Krabi

It is set against a scenic backdrop of bizarre karst formations, rising out of the tropical forest, while the landscape inland is dominated by mile upon mile of rubber plantations, with only the occasional patch of jungle. Palm-fringed white sand and shell beaches line the coast.

By car: Highway 4 (210 km (130 mi.)) from Surat Thani, 230 km (143 mi.) from Nakhon Si Thammarat, 870 km (540 mi.) from Bangkok).

By bus: 13 hours from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal. Buses also run from Phuket and Phangnga.

Nearest airport: Phuket (13 km (81 mi.)).