Located approximately 860 kilometers south of the nations’ capital is the island of  Phuket (pronounced poo-ket). Nestled off the west coast in the Andaman Sea, the  province covers an area of about 550 square kilometers comprised mostly of  lush tropical forests and tranquil beaches. Combining stunning natural beauty and  ample tourism options, Phuket has emerged as the South’s wealthiest, most  visited, and most popular province. ‘The Pearl of the South’ as it is commonly referred to, is the largest island in Thailand. While an island, Phuket is connected  to the mainland by a bridge in the northern part of the province. Getting to Phuket  is extremely easy with the international airport on the northern tip of the island.  There are over a dozen flights to/from Bangkok daily.

Five islands make up this fascinating southern destination. Ko Phi Phi Don (pronounced pee-pee) is the larger of the group and the only populated one. Ko Phi Phi Ley is a smaller island to the south and home to Maya Bay where ‘The Beach’ was filmed. Koh Phai (Bamboo Island) and Bida Nok/Nai round out the rest of the archipelago. Although devastated by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Phi Phi Don has bounced back rather swiftly. Traces of the tsunami can still be found, but clean-up and redevelopment has readied the island for tourism once again.

Situated thirty-five kilometers off the coast in the Gulf of Thailand is the countries third largest island. The name originally comes from the word ‘Saboey’, which means ‘safe heaven’. Approximately fifteen kilometers across, Koh Samui has been attracting international tourists since the 1960’s and 70’s. The central part of the island is dominated by Khao Pom peak (635m). Its slopes give way to tropical jungle and beaches on the coast. Samui is part of a larger archipelago of islands that includes Koh Tao (world class dive site), Koh Phangan (home to the famous ‘Full Moon Parties’), and the beautiful Angthong Marine Park. While there is a boat option to get to the island, arriving at the airport really sets the mood of the island itself. Open air beach style huts surrounded by tropical gardens make up the international terminal.

'The City of Angels’ in Thai is the kingdom’s capital city, and by far the largest. This beautifully diverse tropical metropolis lies thirteen degrees above the equator. Considered by many to be Asia’s most traveler-friendly and safe city, Bangkok serves up everything a traveler could possibly want. Enjoy a cocktail on top of a fifty story skyscraper, check out an ancient temple, or wander through old Chinatown. It seems as though there is never enough time to see it all in this amazing city.