Beach in Thailand

อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสุรินทร์ ตั้งชื่อตามพระยาสุรินทราชา (นกยูง วิเศษกุล) เทศาเมืองภูเก็ต ผู้ค้นพบเกาะ เป็นอุทยานแห่งชาติที่ตั้งอยู่ในเขตจังหวัดพังงา มีลักษณะเป็นหมู่เกาะในทะเลอันดามัน อยู่ติดกับชายแดน ไทย - พม่า มีพื้นที่ประมาณ 84375 ไร่ ร้อยละ 76 ของพื้นที่เป็นทะเล ส่วนที่เหลือเป็นแผ่นดิน ประกอบด้วยเกาะ 5 เกาะ คือ เกาะสุรินทร์เหนือ เกาะสุรินทร์ใต้ เกาะไข่ (เกาะตอรินลา) เกาะกลาง (เกาะปาจุมบา) เกาะรี (เกาะสต๊อก) และ 1 กองหินปริ่มน้ำ คือกองหินริเชลิว เป็นอุทยานแห่งชาติเมื่อวันที่ 9 กรกฎาคม พ.ศ. 2524 เป็นอุทยานแห่งชาติลำดับที่ 29 ของประเทศไทย

อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะสุรินทร์นับว่ามีธรรมชาติที่สมบูรณ์ทั้งบนบกและใน ทะเล มีทั้งป่าดิบชื้น ป่าชายหาด ป่าชายเลนมาประจบกับแนวปะการัง แนวปะการังมี ความสมบูรณ์ เหมาะสำหรับชมปะการังน้ำตื้น โดยกองหินริเชริว เหมาะสำหรับดำน้ำลึก เป็นแหล่งสมบูรณ์ด้วยธรรมชาติใต้ทะเล มีปลาหลายชนิด มีโอกาสพบฉลามวาฬ ช่วงเวลาที่เหมาะกับการท่องเที่ยว คือ เดือนพฤษจิกายนถึง เดือนเมษายน และ หอยมือเสือ ปูเสฉวน นกกระแตผีชายหาด นกชาปีไหน รวมทั้งสัตว์เลี้ยงลูกด้วยนม เช่น บ่าง[3]

หมู่เกาะสุรินทร์ จะเป็นเกาะที่วางตัวอยู่ในกลุ่มอ่าวขนาดใหญ่ ดังนั้นจึงสามารถที่จะเป็น ที่บังคลื่นลมได้ดี ทั้งสองฤดู คือ ฤดูร้อน และฤดูฝน จึงเป็นแหล่งกำเนิดแนวปะการังน้ำตื้น ที่มีความอุดมสมบูรณ์ และมีขนาดใหญ่ที่สุดของประเทศไทย นอกจากนี้ยังมีหมู่บ้านของชาวเลเลกลุ่มสุดท้ายที่ยังดำรงวัฒนธรรมดั้งเดิม มากที่สุด คือ "มอแกน" หรือ "ยิบซีแห่งท้องทะเล" ประมาณ 200 คนปัจจุบันได้ตั้งหมู่บ้านอยู่ที่เกาะสุรินทร์ใต้ ขายของที่ระลึกให้นักท่องเที่ยว และบางส่วนทำงานเป็นลูกจ้างของอุทยานฯ

There was a rumor in 1998 that some capitalists trying to ask permission for using the areas in Ra Island and Phra Thong Island for their own benefit. The head of Surin Island National Park at that time, Mr. Dittaphong Chokkanapitak, issued an urgent letter, Khor Chor 0713 (Mor Sor) /116 in August 16, 1998, of Surin Island National Park Office to ask National Park Division to request the Royal Forest Department to prohibit renting the areas around Ra Island and to conserve the areas for being the parts of Surin Island National Park.

After that, Surin Island National Park Office issued a letter to Royal Forest Department to propose that the area of Ra Island and Phra Thong Island and nearby is appropriate for being a national park. Therefore, in March 28, 2000, Dr Plodprasop Suraswadee, Minister of Royal Forest Department, signed on a document KhorSor 0712.5/981/March 15, 2000 of the National Park Division to appoint Mr. Thanapong Apai-so, Forestry Academic Officer 6 of Surin National Park Office, to initially survey the area around Ra Island, Phra Thong Island, and in mangrove forest nearby in Khura Buri District and Takuapar District, Phangnga Province.

The initial survey resulted that the surveyed area, covered 401,250 Rai with 185,180 Rai (296.2 squares kilometers) on water and 206,080 Rais (329.7 squares kilometers) on land, consisted of productively natural resources including plants, animals and varied types of geography appropriate for declaring a national park. Thus, the Royal Forest Department then issued a document, No 1868/2543 in September 25, 2000, to inform Mr. Thanapong Apai-so to survey and declare the areas in Ra Island, Phra Thong Island and the mangrove forest nearby in Khura Buri District and Takuapar District, Phangnga Province, to be a national park.

As a result, it made some leaderships in the local area lose their benefit, so in November 23, 2000, they led local people in holding demonstration against the declaration of the national park by claiming the problem of local fishery to be the main propose. The event took place in front of Khura Buri Municipal Office, and had some leaderships take one turn on stage to address against the declaration of the national park.

The government’s officers, Mr. Manit Wattanasen, Vice Governor of Phangnga Province, Mr. Yod Khirirat, Royal Forest Department Officer of Nakhon Si Thamarat Province, and Mr. Thanapong Apai-so, Head of Khao Ra and Khao Phra Thong National Park, explained the fact to the people to come to an understanding. After that, the protesters signed their names on the proposals to file to Phangnga Province’s authority to stop the declaration of the national park, in which the province authority accepted for sending to the Royal Forest Department, and the protesters ended the demonstration.

The survey had been continued ever since. Until May 16, 2001, about 300 local people stormed to blow up the temporary office of Khao Ra and Khao Phra Thong National Park in Seng Bay, Village No 3, Khao Phra Thong Sub-district, Khura Buri District, Phangnga Province, and forced its officers to move the ruin away from the island. After that time, on the season of changing position, the Royal Forest Department has appointed Mr. Yudthana Sattakul, Forestry Officer 5, to be the head of Khao Ra and Khao Phra Thong National Park. Mr. Yudthana, then, coordinated with District Chief Officers, heads of local people, and heads of local government service concerned to establish a new temporary office, which has still been there ever since, at the same place in July 19, 2001.

Topography
In general, the area, located the west of Phangnga Province, consists of sinking seashore and productive mud-beaches on estuaries of many long rivers. The area is influenced by ebb and high tide of the sea. There are high mountains and islands lie north and south such as, Ra Island with the mountains about 235 meters above sea level, Phra Island with plain area, Khor Island with high mountain about 310 meters above sea level, and many small islands such as Pling Island, Tachai Island and Borsai Island which has the highest mountain about 450 meters above sea level.

Climate
Ra Island and Phra Thong Island are situated close to each other. The area is in tropical climate. It has heavy rain all the year round because of being influenced by southeastern monsoon and northeastern monsoon. There are two seasons; rainy season starts from April to November with 2,124.7 mm. of rain all the year round and the highest rain in September with 366.2 mm. of rain; and summer starts from December to March, which also has some rain, with the highest temperature is 37.8 degrees Celsius in April and approximated temperature is 28.97 degrees Celsius.

Flora and Fauna
Plants
There are five types of forest follows a survey. Rain Forest: There is rain forest covered mountainous areas in Ra Island, foothill, and on th ridge which has its noted plants such as Yang, Suregada multiflorum Baill, the lower plants such as Mapring (a type of Anacardiaceae), Masan (a type of Dilleniaceae), Knema linifolia Warb, and shrub such as Licuala paludosa Griff, ratten, Pandanus etc.

1. Mangrove Forest : There is mangrove forest along the seashores and in the bays which have been influenced by rivers and the ebb and high tide of the sea. When seeing aerial photograph, the mangrove forest is very long from Thung Nangdam Village southward to Khor Khao Island, Takuapa District. Plants found are small-leaf and big-leaf mangrove swamp, Samare Khao and Samare Dam (a type of Myrsinaceae), palmae such as Mangrove Date Palm and Oncosperma horrida Scheff, and shrub such as Finlaysonia maritima Back and Sea Holly.
2. Beach Forest : There are beach forests in the areas that have never been covered by sea water in Ra Island and Phra Thong Island. Plants found are pine, tabebuia, Portia tree, Masan (a type of Dilleniaceae), Pandanus, and shrub such as beach morning glory.
3. Replacing Plants : The tin mine in Phrathong Island makes the area unproductive. Plants found are paper bark tree clustered near ponds and scattered in plain area.
4. Sea Grass : There is widespread sea grass in Thung Nang Dam Beach, from Visual Estimation Survey. The area is in the beach of Khura Estuary, in which the water is quite clear, extended to Nang Dam Beach. Between the beach and the seashore is a big pond suitable for sea grass so there have eight types of sea grass growing in the area about 1.38 squares kilometers, such as, by descending order, Cymodocea serrulata, Halodule uninervis H. ovalis, Syringodium isoetipolium, Enhalus acoroides, Halophrii and H. minor.

More over, there is sea grass growing in the east of Ra Island. Sea grass is very useful for example; it is the habitat, feeding area, breeding area and shelter of many kinds of sea animals such as shrimp, crab and fish, and of bigger animals such as sea turtle and dugong.

Now, sea grass is being deteriorated. Because there has been being fished by using some types of fishing devices and in the water has more sediment caused by the development of the land nearby. Therefore, that harms the sea grass and affects the sea animals. The best way to conserve the environment along the beaches is the government service should come up for strictly controlling using this area.

Wild Animals
From the exploration of all the islands in the area, the explorer divides the animals by their habitat and records the animals found by using binocular and asking information from local people as follows.

Mammals : From the elementary survey, the mammals found in this area are wild deer, wild boar, spectacled langur, crab-eating macaque, palm civet, smooth-coated otter, pangolin, plantain squirrel, gray-bellied squirrel, island flying fox, Malayan flying lemur, and island rat for examples.

In addition, from the interview of local people and the survey of Polaris Plane, a slow speed airplane that flies only about 70-80 km. per hour and 200-1,000 feet high, in 100-200 squares kilometers of 8 areas in Phangnga Province, Krabi Province and Satun Province, between January 31, 1997 and April 10, 1997 shows that. There were 1-6 dugongs in Thung Nang Dam Village, Khura Buri District, Phangnga Province. And in July 23, 1998, local people had often seen dugongs trapped in fish stakes east of Ra Island and Thung Nang Dam Bay. That means there still are dugongs in the area. Now, dugong has rarely been found in the sea of Thailand because it is a sea-grass-feeding animal and an animal-for-food of fishermen. The more fishing boats are ef

Koh Surin Island (or Mu Ko Surin National Park)

Mu Koh Surin National Park is paradise - fine white sandy beaches, thick jungle, crystal-clear waters, and the most extensive coral reef in Thailand. It is also home of the Moken Sea Gypsies. The park is the ideal place to go for people wanting to connect with nature in its most beautiful and pristine form, escaping traditional touristy beaches with their bars, noise, and crowds.

Many adventurous visitors to Thailand who has ever strapped on an aqualung knows that the islands of the Andaman Sea, near Phuket, exert a magnetic pull on diving enthusiasts and that the diving sites of the Similan National Park offer some of the best and colorful dives in Asia.

But there are many lesser-known, yet very spectacular diving areas along Thailand's stretching coastline of the Andaman Sea. To find a real jewel for divers, you have to go 100 kilometers north of the Similan Islands to find Mu Koh Surin National Park, close to the Burmese border on the southern coast of Phang-nga's Kuraburi district in Thailand.

The Mu Koh Surin islands resembles 5 dots of tropical rain forest in the middle of the ocean, each with an intoxicating "Paradise Fund" quality. Mu Koh Surin has been a National Marine Park since the year 1981, ensuring that the wonderful underwater life and corals are protected by the Thai government.

Mu Ko Surin National Park
Situated in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and covering an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Ko Surin is an archipelago of 5 islands: Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Khai, and Ko Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Ko Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of Ko Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Ko Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area. Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for 3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Ko Surin Nuea with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometre walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of Ko Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.

Interesting attractions on Ko Surin Tai include Ao Tao, situated to the east of the island. The bay is home to numerous sea turtles and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. It is where unspoilt coral reefs can be seen.

Ko Klang or Ko Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various kinds of fish.

Ko Khai or Ko Torilla, situated to the south of Ko Surin Tai. On the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoilt and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended activity here.

Similan Islands

This group of rocks and islands lies 90 minutes by speedboat off the coast of Phang-Nga, or eight or more hours by slow boat from Phuket. The area was declared a marine national park in 1982 and consequently remains largely undeveloped. Derived from the Malay term sembilan, meaning 'nine', Similan refers to the nine main islands in the group.

The waters surrounding the Similans are teeming with tropical fish, colourful coral, and offer exceptional underwater visibility. As a result, the diving is generally considered to be the best in the region, and compares favourably with some of the best in the world. (see more about diving here).

Part of the reason for this is the very interesting submarine topography, due in part to the huge granite boulders which not only litter the shorelines, but also lie in jumbled heaps beneath the waves to depths of 35 metres and beyond.

On surface the boulders, together with the lush rainforest and white sand beaches, provide a peaceful refuge.

The islands attract an increasing number of visitors annually, particularly during the high season months between December to March, when the visibility of waters surrounding the islands is at its best.

Day trips to the islands for diving and snorkelling are popular, however serious divers are recommended to come on liveaboard trips to take full advantage of all the islands' have to offer in terms of diving opportunities.

Dive companies operating from Phuket and Phang-Nga offer a number of tour itineraries with diving instruction for beginners.

For budget travellers, the Similan Islands can be reached via national park service boat from the pier at Thap Lamu or by boat from anywhere along Hat Khao Lak. Boat charters can also be organised, costs depending on the quality and speed of the vessel and the number of persons to travel.

Koh Yao islands are located in the south of Phang-nga Bay, 42 kilometers away from the mainland of Phang-nga Province, Thailand. It is a district of Phang-nga Province with a total area of 141.067 square kilometer, consisting of 44 islands. Of these islands, the two most important ones are Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, which is twice the size of Koh Yao Noi. Koh Yao Noi is the center of government with all government offices located there. Koh Yao has many tourist attractions that still maintain their natural beauty along with many beautiful beaches. The people of this island lead a simple life bond with the sea along with making a living from the sea. Apart from this, not far from the coast of Koh Yao are many exotic islands, which increase the beauty of Koh Yao.

Largely unaffected by booming development in nearby Phuket, Koh Yao retains its traditional Muslim culture almost unchanged. There are a few bungalow operations providing basic but very charming accommodations. Rental vehicles are not an option, although sometimes you can strike a deal with people at the bungalow to use their motorcycle. Beside, you can charter Tuk Tuk for sightseeing around the island. Traveling to Koh Yao Yai is like traveling back in time.

During the end of the Ayutthaya era, Koh Yao, Koh Lang and Laem Pak Pra were under Thalang , which shows that Koh Yao used to be under the government of Thalang or Phuket of now. In 1903 Koh Yao changed its status to a sub-district and later in 1988 was changed to a district. It is believed that the early population of Koh Yao sought refuge from war in Trang and Satun provinces. Those who came from Trang settled on Koh Yao Noi while those from Satun settled on Koh Yao Yai. Now (in 2002) Koh Yao has a population of 12,490, most of which are of Muslim faith. The main income of the population of Koh Yao are from rubber, coconut, and cashew nut plantations, fishery, and herding.

Koh Yao Noi is the location of Koh Yao District Administrative Office. Interesting tourist attractions on Koh Yao Noi are as follows:

● Tha Khao Beach is about five kilometers away from the Koh Yao District Administrative Office. This beach has many colorful rocks and pebbles. A short distance away from the beach is a small island called Koh Nok which can be reached on foot during low tide or by canoe during high tide.

● Pa Sai Beach is about seven kilometers away from the District Administrative Office. This long stretch of white, pristine beach is a place where you can swim and is shady with lots of trees. It also provides a spectacular view of the islands.

● Klong Jaak Beach from a viewpoint on this beach you can see almost the whole of Koh Yao.

● Ao Kian is under the control of the Phang-nga Bay National Park, located on the north of Koh Yao Noi. It has a lush forest with many large trees, along with a white beach and a perfect swimming place.

Apart from this, tourists may hire a boat from Koh Yao to Pa Koh , which is a group of more than 100 islands, such as Koh Lao Ka Lao, Koh Lao La Ding, and Koh Pak Bia. They can also go snorkeling at Koh Hong in Krabi.

is the largest island in Koh Yao District and has many interesting beaches, such as Ao Thi Kud, Ao Klong Son, Ao Sai, Lo Pa Raed beach, Ao Laan, Ao Hin Kong, and Laem Nok Og. Lo Jaak pier is an important pier from Koh Yao to Phuket. The water at the pier is clear and schools of fish swim near the bridge at the pier. Visitors can see the production of dried anchovies (pla ching chang) here. There are inexpensive bungalows on the island along with home-stay accommodation with the local people, who make a living by fishery or agriculture, to learn their lifestyle. Beautiful beaches on Koh Yao Yai are:

● Loh Jaak Beach and Loh Jaak pier is an important pier from Koh Yao Yai to Phuket. Merchandise worth over 100,000 baht pass through this pier daily. The beach here is white, and the water is clean and clear. Schools offish swimming near the bridge are a beautiful attraction. Visitors can also go fishing or search for shells or see the production process of making dried anchovies (pla ching chang). Long-tail boats can be hired to go to Koh Kai Nok or Koh Kai Nai. There are two trips leaving the pier to Phuket everyday at 8 pm and 2 pm daily.

● Lo Pa Raed Beach features a long stretch of a white sandy beach teeming with groves of coconut trees. To the north of the bay is a cape with a beautiful rock formation and the water around the cape is suitable for swimming.

● Klong Son Beach offers a beach of fine, white sand and shady pine trees. On the left end of the beach is a colourful rock formation with equally beautiful multi-coloured pebbles. Swimming and snorkelling to see beautiful coral is recommended.

● Ao Thi Kud located at Ko Yao Yai. This bay has a white sandy beach. To the north of the bay, there is a beautiful rocky cape with a beach lined with pine trees.

● Ao Lan the bay offers a beautiful beach, ideal for swimming. To the north, there is a cape which has a steep cliff and at the base of the cliff, the water is quite deep. Boat riding is the most convenient mode of transport to get there.

● Khai Islands: Consist of two islands:

has rocks and beautiful beaches with clear water. You can also dive around the island to see the coral and the various types of fish. A school of dolphins can be seen here almost every day. Koh Kai Nog can be reached by boat from Lo Jaak pier or from Phuket, which is 15 km away.

is a small island with beautiful beaches and shady trees. There are no constructions on the island to come between you and nature. Snorkelling here you will feel that you truly are in a marine national park. See different types of coral and underwater marine life up close. It takes about 25 minutes by long-tail boat to get to Koh Kai Nai from Loh Jaak pier.

The islands can be reached from Koh Sirey, Laem Hin Pier and Chalong Bay in Phuket by hiring a boat or contact tour operators.

is one of the many islands where swallows make their nests. Swallows nests from Koh Yao are considered to be of the highest quality. Normally visitors are only allowed to see the island from the boat, as going on to the island would be disturbing the swallows.

is an island nearby Koh Yao Noi, It has beautiful beaches suitable for camping. This is a very private island and can be reached by a small long-tail boat, which can accept about 5-10 passengers per trip. The price is about 300-500 baht per boat.

This island has the skeletons of sea gypsies in a cave. Sea gypsies normally pass by this island. Visitors can go diving around the island. The island is also another place where swallows make their nests and visitors are not allowed on it.

is available from Phuket, Phang-Nga and Krabi, but leaving from Phuket is the most convenient.

Bang Rong Pier in Tambon Pha Khiok, Thalang District, (from the Heroines Monument to the tenth kilometer) There are boats going to:
- Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 50 baht, leaving Bang Rong Pier at 11.00, 12.30,14.30,17.00 hrs.
- Chong Laad and Khiong Hia Piers on Koh Yao Yai. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 50 baht, leaving Bang Rong Pier at 12.30 hrs.

Laem Hin Pier in Tambon Koh Kaew, Muang District, Phuket. There are boats going to:
- Laem Yai Pier on Koh Yao Yai. The trip takes 1 hour 20 minutes and costs 50 baht, leaving Laem Hin Pier at 2 p.m.

Tien Sin Pier on the way to Koh Sirey in Phuket Town, there are boats going to:
- Loh Jaak Pier on Koh Yao Yai, The trip takes an hour and costs 50 baht, leaving Tien Sin Pier at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Rassadana Port in Tambon Rassada, Phuket Town, there are boats going to:
- Loh Jaak Pier on Koh Yao Yai. The trip takes an hour and costs 50 baht. On Sunday-Thursday the boats leave at 2 p.m. On Saturday the boats leave at 6 a.m.

Customs Pier in Tambon Koh Panyee to Sukkhaphiban Pier on Koh Yao Noi. The trip takes 1 hour 30 minutes and costs 100 baht, leaving the Customs Pier at 12.00 a.m. except Sunday.

Thalane Pier in Ao Luek District, there are boats going to:
- Baan Tha Khao Pier on Koh Yao Noi. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 50 baht, leaving Laem Sak Pier at noon.
- Chong Laad Pier on Koh Yao Yai. The trip takes 1 hour and costs 50 baht, leaving at noon.

- From Koh Yao Noi to Bang Rong Pier, Phuket. The boat leaves Manoh and Sukkhaphiban pier at 7 and 7.30 a.m. There are 3-4 trips a day.
- From Koh Yao Noi to Thalane Pier, Krabi The boat leaves Thao Khao pier at 7.30 a.m.
- From Koh Yao Noi to Customs Pier, Phang-nga. The boat leaves at 7 a.m.

- From Koh Yao Yai to Bang Rong Pier, the boat leaves from Chong laad and Khiong Hia Pier at 7 a.m.
- From Koh Yao Yai to Laem Hin Pier, the boat leaves from Laem Yai Pier at 8 a.m.
- From Koh Yao Yai to Tien Sin Pier, the boat leaves Loh Jaak Pier at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
- From Koh Yao Yai to Rassada Pier, the boat leaves Loh Jaak Pier at 8.30 a.m. on Sunday-Thursday and Saturday, and 2.30 p.m. on Friday.

- Timetable and rates may change. Apart from those that run according to the aforesaid times, boats must be chartered.
- From Koh Yao Yai to other small islands : Long-tail boat can be chartered From Manoh Pier on Koh Yao Noi to Chong Laad Pier on Koh Yao Yai, Ther are long-tail boats running all day long. The trip takes 15 minutes and costs 20 baht.

- Fish Scale Flowers: are made by the Housewives of Koh Yao Club by creating flowers, such as roses, geraniums, and bougainvillea from fish scales.
- Dried Anchovies (Pla Ching Chang): are made from small anchovies that have been boiled and then sun-dried. These dried anchovies are rather salty but very nutritious and can be used in many local dishes such as dips, soups, or curries, or simply deep-fried and eaten as a snack.