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Surat Thani The largest province of the South located 685 kilometers from Bangkok is Surat Thani the province with a name that literally means "City of the Good People". A former capital of the Srivijaya Empire, the province covers an area of approximately 12,891 square kilometers. Surat Thani Province borders the Gulf of Thailand to the north and east, Chumphon Province to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi Provinces to the south, Phang-Nga and Ranong Provinces to the west and Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to the east.
High plateaus and forested mountains are located to the west of the province, while there are low basins in the center and along the eastern coast. This topography has created 14 river basins including Tapee, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, Tha Chang which are the most important basins. All rivers in Surat Thani flow east of the province to the Gulf of Thailand.
The numerous islands along the coast makes Surat Thani (often known as Surat in short) a perfect hideaway for vacationers from around the world. The ideal destination for many is the Penang-sized Ko Samui , Thailand 's third largest island, and its neighbor Ko Pha Ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. To top it all is the dazzling 250-square-kilometer Ang Thong Marine National Park, where a stunning archipelago awaits to greet visitors with their charming palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colorful coral reefs. The best time to enjoy one of these islands to the fullest is from April November.
History of
Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a city with a long history. Archeologists believe that it was once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the Saemang and original Malays who built their communities on the Tapee River Basin and Ao Ban Don. Later on, the Indians migrated into the area and gradually spread out their culture, as evidenced in the discovery of ruins of ancient communities in Tha Chana and Chaiya Sub-districts.
In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire the kingdom that dominated the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empires grandeur can still be admired in many areas of Chaiya District.
When the empire hit the bottom, it was divided into 3 main cities namely Chaiya, Tha Thong and Khiri Rat. They were all under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to move Tha Thong City to Ban Don and required that it report directly to Bangkoks administration. The name Ban Don was, at the time, changed to Kanchanadit. It was with the establishment of the Monthon, a former administrative unit, that all three cities were merged into one under the name Chaiya. In 1915, King Rama VI changed the name Chaiya to Surat Thani.
The seal of Surat Thani says a lot about its history. Featuring the pagoda of Phra Boromathat Chaiya, the seal is proof of the influence of Mahayana Buddhist on Surat Thani. Phra Boromathat Chaiya is the most revered and important historical place in the province. It is believed that the pagoda contains Buddha relics.
Today, Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping hub for rubber and coconut trading.
How to get to Surat Thani
By Car Surat Thani can be most conveniently reached by car from Bangkok by Surat Thaniing Highway No. 4 to Chumphon Province via Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces and then Surat Thaniing Highway No. 41 and Highway No. 401 directly to Surat Thani City.
By Bus Air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani Province everyday. Call the southern Bus Terminal tel: 0 2434 5557-8 or visit
www.transport.co.th
By Train Trains leave Bangkok 's Hua Lamphong Railway Station 10 times daily from 12 p.m. until 10.50 p.m. The trip Surat Thanies approximately 12-13 hours. Ask for the train from Bangkok to Phun Phin, the closest station to Surat Thani.
For further details, please call 1690, 0 2223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or visit
www.railway.co.th.
Surat Thani Railway Station is 12 kilometers from town. A bus service between the station and the town is available.
By Air Thai Airways International has 2 daily flights connecting Bangkok with Surat Thani. The flight time is approximately 70 minutes.
For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or get your on-line e-ticket at
www.thaiairways.com
By Boat
Seatran (077 275060, 136 Na Meuang Road ) operates a bus/boat combination to Ko Samui. The fee is 150 baht.
Phantip Travel (077 272230, 293/6-8 Talat Mai Road ) offers tickets to Ko Tao (500 baht), Ko Pha-Nhan (250 baht), and Ko Samui (140 baht).
The operator is Raja Ferry (07 314523, 077 371151 or 077 371206) who offers bus/boat combinations to the islands.
Getting around the city Apart from the local orange bus (9 baht / trip / person), songthaews are another option to get around the city. It costs 10 baht / trip / person. Samlors will cost approximately 20-30 baht. The orange bus departs from the Phu Phin train station to the city every 10 minutes from 6.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. The same ride by taxi will cost approximately 100 baht.
Air-conditioned vans connecting the airport and town costs 70-80 baht / person / trip. Tickets can be purchased at travel agencies or THAI office (077 272610).
Attractions
Tai Rom Yen National Park The park covers areas in Ban Na San, Kanchanadit and Wiang Sa Districts. With a total area of 265,625 rai of land, the zone was declared a national park on 31 December 1991 . The park is covered by lush virgin forests where rare plants can be found. The mountains peak, covered by mist all year round, is the origin of the Tapi River . Wild animals such as elephants, mountain goats, tapirs, chevrotains, wild boars, etc. can also be spotted here. Interesting attractions include Tat Fa Waterfall, Muang Thuat Waterfall, Khamin Cave naturally decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, and Camp 180 as well as Camp 357, which once were the base of the Communist Party of Thailand.
Amphoe Chaiya Ban Phumriang
A small handicraft village located approximately 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, Ban Phumriang is notable for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute head gear.
Chaiya National Museum Adjacent to Phra Borom That Chaiya is a charming petite museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum features prehistoric and historic artifacts in the vicinity, local handicrafts and a shadow puppet. In addition, artifacts from Dvaravati, Lop Buri, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras are also put on display. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Call 0-7743-1066 for more information. Admission fee is 30 baht / person.
Folklore Museum Located approximately 300 meters from Chaiya City, at the intersection of Highway No. 41 and the side road of Wat Kaew (or Wat Long), the museum features numerous interesting historical objects. They include Bone China, pottery, shadow puppets, old instruments and a ceramic opium pillow. Admission fee is by donation. The Museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. until 9.00 p.m.
Laem Pho Located approximately 2 kilometers along Phumriang Beachside Road is Laem Pho a cape that is famous for its fresh and excellent seafood. Highly recommended is Hoi Kao (white mussel), a local delicacy which can only be found here. To get to Laem Pho by public transportation, either Surat Thanie Surat Thani Ranong or Surat Thani Chumphon buses. From Chaiya City, Surat Thanie Chaiya Phumriang buses.
Phra Borom That Chaiya Located approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Suan Mokkh, or approximately 54 kilometers north of the provincial capital, this ancient chedi houses Buddha relics, which are highly revered by local residents. The restored Phra Borom That Chaiya serves as a fine example of Srivijaya's influence on religious architecture and is believed to have been built more than 1,200 years ago. Along the courtyard of the chedi are several sculptures and Buddha images.
Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram Commonly known as Suan Mokkh (Garden of Liberation), the modern forest monastery was founded in 1959by the late Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, one of Thailand 's most famous monks. This 150-acre forest temple is formerly called Wat Than Nam Lai, and is located beside Highway No. 41, approximately 50 kilometers north from the Surat City . (or at kilometer 134 marker). Suan Mokkh is set in a serene ambience conducive for meditation or contemplation of the philosophy of life. The temple itself is nothing but a combination of natural sandy grounds and rocks, dotted with trees. There are no elaborate stupas and chapels like other temples, only a place that keeps one in truly in tune with nature.
Buddhadasa Bhikkhus philosophy is universal in nature. It's the combination of Zen, Taoist and Christian elements with the Theravada Buddhism. That's why his teaching has attracted many Thais and foreigners, especially those who are eager to look inward and realign themselves with nature.
The 'Spiritual Theatre' is an interesting attraction for casual visitors. It features art objects, drawings and poems related to Buddhas' teachings in which Buddhadhasa Bhikkhu describes a pictorial interpretation of Dharma. The building also exhibits a diverse mixture of Thai, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Tibetan and European-style murals and sculptures.
An ideal place for meditation for serious visitors, Suan Mokkh offers meditation courses for foreigners every month from 1st 10th. The course is from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Call 077 43 1522, 077 43 1597 or visit
www.suanmokkh.org
for more information.
Amphoe Don Sak Ferry Pier
The Pier is located at Kula Cape , approximately 6 kilometers from the District Administrative Office. This big pier provides ferry services for visitors to Ko Samui.
Namtok Vibhavadi This medium-sized waterfall is the local residents socializing venue on weekends. With rustic surroundings, the waterfall is located 38 kilometers east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 401, approximately at the kilometer 60-61markers before the Don Sak intersection. Visitors can Surat Thanie either Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat or Surat Thani Don Sak buses to get to the waterfall.
Wat Khao Suwan Pradit Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailands ' most revered Buddhist monks, founded this monastery. The 45-meter hilltop pagoda contains Buddha relics brought from Wat Phra Kiat, Hod District, Chiang Mai. From the pagoda, visitors can get a panoramic view of the coast. The temple is located approximately 1 kilometer from Don Sak District, along the Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401).
Amphoe Kanchanadit Monkey School
Mr. Somporn Saekow, a person who believes that monkeys can be trained in order to use their capacities to the fullest, established this training college for monkeys. Students are mostly local pig-tailed monkeys from the forests. Monkey owners must pay a tuition fee, which is inclusive of food and accommodation. Classes of 3-6 months are classified into three levels, beginners, intermediate and advance. Graduate monkeys are trained to pick only ripened coconuts from the trees. To get there, Surat Thanie Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401) and drive for approximately 7 kilometers. Upon approaching a junction, turn right to the dirt road and proceed for approximately 2 kilometers. The college is located on the right side. Interested visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details. Alternatively, call the College at 0 7722 7351 for more details.
Oyster Farms Surat Thani is famous for oyster cultivation and the sizes of the oysters farmed here are substantially larger than those found elsewhere. Several medium to small-sized farms are located around the estuarine areas of the Kradae Canal and the Thong River . These farms can be reached by boat from the Tha Thong Quay side within 30 minutes.
Amphoe Koh Pha-Ngan Ao Si Thanu
Located at Mu 8, Pha-ngan District, approximately 10 kilometers from the District Office is the one of the most beautiful beach of Ko Pha-ngan. To reach this beach, Surat Thanie a songthaew from Thong Sala Pier for a fare of 40 baht / trip / person.
Ao Thian Part of Ko Tao, Ao Thian can be seen from a viewing point located on the hilltop of Ta To Cape.
Ao Thong Nai Pan Located at Mu 5, Ban Tai Sub-district , approximately 23 kilometers from the District Office is the second most beautiful beach on Ko Pha-ngan. To reach this beach, either Surat Thanie a boat or songthaew from Thong Sala Pier. The songthaew fare is 80 baht / trip / person while that of chartered boats is up to negotiation.
Ban Chalok Lam The village is situated along the bay to the north of Pha-ngan Island . The area is lined with shops selling merchandise and souvenirs with the most popular item being dried squid. There are songthaew services from Thong Sala Pier with a fare of 50 baht / trip / person.
Hat Rin Located at Mu 4, Ban Tai Sub-district, approximately 12 kilometers from the District Office is the most beautiful and famous beach on Ko Pha-ngan Hat Rin. The white sandy beach stretching for 2 kilometers is accessible by a long-tailed boat from Thong Sala Pier and Ban Kai. The fare is approximately 30 baht and 20 baht respectively. The Full-moon Party, with over a thousand party lovers in attendance is held on this beach.
Ko Nang Yuan The island is nothing but a group of three small islands located to the north of Ko Tao. Offering stunning and breathSurat Thaniing views, the islands are connected by a three-way stretch of pure white powdery beach.
The rich marine life at Ko Nang Yuan is similar to that of Ko Tao. With a wide variety of coral formations, the island is also an ideal diving and snorkeling spot. Accommodations and facilities are available with daily boat service to and from Ko Tao.
Ko Pha-ngan Another ideal destination for travelers who prefer less crowded, more private beaches set in a laid-back atmosphere. However, this is also a very hip place to be as the island hosts the world famous, and perhaps the biggest beach party on this planet the full moon party on Hat Rin.
Covering an area of 191 square kilometers, Ko Pha-ngan is located 20 kilometers directly north of Ko Samui, or approximately 100 kilometers from Surat . The best time to visit Ko Pha-ngan is from February to September. Interesting attractions include secluded and virgin beaches around the island, a hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham which is ideal for meditation, Than Sadet Waterfall, and the Namtok Phaeng National Park . Renting a motorcycle to explore the island is recommended as there is a lot to see and do.
Boat Services to Ko Pha-Ngan
From Ko Samui There are approximately 10 daily transfers to Ko Pha-ngan. Boats depart between 7.30 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. The trip Surat Thanies approximately 30 minutes to an hour, depending on weather conditions. Boats leave from Thong Sala Pier and Hat Rin on Ko Pha-ngan to Ko Samui Pier including Na Thon Pier, Mae Nam and the Big Buddha. The fare is approximately 115 baht to 250 baht / trip / person.
From Surat Thani Surat Thani Pier operates a minimum of 6 daily departures to Ko Pha-ngan. Boats leave from 7.00 a.m. to 10.00 p.m. and arrive at Tha Sala Pier on Ko Pha-ngan. The fare ranges from 200 baht to 370 baht / trip / person.
From Ko Tao Approximately 6 daily departures from Thong Sala Pier to Ko Tao are provided. They leave from 8.30 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. The fare ranges from 180 baht to 350 baht.
Getting around Ko Pha-Ngan Traveling around the island by rented motorcycle from bungalows is recommended. The cost is approximately 200 baht / day. For those who prefer truly Thai-style transportation, songthaew services are also available. The fare is 50 baht from Thong Sala Pier to any place on the island. Exceptions are on routes to Ban Khai (30 baht) and Ao Thong Nai Pan (80 baht). Car rental service is also available at approximately 1,000 baht / day.
Ko Tae Nai A charming island with jungle-covered hills, a long stretch of golden sandy beach and colorful coral reefs, Ko Tae Nai is located near Ko Pha-ngan, and can be reached just 5 minutes by chartered boats. Accommodations are available but are mostly middle to top-end.
Ko Tao A small isolated island situated 45 kilometers to the north of Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao was once used as a prison for instigators of the Bavordet coup. The island is famous for its rich sea coral reefs and inhabitants and secluded beaches set in a laid-back atmosphere. Ideal for snorkeling and diving, there are numerous diving schools scattered around the island that have always attracted diving students. With exceptional underwater visibility, Ko Tao is one of Thailand 's finest offshore diving spots with main attractions such as White Rock, Shark Island , Chumphon Pinnacle, Green Rock, Sail Rock and Southwest Pinnacles. The stunning viewing point is a spot where visitors can see three connecting beaches stretching beautifully to the horizon.
Apart from Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao can be reached either from Surat Thani or Chumphon Provinces . Accommodations in the form of bungalows, at various price ranges, are available. The best time to visit Ko Tao is from February to April. Traveling on the island is possible by boat, car or motorcycle.
Wat Khao Tham Located on the hilltop of Khao Kao Haeng, Mu 1, Bang Tai Sub-district , the monastery is ideal for meditation amidst the unspoiled nature. Foreigners mostly visit the compound to learn how to practice meditation between September and November. To reach the monastery, Surat Thanie a chartered car or rent a motorcycle at Thong Sala Pier and drive for approximately 3 kilometers. From the entrance of the temple, drive approximately 1 kilometer up to the compound.
Wat Maduea Wan Apart from beaches, sand and sea, Ko Pha-ngan also has cultural attractions such as Wat Maduea Wan, located at Mu 3, where the replica of the Lord Buddha's Footprint is enshrined on the hilltop Mondop. To reach the temple, Surat Thanie a songthaew from for a total distance of approximately 3 kilometers for a fare of 20 baht / trip / person.
Amphoe Muang
Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Center
The Center is located approximately 6 kilometers from the Surat City . Covering an area of 2,906 rai or 4.65 square kilometers, the Center is home to numerous wild animals. Its headquarters is situated on a hilltop, which rises approximately 200 meters above sea level. At the peak of the hill is Phra That Si Surat, locally known as Khao Ta Phet. Built in 1957, this candle-like stupa contains Lord Buddha's relics donated by the Indian government. The hilltop is an ideal place to get a bird eyes view of the City and Tapi River , as well as Ban Don Bay.
An informative 800-meter, nature study trail is introduced by the Center with captions providing detailed information on each plant enabling visitors to learn on their own in an enjoyable manner. For those interested in staying overnight, it is recommended that they bring their own tents. Advanced reservations in writing are required and should be sent to Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Center , P.O. Box 29 Muang District, Surat Thani, 84000.
To get there from the provincial capital, drive along Highway No. 4009 (the Surat Thani-Na San route) for approximately 6 kilometers, then turn left at the sign of the Center and proceed approximately 1.5 kilometers along an access road to the Center.
Pak Nam Tapi (Tapi River Estuary) The Tapi River Mouth is located approximately 7 kilometers from Ban Don Municipality. The area is particularly well known for its excellent seafood restaurants. Apart from serving reasonably priced tasty dishes, they are located against a magnificent backdrop of the peaceful Tapi River. Getting to the place from the city is easy. Just use tuk-tuk services located opposite Chula Shopping Mall.
Amphoe Phanom Khao Sok National Park
This virgin rainforest dotted by limestone mountain ranges and rugged high cliffs was established as a national park in 1980. The poised limestone mountains resemble to those in Guilin , China resulting in the local nickname of Thailand 's Guilin . Covering an area of approximately 646 square kilometers, the park extends beyond Ban Ta Kun, Phanom and Khiri Ratniyom Districts.
The main attractions in the park include Namtok Mae Yai which can be reached by car and Namtok Sip Ed Chan (eleven-tiered waterfall), situated approximately 4 kilometers from the park office. There are also other magnificent waterfalls and caves, which are mostly accessible by foot.
Khao Sok is inhabited by rare wildlife such as wild elephants, leopards, serow, banteng, gaur, dusky languors, tigers and Malayan sun bears. Bird lovers will be enthralled visiting, as there are over 180 bird species to watch.
Rare floras are found along nature trails particularly to the south of the park where local plants such as lianas, bamboo, ferns and giant rattan, of over 10cm. in diameter, can be found. To top it all, the bua phut is perhaps what visitors to Khao Sok look forward to seeing most. Bua Phut or Rafflesia kerri meyer, a flower which can only be found in Khao Sok, is claimed as the largest flower in the world. When in full bloom, the Bua Phut is approximately 80 centimeters in diameter. The flower is a natural parasite without roots of its own, but relying on roots of a jungle vine to survive. The best time to see Bua Phut is from October to December, when they are in full bloom. Contact the parks headquarters for a local guide. Note that a 5-8 hour walk is required to see such a rare flower. However, there photographs of Bua Phut in the headquarters office, with information displayed on the ecological system of the park.
The park and other entrepreneurs provide bungalows, camping areas and raft-houses while accommodation owners normally provide food. Contact TAT Region 5 at 077 288818-9 for more details on a complete list of accommodations.
The park office is located 1.3 kilometers off of the Surat-Surat Thaniua Pa Road at kilometer 109 marker. From Surat Thani City , Surat Thanie Highway No 401 to Surat Thaniua Pa District (in Phang-Nga province). Total distance is approximately 100 kilometers. The park is at its best from December to April.
Khuean Ratchaprapha Another name of this dam is Khuean Chieo Lan. The dam, built in 1982, is a rock with fat-clay core dam that is 94 meters in height and 761 in length. The reservoir (lake) covers an area of 185 square kilometers and boasts an electricity generating capacity of approximately 554 million kilowatt / hour. The lake offers an incomparably breathSurat Thaniing view of limestone mountains and over 200 small islands. Accommodations near the dam are available from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. 02 436-3179 or 77 311-364, 311-522. For those wishing to see the lake closer, boat rental service is also available. Contact 077 311522, or 02 2407405 ext. 5008 for more details.
The dam is located 70 kilometers west from Surat Thani on Highway No. 401. Travel along the Highway, turn right at the kilometer 52-53 marker and proceed for another 12 kilometers along an access road until you see the extensive lake beyond the Dam.
Festivals
Chak Phra Festival
Surat Thani celebrates the official end of the annual 3-month Buddhist Rains Retreat (Ok Phansa) in mid-October with the Chak Phra Festival (literally 'the procession of hauling the Buddha image). The tradition stems from the belief that the Buddha ascended to Heaven during Phansa to preach to his mother. The festival marks the Buddha's return to Earth, and is an occasion for religious merit-making and general celebrations. Local people organise dazzling land and waterborne processions of revered Buddha images (to symbolise the Buddha's return to Earth) and boat races on the Tapi River where long boats, manned by up to 50 oarsmen, are ebulliently raced. Religious devotion, spectacle and merriment combine to make Surat Thani's Chak Phra Festival a memorable annual event.
Rambutan Fair The annual August fair celebrates the delicious fruit, first planted in Surat Thani during 1926. Highlights include floats adorned with rambutans and other fruits, exhibitions of local products and ornamental plants, and demonstrations by specially trained monkeys who harvest coconuts.
Local Products
Khai Khem Chaiya (Salted egg) Ducks are raised naturally in nearly every home in Chaiya. They feed on crabs, fish shells and husks so their eggs are of good quality. The chosen eggs must be in good condition without any cracks.
Khai Khem Chaiya is unique in that they are covered with soil and cider while others are prepared in salted water. They can be consumed as a savory dish or as a dessert.
Ngo Rongrian (Rambutan)
Rambutan is the most important economic crop of Surat Thani. They have distinctive characteristics: the large size, the beautiful shape and color, and the sweet, crunchy and easily-stoned flesh. They are grown within a total area of approximately 60,000 rai and are a major source of income for local residents.
Pearl A 30-minute-boat-ride from Thong Krut Beach will Surat Thanie visitors into the world of pearls. This is where visitors can discover how pearls are cultured. Lots of pearl shops offer many varieties of pearl products as well as special local handicrafts. The farm is located at 81/1 Ban Thong Krut.
Phumriang Silk
These are hand-woven products of a Muslim village. The weavers creatively make their own patterns which are embossed on the silk-Japanese silk sold in Bangkok by shuttle looms. Visit Mu Ban Phumriang, which is located approximately 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, to browse in the Arts and Crafts Center that is well known for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute headwear.
