home

= =  Thailand: Reefs to Rainforest- An ecological adventure in South East Asia.

 Ms. Kelly Grogan HS Mathematics
Click here for the packing list. Click here for the flight information. [|Click here to go to myDragonnet.]

__ **The trip.....** __
combines fun and excitement with hands-on learning experiences in the study of eight Southeast Asian ecosystems: 1) tropical evergreen forest 2) karsts and caves 3) freshwater wetlands 4) montane forest 5) coral reefs 6) intertidal zones 7) mangrove estuaries 8) lowland rain forest.

The eight day adventure begins in __Phuket,__ with a welcome and greeting offered by the Thai staff. Following a group bonding session and picnic we're off by minivan (1-2 hrs) to Khao Sok National Park - part of the largest protected area in the south of Thailand.

We have two days and nights here to view wildlife during dawn safaris and night safaris by boat on Cheow Lan lake, as well as to study flora and fauna during hikes through the tropical evergreen forest. The most popular adventure (weather permitting) is an hour long passage through a 500 meter long cave tunnel carved out by a flowing river. Our accommodation for the first two nights is the most basic, but also the most beloved of the trip - floating bamboo raft houses, right on the lake!

Day three takes us south a few hours by minivan to enjoy a picnic lunch beside a lovely waterfall plunging down from the misty montane forest of Khao Luang National Park in the southern Thai province of Nakhon Si Thammarat. We then travel another few hours to Phatalung Province and our destination for the night - a resort near Thale Sap, a huge lagoon on the Gulf of Thailand coast.

We're up early on day four to explore nearby Thale Noi -- a world class sanctuary for water birds. A staggering 40,000 waterfowl, representing 187 species, gather here as residents or winter migrants. Touring Thale Noi by boat is pure magic as each dawn the lake is filled with the bright pink blossoms of water lilies - perhaps the largest display in all of Asia.

On the afternoon of day four we have a picnic lunch beside Tone Tae Waterfall in Trang Province - one of the most dramatic falls in South Thailand - before crossing the peninsula to the Andaman side of the peninsula. Pak Meng Beach Resort, right on the coast, is our beautiful lodge for the next two nights.

Day five takes us offshore to snorkel the dazzling coral reefs and study the rich tidal zones of the Andaman Sea. We will dive at three different locations, stroll Koh Kradan's glorious white sandy beaches, and swim into Koh Muk's "Emerald Cave" to discover a hidden "Garden of Eden".

Our sixth day takes us north (1 hr.) into Krabi Province to explore the last lowland forest. We can swim in a magical artesian pool-- which issues pure and clean from the surrounding jungle-- and also enjoy a soothing soak in a hot spring, before driving another hour north to the Krabi coast where we board a charter boat to Koh Hong. Koh Hong is an idyllic isle with a spectacular beach where we will pitch tents for a night of camping under the stars - our own private "Survival Show".

Day seven offers yet another defining experience as we boat back to the mainland and transfer to sea canoes to explore the intimate mangrove channels of Ao Thalan - arguably, the most beautiful mangrove area in all of Thailand. Our final night will be highlighted by an open-air buffet dinner at a beach lodge, and a delightful evening of entertainment. Rice paper candle lanterns and a huge bonfire will set the beach stage for: Thai dancing, a Thai boxing show, a hot air balloon launch, awards presentations, fireworks and an exciting fire show.

On day eight we enjoy a hearty breakfast before transfer to Phuket, airport for fond farewells and the journey home.