Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Renting a motorcycle is a dangerous endeavour if you're not sticking to the main, well-
paved roads. Daily rental rates begin at 150B for a scooter. Larger bikes start at 350B.
Discounts are available for weekly and monthly rentals. Try
Lederhosenbikes
( 08 1752 8994;
www.lederhosenbikes.com
;
Mae Hat; 8.30am-6pm Mon-Sat)
. Do not rent all-terrrain-vehicles
(ATVs) or jet skis - they are unsafe.
SŎRNG·TĂA·OU
In Mae Hat
sŏrng·tăa·ou,
pick-up trucks and motorbikes crowd around the pier as pas-
sengers alight. If you're a solo traveller, you will pay 200B to get to Sairee Beach or
Chalok Ban Kao. Groups of two or more will pay 100B each. Rides from Sairee to
Chalok Ban Kao cost 150B per person, or 300B for solo tourists. These prices are rarely
negotiable, and passengers will be expected to wait until their taxi is full unless they want
to pay an additional 200B to 300B. Prices double for trips to the east coast, and the
drivers will raise the prices when rain makes the roads harder to negotiate. If you know
where you intend to stay, we highly recommend calling ahead to arrange a pick up. Many
dive schools offer free pick-ups and transfers as well.
WATER TAXI
Boat taxis depart from Mae Hat, Chalok Ban Kao and the northern part of Sairee Beach
(near Vibe Bar). Boat rides to Ko Nang Yuan will set you back at least 100B. Long-tail
boats can be chartered for around 1500B per day, depending on the number of passengers
carried.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Ang Thong Marine National Park
The 40-some jagged jungle islands of Ang Thong Marine National Park stretch across the
cerulean sea like a shattered emerald necklace - each piece a virgin realm featuring sheer
limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons and perfect peach-coloured sands. These dream-inducing
islets inspired Alex Garland's cult classic
The Beach,
about dope-dabbling backpackers.
February, March and April are the best months to visit this ethereal preserve of greens
and blues; crashing monsoon waves mean that the park is almost always closed during
November and December.
Sights
