Thailand’s third largest, Ko Samui is one of the most popular tourist destination in the kingdom. It can easily be reached by boat from Surat Thani arriving at Nathon on the west coast which is the island businees centre or by air from Bangkok. It has been transformed over the past decode into a resort environment catering for all tastes and budgets. The centre of the island is mountainous and forest covered rising over 60m from the coastal flats below. There are numerous idylic beaches around the island, the most popular are at Mae Nam in the north and Hat Chaweng,Hat Lamai on the eastern coast. There is a good coastal road around the island and around trip can be completed in a few hours. Heading north from Nathon the next stop is Ban Mae Nam with many guesthouses stretching along the long sandy beach. A little further to the east is the large seated Buddha image on Ko Fan. The fanous Wat Phra Yai Buddha attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Moving on past the airport is Chaweng Beach which is the main area of development with hotels, shops, markets, bar, restuarants etc. The road moves on to Ban Lamai a little quieter with many guesthouses and inexpensive accommodation. the road then returns along the southern coast back to Nathon past numerous coconut groves. Other attractions on Samui inclued the Butterfly park, monkey training centre and waterfalls at Hin Lat and Na Muang. People can come to relax on an exotic beach or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.

National Parks
Off the coast is the Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine park with over 40 island comprising granite masses covered in tropical rainforest and beautiful secluded beaches. There is an attractive cave complex at Than Bua Bok and coral reefs at Ko Sam. To the south of Surat Thani is the Tai Rom Yen National Park with beautiful forests and waterfulls at Namtok Dat Fa. Further south in Nakhon Si Thamarat province is the Khao Luang National Park with excellent hiking trails, magnificent waterfalls and a large variety of flora and fauna. Namtok Kha Rom in the south of the park is very popular. Access to Khao Luang NP can be reached through Phrom Khiri. The rugged Khao Sok National Park is located 70 km west of Surat Thani and has varied scenery ranging from the extensive lake of the Ratchaprapha dam to beautiful waterfalls and caves. The park is home to rare flora and flora which can only be seen by hiking through the wilderness.
(by Explore Thailand pages 23 - 24)

Nakhon Si Thammarat

The provincial city of Nakhon Si Thammarat “City of the sacred Dharma King ” is 750 km south from Bangkok and for over a millenium played a significant role in the history and development of the Malay Peninsula.

Historical Site - Srivijaya Influence
During the 7 - 13th centuries the powerful Hindu-Buddhist Srivijaya empire who were seafarers controlled the Malay Peninsula from their capital at Palembang in Sumatra. They relied heavily on trade with India and China and were stratefically located at ports in Chaiya, Nakon Si Thamarat and Sathing Phra. The exlensive archeological discoveries of stone and bronze artifacts at Chaiya show it was a major center rivaling the capital at Palembang. The highly revered stupa in the grounds of Wat Phra Mahathat in Nakon Si Thammarat dates back to the Srivijaya period. Even older Pre Srivijaya settlement which has been discoverd at Khao Kha to the south of Nakon Si Thammarat in the district of Sichon where there are architectural ruins dating back over 1500 years. (by Explore Thailand page 22)

Related posts:

1. Phuket (History & Culture)
2. Nakhon Ratchasima
3. Phuket (Location and Geography)
4. Petchabun
5. Phangnga