A Day to remember!
Ultimate Adventures- Koh Talu & Monkey Island
If you ever find yourself in the Hua Hin area and are struggling to decide what to see, I highly recommend two unforgettable trips: a day at Koh Talu Island and a cruise on Kaeng Krachan Lake to Monkey Island. Hua Hin, with its rich history and vibrant culture, offers a plethora of activities and sights that cater to all kinds of travelers. While there are countless attractions to explore, which you can read more about on my blog here, these two experiences are ones I would gladly repeat if I ever return to Hua Hin.
Koh Talu Island and Kaeng Krachan Lake offer unique adventures that showcase the natural beauty and charm of Thailand. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or a nature lover, these trips provide an ideal blend of excitement and tranquility. From exploring vibrant coral reefs to cruising on serene waters surrounded by lush greenery, both destinations promise a day filled with memorable moments.
Did you know that Hua Hin is Thailand’s oldest beach resort town, beloved by Thai royalty and visitors alike for its serene beaches and vibrant night markets? The town’s royal heritage and picturesque coastline have made it a popular retreat for both locals and tourists. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder these trips stand out as highlights, offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tipping in Thailand
In Thailand, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated as a gesture of goodwill for good service. As a proponent of tipping whenever possible, I believe it’s a nice gesture to leave a tip for the service you receive. A small amount for tourists can hold great value for the local people. In restaurants, it’s common to leave a small tip, usually around 10% of the bill if a service charge is not already included. For taxi and Grab drivers(Grab- a very useful app), rounding up the fare to the nearest 20 baht is a courteous practice. In hotels, giving a tip of 20-50 baht to bellboys and housekeeping staff is a nice way to show appreciation for their service. While tipping is not expected in every situation, these small acts of generosity are welcomed and can enhance your overall experience in Thailand.
Koh Talu Ultimate Adventure
Koh Talu is an island in the Gulf of Thailand, about 8 kilometers from the coast of Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. It boasts steep cliffs on the west and gorgeous white sandy beaches on the east and south sides. The island is renowned for its striking coral reefs and is a natural habitat for seagulls, flying foxes, and sea turtles. It’s a favorite site for both snorkeling and scuba diving.
Our friendly driver, Amp, whom we met through a Facebook page, helped organize everything for our trip. Amp, who is originally from Hua Hin, picked us up early in the morning and drove us to Bang Saphan Noi, where we had a ferry booked to Koh Talu. Thanks to Amp’s thorough planning, we didn’t have to worry about any bookings. The trip was scheduled for one day, and we had the boat to ourselves as there were no other tourists.
As we approached the island, the water transformed from a dark, algae-rich green to a stunning, clear turquoise. The sun was shining, and the water was calm, making it perfect for snorkeling. We were given safety jackets and snorkeling masks and were free to explore the underwater world. Despite my initial nervousness, the experience was breathtaking. The crystal-clear water revealed a vibrant array of colorful fish and coral reefs. It was incredibly peaceful, with just us, the boat crew, and Amp.
After a delightful lunch on the boat, consisting of fried vegetable rice, fresh fruits, and drinks, we moved to another snorkeling spot. This location was deeper and cooler but still clear and beautiful. The boat crew ensured our safety and provided assistance, especially to those who were less confident swimmers. The second snorkeling session was as enchanting as the first, filled with diverse marine life and fascinating underwater landscapes.
other attractions at koh talu
For underwater world lovers and diving enthusiasts, Koh Talu offers a dive center with world-class diving courses and trips to nearby islands. Experienced and licensed dive masters provide all the necessary advice and training to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Don’t miss the diving points at nearby areas such as Koh Ran Pet and Koh Ran Kai, located in Chumphon province. These spots, not far from Koh Talu, feature a stunning underwater world filled with diverse fish species, fields of sea anemones, swaying sea pens, and a heart-shaped underwater cave.
Trekking through the lush, evergreen forest along the hiking trails leads you to a breathtaking viewpoint on the cliff. From this vantage point, you can enjoy stunning views of the Gulf of Thailand, making the journey well worth the effort.
Kaeng Krachan - Monkey Island
The Kaeng Krachan trip was also a one-day adventure. Our driver, Amp, picked us up in the morning for the 1.5-hour drive to Phetchaburi Province. Initially, we were heading there for a rafting adventure along the Phetchaburi River. However, on the way, we were stopped by a local man who offered us a boat trip to Monkey Island on Kaeng Krachan Lake. We briefly discussed it and decided to go for it, and I am so glad we did. Without this additional adventure, the day would have been average.
Don’t get me wrong, the rafting was nice and relaxing, but I was expecting it to be faster and more exciting with twists and turns. Instead, we were peacefully sailing through the river. The man who offered us the trip led us to an area that looked like a small resort with a few shops. We paid for our tickets, which were 800 baht for the five of us. They gave us some food to feed the monkeys, and we set off.
We were told that the boat trip would be about 30-40 minutes, and we would see an island home to a population of macaque monkeys, a type of primate commonly found in Southeast Asia. These monkeys are known for their intelligence and social behavior. As we approached the island, the monkeys started showing up, knowing we had food for them. There were so many, including small baby monkeys. I thought we would get closer to the island to feed them, but to my surprise, they started jumping into the water and swimming toward us.
I was a bit nervous as there were many of them coming quickly, and we only had one bag of food. The monkeys swam very fast and started coming onto the boat, jumping up and down, trying to get our attention. It wasn’t enough to throw the food into the water; one monkey jumped from the boat’s roof and stole the whole bag of food so quickly we didn’t have time to react. She jumped back into the water and swam toward the island carrying the bag of food. It was both funny and terrifying.
I had a close encounter with one of the monkeys who slowly walked past me, sat next to me, and poked my arm with her little finger. I said I had been blessed by them and could officially become a monkey whisperer! The adventure was amazing, as this was something you don’t see every day.
