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 Krabi
has some of
the most attractive scenery in southern
Thailand: stunning limestone cliffs
fronting
on fine white beaches, coupled with
fascinating islands in the Andaman Sea.
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Phra
Nang Beach is considered the most beautiful, rivalled
only by neighbouring Railay. Here steep limestone
cliffs have isolated fine sandy coves that provide
a haven for tourists. Thailand's climbing industry
has sprung up around these cliffs, with
companies offering instruction and equipment for climbers
of all levels. Further north, Nopparat
Thara is a long sandy beach lined with pine trees, popular
among Thais.
Offshore
the uninhabited islands of Poda, Rang Nok and Hua Kwan
offer opportunities for sea canoe expeditions,
snorkelling and diving. However, it is the renowned
Phi Phi islands that attract tourists to marvel at glistening
white sands, towering cliffs and blue waters.
Diving is one of the major attractions to explore the
offshore coral reefs.
Further
south the Lanta islands, with their unspoilt beaches,
are preparing to
be the next big destination, with numerous
resorts now under construction.
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Located
in the deep South on the border with Malaysia,
Narathiwat is predominantly Muslim and dependent
on cross-border trade. The rail line ends at Sungai
Golok, 1,215 kms from Bangkok, which is an important
border crossing.
When
His Majesty the King traditionally visits
in September,
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it
is a time of great festivity, handicraft fairs, dove cooing
contests, and celebrations for fishermen. The Bang
Nara River, which flows by the town, is the setting for
Korlae (southern-style) boat racing.
A
little north of the town, the beaches are undisturbed,
apart from a few small hotels,
seafood restaurants and prawn farms while Manao Bay
next to the palace,
is a popular spot. Away from the coast, the province
is quite mountainous. Budo- Sungai Padi
Mountains National Park is home to the towering Bacho
waterfall, a temple built during the reign of King
Rama V and paths for trekking and tours. Pa
Phru To Daeng, the biggest peat swamp forest in Thailand,
houses a large variety of flora and fauna.
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Pattani
is the Muslim centre of the South and home to
hundreds of decorative mosques. There is a strong
economy revolving around seafood and a thriving
handicraft cottage industry, with batik, artificial
flowers, woodcarvings and wickerwork the main
items made for export. |
Around
Pattani, there are many mosques, forest parks and trails
for trekking. Pattani Central Mosque is the largest
and most beautiful mosque in Thailand, while the
Kreuze Mosque outside of town is the most unusual as remains
half finished. Begun by a Chinese man who converted
to Islam, it was cursed never to be completed by
his sister Lim Ko Nieo. Her shrine is nearby and the scene
of an annual fair.
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