The name literally means “city of good people” and is the former seat of the Sivichaya Empire. It is the largest and most important province of the South, located 644 kms from Bangkok. It occupies an area 12,891 square kms, bordering on Chumphon and the Gulf of Thailand to the north. Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi to the south, Phang Nga and Ranong to the west and the Gulf of Thailand and Nokhon Si Thammarat to the east. Geographic characteristics of Surat Thani are high plateau and mountains covered with valuable wood forest to the west, and low basins in the central and eastern seashore area. There is a considerable number of islands along the coast and two major rivers: the Tapi River and Phum Duang River. It is administratively diveded into 18 Amphoes and 1 khing-amphoe.

PAK NAM TAPI
The Tapi River estuary is some 5 kms from Ban Don municipality. The area is particularly rich in quality seafood restaurants.

KOH SAMUI
The island is Surat Thani’s major tourist attraction. The island has numerous lovely beaches and bays. It is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills, and has become a resort of international stature. Samui’s best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai where, generally, the most attractive accommodations are found.

Besides the beaches, other island attractions include Nam Tok Hin Lat and Nam Tok Na Muang; Hin Ta - Hin Yai, the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; Big Buddha, a massive seated Buddha image of Fan isle; Na Thon, the island’s major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants, tour agencies and hotels are located; Samui’s Butterfly Park and Samui’s Monkey centre.

MU KOH ANGTHONG NATIONAL PARK
It comprises some 40 islands northwest of Koh Samui and covers some 250 sq. kms. Major park islands largely towering, verdant rock masses encircled by clear sea, include Mae Ko which has a beautiful beach and an emerald saltwater lake called Thale Nai; Koh Wua Talap, site of park headquarters where accommodation is available for visitors wishing to prolong their stays; Sam Sao with an exciting coral reef and huge rock arch, and Phai-Luak.

KOH PHANGAN
The large island 60 minutes directly north of Koh Samui, has the lovely waterfall: Nam Tok Than Sadet, Nam Tok Phaeng Forest Park, and an extensive coral reef. Accommodation is readily available here, as well.