Southern Thailand consists of a total of 14 provinces in the Kra or Malay Peninsula and is rich in spectacular scenery. You will experience forested jungles, rocky out-crops, countless tropical islands, stunning beaches and lots, lots more. You will also see rubber plantations everywhere as this provides the country with their second largest agricultural export after rice.
This southern area of Thailand stretches along a narrow section of land that runs for about 1200 kilometers or 750 miles from below Bangkok to the Malaysian border. If you should be travelling by car down the the eastern shore in the Gulf of Thailand, then please do stop over in the historic town of
Phetchaburi
and go and see the 15 meter reclining Buddha at Khao Luang cave.
Travelling still further south you will reach the beach resorts towns of Cha-am and
Hua Hin
, the choice holiday resort town favoured by the Royal family. Now days these two resorts are becoming more and more popular with expats wanting to get away from the more crowded resorts of Pattaya and Phuket.
Spectacular Islands
And speaking of
Phuket
,this stunning tropical island resort in southern Thailand is one of the top beach resorts in the country with Patong beach and Karon beach being the most popular. There are of course many more beautiful beaches all over the island for you to explore whether you are just wanting to relax on the fine white soft sandy shores or whether you would like to take part in the numerous water sports on offer here.
Should you be on vacation in Thailand, a trip to this island is a absolute must. You will not be disappointed. A real gem of a place!
I have been here many times and will keep coming back. I always tend to stay near Patong beach as there is more nightlife here than anywhere else on the island. I am a night owl and like-minded tourists like myself who love the variety of nightlife, should be more than happy right here.
During the day most tourists as well as the locals are either sleeping, sight-seeing or simply lazing around on the soft sandy beaches. But at night everyone seem to come alive. It's a little cooler now and the local bands, clubs, and variety shows are vibrating around town and everyone seems to be in a happy mood. As a bonus, should you be lucky enough to arrive during any number of the
Phuket festivals
, then why not join in with all these fun social activities.
Explore the caves and beaches of Krabi
And if that is still not enough, then you will be spoilt for choice as you take in the many other beautiful islands in southern Thailand. Go and relax on the stunning island of Ko Samui or lay back on Phi Phi Don Island. Go coral-reef diving on the Similan Islands. Go cave hunting in
Phang Nga Bay
Go parting on the island of Ko Phangan. Go to my web page on tropical islands to see the full range of these and more stunning islands.
I'm getting carried away again. If you haven't been before, go before it's too late, but I will warn you that once you have been here, you will definitely want to come back again and again like I do.
Coming down to earth now as we travel even further south to the gateway to the deep south and take in the sites of
Songkhla, Pattani and Hat Yai
for a more peaceful getaway.
James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga is a major tourist attraction as it was the location where part of the 1974 James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Now this famous destination is simply referred to as James Bond Island although this is technically not an island at all, as it forms part of the mainland. It is however a very popular day time excursion from Phuket but remember there are no facilities for a stay over.
Arial view of Ko Samui Island
Ko Samui is Thailand's third largest island and has fast become an international resort destination of choice. This island comprises of forested hills, coconut plantations, palm-fringed beaches and quiet coves. Here you will find a modern airport, abundant transportation, many luxury hotels and Resorts as well as a magnificent array of water sports. One of the very best islands for a stay over.
Stunning beaches on Phi Phi Don Island
Phi Phi Don Island is arguably the most beautiful island in southern Thailand with it's crystal clear turquoise waters and dazzling white beaches. Spend the day swimming, snorkeling or just lazing on the beach. One of the very best of the southern Thailand islands for total relaxation.
