Perlis, the smallest state in Malaysia, lies at the northwestern extremity of the Malay Peninsula; its western coastline borders the Straits of Malacca. Bounded by Thailand in the north, and by Kedah to the east and south, it measures approximately 759 sq. km and has a population of 175,000. Kangar is the seat of the State Government.

Located about 26 km from Kangar, the Gua Kelam traverse approximately 37 meters of limestone hills from Kaki Bukit on the Malaysian border to Wang Kelian near the Thai border. The caves were at one time used as a trading route between the locals and the Siamese.

Padang Besar, on the Malaysia-Thailand border, is border market, a shopper's haunt for Malaysians seeking good bargains. Electrical items, leather goods and clothing are favorite buys, though even a leisurely browsing tour of the market is an interesting outing.

Located at the estuarine delta of the Sungai Perlis, Kuala Perlis is noted for its excellent laksa, a dish of rice noodles dipped in spiced fish-soup with sliced onions and cucumber. It is also the entry and exit point to Phuket Island and other coastal towns and villages of Southern Thailand, as well as to Pulau Langkawi .