Recently in Islands Category

During our last visit to Koh Chang, we called in at Buffalo Bill Steak House and had a chat with the European owner. I must say that it's one of the best eating houses on the island. Steak is the main attraction but it's also a place to relax with a drink and watch the world go by.

Reasonably priced accommodation is also offered. There's no car park, though.

Phuket, the world famous vacation spot in southern Thailand, is fast becoming a place to avoid. Violent crimes, theft and scams are becoming almost the norm. Even the standard tourist websites are beginning to add warnings, usually in less than prominent places. Here's an example. Look hard and you'll find the warning!

If you want to limit your view of this place to what the the tour operators want you to believe, then good luck to you. If you want the truth so that you can make your own decision about whether or not to go there, read on. Here are some recent examples of crime in Phuket:

Sixty Year Old Australian Lady Stabbed To Death

Australian Ambassador Looking For Action Regarding Crime.  Perhaps a few other Ambassadors would leave their chauffeur driven limousines to support him.

Twenty Expats. Claim To Have Been Victims Of Crime In Phuket

Jet Ski Scam.   Despite a documentary about this shown around the world, it's still going on.

Finnish Tourist Slashed In Bag Snatch Attempt

The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office and the US Department of State have both issued warning notices about the various risks to tourists in Thailand.

The bad publicity caused by crimes such as these is now causing a great deal of talk from on high. What we need to see is action. If the police can't deal with this crime wave, then perhaps an absence of tourists will have some effect.

Nice place to look at but be careful after nightfall:

Koh Si Chang is a short ferry trip from Sri Racha, near Pattaya, and well worth a day of your time if you want some respite from traffic and bustle on the mainland

We boarded one of the several ferries at the Sri Racha pier and were on the island within one hour. The pier on Koh SI Chang has a long line of waiting tuk tuks and we hired a six seater for the day at a cost of B250.

Although the island is small, a day trip is enough for only a glimpse of what it offers. Inevitably, the first stop suggested by the driver was the Chinese temple. A walk up the steps or a ride in the small and unsafe looking funicular provides a view over the town.

The Phuket International Blues Rock Festival happens on 20 and 21 February 2009 at Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort and Spa, Karon Beach. During the two evenings, twelve bands will perform, the main headliner being Eric Bibb.

Tickets for the whole event cost THB1,200. A one day ticket costs THB800. VIP tickets for both evenings sell for THB3,000 and include drinks.

It is claimed to be the biggest event of its kind in Thailand. Looks good!

You can book here:

Thaiticketmajor - Phuket International Blues Rock Festival

Koh Chang, Elephant Island, lies just off the coast close to Trat Airport and is probably the least developed of the popular island resorts in Thailand.

My favourite part is White Sands Beach. By day, the long curve of white sand is dotted with visitors who can wade out quite some distance in the shallow water. The bars, restaurants and resorts are tucked discreetly among the trees that touch the beach. When the sun sets, pin points of candle light appear along the beach as restaurant staff bring tables and chairs onto the sand. Can you think of a more romantic setting for dinner?

Cars and motorbike can be rented for your trips around the island to visit the jungle waterfalls, jungle, beaches and other resorts. You may prefer to take an elephant ride.

Essentially, Koh Chang is for relaxation rather than the headier activities found on some other islands.

Many visitors drive to the ferry and take their cars on to the island. Others go by bus or fly to Trat Airport . Buses and taxis take visitors from the pretty airport to the ferry and on to their resort.