Nakhon Si Thammarat province
This little visited province on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand is bordered by Surat Thani to the north, Phattalung and Songkhla to the south and Krabi to the west. Despite its proximity to the Don Sak and Khanom piers from where the ferries run out to the gulf islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, Nakhon Si Thammarat sees but a trickle of foreign tourists. If you're looking to get off the beaten track, you're in the right place.
Predominantly mountainous with substantial forest areas including the outstanding Khao Luang National Park, Nakhon Si Thammarat also has a wealth of beaches along its long, largely undeveloped coastline. There are loads of attractive coastal villages great for camping and downtown Nakhon Si Thammarat is a good, and very local, place to spend a couple of days.
An interesting and off beat destination, Nakhon Si Thammarat (Nakhon Si to its friends) is definitely worth taking the time to check out.
