Need some guaranteed sunshine and the chance to re-energies body and soul this coming holiday season? Where better to de-stress than at the Koh Kood Resort on the beautiful tropical island of Koh Kood? Whether you want a pampering and relaxing massage, a sun-kissed beach break or an invigorating activity holiday, everything you need – from massages and eating good to sports and activities – is included. You're sure to return feeling refreshed in mind, body and soul.

The sound of the calm sea lapping on the shore is enough to calm even the most stressed-out mind. To take your relaxation even deeper, you can also try meditation at a Thai Buddhist temple in Ao Phrao village. If it's a challenge you need to help you unwind, why not try kayaking or climb the hills with a mountain bike? You can build both your physical and mental strength, while in the evening you can enjoy the relaxation of a Thai herbal massage.

For most people, Chanthaburi is simple a seaside town with a great variaty of fruits. In our eyes, Chanthaburi is a small and charming province, rich in diverse natural resources like forests, waterfalls, the sea, rivers and local life.

Tropical evergreen forests cover half of the province's land area, while Chanthaburi's coastline spans 108 kilometers, making coastal fishing the major livelihood of local folk. The province's local craftsmen are internationally renowned for their skill in gem cutting and jewelry making.

Today, although most raw, precious stones are brought in from abroad there is always a busy scene at the gems market on Sri Chand Road, every Friday Saturday and Sunday, where buyers and customers can be heard hagging over prices.

The province is also famous for spices. It has the best-tasting pepper (prik Thai) and cardamom (kra-wan), and the sweet-smelling aquilaria (kritsana) wood.

Chanthaburi Province's famous reed mats, known locally as "Suea Chanthaboon", are known for their uniqueness in durability, fine craftsmanship and decorative appearance.

The reed used to weave the mats is called "kok" reed, which grows in brackish water, making soft yet more durable than reeds grown in other environments. Jute, instead of plastic, is used as a main fiber, further increasing its durability. These unique attributes have made Chanthaburi's reed mats long famous, with customer demand outstripping production.

The legend of Chanthaburi's reed mats began when Vietnamese folk at a Catholic church noticed reeds growing in abundance in Ban Samet Ngam and Bang Sa Kao communities in tambon Nong Bua in Chanthaburi Province. They bought the reed from local villagers to weave mats and, later more and more people in the area took up the craft. Today, it is a supplementary occupation bringing in considerable income to local folk.