Laoliang islands beg visiting

Before the end of tourist season on the western coast of Thailand, Laoliang islands off Trang can be a perfect holiday given the pristine beaches packed with throbbing activities.

After years of isolation, the islands are now accessible to tourist. White sandy beaches separate challenging limestone cliffs from the clear blue sea. Both soft and hard corals are plentiful and intact as visitors have been barred for years allowing plant and animal life to proliferate freely. Now it's time to explore these wonders but, of course, in a way no harm comes to them.

The best time to visit the Laoliangs is from November through May.

Its limestone cliffs are as stunning as the ones at Railey Beach in Krabi, rated among the top ten in the world. There are several routes ranging from easy ones for beginners to those fit for seasoned climbers.

Apart from that, visitors can enjoy other activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing and kayaking. You can also enrol for scuba diving lessons there.
Bangkok Post April 2006 www.bangkokpost.com