The most prominent tourist attraction in the South
is inevitably Phuket (862kms), the biggest island of Thailand located in the
Andaman Sea. It has rapidly become one of the best known seaside resorts of
the world. But if you find Phuket a little too crowded in the peak tourist
season, then Samui Island of Surat Thani (644kms) will be another choice.
Its tranquility and unpolluted environment will refresh you. Phan-ngan
Island, which is a famous diving centre, is also an interesting destination.
Songkhla (950kms) is a famous seaside resort in the far South where a cruise
on Songkhla Lake is fascinating. Another famous place in this province is
Hat Yai, the big bustling city widely known for the low priced imported
goods. Phang-nga (788kms), adjoining Phuket, is full of magnificent seascape
and beautiful limestone caves. Those who love diving may visit
Krabi
(814kms) to explore its Phi Phi, Lanta, and Hong Island Groups. At Rai Le
Beach, you can enjoy the exciting rock climbing. Trang (828 kms) also have
many fine beaches and beautiful scenery waiting to be explored such as Chao
Mai National Park, and Ko Muk and its Morakot Cave.
The word Phuket was formerly believed to have some from
the Malayan word Bukit, which means a mountain. However, it has recently
been discovered that Phuket is actually a Thai word meaning a mountain (phu)
of jewel (ket).
Formerly known as Ko (island) Thalang, Phuket was only
noted for its rich tin ores, from which its wealth was derived. Today, it is
better known as a tourist paradise, a most regarding place for holiday
makers. With its magnificent long white beaches, its luxuriant vegetation,
its crystal blue sea water, its fantastic undersea scenery, its calm and
relaxing tropical atmosphere, and its fresh prawns, lobsters and other kinds
of seafood, Phuket - the Pearl of the South- entices many travellers to
visit here again and again........more
Krabi is one of the southern Thailand's most attractive
provinces located to the southeast of Phang-nga. The province is rich in
forests, marine lives and tourist attractions. Besides the province is
famous for the stunning limestone cliffs and rock formations which make it a
mecca for rock climbers.
Attractions
Noppharat Thara Beach Located about 18 kms northwest from Krabi Town, it is
a 3-km long scenic beach lines with casuarina trees and coconut groves.
Pranang Bay (Ao Pranang) Located 6kms from Noppharat Thara Beach, this is a
large bay with several pristine beaches and 83 islands of various sizes and
shapes, Because of its unspoiled natural beauty both on land in the
surrounding waters and easy accessibility, Ao Pranang has gradually
developed to be Krabi's most popular tourist attraction after Phi Phi
Islands. Some famous beaches in the area are Tham Phra Nang, East Rai Le,
West Rai Le, and Ton Sai. Phi Phi Island Famed as among the most beautiful
tropical islands of the world, Phi Phi islands have become one of the most
popular tourist attractions of Thailand. Phi Phi Islands consist of six
islands, viz. Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Le, Bida Nok, Bida Nai, Phai and Yung.
However, the first two islands are more famous than others. Maya Bay (Ao
Maya), "The Beach" film location , is located on Phi Phi Le. Lantan Islands
Marine National Park It consist of many islands, some of which are surround
by beautiful coral reefs. The islanders are a mixture of sea gypsies and
Malays, It is still a virgin island where civilization has not intruded.
Bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Surat Thani is the largest province in the South with an area of 12,890 sq km and a population of 935,512 (end 2003). It was formerly known as Kanchanadit and then Chaiya. Its present name was given by King Rama VI (1910-1925) who visited the town in 1915 and was impressed by high moral standard and devotion to Buddhism of local people. He thus created the name Surat Thani which means the City of Good People, for the city.
Ko Samui, As there are many islands along its coast. Surat Thani is also known as the province of Hundred Islands. Of these, the best known today is Ko Samui, the Coconut Island which has become a popular resort for both Thai and foreign tourists. With an area of 247 sq km, Ko Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Ko Chang (off eastern coast). It is the main island of a group of islets numbering 48 altogether. The archipelago is peaceful home for fishermen and a natural habitat for seagulls and other birds. Samui island is famous for its high quality coconuts growing densely everywhere.
The best time to visit Samui is from February to April during which the sea is calm. Here are come fascinating attractions of Ko Samui.
Chaweng Beach on the east coast is the most famous and developed beach of Ko Samui. The 6-km white and clean beach is charming. The underwater world is inviting. It boasts the largest number of dive shops on Ko Samui. It offer a big choice of accommodation, man-made facilities, a wide selection of restaurants and numerous places of entertainment........
more
Bordering the Gulf of Thailand, Surat Thani is the largest province in the South with an area of 12,890 sq km and a population of 935,512 (end 2003). It was formerly known as Kanchanadit and then Chaiya. Its present name was given by King Rama VI (1910-1925) who visited the town in 1915 and was impressed by high moral standard and devotion to Buddhism of local people. He thus created the name Surat Thani which means the City of Good People, for the city.
