Snorkelling around Andaman Sea
Should I take a snorkelling tour at Phi Phi or it is better to go either the Similan or Surin islands?
Q: I’m going to Thailand on February and will travel to Phuket before going on to Koh Phi Phi. I want spend some time snorkelling before returning to Bangkok. Should I take a snorkelling tour at Phi Phi or it is better to go either the Similan or Surin islands I have heard many good things about both destinations. Could you please help me choose the right one? Thanks a lot, James
A: You don’t mention how long you plan to stay on Phi Phi. I assume you will stay there for a few days before taking a snorkelling trip to either the Similans or Surin.
From Phi Phi, you need to return to Phuket first. The departure point for the Similans is Tab Lamu pier, which is nearer to Khao Lak in Phang Nga, itself about 80 minutes from Phuket. But once you are in Phuket, there are many dive operators offering diving tours to the Similans. There are also more boats going here during the high season, which runs through until the middle of May
The departure for the Surin Islands is Kuraburi pier, which is almost three hours from Phuket. It can be a good stop if you go to the Surin Islands on your way back to Bangkok. There are buses from Kuriburi to Bangkok, which means you don’t have to return to Phuket. Both island chains are wonderful, but the Similans are more popular with scuba divers than snorkellers. The Surin islands cater to both, so would be the better choice. Enjoy snorkelling!
Q: Are there any adventure activities in Pai for an 11-year-old boy? We plan to stop there for a week and I hope to find something interesting to occupied him during our stay in January. Thanks, Susanna
A: Pai is a small district of Mae Hong Son with numerous activities for a boy to enjoy. There are elephant camps in Pai where he can enjoy a two-hour elephant ride and also swim with elephants. Spending time with a big beast in the jungle is bound to be both entertaining and memorable. There are a few elephant camps near the hot springs that offers jungle rides all year round for two or more people. The ride usually passes through the hot springs as well.
Besides the elephant experience, Pai has a zip line tour. Your son will be excited to go through the tree top canopies. Children over 10 years old are welcome to try it accompanied by an experienced guide. They offer a few programmes; a short one consisting of seven stations and a long one including all 14 platforms, which will take approximately two hours. The programme finishes at Pam Bok waterfall with time to chill out by the water.
Bamboo rafting is also possible on the Pai river. It's easier than the rubber boat rafting too as instead of using paddles, the raft is guided by standing up and pushing with long bamboo poles. The lovely landscape of the Pai Canyon (Kong Lan) is worth a visit. It’s one of Pai’s outstanding natural attractions and makes for an exciting walk on steep 20m cliff drops and narrow one-metre walkways that have been carved out by erosion. It's best to visit in the early evening when you can witness the sun setting. Alternatively you can visit in the early morning.
Have a great holiday in Pai.
