Sunday, May 12, 2013

Day Trip to Koh Tachai Island - Inspection in March 2013

Tachai Island was closed up to two years ago and now the Similan Islands National Park have opened it for snorkeling tours.
Koh Tacha Island - Thailand
Koh Tachai - Similan Is National Park

For many years we have dived around this island so we knew that nature and marine life here are beautiful, we have seen here many times Manta and Whale Sharks. The Island stands alone between Simlan Islands National Park and Surin Islands National Park, nothing either than the Indian Ocean to West and to East is Thailand mainland.
Koh Tacha Island - Thailand
Koh Tachai The beach

Now was time to finally step on it and discover how beautiful the place is, we booked a day trip with our selected operator and got ready at 8:00 am for pick up that was actually five minutes earlier, we were the first. We were staying at Khao Lak Country Side, that is close to the beach despite the name. Then went around the different hotels to collect other customers, last pick up was at Jw Marriot Khao Lak around 8:40 am on the way North to Ban Nam Kem where the boat was departing from (at the end of season boats normally depart south of Khao Lak from Tab Lamu).
Day tour to Koh Tachai Island
Speed Boat inside

There was a nice welcome with coffee, tea and water while we waited for every one else to arrive and then a simple briefing about the schedule during the day and rules to follow on the boat and at the Island. We followed our guide down the road to the beach where boat was waiting for us. Took our places on board and the other staff were introduced,the three four strokes engines were started and soon we were sailing full speed to Koh Tachai.
Day tour to Koh Tachai Island

The Island is about 30 miles off shore, the sea was flat as normal in mid March so it was easy to get there in about one hour and 20 minutes. Amazing colors, getting close to Tachai Island the sea went from dark Blue to emerald and then almost white as the water there is so clear that you only see the white sand bottom.



A quick stop at the beach to unload food, beverages and staff, those who like to enjoy more the beach the refreshing trees and snorkeling from the shore got off the boat.
Day tour to Koh Tachai Island by speed boat
Koh Tachai Rest area

Those remaining, about 15 people of the 30 on board, stayed on the boat and in 10 minutes we were snorkeling on the reef. It is strictly forbidden to feed the fish so you won't just see the small fishes coming close to you for some bread but the real reef life. The white sand bottom and clear water makes it very easy to see colors and fishes, guides are in the water to be sure that those not confident at swimming don't get caught in the current.
Snorkling at  Koh Tachai Island
Koh Tachai north reef

We suggest to bring your fins, it will make it easier to get back to the boat and more fun exploring a bigger area and getting close to the drop off. Koh Tachai is exposed to tidal currents so when water level changes current can be strong and it is recommended to stay close to the boat and the guides.
One hour snorkeling is good to make people hungry so we went back to the beach and near the Rangers base the staff did a great job preparing a lot of food, with BBQ sea food, shrimps, noodles, veggies and lot more.
Koh Tachai Day trip
Luunch time at Koh Tachai
Koh Tachai Day trip
Lunch time
Koh Tachai Day trip
Home made Thai sweets
Koh Tachai Day trip
Thai sweets to refresh

Relax and if you like enjoy one hour exploration of Tachai Rain Forest where can see birds and the big "chicken" Crabs, so called because of the sound they make.
Koh Tachai Thailand
Koh Tachai Rain Forest

I preferred to swim and enjoy more snorkeling and walk on the beach made of incredibly fine white sand. Between the parked boats you can sometimes see baby reef sharks that come close to shore to hunt small fishes and crabs.
Koh Tachai Thailand
Koh Tachai the beach
Koh Tachai Thailand
Speed boat to Koh Tachai moored at the beach

Around 15:00 staff pack all their equipment, collect all rubbish and call everyone to get on board, ready for the trip back to the hotel, on board more water and soft drinks are available. We were at our hotel around 17:30.
day trip to Koh Tachai Thailand
Three engines speed boat to Koh Tachai

Best time to visit is between January and mid April when sea and weather conditions are at their best. Bring your towel, fins, and a lot of sunscreen, best is a sunscreen vest, a hat and some money to tip crew and guides that do a great job everyday. Toilets and showers, well kept and clean, are available on the Island that has a fresh water reserve.

You can enjoy this day tour from Phuket or Khao Lak
 

day trip to Koh Tachai Thailand
Malila was in Koh Tachai



More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Full Day Krabi Kayaking Trip

Mangrove Kayaking
This kayaking tour will take you off the beaten track to the unspoilt part of Thambok Koranee National Park - Krabi Province. Here you will enjoy 3 hours Kayaking through the fascinating mangrove channels and  limestone caves, where you also have the opportunity to spot some of the interesting local wildlife. You will also spend some time at the beautiful waterfall in the National Park where you can have a cooling swim, while later you will pay a visit to one of the most interesting and unique temples in the province, "Wat Bang Rieng".

Hidden Limestone Bay
Cave Kayaking

Itinerary:

Thambok Koranee Waterfall

  • 7:00-7:45 Pick up at your Phuket Hotel and drive north towards Krabi Province.
  • 9:30-9:45 Coffee break at the restaurant
  • 10:00 Approximately 3 hours Kayaking through the mangroves and lagoon, then the caves of "Tham Lod" and "Tham Pi Hua To". You can choose to paddle yourself or let the friendly trained paddlers provided do it for you.
  • 13:00 Back to start point and enjoy a tasty Set Menu Lunch at the scenic raft restaurant.
  • 14:00 Move to the beautiful waterfalls, just 10 minutes away in Thambok Koranee National Park.
    Spend one hour playing and relaxing at the waterfalls.
  • 15:00 Move to the spectacular Temple "Wat Bang Rieng" (a.k.a. Patronage Temple) where you can take great pictures and with a bit of luck can also spot the local "giant black squirrel".
  • 16:30 Head back to Phuket.
  • 18:00-18:30 Arrive back at your hotel.


Wat Bang Rieng
Price: Adult 3,000 THB per person - Child (4-11 yrs) 2,000 THB per person

Included: round trip Phuket hotel transfer (hotels in remote areas may require surcharge), Thai Set Menu Lunch (vegetarian on request), refreshments, National Park and Temple admission fees, English speaking guide, Kayaking gear and waterproof bags, tax and insurance.

What to bring: swim wear, sunglasses, sun screen, camera, spare dry clothes.



Wat Bang Rieng

NOTES: the order of the stops may vary depending on daily tidal situation in order to provide the nicest experience to the guests. This program is not recommended to children below 3 years of age.
Transfers from Krabi/Ao Nang hotels are possible, must check case by case.




Wat Bang Rieng









More on tours in Thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Friday, May 3, 2013

Photo Friendly Tours


Adriano Trapanis - Armed with his Canon SLR, Adriano will take you to some of the best photographic hot spots on Phuket Island and give you tips and tricks on taking and editing your pictures. Allowing you, to take back stunning photographs to show your friends and family at home.
Adriano Trapani
Here at EasyDayThailand, we understand everyone wants to take amazing photographs of theirspecial holiday to Phuket, and share the wonderful memories with their family and friends back at home. Therefore, we have developed specially tailored photo sightseeing tours, with this just in mind.

We work with one of the top professional photographers on the island, Adriano Trapani, who is a long term resident in Phuket, and knows all the best spots to capture those amazing shots and experience the true wonder of Phuket's history, culture, nature and people.

You do not need to have any fancy or expensive camera equipment to enjoy our unique photo sightseeing tours, any camera will do. And we guarantee you will be pleased with the results.

 

Phuket Island Private Photo Tours


Phuket is a big island with many attractions and things to see, that you should not miss during your stay. There are big cultural diversities between the different areas of the island, each one has its own unique style, charm and points of interest. Some of these attractions are very popular with the tour operators on the island, with many visitors each day while others are not so popular. Those destinations off the beaten track are still very much worth a visit, especially to get those great photographs.

Here at EasyDayThailand, we make sure that your private sightseeing tour stays as private as possible, by avoiding the peak tourist times of the main attractions and taking you to our favourite 'off the beaten track' hot spots!

Private Half Day Photo Tour

Chalong Temple - A must visit place when intersted in Phuket's Temples - Photo Tours with Adriano TrapaniTour
Chalong Temple
Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick you up at hotel at 8:30 and drive towards your first of 2-3 destinations (Phuket Old Town, Temples & Shrines, Museums, Markets, View Points, Waterfalls…) where you will spend between 1 and 2 hours visiting and being coached on how to get the best memories with your camera.

Once you've visited your third destination of the morning, depending on your pace, you may have some extra time to visit some more places in the area or head directly for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch your driver will take you back to your accommodation, arriving around 13:30.

This program can also be done in the afternoon starting around 13:30 and ending around 18:30

Price: 2,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 5 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

Full Day Tour

Discover Old Phuket Town with Adrianos Full Day Photo Tours
Old Phuket Town

Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick you up at hotel at 8:30 and drive towards your first of 2-3 morning destinations (Phuket Old Town, Temples & Shrines, Museums, Markets, View Points, Waterfalls…) where you will spend between 1 and 2 hours visiting and being coached on how to get the best memories with your camera.

Once visited your third destination of the morning, depending on your pace, you may have some extra time to visit some more places in the area or head directly for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch you will be heading for more Island touring and photo opportunities. For example, one of the most characteristic destinations is Old Phuket Town to enjoy the heritage and in particular the Sino-
Portuguese architecture, not to mention the several attractive old Chinese shops. Probably you have some more time to enjoy some other interesting spots nearby at your leisure.

Back to the hotel around 17:30.

Price: 3,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 9 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.

Weekend Evening Tour


Your driver with private a/c minivan will pick up at hotel at 16:30-17:00 and bring you to Kata View Point where you can take stunning photos of the coastline and its lush nature. From Kata View point you will then be taken to Promthep Cape which is located in the extreme southern tip of Phuket Island. From this location you can enjoy a breathtaking sunset. And take beautiful photos to show back home.

After sunset you will be taken to enjoy a tasty set menu dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Last and most iconic destination is the famous Naka Market (also known as Weekend Night Market) in Phuket Town where you can find a lot of interesting things for shopping and street food stalls.

You will be back to the hotel around 22:30-23:00.

NOTE: this tour is available only on Saturday and Sunday as the Naka Market (Night market) only operates on weekends.

Price: 2,500 THB per person (minimum 2 person)

Included: private photography tutoring by our professional photographer and tour guide, private transportation in a/c minivan for 6 hours, water and soft drinks on board, set menu lunch, tax, insurance.


Phuket is a big island and it's great to get out and explore. Below you will find information about places you should see while visiting Phuket.


Thursday, May 2, 2013

Reviews - Liz C.

Liz joined our Phi Phi Premium Tour and Easy Day's Private Phang Nga Bay Sightseeing Tour

"Hi Pornsri,

My friends and I had a wonderful time in Phuket. Thanks for all the help! I'd like to especially thank Ingo and Francesco. They were very patient with all our questions and requests.

I left a very good review on Trip Advisor, too.

I hope to visit Phuket again! I'd definitely recommend you to my friends. :)

Cheers!Liz"


James Bond Island - part of Easy Day Thailand Private Sightseeing Tour
James Bond Island


Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Old Phuket - Early Bird Offers

 15% Early Bird

Winter Promotion 2013 

01 Nov 2013 – 20 Dec 2013 
(Book & pay by 31 Oct 2013)
&
01 Mar 2014 – 15 Apr 2014  
(Book & pay by 28 Feb 2014)

Summer Promotion 2014

16 Apr 2014 – 31 Oct 2014   
(Book & pay by 30 Jun 2014)


The Old Phuket at Karon Beach, Phuket, is a Sino-Portugese style Resort. The atmosphere in the resort will take you back to the old days of the spice trade, tin mining and Chinese junks that dominated the Phuket of the old days.

The Old Phuket - Lobby
The Old Phuket
The Old Phuket - Deluxe Sino Wing
Deluxe Room - Sino Wing
Pool at The Old Phuket Sino Wing
Pool at The Old Phuket Sino Wing
More on tours in thailand at www.easydaythailand.com

Reviews - Susan & Danny

Susan & Danny review About Easy Days Private Phang Nga Sightseeing Tour  
"Hi Francesco! 

Just wanted to let you know that we had an amazing time yesterday with T! When we get back to Toronto in about a week, I will write a thorough review. T is an amazing guide and felt more like a friend! We had a blast with him! Also, the lunch was definitely one of the best meals we've had in Thailand! Couldn't have asked for a better day! 


Thanks again so much! Please give our thanks to T as well! :) 

Susan"

Khao Lak Diamond Beach Resort & Spa


Khao Lak Diamond Beach Resort is just a 50 minute drive from Phuket International Airport and is situated on the pristine Khao Lak Beach. It is conveniently located within a few minutes walking distance of the local shopping and entertainment areas.

A perfect getaway for holiday making families, couples & nature explorers.

3 Day / 2 Nights - Summer Special 2013
(1 May - 31 Oct 2013)

Only 3,500 Thai baht per person

Including:
  • return transfers from Phuket Airport
  • 2 nights twin/double share accommodation in Superior with breakfast

Khao Lak Diamond Beach Resort & Spa - Lobby

Khao Lak Diamond Beach Resort & Spa - Accommodation

Khao Lak Diamond Beach Resort & Spa - Beach Front Pool

More on tours in thailand at www.easydaythailand.com