The 'hidden gems' of southern Thailand
When you think of Southern Thailand, you probably think of the pearly white sandy beaches of Koh Tao and Koh Samui, the bustling boulevards of Krabi and Phuket as well as one of the oldest rainforests in the world Khao Sok. Familiar places that many before you have already discovered. But what are the unknown gems of the South? We will take you where the world can't find you....
Chumphon
Traveling overland from Bangkok to the southern regions, you will pass through Chumphon province. Chumphon, however, is more than just "the gateway to the south. Cross from sprawling Sai Ree to the lush islands of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park for impressive canoe rides. Thung Wua Laen is the Mecca for surfers and divers, and in Chumphon town, teeming with atmospheric wooden shopfronts and lively markets, you'll taste the atmosphere of heyday past.
Nakhon Si Thammarat
Arriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat, pristine sandy beaches along the Gulf of Thailand and dense jungles rich with imposing waterfalls and exotic animals in the interior are your portion. The two national parks are less visited than elsewhere in the country; this is truly pristine territory for adventurous travelers. If you take a boat trip near Khanom beach, look out for pink dolphins, seen only here in Thailand. Imagine yourself in another world when you visit Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahavihan. For a unique cultural outing, attend a performance of Thai nǎng tàlung, a performance of graceful puppets, light and shadow.
Trang
Leaving the beaten track, travel on to Trang province which is even further south, on the side of the Andaman Sea. Here you truly bathe in an oasis of tranquility. Start the day with delicious Dim Sum, sample culinary delights brimming with seafood and enjoy serenity in the evenings. The dazzling Trang archipelago consists of pristine, palm tree-covered islands like Koh Muk, Koh Kradan and Koh Ma. These are surrounded by enchantingly beautiful underwater gardens of coral. A relaxing and playful outing is to Wang Theptaro, where everything revolves around the Safrol laurel tree. You will learn how each part of the tree finds a use in the kitchen, medicinal world and furniture industry. But really, it's mostly about those bizarre and funny creations of twisty tree roots that are all over the grounds. A fairytale forest in this tropical paradise, how beautiful can it get?
