Peninsular South
Southern Thailand consist of 14 provinces. The southern region stretching along the narrow peninsula of Thailand from Chumphon to the Malaysian border. Its long coastline of golden beaches and islands, with a rugged hinterland of mountains and forests, is of two characters. The east coast, facing the Gulf of Thailand, is softer with long wide bays and gentle seas; the Andaman Sea coast is more rugged and exciting, with stunning islands, limestone rock formations and cliffs.
The climate differs from the rest of Thailand due to two seasonal monsoons: the southwest monsoon sweeping the west coast and Andaman Sea from May to October, while the northeast monsoon moves across the Gulf of Thailand form November to February. The peninsula acts as a barrier, causing different rainy periods to the two coastlines.
It's an ancient region that was independent until the 9th century, when the Buddhist Srivijaya empire united the area. Eventually it came under the rule of Ayutthaya and then Bangkok. Throughout its history there has been strong Chinese and Malaysian influence, which has impacted on its culture. The further south you go, the stronger the Malaysian influence, with a predominance of Muslim communities, Islamicmosques and a dialect akin to Malays. Rice fields are replaced by rubber plantations, and Chinese tin mining operations are more evident.
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Chumphon |
Chumphon is an old city of Thailand. Chumphon is the entrance to the southern part of Thailand. Chumporn City having wonderful seaside beach along about 222 kilometers long, with
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Krabi |
Krabi is one of the Southern provinces of Thailand and located at the shore to the Andaman Sea. Most notable are the solitary limestone hills, both on the land and in
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Narathiwat |
Narathiwat, further south, bordering Malaysia, is noted for its Ba Cho Waterfall, a massive seated golden Buddha at Wat Khao Kong, and the border town of Sungai Golok with its
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Pattani |
Pattani is an old town with a hybrid culture - established through a splendid mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic beliefs together with Chinese influence - has been in existence
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Phangnga |
Phang Nga's major attraction is the eerily beautiful Phang Nga Bay where verdant limestone islands, honeycombed with caves and aquatic grottoes, soar perpendicularly to heights of 300 metres and more
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Ranong |
Ranong is the first southern province on the western coast, located 568 kilometres from Bangkok. It is known for the long rainy period, which lasts for 8 months each year.
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SongKhla |
950 kilometres from Bangkok, a medieval pirate strong-hold, is a historic, albeit sleepy town with a thriving fishing community and the lovely Samila beach. The Great Songkhla Lake hosts the
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Surat Thani |
Surat Thani, is best known for the beautiful Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest island, 268 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and jewel of a sparkling archipelago that contains the lovely
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