Surat Thani, meaning "City of the decent people", is known to many visitors as an embarkation point to the famous islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao. But the mainland town, and the eponymous province boast some unforgettable attractions of their own.

Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Centre is just six kilometres from the provincial capital. From the summit of Khao Tha Phet, there are fantastic views of the Tapi River and the town of Surat Thani. The park also has a well-managed zoo.

To the west of Surat Thani Province is Khao Sok National Park, boasting more than 100 islands in its vast Cheo Lan Reservoir. The park shelters a huge variety of wildlife; from leopards to wild elephants, tigers and the Malayan sun bear. Khao Sok is also home to the biggest flower in the world, the wild lotus, whose bloom can be up to 80 centimetres in diameter. Hiking trails in the parklead to manv waterfalls.

Ko Chang in Trat Province near the Cambodian border is the largest island in Thailand after Phuket. But although it is big, beautiful and only 400 kilometres from Bangkok, it remains serene and undeveloped. Almost 70 percent of Ko Chang is undisturbed inland rainforest, some of the best preserved in Thailand. Its pristine beaches and unhurried way of life make it the perfect destination for those looking for an idyllic tropical island getaway

Because of its unspoiled interior, walking is one of Ko Chang's most popular activities, with trails all over the island for any level of skill and ambition. These routes can also be travelled by mountain bike, available at HatKaibai and Hat Sai Khao beaches.

Ko Chang is becoming increasingly popular as a water sports centre, with dive shops on Hat Kaibai and Hat Sai Khao and excellent diving and snorkelling sites all over the island. The area's topography is also perfect for sea-canoeing, and these, as well assail boats can be rented from many guesthouses and hotels.

The Ko Chang National Marine Park comprises 46 islands apart from Ko Chang itself: 192 square kilometres of land in 4S0 square kilometres of sea. The park offers some fantastic diving and snorkelling, as well as pristine islands, beautiful seascapes and idyllic beaches and coves that canbe visited by boat or sea-canoe from Ko Chang.

Ko Kut and Ko Mak are the largest after Ko Chang, with simple accommodation. On Ko Mak you can rent 1eeps and motorbikes to explore the island's wild interior and organise diving trips to uninhabited islands. The small islands of Ko Rang and Ko Rayang near Ko Kut are renowned for their colourful coral. For perhaps the best diving in the park, check out the smaller islands of Ko Wai and Ko Lao-ya.

Pattaya is a vibrant coastal city with all modern conveniences, excel1ent shopping and spectacular nightlife. The city, less than two hours southeast of Bangkok by road, was the first place in Thailand to become developed as a tourist destination.

Every imaginable kind of watersport and seaside activity is available here. Water skiing, wakeboarding, jetskiing, sailing, windsurfing, fishing and parasailing are easily organised. Back on land, why not try go-carting,golf, howling, archery, target shooting tennis or horse riding?

Pattaya was alsp the birthplace of the diving industry in Thailand and there are dozens of dive shops offering courses and tours to any level and in any language.