Hat Yai, Thailand

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woven silks and woolen textiles, and is the location of the national Rubber Research Center, where peasant farmers are taught growing techniques for rubber production.

Known as the Gate to Malaysia - the nearest frontier crossing is 52 km (32 mi.) to the south - Hat Yai is an important rail junction at the point where the two lines from Malaysia to Bangkok meet. Although the city has virtually no sights of its own to offer it is a good starting point for trips to the islands in the Andaman Sea.

For many years the railway line built in the early part of the century was the only link between Bangkok and the south of the country. With the advent of air travel, however, Hat Yai airport is increasingly coming into its own, and now has twice daily flights from the capital. Another very pleasant way to travel is to take the train from Bangkok-Hualampong for the 19-hour journey through 945 km (587 mi.) of a constantly changing landscape (trains leave Bangkok four times daily).

By bus: buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok.