Australians have always loved Thailand, but with new destinations and attractions, there is even more to enjoy and discover, as Jenny Rowland from Traveltalk magazine recently noted.

This year, Tourism Thailand is calling on travelers to look beyond the usual beach and party attractions and delve deeper into the true essence of Thailand: its rich history and culture, ancient traditions, warm hospitality, and the ever-present, friendly Thai hospitality.

Welcome to the Year of THAI UNITY, which celebrates all that makes this wonderful country so special… THAILAND! I recently visited southern Thailand and found many things that made me smile.

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Those who want to travel off the beaten track and visit places where locals also vacation should head south and experience the vibrant city of Nakhon. Rich in history and one of the oldest cities in Thailand, it is also home to the most important temple in southern Thailand.

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihaan may be a bit difficult to pronounce, but it's definitely worth a visit. The pagoda impresses with its distinctive Sri Lankan style, is over 55 meters high, and is crowned by a spectacular, gold-decorated stupa.

Nakhon is home to one of the largest national parks in the Khao Luang region, boasting mountains and waterfalls that leave nothing to be desired. Here you'll also find countless idyllic beaches: palm trees sway gracefully under a bright blue sky, turquoise waters lap at your toes, and you won't see a soul for miles around. These beaches really do exist – and they're not lined with concrete hotels!

Nakhon is famous for the ancient and enchanting folk art of shadow puppetry, known locally as Ban Nang Talung Suchart Subsin.

Here, visitors can watch the creation of these handcrafted puppets and then enjoy a live performance. A quick peek backstage revealed no fewer than six puppeteers, each with different musical instruments, while the main performer narrated the story and captivatingly conducted the puppets. The result is an enchanting magic show for the whole family.

Those seeking pampering and luxury should travel to Khanom (the northern part of Nakhon) and treat themselves to a stay at the new, Scandinavian-inspired Aava Resort and Spa. Designed by Finland's top designers, the Aava successfully blends Thai hospitality with European style.

The resort offers a selection of unforgettable culinary experiences, wellness offerings and adventures, as well as a free kids' club in an unspoiled environment with swaying coconut palms, lush green landscapes, limestone mountains and virtually untouched beaches.

If you're looking to enjoy a first-class tasting menu on the beach, this is the place for you. I almost expected to bump into Gordon Ramsay in his swimming trunks, the dishes we were served were so delicious. Atte and Kati – your hosts – guarantee you a fantastic Scandinavian-Asian experience.

Tran

This is another undiscovered gem in southern Thailand, boasting secluded beaches, lagoons, forests, waterfalls, and hidden caves. The area also offers beautiful temples, good hotels, and its own airport with daily flights from Bangkok.

Be sure to try their unique transport system. The tuk-tuks (in the Trang style) are not quite as hectic as their counterparts in Bangkok, and without the exhaust fumes and hustle and bustle of the city, they are a great way to get around.

Even better: Hop on a speedboat and go island hopping. Koh Mook, one of the largest islands, is breathtakingly beautiful and home to the Moracot Cave, which is perfect for adventure seekers.

Anyone wanting to get an impression of South Indian cuisine should take a tuk-tuk to a Kopi cafe and try the local tradition of dim sum breakfast dishes washed down with Kopi (very strong, but thankfully diluted with condensed milk).

These southern regions also boast numerous seafood restaurants offering a true culinary experience. It's a flavorful blend of Thai, Malaysian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine, best enjoyed with a Singha beer – a delight even for the most discerning palate.

The area is famous for its woodworking and weaving, so a visit to the local Thep Tharo woodcarving workshop in the Huai Yot district is worthwhile. This type of pine emits a fresh and distinctive aromatherapy fragrance and is used for carving figures such as tigers, horses, dugongs, and of course, Buddha.

The nearby village of Na Muensri is famous for its silk weaving, which is produced using local techniques and patterns. The "Lai look Kau" pattern is a centuries-old upper-class clothing style (although it is now worn by everyone).

I recommend you visit Nakhon and Trang, Thailand's hidden gems, before the whole world finds out about them…

For more information, please visit tourismthailand.org

About Jenny… Jenny Rowland is co-owner and publisher of Traveltalk, Australia's oldest and highest-circulation travel magazine.