Thailand, Bangsaphan base

Bangsaphan is a sleepy tourist town situated about halfway between the provincial towns of Prachuabkirikhan and Chumphon and 400 kilometers south of Bangkok.

It remains relatively unspoilt and untouched by the mass tourism and escalating prices that has tarnished other Thai beach destinations such as Phuket, Krabi, Hua Hin, Koh Samui and Pattaya.

It is also a bit of a trek to get there with a long 4-5 hour road or rail journey to the nearest international airport. This relative isolation adds to the charm of the area which only really feels busy during the peak season months of December to February, the rest of the year the beaches are empty.

Besides beaches there are a number of islands, waterfalls, lakes, caves, hills and other natural features in the area. Friendly local towns, laid back beach bars, Thai and Chinese temples, rustic fishing villages and empty winding roads also grace this region of Thailand.

Photos have been compiled over a couple of years being based in the area, they include Bangsaphan, Koh Talu, Ban Krut, and Bang Berd. More images can be seen on the beaches to border page. More info on the area can be found on www.bangsaphanguide.com