Magic of the Southern Sea

Whenever we mention the Southern Region of Thailand, our imagination always conjures up pictures of the fertile natural resources, especially the scintillating blue sea on both sides of the peninsula– the Andaman Sea to the west and the Gulf of Thailand to the east. Even though its Andaman Coast was once damaged by a devastating tsunami, thanks to the sincere collaboration of caring people and the marvelous recovery properties of nature itself, the Southern Sea has again gained its balance, and is even more gorgeous than before. Tourists from all over the world are again heading to this part of the country to spend their ideal leisure time by this tropical sea.

Suratthani is the city of a hundred islands that is rich in ancient Srivijaya culture. It’s an important city from old times, and some evidence of prosperity of the former Buddhist empire still remains, such as at Wat Phra Boromma That Chaiya in Chaiya and Suan Mokapalaram (the Forest Temple). Suratthani is also rich in pristine nature with many beautiful islands within its borders. One of them is Koh Samui, the third largest island of Thailand and a wonderful tourist destination full of beautiful beaches that turn into colorful nightlife entertainment spots at night. Not far from Koh Samui is another island that also has many beautiful beaches called Koh Phangan. It is very famous for its full moon parties. Moving on a little farther you’ll find Koh Tao, the famous dive site in Thailand. Many tourists come to Koh Tao to learn how to SCUBA dive and then move on to explore other world famous dive sites.

Moving to the Andaman side, Phang-nga is another southern province that is rich in the charms of the southern sea. The beach of Khaolak National Marine Park is a stunning sight, and there are other islands that boast astonishing underwater scenes, like Similan National Marine Park and Surin National Marine Park in the connected province of Ranong.

From Phang-nga if you just drive a short way across Sarasin Bridge you’ll get to Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, covered with wonderful beaches lying on the west side on the island from north to south. Phuket is a true paradise for tourists who want to escape from their tiring work lives and reward themselves with a stylish, pampered or rustic retreat. Phuket is also a place to enjoy more marine activities than you can imagine, both water sports and sightseeing cruises. When night falls Phuket is decorated with lights. Famous entertainment venues and shopping arcades, along with plenty of seafood restaurants, make Patong Beach the center of goods and services. Phuket is considered one of the most rewarding places to visit in Thailand.

But if you prefer peaceful beauty, try Krabi, another dreamy beach town with white sand, clear water, beautiful coral reefs, caves and cliffs. Tourists who come to Krabi not only enjoy the beautiful sea but also enjoy challenging activities like cliff hanging and admiring a bird’s eye view of the Andaman Sea at Thale Waek (the separating sea).

Krabi’s Koh Lanta is another famous tourist destination for people who love the sea. From Krabi town you can easily board a ferry to get to Koh Phi Phi islands, a dream destination far away in the turquoise ocean which can truly erase your weariness from a long journey.

Trang, Krabi’s neighboring province, is also fertile with natural beauty, including not only islands in the sea and the beautiful Chao Mai Beach, but also the inland forests and mountains. Some beautiful waterfalls await those who seek adventure.

Just a bit south of Trang you will find the economically important town of Songkhla. Hat Yai District is the major financial center of the southern part of the country. In its thriving markets you can find various products from all over Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. Do some shopping for electrical appliances at Santisuk Market, followed by selecting your favorite sweets and snacks at Kim Yong Market.

‘Nora’ is a lively and colorful folk performance that the Southern people inherited from their ancestors. Staying in the south, you might hear the sound of Nora, echoing in the air of Wat Borommathat Nakhon Si Thammarat, while at the same time hearing the holy prayers resounding from surrounding mosques. The Southern people hold onto their beliefs and traditions with pride and dignity. Visitors will soon find that the Southern people’s friendship is as graceful as the beaches, and their generosity is just as boundless as the ocean. The charms of the Southern Seas are inviting you to experience and feel them by yourself.

Foods
As it is braced by the seas on both sides, the Southern Region is thus blessed with tasty seafood. The local foods like ‘Kaeng Tai Pla,’ ‘Kaeng Laueng,’ ‘Kao Kling’ are strongly seasoned and spicy. It’s also well known for tasty ‘Khai Kem’ (salted egg), and various kinds of chili pastes. Finishing your meals with luscious tropical fruits like rambutan and durian will make your visit to the south much more flavorsome.

Souvenirs
Fresh and dried seafood, fruits, and preserved foods, shadow puppets, pearls and local fabric

Transportation
From Bangkok, take Phetchakasem Road (Highway No. 4), to Phetchaburi, Prachuab Khirikhan, and enter to the Southern Region at Chomphon, then proceed down to Ranong, Phang-nga, Krabi, and Trang. To travel to Suratthani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, split to Highway No. 41 in Chumphon. The highway will rejoin Phetchakasem Road again in Phatthalung before proceeding to Songkhla, Pattani and Narathiwat. Many buses depart from Bangkok and head to southern provinces each day, as well as trains that departs from Bangkok Station (Hua Lamphong) to Phetchaburi, Prachuab Khirikhan, Chumphon, Suratthani, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala and Narathiwat. In addition, many provinces such as Suratthani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Krabi, Songkhla, Pattani, and Narathiwat are facilitated with airports, with 3 international airports at Phuket, Hat Yai and Koh Samui. Besides providing the fastest and most convenient way of transport, the passengers can also enjoy a bird’s-eye view above the limestone islands surrounded by the crystal seas of both the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.

Useful Information
Suratthani Airport Tel. 0-7725-3500
Hat Yai Airport Tel. 0-7425-1548
Phuket Airport Tel. 0-7632-7230 (-7)
Koh Samui Airport Tel. 0-7742-5029

Suratthani Railway Station Tel. 0-7737-1231, 0-7724-6182

Suratthani Bus Terminal Tel. 0-7727-2524
Krabi Bus Terminal Tel. 0-7561-1804
Phuket Bus Terminal Tel. 0-7621-1480

Racha Ferry Pier Tel. 0-7747-1151 (-3) (Don Sak), 0-7741-5230 (-3) (Koh Samui)
Sea Tran Ferry Pier Tel. 0-7727-5060 (-2) (Suratthani), 0-7747-1174 (-7) (Don Sak), 0-7742-6000 (-2) (Koh Samui)

Car Rental Service
Avis Rent A Car Koh Samui Tel. 0-4724-9530
Avis Rent A Car Krabi Tel. 0-7569-1941
Avis Rent A Car Phuket Tel. 0-7635-1244 (-5)
Budget Koh Samui Tel.  0-7742-7188
Budget Krabi Tel. 0-7563-7913
Budget Phang-nga Tel. 0-7642-0580
Budget Phuket Tel. 0-7629-2389

Suratthani Police Station Tel. 0-7727-2244
Koh Samui Police Station Tel. 0-7742-1095 (-97)
Krabi Police Station Tel. 0-7561-1222
Phang-nga Police Station Tel. 0-7641-2073
Phuket Police Station Tel. 0-7632-7230 (-7)

Suratthani Hospital Tel. 0-7727-3231
Koh Samui Hospital Tel. 0-7742-1399
Koh Pha-ngan Hospital Tel. 0-7728-7067
Krabi Hospital Tel. 0-7561-1226, 0-7661-1210
Phang-nga Hospital Tel. 0-7641-1033 (-4)
Vachira Phuket Hospital Tel. 0-7621-1114, 0-7621-1155
Thalang Hospital Tel. 0-7631-1033, 0-7631-1111