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 Southern Thailand consists
of 14 provinces: Chumphon, Ranong, Surat Thani, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi,
Nakhon Si Thammarat, Trang, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala
and Narathiwat. The region, located on the peninsula, extends from Chumphon
to the Thai-Malaysian border and is bordered in the east by the Gulf
of Thailand, to the west by the Indian Ocean.
Lush tropical islands, palm-fringed
beaches, coral reefs teeming with colorful marine life, picturesque
fishing villages, remote national parks, forested mountains, cascading
waterfalls, ubiquitous rubber estates, and the juxtaposition of temples
and mosques clearly define the region's visual appeal.
Hotel
Reservations - book before you leave and save money!
CLIMATE:
Generally, one can rely on
consistently fine weather and calm seas on the western side of the Thai
peninsula from November to March and on the eastern side from May to
September.
The southwest monsoon season,
which lasts for 6 months from May to October, brings rain and squalls
to the coastal areas of the Andaman Sea. There is another rainy period
caused by the northeast monsoon, which brings heavy rain to the coastal
areas along the Gulf of Thailand from November to September. However,
there are frequent periods of fine weather during the monsoon seasons.
Tourists who wish to take a boat to any remote island during the monsoon
seasons are advised to check the weather before beginning the trip.
Prior to the 9th century
A.D., civilisation of the Malay peninsula consisted of a number of independent
city-states: Pahang, Trengkanu, Kelantan, Tamphonling (present-day Nakhon
Si Thammarat), Khorahi (Chaiya), Langkhasuka (in Malaysia), Keta (Sai
Buri), Hrarak Kola (Takua Pa), and Panpala (in Myanmar). From the 11th-13th
centuries, they were consolidated into a single mighty military and
commercial power known as the Srivijiya Empire, its ruins and artifacts,
show a strong Indian cultural influence.
After the disintegration
of the empire in the 13th century, Nakhon Si Thammarat became an independent
kingdom and extended its power over other cities in this peninsula before
it was brought under the dominion of Ayutthaya in the 14th century.
During the early Rattanakosin
period (early 19th century), the southern provinces remained largely
autonomous under the control of principal governors. However, due to
the dangers posed by Western colonial expansionism in South Asia, King
Rama IV sought to enlarge his authority over the region and made two
personal visits to the area to strengthen the relationship between the
southern provinces and Bangkok.
The massive administrative
reforms under King Rama V included the consolidation of the southern
provinces into several regions with administrative centres at Phuket,
Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Pattani; each under the direct control
of Bangkok.
Transportation to and throughout
the southern region is fast and convenient by road, rail, and air links.
From Bangkok's Southern Bus
Terminal, regular buses leave for all southern provinces. Schedules
can be obtained at the Southern Bus Terminal, Tel: 435-1199, 435-1200.
The southern railway links
Bangkok and a number of eastern coastal destinations including Chumphon,
Surat Thani, Thung Song (where it joins lines to Nakhon Si Thammarat
and Trang), Phatthalung, Hat yai, Khok Pho (a district of Pattani),
Yala and Sungai Kolok. Contract the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong),
Tel: 223-7010, 223-7020.
Thai Airways operates daily
flights from Bangkok to major destinations such as Surat Thani, Phuket,
Trang, Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Narathiwat. Call 1566 or 280-0060,
628-2000 for more information. Bangkok Airways operates daily flights
between Bangkok-Samui and Phuket-Samui. Call 229-3456 for more information.
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