Just make sure you prepare for all eventualities. In many areas, the walks are well defined and the paths are famous and well-trodden. In these cases, you don’t need to prepare too much if you’re fit and able – other than for the heat.

As an example, the in Ko Phi Phi Don, the Phi Phi Viewpoint short hike is very popular. It’s something of a short, sharp, shock, though – and it’s like trying to climb 100 flights of stairs in a sauna. So take fluids! You’ll easily find it by following signposts from the road heading eastwards to Ao Lo Dalam from the tourist village.

Phi Phi

The final destination viewpoint is reached by an incredibly steep 300 metre climb that includes hundreds of different steep steps and narrow twisting paths to choose from. But to say the view once you get to the top is worth it would be something of an understatement. You see the most amazing azure sea colours from up here and you’ll probably see Sea Eagles if you’re interested in a little Thai “twitching”.

Ao Nang

Another well-known hiking and sports spot is at Ao Nang. Along with Chiang Mai, Ao Nang is one of Thailand’s two best adventure sports destinations and home to two of the country’s best and most

Various companies run elephant treks in the forests around Ao Nang, on which you get chance to do a little trekking along jungle streams, see wild monkeys and many exotic birds. Or you may decide to do an elephant trek through jungle to Tham Srakaew – an amazing cave with hanging stalactites which was filmed in “The Beach”.

If you’re more adventurous and looking to do some real hiking (probably further north) then make sure you prepare exceedingly thoroughly and do all the research you possibly can. Get the right clothing and equipment too. Despite the heat, get the best (covered…) footwear you can afford in the Merrell sale.

Depending on where you go at what time of year, the temperatures can get cold at night – dangerous after a day’s hiking in the heat. Mosquito nets, Vango sleeping bags, a good lightweight tent, and whatever medication you could need are all basic requirements. Better yet, choose a guided trip.

Photo: mariachily

All the rocks in the area are limestone and form part of the world’s biggest coral reef that travels from China to Papua New Guinea.

Around Railay Beach, all the routes are bolted sports routes.  There are more than 700 routes – including those suitable for beginners through to the most extreme climbing routes you could imagine.

On Railay beach, there are a huge number of climbing schools to choose from. You can get one-on-one tuition or go out in a group. All you need is a pair of climbing shoes. The local schools supply all the rest of the climbing gear if you don’t have yours with you.

One of the original climbing routes at Railay beach is 123. So-called as it used to be done in the days when ropes were only 50m long and it used to take three pitches. The climb concludes in a cave at the top, with an amazing view of the sea.

Photo: Shelby PDX

On Phi Phi island, climbing first got going in the late 1980s and was led by the French and the Dutch.  However, bolt corrosion meant that climbing had almost stopped here by the mid-1990s.  Following the tsunami of 2004, a lot of work has been done in rebuilding both the resort for all holidaymakers and the climbing routes for climbers. You can still climb in relative isolation here, and many of the routes have been re-bolted.  The scenery is amazing and most of the routes take place over a beautiful, clear turquoise sea.

Photo: Busse

Food & Hotel Thailand 2010 will build on its platform of new innovations, new business, new trends and new technology as it embraces renewed business activity in the hospitality industry in Thailand and the region.

Investment in Thailand’s hospitality sectors has continued to climb as hotel developments projects dominate the headlines and tourism figures return to peak levels. Thailand remains one of the world’s leading travel destinations with business and travellers returning in high numbers following the global slowdown.

Thailand’s unique position as a regional tourism and business hub has stimulated the renewed demand for luxury food and beverage product, hotel and restaurant equipment and high-technology IT solutions. This factor coupled the high-level domestic demand for culinary luxuries and international product, in particular from Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai and the Gulf of Thailand resorts, ensures that Thailand’s premier hospitality event will be teeming with hoteliers, traders, investors, restaurateurs, distributors, retailers, consultants and food service buyers.

Food & Hotel Thailand 2010 will reinforce its status as Asia’s 5 Star Hospitality Event with a full programme of senior industry conferences, seminars, regional competitions and a full scope of international product and equipment on display, with an expected attendance of over 25,000 trade professionals.

Source: foodhotelthailand.com

Photo: tripadvisor.com

Each year, there are millions of visitors come exploring its endless beauties by different activities and in different places. Programs of high interest include edutainment tourism to perceive legendary Thai culture and traditions. TDEX has been a success from its debut in 2004 by not only the numbers of exhibitor locally, regionally, and now internationally, but also the numbers of visitor in which the organizer expects to welcome more than 85,000 in 2010, with overall spending around 200 million in Baht, making TDEX the most regional travel and dive expo with the greatest number of visitors in Asia.

The event is held alongside the “Wonderful Thailand 2010″ to create a full-cycle travel fair, with all types of tour programs to choose from at your leisure. There will also be a wide range of diving operators and agents ready to serve