Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007 - (Page 31)

With 96 national parks, 48 wildlife sanctuaries and non-hunting areas, forest parks, watershed reserves and biosphere reserves, Thailand is a leading destination for nature-based activities. ENCOUNTER THE SHEER BEAUTY OF THAI NATURE boots, plenty of water, sunscreen, and insect repellent. It’s also important to realistically assess your physical condition to make sure you can handle y the exertions of the trek. Khao Yai in Central Thailand is the most popular national park for trekking. In the north, the countryside surrounding the city of Chiang Mai has camps where visitors can hire an elephant with a mahout to take them on a trek. Northern trekking has much to offer, including the orchid farms and gardens along Mae Sa Valley, Doi Inthanon and Sankhamphaeng’s villages of the hill people and their handicraft centers. Even further north, Chiang Rai is the home of ethnic hill people in distinctive costumes, proud to show visitors their age-old customs and traditions. In the South, Thale Ban National Park has nearly 120 square miles of rainforest along the Malaysian border. r National Parks of Thailand: www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/ w BIRD WATCHING Thailand bird varieties can be seen all year round. The best y time for bird watching (both native and migrating birds) is December to February. March to May is also a good time as it is the breeding season for native species. April to May is Thailand’s hottest period and a good time to sight birds on their spring return passage. June to August is Thailand’s w wettest season and a time when the forest is most lush. During this period migration is largely over, but one may still sight some rare species. September to November is a good time to observe migrating waders and raptors. Chiang Mai is convenient to Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak and home to many rare species. Khao Yai is another significant destination. Sam Roi Yot National Park’s beaches, caves and mangroves create a habitat for a variety of birds. Kaeng Krachan national park’s 250 species include the rk great hornbill and grey peacock. r r Nature and Bird Site E Exploration Co., Ltd: www.thailandbirdwatching.com w r Birding Tours in Southern Thailand National Parks: r www.thailandbirding.com w BUTTERFLIES Thailand is alive with the fluttering brilliance of over 1,200 butterfly species. At the World Heritage sites of Thung Yai Naresuan and Huai Kha Khaeng sanctuaries, you will see the entire expanse of grassland shimmering with the vivid colors of these delicate winged creatures. Another prime viewing area is the mudflats and wetlands along the coast, particularly in Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park. National Parks of Thailand: r www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/ w rr Wild Thailand Adventure Holiday: www.wildthailand.com w Wayfarer’s Travel: www.wayfarersthailand.com CAMPING Most national parks provide overnight accommodation and camping facilities. If you plan y to stay at on-site accommodation, make reservations at least one month in advance by contacting the National Parks r Division of the Forestry rr Department: www.dnp.go.th w TREKKING T Treks can range from a single daylight excursion to physically challenging adventures of a w week or more. Trekking prepaT ration is important. Make sure y you have proper shoes or www www.tourismthailand.org/la | 31 http://www.thailandbirdwatching.com http://www.thailandbirding.com http://www.wildthailand.com http://www.wayfarersthailand.com http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/ http://www.dnp.go.th http://www.tourismthailand.org/la

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

Contents Make the Most of Amazing Thailand, Land of Heritage and History Planning a Trip to Thailand: Essential Information Transportation: Convenient Options, from Tuk Tuks to Skytrains Thailand's Vibrant Culture: Experience the Art of Thai Living Sampling Thailand’s Top 20 Delights Hotel Choices: From Luxury to Budget-Friendly Map of Thailand Overview of Thailand’s Regions Central Thailand: The Delights of Bangkok and Beyond Northeastern Thailand: A Distinct Culture All Its Own Northern Thailand: Experience the Iconic Heritage Southern Thailand: Balmy and Beautiful Days International Festivities in Thailand: Let Yourself Be Enchanted Water Sports: The Fun, Sun, Surf and Serenity of Thai Beaches Ecotourism: Encounter the Sheer Beauty of Thai Nature The Beauty of Wellness and Wellbeing in Thailand Shopping: Excite Yourself with a Myriad of Thai Trends

Thailand Sales Planner - From Travel Agent September 10, 2007

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