Koh Phi Phi

You might be wondering on how local Thai celebrates this once a year event. On this day, they commemorate the revered Buddha by visiting the monasteries and offer prayers while extending the blessings that they have received by giving alms to the monks after feeding them with the food they prepared. They put in order adequate for this big event by acceptable cleaning of their house beforehand. Thais believe that they have to clean and rejuvenate not only their house but more especially themselves. They remove all the house rubbish and bathe Buddha images so that they'll have thriving year ahead.

Songkran Phi Phi

Thailand's New Year celebration is incomplete without the Big Water Battle. Even the motorist and by passers are unexcused for not being soaked on water on that day. Water is the emblem for cleansing and removing all the bad things from the past and takes away the bad luck for the whole year ahead. So you must be blessed if you get drenched with water.

Vacationers who contemplate this celebration truly amazed on how Thai population follow their traditions. While this time, the strong house ties clearly articulated by means of giving respect to the elders and other members of the family. You'll never feel that you are a tourist in this place. It is one place that you can feel as if you have found your homeland. Thais are very accommodating and nice in every tourist. It is one of the main reasons why travelers decide on spending their holidays in this fabulous island.

You'll never get wrong in selecting Thailand for your next holidays. Having all things as if you have found your dreamland is in fact great! If you are planning to visit Thailand, April month will be excellent for you. Aside from the good weather health you will be able to contact and appreciate Thailand's most pride or the Thailand's New Year celebration!

1. Two Heroines Monument - It is Phuket's most renowned monument in Amphoe Thalang and the memorial sculpture of the heroines Thao Thepkasattri (Kunying Jan) and Thao Sisunthon (Mook), who gathered islanders in 1785 to forestall Burmese invaders.

Phuket

2. Thalang National Museum - This is situated very near the Two Heroines Monument. The Thalang National Museum was built in 1985 on the 200th anniversary of the Thalang War. The museum holds permanent exhibition of life in old Phuket, antique artifacts and remains discovered on the coast and, materials used while war with Burma (Myanmar). It is open daily except national holidays from 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

3. Hat Patong - 15 kilometers from the town, Patong is Phuket's most developed beach which provides abundant leisure, sporting, shopping and recreational facilities to the tourist while Phuket Island Tours along its 3-kilometre long crescent bay. One can go for many favorite daytime activities like Windsurfing, snorkeling, sailing, swimming and sunbathing on his/her vacation to Phuket Island. Patong is similarly well renowned for its moving nightlife, among which seafood restaurants highlight significantly.

4. Laem Phromthep- It is a peninsula forming the greatest south end of Phuket. "Phrom" is Thai for the Hindu term, "Brahma," which signifies Syn. Clearness and "Thep" means 'God.' Local villagers of the region used to refer to the cape as "Laem Chao", or the God's Cape, and it was a naturally identifiable landmark for the early seafarers traveling up the Malay Peninsula from the sub-continent.

5. Hat Karon - It is the second largest tourist Beach of Phuket Island. The sand is very white, and squeaks clearly when walked upon. There are ample of restaurants and tourist market right across the street from the beach. The southern point has got an excellent coral reef stretching toward Kata and Bu Island.

6. View Point - This is situated mid-point between Nai Han and Kata beaches. The picturesque Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches, and Ko Pu Island can be seen and enjoy from this point.

7. Wat Chalong -It is the place where the cast sculpture of Luang Pho Cham stands. Luang Pho Cham helped the population of Phuket to put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie Rebellion in the year of 1876 while the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Cham, abbots of the temple while later times.

8. Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Conservation development and prolongation Centre- Its job is to promote, distribute the wildlife within Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park. The park is packed with virgin lush forest and also vigorously conserves a whole of wild animals; they would otherwise be extinct in Phuket. It is a center for study the environment and the forest vegetation. Giant trees supported by huge buttresses are thick with creepers and climbers of every description.

Thailand's island of Phuket occupies a strategically located site from which to reach all the best fishing grounds off the northwest coast of Thailand, plus is a suitable starting-point for fishing trips to India's Andaman Islands, where weighty marlin can still be found.

Songkran Phi Phi

Fish Phuket, Thailand - Seasons

As with virtually every game-fishing venue there are definite seasons when the pelagic visitors are more prolific. The most productive seasons also depend on weather and sea conditions. Although black marlin may well be present over Phuket's continental shelf for most of the year, there are periods when targeting them may be prevented due to adverse sea conditions. Compared with many established game-fishing venues, Phuket is fortunate as ultimate weather and sea conditions are uncommon. Very few fishing days are lost due to heavy seas or tropical storms.

Phuket has two major weather patterns. During the dry season, which commonly lasts from mid-October to mid-May, the prevailing winds are from the north-east and on occasions sea conditions may get a wee choppy. During the rainy season of June to October the prevailing winds are from the south-west and sometimes ensue in long waves and diplomatic swells. As with in any place in the tropics, it can rain at any time, but continued periods of heavy rain occur only occasionally, even in the rainy season.

The peak season for fishing off Phuket commonly coincides with the peak duration for tourists visiting the island. October, November and December ordinarily relate the most productive months for marlin and sailfish action. During the rainy season, Phuket often enjoys a good run of sailfish. July and August ordinarily contribute anglers with 'hot-bites' from sailfish, wahoo and dorado.

Phuket, Thailand - Fishing Grounds

There are three major fishing areas off Phuket: Racha Yai, Racha Noi and the Continental Shelf. In increasing the Andaman Islands are 450 km away and are reachable by hire or by boarding in Port Blair, India. The most frequented of Phuket's fishing grounds are the waters surrounding the island of Racha Yai, especially off its northeast corner. This is a sensational sailfish hot-spot and can often produce outstanding action. Wahoo, dorado, barracuda and multitudes of skipjack, kawa kawa and longtail-tuna are ordinarily caught off this island.

Racha Noi and the rocky pinnacles to the south of the island can offer sizzling sport with black marlin, sailfish, wahoo and several other desirable game-fish. When the vast schools of giant trevally embark on their feeding frenzies, popper-casting can ensue in a memorable fishing session. Jigging over the pinnacles can also produce captivating performance with giant trevallies, rainbow-runners and even the occasional dogtooth-tuna.

The drop-off, on Phuket's continental shelf, offers anglers their best occasion of black marlin performance relatively near to Phuket. The drop-off near the Similan Islands is also one of the haunts of yellowfin-tuna, although they are rarely caught in trophy size. Big wahoo often cruise the shelf, as do barracuda and impressive dorado. The skipjacks are commonly much bigger than their cousins caught in shallower water. Sailfish do show up occasionally but seldom in great numbers.

The Andaman Islands archipelago, which belongs to India and is situated in the Bay of Bengal, is approximately 450km west of Phuket and is closer to Thailand than it is to India. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands group consists of 572 rain-forest-covered islands, of which only 36 are inhabited. This area is an captivating new destination for big-game fishing where the fishing action, including major battles with weighty specimens of the mighty black marlin, is outstanding, generally due to the virtual absence of industrial fishing vessels.

There are a lot of things to accomplish in Phuket. One of the best traveler's adventures is Phi Phi Island Tour. It is situated in the middle of the western part of Andaman Sea and the huge Island of Phuket. In the event you select to examine the Phi Phi Island, exhilarating excursion awaits you!

Phi Phi Beach

Applauded throughout the globe, this Island is literally a component from the maritime Park. The exotic beaches surrounded with palm bushes and dazzling monoliths fashioned by limestone are generally two from the main attractions that allege guests arrival back to Phi Phi Island each and every year. Phi Phi Island Tour is one of the main calculate why tourists love to go back in Thailand. The wide fluctuating landscapes from the seaside were exhibited within the Hollywood film 'The Beach' that is an additional motive behind its attractiveness.

In inspecting Phi Phi Island Tour, seeing for the place to stay is literally not a nerve wracking task. The Island is surrounded by a well-known and established hotels and resorts. The Vacation Inn Resort probably known as one of the most luxurious Phuket seaside resort, has 77 suites approximately cost 6500 Baths. In the event you want to feel the same whole of pleasure, you can visit Phi Phi Is Cabana Hotel at a cheap cost of 4950 Baths per room. This accommodation has 162 suites, equipped with fashionable amenities and best facilities. There are lot of cheap seaside vacation rentals in Phuket begin at just 1500 Baths which is similar to Usd for every night!

Katathani is an additional treasure of several Phuket seaside rental accommodations. It is the best selection for travelers who're searching for an impressive beach front asset that offers marvelous relaxation. Those who're carried out along with their sea bathe and sun tanning sessions, can merely chill out on the comfy poolside in this particular resort. You can also go for your desired meals at 6 discrete in-house dining establishments. Former European and Thai cuisine are ready to satisfy the expectations of travelers arrival from separate part all over the globe. Here, the actual attendants will indulge with adequate exclusive care and invigorating spa treatments. Great deals of relaxation and sports are obtainable for your every day dose of amusement where you could plainly enjoy your Phi Phi Island Tour!

Numerous Phuket seaside resorts provides excellent aid such as Cape Panwa Hotel and Spa, Andaman Sea View Resort, Le meridian, Thara Patong seaside vacation resort and spa and more. Staying in one of these major resorts will literally make your stay an unforgettable and memorable one.

Are you excited on your Phi Phi Island Tour? examine and see for yourself the top secrets why tourists love to come back in the exotic Phi Phi Island!

If you are manufacture up your mind to visit this place, then here are a amount of allocation hotels in Phi Phi Islands that can furnish you cheap accommodation:

Phi Phi Island

1. Holiday Inn Resort Phi Phi Islands

This striking place has a well-reputed name in terms of playing a excellent host to a amount of honeymooners and holidaymakers. One can plainly spend the whole day in enjoying the spectacular charm of this place. You can plainly relax in an isolated spot in one of the surrounding island and spectacular beaches.

2. Andaman Beach Resort

It is a modern bungalow establishment, located directly on the beach itself. You will be surrounded by white sand spread over thousands of meters. This is a paradise resort for all. Come here and relax with your family.

3. Phi Phi Hotel

It is one of the first class hotels located in this island. It is not only classy but cheap as well. The local hamlet and the night shop are just two minutes of walk away. They offer 64 fully furnished rooms with all the basic amenities outfitted. You can enjoy here 24 hour room service, laundry assistance and lobby bar and coffee corner. This place has it all stored for you.

These are the best frugal hotels in Phi Phi Islands. Don't forget to check them out on your next trip to this Island.

As I said, the cheaper way to travel to Koh Phi Phi is via the group ferry. Either you are leaving from Phuket or Krabi, there are ferries that make the crossing to Phi Phi on a daily basis. The ferry from Krabi leaves from the pier in Krabi town 3 times a day (10:30, 14:30 and 16:00) and the trip takes about 90 minutes. The cost is just 250 baht which is less than .

Holidays Phi Phi

Ferries from Phuket also take about 90 minutes, but will cost you practically duplicate or 450 baht. They leave from Rasada pier daily at 8:30 and 13:30. In Either case, the ferry will drop you at Tonsai Bay in Koh Phi Phi and if your hotel or resort is settled elsewhere on the island you will need to dispose for transport from there to your hotel. This isn't too difficult as there are many longtail boats at Tonsai willing to take you to most any point on the island.

If cost isn't a factor and you just want to get to Phi Phi as speedily as potential then your best bet is to rent a speedboat. This is positively the quickest way to get to the island as well as the most convenient. Speedboats can make the crossing and have you back on land on Phi Phi in as minute as 45 minutes. Even better, many speedboats can drop you on the beach by your hotel so you can shave even more travel time off your trip.

You can expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of 1000 baht per person for this luxury. Costs can be somewhat higher than that while the high season and depending on your capability to barter with the speedboat captain. You can also cut the cost per person quite a bit if you have a larger party. There are speedboats that can accommodate up to 20 passengers and if you can fill one of these your cost might be close to the same as taking the ferry.

If you plan on taking a speedboat then plan on leaving by 16:00 as the speedboat captains prefer to get back before night falls. You can get a speedboat from Either Phuket or Krabi.

This short cruise holiday takes places aboard the Suwan Macha, an Asian rigged customary junk with distinctive burnt sienna sails that today navigates a route from Phuket Thailand to Phang Nga Bay, Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands before reversing her policy to go back to Phuket with a fresh set of lucky island hoppers over someone else 4 day tranquil house sailing cruise among the off-lying exotic islands of Phuket.

Koh Phi Phi

The Suwan Macha
With 5 cabins, the Suwan Macha can sleep up to 10 vacationers and sails with a superior skipper and crew. Things are personal, slightly intimate but relaxed on-board this customary junk which merges Asian world charm with Western amenities.

The Suwan Macha just accentuates the fairy story surroundings and looking at her is practically dream-like as this magnificent Oriental yacht sails majestically atop the verdant sea portraying an entirely ageless profile of lines and inevitable colours. Most visitors to Thailand flock to Phuket each year and some of those take to the seas to visit the bounty of off-lying islands on day tours or on live-aboard dive boats but not many have the occasion to caress this exotic island boat trip free from the hordes and in perfect harmony with the surroundings.

While salvagers have trolled the oceans for buried treasure, the Suwan Macha is a treasure in itself and a junk sailing cruise that takes you to discover and discover natural treasures like inexpressive lagoons, inexpressive sandy bay's, mangrove forests and a small society of Sea Gypsies that still exist separated and independent from the normal habitancy of Thailand.

Suwan Macha Adventure Sailing
This tropical island sailing cruise can be done from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay and onto Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands or in reverse; the first choice departs on Saturdays and the latter on Tuesdays but either way the cruise begins from the front door of your Phuket hotel. If you opt for the reverse cruise we obtain you from your hotel and replacement you to the ferry which whisks you from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands where you will board the Suwan Macha.

Cast off, Castaway and James Bond (Day 1)
But let's start out from your Phuket hotel and join the Suwan Macha after a short drive to the Phuket Yacht Haven where she is moored. Departure time is 2pm and you will be onboard with abundance of time to spare.

Mooring lines are cast-off and the Suwan Macha plots a policy for Phang Nga Bay weaving her way straight through towering limestone karsts and inching ever closer to the ever beloved James Bond island that was put firmly on the chart in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). Otherwise known as Koh Tapu the island is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park and after taking time to discover the island the day trippers flee for home leaving the Suwan Macha in peaceful harmony.

Drop anchor, kick back and put in order for a picture postcard sunset before enjoying a feast of Thai food for supper taken on the teak decks.

Sea Gypsy's, inexpressive Lagoons and Powder White Beaches (Day 2)
There is nothing quite like waking up on a sailing yacht (or junk!), advent up on deck to caress Nature in all her glory and in among the rock karsts of Ao Phang Nga National Park, the visual impact is awe-inspiring. Morning meal is served on-deck before guests are invited to discover a unique Sea Gypsy hamlet and caress a boat ride straight through the mangroves in search of inexpressive lagoons.

After visiting the Sea Gypsy's, sail onwards and southwards to the clear green waters of Krabi. This is time to stretch out on the sun-soaked decks whilst enjoying icy cold cocktails and the panoramic splendour of the tropical view. Today also exemplifies the real advantage of yacht sailing as the Suwan Macha discovers deserted powder-white beaches for swimming, snorkeling and some inexpressive sun-bathing.

As the afternoon draws to an end clients are treated to their second Andaman Sea Sunset followed by a table laden with Thai Food to enjoy beneath the stars on-deck.

Yacht sailing from Krabi to the Phi Phi Islands (Day 3)
one more morning, one more anchorage, one more feast for the senses topped-up with Morning meal on-deck! The theme today is Tropical Island hopping. The greatest destination is Koh Phi Phi but in the middle of there and the anchorage in Krabi are scattered many smaller islands and a occasion to snorkel, swim and sunbathe occur in series.

Once at Koh Phi Phi, guests have a occasion to go ashore to discover before returning to yacht in time to catch their final Andaman sunset aboard the Suwan Macha followed by the now ubiquitous smorgasbord of Thai food served up on-deck.

The Beach, the Bay and Return (Day 4)
As Koh Tapu became a lure for tourism after being featured in The Man with the Golden Gun, Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley seduced viewers movie-goers by its astonishing, hypnotic and mesmerizing attractiveness when it became the backdrop in the 2000 drama film "The Beach" starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Maya Bay is the final destination for the Suwan Macha 4 day cruise.

Unfortunately Maya Bay now attracts boatload after boatload of tourists on a daily basis who descend on "The Beach" for a espy of paradise. Having anchored in close proximity, the Suwan Macha has the upper-hand though and by manufacture an early morning visit guests are spared the life jacket-clad hordes.

After visiting Maya Bay and exploring the cave guests of the Suwan Macha enjoy lunch on Koh Phi Phi before returning to Phuket by ferry.

Sailing Adventures from Phuket
Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is bathed by the Andaman Sea. Most tourists know Phuket for its entertainment value and it reverberates with opportunities for adventure sports, eco adventures and recreational activities, embracing both water sports and outdoor activities on land. Phuket is also acclaimed for its nightlife, in places slightly hedonistic, but that scene is contained and indeed avoided if neon lights and gyrating bodies are not your scene and Phuket has a indeed epicurean side.

Inaugurated in 1987, the each year Kings Cup Regatta propelled Phuket into becoming the headquarters of Yacht sailing in Asia and it remains the largest and most beloved regatta in the region today. And in the wake of the Kings Cup Regatta free time sailing has boomed with inexpressive yacht ownership, flotilla sailing holidays, corporate sailing and sailing schools all now ready all-year-round, although November straight through to April is the legal Phuket Yacht sailing season.

Needless to say, the sailing grounds near Phuket are immensely beautiful. Don't expect Fastnet or Sydney to Hobart conditions but if you are looking for gentle sailing vacations that offer island hopping and adventure sailing in profusion then Phuket sailing Vacations make for a very inspired alternative to the more typical Phuket holiday formula. sailing vacations in Southern Thailand are also exquisite for Families with kids and provide end-to-end entertainment with swimming, snorkeling and island adventures each and every day.

The Suwan Macha is but one choice where Phuket sailing holidays are involved and this indeed shaped, Asian rigged customary junk, exuding oriental world charm but with sufficient Western vertebrate comforts, is a exquisite platform for house cruises in and colse to the islands and she can also be chartered outright.

You are welcomed here by the friendly population who make you feel comfortable, this is a home away from the home. Varied places in Thailand are fascinated by an antique civilization and it has colorful and enthralling culture. There are numerous glittering temples and glamorous open-air bazaars. Get revitalized with a stay in luxurious hotels and enjoy the health spa.

Koh Phi Phi

Koh Chang

This is the last known island paradise in South-East Asia, this is also the second largest island in Thailand nest to Phuket Island. The place is surrounded by gorgeous beaches, coves and bays.

Phuket

Phuket is the largest island of Thailand and is known all colse to the world as the Pearl of the Andaman Sea. This province is known for many tourist attractions. Phuket has the Phromthep Cape which is the country's most gorgeous spot to watch sunsets.

Krabi

Krabi is someone else province near Phuket that encompasses many islands it also includes the most gorgeous island in Asia named the Phi Phi island. Krabi is the most preferred destination of the swimmers as here they can indulge in swimming, go for scuba diving, sun bathing, islands hopping, sea kayaking, rock climbing and there are many more adventure sports that one can enjoy over here.

Phi Phi

This is one of the most preferred destinations on Andaman Coast after the Phuket Island. Here one can also find pristine beaches, clear water, impressive cliffs and enthralling nautical life.

Koh Tao

This is a small fishing town, situated on the Gulf of Thailand. This is the chief ferry departure point, from here one can visit the colse to Samui Island, Koh Tao, Koh Nangyuan, Koh Phan Ngan and forms an enthralling destination.

Khao Lak

Khao Lak is a newly developing seaside town, this town is surrounded by mountains all colse to and is covered with thick jungle. The mountains here drop colse to 130 away into the pristine sandy beaches where you can have fun in the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea in the Phang-Nga Province.

John: Over the past two decades Phuket has earned the right to be classed as a true big game fishing destination, gift boats, an infrastructure and hotels of the proper well-heeled anglers expect. Over the last eighteen years that I have lived and fished the waters nearby Phuket as a fishing-charter captain I have seen many changes, some for the better, some for the worse - and also some things that have not changed at all.

Koh Phi Phi

Simon: Has the fishing got worse?

John: It hasn't got worse, it's got distinct as the fish have changed from all the time being at one island to suddenly appearing at one island or other in greater numbers. My own personal notice on what is happening is that we have seen a weighty growth in the estimate of commercial boats chasing what I call 'baitfish', not only for human consumption, as in fish sauce, but also for development animal feeds for chickens. Fish are creatures of habit and if suddenly the food that they have been used to getting in a single spot is not there any more they will move and find other source.

Simon: So, with all that happening, is Phuket a good fishing destination?

John: Absolutely, yes it is! Many of our anglers have had the best battles of their lives, especially with the large numbers of sailfish nearby the Islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi, even in the low-tourist season of May- September. Some lucky anglers have even gone home having had the thrill of catching one of the decent-sized black marlin that appear in the middle of October and April.

Simon: Why come to Phuket?

John: I have been lucky adequate to have visited some of the great fishing capitals of the world, so I am clear in giving you these main reasons why you should put Phuket on your map of destinations if you are a fishing enthusiast. Let's start with the international airport, which is very close to most of our two-star to five-star and above hotels and which is linked to most countries, either directly or straight through Bangkok. Thai habitancy are the friendliest and smiliest folk on the planet. They serve superb, mouth-wateringly tasty and assorted food. The island is blessed with lovely beaches and offers perfect and extremely assorted alternative activities for non-angling companions. Phuket offers some of the best fishing to be found in Asia, on good boats which are reasonably priced and which have friendly crews, many of whom can speak cheap English. So if you are on holiday and fancy a day or a week's fishing, get in touch with one of the local operators and have yourself a ball. And I practically forgot: we have award-winning cold beer as well!

After the expanding popularity and development, the islands have lost most of its earlier tranquility, but still the regions natural beauty and crystal clear waters overwhelm its visitors. Set at the heart of a national park, the islands remain one of the country's most popular holiday destinations. The country's important holiday destination Phi Phi Island is set in the heart of the national park and it does not disappoint anybody. However, the two islands are not as big but offer many opportunities for an animated to a relaxing holiday. One gets exquisite opportunities and facilities for diving and snorkeling, which top the list of animated ways to spend time here. Then the crystal clear waters exquisite for checking out the rich marine life. From cliff diving, sunbathing, reading, exercising, hiking, to rock climbing there are a whole lot of possibilities to explore. With droves of visitor's flocking the island, it has chamber for all kinds of travelers. There is an array of chamber available from Phi Phi Island hotel, bungalows, to hostels. Phi Phi Island has something for every budget, specially very kind to budget-minded backpackers, with rooms of one-star (or less) rating scale outnumbering the up market resorts. For those who want to palpate a paradise, there are a few luxury hotels.

Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi's beauty is the biggest attraction for the visitor's here. The place is honestly love at first sight for the tourists. It is the most popular destination on the Andaman Coast after Phuket, serving as the suitable flee from the hustle-and-bustle. Moreover, the place is affordable. The islands exquisite resort-style accommodation, top ability restaurants, shops and a animated nightlife all make it a exquisite place. Either one stays just a few nights or a week, the island is an phenomenal destination to relax, go diving, swimming, and snorkeling.

The 53-year-old's baby is a dazzling, impeccably-landscaped, 120-million-Baht, 26-acre exertion atmospherically enhanced by the presence of heavy karsts (limestone crags) standing sentinel in the background. It results from drive and devotion in the face of thorny planning problems and natural challenges, not least the king cobra that had to be exterminated after it made a meal of a few of the 700 fish.

Koh Phi Phi

Armed with five mechanical diggers, Gillham's team embarked on the task in November 2007 and worked seven days a week, day and night in shifts. Because of the pressure, more than once, Gillham and his house determined just filling the land in and going home.

But now the farm is practically finished. It is worth seeing, partly because among Gillham's giant shoal are 10 species of record-breaking super-heavy fish. That's about 60 private fish. Shedding light on these prodigious statistics, Gillham says that he filled the lake with vast quantities of natural food before stocking it. Also, he admits, he just bought in many readymade giant fish from other farms. I spoke to Stuart about the art of angling, walking on water and a Jaws-like Amazon monster that inspires obsession.

Simon: What was the inspiration for your resort?

Stuart: I'd fished around the world and stayed at remarkable places with awful fishing and at awful places with remarkable fishing - you just never knew which you would get. There are fullness of lakes in Thailand with big fish in, but they're mostly ugly square holes which don't have good surroundings. Some have nice accommodation, but the fish are small. So we said, 'What would everyone want?' The talk we came up with was big fish, nice accommodation and pretty gardens. This is a place where a guy can come alone and do petite else than have great battles with huge fish. Or he can bring his house and spend potential time with them in in the middle of the fish fights. We're catering for just about everyone with an interest in fishing, really.

Simon: And how do you source the fish?

Stuart: I've got an agent. He travels all round Thailand looking for big fish. Strange job he has really, negotiating the price of great fish: there's not exactly a huge store for them. In fact, I think I may personally have significantly pushed the price up by stocking my lake. Maybe we need an options and futures market, where population can place bets on the price of a 100kg giant carp in a year's time. Well, Thailand already has more bizarre things - diving with elephants and shopping with sharks, to mention just two.

Simon: What's the most expensive fish you stock?

Stuart: The most expensive and hardest to find, believe it or not, is the Siamese carp, which sells for around 1,000 Baht a kilo and is on the endangered species list now.

Simon: What is your most popular fish?

Stuart: Certainly, the arapaima are the headline fish that practically everyone comes for. They're the fish that guys travel from all over the world to try and catch. We have a guy coming here who has spent 20 years of his life trying, on-and-off and unsuccessfully, to catch an arapaima. He has just been given six months to live, due to a final illness. So he phoned me up and asked how long he should stay here. Generally, if you fish here for five days, you'll catch an araipama. So we've said nine days and we shall pull out all the stops to catch him his arapaima. This guy's not going to get a return holiday. We have 60 fishing rods here and, if needs be, we'll put the lot out.

Simon: How rare are araipama?

Stuart: They're very, very rare in most of the wild. They were brought to Thailand probably 20 years ago for the aquarium trade. They grew too big for the aquaria. The Thais took them out and threw them in ponds. Thailand just totally suits them. They are becoming extinct in Brazil but are numerous in Thailand. They grow from nothing to a metre long in just a year.

Simon: So what's the hidden of catching arapaima?

Stuart: Patience. You put a bait in the water and they'll look at it for four or five hours and then rule either to eat it or swim off. When you catch one, because it's so big and because of its temperament, it takes five guys to tackle it.

Simon: Arapaima are said to be very aggressive.

Stuart: That's right. In the fish farms in Brazil, over ten kids a year are killed by arapaima. One of only two fish in the world which can swim backwards (the other is the Wells catfish), it launches itself at you like a battering ram and smashes into you with its bony, prehistoric head.

Simon: all about this fish seems to be weird. How does it breed?

Stuart: When the arapaima spawn, the female opens her mouth swiftly and inhales but does not swallow her young. Then she grows white tubes down her body, and the tubes are what the fish feed on for the first month of their life. The females stay close to the surface, the males swim around to protect them. We could see a female under the covering in October when they spawned. We sent a Thai boy who works here out in the boat to scoop the net alongside this female fish and get some babies. As the boy came alongside, the big male (150 kilos and 10-feet-long) attacked the boat, rammed it and turned it upside down.

Simon: What did the buy do?

Stuart: What did the boy do? He just ran over the top of the water. I conception only Jesus could walk on water, but this kid did it. He was out in seconds.

Simon: Sounds a bit implausible, Stuart.

Stuart: You weren't there. There are some plants growing in the water, which presumably supported adequate of his weight as he ran.

Simon: What's the hidden of catching fish in general?

Stuart: Patience. A few other things are foremost in fishing, like location - if you watch a lake and you watch it long enough, you will see that there is a particular fish which keeps showing itself in a particular place. So then you realize this fish lives in this petite spot. Then it's just down to patience.

Simon: Lures or bait?

Stuart: Lures aren't that effective. Well, they are in new water when the fish have never been targetted. Once they have been caught once on a lure, they are pretty clued-up. So, I would say bait. Dead sea-fish are in effect good - especially when the target fish has grown up in a fish farm and has got used to feeding on sea-fish.

Simon: Is there a particular bait that does it every time?

Stuart: No, but any oily sea fish is good for the predators. Carp and Mekong catfish like maize and paste balls more.

Simon: Many of your fish, like the arapaima, are rare. How conservation-conscious are you?

Stuart: All fish are catch-and-release. We have got sea-eagles and kites coming in here every day feeding, as well as giant kingfishers. The more the resort is becoming established, the more wildlife is coming here. My workers are all under exact instructions: no one is allowed to kill anything.

Simon: Won't the birds kill your fish?

Stuart: My fish are safe. My fish would probably eat the eagles.

Just as you can be thought rude or uncouth for failing to barter with vendors, so too can you be thought arrogant or cheap if you barter at the wrong time. Many in the Middle East and, to a lesser extent, Asia believe that there is nothing on Earth for which you cannot barter. In terms of cultural faux pas, though, you want to stay away from bartering in department stores, malls, grocery stores, or for scheduled buses or ferries. If you are dining at a cafeteria by yourself or with a small party, you will not want to barter.

Koh Phi Phi

There are a few exceptions, however. If you are eating with a large party, you may negotiate the rates before you eat. If you do it after, you will be looked upon as very cheap or unknowledgeable. You may sometimes barter the price for high label items in a department store, such as jewelry, or when you are buying an item in bulk. You may also offer to pay cash for a discount. Some shop will take off five to ten percent if you use cash instead of a prestige card, but this is far from universal.

Before you hit the streets of Thailand, brush up on your bartering skills. While there are some intricacies you should know, in general, you want to be very pleasant. Never raise your voice, and treat bartering like a game. It can be intimidating for the uninitiated, but it helps to know that this is largely meant to be an enjoyable feel for seller and buyer. Start in Thai, saying, "Sawadee krap/ka, nee tao rai na krap/ka?" or "Hello. How much is this?"

Don't take it too seriously, play along, and above all, always pay a fair price for goods. Vendors will often take off ten to twenty-five percent of their request price through the bargaining process; unless it is a very high-priced item, don't haggle too much more than that. Remember that as a tourist, you have considerably more money than the vendor.

Naturally with all these available beaches there may be some ask about which ones you have to visit, which are the best of the best. Here are 4 of the most favorite Phi Phi beaches that I feel every person should come to see.

Koh Phi Phi

Long Tong Beach - This beach is in northern Phi Phi and is accessible only by longtail boat. This factor makes the beach secluded and a perfect option if you are looking for quiet and solitude. In addition, the beach is right across from the smaller islands of Koh Yung and Koh Phai and these two islands furnish some superior snorkeling for those who want to get underwater and see the fantastic nautical life.

Loh Dalum - This beach is opposite Tonsai Bay and can be reached by walking from Tonsai. It is a striking crescent shaped beach with the bay in front the stuff that trip guide books are made of. Because it is close to Tonsai there are still some restaurants, shops and bars here, but the pace is much slower than the main area of Tonsai. It's a great beach to just chill out on and is perfect for those development a day trip from Phuket or Krabi.

Long Beach - Long beach has some of the softest sand of all the Phi Phi beaches. Snorkeling is also potential from the beach and there are some striking corals and fishes to be seen just meters from the beach. If you plan on advent to Long Beach avoid the low season (May-October) because the water can be rough development swimming difficult.

Maya Bay - possibly the most preeminent beach in all of Thailand thanks to the fact that it was the setting for the movie The Beach in 1999. It is quite stunning, with high limestone cliffs on three sides of the bay and several small beaches in this sheltered area. The entire bay is a large coral reef and the main beach is perfectly white sand fringed by palm trees. Many day trips come to Maya Bay and it's a great place to get some photos, go snorkeling or just have a picnic lunch and relax.