A Quick Look at

featuring out-of-the-way places not often visited by the casual tourist.

Samila Cape & Beach in Songkhla The Mermaid and the Cat and Mouse Islands are landmarks of this beach in Southern Thailand. "If you haven't seen the Mermaid, you haven't been to Songkhla" says my friend. The beach is a good place to relax, have some food from the nearby vendors, and pony rides for the kids. You can swim, the water is clean but not crystal clear like the major beach resorts. Don't miss the other attractions on the nearby hill.
	Thale Noi in Phatthalung This freshwater sea, connected to Thale Sap Songkhla, is a waterfowl sanctuary. You can rent a boat for a trip around the lake to see the birds and flowers. Don't be surprised to see a 'bus stop' in the centre! Pick a lotus pod and eat the fresh seeds. Look at the fish in the crystal clear water. Watch the birds flee your noisy longtail boat. The best time is in the early morning, and you can get here in time from Phatthalung if you leave at sun-up. The stalls near the visitor centre will sell you breakfast snacks and souvenieers.
Phraiwan Waterfall in Phatthalung The crowds are very large at Songkran, but at other times the area is tranquil. Pleasant cool bathing in the cascades. Picnic areas, with food stalls on weekends and holidays. The falls can be seen miles off, and reasonably signposted, so you shouldn't get lost. Several other waterfalls are in the same area.
	Mount Chee Chan in Chonburi Phra Buddha Maha Vajira Uttamophas Satsada Near Na Jomthien in Sattahip district, this mountain has been converted into a Buddha Image. This was the only way to prevent further desecration of the spiritually significant mountain. The mountain is named after one of the nuns that legend says were shipwrecked nearby. Quarrying started during the Vietnam war, and continued illegally since. His Holiness, The Supreme Patriarch, conceived the project in honour of His Mahesty the King's Golden Jubilee.

	Where are these amazing places? 1 Samila Cape แหลมสมิหลา At the northern end of Songkhla City. 2 Thale Noi อุทยานนกน้ำทะเลน้อย From Phatthalung, take Highway 4 north, then road 4048 via Khuan Khanun to the lake. 3 Phraiwan Falls น้ำตกไพรวัลย์ From Highway 4 take road 4121 or 4122 to the national park and falls in Amphoe Kong Ra. 4 Mount Chee Chan From Pattaya, head about 12 kilometers south on Highway 3. Turn left on the road after the Wat Yansangwararam turnoff (before Nong Nooch Gardens), or from Wat Yansangwararam continue south past the lake and Chinese-style museum, "Wihan Sian".