Trang is one of the richest and most developed provinces in Thailand. It was formerly involved in foreign trade due to its strategic location at the Strait of Melaka. However, it made its fortunes with rubber, which is an important export of the country and Trang was the first place where rubber was planted in Thailand in 1899.
The other main source of income for the province stems from fruit growing and agricultural products, while tourism does not play an important financial factor as in other provinces. This can easily be noticed when traveling through Trang province, as there is a lack of accommodation and attractions geared towards tourists, though the potential is clearly visible. However, this cannot be said for the coastline, its beautiful beaches and many stunning islands. The tourism infrastructure is well developed here, but nowhere near like other places such as Phuket, Koh Samui or Krabi. Tourism is geared towards the outdoors, and hiking, kayaking, scuba diving and snorkeling are the major activities.
Nakhon Si Thammarat province boasts some of the densest jungles in the country, as well as picturesque tropical beaches and beautiful waterfalls. The terrain is mostly rugged hilly forest and the province is home to south Thailand's highest peak, Khao Luang (1,835 m), in Khao Luang National Park. Nakhon Si Thammarat town is one of the oldest cities of Thailand and boasts many buildings and structures of historical significance
