Ko Laan is the most popular offshore island, with quiet picturesque beaches and its own accommodation. This, together with Ko Sak and Ko Krok are the most popular dive sites for beginners. Further from the mainland, Ko Rin and Ko Man Wichai have better visibility and stronger currents suitable for more experienced divers. Further southeast are the wreck diving sites that Pattaya is most famous for.

This small island, off Rayongon the southeastern sea-board, is one of the seven national marine parks in Thailand. It is afavourite of Thai visitors, although far fewer foreign visitors have discovered it, and famous for its soft white sands. Favourite activities on Ko Samet - apart from relaxing on the beach -include windsurfing and diving. Several of the guesthouses on the island arrange boat trips for swimming and snorkelling and exploring nearby uninhabited islands.

The town of Chumphon is the gateway to the golden South. Many visitors know it as the departure port for the dive haven of Ko Tao, two-and-a-halfhours away by speedboat. But in fact Chumphon has more than a few attractions of its own. It too has a thriving diving industry, thanks to the picturesque islands in the Chumphon sea, and some beautiful beaches along its 222-kilometre coastline. The most famous of these is Hat Thung Wua Laen; extremely attractive and boasting a wide range of tourist facilities plus an annual windsurfing competition in March or April. South of Chumphon is Hat Arunothai, a six kilometre, palm-fringed, palm-fringed beach that houses the shrine of HRH Prince Chumphon, the father of the Thai Navy

Ko Mattra is a large island with spectacular rocks, a coral reef and a rare crab calledpoo kai - or chicken crab -which climbs trees and cheeps likea chick. Ko Raet also has an extenslve and colourful coral reef. Great diving and snorkelling spots are to be found around the islands of Ko Ngam Yai, Ko Ngam Noi, Ko Samet, Ko Rang Kachiu, KoMaphrao and Ko Chorakhe. The undersea landscape of the Chumphon isles is remarkably varied, with caves, rock piles and large coral colonies. Look out inparticular for the famous black coral with shades of white, gold and yellow and several species of marine flower.

This province is well off the beaten tourist track -although there are bungalows and guesthouses for rent - Pattani isripe for those ready to explore.

Pattani's status as Thailand's second largest fishing port, and its location in the deep south of the country guarantees it a wide cultural diversitv The influence of the MuslimMalays is the strongest -75 percent of the populationl speak Malav and Malaysian flavours are clearly seen in the customs architecture and cuisine. There is also a large Chinese community.

In the town itself, the 200-year-old ruins of Kre Se Mosque stand next to the Chinese Chao Mae Lim Ko Nieo shrine, reflecting the religious and ethnic diversity of the province.

Perhaps the most popular activity is simply to promenade through the picturesque town, by the river, along to the harbour where you will see dozens of brightly painted kolae fishing boats for which the province is famous. The Institute of Arts andCulture at the Prince of Songkla University is a colourful repository of local history and handicrafts.