4 Best Sights in The Gulf Coast Beaches, Thailand

You'll pass rice fields, sugar palms, pineapple plantations, and crab farms as you make your way to this park south of Hua Hin, the gloriously named "300 Peaks." It has two main trails and is a great place to spot wildlife, especially monitor lizards and barking deer. With a little luck you might even see the adorable dusky langur in a treetop, a monkey known for the white circles around its eyes. About a kilometer (½ mile) from the park's headquarters is Khao Daeng Hill, which is worth a hike up to the viewpoint, especially at sunrise. Another 16 km (10 miles) from the headquarters is Haad Laem Sala, a white-sand beach. A steep 20-minute hike from the beach is Phraya Nakhon Cave, visited by three Thai kings for its tiny, gold-blue pavilion that features a pink curtain. Enveloped in a contemplative hush, the mystical cave with inscriptions from two kings has an opening in its roof, where sunlight shines through for a beautiful effect. Visit between 10:30 and 11 am, when sun rays fall on the evergreen trees that frame the pavilion. If you don't have a car or scooter, you'll have to take the bus to Pranburi, a 30-kilometer journey from Hua Hin. From here you take a songthaew to the park.

A landscape of tall mountains, lush greenery, and small streams, this 161,000-acre park contains the most beautiful forest in Thailand. The diverse and rare wildlife that thrives here includes gaurs, bantengs, sambar deer, bears, Malayan tapirs, macaques, gibbons, mouse deer, and porcupines. Khao Sok is also one of the few places to see a rafflesia, the world's largest flower, and rare bird species such as hornbills live here. Hiking, boat rides, and night safaris are some of the activities that take place in the park.

Rain is frequent in Khao Sok, as the weather is influenced by monsoon winds from both the northeast and west—the best and driest time to visit is between December and April. Both the national park and some private resorts offer various types of lodging. Only very basic accommodations can be found in the park. But there is additional private accommodation outside the park, some of it very comfortable indeed. The bus ride (B230–B320) from the station in Surat Thani to the park takes about two hours. Minivans (B290) leave from the center of town and take around two hours. The TAT office in Surat Thani has information about the park.

The government has been unable—or unwilling—to control development on some parts of Koh Samet despite its protected status as a national marine park, but its fine sand and smooth water is still serene and beautiful in many places. Development is greatest in the main village and northern beaches. Other irritants involve Jet Skis, which can be heard roaring away in some places. Trash is also an increasingly vexing issue. All the beaches have licensed ladies offering one- and two-hour Thai massages, which generally cost B350 an hour, not including tip.

This archipelago of 42 islands covers some 102 square km (40 square miles) and lies 35 km (22 miles) northwest of Koh Samui. It's around 45 minutes there by speedboat from Koh Samui. The seven main islands are Wua Talap Island (which houses the national park's headquarters), Phaluai Island, Mae Koh Island, Sam Sao Island, Hin Dap Island, Nai Phut Island, and Phai Luak Island. The islands contain limestone mountains, strangely shaped caves, emerald-green lakes and ponds. Most tourists visit on a one-day trip, which can be arranged from Koh Samui. Numerous operators offer trips; a recommended company is Samui Explorer ( www.samuiislandexplorer.com). Prices vary depending on the tour (some offer kayaking around several islands, and others take you out on small speedboats for snorkeling or cave tours). The park is generally open year-round, although it can be closed from November to mid-December when the seas are rough and the water less clear. The monsoon lasts from October to December.