This region extends southward along a narrow peninsula lying between the Andaman Sea its west side and the South China Sea on the east. It is a rich land in terms of the abundance of its natural resources, the fertility of its soil, the diversity of its people and its commercial viability.

The South is made up of 14 provinces from Chumphon in the north down to the Malaysian border 1,200 kilometres from Bangkok. It has a long coastline on either side with sandy beaches and offshore islands on both, and a rugged central hinterland of mountains and forests.

The east coast on the Gulf of Thailand always seems to be more relaxed, with long, wide bays and calm seas; the Andaman Sea coast tends to be more rugged and exhilarating, with its strange limestone rock formations and cliffs.

The occurrence of two seasonal monsoons means that the climate differs from the rest of Thailand. The southwest monsoon sweeps the west coast and the Andaman Sea from May to October, while the northeast monsoon moves across the Gulf of Thailand form November to February. The peninsula forms a barrier so that rain rarely falls on both coastlines simultaneously.

The area was once part of the Buddhist Srivijaya Empire but later came under the rule of Ayutthaya and then Bangkok. Chinese and Malaysian influences have played a large part in the cultural makeup of the region; the further south, the stronger the Malaysian influence, with a dialect akin to Malay, a predominance of Muslim communities and mosques. Rice fields give way to rubber plantations, and Chinese tin mining operations become evidence.

The coastline attracts most tourists, though Samui island in the Gulf of Thailand is growing in popularity as a laid-back holiday spot with first class diving opportunities nearby on Tao and Pha-ngan islands.

The Andaman Sea coast offers more sophisticated choices in the island province of Phuket, Thailand’s premier holiday resort. However, the fascinating rock formations and offshore islands at Phang-nga, Krabi and Trang are extremely popular for the diving and sailing opportunities they offer.

The mountains, rivers and forests in the national parks in the interior of the peninsula are also gaining popularity with eco-tourists, as can be seen with the growing numbers of safari expeditions on foot, by elephant and in canoes.

Southern Region Chumpon, Krabi, Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, Nakorn Si Thamarat, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phangnga, Khao Lak, Phattalung, Phuket, Ranong, Satun, Songkhla, Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Trang, Yala

The gateway to the South, Chumphon is an elongated province with 220 kms of coastline, offering many fine-sanded beaches and attractive offshore islands, with plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, yachting, paragliding, diving and snorkelling.

The most popular beach is Sai Ri, close to the town and lined with some good seafood restaurants. Here you find a small museum and statue to Prince Chumphon, founder of the Royal Thai Navy, and an old torpedo boat The Royal Chumphon.

Other beaches worth visiting are Thung Wua Laen, a long quiet stretch of sand that hosts an annual windsurfing contest, and the idyllic semi-circular bays of Thung Makham Yai and Thung Makham Noi. However, the many islands just offshore are a real treasure, particularly Samet, Mattra and Ngam Noi. Growing numbers of divers are attracted to their excellent coral formations and abundant sea life.

By contrast, the hinterland of mountains and forests provides attractions for many eco-safaris, which are discovering the beauty of Khlong Phrao National Park, a forest park, waterfalls and numerous caves.

Krabi has some of the most attractive scenery in southern Thailand: stunning limestone cliffs fronting on fine white beaches, coupled with fascinating islands in the Andaman Sea.

Phra Nang Beach is considered the most beautiful, rivalled only by neighbouring Railay. Here steep limestone cliffs have isolated fine sandy coves that provide a haven for tourists. Thailand's climbing industry has sprung up around these cliffs, with companies offering instruction and equipment for climbers of all levels. Further north, Nopparat Thara is a long sandy beach lined with pine trees, popular among Thais.

Offshore the uninhabited islands of Poda, Rang Nok and Hua Kwan offer opportunities for sea canoe expeditions, snorkelling and diving. However, it is the renowned Phi Phi islands that attract tourists to marvel at glistening white sands, towering cliffs and blue waters. Diving is one of the major attractions to explore the offshore coral reefs.

Further south the Lanta islands, with their unspoilt beaches, are preparing to be the next big destination, with numerous resorts now under construction.

Phang-nga is a province with two characters -land and sea - and packed with national parks that guard magnificent scenery with immensely different attractions.

Most famous is Phang-nga Bay National Park, a geological wonder filled with islets, sunken caverns and shlrtling rock formations rising sheer out of the sea. Tour boats visit many of the most popular attractions: Panyi, an island famed for its Muslim village built entirely on stilts; James Bond Island (Khao Ping Kan) with its split cliffs leaning against each other; Thalu island and its wondrous sea caverns; and Khao Khien, home to the rare swimming iguana.

The bay is extremely sheltered, ideal for expeditions of sea canoes to explore the many fascinating caverns (hangs) with their own eco-systerns. Many of the larger islands have bungalow accommodation.

Phang-nga's Andaman coast offers parks of a different kind. The island groups of Surin and Similan are renowned for their beautiful unspoilt beaches and spectacular underwater scenery, attracting divers from around the world.

Khao Lak is a coastal park full of birds, mammals and scenic wC!.terfalls, with a number of hotel developments at the nearby beach; Si Phang-nga also offers interesting waterfalls and superb scenery.

Famous for its beautiful beaches, excellent offshore dive sites and superb sailing opportunities, Phuket is Thailand's and Asia's premier holiday resort. The best beaches are on the west coast, facing the Andaman Sea, with fine sands and clear water. Patong and Kata/Karon are the most popular, thanks also to numerous resort hotels, fine restaurants and an extensive nightlife.

The west coast is also home to many dive companies which arrange expeditions to a wide variety of offshore diving areas, including the Surin, Similan and Racha island groups that are rated world-class for their colourful corals, clear waters and myriad sea creatures.

Phuket is also a regional centre for yachting, while the annual King's Cup Regatta is a top international event. Other activities include sea canoeing among the rock formations in Phang-nga Bay and windsurfing.

In the island's interior, environmentalists can find forests, mountains, waterfalls and a national park. Eco-tour companies take out large groups every day on elephant trekking, hiking, canoeing and visiting places like the Gibbon Rehabilitation Sanctuary.

Phuket town offers good shopping, restaurants, hotels and interesting architecture, with old Thai, Malaysian, Portuguese, and Chinese-influenced buildings an indication of the island's heritage. Every October, the town's Chinese temples host the famous Vegetarian Festival, during which worshippers forego meat and alcohol, and mutilate their bodies with metal spikes as a sign of devotion.

For those who prefer more relaxing pleasures, the island has some of the best spas in Asia, offering superb Thai massage and therapy treatments. While Phuket FantaSea theme park puts on a popular cultural stage show each night.

The largest southern province, Surat Thani is steeped in history as part of the Srivijaya empire with ancient Chaiya a key city. A must-visit spot is Phra Boromthat Chaiya, with its authentic Srivijaya architecture. Its beautifull,200-year-old chedi contains relics of the Buddha, while the nearby national museum contains statues and artifacts discovered in Chaiya.

Surat Thani is famous for coconuts, mainly picked by pig-tailed monkeys which are trained in special schools around the province. The schools also put on entertaining shows for visitors.

Although the town is a major road and rail hub, it is more famous as the gateway to Samui island, the province's top tourist destination. Thailand's third largest island, Samui is fabled for its long, clean beaches (most especially Chaweng) lined with high quality resorts, numerous restaurants and entertainment spots. The island's interior is mountainous and forested, giving rise to growing numbers of treks and eco-tours.

Divers head to the quieter Phangan and Tao islands, whose superb coral reefs and underwater scenery are great attractions. Further west, the Ang Thong National Park comprises 40 islands with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and stunning rock formations. Many tour companies arrange sea canoe explorations of the islands.

In Surat Thani's hinterland, Khao Sok National Park is a popular ecotourism destination, thanks to a great variety of flora and fauna, coupled with outstanding scenery with lots of trekking and boating trails.

Trang is famous for its sandy beaches, beautiful views and underwater scenery at numerous offshore islands. The main town is very clean, with a domestic airport that has opened up the region to tourism, and its own distinctive brand of rich coffee.

Forests, lakes, waterfalls and rivers are plentiful within the province. Khlong Lamchan Waterfowl Park is a popular attraction, as is the Khao Chong Wildlife and Nature Education Centre, a tropical rainforest with lots of birdlife.

There are plenty of islands within easy reach, with varying degrees of underwater celebrity. Phetra Islands National Park is popular for day visits and diving. Chao Mai National Park includes Kradan island, with its pow dery beaches and picturesque coral reef, and Muk island, with the incredible Emerald Cave, whose watery entrance leads to an immense cavern open to the sky.

The underwater world is so popular in Trang that it is the venue for an annual underwater wedding ceremony, with couples coming from around the world to get married in scuba gear on Valentine's Day.

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