Cha-am Forest Park

A small, modest nature preserve that is still worth a visit. ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) rentals are available for guided tours. You won't be able to hot-dog around on your own, but there are sufficient bumps and water crossings to make it amusing, especially for families and small groups. Pricey though, at 500 THB per ATV for a half hour, 900 THB for an hour. One child can ride on the back with you for and extra 150 THB, flat rate.

And you can go see the big monkey. Actually, it's a gibbon, a member of the siamong family, and it's definitely not from around here. It's still unclear what it's doing in the King's Park, but it lives there, on an island surrounded by a moat, and they feed it. Locals call him Magilla, though it's also not clear whether it's a 'him' or a 'her.' Data is still being collected, tests are being run.

To spot Magilla you'll have to get yourself into safari mode, and you'll also have to drag your ass out of bed early. He's typically only visible when he's swinging from his favourite swinging tree, and he does that usually from dawn to 10:00 then knocks off for the day.

Upon entering the park, you'll find a restaurant on the right and a visitor's centre on the left. Go straight over 2 bridges, past the ATV rental place on the left. At the last left before the road ends, turn left at the brown and yellow sign. The road loops around to a small wood and concrete bridge. Park your vehicle and walk on to the bridge.

Go to the center of the bridge and gaze over to the island. The gibbon usually hangs out in a tall tree straight ahead. If he's not there look down to the right, where there should be some blue feed buckets. He might have taken a break for breakfast. It may take a while for him to make a noticeable move, so you might to bring some breakfast along, too, while you wait. Bring a camera with a telephoto lens or binoculars to get an up-close look.

There's a path that goes around the moat surrounding the island, which is a pleasant place to hike or ride. Even if you don't spot Magilla, you may spy a monitor lizard, a king fisher, or any manner of wildlife. Don't let a rainy day stop you from showing up--the frogs will come out, making a thunderous chorus of croaking, as people run around trying to catch them for food.