Thailand Region Guide Southern Thailand
Songkhla
The small, laid-back coastal town of Songkhla is a relaxed — and relaxing — beach resort, captivating in its total lack of pretensions and ideal as a hideaway for a quiet time by the sea.
The main beach of Hat Samila, famously signposted at one end by a bronze mermaid representing the earth goddess Mae Thorani, is a 3- km. stretch of soft white sand backed by casuarinas. Behind rises Khao Noi hill, which has a small topiary garden and commands panoramic views of the town.
Muko Lanta
Currently less developed than Phi Phi, Ko Lanta is another of Krabi’s island destinations that is rapidly gaining in popularity. In a group of 52 islands, mostly small and uninhabited, the scenery is characterised by white sandy beaches, coral reefs, stretches of mangrove forest and inland areas of hills and forest.
Mu Ko Angthong National Marine Park
Of all the islands in the Samui area, it is those in Muko Ang Thong Marine National Park that score highest for sheer beauty and excursion potential. Located 3 1 km. west of Samui, the park covers more than a hundred sq. km. and comprises a group of some 40 lovely steep—sided limestone islands fringed with forest. Their shores are dotted with sandy coves and limestone caves, while the lush interiors are home to a wealth of flora and fauna.
The name translates as “golden basin”, and this is indeed a rich ground for exploration. Mainly because it was a preserve of the Royal Thai Navy and so closed to the public until 1980, when it was declared a marine national park, Ang Thong has managed to preserve its unspoilt character to an exceptional degree.
Ko Tao
Smallest and most distant of the Samui archipelago islands that offer accommodation, Ko Tao, “Turtle Island” lies 45 km. north of Ko Pha-ngan and has its own distinct attractions. Largely mountainous, the island is distinguished by a 28-km. shoreline studded by lovely little bays, while beyond stretch some 8 km. of undisturbed coral reefs. Because Ko Tao lies about a five-hour boat ride from Ko Pha-ngan — and pretty much the same from the mainland — it has little casual tourism and is best known as a scuba diving destination. With exceptional underwater visibility, rich marine life and a variety of sites for all levels of proficiency, it offers some of the finest offshore diving in the whole of Thailand.
Satun
Satun is a small province in the south of Thailand that borders Malaysia, facing the Andaman Sea. The province possesses renowned picturesque islands with verdant forests and mountainous land. The majority of the locals are Muslim. It is located 973 kilometres from Bangkok and occupies an area of 2,478 square kilometres with 80 kilometres of coastline.
Most tourists head out to the pristine islands of Tarutao National Park. Its landscape is full of underwater peaks, excellent beaches, calm and peaceful coves, jungle and mangrove swamps. Snorkelling can be found at Lipe island, while neighbour Adnag island is stunning with forest, hills and waterfalls.
Around Satun, there are plenty of interesting sights, including dove farms, forest parks and huge waterfall. Thale Ban National Park is famous for its abundant wildlife, with many waterfalls and caves worth visiting.
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