NARATHIWAT

Located in the deep South on the border with Malaysia, Narathiwat is predominantly Muslim and dependent on cross-border trade. The rail line ends at Sungai Golok, 1,215 kms from Bangkok, which is an important border crossing.

When His Majesty the King traditionally visits in September, it is a time of great festivity, handicraft fairs, dove cooing contests, and celebrations for fishermen. The Bang Nara River, which flows by the town, is the setting for Korlae (southern-style) boat racing.

A little north of the town, the beaches are undisturbed, apart from a few small hotels, seafood restaurants and prawn farms, while Manao Bay, next to the palace, is a Popular spot.

Away from the coast, the province is quite mountainous. BudoSungai Padi Mountains National Park is home to the towering Bacho waterfall, a temple built during the reign of King Rama V and paths for trekking and tours. Pa Phru To Daeng, the biggest peat swamp forest in Thailand, houses a large variety of flora and fauna.