The long peninsula leading down to Malaysia offers some of Thailand's most stunning scenery, from the mountains and dense forests of the hinterland in great parks like Khao Sok and Khao Luang to the magnificent islands, like Samui and Phuket, that have become vacation legends.

The island of Samui in the Gulf of Thailand has no golf course, instead offering a laid-back holiday experience, where lazing on the beautiful beaches is a full-time job. Superb diving - and basic accommodation - can be found at nearby Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao, while the stunning islands of the Ang Thong National Park have to be seen to be believed.

However, it is Phuket island in the Andaman Sea that is Thai¬land's pre-eminent holiday spot. Its superb west coast beaches lined with exotic resorts, clear blue waters and international airport make it a popular and easily accessible destination. There's plenty of seaside activities along the beaches, with Patong particularly popular thanks to a vibrant nightlife, restaurants and entertainment shows. North of Patong, the Phuket Fantasy theme park provides an outstanding Las Vegas-style show of Thai culture, involving elephants on stage, illusionists and an amazing aerial ballet. An expansive buffet, shops, games area and street carnival complete the activities. The centre of the island is a hilly national park, where enterprising operators have organised 4WD safaris, complete with elephant treks, kayaking and meals in jungle clearings.

Phuket is a busy dive centre, with world-class sites offshore. Day visits can be made to nearby coral islands, or the surrounds of the popular Phi Phi islands. But the serious divers head for the great islands of the Similans and Surin, or Richlieu Rock to dive in waters alive with colourful fish, sharks, dolphins, rays and glorious coral beds. There's lots of sailing too, with tour operators offering manned or unmanned yachts for hire. For trips to islands down the Andaman Sea coast, you can choose to join either a luxury yacht, a comfortable Chinese junk or a luxurious boat fitted with air-conditioned cabins. Growing in popularity are sea canoe adventures off Phuket, Phang-nga and Krabi, with participants using their own paddle power to explore hongs (rooms), caves and other rock formation along this fascinating coast.

The astounding rock formations, rising sheer out of the water, are an intriguing feature of Phang-nga Bay. Boat operators arrange fast cruises past these rocks, usually visiting James Bond Island and the famed floating Muslim fishing village. Further south, Krabi rivals Phuket for the quality of its beaches, especially Phra Nang and Raileh, where the limestone rock formations have formed deep caverns and spawned the sport of rock climbing. On the opposite coast, the bustling town of Hat Yai attracts businessmen for shopping and transactions. Visitors normally take time out to play a round of golf or visit the nearby resort of Songkhla and its famous long beach.

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