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Surat Thani Province
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The name literally means “city of the good people” and is the former seat of the Sivichaya Empire. It is the largest and most important province of the South, located 644 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 12,891 square kilonetres bordering on Chumphon and the Gulf of Thailand to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Kraby to the south, Phangnga and Ranong to the west and the Gulf of Thaoland and Nokhon Si Thammarat to the east. Geographic characteristics of Surat Thani are : High plateau and mountains covered with valuable woodforest to the west, and low basins in the central and eastern seashore area.
There are a tremendous number of islands along the coast and two major rivers : the Tapi River and Phum Duang River. It is administratively divided into 17 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe i.e., Amphie Muang, Ban Na San, Ban TA Khun, Chaiya, Don Sak, Kanchanadit, Khian Sa, Khiri Ratthanikhom Ko Phangan, Ko Samui, Phanom, Phrasaeng, Phumphin, Tha Chana, Tha Clang, Wiang Sa Ban Na Doem and King Amphoe Chai Buri.
Samui Island is a beautiful island of Suratthani , and also it is a rare gem, preserving the idyllic simplicity of a tropical hideaway. It is characterised by beaches of powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters. Here you can delight in a latter-day Robinson Crusoe experience-in comfort. The island, Thailand’s third largest, measuring 21 kilometres at its widest point and 25 kilometres in maximum length, is one of a group of more than 80 tropical islands, only a few of which are inhabited. A mountain ridge runs east to west and most of the hinterland comprises forested hills. The rich hues of wild vegetation are dappled throughout with the contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddy fields.

Interesting Places

Phara Boromthat Chaiya : An ancient pagoda, located in Wat Phra Boromthat Chaiya, Amphoe Chaiya housing Lord Buddha relics. The structure is believed to have been constructed during the Sivichaya period over 1,200 years ago.

Suan Mokkha Phalaram : This is otherwise known as Wat Thang Nam Lai (Monastry of Flowing Water), a monastic community located in a beautiful and peaceful natural park where Buddhists go for meditation practice. There are several teaching pavillions which many paintings and poems illustrating moral teachings known in Thi as “Entertainment Houses for the Soul”.

Ratchaprapha or Chieo Lan Dam : It is located on Km. 52-53 Highway no.401 and turn right for another 14kms. The secenery around the dam area is very beautiful. Accommodations are available from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel:424-4794 or (077) 311-542.

Khao Sok National Park : It is located on Km.109 from Surat township area on Highway No. 401. A verdant forest-covered hill national park, with an area of some 161,000 acres. Many kinds of rare wildlife are still be found. With an atmosphere kof pleacefulness and restfulness, one can tred along the trails made to the adventurer. Accommodations in the park can be available through the reservation section, Foresty Department, Tel:579-0529, 579-4842. Besides, 1 Km. before reaching the park, there is a private-run bungalow called “Tree Top Guest House”.

Ko Samui : Samui Island is a major copra producing source of the country. The island lies 80 kms offshore in the Gulf of Thailand from Surat Thani province, some 500 kms south of Bangkok.
Samui has all the attributes of a south sea paradise — sunny, coconut palm- fringed beaches with bone white powdery sand meeting sparkling turquoise water and gentle sea in remote unpopulated areas.
There are 33,000 islanders in the total area of 250 square km’ most of which are under a sea of coconut trees that blanket the island. The majority of the hospitable Samuians tend to go about their coconut-picking business in the plantation inland than pay undue attention to sun-soakers on the beaches. Ko Samui
It is Surat Thani’s major tourist attraction. The island has numerous lovely eaches and bays. It is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills, and is fast vecoming a resort of international stature. Samue’s best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai where, generally, the most attractive accommodation is found.
Besides beaches, other island attractions include the Hin Lat and Na Muang waterfalls the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; a massive seated Buddha inage of Fan isle and Na Thon, the island’s major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels are located.

Ko Phangan : The large island 60 minutes directly north of Ko Samui, has the lovely Than Sadet waterfall and an extensive coral reef. Accommodation is available here, as well.

Ko Tao and Ko Nangyuan : These 2 small rlcky islands are administratively under Amphoe Ko Phangan and located at the direction northwest of Ko Phangan. Unspoiled and undisturbed lately by tourists, the islands earn its reputations for underwater resources, unique beautiful bays and coves and coral garden under the crystal sea which give the good promising outlook for the sea sport activities. Accommodations in the form of huts and bungalows are provided on these two islands. To reach Ko Tao economically is by boat that leave once daily from Ko Phangan. Boats are also available for Ko Nang Yuan from Ko Tao.

Mu Ko Angthong National Park : Mu Ko Angthong National Park It comprises some 40 islands northwest of Ko Samui and covers some 250 square kilometres. Major park islands largely towering, verdant rock masses encircled by clear seas, include Mae Ko which has a beautiful beach and an enerald saltwater lake called Thale Nai; Wua Talap, site of park headquarters where accommodation is available for visitors wishing to prolong their stays; Sam Sai with an exciting coral reef and huge rock arch, and Phai-Luak. Prior reservation is needed by calling 57900529, 579-4842.

Ko Tae Nai : It is a small island not too far to be reached from Ko Phangan, is increasingly popular to the tourists from its natural beauties. High Jungle-covered hill, long stretch golden sand vbeach, thriving coral reefs surrounded by fish of all sizes and colors etc. are some of its majkor attractions. Accommodations in the form of bungalows are also provided on the island. Transportation is available by mean of passenger boat or cargo boat which leave from Surat Thani via Samui.
Other attractions are 100-year-old Wat Wiang Sa and Khao Tha Pet Forest Park which is 9 kms. from the township area. From the top of Khao Tha Petch one has a bird’s eyes view of Surat Thani township area, Mu Ban Phumriang (six kilometres from Chaiya) and renowned for is hand woven silk, Don Sak seashore and Nam Tok Wiphawadi near Surat-Kanchanadit-Sichon Highway.

information of this page come from Tourism Authority of Thailand.