Hill-Tribe Trekking Since the early 70's Chiang Mai has been a popular base for treks into the mountains and forests of the North, inhabited by the hill tribes. Presently there are over 100 companies based in Chiang Mai offering treks into the mountains, and as these treks can be dangerous, tourists are advised only to trek with companies registered with either the Professional Guide Association or the Jungle Tour Club of Northern Thailand. Bamboo-rafting on the river and elephant rides are usually included as part of the trek.
Diving Thailand has thousands of kilometers
of coastline with warm, clear waters and a huge variety of marine life and coral reefs making it a haven for divers and snorkelers. Thousands of people learn to dive in Thailand every year and dive shops are located all over the southern peninsula. Between sites in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand, diving is possible year round. The best conditions are from October to April in the Andaman Sea, and May to September in the gulf. The Phi Phi Islands are one of the most popular diving destinations in the Andaman Sea due to their closeness to prime dive sites within a marine national park. Coral reefs surround the islands making it a paradise for snorkelers too. From Phuket dive trips leave for prime sites such as Red Rock, Shark Point, Koh Yao, Koh Raya and Koh Yai. Within the Gulf of Thailand, Sail Rock off the island of Samui is one of the most well known, Pattaya is famous for its wreck dives, and the live coral formations around Koh Pha Ngan are popular with snorkelers. Koh Tao is the heart of diving and snorkeling in Thailand with over 20 diving schools and its ease of access of many of its sites makes it ideal for beginners. Trips depart from Koh Tao to the Mu Koh Ang Throng National Marine Park where divers and snorkelers can enjoy the corals.
Rock climbing Railay Beach and Ton Sai, near Krabi in Southern Thailand, is the most developed climbing area in Thailand and one of the most picturesque locations to climb in Asia. Surrounding limestone cliffs and weathered formations characterize the landscape, attracting climbers of all grades to the crags, overhangs, hanging stalactites and steep, vertical walls. The French grading system is used; there are over 650 routes ranging from beginner (5a) to extremely challenging (8c), with single and multi-pitch routes. 1-2-3 is a good crag that is dominated by beginners and climbing schools with a variety of routes, while the superb Asia's Shadow Play (8a+) is one of the difficult routes at Dum's Kitchen. The Keep has fantastic views with popular climbs, but Andaman Beach or Ton Sai is the serious climbers haunt and the most popular place to climb, with classic routes such as Tidal Wave, Humanity and Eviction. There are several climbing schools like King Climbers who offer courses for all levels.
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