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When it comes to journeying around the waters off shore from Chumpon, in Thailand's South, the best known high-speed ferry service is run by Lomprayah. The company has its own jetty on the edge of town and from here you can set off to explore some of Thailand's most famous island escapes.

We cruised past the Chumphon archipelago and then ventured on through turquoise water. Koh Lang Ka Jew is a large bird's nest concession island. It features white sandy beaches and rocky limestone cliffs that beckon to be climbed.

Below the gentle waves, the island is surrounded by several ranges of coral reef so it is a popular diving and snorkeling spot. You'll discover plenty of hard and soft corals and a large amount of sea life such as bat fish, trevally, fusiliers, turtles and seasonal whale sharks. On shore you can enjoy the beach...