Trang in Southern Thailand

Located 828 kilometres from Bangkok, Trang (known locally as Muang Thap Thiang) is a coastal province on the Indian Ocean which has a 199-kilometre coastline. It is renowned for being the first place in Thailand to grow rubber - now an important aspect of the regional economy. 46 beautiful islands are part of the province, each offering white-sand beaches and glorious coral reefs. Koh Ngai, Khao Chong Wildlife and Nature Education Centre, Hat Chao Mai National Park and Hat Chao Mai Beach are of particular interest to visitors.

Surat Thani in Southern Thailand

Surat Thani Province is home to Koh Samui – an island that has gained a worldwide reputation as for charm and beauty that warrant a traveler’s attention. Samui is idyllic – white-sand beaches, blue water and all the trappings of a Hollywood interpretation of a tropical paradise. Only 21 kilometres at its widest point and 25 kilometres long, Samui offers a series of landscapes including limestone and granite hills, forests, and a coastline fringed with palm trees, beaches and bays. Chaweng and Lamai Beaches on the east coast are renowned for being the best and also offer the most in terms of accommodation, restaurants and nightlife. There are though a number of beaches on the island offering a quieter experience. Surat Thani has a range of other islands to visit, and steeped in history has a variety of historical sites.

Songkhla in Southern Thailand

Song Khla is in the south of Thailand bordering the State of Kedah in Malaysia and a gateway for Malaysian and Singaporean tourists. Hat Yai is an important port, the province’s biggest city, the province’s centre for commerce and transportation, and well known as being a great place for shopping. The area has a rich history fuelled by the trade done in these parts and it has a number of historical sites to visit including Wat Chaimongkhon. It also has a great beach in Hat Samila.

Ranong in Southern Thailand

Located 586 kilometres south of Bangkok, Ranong borders Myanmar and in parts is only 44 kilometres wide – the narrowest section of the country. The province has the country’s longest rainy season, that being 8 months a year, and features a number of natural attractions. Of particular interest are the area’s hot springs which are renowned for their therapeutic value.

Phuket in Southern Thailand

Phuket is an island province and Thailand’s largest island – roughly the size of Singapore. Located 862 kilometres away from Bangkok, Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea and recognised as one of the kingdom’s chief attractions for visitors. The island has a history of tin mining and rubber production, deriving substantial wealth from being on the ‘Silk Route’ between China and India. Phuket’s most famous historical figures are Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sisunthon who led islanders in defending Phuket from a Burmese invasion in 1785. A tribute to these heroines is one of the island’s main attractions. Clearly, Phukets beaches, coves and bays are a principal draw for many visitors. The island has accommodation enough to cater for the entire range of visitor, from the budget traveller to the well-healed. Of course Phuket’s seafood is world renown as is the local slant on Thai cuisine. Phuket features a range of leisure activities from treks and walks to snorkelling and diving, all set against a lush tropical backdrop. Among Phuket’s major attractions include Karon, Kamala and Kalim beaches, as well as Patong beach and Promthep Cape.

Phang-Nga in Southern Thailand

Located next to the Andaman Sea, Phang-nga is blessed with astonishing natural beauty and is certainly one of the kingdom’s most impressive provinces. Agriculture in the shape of rubber plantations, rice, vegetable and fruit production makes up a key component of the area’s economy - not surprisingly, tourism is the other. Phang-nga province offers breathtaking scenery and landscapes featuring mountainous areas alongside deciduous forest and some of the kingdom’s nicest islands and beaches (the province’s two key National Parks - Surin Islands National Marine Park and Similan Islands National Marine Park - hosting most of these). Phang-nga does though feature a range of smaller, and equally beautiful National Parks and Forest Parks all of great value to Phang-nga’s visitors. If you are heading for this area, you have a delight in store!

Krabi in Southern Thailand

Situated next to the Andaman Sea, Krabi is a province of more than 100 beautiful islands, white sandy beaches, clear blue water, forests, caves and waterfalls. Located around 800 kilometres from Bangkok, archaeological digs suggest Krabi may have been one of the first places in Thailand where communities existed with find dating back to pre-history. Legend has it the name Krabi is taken after the Thai for sword as an ancient sword was found at the time of its capital city’s creation. Key attractions in Krabi include the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Lanta which offer a wealth of excellent beaches, diving, snorkelling, and other beach based activities and water sports.