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 can be described as a hub for travelers in the South of Thailand. Most tourists just pass by, but if you are not in a hurry, we recommend you to stay for a day or two to experience an overage middle size Thai city.


Flight

From the domestic terminal at Bangkok's International Airport. (Suvarnabhumi) Thai Airways and Air Asia has daily flights to the Surat Thani Airport (IATA airport code: URT).


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 the tickets at the terminal or in any travel agency. The so called VIP buses are often rather comfortable, with less seats than regular buses.


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 and Economy

The Surat Thani region has been populated for a very 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, rubber and rambutan (a red, hairy, delicious fruit that you definitely should try).

Nowadays it is also a very port and hub for tourists going to the islands of Mu Koh Samui (Samui, Tao and Phangan islands) 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 in Southeast Thailand. A very popular tourist destination.


Koh Phangan

The second largest island in the Suratthani province. Here you'll find affordable bungalows and experience a nice, relaxed atmosphere. It is popular among backpackers and tourists who are looking for a tropical hideout away from modern life stress. The island is also known for it's Full Moon Party.


Koh Tao

Koh Tao (or Ko Tao) is undoubtly the diving and snorkeling "Mecca" of the Gulf of Thailand.


Koh Nang Yuan

Koh Nang Yuan consists of three small idylic islands connected with a beautiful double sided beach. It is situated very close to Koh Tao.


Mu Koh Ang Thong

The Angthong National Marine Park consists of 42 island with a national park status. These are situated in between the Suratthani main land and the Samui island.



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