Wesmile Magazine July 2018

TRAVEL
PUFFY
CLOUDS
FLOATING
OVER...
Unspoiled white sand beaches of Mu Koh Kum
archipelago in Ranong province can generate an income
for local fishermen without destroying the natural assets
where beach goers have come to explore.
Touring and fishing are two activities which can go
hand in hand. Amid pristine surroundings, villagers can
bring travelers out to various isles if they do not catch too
many fishes. A bit primitive, Rua hau tong is known as the
gondola of the south. These extended boom timber crafts
are the life blood of this monsoon region’s coastal water
transport network. Painted in kaleidoscope colors that
add to a lovely hue of bluish green scenery, the fleet of
67 dinghies from Thai-Muslim fishing communities in
Baan Bangbaen sub-district are hosting tourists on their
seaworthy long-tail boats ideal for maneuvering the shallow
bays or deep ocean while providing a smooth ride.
Ample seating on the sturdy wooden boats heading
to their daily fishing grounds allows you to sit back and
observe the spectacular views of a metamorphosis of
clouds. Sunny sky suddenly with dark rain overcasts are
unpredictably popping up all over and then clearing off
as soon as the squall line disappears. There is plenty of
time to relax on the beach or submerge in the clear blue
water. Stop on a sandbank that can safely lead to the
snorkeling buzz.
Ecotourism experiences by indigenous participation
here can be readily marketed to the emerging numbers of
nature lovers who wish to confirm that their trips create
benefits, both for nature conservation
and the local communities visited.
Friendly native children also have
good impressions on outside visitors.
Sitting 280km north of Phuket
Town, Ranong province filled with
natural rain forests is blessed with
hot spring recreation parks and
off- beaten track cluster of islands.
Many white sandy coasts surfaced
as a result after the tsunami in 2004.
On Koh Kaokwai or Buffalo Horn
Island, the Konjac potato can be
found growing wild under the shades
of pine trees becoming a natural
food source for local folks to make
vegetable powder.
Enjoy touring the island’s
dazzling white sand beaches,
strolling along the empty shores and
swimming under the dancing clouds,
a phenomenon of Ranong tropical
paradise located within the Laem
Son National Marine Park.
Let Mu Koh Kum’s lush
environment and friendly
communities warmly welcome you!
60
July 2018