TREKKING IN THAILAND :

Trekking is a very popular way of seeing the more distant areas of Thailand. Regions in Northern Thailand are great for trekking journeys, trekking is popular up north Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, visitors can discover the cultural heritage and enjoy the hospitality and warmth of different, unique and colorful ethnic groups.

Chiang Mai is the second largest city in Thailand; the city has a cooler temperature and a more tranquil way of life. Chiang Mai is certainly the trekking hub of the country; there are many trekking companies offering their services in the tourist areas of the city, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) makes public a list of certified agencies. The area is completely safe and trekking is generally well organized. The different elements involved: friendly hill-tribes and natural beauty such as stunning mountain sceneries, gushing waterfalls, hot-springs, and bamboo forests make of this activity an unforgettable experience.

Make sure you are properly equipped for the journey, treks can be physically exhausting, and it requires responsibility towards the environment and the inhabitants you are visiting in the communities. Typically, a trek will last between three and five days and can include fun activities such as elephant rides and rafting adventures.

The best moment to go trekking in Thailand is between November and February when the climate is dry and the vegetation still abundant. Between June and September, wet weather-gear is an obligation. Throughout March, April and May, the sights are covered by haze.

Trekking next to the border with Myanmar can be exciting as it may give you a probability to meet Burmese refugees. However, verify the current situation before you go, as there are sporadically outbreaks of combat in these regions.

DIVING IN THAILAND :

Diving is the most popular water sport in Thailand and an unforgettable experience for visitors. Brilliantly-colored coral reefs, clear water, plentiful sea life such as turtles, whale sharks, barracuda, leopard sharks, manta rays, marlin, flying fish, sea cows, dolphins made of Thailand the home of the most beautiful dive sites in the world. Additionally, diving is available at all times of the year.

Diving in Thailand is reasonably cheap, several people learn to dive and obtain their certification in Thailand every year, after that they can use it to scuba-diving all over the world.

Koh Tao, near Samui, is great for beginners and the most popular place to get certified. Other exceptional dive sites are Koh Lanta, Phuket, Pattaya, Krabi, Similan and Surin Islands. In the Andaman Sea, the best moment to dive is from October to April, in the Gulf of Thailand from May to September. The main period in Phuket (excellent for scuba diving and live-boards) and the west coast of Thailand is October to May. The �low� season can be, in fact, a great time to go diving, since you find less divers and inferior hotel prices.