Surat Thani is a province in the lower
southern Gulf of Thailand. There are many big and small Islands around the
province. Koh Pha-Ngan is one of the popular islands in Surat Thani. It will be
the favorite island of travellers who love swimming, sunbathing, listening to
the sound of waves, going diving or snorkeling. There are many packaged trips
to choose, just prepare yourselves for the exciting experiences.
Koh Samui is also on the list of popular
islands. Most travellers are fascinated by its white beaches, emerald Sea
reflecting blue sky. Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai are the beaches for sunbathing
and swimming all day. There are natural beauty of Hin Ta and Hin Yai – a
surprising-shaped rocks in Hat Lamai.
Not only beautiful beaches, travellers
can also go snorkeling or diving to see beautiful coral reefs, or go to Khao
Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Station which is at the 210 meter height
above sea level to see the city’s view. Visitors can enjoy Seafood at the
restaurants around Tapee River or having seafood with the sea view at Aow Ban
Don Tai.
There are many delicious food and sweet
in Surat Thani including Khanom Jung, Phumriang shell, oyster, Khanom Chin
(thin rice noodles) with spicy curry Paste in southern style, Khanom Chindae,
and bitter beans which has its unique smell.
The name of Surat Thani may mean
"City of the Good People" but Surat Thani is also known as “the
province of a thousand islands” -- many of which lay off the coast in the Gulf
of Thailand, including the archipelago that contains Koh Samui, Koh Phangan,
Koh Tao, and the Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Once the refuge of backpackers, the
islands of Surat Thani are now some of the most visited places in Thailand;
however, there are a number of Historical, cultural, and natural attractions on
the Thai mainland to make a stop in Surat Thani province worthwhile on the way
to or from the islands.
The largest province of the South,
located 685 kilometers from Bangkok, Surat Thani means "City of the Good
People.” A former capital of the Indonesian Srivijaya Empire, Surat Thani
remains a vibrant city that is both a commercial and transportation hub and an
area with many historical and cultural attractions.
Surat Thani Province covers an area of approximately 13,000 square kilometers of high plateaus and forested mountains in the west of the province that diminish to low basins towards the eastern coast. This mountainous topography has created 14 river basins all of which flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand; similarly, almost all visitors to Surat Thani invariably head to the Gulf, where the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, and the Mu Koh Ang Thong Marine national park are located.