Surat Thani


Suratthani facts

Surat Thani means: City of good people
Province size: 12,891.5 km²
Location: A province and town in South-East Thailand
Distance from Bangkok: About 644 km
Province population: About 1 million
City population: About 127,000 people

Important numbers

Police emergency: 191
Tourist Police - Emergency: 1155

Getting there

Surat Thani town is a hub for travelers in the South of Thailand. Most tourists just pass by, but if you are not in a hurry, you can easily find a decent hotel room. It can be booked online from this website in the column to the right.

Flight
From the domestic terminal at Bangkok's International Airport. (Don Muang) Thai Airways and Air Asia has daily flights to the Suratthani Airport.

Bus
If you are going from Bangkok there are direct buses from Khao San Road as well as from the Bangkok Southern bus terminal at Chonnani Road. Buy tickets at the terminal or at any travel agency. The so called VIP buses are often rather comfortable.

Train
A comfortable way to travel in Thailand. Especially in a first class (two bed private compartments) or second class air conditioned sleeping coach. From Hualampong Railway Station in Bangkok, to Surat Thani Railway Station.

History

The Surat Thani region has been populated for a long time. Some areas were actually already populated at prehistoric time by tribes. For about 1000 years the Srivijaya kingdom dominated the region until it fall in the 13th century. It was then divided into two towns; Thatong and Chaiya. The province was named Surat Thani in July 29th 1915, as the King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh) was visiting the province. Surat Thani means "City of good people" in Thai. It is the largest province of Southern Thailand. Today Surat Thaini is a important export region for coconuts, rambutan (A delicious fruit that you definitely should try) and rubber and of course also a port and hub for tourists going to the islands of Mu Koh Samui (Samui, Tao and Phangan) and also the Andaman region in the South West. (Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga and Trang).

The islands of Surat Thani

Koh Samui
The largest island in the region and a very popular tourist destination.

Koh Phangan
The second largest island in the Suratthani province. Affordable bungalows and resort and a nice, relaxed atmosphere. Popular among backpackers and tourists who are looking for a tropical hideout. Also known for it's Full Moon Party.

Koh Tao
The diving and snorkeling "Mecca" of the East coast of Thailand.

Koh Nang Yuan
Three small islands connected with a beautiful double sided beach. Very close to Koh Tao.

Mu Koh Ang Thong
42 island with national park status, in the middle of Suratthani main land and the Samui island.



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