Beach Holiday

Archive for the ‘Beach Holiday’ Category

Unwind at Kep; Cambodia’s Up and Coming Beach Resort Getaway

Jan 21st, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Kep is a seaside resort town overlooking the Gulf of Thailand in Southwestern Cambodia. It is the capital of Kep Province. From the start of the 20th century to the 1960’s, Kep was Cambodia’s top beach destination. It was a thriving resort town for the French and Cambodian elite, apparent from the abandoned villas and colonial buildings. As a result of the Khmer Rouge and the country’s internal problems, Kep had fallen on hard times. In recent years, the beach resort town is building itself back up and is starting to be rediscovered by travelers.

Kep Beach is the main seaside attraction, stretching at about one kilometer long. The beach can get pretty crowded during the weekends but is almost empty the rest of the week. Swimming in the ocean waters and sun bathing are popular activities at Kep Beach. About 4.5 kilometers away from Kep Beach is Koh Tonsai, also known as Rabbit Island. White sand beaches, shallow waters, corals, sea animals and plants are the main attractions of the island. Many enjoy a picnic on the sandy beaches while others take the time to snorkel the waters around Rabbit Island.

There are other places of interest in Kep. There is a trail circling around the mountain above town. It is a great place to experience the jungle and wildlife of the area. The trail itself is not very long, measuring about 8 kilometers.

Caves are also present around Kep. The biggest and most notable one is located near Kompong Trach, which features some beautiful limestone formations. There is also a swimming cave nearby.

One thing Kep is renowned for is its inexpensive, plentiful and delicious fresh seafood, particularly its famous crabs. One of the most popular activities enjoyed by travelers and locals is to have a seafood picnic meal on the beach. There are several oceanfront restaurants as well as picnic platforms and mats along the beach that caters to this service. The Kampot Pepper Crab is a local culinary dish and a must try for travelers to Kep.

Kep is an ‘off the beaten path’ beach destination with jungle-covered mountains and mostly empty beaches with tourist services few and far in between. Our Kep Escape tour is the perfect Cambodia package for those seeking to discover a hidden corner of Southeast Asia. It is an ideal extension to any of our Cambodian tours, as it is only a short drive away from Phnom Penh. Feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to answer any questions or provide additional information.

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Filed under: Beach Holiday, Cambodia Travel, beach

Unwind at Vietnam’s Top Beach Destination: Nha Trang

Jan 15th, 2010 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Nha Trang is a coastal city and capital of Khanh Hoa Province in the South Central Coast of Vietnam. It is one of Vietnam’s most popular seaside spots and is also the country’s main dive destination. With a population of about 300,000 people, Nha Trang offers an exquisite beach destination while still retaining a small town atmosphere.

The city is located on beautiful Nha Trang Bay. What makes the beaches at Nha Trang different from other seaside resorts are the ‘peak times’. Residents flock out to the beach as early as 5am and stay on until 8am. Most of the locals fear being tanned from the sun and the sunlight is not as intense during these times, so many will enjoy beach activities at these hours. Others also take the time listening to the daily news broadcast from loudspeakers placed on electricity poles. At 8 am, the beach suddenly quiets down and all the activities seen earlier in the morning are stopped and the beach returns to its peaceful state.

Snorkeling and diving are the most popular activities at Nha Trang. Many venture off to the nearby islands and admire the corals and ocean life there. Sailing and boat cruises to the nearby islands are also popular activities.

Nha Trang has other attractions as well. Hon Chong is an area where two groups of stacked rocks and boulders are located. The first set is located near an islet called Sat Thon and the second set is out in the ocean, with its large boulders stacking on one another seemingly out of balance, yet still retaining its balance and posture.

Nagar Cham Towers is a 20 minute walk away from the beaches of Nha Trang. These towers were built between the 7th and 12th centuries by the Cham civilization. Buddhists in Nha Trang come to these towers and offer prayers and incense to the different deities each tower represents, which makes for an interesting site and aromatic experience.

Long Som Pagoda houses a tall white Buddha statue. It was built in 1963 to honor the monks and nuns who lost their lives demonstrating against the Ngo Dinh Diem government.

The National Oceanic Museum of Vietnam is a great place for the whole family to visit. It was built to study the diverse marine life in this area and contains all kinds of aquatic animals ranging from fish, sharks and turtles.

Nha Trang is a beautiful place and an excellent spot if you are looking for a beach extension while touring Vietnam. Exotissimo’s Deltas, Beaches and Plateaus tour will take you to Vietnam’s different landscapes and unique cultural attractions. These include experiences in charming Ho Chi Minh City, cruises through the waterways of the Mekong Delta and relaxation by the beaches of Nha Trang. You can also see our Absolute Vietnam tour for an extended trip into the country or see our Vietnam tours page for other recommendations.

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Filed under: Beach Holiday, Vietnam Travel

Experience Vietnam’s Largest Island; Phu Quoc

Nov 25th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Vietnam is a vast and interesting country to visit with fascinating cultures, monuments and people. After experiencing the best of Vietnam on the mainland, why not relax at Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s main island?

Phu Quoc is the largest island in Vietnam, located in the Gulf of Thailand, 45 kilometers west of Han Tien on the Vietnamese mainland and 15 kilometers off the Cambodian coast. It is sometimes called the Emerald Island because of its triangular shape and its 99 mountains. The district of Phu Quoc includes the island and the surrounding islets.

It is a mountainous and densely forested island which presents many day trip opportunities. For one, you can snorkel off the island’s coast. If you are the adventurous type, you can rent a 4×4 jeep and venture through the jungles and mountains of Phu Quoc. Or, if you like, you can rent a scooter and explore the island on two wheels. Be warned though Phu Quoc has its shares of potholes so be very careful when navigating your way around the island.

Long Beach is the biggest beach on the island, situated on the western end of Phu Quoc. It stretches 5 kilometers and is home to most of the island’s hotels and resorts. On the east side lie some smaller but equally relaxing beaches such as Bai Dan and Bai Sao.

You must also try the famous fish sauce and pepper. The shores of the island provide the anchovies needed to make the sauce. Pepper cultivation in the center of the island supplies the fruit necessary for the island’s famed black pepper. The island is also known for its unique breed of dog. The Phu Quoc Ridgeback Dog is one of the world’s rarest dogs and are easily distinguished by the spiraling fur on their backs.

A trip to Phu Quoc is a great way to cap off a tour through Vietnam. Relax in this up and coming tropical island with Exotissimo’s Phu Quoc Beach Break tour. See our suggested Vietnam tours to plan your first days in the country.

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Filed under: Beach Holiday, Vietnam Travel

Get a Pristine Beach Escape at Koh Lipe, Thailand

Nov 24th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Thailand is famous for beach getaways. The country is home to dozens of beaches and islands and draws thousands of tourists to these destinations each year. Each beach has its own character, ensuring you will get a different type of beach vacation. For a quiet and tranquil beach getaway, why not try Koh Lipe?

Koh Lipe (pronounced Koh Lee Pae) is an island off the coast of Satun Province in Southern Thailand, near the Malaysian border on the Andaman Sea. It boasts some of the clearest ocean waters, coral reefs and marine life in the area. It is a small island and can easily be explored by foot.

There are four main beaches on Koh Lipe. They are Pattaya Beach in the south, Sunrise Beach on the east, Sunset Beach in the west and Karma Beach in the north. Pattaya Beach (not to be confused with Pattaya Beach on the country’s mainland) is the most popular one with more resorts than the other beaches and a small Chao Ley (sea gypsy) village. There are also nice quiet bars on the beach where you can enjoy the pristine environment with a cold drink and restaurants within walking distance of each other.

Koh Lipe offers some exceptional snorkeling and dive excursions. One estimate has it that 25% of the world’s tropical fish species reside in these waters. The island is rapidly growing but there are still not that many tourists on the island, so you can expect a peaceful and unspoiled snorkeling and diving experience.

Koh Lipe is also a great headquarters for island hopping. Tarutao National Marine Park consists of many beautiful islands such as Koh Rawi, Koh Adang and Hin Ngam and are all easily reached from Koh Lipe. All these islands, including Koh Lipe are scenic and are great for island enthusiasts or green minded travelers.

Exotissimo has a specially crafted tour dedicated to the island. Beach Escapes at Koh Lipe will ensure you of a quiet beach getaway where snorkeling, diving and relaxation in a rustic island atmosphere awaits you. You can also see Exotissimo’s recommended Thailand tours page for other relaxing trips in this amazing country.

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Filed under: Beach Holiday, Thailand Travel

Beach Break at Hua Hin, Thailand

Nov 16th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Do you want a quick and short escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to free your mind? Do you want to relax on a beach and enjoy some activities? If you have answered yes to all of these questions, then a beach break at Hua Hin is right up your alley.

How did Hua Hin become one of the country’s favorite beach destinations? In 1921, the director of the state railway built a hotel close by to the beach. King Rama 7^th visited stayed at the hotel and liked the town so much that he built a summer palace there. The palace is now the full-time residency of the current King. If the King likes it, then it must be good! Of course, there are other reasons, such as the clean air, calm beaches, laid back lifestyle and its close proximity to Bangkok.

Hua Hin offers an excellent escape from the Thai capital. It is only 200 kilometers away from Bangkok which translates into a two and a half hour car ride. The drive to Hua Hin can also be peaceful as you slowly see the metropolis of Bangkok diminish into rice and salt fields.

So, once you are at Hua Hin, what should you do? The beach is an obvious choice. You can choose to go to the public one where horseback riding and water sport options are available to you. You can even join in on pick up beach soccer and volleyball games or do some snorkeling. If you want to sunbathe in peace, there are secluded beaches not too far from the town center in Kao Takiap for you to enjoy as well. There are numerous fresh seafood restaurants in Kao Takiap for you to enjoy by the sea. You can also climb up the hill and see the hillside temples and monkeys that live up there or enjoy an elephant ride through the jungle.

If you are the active type, then Hua Hin can appease you as well. Hua Hin’s clean air and relaxing atmosphere makes it great for cycling. The town is considered one of the best golfing areas in Thailand and is home to numerous courses. Motor enthusiasts will also be thrilled with the ATV parks available as well as a go-kart track. The town is also home to some paintball parks.

You can also visit Pa-La-U Waterfall and trek to the various hilltribe villages in the area. A visit to Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park is also an option where limestone hills rise directly at the shore offering great scenery. There are also two white sand beaches and the area is home to lots of birds and rare species of animals including the Irrawaddy Dolphin.

There is something for everyone in this beach town. If you are interested in this beach escape, then visit our Beach Break in Hua Hin tour or find another beach break in our Thailand tours collection. Everyone needs a break. Let us arrange one for you.

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Filed under: Beach Holiday, Thailand Travel

A Taste of Myanmar’s Beach Paradise at Ngapali Beach

Nov 5th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

A trip to Myanmar is an eye-opening experience. The country is one of the less visited in Southeast Asia, so you will be presented with unspoiled scenes of culture and scenery. After exploring the beauty of the country, why not unwind in Myanmar’s pristine beach getaway at Ngapali Beach?

Ngapali Beach is located on the shores of western Myanmar, overlooking the Bay of Bengal and situated about 7 kilometers from Thandwe (Sandoway) in the Rakhine State. The name itself is a variation of Naples because an Italian visitor came here once and it reminded him of the city. Ngapali Beach is one of the last untouched and unspoiled seashore paradises left in Southeast Asia. You can swim in the turquoise waters, lie down on the sandy beaches, or explore the neighboring villages by foot or on bicycle. Leave all your worries behind when you come to Ngapali Beach.

A trip to Ngapali Beach would not be complete without a stay at the charming Sandoway Resort. The resort comprises of beach view bungalows and is decorated with tropical gardens, further relaxing your stay. You can visit Exotissimo’s Sandoway Resort page for further information. You can also peruse our Myanmar tour collection for exciting experiences in Burma and some downtime at Ngapali Beach.

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Filed under: Beach Holiday, Myanmar Travel, beach

Magical Crystal Island

Oct 20th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

If you want to enjoy a relaxing island holiday, why not try Koh Samed? It is a popular destination for those wanting to experience the unwinding feeling of being in a tropical island yet not stray too far from the capital. If you are in Bangkok and have some days off to spare, why not give this quiet island a try?

The island used to be called Koh Kaew Phitsadan (which translates into Magical Crystal Island) and can owe its reputation to Thailand’s most famous poet, Sunthorn Phu in his classical epic Phra Apai Mani, starring the titular character and his romantic adventures throughout Thailand. Statues of the characters in this tale can be found at Hat Sai Gaew Beach. The island is dotted with cajeput trees, thus earning the island its current name (cajeput trees are called samed in Thai). Koh Samed has distinctively less rain fall than the rest of Rayong province and is located in one of the driest archipelagos in Thailand. In 1981, the island was declared a national park.

The island may be seen as a ‘quieter’ island getaway when compared to its southern counterparts, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do there. Of course, lying down on the sandy beaches and absorbing the sun is an option, but you can always opt for more active endeavors. There are places for snorkeling and scuba diving and night fishing can also be perused. Windsurfing, beach volleyball, frisbee, or a try at Muay Thai can enhance your stay on the island as well.

Why not whisk away and relax with a beach break at Koh Samed? You will come back from this trip energized and ready to tackle any problems you might face at work.

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Filed under: Beach Holiday, Thailand Travel, beach

Let’s Go To The Beach

Oct 15th, 2009 by Exotissimo | Comments: 0

Cambodia is a fascinating country filled with temples and historical architecture that draws millions of tourists to the country each year. After visiting these sites, a great way to relax would be to laze around in Southeast Asia’s next trendy beach resort in Sihanoukville.

Sihanoukville is a beach town on the rise. Marked by a tragic history when the country fell into civil war in the 1970’s, the town has picked itself up nicely since 1997 with almost no signs of the devastation from the war. Construction sites and some industrialization are more common sites in Sihanoukville instead. But do not worry, this beach resort town is not very crowded, save for weekends and national holidays.

A lot of people come here to do one thing, which is nothing. But if you are the active type, scuba diving and snorkeling are available at the islands off of the town’s beaches. You can also participate in water sports or visit Ream National Park which is not too far from the town center.

If you would like to escape into Cambodia’s beach resort town, then the Sihanoukville Beach Break is for you. It is a great way to extend your stay in Cambodia or to just get away from it all.

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