Thai vacationers have been flocking to western Thailand beach for decades, yet somehow foreign never got the meno. This thin isthmus connecting the Asian continent to the Malay Peninsula offers sleepy seaside towns and rugged shell-strewn sand dunes, making it a great place to slough off Bandkok'urban smog. Most torists will only experience the region the window of a speeding train destined for the kingdom's southern treasures. Those who decide to stop will enjoy a unique vacationing experience steeped in local tradition. Quiet Petchaburi makes for a pleasant afternoon of temple gazing. Stop in Cha-am to master the lyrics of your favourite Thai pop-rock song as it blares along the beach during the usual weekend bustle. Countless guesthouses and resorts are crammed along the beachfront thoroughfare, much like in Huahin, further south, which is the favoured resort destination of the royal family. The dramatic crags of Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park are defintely worth a visit, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. And at the southernmost point of the region, Chumphon earns its spot on the map as the offcial gateway to southern Thailand and the obligatory transfer point for the diving-centric Koh Tao. While transport between major destinations is a cinch, navigation the quieter regions requires a little ingenuity and may put your independent travel spirit to the test.