text:
Southern Netherlands

The Southern Netherlands is a region quite unlike the rest of the country. Especially Limburg and North-Brabant are distinct for their historic background, Catholic culture and, in the very south, even the rolling landscape - quite unlike any Dutch stereotype. And then there's Zeeland, the province at the heart of the Dutch efforts to tame the sea. Historically one with the northern provinces, this sea side region has a culture of its own and is famously home to the impressive Delta Works.

Cities

 * is a former military bulwark, Breda still has an historical center and military and industrial sights are (being) redeveloped.
 * , a city which gained its status due to the technology concern Philips. Is known for modern design, vibrant nightlife and, of course, technology.
 * , the capital of Noord-Brabant, a well-preserved city known for Bossche Bollen (Chocolate balls) and St. John's Cathedral.
 * , being one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, Maastricht is undoubtedly worth a visit with its cultural mix and foothills of the Ardennen (Ardennes).
 * is a restful university city being the capital of Zeeland. The historical centre is well-preserved.
 * , a Limburgian town, dominated by the Munsterkerk (minster) and the Meuse. Its history was one of battles, while many buildings survived and form a monumental centre.
 * , once the 'wool capital' of the Netherlands, Tilburg isn't quite historically because of much 1960s urban renewal, however, some monumental buildings, such as King William II's palace, still survive.
 * is known for being a place visited by many Germans, however, the historical town centre is somewhat less than e.g. Roermond, it can't be ignored on transit to Germany.
 * was once the most important harbour for international trade in the Netherlands, and still has an important naval function. Vlissingen (sometimes called Flushing in English) is also the birthplace of Michiel de Ruyter, the most famous admiral in Dutch history.

Other destinations

 * — one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europe
 * — the enormous storm surge barriers that finally ended the country's struggle against the sea
 * — theme park with fantasy elements like elves and dwarves
 * — hilly green landscapes, picturesque villages, castles and orchards

Catholicism
The southern provinces have historically been the Roman Catholic area of the Netherlands, in contrast with Protestantism in the north of the country. That's still well visible in the architecture of churches and cathedrals, as well as in city centers. Nowadays, Catholicism is still the predominant religion in Limburg (where over 75% of people call themselves Catholic) and Brabant (just over half). It's said that the Catholic way of life brings a more bourgondic lifestyle to these provinces, especially in Limburg.

Try not to refer to the country as "Holland" here, as people from the south live in the Netherlands, and Holland is a synonym for the more northern and western parts.

Carnival
In Brabant and Limburg, Carnaval is celebrated widespread. The locals will either call it kèrneval (Brabant) or vasteloavend (Limburg) and mostly in Brabant, settlement names are changed into a funny name, such as Oeteldonk (Den Bosch) or Lampegat (Eindhoven). In Limburg, the Limburgish language names of the settlements only will be more visible, such as Remunj (Roermond).

In the last days before the end of the season on Aswoensdag, Ash Wednesday, many streets are decorated, and colours may depend on the street, neighbourhood, village or city. There also will be parades and people go to cafés in the late evening. Don't be surprised if shops are closed in these provinces on the last two days before ash Wednesday.

Talk
Although many people in the Southern Netherlands speak a regional or local dialect as their mother tongue, virtually everyone speaks Dutch and many people speak English and/or German too. You will however find a few distinctive language characteristics compared to Standard Dutch. Most notable are the use of a soft G, sounding like the German 'ch', and the general use of a guttural R. Especially for non-native speakers, this often strong accent can make Dutch harder to understand around here. Nonetheless, you're very unlikely to encounter any serious trouble in communicating.

A wide range of local and regional dialects are spoken throughout the region, although only Limburgisch has an official status. In some areas you'll find that e.g. street or town name signs are indicated both in Dutch and the local dialect.

By car
The Southern Netherlands are accessible greatly from surrounding regions. The A12, A1, A40, A2 and A25 from Belgium might be good options, as well as the German Autobahns 4, 61 and 40. From the northern side, the A29, A16, A27, A2, A50 and A73 form the main options. Keep in mind that especially the northern roads can get very crowded during rush hours, and traffic congestion is an everyday problem in the mornings and afternoons. There are typically no border controls or other hold ups when entering the Netherlands by road.

By plane
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an obvious option for many tourists to reach this region, but especially when you're heading to Limburg, airports across the Belgium and German border offer interesting alternatives.

Eindhoven Airport is a smaller but fast-growing airport, offering many international links in Europe and budget carriers. Otherwise, Maastricht-Aachen Airport in the south of the Netherlands is a good option too. A bit further away, Düsseldorf Airport in Germany and Zaventem Airport in Brussels (Belgium) are major airports and offer ample international services. For budget carriers, try Dusseldorf Airport Weeze in Germany or Airport Charleroi in Belgium.

By train
From as well as Utrecht and Rotterdam, the first train stations, Breda and 's-Hertogenbosch are accessible four times an hour by intercity. Otherwise, multiple stopping trains go to the region. 1x per hour from Antwerp to Roosendaal, 2-4x per hour from Nijmegen to Brabant and Limburg, 1x per hour from Düsseldorf and Mönchengladbach to Venlo, 1x per hour from Aachen to Heerlen and 1x per hour from Liège to Maastricht.

From April 8, 2013, every two hours there is fast link (Fyra) between Antwerp and Breda.

Get around
All parts of the region are well connected by road, with many border crossings to Germany and Belgium and descent roads to even the smallest of hamlets. A car is therefore an excellent way to get around, allowing also for easy exploration of countryside sights and landscapes. Car rental companies are available from all large cities, local airports as well as in large tourist areas such as Valkenburg. When in doubt, ask the tourist office.

The region isn't too huge and except for the rolling hills of South-Limburg, the Southern Netherlands' terrain allows for easy cycling. Bike lanes and scenic bike and hike routes are available all around. The main bike route from one town to the next is typically indicated with red and white road signs, along with the car route indications.

The public transport network is extensive, and although buses and trains in the Netherlands are generally not cheap, they do allow for travellers to get around easily. Make sure to buy an OV-chipkaart, as that can be used on all buses and trains. Trains only serve larger and mid-sized destinations. The main intercity routes and some regional trains are operated by NS, while some others are operated by Veolia. Buses are operated by Veolia and Connexxion and serve pretty much every village around. Note however that especially more remote or small places are served less frequently (typically once per hour) and buses there don't run after 10pm or so.

See
The Southern Netherlands are, in general, a bit less about the clogs, tulips and windmill clichés than the west. If it's stereotypes you're after, however, there are plenty to be discovered. You'll find typical polder landscapes in the western parts and although not picture-perfectly lined up like the ones at Kinderdijk, windmills are available all around. Almost 300 operational mills remain in the region and, due to the less flat terrain, watermills are more common than in any other part of the country. The mighty Delta Works have become a world wide symbol of the Dutch efforts to tame the sea. This engineering project finally ended the Dutch' centuries' long struggle against the water in the highly populated south-west. It consists of multiple storm barriers at different locations, but the most accessible one (with a visitor's centre) is the Oosterscheldekering at the Deltapark Neeltje Jans. For a taste of Dutch maritime life, spend some time in the once prominent harbours of Vlissingen and Middelburg, or follow the crowds to small but pleasant Sluis. The historic fortified city Hulst (one of the best preserved in the area) is also well worth a visit and is probably the most 'Flemish' city in the Netherlands.

However, to see the best of this region, don't stop looking there. Make your way to the lush, rolling hills of South Limburg, a popular holiday destination for the Dutch but overlooked by the international crowds. Follow the Mergellandroute, a road-route leading along some of the best landscapes and timber-framed houses in the area. This is also an area heavy on castles, many well-restored and some open to the public. Kasteel Hoensbroek is a good choice as it is now a museum, Sjaloen in Valkenburg and Neercanne in Maastricht (now a restaurant) are other famous examples. The pretty castle gardens in Arcen are another fine pick.

While you're there, don't miss out on a day in the historic city centre of Maastricht, one of the most beautiful cities in the country and second only to Amsterdam when it comes to the number of monuments. Another fabulous city to visit is 's Hertogenbosch, which has a lovely medieval old town and a maze of canals under the city. For a more modernist experience, head to bustling Eindhoven, called the light city for its industrial history and widely known as the Dutch capital of design. If you're into modern art, make sure to visit the excellent collection of the Van Abbe museum here.

Lastly, the Southern Netherlands are home to some fine natural areas and parks. The Biesbosch National Park is a popular destination for the Dutch and one of the last freshwater tide areas in Europa. It is characterized by a network of large and small creeks and best explored by boat. If you like scuba-diving, try the Oosterschelde Nationaal park. Its salty waters are filled with sea life, including some unique regional species. The almost un-Dutch sand dunes and extensive heath lands of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen are surrounded by towns and get crowded on summer days, as it's a perfect day trip from any of those places.

Do

 * Dress up and join the massive carnival celebrations that take over life in large parts of this region early in spring. It only lasts a few days, but for many people it's a highlight of the year. Watch a parade, catch some candies that the "princes" throw out and dance in the streets.
 * Go canoeing. Whether it's in the Biesbosch National Park, the Maasplassen around Roermond or on the river Meuse near Maastricht, it's a great pass time and a fun way to discover the surroundings, even for beginners. If you're less adventurous, hop on a sightseeing boat in the same areas. Of course, other water sports are available too.
 * Hiking and biking are highly popular. The several natural parks make for fine natural tours, but the countryside has some fine routes too, combining nice landscapes with heritage and charming villages. Where-ever you are, the local tourist information office will have all kinds of routes available, and almost everywhere you'll find there are indicated trails to be followed.
 * Shop till you drop in modern Eindhoven, historic 's Hertogenbosch or Maastricht, or at the huge outlet centre of Roermond. The Southern Netherlands has plenty of shopping opportunities and, combined with the charming town centres, they make for fine days out.

Eat
There's no such thing as Southern Dutch cuisine, as the different parts of this region all have their own historic traditions and local produce. In Zeeland, obviously oriented on the sea, fish and sea fruits are a major part of traditional cuisine. Zeeuwese mussels are available all through the country in season, and the Oosterschelde, an estuary and national maritime park, is famous for the high quality lobster that is caught there. However, there's more than fish, as Zeeuws spek, a slow-cooked and seasoned bacon, has become popular throughout the Netherlands. On the sweet side, Zeeland is known for the Zeeuwse bolus or jikkemine, a sweet pastry of Jewish origin, as well as for regional butterscotch candies. Such sweet treats are popular tourist souvenirs.

On the other end of the region, Limburg has quite different culinary specialities, and advocates its large number of "regional products and dishes". In spring, green and white asparagus from Limburgian soil make their way to restaurant menus all over the Netherlands. There are clear influences of German and French cuisine, as the Limburg history is intertwined with both those countries. In the south, try zuurvlees, a specific kind of sweet and sour stew, a bit like some German kinds of "sauerbraten" but originally prepared with horse meat. Tête de veaux is another typical Limburgian stew, but this one has French influence and is made of veal and mushrooms in a tomato sauce. There are typical, regional kinds of salad olivier called koude schotel in Limburg and huzarensalade (which are different in taste) in Noord-Brabant. Head cheese is mostly a Limburgian thing, and although a peasant dish in origin, it is now rather a delicacy. Noord Brabant then again is known for its sausage rolls.

Travelling in Limburg, there will be no avoiding the regional sweet pastry: Limburgse vlaai, a pie or tart with a fruit or custard filling, typically eaten as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. Noord-Brabant's most famous sweet dish is the Bossche bol, a local 's Hertogenbosch pastry rather than a regional one.

Drink
The southern part of the Netherlands (in particular Brabant and Limburg) is best known for its beers, as a good number of the country's prime beer brands are produced here. The most notable examples are Brand, Gulpener and Hertog Jan from Limburg, Dommelsch and Bavaria from Brabant. The only Dutch trappist beer comes from Tilburg (also in Brabant).

When thinking of wine, few people will have the Netherlands in mind. However, over the past decades wine orchards have popped up all over the Netherlands. This is especially true for the south, where wine making first started in Roman times, and where this tradition was rediscovered and brought back to life in the 1970s. Still today, no other Dutch region has as many vineyards as the Southern Netherlands, with the largest production volumes originating in the rolling hills of South Limburg. Both in terms of quantity and quality, Dutch wines can't really compare to the massive and century old traditions of nearby Germany or France, but international tests are showing a steady increase in quality and some rather good examples. Apart from taste, the vineyards of course add to the charm of the landscapes, especially in the South.

In Zeeland, when you order apple juice, you've got a big chance you will get so-called Appelaere, which is a brand name from a company that offers a turbid apple-drink from local Zeelandic apple orchards.

Go next
Of course it's a short drive to all the major tourist attractions in the Western Netherlands. However, from anywhere in the Southern Netherlands you're a short tour away from great destinations in neighbouring Belgium and Germany. This is a typical example of the open European borders leading to an almost internationally oriented border region, with people living, working and shopping in neighbouring countries. Road and public transport connections are typically good.

From Breda, it's a 45 minute drive to historic Antwerp. Or, head to Gent or magnificent Bruges (1h and 1.5h respectively from Vlissingen and Middelburg). In the very south, the tripoint in Vaals marks the place where the borders of the three countries meet at one point. This area is often called the Euregio. From here, you'll get to fine destinations like Cologne or Liege in just about an hour.

title: Southern Netherlands


text:
Southern Nevada

Southern Nevada is a region of Nevada. It comprises Clark County, Esmeralda County, Lincoln County, Mineral County, and Nye County.

Cities

 * – famous for its involvement with Hoover Dam
 * – the gambling capital of North America
 * – third most visited city in the state and the southernmost
 * – on the border with Arizona
 * – Mormon settlement, oldest town in Southern Nevada
 * – former mining town
 * – on the border with California
 * – famous for being the closest habitation to the Nellis Air Force Range and Area 51
 * – former mining town
 * – once home to the richest silver mine in Nevada, now a semi-ghost town whose economy is propped up by a nearby military test range
 * – Mormon settlement, oldest town in Southern Nevada
 * – former mining town
 * – on the border with California
 * – famous for being the closest habitation to the Nellis Air Force Range and Area 51
 * – former mining town
 * – once home to the richest silver mine in Nevada, now a semi-ghost town whose economy is propped up by a nearby military test range
 * – famous for being the closest habitation to the Nellis Air Force Range and Area 51
 * – former mining town
 * – once home to the richest silver mine in Nevada, now a semi-ghost town whose economy is propped up by a nearby military test range

Other destinations

 * — 704,000 acres (2,800 km2) of rugged wilderness
 * - northeast of Tonopah, Belmont was the former seat of Nye County, but now a ghost town. The Belmont Courthouse was built in 1876 and was in use for 30 years. Tours are given during the summer. Contact the Nevada State Parks Southern Region for dates and times.
 * - A geothermal spring at the bottom of a hole.
 * - named after the gold-mining ghost town of the same name, this area preserves desert landscapes of twisted canyons, sandstone shelves, mules and bighorn sheep, and prehistoric art. It's rather inaccessible, requiring an off-road vehicle and adequate trip preparation.
 * - away from anything, it's the place where NASA trained moon-maneuvers for the Apollo missions. It's a remnant of a volcanic activity - "maar",  deep and 1.6 km2 in size.
 * - away from anything, it's the place where NASA trained moon-maneuvers for the Apollo missions. It's a remnant of a volcanic activity - "maar",  deep and 1.6 km2 in size.
 * - away from anything, it's the place where NASA trained moon-maneuvers for the Apollo missions. It's a remnant of a volcanic activity - "maar",  deep and 1.6 km2 in size.

Understand
Southern Nevada geographically speaking is where the high desert of the Great Basin meets the low terrain of the Mojave Desert, as evidenced by a transition from sagebrush/rabbitbrush covered topography in the north to a sparser ecozone of Joshua trees and creosote south of Hwy 6.

With the other regions of Nevada, it shares a sense of remoteness, until you reach Clark County anyway, which holds the biggest population center of the state, i.e. Las Vegas. Las Vegas rises out of the desert like an oasis, thanks to the Colorado River watershed and Lake Mead next door.

Southern Nevada has a little bit of everything, from ubiquitous desert country to urban city to mining history and extraterrestrial lore, even skiing not far removed from the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip.

By plane
Nevada's main airports are Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Henderson Executive Airport  in Henderson.

Get around
It's definitely good to have a car! Long barren distances in this large section of Nevada will make you appreciate that unless you are the hardiest of cyclists or walkers. Actually, people whose cars have become disabled or who have otherwise been stranded in the vicinity of Lake Mead have died from heat stroke and sun exposure, so one should not underestimate the extreme natural rigors of the region. Always make thorough preparations if traveling in isolated areas on unimproved roads.

Go next

 * Inyo County - Lying across the border in California, Inyo County is a land of extremes, covering a massive 10,000 square mile expanse of the Eastern Sierra and California Desert. Inyo County is home to Mount Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower-48 states, as well as Death Valley National Park, the largest national park in the lower-48 states and host to earth's hottest temperatures and the continent's lowest elevation. In addition, ancient bristlecone pine trees can be found within the White Mountains, the oldest of which is estimated to be around 5,000 years old.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Southern Nevada


text:
Southern Newfoundland

Southern Newfoundland is the part of the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador along the south coast.

The Bay D'Espoir (which locals pronounce "Bay Despear”) winds inland past small towns such as Saint Albans, Morrisville, Milltown, and Conne River.

Cities and towns

 * — accessible by ferry from Rencontre East
 * — the southernmost point on Route 480 and gateway to Sandbanks Provincial Park
 * — a regional centre with some heritage buildings, hiking, walking trails, and fishing
 * — the passenger ferry terminal for Saint Pierre and Miquelon islands
 * — an isolated outport accessible by boat and helicopter only
 * — draws visitors interested in the Queen Anne architecture in the older homes, and the traditions of a seafaring people
 * — abandoned in 2002, you cannot get a proper cup of tea here
 * — an isolated outport accessible by boat and helicopter only
 * — a small fishing town (mussels, rainbow trout, salmon), with hiking trails in the surrounding hills
 * — a lobster-fishing village accessible only by ferry from Rose Blanche-Harbour le Cou
 * — a largely Catholic town that is home to the Shrine of Marymount, one of the largest Marian statues erected in Newfoundland
 * — a village sitting on an island 3 km x 1 km
 * — accessible by ferry only, aquaculture (salmon farming) has replaced the traditional fishery
 * — sits on the rugged granite coastline, near the white and rocky cliffs of Diamond Cove
 * — a regional centre that supports itself by aquaculture
 * — two villages with a population of 700
 * — the 'Soccer Capital of Canada' is accessible by road

Understand
Southern Newfoundland (once you leave Port-aux-Basques in the west or the Avalon Peninsula in the east) is for the most part a sparsely-populated, rugged coastline of rocky fjords. Roads and infrastructure are at many points basically non-existent. The rare few roads which do reach points on Newfoundland's rugged south coast for the most part run north to the Trans-Canada Highway, leaving no direct path from one southern community to another. Some communities (such as Grand Bruit, which has no road) are now abandoned as ghost towns where the ferry no longer stops.

Climate

 * Winter: Winters are mostly mild. Ice is usually light or non-existent off the south coast, allowing temperatures to be moderated by the open water. It is not uncommon to experience interludes of mild, above freezing conditions with temperatures climbing to 5 to 10 °C with strong winds and rain. Surface wind speeds are at average 20 to 30 km/h around the coasts with 50 to 80 km/h sustained during low pressure systems. Very strong gusts (120 to 140 km/h) are a feature along the south and west coasts of the island whenever strong offshore winds come from the hills inland, especially at narrow valleys exit towards the sea as is the case in Grey River.

 * Spring: Average air temperature reaches 0 °C by April. From April to June, stormy weather relaxes and one experiences dry, fair, and mild daytime conditions.

 * Summer: By early July, summer weather has begun. The pattern of summer temperatures is determined by prevailing wind direction and distance from open salt water. The average air temperature for July is 10 to 15 °C. Southern coastal areas cool overall as dominant onshore winds are chilled by sea surface temperatures of 10 to 13 °C, making sea fog regular. However, these onshore winds also moderate night-time temperatures, extending the frost-free season to almost five months. The annual number of frost-free days is between 130 and 150. Toward the end of August into September, there is a great possibilities for a tropical storm to hit the south of the island, resulting in strong winds and heavy rainfall.

 * Fall: The first occurrence of air temperature below 0 °C is normally in mid-October, resulting in a weakened form of "Indian Summer". It is characterized by a period of sunny, warm weather, after the leaves have turned following an onset of frost, but before the first snowfall, The first snowfall of a small amount is in mid to late November. Heavy rainfalls are frequent this time of year as well.

Talk
In some places in Southern Newfoundland the locals speak with a fairly strong accent. The names of some towns on the south coast are often pronounced differently than their French names might suggest. For instance:

 * Francois is often pronounced Franceway
 * La Poile: La Pile
 * Bay L'Argent: Bay Larjent
 * Grand Bruit: Grand Brit
 * Rencontre: Rencounter

Residents will almost always recognize either pronunciation.

Get in
Getting in to the Southern Newfoundland outports is done one of three ways, depending on destination:

 * For Harbour Breton and Galtois, take Highway 360 (Bay d'Espoir Hwy) south from Bishop's Falls. (Bishop's Falls is east of Grand Falls-Windsor on the Trans-Canada Highway).
 * For Burgeo, take Highway 480 southeast from Barachols Pond Provincial Park and Stephenville. There is also a ferry between Galtois and Burgeo which stops in various tiny, otherwise-inaccessible outports.
 * For Rose Blanche, take Highway 470 east from Port-aux-Basques. It is possible to continue east by ferry only as far as Lapoile; this is a dead end. The ferry no longer continues onward to Grand Bruit, leaving effectively nothing between Lapoile and Burgeo - no road, no ferry, no populated places.

It is also possible to reach the Burin Peninsula by road; exit to Highway 210 from the Trans-Canada south of Clarenville and drive through Marystown to the loop through Fortune, Grand Bank and Saint Lawrence. From Fortune, there is a passenger ferry (no vehicles) to Saint Pierre and Miquelon, France.

By air
Nearby Saint-Pierre has air service from St. John's (Newfoundland and Labrador), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Montréal and Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Quebec) and non-stop flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (in July and August only).

By ferry
Among the appeals of travelling to Southern Newfoundland are the ferries, which go to a series of small towns many of which have no roads (or only small ones) and no cars, and so you get around by walking or driving on ATVs.

Planning your trip must be done in advance, as the ferry schedule is somewhat irregular, and it is easy to get stuck in a town for a few days longer than you would like if you haven't considered when the next ferry will come. If stuck in Hermitage while trying to get to Francois (or vice versa), you may be able to catch a lift on the Pinnacle Tours boat with captain Charlie Courtney (based in Francois) if you ask at the General Store near the fish plant in Hermitage.

The ferry rides in Southern Newfoundland are very reasonably priced, ranging from a couple dollars for students and seniors up to $5-6 for adults on the longer rides. The crew are friendly, and many of the ferries are equipped with a vending machine and TV/VCR with a few old videos. The ferries occasionally go quite a ways out to sea when travelling between towns, and offer great views of the coastline.

The majority of the ferries are large enough that there isn't too much rocking, but if you are prone to getting sea-sick, then the only one that won't give you trouble is the ferry between Burgeo and Ramea, as it is the largest of the bunch. It can accommodate vehicles, and usually makes the trip several times a day.

By road
Sometimes, getting from one Southern Newfoundland community to another by road easily is all but impossible. The trip from Harbour Breton to Fortune, directly across Fortune Bay, is a 650-km road trip via Gander that takes eight or nine hours. It's almost quicker for the true Newfoundlander to build a boat and sail directly across.

Hitchhiking in Southern Newfoundland is not too difficult. Though it can sometimes be a long wait for a ride, as not many cars drive on the key roads (e.g. the 210 or the TransCanada if you're trying to get from Rose Blanche to Port-aux-Basques), once you do get picked up there is a good chance that you will get a long ride. People are friendly, and will occasionally go out of their way to drop you off in a convenient location.

See

 * You're really here for the coastal scenery, but you will find small museums about life in the region and local history in Burgeo, Ramea, and St. Lawrence.

Do

 * Hiking.
 * Fishing for Atlantic salmon in nearby rivers, brook trout and landlocked salmon in ponds and lakes, cod in the Atlantic.
 * Visit an outport, and find the true meaning of "getting away from it all".
 * Checking the ferry schedule for the seventh time to make sure you don't get stuck in the village for another three days.

Go next

 * Saint Pierre and Miquelon — a tiny French outpost of 6,000 people accessible by ferry from Fortune.

title: Southern Newfoundland


text:
Southern Niger

Southern Niger is the Sahelian region of Niger along its border with Nigeria.

Cities

 * — the eastern end of the paved section of Route Nationale 1, the main east-west highway across Niger
 * — one of the South's largest cities, home to a colorful chief's palace.
 * — Niger's second largest city and major travel destination by Niger standards, known as the nation's "cultural capital."

title: Southern Niger


text:
Southern Oregon

Southern Oregon is in a region of Oregon south of the Willamette Valley, east of the Coast, but west of the arid Eastern Oregon region.

Other destinations

 * - family-focused opportunities to explore a marble cave, visit a National Historic Landmark (the Oregon Caves Chateau), hike trails through ancient forests, and earn a Junior Ranger Badge.
 * Rogue River, Umpqua, and Siskiyou National Forests make up a large part of southern Oregon's mountain wilderness, including many campgrounds, picnic areas, and trails.
 * is a popular destination in the mountains, about 90 minutes northeast of Medford. One of the deepest lakes in the world, Crater Lake is also host to a network of hiking and biking trails.

Understand
Southern Oregon is a modestly-sized and populated region of the state of Oregon, somewhat independent from the rest of the state, composed of Douglas, Josephine, Jackson, Klamath, and Lake counties. The region is primarily composed of mountains and high desert, while the Rogue Valley, Grants Pass, and Klamath regions are home to agricultural, commercial, and industrial enterprises.

Southern Oregon has become a popular retirement community over the past few decades; what was once a lumber-oriented economy has gradually adapted to service- and tourism-based businesses. Like much of Oregon, the outdoors are one of the region's most valued assets, but more visible products include pears, wine, and timber products.

By train
Amtrak's Coastal Starlight line runs through southern Oregon, with stops in Klamath Falls and Chemult. While slow and inconvenient (access to the Rogue Valley and Grants Pass is provided only by bus), the train is an excellent way to visit while enjoying some of the region's best views.

By plane
While there are several small airports in the region, the primary airport for commercial travel is the Rogue Valley International Airport, in Medford.

By car
The most popular way to visit southern Oregon is by car. The I-5 freeway (Pacific Hwy) which bisects the region through Grants Pass and the Rogue Valley, with exits to Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, Medford, Central Point, Gold Hill, Rogue River, and Grants Pass. Travel times are approximately 4½ hours north to Portland, and 2½ hours south to Redding.

Get around
While mostly mountainous, southern Oregon has a well-maintained network of roads that connects most cities and towns. Biking is also an option, if you plan to be in the same area for a while. While in the Rogue Valley, for example, you can bike or walk along the Bear Creek Greenway, which connects the north and southern ends of the valley along the creek for which it is named.

Take note that Medford and Grants Pass are pretty strangely laid out towns. It can be slow to get in and out of parking lots during the tourist season.

More remote areas, including most mountain peaks and backwoods vistas, are accessible only by foot. Backpacking trails - including the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs north-south through the region's Cascade Mountains - are prevalent in most wilderness areas.

See

 * Hike to the top of Mt. McLoughlin or Mt. Thielsen, two of the prominent peaks in the Cascade Range. The two Table Rock mountains in the northern end of the Rogue Valley, and Pilot Rock in the southern end, are also popular (and highly visible) backpacking destinations.
 * Visit gold-rush era Jacksonville, a town preserved as a National Historical Landmark. Home to the popular Britt Music Festival and many historical buildings, as well as a high-quality dining scene and distinguished wineries.
 * The Craterian Ginger Rogers Theater is named for the famous actress and former local resident. Located in Medford, it features musical and theatrical performances, both local and traveling.
 * Emigrant Lake is a reservoir and county park near the southern edge of the region, featuring several picnic areas, camping, a swimming area, and a small waterpark with several waterslides.
 * Check out the Harry and Davids facility in Medford, and sample pears and other goods at their local store. (Pear orchards still figure prominently in the region's landscape.)

Do

 * Visit a regional winery. The Rogue Valley, in particular, grows several varietals that are distinguished from the rest of the state by drier and warmer weather. Nearly all wineries have tasting rooms, and with the purchase of a bottle or two, tasting is commonly free.

 * Winter sports are featured at Mt. Ashland ($35), Crater Lake ($5-$10), and various cross-country skiing trails and sledding hills (free) that make use of snow-covered National Forest and BLM land and trails during the winter months.
 * See a play at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Several high-quality, nationally-renowned playhouses are surrounded by an excellent restaurant selection and a quaint college town. Tickets are $50 to $100, and most plays (not all of which are Shakespeare) run from March through October.
 * Hunting wild deer, hog, and elk is a popular activity in the mountains and high desert. Permits run $25-100, and guides are available for most trips and seasons, but prices vary greatly by game ($400 per day for turkey, $500-1200 per day for deer, and $500-700 per day for bear and elk).
 * The Rogue River is located in southwestern Oregon and flows 215 miles from Crater Lake to the Pacific Ocean. The 84-mile, Congressionally-designated "National Wild and Scenic" portion of the Rogue begins 7 miles west of Grants Pass and ends 11 miles east of Gold Beach.

The Rogue was one of the original eight rivers included in the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968. The Rogue National Wild and Scenic River is surrounded by forested mountains and rugged boulder and rock-lined banks. Check out the Rogue River Float Guide (PDF) for more information on the Wild and Scenic Rogue River.

Steelhead and salmon fishery, challenging whitewater, and extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities have made the Rogue a national treasure. Black bear, river otter, black-tail deer, bald eagles, osprey, Chinook salmon, great blue heron, water ouzel, and Canada geese are common wildlife seen along the Rogue River. Popular activities include: whitewater rafting, fishing, jet boat tours, scenic driving, hiking, picnicking, and sunbathing.

 * Fish or raft a section of the Rogue River', known for its salmon and modest rapids. Guides are available ($250-500 per day), but fishing permits are required ($12, but included in most guide packages). Boats can be rented from most sizable river-side towns; one of the most popular departure points is Shady Cove, about 30 minutes north of Medford ($80-150 per day). Permits to raft the Wild and Scenic section of the river in northern Josephine County, which are featured in the film The River Wild, are very difficult to come by (distributed by yearly state lottery).

Drink
Popular regional wine and beer destinations include:

Stay safe
Southern Oregon is relatively crime-free. Certain parts of larger cities, such as Medford and Grants Pass, should be avoided during the very late hours of the day, however, as small-town drug and gang problems can arise. Unemployment, particularly from lumber mill closures, has caused minor problems near industrial areas.

Because southern Oregon is so sparse, one of the biggest dangers is getting stuck or lost while driving or hiking. Before you leave, make sure you have an up-to-date map, and that you are not using seasonal roads. Forest fires are also a danger during hot summer months, but these are easily avoided.

Bears and cougars are a rare danger, but it is always wise to carry bear spray when in the woods. Rattlesnakes are also occasionally encountered. If you find one, slowly walk away and you'll probably be fine.

Go next
Southern Oregon provides road access to several surrounding regions:
 * Go south into northern California along the I-5 freeway
 * Visit the scenic Oregon Coast, along Oregon Highway 42 or 38, or by way of northern California's Redwood Parks and the Smith River Gorge along U.S. Highway 199.
 * Go east, along into the Oregon high desert, stopping at Bend by veering north along U.S. Highway 97, or continuing to Idaho or Nevada along Oregon Highway 140.
 * Go north on the I-5 freeway to visit the Willamette Valley, Oregon's most populous region.

title: Southern Oregon


text:
Southern Oregon Coast

Southern Oregon Coast is a region in Oregon, USA.

Other destinations

 * Cape Arago - This transition zone is populated with three grand State Parks:
 * Sunset Bay State Park
 * Shore Acres State Park
 * Cape Arago State Park
 * Coquille Point is a unit of Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge

title: Southern Oregon Coast


text:
Southern Ostrobothnia

Southern Ostrobothnia (Etelä-Pohjanmaa) is a region of Western Finland.

Regions

 * Seinäjoki region – Seinäjoki is the cultural centre and biggest city of Southern Ostrobothnia. However neighbouring municipalities Ilmajoki and Isokyrö have longer history as a parish.
 * Härmänmaa – Though it now belongs to Seinäjoki sub-region, this area is known for being the area where knife-fighters (puukkojunkkarit) were most active in the 19th century.
 * Järviseutu – Literally Lake region, Järviseutu has most prominent lakes in Southern Ostrobothnia, the biggest of them being Lappajärvi, formed by a crater. Compared to the flatness of Southern Ostrobothnia, the eastern part of Järviseutu is pretty hilly, especially Soini and parts of Alajärvi.
 * Suupohja – Suupohja sub-region is mostly rural area, its only town being Kauhajoki.
 * Kuusiokunnat – Southeastern part of Southern Ostrobothnia. Includes two rural towns and one municipality. Has sports resorts in Kuortane and Zoo in Ähtäri.

Cities
Cities and towns in blue, rural municipalities in red.

Seinäjoki region

 * – joined South Ostrobothnia from Ostrobothnia region in 2021.
 * – joined South Ostrobothnia from Ostrobothnia region in 2021.
 * – joined South Ostrobothnia from Ostrobothnia region in 2021.
 * – joined South Ostrobothnia from Ostrobothnia region in 2021.
 * – joined South Ostrobothnia from Ostrobothnia region in 2021.

Kuusiokunnat

 * — with nationally famous Zoo
 * — with nationally famous Zoo

Understand
The region is largely agricultural, with fertile plains that support a strong farming industry, particularly in the production of milk and beef.

The region is made up of 18 municipalities. The regional centre is Seinäjoki, with nearly 60 000 inhabitants.

Get in
Finland's main north-south railroad (Helsinki–Oulu) passes through the region, as does the east–west Jyväskylä–Vaasa line, so you can easily get in from places like Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu and Rovaniemi. The trains stop only in some of the cities: all in Seinäjoki, some in Lapua, Alavus and Ähtäri (the latter with stations also at the hypermarket and zoo, respectively). See VR.

Buses going east or south-east from Vaasa pass through the region and there are also direct buses to Seinäjoki from Helsinki.

There is a ferry to Vaasa from Umeå, Sweden. There are flights to nearby Vaasa from Helsinki and Stockholm (check whether they operate).

Get around
Your best bet between towns and main villages is a coach or bus (see Matkahuolto), elsewhere car or taxi. Trains can be used for a few destinations.

Useful route planners include Matka.fi for trains and local buses and Matkahuolto Reittiopas for regional buses. You may need to use probable transport hubs in your searches to combine different types of transport.

See

Giant kettle Pirunpesä (Devil’s Nest) in the village of Ylivalli, Jalasjärvi, is the deepest earth erosion in Europe.

Ähtäri Zoo, east of Ähtäri, has species of the taiga, such as bears, wolves and wolverines, and at the rare end: snow leopards and two pandas.

The Alvar Aalto centre, the administrative and cultural centre of Seinäjoki, was designed by Alvar Aalto in the late 1950s.

You can visit the small vodka museum in Koskenkorva, Ilmajoki.

The Crater Lake Lappajärvi was created by meteorite impact 77 million years ago.

Do

 * Dance or watch tango at the huge yearly Tangomarkkinat festival in Seinäjoki.
 * Be a race driver for a day at PowerPark in Kauhava.
 * Watch the yearly athletics competition in Kuortane.

Buy

 * Puukko knives in Kauhava
 * Shop until you drop at Keskinen's "village store" in Tuuri, Alavus.

Stay safe

The Southern Ostrobothnia region is generally a safe place. However, there are a few natural risk factors, including the floods that occur in spring due to melting snow and ice, because the region is a low-lying area with many rivers. Travellers are mainly affected through the effects on traffic, such as roads that are covered by water and possibly closed.

title: Southern Ostrobothnia


text:
Southern Pacific Coast (Nicaragua)

Southern Pacific Coast is a region in Nicaragua known for its surfing beaches and pristine nature. It includes lake coast and islands on the enormous Lake Nicaragua (Cocibolca).

Cities

 * nicknamed la gran sultana for her namesake in Spain this colonial beauty draws most tourists and expats
 * mostly a transportation hub and the administrative capital of the Rivas departamento when traveling from Granada to SJDS, change buses here
 * (sometimes shortened to SJDS), Nicaragua's go-to place for surfing with its largest and best-known surf town, lessons and board-rentals to get you started even if you never stood on a board before
 * on Ometepe, main port, several daily connections to San Jorge (15 min. from Rivas)
 * on Ometepe, second most important port. Twice weekly ferry to Granada and San Carlos (Nicaragua)
 * on Ometepe, small rural village at the base of Volcan Maderas

Itineraries

 * The Ruta del Tránsito passes through this part of the country and through the Rio San Juan region.

Islands

 * - volcanic island with many archeological sites
 * - spectacular island with two volcanoes rising above the water

Beaches

 * - popular surfing spot with great beaches
 * - popular surfing spot with great beaches

Understand
This is the most touristically developed part of the country and especially Granada and San Juan del Sur you'll see a lot of Central America in two weeks day trippers passing through from or to Costa Rica. Accommodation is cheaper than in Costa Rica year round but expect packed hotels and beaches and prices up to the triple of normal rates around semana santa (easter week). Some places also experience a high season around Christmas and New Year's, which is considered a family holiday in Nicaragua.

Cocibolca islands
Several islands in Lake Nicaragua are amazingly scenic with tropical rainforests on the slopes of towering dormant volcanoes. The largest of these islands is Omotepe with two major volcanoes dominating its skyline. The second largest island is Zapatera, which is a national park known not only for its natural beauty, but for its archaeological site that includes 2,500 year old petroglyphs. The southernmost cluster of lake islands is the Archipelago de Solentiname, a remote area near the Costa Rica border that is well off the beaten path of most tourists.

Talk
Spanish is the language of choice. A small (but rising) number of people also speak English. Most taxi-drivers and police-officers don't, however. If you need to brush up your rusty high school-Spanish, there are numerous Spanish schools in Granada or San Juan del Sur where a week, including homestay, will cost around US$250.

By plane
Most people arrive at Augusto C Sandino airport in Managua and either take buses or arrange shuttle service from there. Taxis can take you from the airport to Granada for roughly USD40, for longer taxi rides haggling comes highly recommended.

There is also an airport in Ometepe (about 2km outside of Moyogalpa) and talks are under way to offer international flights to San José or Tegucigalpa but so far only domestic flights to San Carlos, Managua and San Juan del Norte are available.

By bus
Coming from Managua you can take buses to Granada and Rivas, from where you can change onto buses to San Juan del Sur and other Pacific beach destinations. There is no direct bus from San Juan del Sur to Managua.

From the Costa Rican Border at Peñas Blancas you can either take taxis or buses to Rivas and Granada and head elsewhere from there.

By boat
Some cruises anchor off the coast at San Juan del Sur, but you can also take the ferry from San Carlos to Altagracia (Ometepe) and from Moyogalpa (Ometepe) to San Jorge just fifteen minutes by bus or taxi from Rivas.

Get around
Bus service is cheap and frequent although it can get a bit crowded sometimes. Tickets can be bought in advance (no more than 24 hours) at the counter on most routes. All advance tickets have a seat number on them unless the bus is already overbooked.

Taxis can get you wherever you want but you have to agree on a price beforehand. Keep in mind that most taxis are only licensed for one town so if you only go one way they will probably have to return empty and the price will reflect that.

Some beaches and (of course) the island Ometepe are best accessed by boat. Note that boats are more expensive than buses on most routes. Water taxis are even more expensive as they have limited seating. Most hotels specialized on surfing-tourists will be able to point you in the right direction or even get you a discount.

See
This is the most travelled part of the country and for a reason. Sights include:
 * The twin volcanoes of Ometepe
 * Granada with its churches and colonial splendour
 * Several scenic beaches along the Pacific

Do

 * Hike up one of the twin volcanoes of Ometepe
 * Swim at one of the Pacific beaches
 * Surf off the coast of San Juan del Sur
 * Party hard with a mix of locals and international tourists around Semana Santa (Easter week)

Buy
There is a cigarette factory in Granada and you can generally invest a lot of your money in smoking and booze in this part of the country but souvenir T-shirts are also available almost everywhere the average tourist might pass through. US dollars are generally accepted as are córdobas. Costa Rican colones, however, are not or are only at horrible exchange rates and only close to the border.

Eat
While some restaurants in Granda or San Juan del Sur do cater to international (i.e. Western) tourists, the food you will get is still mostly Nicaraguan. However the selection is definitely wider than in most of the rest of the country and only maybe a bit narrower than in Managua. Even people with special tastes and vegetarians should find something they can eat although usually at a higher price than "just" rice and beans.

Drink
Rum is the Nicaraguan drink of choice and Flor de Caña is the domestic brand (sold everywhere). Although there are also two light lagers, Toña and Victoria. Beer is sold in 12 fluid oz. (354mL) or liter bottles. The liter bottle often costs slightly more than two 12 oz bottles so, if you are in a small group, do as the locals and order one liter with the appropriate number of glasses to share it. At more upmarket places or pretty much any bar along the beach of San Juan del Sur, you might get a decent selection of cocktails and international spirits but at a slightly higher price than domestic fare.

While some might argue that tap water is safe or at least safer than in other parts of the country, bottled (purified) water is available in almost every store and depending on the amount you buy it is inexpensive and a good way to stay hydrated and avoid traveller's diarrhea.

Soft drinks are also widely available with some rather exotic (to Europeans) flavors such as "red Fanta" (also sold as Rojita) and Fanta/Mirinda of grape (uva) flavor. Mostly you will get Coca Colas or Pepsi products. If you order a glass bottle for takeaway don't be surprised to get your drink refilled into a small plastic bag with a straw.

Stay safe
This area is the most developed in the country which means that although security is generally good, tourism-related crime such as petty theft and pickpocketing are on the rise. During semana santa crowds are bigger and more people are drunk, which naturally increases crime somewhat, however police presence is also notably higher during that time of the year. Don't be surprised to see police heavily armed, they are there to protect you and are notably less corrupt and more approachable than their peers in Nicaragua's Northern neighbors.

Go next

 * Costa Rica via the crossing at Peñas Blancas
 * the Rio San Juan Region by boat or plane from Ometepe
 * León via Managua
 * The Northwest of the country

title: Southern Pacific Coast (Nicaragua)


text:
Southern Paraneña

Southern Paraneña is a region of Paraguay.

Cities

 * – The capital city.

title: Southern Paraneña


text:
Southern Pines

Southern Pines is a city in North Carolina. It began as a resort for northerners, especially equestrian hobbyists.

Get in
Southern Pines is accessible by road and rail. The most common way to arrive Southern Pines is via U.S. Route 1 in Moore County.

By train
Southern Pines also has an Amtrak Station along Amtrak's Silver Star line. The station is located in the center of the city's historic downtown area.

See

 * Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 N Fort Bragg Rd. A sandhills habitat with lots of nature trails and opportunities to be around longleaf pines and woodpeckers. Daily 8AM-8PM. +1 910-692-2167
 * Weymouth Woods - Sandhills Nature Preserve, 1024 N Fort Bragg Rd. A sandhills habitat with lots of nature trails and opportunities to be around longleaf pines and woodpeckers. Daily 8AM-8PM. +1 910-692-2167

Do

 * Horseback riding at Walthour-Moss Foundation, 226 Equestrian Rd, a centerpiece in Southern Pines' equestrian culture. +1 910-695-7811

title: Southern Pines


text:
Southern Province (Sri Lanka)

Southern Province is a province in Sri Lanka.

Cities

 * — Capital city of the Southern Province and well preserved example of colonial city built by Portuguese and Dutch.
 * — Second largest city in the Southern Province with gorgeous beaches nearby.
 * — Home to the world's emptiest international airport
 * — Home to the world's emptiest international airport

title: Southern Province (Sri Lanka)


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Southern Ridges Walk

The Southern Ridges Walk is a stroll across the hills of southern Singapore.

Understand
Singapore is one of the world's most densely populated countries, but after a slow start the country has put a lot of effort into preserving the bits of greenery that remain, and the Southern Ridges are perhaps the most impressive result.

The trail consists of four parks stretching across the western half of Singapore, with impressive bridges allowing pedestrians to cross busy highways. Several parts of the trail are suspended high above the jungle, offering great views of the often surreal contrast between Singapore's ultra-modern buildings and the primeval greenery around the trail.

Prepare
This is about as far from hardcore hiking as you can get: the entire main trail is paved or otherwise surfaced. In addition, the section from HortPark to Mount Faber not only needs no equipment, but is perfectly accessible by baby stroller or wheelchair. Most of the trail is even lit at night until midnight or beyond.

About the only equipment you will need is comfy shoes and an umbrella. Toilets, drink vending machines and rest shelters are scattered throughout the trail, and there are several full-service restaurants and cafes along it as well.

The trail is best visited early in the morning before it gets hot, or late in the afternoon after 5PM. The sunset from the bridges and other viewpoints can be stunning.

Get in
The Southern Ridges Walk can be accessed at numerous points. From west to east, the most common options are:

 * Bus 175 from to  bus stop, opposite of West Coast Park.
 * (exit B). Turn left as you come out of the station and the first street you'll come to is Science Park Dr. You're already on the 'suggested Southern Ridges Trail' as described below: you need to follow the street eastwards to get to Kent Ridge Park by the lake.
 * Buses 61, 97, 100, 166 from HarbourFront MRT to "Opp Gillman Heights" bus stop, right next to HortPark.
 * is situated in the middle of the walk, and closest to Labrador Nature Reserve.
 * (exit D) provides easy access to the base of Mount Faber and the stairway leading to the top.

Walk
The entire trail can be covered in 2½ hours if you hurry, but that wouldn't be much fun. The most scenic portion of the trail is the section between HortPark, in western Singapore and Mount Faber, the gateway to Sentosa in the south.

Anything wheeled, including bicycles and roller skates, is not allowed on most of the trail. Running or jogging is OK and quite popular. The parks get busy on weekends, but are quiet on weekdays.

West Coast Park and Clementi Woods
is very much a local park full of picnicking families, featuring a McDonald's if you want to tank up with junk food before you hit the trail.

To start your quest, cross West Coast Rd at Carpark 3 and walk along West Coast Link to enter, a quiet neighborhood park that hasn't been touched in 20 years. Follow signage towards the amphitheatre and Clementi Road.

The grandly named Kent Ridge Heritage Trail starts here, but the "trail" is for most part just the sidewalk next to roads running through the grounds of the National University of Singapore (NUS), across busy South Buona Vista Road, and then through Science Park I - a research, development and technologies hub. Signage is limited, so you may need to ask for directions, although there are a few maps and panels scattered about.

Kent Ridge Park and HortPark

At the end of the heritage trail right after the Science Park starts the proper. After an uphill climb along Vigilante road starts the, a 280-m-long elevated walkway through the upper layers of the jungle, with signage pointing out plants of interest. After the Canopy Trail is, a small but well-done war museum in an old colonial bungalow, commemorating the Malay Regiment who fought here at the Battle of Pasir Panjang, the last major battle before the surrender of the British forces in Singapore during World War II. Several old pillboxes and pieces of military equipment dot the area. Once done visiting the museum follow a lengthy section down the hill, mostly down concrete steps.

Next is, an unfortunate contraction of "horticultural park" and a buzzword-laden "one-stop gardening hub", with a resort-like main building with an open-air deck with great views, and a smattering of tiny garden plots with overblown names along the lines of "The Next Dimension in Greenery". The central pavilion is host to, an upscale French-Italian restaurant open daily for lunch and dinner, with vending machines, public toilets, and free exhibitions on the latest in gardening. There is also a series of glass houses that initially don't look too interesting but closer examination show that these are anything but traditional glass houses, each with particular climates for particular plants, and some of these are spectacular. It was the testing ground for the huge indoor climate-controlled Conservatory Complex in Gardens by the Bay.

Optional detour: Labrador Nature Reserve
Once you are on either side of the Alexandra Arch bridge, walk down to the road below, and follow Alexandra Road south for approximately 1 km. Upon reaching the West Coast Highway, you'll see the Labrador Park MRT station (Circle Line), behind which starts. The park offers close access to the seaside, mangrove, and good views on the harbour with its cargo ships.

Telok Blangah Hill Park

Next is. From HortPark, the Alexandra Arch bridge crosses the busy Alexandra Road and immediately segues into the long, one of the most impressive sections of the trail. Don't let the name fool you: the elevated metal walkway soars as high as 18 m above the ground, on level with the treetops, and those with fear of heights may want to opt for the ground-hugging (and much more punishing) trail below it instead.

About halfway through, the walk returns to earth for a moment, paralleling Preston Road and its impressive collection of "black and white" bungalows that were built for the officers of the British army and are now much favored by wealthy expats in Singapore. (They're private property, so no peeking inside.) The walk continues after Preston Road, eventually zigzagging its way up a steep hill.

The Hilltop Walk that follows is much more anticlimactic, although there is a bizarre, oddly Romanesque  up a small hill that offers an almost-360-degree view of Singapore. A little later some exercise stations, an information kiosk, a vending machine and a public toilet can be found. If you need a snack or a break from the heat, to your left is a delightful colonial mansion that now hosts a cafe, a tapas bar and an upscale Spanish restaurant, with both outdoor and blissfully air-conditioned indoor seating.

is a special collection of giant trees native to the region. The collection comprises over 600 trees that dominated the regional landscape before the advent of urbanisation. Also known as emergents - large trees that grow above the forest canopy - some of the 55 species selected for the collection can attain heights of over 80 m in the wild. As these giant tree species can take more than 50 years to mature and reach such great heights.

Mount Faber

Next is another of the highlights of the trail, the 36-metre-high pedestrian bridge, connecting Telok Blangah to Mount Faber Park. Shaped like an undulating caterpillar sculpted from wood and steel, the name is appropriate and the view of the sea beyond the jungle is stunning. The bridge is lit up with a light show from 7PM to 2AM daily.

Once over to, one of Singapore's older parks, follow the stairs up to the main attraction for most - , home to the third and smallest of Singapore's many Merlions, decent views in all directions and an inexplicable abundance of tour groups ferried here on buses. A series of murals around the base of the pavilion offer a cheery and sanitised summary of Singapore's history.

Just down the road is the, containing the terminus of the cable car from Sentosa plus an assemblage of five expensive restaurants, all of them rather too fancy after spending a few hours stomping around in the tropical heat. You could do worse than sunset drinks at Dusk Restaurant & Bar on the top floor.

For more substantial fare, though, it's best to keep going further down. The Marang Trail branches off to your right, an unlit staircase that offers the shortest route down to HarbourFront. You can now choose from the dozens of restaurants in the Vivocity shopping mall, or chow down hawker style at the, on the other side of the street right next to the bus terminus.

Stay safe
The walk is as sanitized as you'd expect in Singapore, and the trails are dotted with signs warning visitors that, out in the untamed forest, it's possible for a branch to fall. Don't feed any monkeys you may encounter, as not only will you encourage them to pester humans, but this is illegal as well.

title: Southern Ridges Walk


text:
Southern Rift Valley

Southern Rift Valley is a region of Kenya, part of the Great Rift Valley which extends through several countries.

Cities

 * – the capital city
 * – Lake Naivasha
 * – Lake Nakuru is best known as a birder's paradise mainly due to the huge population of flamingos
 * – Lake Naivasha
 * – Lake Nakuru is best known as a birder's paradise mainly due to the huge population of flamingos
 * – Lake Naivasha
 * – Lake Nakuru is best known as a birder's paradise mainly due to the huge population of flamingos
 * – Lake Naivasha
 * – Lake Nakuru is best known as a birder's paradise mainly due to the huge population of flamingos

Other destinations

 * – small, but has a good variety of wildlife (apart from birdlife) including rhino (both black and white), buffalo, lion, leopard, eland and more common plains game such as impala and zebra
 * – small, but has a good variety of wildlife (apart from birdlife) including rhino (both black and white), buffalo, lion, leopard, eland and more common plains game such as impala and zebra
 * – small, but has a good variety of wildlife (apart from birdlife) including rhino (both black and white), buffalo, lion, leopard, eland and more common plains game such as impala and zebra
 * – small, but has a good variety of wildlife (apart from birdlife) including rhino (both black and white), buffalo, lion, leopard, eland and more common plains game such as impala and zebra

Understand
This is the portion of the Rift Valley in Kenya more or less to the south of the Ewaso N'goro. It includes the capital city of Nairobi and the National Parks between Nairobi and Mombasa.

The rift is home to a wide range of Kenya's peoples including nomadic herding peoples such as the Turkana, Pokot, Samburu and Maasai but also including farmers such as the Kikuyu and even remnant groups of hunter-gatherer peoples such as the Ogiek who live in the remaining forests on the Mau escarpment of the Rift valley.

Get in
The new higher-speed standard gauge railway, or SGR for short, runs between the coastal city of Mombasa to Nairobi with stops in Voi, Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Emali and Athi River. Travel time for the full journey is just over five hours. Kenya Railways operates several trains per day in each direction. The SGR line extends westwards towards Suswa as well, this route is useful for reaching Mount Suswa volcano. The old (and much slower!) colonial railway network is under under rehabilitation and trains from Kisumu and Eldoret are expected to return in late 2021. Connections between the two separate networks can either be made in Nairobi or at Naivasha ICD railway station, which the station before Suswa.

Travelling by road, the Matatu is the standard way of getting around. But be warned it can be very cramped, with goods, people and chickens packing into a 7-seater minibus. It is very common for these to go very fast, to be uninsured, and they are often involved in accidents. They drive appallingly and many are not roadworthy especially for long trips up-country or down to the coast as the roads are very badly maintained. They are not often used by tourists for these reasons so beware!

Get around
Some of the main trunk roads of Kenya pass along the rift valley so travel in this region is relatively straightforward. The Matatu is good for getting from A to B, but if you want some luxury for not much more you can hire a 4x4 taxi.

The SGR railway can be used for trips within the region. However railway stations are often located outside city centers, necessitating a connecting taxi or bus ride. Additionally, there is a slow train between central Nairobi and Nanyuki via Chaka (just outside Nyeri). While the train is slow, it can be a scenic option for travel to Mount Kenya national park.

See

 * The Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, that were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2011.

title: Southern Rift Valley


text:
Southern Russia

Southern Russia is a region in Russia bordering the country's Central and Volga Regions to the north, the Caspian Sea to the east, Azerbaijan and Georgia to the south, the Black Sea and Ukraine to the west. Southern Russia boasts the nicest climate in the country, with warm Black Sea beach resorts, as well as Russia's most mountainous and exotic cultural destinations in the North Caucasus.

Cities

 * — one of Russia's most strange cities, home to several Buddhist monasteries and "Chess City"
 * — the oldest city in Russia, established 5,500 years ago.
 * — Russia's most famous beach resort, on the Black Sea, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics
 * — Russia's most famous beach resort, on the Black Sea, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics
 * — Russia's most famous beach resort, on the Black Sea, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics
 * — Russia's most famous beach resort, on the Black Sea, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics
 * — Russia's most famous beach resort, on the Black Sea, hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics

Other destinations

 * — Russia's première mountain resort in the heart of Teberdinsky Nature Reserve is set among mountains higher than the Alps, complete with Russia's best alpine skiing, hiking, climbing, and hot springs

Understand
Southern Russia's mountainous regions in the south are extraordinarily complex in terms of their various linguistic, political, and ethnic cultures, while the northern, plains areas of Southern Russia are more solidly Russian in character. Southern Russia is generally more humid and lush in the west, towards the Black Sea, and more dry and arid approaching the Caspian Sea in the east.

Long considered a Russian frontier akin to the "Wild West," Southern Russia has a fascinating history of Cossack and Russian expansion in the face of fierce resistance from Tatar and other Mountain peoples. This southern frontier plays a special romantic role in the Russian consciousness as the one part of Russia combining a decent climate, interesting topography, and endless opportunities for the adventurous. This romantic ideal is immortalized especially in Mikhail Lermontov's famous novella, "A Hero of Our Time," as well as in many of Pushkin's poems. Pushkin's most famous poem about the region, "Prisoner of the Caucasus" (Кавказский пленник), was rewritten as a short story by Tolstoy, and redone in 2003 in an excellent Russian movie that sets the same story in the modern-day conflict (shot in Dagestan).

Talk
Southern Russia is the most complex linguistic region of the country, ranging from Mongolic Kalmyk, to Persian Ossetian and to dozens of languages unrelated to any outside linguistic group. This diversity makes the region an alluring destination to language aficionados and ethnographers. However, most people can speak Russian regardless of what their native tongue is.

Get in
Southern Russia is serviced by rail primarily through Voronezh, from Moscow. Most such trains come through Rostov-on-Don and then on to Krasnodar or Stavropol. Rail service also exists from Kharkiv, Ukraine to Rostov-on-Don.

There are daily domestic flights from Saint Petersburg and Moscow to the region's major cities, such as those listed above as well as the bizarre airport in Mineralnye Vody.

Eat
In the regions with large non-ethnic-Russian populations, and so there are various national cuisines, many of them both substantially different from Russian cuisine and delicious.

Stay safe
Travellers report substantially higher levels of corruption in Southern Russia than in the rest of European Russia. Corruption is mostly a problem during travel due to the many road blocks ostensibly protecting Russians, but actually existing just to extort bribes. While corruption is a concern throughout the region, it is a severe danger in the unstable North Caucasus region.

Throughout the North Caucasus intrepid visitors should be very cautious and aware of current developments in the region's sensitive political situation. There has been substantial violent crime and kidnapping against travellers at the hands of bandits, terrorists, and probably the authorities throughout the region. Nevertheless, the political situation has stabilised significantly since the 2010s, and Russian domestic tourists are beginning to return to the area, so you should be fine in the major cities if you exercise a moderate level of vigilance.

Go next
The most common destination for travellers moving on from Southern Russia was Ukraine. The Russian occupation of Crimea, which is populated by ethnic Russians and claimed by Russia to be a part of that country, has caused a rapid deterioration in Russia-Ukraine relations. Russian citizens formerly could cross into Ukraine visa-free, but travellers may find their ability to cross directly between Russia and Ukraine is uncertain due to the current political situation; any attempt to cross from Russia to Crimea and then onward to Ukrainian-controlled territory is likely a violation of Ukrainian immigration law.

The most natural outward bound destination for travellers in Southern Russia, the Caucasus, is largely unreachable from this region as the borders with Georgia and Azerbaijan are closed to all third party nationals due to regional instability, military operations, and serious security concerns throughout the North Caucasus. However, in the summer it is possible to join the hordes of Russian travellers on a ferry from Sochi to the northeastern Turkish port of Trabzon and to take a bus from there to the Georgian border at Sarpi/Hopa.

title: Southern Russia


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Southern Shore

Southern Shore is one of the coastal regions of New Jersey.

Cities

 * — Victorian town at the southern tip of New Jersey.
 * — a popular family resort on the Southern Shore.
 * — the ultimate vacation spot for families, with great dining, nightlife, free beaches and plenty of fun for the whole family.
 * — the ultimate vacation spot for families, with great dining, nightlife, free beaches and plenty of fun for the whole family.
 * — the ultimate vacation spot for families, with great dining, nightlife, free beaches and plenty of fun for the whole family.

By plane
Atlantic City International Airport is the closest "large" airport, but nearby Philadelphia International Airport is significantly larger, offering many more flights.

By car
This region can be accessed by the Garden State Parkway South or NJ 55.

title: Southern Shore


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Southern Shores

Southern Shores is a town in the Outer Banks of North Carolina. From the beautiful oceanfront to the sound, Southern Shores has been the best kept secret on the Outer Banks since 1947. The beaches are private and uncrowded. A community soundside bathing beach and playground are great for families with small children. And while it is a residential area, Southern Shores is just minutes from shops, restaurants, and area attractions.

Get in
From the North come in on US 158/168. Turn North on Rt. 12. From the West use US-64 and 264 to Rt 12 North. Southern Shores is a 4 mile stretch of land between Kitty Hawk and Duck. Mostly residential, it is a favorite vacation spot for many families that want to get away from it all.

Get around
As far as locations, Southern Shores is a nice place. It is right across the Wright Memorial bridge (the main bridge to the Outer Banks from the north) so once you get across the bridge you're pretty much "there" if you've rented a house in Southern Shores. You'll see what I mean if you've rented a house in Corolla or Avon. Also, the beaches are less crowded (not that OBX beaches are ever very crowded, that's one of the beauties of the place) as the density of housing is not as high as other areas on the island.

If you are staying in Southern Shores, you might want to think first before you go out in a car on Saturday or Sunday during the summer. Route 12 (which goes north to Duck and Corolla) is packed with families leaving who have just ended their week of vacation and new families coming in. It's not impossible but can get quite busy.

Eat
Southern Shores does not have many restaurants as it is an area that is mostly residential, but there are great places nearby. Try Rundown Cafe at Mile Post 2. Pretty casual but one of the best restaurants on the Outer Banks. Also, Duck Donuts has sinfully delicious doughnuts (and only doughnuts).

title: Southern Shores


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Southern Sierra (Peru)

The Southern Sierra region of Peru is characterized by high mountains and steep, deep valleys. Many roads are unpaved. Thus, travelling is often somewhat troublesome and slow, but the scenery is amazing.

Cities

 * — a base for visiting the the Ampay National Sanctuary, and the Clouded Forest of the Amazonian Basin
 * — the capital of the Andahuaylas Province known as the "prairie of colored clouds")
 * — its church is described as the "Sistine Chapel of America"
 * — the major centre for visits to the Valley of Volcanoes
 * — home of the Morocucho people, a group of the Quechua
 * — the most popular starting point for travelers who want to see the Inca site Choquequirao
 * — a district with outstanding history, architecture, and culture
 * — its ruins are a series of nested terraces rising up to a plateau upon which sits a church built in the early 1600s
 * — one of Peru's most visited cities as it is the largest and most comfortable city from which you can begin visits to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and other Inca sites in the region
 * — has eight churches from the colonial era
 * — known for the crafts and the many festivals of the surrounding towns
 * — its main church dates back to 1564
 * — close to the waterfalls Catarata de Bayoz and Velo de la Novia
 * — the festival of la Virgen del Carmen is a colorful festival in July
 * — known as the coffee capital of Peru, it had a diversity of birds, butterflies and fruit plantations, as well as Caverns and waterfalls
 * — take a trip out to see the beautiful waterfalls in the jungle
 * — a four-hour hike from here will take you to Machu Picchu
 * — offers ruins, caves, waterfalls and a short trip to the jungle

Other destinations

 * — an extremely high-altitude 70-km hiking trail
 * — a remnant of the once-great Inca Empire
 * — a large Inca ruin accessible only by a strenuous two-day trek
 * — one of the world's deepest canyons, it offers a vibrant indigenous culture
 * — more than twice as deep as the Grand Canyon
 * — impressive red-colored mountains that has stayed relatively off the beaten path until the 21st century

Get in

 * Alejandro Velasco Astete International Airport, is in the centre of Cusco, and has flights to Lima, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Juliaca and Puerto Maldonado. Its sole international route is to Santiago in Chile.
 * Francisco Carle Airport serves Jauja, Huancayo and Tarma. Its sole route flies to Lima.
 * Andahuaylas Airport has charter flights.

Get around
You can fly between Cusco and Ayacucho, but the most common method of travel in this region is by bus.

Do
Hiking: See Inca Trail, Machu Picchu, Choquequirao, and Colca Canyon.

Go next
Into the jungle (2-3 nights) - If you're game, fly to one of the following two lodges between Days 1 and 2, because anything after Machu Picchu is sure to be a letdown. Pack one bag and leave in Cusco what you don't need. The Manu Wildlife Center, owned by a nonprofit environmental conservation group, has the most creatures but fewer comforts. If you want a taste of the jungle in an elegant setting, go to Reserva Amazónica. The surrounding cattle ranches mean fewer wild animals, but the huts are plusher and there's a masseuse. Reserva is also a better option if you have only two nights (although three is ideal in either location) because the 30-minute charter flights to Manu are highly undependable. Reserva also offers community visits, which Manu doesn't. Wherever you land, take part in as many outings as you can.

Urubamba Weavers' Route Trek (2 nights) - The classic Inca Trail was the primary route between Cusco and Machu Picchu, but the Incas traversed hundreds of other paths, and you can as well. Instead of catching the train to Machu Picchu on Day 3, drive to the trailhead of the Urubamba Weavers' Route. This hike from Ollantaytambo to Lares takes you through villages unchanged for centuries. The first camp lies in the shadow of Terijuay. The middle of Day 2 marks the high point of the trek, literally — — after which a gradual descent leads through potato fields and into the tiny village of Cochayoq. Midway through Day 3, the trek reaches Lares and then you are returned to the Sol y Luna Lodge & Spa. It is recommended that you purchase the services of a trekking company for this hike since it is at such a high altitude. This is a moderate-to-strenuous trek, with four to six hours of hiking on each of three days and recommended for experienced hikers only. Although the spongy moss underfoot makes this a relatively low-impact route-the Inca Trail, in comparison, is paved with stones-the altitude is a challenge. If you do have trouble, you can always take a hit of oxygen from your guide's canister or jump on the "ambulance horse." If serious symptoms persist, getting to a lower altitude is essential.

title: Southern Sierra (Peru)


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Southern Somalia

Southern Somalia occupies about a third of Somalia's territory, and is home to most of the fighting in the civil war.

Cities

 * — capital of Bay region
 * — capital of Koofur Orsi state
 * — capital of Lower Shabelle region and port
 * — capital city and port
 * — capital of Bakool region
 * — capital of Lower Shabelle region and port
 * — capital city and port
 * — capital of Bakool region

Other destinations

 * — turquoise waters, coral reefs, historic ruins, mostly deserted
 * — lions and beaches
 * — small town with an impressive collection of historical structures

Get in
Aden Abdulle International Airport (, formerly Mogadishu International Airport), a few kilometers southwest of the center of Mogadishu.

See
Many of the beaches of Koofur Orsi along the Somali Sea coast remain untouched.

Stay safe
Al Shabab, an Islamic terrorist group, rules much of Southern Somalia. The Southern Region of Somalia is regarded as the most dangerous region in the country. See the warning on the Somalia article for more information.

title: Southern Somalia


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Southern Sulawesi

Southern Sulawesi consists of the provinces of South Sulawesi and West Sulawesi in Indonesia.

Cities

 * (Ujung Pandang) - the largest city in Sulawesi
 * - a hill station famous for its tropical flowers

Other destinations

 * - a popular beach community on the south-eastern tip
 * - a popular beach community on the south-eastern tip

Get in
Tampa Padang Airport, Bua Airport

Get around
To get into the upper regions of Western Sulawesi you can take a mini-bus from Makasar to the small, inviting city of Mamasa. The ride is rough after you leave the coastal region, taking about 10 hours in total, give or take the whim of the driver.

By bus
There are many luxury buses and mostly run at night from Makassar to Mamuju, Rantepao and even Soroako.

Eat
Makassar is one of the culinary centers of Indonesia. Home of some Bugis and Makassar delicacies such as Coto (it is a soup with seasoning broth made from starch mixed with innards such as intestine, liver, lungs, heart, tripe, or cow brain), Konro (this soup is made with ribs or beef as main ingredient), Pallubasa (made from offal of cattle or buffalo) and Mie Kering (a type of dried noodle served with thick gravy and sliced chicken, shrimp, mushrooms, liver, and squid). As a big fish market center, Makassar is also famous for its seafood. Sop Sodara from Pangkep and Kapurung from Palopo are also famous dishes of South Sulawesi.

Go next

 * To south via boat, Nusa Tenggara islands.

title: Southern Sulawesi


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Southern Taiwan

Southern Taiwan is the most southern region in Taiwan.

Regions
The following counties and regions lie within Southern Taiwan, from south to north:

Cities

 * (嘉義) – The natural jumping off point for the beautiful Alishan, e.g. by the scenic narrow-gauge Alishan Forest Railway.
 * (高雄;Gāoxióng) – The second largest city of Taiwan, and a port city that took over Tainan's place as the Harbor City.
 * (屏東) – the subtropical county seat and largest city in Pingtung County.
 * (台南) – The oldest city of Taiwan, and famous for its temples and historic buildings, often under-appreciated.
 * (斗六市) – The biggest city in Yunlin County.
 * Taixi – This township on Yunlin County is home to a branch of the Ding clan, descended from Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar, but the local mosque is now a Daoist temple.

Other destinations

 * – Not just one mountain but a mountainous area, and Taiwan's most-visited national park.
 * – The largest and most impressive Buddhist monastery of Taiwan.
 * – One of Taiwan's best-known hot spring areas.
 * – A scenic region and national park with some of the best beaches in Taiwan, famous for surfing, snorkling, etc.
 * – The highest mountain of Taiwan, actually located in Nantou County, but also the name of the related National Park that also lies in the Kaohsiung region.

By plane
The most important hubs are Taichung, Chiayi , Tainan and Kaohsiung. Having said this, from far abroad, the best option is to fly to Taoyuan, and take a train to where you desire to go (less than an hour using high-speed rail). However, many major cities in East and Southeast Asia are served by flights to Kaohsiung.

By train
Southern Taiwan has numerous train stations (including high-speed rail (THSR / 高鐵)). THSR is not available beyond Kaohsiung, and stations can sometimes be a bit far off, but often provide a free bus connection to the closest city/town.

Understand, see, do, etc.
See the county and city articles above for all the details.

Stay healthy
Tainan and Kaohsiung have experienced bad dengue fever outbreaks after unusually hot weather or typhoons which lead to mosquito breeding clusters in standing water. The latest occurred in September 2015 when Typhoon Soudelor wreaked tons of water damage on the region. Take precautions such as insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants when necessary. If you feel ill or feverish, see a doctor quickly. Blood tests can be quickly run to correctly diagnose dengue fever.

Go next
Southern Taiwan is (besides Northern Taiwan) the gateway into Eastern Taiwan. Otherwise it is straight forward to reach the rest of Taiwan from here.

台湾南西部

title: Southern Taiwan


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Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand includes many of Thailand's most famous resorts on both the west-facing Andaman Sea coastline, and the east-facing Gulf of Thailand coast south of Chumphon.

Cities

 * — gateway to Southern Thailand with four daily ferries to Ko Tao
 * — largest city of Southern Thailand
 * — base for plenty of beaches and islands
 * — provincial capital historically known as Ligor
 * — one of Asia's great party cities on the island of Phuket
 * — administrative centre of the popular beach island
 * — border town with Kawthoung in Myanmar, often used for visa runs
 * — beach resort popular among Malaysian and Singaporean travellers
 * — main city of the Srivijaya Empire, gateway to the Samui archipelago

Other destinations

 * — top beach destination in Krabi Province
 * — famous for its limestone cliffs, caves, mangroves, fishing villages, and James Bond Island
 * — spend the night in one of the jungle's huts
 * — set in the middle of 52 uninhabited islands with excellent dive sites and beaches
 * — home to the infamous Full Moon Party
 * — Thailand's largest marine national park and backpacker favourite where The Beach was filmed
 * — coconut and paradise island quickly moving upmarket
 * — a peninsula with stunning limestone cliffs, beaches and no motor vehicles, rock climbing Mecca
 * — national park with spectacular views over and under water

Understand
Unlike the rest of Buddhist-majority Thailand, the four provinces of Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat have a Muslim majority, most of whom are ethnic Malays. The dialects of Malay spoken are similar to those in northern Peninsular Malaysia, in particular the states of Kedah and Kelantan, which often makes them incomprehensible to speakers of standard Malay. Songkhla province also has a substantial Muslim population (about 25%), though unlike the aforementioned four provinces, ethnic Malays now make up a minority even among the Muslim population, and most of the Muslim population is ethnically Thai.

There has been talk of building a shipping canal across the Isthmus of Kra with financial backing from China, allowing ships travelling between China and Europe or India to bypass Singapore and save several days of travel. However, concerns over separatism among the ethnic Malay Muslim community have repeatedly held back attempts to do so.

Talk
The dialect of Thai spoken here is the southern dialect, which differs noticeably from the central dialect spoken in Bangkok. Dialects of Malay are spoken by the ethnic Malays, who form the majority in Satun, Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces, and a significant minority in Songkhla province. Unlike in Malaysia and Brunei, the Malay language is written exclusively in the Arabic-derived Jawi script in Thailand, and Rumi (the Roman alphabet) is virtually unknown.

By plane
There are international airports in Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai and on the island Ko Samui. Phuket Airport is the busiest Thai airport outside Bangkok, and is served by some intercontinental flights to Europe and Australia, particularly during the high season, as well as to many Asian cities. Otherwise, the most common way to reach the region is to connect to a domestic flight in Bangkok, or you can connect in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, both of which have flights to all the four aforementioned airports.

By boat
The final leg of journeys to most of the islands as well as some of the more isolated coastal spots will be by boat. Long distance boats from near Bangkok are also available.

It is now possible to travel by ferries in hi season (Nov-May) from Phuket and island hop your way down the coast all the way to Malaysia and Indonesia.

This can now be done without ever touching the mainland, Phuket (Thailand) to Padang (Indonesia).

Islands en route:

 * Ko Phi Phi
 * Ko Lanta
 * Ko Ngai
 * Ko Mook
 * Ko Bulon
 * Ko Lipe - Ko Lipe being the hub on the border between Thailand and Malaysia having a Thai immigration office.
 * Langkwai- Malaysian immigration here.
 * Penang

The Thai portion can be done in a day, although chances are you'll want to stop on some of the islands.

By bus
The region's major cities are served by frequent long distance buses run by both the government and tour operators. International buses also run from major cities into Peninsular Malaysia, with some of them even headed all the way to Singapore.

By train
Trains from the north pass through the region en route to Malaysia.

Diving
The reefs around Ko Lipe are largely intact as they have been protected by being within Thailand's oldest marine parks.

Sailing and island hopping
The islands in the southern Gulf of Thailand including the Ang Thong National Marine Park provide a beautiful sailing ground. Island hopping sailing cruises between Ko Tao, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samui.

On the west coast you also will be able to find many beautiful sailing areas, like Phang Nga Bay, Similan islands, Phi Phi islands. Some charter companies offering day trips and overnight tours from Phuket to Phang Nga and other islands around Phuket. There are hundreds of islands just in Phang Nga Bay and you will need more than just a day trip to explore them all. The best way to explore this sailing ground is to charter a sailing boat for several weeks.

Eat
Unsurprisingly for a coastal region, seafood features prominently on the menu. Traditional southern Thai food includes milder coconut milk-based curries popularly associated with Thailand: the dry, Malaysian-influenced Penang curry and Indian-influenced massaman (Muslim) curry with potatoes and nuts.

A wide variety of international cuisines is available in the many resort towns, visited by millions of overseas tourists every year and home to many expats. Tourism has also brought migrants from other parts of Thailand, and their food with them.

Go next

 * Central Thailand - to Prachuap Khiri Khan
 * West Coast of Malaysia - to Kedah, Perak, or Perlis
 * East Coast of Malaysia - to Kelantan
 * Myanmar - to Tanintharyi Division via Ranong and Kawthoung

title: Southern Thailand