Welcome to Surat Thani, Thailand
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Surat Thani, Thailand Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Surat Thani is southern Thailand's largest province, covers some 12,800 square kilometres, and has an extensive coastline lapped by Thai Gulf waters. The provincial capital is 685 kilometres south of Bangkok.
Surat Thani boasts some of Thailand's loveliest islands namely the Penang-sized Koh Samui, Thailand's third largest island, palm-fringed jewel of a sparkling archipelago that includes the stunning 250-square-kilometre Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Surat Thani once formed part, and may have been the centre, of the Mahayana Buddhist Srivijaya Empire which steeped in legend and mystery, dominated the Malay peninsula and much of Java some 1,500 years ago. Srivijaya was best described by the itinerant Chinese monk I Ching after a pilgrimage he made to India during the late 600s. Archaeological discoveries at Chaiya district indicate the former empire's splendour.
Attractions
Tapi River Estuary
Tapi River Estuary Located some 7 kilometres from the town, this area is noteworthy for its quality seafood restaurants.
Khao Tha Phet Wildlife
Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Centre About 6 kilometres from the provincial capital along Highway No. 4009 (the Surat Thani-Na San route) and 1.5 kilometres along an access road, this centre is located on a hill called Khao Tha Phet and covers an area of 2,906 rais, or 4.65 square kilometres. The hilltop, some 200 metres above sea level, offers commanding panoramic views of Surat Thani town, the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay. Si Surat Stupa, known locally as Phra That Khao Tha Phet, is located on the summit of Khao Tha Phet. The candle-like stupa was built in 1957 and contains Lord Buddha’s relics donated by the Indian government.
Transportation
Bus
Air-conditioned buses, varying in 3 types, depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani everyday at the following times:
VIP Bus: 7 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.
Standard 1 Bus (blue colour): 9 a.m., 9.30 a.m., 8 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.
Standard 2 Bus (orange colour): 9.30 a.m. and 8.45 p.m.
Car
Surat Thani can be most conveniently reached by car from Bangkok by taking Highway No. 4 to Chumphon via Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, and thence onto Highway No. 41 and Highway No. 401.
Train
Trains leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station 10 times daily from 12 noon-10.50 p.m. The trip takes approximately 13 hours. For further details, please call 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit www.srt.or.th.
Surat Thani Railway Station is 12 kilometres from town. A bus service between the station and the town is available.
Air
Thai Airways has 2 daily flights connecting Bangkok with Surat Thani, with flying time being 70 minutes. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.
| Recommended Hotels in Koh Samui, Surat Thani
Royal Living Residence
7/9-16 Moo 6, Bang Po
Maenam Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330
Why is this hotel?
If you love the tropics. If you have always dreamed of living on the shores of a beautiful calm bay where at night you listen to the warm clear waters lapping onto the shores a few meters away. If you love views that swallow you up, clean fresh air, clear blue skies, warm sunny days, tall swaying coconut palms, delicious food and gracious Thai hospitality.
:: Rate & Location
:: Travel Review
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Briza Beach Resort & Spa
173/22 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach,
Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Why is this hotel?
Inspired by the great Srivijaya Empire, which flourished along the shores and among the islands of Southeast Asia a few centuries ago, the resort is a haven of ease and tranquility. Here, on idyllic Samui Island, The Briza recaptures the spirit of Srivijaya, the lightness and grace of its art, the security and serenity that springs from a civilization moulded by the gentle Buddhist faith.
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Hotels nearby Chaweng Beach
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