Thailand's southern playground of golden beaches, lush green hills, tropical islands and crystal waters has become a destination for international travellers intent on enjoying the holiday of a lifetime.

From scuba diving and snorkelling to rock climbing and elephant trekking, from bungy jumping to paragliding to hiking through tropical jungle, the active traveller will find no end of thrilling past-times.

Those who prefer a quieter holiday can luxuriate in five-star comfort or take off for some of the lesser known beaches where a tent and mosquito net under the stars are really all you need.

The southern region includes Phuket, the Pearl of the Andaman Sea, Krabi the provincial capital and Koh Phi Phi, judged one of the three most beautiful islands in the world site of the Di Caprio movie, The Beach.