Thailand Riviera

[Bamboo Grove]

“Thailand Riviera” Project (31/08/2006)
The Government has decided to hire a private consulting firm to work out a design macro plan in order to set the direction for the “Thailand Riviera” project.

The decision was in line with the Cabinet resolution in February 2006 for tourism development in the upper South of Thailand. The project involves four provinces, namely Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Ranong. This group of provinces has great potential for further tourism development, as it spreads over a 400-kilometer coastal area and is already equipped with complete facilities, especially road, railway, and air links. Moreover, these provinces possess many diverse and famous tourist attractions, such as historical and cultural sites, national parks, beautiful beaches, and hot springs.

The Thailand Riviera project aims to develop the upper South into an internationally renowned destination. It will also be linked to eastern coastal tourist sites, such as Pattaya, Sattahip, and Rayong. Under the project, Phetchaburi will be developed into a center for historical and cultural tourism. Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon will be developed as centers for natural attractions, while Ranong will become a center for health tourism.

About 130 kilometers south of Bangkok, Phetchaburi Province is famous for many historical and cultural attractions. Among them is Phra Nakhon Khiri, a magnificent palace standing prominently on a hill. Each year, the province holds its major cultural event, Phra Nakhon Khiri Fair, to celebrate this old palace. It is also famous for Khanom Mo Kaeng, a popular Thai dessert, similar to Western custard.

A seaside province located 270 kilometers south of Bangkok, Prachuap Khiri Khan is endowed with natural beauty and rich in history. Hua Hin, on the western side of the Gulf of Thailand, is a major beach resort and tourist attraction in Prachuap Khiri Khan. Khao Sam Roi Yot has become a magnet for tourists visiting this province.

An enchanting province blessed with many tourist spots, Chumphon is known as a gateway to southern Thailand. The province, located some 400 kilometers from Bangkok, offers a vast choice of lovely beaches, nearby and distant islands, jungles, mountains, and caves.

Ranong is located 568 kilometers from Bangkok and it is listed among biosphere reserves under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Program. Biosphere reserves consist of onshore and offshore areas whose ecological systems have gained international recognition. Three hot springs, east of Ranong, are among major tourist attractions and a big draw for health-conscious tourists.

The four provinces currently host about six million tourists a year. The Thailand Riviera project is expected to increase the number of visitors to 23 million by 2011.

http://thailand.prd.go.th/the_inside_view.php?id=1693
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[prcscct]

They may be overly optimistic with their numbers, as usual. Regardless, to find a deserted, pristine beach in a few years time we may need to go to ...Africa?