Phang-Nga Province

Jungle-shrouded mountains carved up by thick rivers leading to aqua bays sprinkled with sheer limestone karsts and, below, some of Thailand's finest underwater treasures. That's Phang-Nga.

This is national park territory, with four of Thailand's finest conservation areas in fairly close proximity here. Divers can head for the Similan and Surin Islands, where some of Thailand's most legendary dive sites await (good for snorkellers too), while on terra firma the Khao Sok National Park is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and home to many rare species, as well as caves and waterfalls. But if you just want to laze on the sand, there are the beaches around Khao Lak and some still little-visited nearby islands.

Phang-Nga is very seasonal. From mid-October to mid-April, visitors flood in for the clear waters, snow-white beaches and colourful reefs. But far fewer arrive during the May-to-October monsoon, leaving you plenty of space.