Surat Thani is the main stopping off point for those going to koh Samui and other local islands, it can be gotten to by train or bus, both Surat Thani and Koh Samui have airports, Koh Samui Airport Info.
There are several beaches in Surat Thani but if your willing to travel to Sichon which is half way between Surat Thani and Nakhon Sri Thammarat you will find Khanom Beach, well worth the trip.
Thinking of visiting Surat Thani, Koh Samui, Ko Phangan or some of the other islands in the area? Why not check out our Southern Thailand & Koh Samui Forum.
Suan Mokkh is set in a serene ambience conducive for meditation or contemplation of the philosophy of life. The temple itself is nothing but a combination of natural sandy grounds and rocks, dotted with trees. There are no elaborate stupas and chapels like other temples, only a place that keeps one in truly in tune with nature.
Wat Khao Suwan Pradit
Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailands' most revered Buddhist monks, founded this monastery. The 45-meter hilltop pagoda contains Buddha relics brought from Wat Phra Kiat, Hod District, Chiang Mai. From the pagoda, visitors can get a panoramic view of the coast. The temple is located approximately 1 kilometer from Don Sak District, along the Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401).
Phra Borom That Chaiya
Located approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Suan Mokkh, or approximately 54 kilometers north of the provincial capital, this ancient chedi houses Buddha relics, which are highly revered by local residents. The restored Phra Borom That Chaiya serves as a fine example of Srivijaya's influence on religious architecture and is believed to have been built more than 1,200 years ago. Along the courtyard of the chedi are several sculptures and Buddha images.
Folklore Museum
Located approximately 300 meters from Chaiya City, at the intersection of Highway No. 41 and the side road of Wat Kaew (or Wat Long), the museum features numerous interesting historical objects.
Ban Phumriang
A small handicraft village located approximately 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, Ban Phumriang is notable for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute head gear.
Chaiya National Museum
Adjacent to Phra Borom That Chaiya is a charming petite museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum features prehistoric and historic artifacts in the vicinity, local handicrafts and a shadow puppet. In addition, artifacts from Dvaravati, Lop Buri, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras are also put on display.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Admission fee is 100 baht.
Call 0-7743-1066 for more information.
Oyster Farms
Surat Thani is famous for oyster cultivation and the sizes of the oysters farmed here are substantially larger than those found elsewhere. Several medium to small-sized farms are located around the estuarine areas of the Kradae Canal and the Thong River. These farms can be reached by boat from the Tha Thong Quay side within 30 minutes.
Monkey School
Mr. Somporn Saekow, a person who believes that monkeys can be trained in order to use their capacities to the fullest, established this training college for monkeys. Students are mostly local pig-tailed monkeys from the forests. Monkey owners must pay a tuition fee, which is inclusive of food and accommodation. Classes of 3-6 months are classified into three levels, beginners, intermediate and advance. Graduate monkeys are trained to pick only ripened coconuts from the trees. To get there, take Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401) and drive for approximately 7 kilometers. Upon approaching a junction, turn right to the dirt road and proceed for approximately 2 kilometers. The college is located on the right side. Interested visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details. Alternatively, call the College at 0 7722 7351, 08 4745 5662 for more details.
Ratchaprapha Dam or Chieo Lan Dam
The lake offers an incomparably breathtaking view of limestone mountains and over 200 small islands. Accommodations near the dam are available from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. 02 436-3179 or 77 311-364, 311-522. For those wishing to see the lake closer, boat rental service is also available. Contact 077 311522, or 02 2407405 ext. 5008 for more details.
The dam is located 70 kilometers west from Surat Thani on Highway No. 401. Travel along the Highway, turn right at the kilometer 52-53 marker and proceed for another 12 kilometers along an access road until you see the extensive lake beyond the Dam.
Ko Nang Yuan
The island is nothing but a group of three small islands located to the north of Ko Tao. Offering stunning and breathtaking views, the islands are connected by a three-way stretch of pure white powdery beach. The rich marine life at Ko Nang Yuan is similar to that of Ko Tao. With a wide variety of coral formations, the island is also an ideal diving and snorkeling spot. Accommodations and facilities are available with daily boat service to and from Ko Tao.
The area of Kaeng Krung consists of two-complicated mountain ranges lying north and south. A valley between two mountain ranges is the source of Luangsuan River in the north, and Klongyan Canal in the south. The highest mountain is 849 meters above sea level. Most of the area is soil-mountain which has tin be an important and valuable mineral.
Khao Sok has a general topographic composition of Limestone Mountains and possesses the scattered peaks of Ka Lo Mountain whose form resembles those of towers. The highest peak to reside in the park measures at 961 m above sea level. The area in which the park is located contains highly acidic, sandy soil that is easily eroded during rainstorms.
Khlong Phanom is habitat of variety animals consisting of elephants, deers, tapirs, bears, serows, wild pigs, gibbons, monkeys, langurs, squirrels, mouse deers, red jungle fowls, etc. as well as variety of birds and reptiles.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park consists of 42 islands. Its main islands are, for examples, Phaluai Island, Wua Chio Island, Wua Talap Island, Mae Ko Island, Samsao Island, Phai Luak Island, Kha Island, Hindap Island, Phi Island, Wua Kantang Island, Mae Yat Island, Wua Te Island, Naiphut Island, Changsom Island, Hanuman Island, Thaiphlao Island, Huaklong Island, and Kho Ban Island.
The Tai Romyen area consists of complicated mountain range, and is the source of water. Its main rivers are Chawang River, Lamphun River, Namtao River and Tan River for examples, and some mountains are limestone so the area has many wonderful caves.
The weather condition for Than Sadet is rainfall almost all year round. Average annual temperature around 28C, highest temperature around 33C in May (hot). The lowest temperature around 24C between December and January, it making the climate cool down during the period. Average annual rainfall is measured at 1,848 millimeters, February is the lowest rainfall around 38 millimeters and November is the high rainfall around 428 millimeters.
Guesthouses & Hotels in Surat Thani
Wang Tai Hotel
1 Taladmai Road,
Surat Thani 84000
Tel. 0-7728-3020 - 30
Diamond Plaza Suratthani
83/27 M. 2, Sriwichai Road, Muang
Suratthani 84000 Thailand
Tel: 0-7720-5333
Baan Khao Sok Resort
231 M.6,T.Klongsok
A.Phanom,Surathani 84250
Tel . 081-9580185 , 081-8945440