Fishing in Thailand - Thailand Fishing Guide

Thailand has some of the most exciting gamefishing sites in Asia especially along the Andaman seacoast of Phuket and Krabi provinces. Marlin, sailfish, tuna, huge garoupa and every kind of shark imaginable are a boat ride from shore. Phang-nga Bay plays host to some of the most rare species of aquatic life in the world, including the rare swimming iguana.

Over the past 15 years, deep-sea fishing competitions have grown in size and popularity with Phuket and Krabi as centres for a growing fleet of contenders. Tournaments are especially popular during the calm season between September and May when contenders reel in record catches of sailfish, marlin, wahoo and barracuda. Major gamefishing contests are run according to the rules of the International Gamefishing Association which mandate a "catch and release" requirement for sharks, under-weight fish, and billfish such as marlin and sailfish.

For gamefishing, the twin islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi, some 50 minutes out of Phuket, offer some of the best local fishing to be had. Sailfish, black marlin, wahoo and tunas make this, along with excellent snorkelling, a good choice for the novice and experienced angler alike.

Power boats are also available for charter for deep-sea fishing expedition out of the Andaman Sea resorts of Phuket and Krabi. Power cruises come fully equipped with fighting chairs and heavy tackle. For those who just want to go along for the ride, the scenery is as breathtaking as the activities.

In Pattaya, the Bang Saray Fishing Lodge arranges boat, tackle, and guides for reasonable fees. In the rocks south of Pattaya lurk species native to the Gulf of Thailand: red snapper, yellow jack, bonito, black-tipped sharks, cobia and giant garoupers.

TOUR OPERATORS

Note: When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading O.

Aloha Tours
44/1 Viset Road, Ao Chalong, Phuket 83130
Tel: 0 7638 1215, 0 76381220.
Fax: 0 76381592

Bang Saray Fishing lodge
42 Moo 5, bang Saray, Chon Buri 20251
Tel: 0 3843 6757, 0 3843 6680-2

Blue Water Anglers
35/7 Sakdidet Road, Muang, Phuket 83000
Tel: 0 7639 1287.
Fax: 0 76391342 info@bluewater-anglers.com

Dorado Big Game Fishing Charters
Phuket Highland Ville, 73/37 Moo 1, Kathu, Phuket 83120
Tel: 0 7620 2679, 0 7632 3077
Fax: 0 7620 2679
dorado@phket.loxinfo.co.th
Day trips and liveaboard fishing safaris

pattaya Gamefishing Club
Cafe Kronberg, Soi Diana Inn, pattya, Chon Buri 20260
Tel: 0 3842 3303, 0 3842 3809

Phuket Big Game
27/117 Choke Thip Villa, Ch along, Phuket 83130
Tel: 0 7628 3270.
Fax: 0 7628 3271 info@reelhooker-phuket.com

Phuket Sportfishing Centre
PO Box 214, Phuket 83000
Tel: 0 76214713.
Fax: 0 7623 6182 wahoo@phuket.loxinfo.co.th

Thai Marine leisure c/o Phuket Boat lagoon,
20/2 Thep Kasattri Road, Ko Kaew Phuket 83200
Tel: 0 7623 9111,076273320-1 .
Fax: 0 7623 8974
tml@thaimarine.com

Rock Climbing in Thailand

Rock climbing in Thailand is practised wherever there are rocks - and even some places where there are not. Clubs like the Thailand Rock Climbing Federation, Tel: 0 2373 8725, 0 2729 4773; and the Bangkok Rock Climbing Club, Tel: 0 2434 6100, 02435 5797, can furnish you with details of climb sites wherever you are travelling in the kingdom, including artificial practice walls in Bangkok.

Some of the best locations for rock climbing are in the central regions near Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthaithani Province, or in the spectacular limestone mountains that run through Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuab Khiri Khan.

On the East Coast and easily accessible from Bangkok are sites in Chon Boo. The spectacular coastal cliffs of Railay Beach in Krabi are the climbing focus of the South, with further pitches to be found on some of the islands.

Climbing is a technical sport. You should not go alone, especially if you are a beginner. The discipline is safe if you use first-class equipment, go with an experienced guide and teacher who shows you how to practice safe climbing, and if you follow safety procedures.

As well as safety issues related to climbing, make sure you protect yourself from the sun. It is easy to get burned if you are on an exposed rock for long periods. Sunblock is essential.

Sailing in Thailand

Sailing is a timeless pleasure and it is also the perfect way to enjoy Thailand's marine treasures and is environmentally sound too. Trips can be as relaxing or demanding as you want. You can charter a crewed yacht and lay back as you sail away; or if you are a more experienced sailor, charter a bareboat yacht and have the excitement, challenge and rewards of sailing it yourself.

Phuket is Thailand's premier sailing destination, attracting the cream of Thai society's as well as the international sailing crowd. From September to May when the weather is at its best, there is a migratory fleet of yachts anchored at Nai Han Bay at the southern end of the island and Chalong Bay to the southeast.

Phuket's marinas have a huge variety of vessels for charter, from old wooden schooners to sleek fibreglass cruises and state-of-the-art powerboats. Find them at Laem Phrao Yacht Marina, Phuket Boat Lagoon and the Yacht Haven. As well as established yacht agencies, informal arrangements can also be made at Jimmy's Lighthouse, a restaurant at Chalong Bay that serves as headquarters for the yachting fleet.

Phuket is also home to one of the most popular sporting events on the yachting calendar, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, taking place on the weekend closest to HM the King's birthday. Yachts arrive from Australia, Europe, Hong Kong and Japan to spend a few weeks cruising through the Gulf, down to Malaysia and enjoying practise runs around the Similans before heading to Phuket for the races.

In Pattaya, the Royal Varuna Yacht Club, founded in 1957, holds almost weekly regattas for the smaller beachlaunched sailboats. The Ocean Marina Yacht Club in Jomtien Beach, just south of Pattaya, offers jetty, pontoon berths, and onshore facilities for skippers and crew members with hotel, condominium, cocktail lounge, twin restaurants, tennis courts, and roof-top swimming pool.

Sailing a yacht competently requires skill and experience; don't overestimate your capabilities as a sailor when chartering a bareboat yacht. If you are heading out on a longer expedition, make sure you check out the weather and tides, especially in the stormy season from June to October. Be well-prepared with communications equipment, first aid, water and food.

COMPETENT CREW COURSE
Day 1: Early morning check in for the course at the Boat Lagoon, Phuket. Take the evening to meet up with your fellow sailors and have an introduction to the course

Day 2-5: Boat leaves the Marina, During the next few days you will learn about sea terms: sails, rope work, fire precautions, safety at sea, man overboard techniques, distress signals, weather, rules of the "road" and helmsmanship. You will sail 100 miles in the five days and sail 4-night hours After completing your 5-day course, boats are available for hire if you have your skipper licence or you can join a group as crew.

WHERE TO LEARN AND CHARTER BOAT

Note: When making international calls to Thailand, add 66 and omit the leading O.

Allamanda Laguna Phuket
29 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Tel: 0 7632 4359
Fax: 0 7632 4360 allamanda@lagunaphuket.com

Amara Sailing Centre
Jomtien beach-style restaurant
(turn right at the Police Box) Tel/Fax: 038251408 amara@surfasia.com

Big A Yachting
Ao Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130
Tel/Fax: 0 7638 1934 bigasail@samart.co.th

Elite Sail & Dive
47/6 Moo 5, Rawai, Ao Chalong,
Muang, Phuket 83130 Tel: 0 7628 0819
Fax: 0 7628 0042

Faraway Sail & Dive Expeditions
Soi Bangrae, 5/6 Moo 10, Chalong, Muang, Phuket 83130
Tel: 0 7620 0507
Fax: 0 7628 0701 into@tar-away.net www.far-away.net

Ocean Marina
274 Sukhumvit Road, Jomtien, Pattaya
Tel: 0 3823 7310

Sunsail (Thailand) Co Ltd
Phuket Boat Lagoon Unit 20/5, 22/1
Thep Kasattri Road, Ko Kaew, Phuket 83000
Tel: 0 7623 9057
Fax: 0 7623 8940

Thai Marine Leisure
Boat Lagoon, 22/1 Thep Kasattri Road, Ko Kaew, Phuket 83200
Tel: 0 7623 9111
Fax: 0 7627 3320 tml@thaimarine.com www.thaimarine.com

Tradewinds
17/4 Moo 3, Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Tel: 0 7723 0602
Fax: 0 77231247
info@tradewinds-samuLcom www.sailingkohsamui.com

Yachtpro International
Yacht Haven Marina, 57/5 Moo 2, Mai Khao, Talang, Phuket 83140
Tel: 0 7634 8117
Fax: 076348119
yachtpro@phuket.asianet.co.th www.sailing-thailand.com

BOAT RACING

Phuket King's Cup Regatta
Tel: 0 7627 3380
Fax: 0 7627 3389 kingscup@ phuket.com www.kingscup.com
Held in the first week of December - races off Kata Beach and the surrounding waters

Phang-nga-Krabi Regatta
www.bayregatta.com
Held during the 4 days of Chinese New Year

Ao Chalong Yacht Club
Tel: 0 76381914
into@ac-yachtclub.org Hold monthly races

Royal Varuna Yacht Club
Phra Tamnak Road, South Pattaya, Chon Buri 20260
Tel: 0 3825 0116
Fax: 0 3825 0115
rvyc@ loxinto.co.th

Jet-skiing, Wakeboarding and Windsurfing

Jet-skiing has been taken up with enthusiasm all over Thailand with jetskis available for hire at all major beaches in Thailand - Samui, Phuket, Pattaya, Samet and Krabi.
Despite the speed, jet-skiing in Thailand is a safe sport, if you keep your head and watch out for other sea traffic, especially swimmers and snorkellers. Rocks are usually marked, but take care, especially at low tide. When you are roaring around the bays, it's easy to forget that you're in the full force of the sun, so protect yourself beforehand.

Jet-ski Association of Thailand
1107 Soi Prachachuen 35, Prachachuen Road, Bang Sue, Bangkok 10800

Club Taco
Km 13 Bang Na-Trat Road,
Samut Prakan 10540
Tel: 0 2316 7810

Wakeboarding

The extreme sport of wakeboarding, a cross between water-skiing and snowboarding, is about speed, colour and adrenaline. It is the latest extreme sport to take the beach scene by storm.

In wakeboarding, you are strapped at 90 degrees into a shortened, doubleended surfboard, and towed at high speed behind a special speedboat. The boat is designed and weighted to make a large wake behind it, and the wakeboarder speeds along the sea at 30 kilometres an hour, cutting in and out of the wake, using it to jump into the air, turn, swivel and somersault. Wakeboarding is fast, furious, exhilarating and a fantastic spectator sport. Although new, its popularity is soaring in Thailand.

Boats and boards are available for hire at the main beaches of Phuket in the Andaman Sea, and at Samui in the Gulf of Thailand. Wakeboarding is also practised at the resort city of Pattya on the Eastern Seaboard.

Near to Bangkok, there is a Wakeboarding Club at Taco Lake, 13 kilometres from the city along the Bang Na-Trat Road. Rather than using boats, this uses a system of pulleys set up in the lake and is thus cheaper and suitable for people wishing to learn this exciting sport.

Boards and foot-bindings are available at these locations. Serious wakeboarders may wish to bring thier own boards and bindings, or purchase them at many leading department stores in Bangkok.

Windsurfing
Windsurfing has become one of Thailand's most popular water sports in the last two decades, and it is practised all over Thailand's beaches. Windsurfing is not only exhilarating and an excellent way to get fit, it is also quiet, non-polluting and environmentally friendly. It is a sport that requires dexterity and coordination and also strength.

You can learn to windsurf on all major beaches in Phuket, Samui, Pattaya and Krabi, as well as on islands of Ko Tao and Ko Chang. Once you have mastered the basics, you'll find boards and sails available everywhere.

While you need wind to windsurf, you can get too much of a good thing. Don't go out to sea if the weather is threatening to turn stormy. You shouLd wear a life jacket at all times. Beware of boats and swimmers on crowded stretches of water, especially when you are still learning how to handle your board and sail. It is easy to forget about the sun with the wind on your face, but it is especially strong when reflecting off the water all around you. So, wear protective sunblock.

WINDSURF CLASSES

Note: When making international calls to Thailand. add 66 and omit the leading O.

Aloha Surf Sports Company
124/10-14 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket 83150
Tel/Fax: 076344504

Club Loong Chat
444/775 Moo 12 Nong Prue, Chon Buri 20260
Tel: 0 13402180.
Fax: 0 3823 2932 pop@clubioongchat.com www.clubioongchat.com

Phuket Surf Co Ltd
120/28 Moo 4, Patak Road, Karon Beach, Phuket, 83150
Tel/Fax: 076286071
info@phuketsurl.com
phuketsurl.com

Drive holidays in Thailand - Thailand Driving

With one of the best roads systems in Southeast Asia, Thailand is quickly gaining a reputation as an outstanding fly-drive destination. The possibilities for this increasingly popular activity are almost endless, with modern highways connecting all major Thai cities and generally well-maintained secondary roads reaching into the remotest corners of a country the size of France or Spain.

Drive holidays in Thailand
Visitors who enjoy being independently mobile can thus explore some of the most beautiful but little known areas of the kingdom. And since there are plenty of car rental firms, including all the recognised international companies, it is easy, safe and convenient to hire a modern vehicle, usually with the option of a driver in the case of people who would rather leave the actual driving to someone else. Daily hire rates are reasonable and most rental companies allow customers to collect the car in one destination and leave it elsewhere.

Thailand is well suited for driving holidays. With the exception of central Bangkok and occasionally Chiang Mai, both of which can suffer from congestion, the roads here see little traffic. Driving is on the left and highway signs follow the international system. Laws forbid speeding and drinking while in charge of a vehicle, so it is reasonably safe for the experienced driver. Insurance is compulsory and any suggestions that it is not needed should be instantly dismissed.

Wherever you venture in Thailand, a hotel or guesthouse will never be far away. Because of the tropical heat and lack of campsites offering proper overnight facilities, camper vans are not available. That's not a problem as every town in Thailand has its central hotel, which will invariably feature as a minimum a choice of air-conditioned rooms, restaurant or coffee shop and modern communications like fax and email. Room rates in upcountry hotels rarely breach the 1,500 baht a night barrier, while dining is always excellent value.

All kinds of accurate Thailand road maps are available nowadays and although the English spelling of some towns and villages may vary from publication to publication, it is not difficult to decipher them.

The country is frequently divided into six distinct areas:
The Central, including Bangkok and Ayutthaya;
Eastern Seaboard, including Pattaya and eastwards to the border with Cambodia;
The West, including Kanchanaburi and the beach resorts of Hua Hin and Cha-am;
The South, including the islands of Phuket and Ko Samui;
The North, including Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai; and
The Northeast, including the cities of Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani and Nong Khai.

Each of these regions has its own character, geography and cultural idiosyncrasies, ensuring that there's always much for visitors to discover and enjoy, wherever in Thailand they happen to be. And that's the beauty of getting to know the country on four wheels: you can see and learn so much in one holiday.

Suggested itineraries

NORTHERN LOOP
Chiang Mai - Mae Hong Son-Mae Sariang-Chiang Mai (approx 590 kms)
One of the most beautiful circular routes, the Northern Loop takes in the rugged mountains of north and northwest where the borders of Thailand and Myanmar meet. The journey starts at Chiang Mai, the country's northern capital and once the centre of an independent kingdom known as Lanna. Heading' north to Mae Rim, the road then switches direction to Pai, which sits in a scenic valley.

The road from here until it reaches Mae Hong Son offers some of the most majestic panoramas in the whole of Thailand - endless forests and mountains that are home to all kinds of colourful hilltribe people. Mae Hong Son is often described as the country's very own Shangri-la, a peaceful town with a rich mixture of Thai and Burmese cultures.

From here, the road heads directly south, passing through valleys and over mountains Until it reaches Mae Sariang, another picturesque town so typical of this region. Thereafter it is a short drive back to Chiang Mai.

Scuba Diving

Scuba diving is Thailand's most popular water sport and the country boosts some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world - the water is clear, sea life plentiful, transport and accommodation readily available and instruction to a very high standard. Diving in Thailand is comparatively cheap, and once you have achieved you certification in Thailand, you can use it to go scuba-diving all over the world.


Diving in Thailand
Diving is available at all times of the year, although visibility changes according to the season. In the Andaman Sea, the best time to dive is from October to April, and in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. At recommended dive sites in Thailand the water is so clear that the underwater world is visible from the surface: whale sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, dolphins and coral reefs.

All reputable dive shops are affiliated with PADI or other international dive bodies, and most hold courses in multiple languages. All over Thailand, you can expect modern amenities, international standard boats and professional facilities.

For group or family travellers, all good liveaboard operations will take non-divers along at a substantially reduced fee. Friends and family can relax, swim, sunbathe, snorkel and still enjoy the food, trip, scenery and experience of sailing in some of the world's most beautiful waters.

Dive sites
Dive sites ANDAMAN SEA: to the west, Dive sites are found off the coast of Phuket with prime spots such as Shark Point, Red Rock, Ko Yao, Ko Yai, and the twin islands of Ko Racha, extending to the Similan and Surin islands Krabi and Trang to the east.
GULF OF THAILAND: Sites are around Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Nang Yuan, Mu Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park, and Ko Chang in Trat Province near the Cambodian border.
EAST COAST: On the east coast of the Gulf, Pattaya offers dive trips out to Ko Lam, Ko Sak, Ko Krok, Ko Rin, Ko Pai and Ko Marn Vichai. There are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours to any level and in any language.

Unforgettable underwater experience
Day 1: Transfer from Phuket Airport to Chalong Bay. Board night boat from the bay to Similan islands.

Day 2: Arrive Similan. Rest of the day at dive sites around island exploring the reefs of the Similan Archipelago and myriad colours exhibited by countless fish and corals. There are three dive spots scheduled, and one night dive.

Day 3: Continue your diving odyssey at three locations. Three daytime dives are scheduled at Ko Bon Island and Ko Tachai, home to manta rays, whale sharks and colourful coral. There is one night dive at Surin Island.

Day 4: Three dives scheduled at Richelieu Rock, playground of the whale shark.

Day 5: Dive at three more Similan locations before taking the night boat to Phuket.

Andaman Sea scuba diving
Day 1: From Patong Beach, Phuket, sail Day overnight to the Similan Islands.

Day 2-3: Wake up at a Similan dive site evening. and after breakfast, explore the area. Surroundings range from delicate sloping reefs to giant boulder drop-offs. The variety of marine life here is exceptional, with diverse corals and an enormous huge range of fish. Set sail for the Myanmar Banks in the evening.

Day 4-5: Two days are spent on the Myanmar Banks exploring marine life including many different varieties of shark. The area is subject to strong currents and changing underwater visibility so it is strictly for experienced dives.

Day 6: Dive at Richelieu Rock and Ko Tachai. Return to Similan in the evening.

Day 7: The last full day of diving around Similan, visiting several important reefs, such as Shark's Fin and Elephant's Head. Evening departure for the return passage to Phuket.

Day 8: Early morning arrival at Patong.

Participating divers should be certificated, but there is plenty of action on these tours for non-divers and various. entertainment on board the mother ship, plus the chance to explore ashore.

Ko Tao divers' paradise
Day 1: Arrive Samui and continue by boat to Ko Tao (Turtle Island). After lunch, enjoy swimming and snorkelling around this tiny island considered to be the best dive site in the Gulf. The marine ecology of Ko Tao is the habitat of several rare species, including spotted rays, giant trigger fish and the occasional and harmless whale shark.

Day 2-7: Enjoy diving lessons offered by international-standard diving schools or discovering the beautiful underwater world with experienced divers.

Day 8: Leave Ko Tao for Chumphon. City tour and visit to the many caves and beautiful beaches. Overnight in Chumphon.

Misconceptions about learning
1. It is dangerous.
Not true. All the recommended dive companies listed here are PADI certified and have well qualified, experienced staff. As long as divers follow instructions and are prepared, there is less danger than swimming in the sea.

2. It takes a long time to learn and is expensive.
Not true. All PADI centres offer beginner's courses in a swimming pool for a half or full day. Becommg PADI certified will take four days in Thailand. Anyone over eight years can do a "Bubble Blowers'" course in a pool for free. A Discover Scuba Diving course will cost around 4,000 baht and take one day. A full Open Water PADI course will take four days and cost around 10,000 baht

3. It's difficult and you have to be very fit.
Not true. Anyone over the age of 12 can do a PADI certified course. As long as they are in good medical condition and have no history of asthma, heart or breathing problems, a severe cold or problems with your ears they are ready to dive.

Precautions & preparations
There are some precautions and preparations that should be taken before diving, whether you are experienced or a beginner.

Never go diving too soon after or before flying. The change in atmospheric pressure can cause "The Bends" either underwater or in the air, so divers should always consult an instructor to time diving and training to flight schedules. . Never dive after a heavy meal. The blood flows to the stomach to aid digestion and may cause cramp.

Never consume alcohol before diving (including the night before). The underwater effect of alcohol is multiplied many times, leading to disorientation and lack of judgment.

If a heavy smoker, cut down before beginning to dive.

Always follow safety procedures as advised by the instructor.

Never go diving alone.

If a diver has experience but has not been diving for a while (six months or more), they should tell the instructor and ask for a quick refresher course on procedures, safety and practices.

Look for PADI certified dive shops only. Ask around at the resort to see who is recommended. Don't take the first option or the cheapest (necessarily).

If sure to dive before leaving on a trip, access the official PADJ site at PadLcom and look for PADI certified dive shops at the destination.

Read as much as possible about the destination. If experienced, a diver should know about the best dive sites before they even get to a resort.