The largest province of the South, Surat Thani was once a provincial
capital of the 10th century Indonesian Srivijaya Empire, and now covers an area
of approximately 13,000 square kilometers of both low basins and high plateaus
with forested mountains, as well as some of Thailand’s most famous islands
including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and the Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine
National Park.
The
name of Surat Thani may mean "City of the Good People" but Surat Thani is also
known as “the province of a thousand islands” -- many of which lay off the coast
in the Gulf of Thailand, including the archipelago that contains Koh Samui, Koh
Phangan, Koh Tao, and the Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Once
the refuge of backpackers, the islands of Surat Thani are now some of the most
visited places in Thailand; however, there are a number of historical, cultural,
and natural attractions on the Thai mainland to make a stop in Surat Thani
province worthwhile on the way to or from the islands.
The largest province of the South, located 685 kilometers from Bangkok, Surat
Thani means "City of the Good People". A former capital of the Indonesian
Srivijaya Empire, Surat Thani remains a vibrant city that is both a commercial
and transportation hub and an area with many historical and cultural
attractions.
Surat Thani Province covers an area of approximately 13,000
square kilometers of high plateaus and forested mountains in the west of the
province that diminish to low basins towards the eastern coast. This mountainous
topography has created 14 river basins all of which flow east of the province to
the Gulf of Thailand; similarly, almost all visitors to Surat Thani invariably
head to the Gulf, where the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and the
Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine National Park are located.
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With an abundance of blissful attractions mixed with cultural heritage,
Trang Province is truly a fascinating tourist destination with numerous jungles,
mountains, waterfalls, and beaches.
Trang
is a magnificent coastal province with a long, beautiful shoreline that
stretches 199 kilometers along the Andaman Sea. In addition, the province has
two major rivers flowing through it, the Trang River, which originates in the
Khao Luang Mountain Range, and Maenam Palian, which flows from the Banthat
Mountain Range.
Despite the fact that Trang City plays a key role in
facilitating trade to Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand's southern commercial hub,
Trang is a province infrequently visited by tourists. It was only recently that
Trang has been poised to establish itself on the international travel
map.
Trang has geographical advantages similar to that of Krabi and Phang
Nga. This includes breathtaking islands and beaches along the coast as well as
awe-inspiring inland limestone mountains.
Trang has both mainland
beaches and a whole string of offshore islands; the province features an
archipelago in the Andaman Sea consisting of more than 46 islands. Visitors
interested in light-adventure activities can cruise the coastal waters and visit
notable sights, such as the enchanting Emerald Cave. Additional attractions
include the nearby Mu Koh Petra National Park, where idyllic beaches and islands
are perfect places to enjoy the warm, clear waters of the Andaman Sea. Some of
the dive sites in the National Park are world-class. There are also wildlife
sanctuaries such as Namtok Khao Chong and Khlong Lamchan Park where waterfalls,
nature trails, and caves are awaiting exploration. For those looking for a
relaxed, tranquil ambience, Trang is a perfect place to unwind amidst stunning
scenery.
Similar in topography to neighboring Krabi, Trang features idyllic islands
with breathtaking karst formations and unspoiled beaches, making it the hot new
destination for those looking for less developed yet beautiful Thai beaches and
islands.
The waters off Trang have also become a refuge of the
threatened dugong, the “sea cow” cousin of the manatee. Koh Libong is one of the
best places to spot these docile sea mammals which have become the unofficial
symbol of Trang.
Trang city, the provincial capital, is a centuries-old
seaport with a multicultural population of Thai, Malay, and Hokkien Chinese
residents, a mixture that is best appreciated while dining on the local cuisine
or mingling with the locals at a local coffee shop.
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Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Thailand, Yala hosts an
annual Dove Festival that draws thousands of visitors each
year.
The landlocked province of Yala
is the administrative center for southern Thailand and features a pretty and
well organized town that contains a number of parks and ponds. Otherwise, there
are few attractions within the town that are geared towards visitors, though
local seafood restaurants are held in high regard by Thai and Malaysian
visitors. However, once outside of Yala town, there are numerous waterfalls,
caves, and other natural attractions for visitors to explore.
If there is
one defining attraction in Yala, it is the annual ASEAN Barred Ground Dove
Festival, which is held each March for doves from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia,
and Indonesia; the main event is a cooing contest that draws nearly 1,500
participants each March.
The landlocked province of Yala, the administrative center for southern
Thailand, features a pretty and well organized town with a number of parks and
ponds, as well as some fine seafood restaurants.
Yala is also the host
of the annual ASEAN Barred Ground Dove Festival, an event which draws upwards of
1,500 doves from Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia that compete in
various events.
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