Samui

SamuiThe name literally means "city of the good people" and is the former seat of the Sivichaya Empire. It is the largest and most important province of the South, located 644 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 12,891.5 square kilometers bordering on Chumphon and the Gulf of Thailand to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi to the south, Phangnga and Ranong to the west and the Gulf of Thailand and Nakhon Si Thammarat to the east.

Surat Thani once formed part, and may have been the centre of the Mahayana Buddhist, Srivijaya Empire which, steeped in legend and mystery, dominated the Malay peninsula and much of Java some 1,500 years ago. Srivijaya was best described by the itinerant Chinese monk I Ching after a pilgrimage he made to India during the late 600s. Archaeological discoveries at Chaiya indicate the former empire's splendour.

Geographic characteristics of Surat Thani are high plateau and mountains covered with valuable woodforest to the west and low basins in the central and eastern seashore area. There are a tremendous number of islands along the coast and two major rivers: the Tapi River and Phum Duang River. It is administratively divided into 18 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe i.e., Amphoe Muang, Ban Na San, Ban Ta Khun, Chaiya, Don Sak, Kanchanadit, Khian Sa, Khiri Ratthanikhom,

Koh Phangna, Koh Samui, Phanom, Phrasaeng, Phunphin, Tha Chana, Tha Chang, Wiang Sa, Ban Na Doem, Chai Buri and King Amphoe Wiphawadi.

Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand.
An island of contrasts, Phuket has much to offer its visitors. White sandy beaches abound the west coast and mangrove lined shores, the east. A range of hills runs down her back from north to south, dividing the island in half.

Waterfalls, especially in the 'wet' season spill into rock pools, scattered down the slopes. In the distance, islands rear out of the Andaman Sea, waiting to be explored.

As to entertainment, whether it's water sports, horse riding, jungle walking, eating out, watching a show, dancing, elephant trekking, or playing golf, whatever your fancy, this island has it all.

Phuket and its surrounding water's are world renowned for their spectacular beauty and nature's artistic hand. Phang Nga Bay to the northeast of Phuket has been the set of two 'James Bond movies' as well as others. Not forgetting the more recent filming of 'The Beach' on the islands to the south of Phang Nga.

For those who like to splash around in the water, one can go snorkelling along one of shores of the west coast or take a dive trip to one of the many islands lying off shore. You charter a yacht and spend your days drifting from island to island or go windsurfing.

Elephant trekking is a new attraction on the island. Due to a decrease in the logging industry throughout Thailand, many of these animals have been brought to Phuket. What a wonderful way to see the jungles of this area, sitting atop one of the largest creatures that roam our planet, away from the buzz of cities and the office.

On arrival, it is evident from the many plantations one passes that farming is still a source of income on Phuket. Many of these offer tours where one can see how rubber is tapped or coconuts harvested or you can visit one of the many orchid farms.

There is simply so much to do. If planning a business trip, rather than a holiday, it may be advised to take a few days leave at the same time. You'll be well pleased you did. Relax around the hotel pool, go out on the town or wander around the temples…this island has much to offer.

Climate

There are two season,rainy season and the hot season. Rain rarely lasts longer than a few hours in the tropics and the sun soon shows itself again. Average temperatures in Phuket are between the 25 to 30 degree mark year round, with it being slightly cooler during the rainy season. This is an island for all season and there is something to offer the visitor, whatever the weather.