Page 101 - (DK Eyewitness) Top 10 Travel Guide - Phuket

Farther Afield ❮❮ 99

valleys, towering limestone cliffs,
lakes, and jungle paths. Adventures
into the park often include elephant
treks, canoeing, and jeep safaris.
Picturesque Cheow Laan Lake,
framed by verdant cliffs, is home to
floating bamboo-raft houses, and the
area is a favorite with photo graphers
and bird-watchers (see pp32–5).
Natai Beach
3
MAP E2
Similan Islands coral reef On the main land just north of Phuket
Island, Natai is perfect for anyone
Similan Islands
1 seeking an easily accessible hide-
One of the world’s premier
away. A 20-minute drive from the
scuba diving destinations, the airport (closer than some beach
Similan Islands (see pp30–31) offer areas), it is totally devoid of jet-skis,
underwater landscapes renowned speedboats, or beach-bed vendors.
for their staggering colors and Accommodation is mainly upscale,
marine life. The most popular dive although there are also budget
sites include East of Eden, Richelieu options, too. This is Phuket as it
Rock, and Anita’s Reef, where exotic was in years long gone by.
sea scapes abound. Located in the
Phi Phi Viewpoint
Khao Sok Andaman Sea, about 31 miles (50 4
National Park
60 miles (100 km) km) from Khao Lak, the Similans are MAP M5
Takua Pa 4 401 best visited as part of an overnight or Enjoy breathtaking views of the
Sok
Thung Biri multiday tour. Non-divers can sunrise from Ko Phi Phi Don’s
enjoy snorkeling, boat tours, and highest point (see p101), some 610 ft
Hat Bang
Similan Islands Sak visits to uninhabited islands. (186 m) above sea level. With first
45 miles (72 km) light, the island’s dumb bell shape
Khao Lak Kapong Khao Sok National Park can be seen beyond the treetops, as
Bang Hoi 2
Thap Lamu Home to exotic wildlife, such well as the dramatic rock forma tions
415 as the Malaysian tapir, wild boars, on the far side of the island. The trip
Ban Thung Tonsai Village 0 meters 200
Maphrao Thap Put and pig-tailed macaque monkeys, to the summit doesn’t take much
0 yards 200
4 this national park is one of Thailand’s time or effort – it’s just 20 minutes
Phang Nga
Tonsai most pristine virgin rain forests. The or so from Loh Dalum Bay.
Thai Muang Village majestic scenery features deep
Ao Luk
4
Ko Panyee Limestone pillars in Cheow Laan Lake, Khao Sok National Park
Natai Beach Khlong Hin
Kok Loi
Phang Nga
A ndaman Bay
S ea Ko Yao Noi 4
Phuket Krabi
Krabi Nuea Khlong
Khlong
Bon Ban Ao
Thalang
Ko Yao Nang Khlong
Yai Thom
Phuket
Patong Phuket Town Ko Sriboya Laem Kruat
402
King Cruiser
Wreck Dive Ko Jum 4
Rawai Ko
Ko Phi Phi Don Klang
Ko Hae See Tonsai Village map,
0 km 20 above
0 miles 20 Ko Phi Phi Leh Lanta Noi
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