Bounded on both sides by water the people of the south are generally
a seafaring lot, and this region offers some magnificent seafood dishes.
The south is also a major exporter of rubber, tin and coconut.
For the visitor this vast stretch of coastline offers wonderful beaches
and the tropical island resorts of Phuket
and, to the east, the less developed Koh Samui.
Further south is the coastal town of Songkhla
with its brightly painted fishing boats and white sands of Samila beach.
30km south-west is Had
Yai where you can easily pick up a bus or taxi to Sadao and into
Malaysia.
Probably the most famous piece of coastline in Thailand is at Phang
Nga Bay about 96km north of Phuket. Forested limestone pillars rise
out of the sea like inverted mountains, while numerous caves provide
plenty of scope for adventure.
180km by road from Phuket is the provincial capital of Krabi
which has good beaches and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities
around the numerous islands in the province. Further south is Satun
and the Phetra National Park, where Koh Turatao
is located.
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