Surat Thani is a busy commercial centre and port dealing in coconut and rubber, and is located 670km from Bangkok. The town has little of historical interest to see, but has character, and the true look and feel of Southern Thailand.

For most people Surat Thani will be a stopping off point before boarding the ferry to Koh Samui, or travelling further south.

Getting There

Air conditioned buses leave from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal every morning and evening for the 11 hour journey to Surat Thani. Several private companies run tour buses from Bangkok to Surat then on to Koh Samui.

Trains depart from Hua Lampong Station in Bangkok several times per day and take about 12 to 13 hours to reach Phun Pin Station, which is 14km from Surat Thani. There will be plenty of songthaews waiting to take passengers into Surat.

Thai Airways International operate flights from Bangkok to Surat Thani.

WHAT TO SEE

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

Chaiya National Museum
Located at Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Chaiya. It is a historical and archaeological museum. The first building puts on exhibition stone and bronze sculptures discovered in the ancient city of Chaiya, for example, sculptures of the God Vishnu and Bohdisattva Avalokitesvara. The second building exhibits artifacts of protohistoric down to historic periods from Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Lop Buri, Sukhothai to Ayutthaya. Art objects and several other crafts are also displayed here. Chaiya National Museum is open daily between 09.00-16.00 hrs. except for Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is 10 Baht each.

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

Khao Thaphet Wildlife and Nature Education Station
Located some 6 kms. from town along the Surat - Nasan Road, highway no. 4009 and covers 1,162 acres. The station houses many caged wild animals. The hilltop, some 210 meters above sea level, offers panoramic views of Ban Don municipality, the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay. On Khao Thaphet is also located the stupa named Phra That Si Surat or locally known as Phra That Khao Thaphet which houses Buddha relics donated by the Indian government some 30 years ago.

Oyster Farms
Are found around the estuarine areas of the Kradae and Tha Thong Rivers, in Amphoe Kanchanadit. Oyster Bred there are substantially larger than those found elsewhere. To visit the farms is by hiring boats from Tha Thong quayside for some 30 minutes.

Moo Ban Phumriang
Some 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, is an arts and crafts centre well known for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute headwear.
 

Monkey Schools
The schools where monkeys are trained to pick coconuts, there are 2 places: one is located in Amphoe Kanchanadit, some 13 kms. from Surat Thani along Highway No. 401 and another one is at Ban Khlong Sai, Amphoe Tha Chang, some 35 kms. along Highway No. 41. Visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details.

National Parks

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 to be found. With an atmosphere of peacefulness and restfulness, one can trek along the trails made to the adventure. Accommodations in the park can be available through the reservation section, Forestry Department, Tel. (662) 579-0529, 579-4842. Besides, near the area of the park there are private-run bungalows available for the tourist.

Tai Rom Yen National Park
Covers the area of 133,125 rai of Khlong Nam Thao Forest Reserve in Amphoe Ban Na San and Amphoe Wiang Sa. A mountain within the park known as Khao Chong Chang once used to be the base of the Communist Party of Thailand. There are several scenic tourist spots such as Nam Tok Dat Fa, Nam Tok Muang Thuat in Amphoe Ban Na San and Nam Tok Than Thip in Amphoe Wiang Sa. Visitors wishing to stay overnight here are requested to bring along their camping accessories. For more details please contact National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel. (662) 579-4842, 579-0529.

Nam Tok Wiphawadi or Nam Tok Ban Nai
Though of the same name as the one within Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary, this one is located in Amphoe Don Sak on the roadside of the Highway 401 between KM. 60-61, about 38 kilometers from town. Though a small waterfall, it is always crowded on holidays.

Ratchprapha or Chieo Lan Dam
It is located on Km. 52-53 Highway No. 401 and turn right for another 12 kms. The scenery around the dam area is very beautiful. Accommodations are available from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. (662) 436-3179 or (6677) 311-364, 311-522.

Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in King Amphoe Wiphawadi, 45 kilometers along the Highway 41 with a 26-kilometers left turn to King Amphoe Wiphawadi. Further on for about 10 kilometers, then turn right for another 8 kilometers, one will get to the sanctuary. Major attraction here is the beautiful waterfall "Nam Tok Wiphawadi". Accommodation is available. Reservation should be made to Chief of Khlong Ya Wildlife Sanctuary at Moo 8, Tambon Takut Tai, King Amphoe Wiphawadi, Surat Thani 84180.