if it means putting on wet clothes by day; wear a sun hat and cream, long trousers to protect against leeches, insect repellent (Jaico is the best), and worn-in hiking boots or at least supportive athletic shoes. Nights are cold in the mountains, so take warm layers – thermal tops and leggings, and silk sleeping bags. The best times to trek are November to February and early in the wet season in June and July.

Eco-tourism is an abused term, but Siam Safari, The Trekking Collective, and Phuket Trekking Club have a good reputation, and Friends of Nature organize genuinely ecological treks. The Wild Planet is equally well respected and, like Bike and Travel, runs professional mountain bike trips into the wild.