Yala

     
 "A beautiful border town, southernmost in Siam" is the slogan of Yala province. The word "Yala" comes from a folk word "yalor", meaning "fishing net" because at the original site of the town, Yalor, there was a mountain shaped like a fishing net. It was a low land and people earned their living by using fishing nets to catch fish. Eventually, many new towns were set up one after another until finally it moved to Nibong, which is its present location. (Nibong means a kind of tree called "laocha-on").
   Yala is the southern most province of Thailand with and area of 4,521 square kilometres. It is 1,055 kms. from Bangkok by rail and 1,440 kms. by road. It is the only one of the 14 southern provinces that is not next to the sea. Yala is mostly mountains and covered with forests but has very little flat land.

Phra Mahathat Chedi Phra BuddhaDhamma Prakat It is situated at Wat Putthathiwat on Rattanakit Rd. the structure of the stupa is an adaptation of Sriwichai style. It is 39 meters wide, 39.9 meters high, the stupa is considered the biggest and most beautiful in the south. It was built to mark Queen Sirikit's 60 th birthday. Piyamit Tu

Trang

 Trang , or Muang Thap Thiang used to be a port involved in foreign trade. It was the first city where rubber was planted. Phraya Ratsadanupradit Mahison Phakdi brought rubber from Malaysia and planted it here before anywhere else in southern Thailand in 1899. Rubber is now considered an important commodity of Thailand. The important Trang River flows through the province from its origin in the Khao Luang mountain range and the Palian River from the Banthat mountain range.
    Trang is a coastal province on the Indian Ocean with a long western coastline of about 199 kilometers. The province consists of an archipelago in the Andaman Sea with over 46 islands. Of these, 12 are in Amphoe Kantang, 13 in Amphoe Palian and 21 in Amphoe Sikao. The best time for sea travel is during October to May of the following year. Trang has a total area of 4,941.439 square kilometers and is divided into 9 districts (Amphoe) and 1 sub-district (King Amphoe); Amphoe Kantang, Amphoe Huai Yot, Amphoe Yan Ta Khao, Amphoe Palian, Amphoe Sikao, Amphoe Wang Wiset, Amphoe Na Yong, Amphoe Ratsada, and King Amphoe Hat Samran.

Chao Mai Cave-Chao Khun Cave is a stalagmite/stalactite cave in To Nae Mountain near Ban Chao Mai. It can be reached by boat from Yao Beach onto Khlong Chao Mai for about 15 minutes. A small rowboat can go through the cave to a verdant mangrove forest where the cave is nearby. Visitors have to walk up to the cave to fully appreciate its beauty.More... Namtok Ton Te This waterfall is located 45 kilometers from the city. Originating in the Banthat Mountain Range, the waterfall drops 320 meters down to the rocks. More... Ko Kradan One of the most beautiful islands in Trang, Ko Kradan is located about 40 minutes by boat from the mainland. With an area of 600 rai (240 acres), most of the island belongs to Hat Chao Mai National Park. The rest are privately owned rubber and coconut plantations.More... Ko Libong Ko Libong, Trang’s largest island is located in Tambon Libong and is part of the Libong Archipelago Wildlife Reserve whose headquarters are located here.More... Ko Muk and Tham Morakot (Emerald Cave) Not just another “interesting” attraction, Ko Muk is the most outstanding attraction in the Trang Sea and an ideal destination for tourists enthralled with nature. The island, which is nearly opposite Hat Chang Lang on the mainland, more... Tham Khao Chang Hai The cave, which is the site of heavenly made stalagmites and stalactites in various shapes, is 5 kilometers from Amphoe Na Yong Market in Ban Na Muen Si. Tha-le Song Hong (lake of Two Rooms) Located to the northwest of the province is a large lake surrounded by limestone hills. A mountain in the middle of the lake divides it in half resulting in the name “Thale Song Hong”.More... Major Event Vegetarian Festival For vegetarians, a Vegetarian Festival is organized every October. This is a Chinese tradition where believers refrain from eating meat and particular vegetables for nine days in order to make merit and give offerings to the spirits.

Surat Thani

The name literally means "city of the good people" and is the former seat of the Sivichaya Empire. It is the largest and most important province of the South, located 644 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 12,891.5 square kilometers bordering on Chumphon and the Gulf of Thailand to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi to the south, Phangnga and Ranong to the west and the Gulf of Thailand and Nakhon Si Thammarat to the east. Surat Thani once formed part, and may have been the centre of the Mahayana Buddhist, Srivijaya Empire which, steeped in legend and mystery, dominated the Malay peninsula and much of Java some 1,500 years ago. Srivijaya was best described by the itinerant Chinese monk I Ching after a pilgrimage he made to India during the late 600s. Archaeological discoveries at Chaiya indicate the former empire's splendour.

Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan These 2 small rocky islands are administratively under Amphoe Koh Phangan and located at the direction northwest of Koh Phangan. Unspoiled and undisturbed lately by tourists, the islands earn its reputations for underwater resources, unique beautiful bays and coves and coral garden under the crystal sea which give the good promising outlook for sea sport activities. Accommodations in the form of huts and bungalows are provided on these two islands. To reach Koh Tao economically is by boat that leaves from Surat Thani and Koh Phangan. Boats are also available for Koh Tao from Tha Yang Pier, Chumphon. And to reach Koh Nang Yuan, boats are available from Koh Tao. More Detail ... Khao Sok National Park It is located on km.109 from Surat township area on Highway No. 401. A verdant forest-covered hill national park, with an area of some 161,000 acres. Many kinds of rare wildlife are still to be found. With an atmosphere of peacefulness and restfulness, one can trek along the trails made to the adventure. Accommodations in the park can be available through the reservation section, Forestry Department, Tel. (662) 579-0529 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (662) 579-0529      end_of_the_skype_highlighting, 579-4842. Besides, near the area of the park there are private-run bungalows available for the tourist. More Detail ... Ratchprapha or Chieo Lan Dam It is located on Km. 52-53 Highway No. 401 and turn right for another 12 kms. The scenery around the dam area is very beautiful. Accommodations are available from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. (662) 436-3179 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (662) 436-3179      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or (6677) 311-364, 311-522. More Detail ... Phra Boromathat Chaiya An ancient pagoda, located in Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, Amphoe Chaiya, housing Lord Buddha relics. The structure is believed to be constructed during the Sivichaya period over 1,200 years ago. More... Ko Samui Ko Samui is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 kilometers east of Surat Thani Province, or approximately 700 kilometers south of Bangkok. Known as the Coconut Island, Ko Samui is one of the most famous and popular attractions of Thailand. More... the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai where, generally, the most attractive accommodation is found. Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; a massive seated Buddha inage of Fan isle and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels are located. Mu Koh Angthong National Park It comprises some 40 islands northwest of Koh Samui and covers some 250 square kilometers. Major park islands largely towering, verdant rock masses encircled by clear seas, include Mae Koh which has a beautiful beach and an emerald saltwater lake called Thale Nai; Wua Talap, site of park headquarters where accommodation is available for visitors wishing to prolong their stays; Sam Sai with an exciting coral reef and huge rock arch, and Phai-Luak. Prior reservation is needed by calling 57900529, 579-4842. Koh Tae Nai It is a small island not too far to be reached from Koh Phangan, is increasingly popular to the tourists from its natural beauties. High jungle-covered hill, long stretch golden sand beach, thriving coral reefs surrounded by fish of all sizes and colors etc. are some of its major attractions. Accommodations in the form of bungalows are also provided on the island. Transportation is available by mean of passenger boat or cargo boat which leave from Surat Thani via Samui. Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram Commonly known as “Suan Mokkh” (Garden of Liberation), the modern forest monastery was founded in 1959by the late Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, one of Thailand’s most famous monks. More...

Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Center The Center is located approximately 6 kilometers from the Surat City. Covering an area of 2,906 rai or 4.65 square kilometers, the Center is home to numerous wild animals. Its headquarters is situated on a hilltop, more...

Songkhla

 Songkhla is a border province in Southern Thailand, adjoining the state of Kedah in Malaysia. It has been known as a principal sea port and coastal trading post from time immemorial. As a historic town, Songkhla has inherited ancient ruins, arts, and places of cultural importance in addition to its unique tradition, dialect, and folk entertainment, a reflection of its rich cultural heritage for later generations to appreciate.
    Songkhla has fine beaches, enchanting waterfalls, and a tranquil lake - a manifestation of its abundant natural resources. While Songkhla is noted for its fishery industry, Hat Yai, the major district of the province, serves as a transportation and communications hub of the South, with this bustling town linking with various destinations in the neighboring provinces and in Malaysia. Only 30 kilometers apart and with contrastive characteristics, Hat Yai and Songkhla can be ideal places for the tourist to visit: Hat Yai, a fast booming city in trade and business, while Songkhla remains a sleepy town still able to maintain its unique identity of ancient and historical flavors.

Samila Beach Lying approximately 2.5 kilometers from the municipal market, the beach is characterized by fine white sand and lined with shady pine trees. From Samila Beach one can see Laem Son Onn to the northeast and Chalathas Beach to the south. On a clear day, Kao Seng Hill can be seen further to the south.The major landmark of the beach is the Golden Mermaid statue, a prominent symbol of Songkhla. Laem Sai Estuary Fortress The Fortress was constructed during the reign of King Rama III, when the city was established. Today, the Fortress, which is located behind the Songkhla Provincial Police Headquarters, stands as a timeless proof of Songkhla’s rich heritage. Tinsulanond Bridge The bridge, which is the longest concrete bridge in Thailand, spans Songkhla Lake and is part of Highway 408. The bridge has two parts with the first part connecting the coast of Amphoe Mueang Songkhla at Ban Nam Krachai to the southern coast of Ko Yo for a total distance of 1,140 meters. The second part connects the northern shore of Ko Yo to the coast of Ban Khao Khiao for a total distance of 1,800 meters. It was opened to traffic on 25 September 1986. Khu Khut Waterfowl Park (Tha-le Sap Songkhla Wildlife Refuge) Established as a wildlife refuge on 19 April 1976, the park occupies an area of 227,916 rais (91,166 acres) in both Songkhla and Phatthalung Provinces. In fact this Park is part of Tha-le Sap Songkhla or Songkhla Lake. The survey taken by the Royal Forestry Department discovered 44 families, 137 genus, more...

Satun

Satun is a province in the South of Thailand that borders Malaysia. Situated on the west coast in the vicinity of the Straits of Malacca in the Indian Ocean. Satun is about 973 kilometers. Its total area of 2,478.98 square kilometers also encompasses 105 islands. The mainland's shoreline extends 144.80 kilometers in length. Prior to A.D. 1813, Satun was a district of Kedah, known as Mukim Setul, meaning "the district of santol tree" Historical , Satun had a strong link with Kedah until A.D. 1909, under the Anglo-Siamese Agreement, when the Siamese government then agreed to relinquish the states of Kedah, Kelantan, Tregganu, and Perlis to Britain in exchange for the British's renunciation of its Extra-territorial Rights in Siam (former of Thailand). The consequence of the Anglo-Siamese Agreement shifted the status of Satun from being part of Kedah to that of Phuket and later in 1925 was under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat.

TARUTAO NATIONAL PARK About 51 large and small islands in the Straits of Malacca in the Indian Ocean have been established as "Tarutao National Park" as proclaimed in the Royal Gazette of April 20 ,1974. The park consists of 7 large islands namely, Tarutao, Adang, Rawi, Lipeh (Nipis), Dong (Budang), Lek (Bisi) and Klang (Tengah). Amphoe Muang Amphoe La-ngu Amphoe Khuan Don Thale Ban National Park King-Amphoe Manang Tarutao National Park Later UNESCO proclaimed the Tarutao National Park as the " Heritage of ASEAN " a place to be protected and conserved for people all over the world to appreciate. Of all the islands in this marine park system, Tarutao is the largest, encompassing an area of 151 square kilometers or an equivalent of 44,345 rais. It is 11 kilometers wide and 24 kilometers long. Most of the area is rocky mountains with the highest slope of 708 meters. Most plains can be found in the valleys and seashores.

Ko Khai (Khai Island) A large stone arch or "stone gate" in Ko Khai becomes a logo of Tarutao National Park. During November and January large sea tortoises come ashore and lay eggs on the beaches. Beautiful beaches are ideal for swimming. Further down are large clusters of beautiful corals which can be seen through the crystal clear water during the tourist season. Thale Ban National Park Thale Ban National Park is at Ban Wang Prachan, Tambon Wang Prachan. The National Park is located 40 kms. from town and occupies an area of 195,200 square kilometers.More... Moo Ko Phetra National Park Moo Ko Phetra National Park The sampan shaped island is situated on the Straits of Malacca, Andaman Sea in the Indian Ocean, west of Thailand. It consists of a long coastline from Tambon Pak Nam, more...

Ranong

Ranong is one of Thailand's southern provinces. Located on the coast of the Andaman Sea, 568 kilometers south of Bangkok, Ranong encompasses an area of 3,298 square kilometers. The province shares borders with Myanmar (Burma) and the Thai province of Chumphon. Geographically, in addition to sixty-two islands, long expanses of sandy beaches, unspoiled forests and waterfalls, parks, and a world sanctuary zone, Ranong finds the Kra, the narrowest point on the Malayan Peninsula, located within its borders. Administratively, Ranong is divided into five districts, Muang, La-un, Kra Buri, and Kapur, and one subdistrict, Suksamran.

Hot Springs and Raksa Warin Arboretum Located about 2 kilometers east of the provincial office, the hot springs have been a popular tourist spot ever since King Rama V visited Ranong in 1890, and named the road to the hot springs 'Chon Ra-u', meaning 'hot water'. There are three natural spring pools. The temperature of the water in the pools remains constant at about 65 ฐC. The water is both potable and suitable for bathing. Doctors routinely prescribe bathing in the pools for both medical treatments and as a relaxing way to ease stress and tension. Surrounding the hot springs is a deep shaded forest called 'Raksa Warin', where resting pavilions and wash rooms have been provided for the visitor's comfort. Nearby Wat Tapo Tharam also provides bathing rooms for visitors who want to enjoy the healthy mineral water from the thermal springs. Phu Khao Ya (Grass Hill) or Khao Hua Lan (Bald Hill) or Khao Phi (Ghost Hill) Known to local residents by a variety of names and endearingly referred to as Thailand's version of a Swiss pasture, this hill, located in Tambon Ngao on Highway 4 (Ranong-Phang-nga) about twelve kilometers from downtown Ranong, is something of an anomaly as it is completely treeless, being covered instead by a thick blanket of grass. Numerous walking trails and good vantage points offering unbroken views of the countryside make this hill the most popular in Ranong.

Laem Son National Park Declared a national park in 1983, Laem Son is a coastal park that extends out to include a number of islands. More... Victoria Point of Ko Song As an island in neighbouring Myanmar, Ko Song offers visitors a variety of local products, souvenirs such as wicker basketry and lacquerware, and gems. More... Nam Tok Ngao Located in Tambon Ngao in the vicinity of Khlong Phrao National Park, the steep Ngao Waterfall can be seen from a great distanc, more...

Phuket

Phuket, a large island in the Indian Ocean, is 867 kms. from Bangkok. It is the only island having provincial status, and was a regional headquarters as well, with a rich and colorful history. Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, it derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which in Phuket dates back over 500 year. Today, Phuket is the major tourist attraction of Thailand. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life, and the town is notable for its Sino-Portuguese architecture. It is a very attractive island for sightseeing, with lovely seashores and forested hillsides. Its population of 1.6 million people ranks sixth among all provinces. Approximately 1.75 million Rai of the area is forest land. The main occupation here is rice farming. The average per capita income is 14,343 baht.

Phuket Wallpapers

Phrom Thep Cape "Phrom" is Thai for Hindu "Brahma"signifying purity, and "Thep" means 'God'. Phromthep is a headland stretching into the sea and forming the extreme south-end of Phuket. It has been prominent feature for mariners since of early seafarers from the sub-continent, remains of whose journey's have been found all along the Malay-peninsula's west coast. Nai Han Beach A popular swimming beach and yacht anchorage during the dry season. The beach is fine, but big waves strike it during the wet season, making swimming dangerous. Regular bus service to and from Phuket town during daytime. Nai Han is just north of Phrom Thep Cape. Viewpoint From this point can be seen the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, and also Poo Island. It is one of the island's best views. A large public sala, or shelter is there for visitors, and several vendors sell food, drinks, and souvenirs in the area when the weather is nice. The viewpoint is between Kata and Nai Han Beach. Raya (or Racha ) Islands Two islands running roughly northeast to southwest off Phuket's southern coast. - Raya Yai Island On the west coast is a fine beach closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow. Clean sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Raya Yai attract daytrippers from Phuket. From the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen. On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving. - Raya Noi Island This island, 10 kms. from Raya Yai, is the result of coral reef build up, and there are more rocks than beaches. In a small bay on the west is a boat anchorage. The waters at Raya Noi are emerald green, and fishing is famous, but swimming is not recommendable. To get there contact a charter boat at Ao Chalong or Rawai, or go to travel agent for details on package tours to the islands. By long-tailed boat the travel time is about two hours. Larger boats operated by tour companies will make the trip in about one hour. Travel to Raya Islands is restricted to dry season and periods when the monsoon is not blowing.