Surat Thani

The provincial capital of Surat Thani rose to importance during the Srivijaya period (7th 13th centuries) because of its strategic position at the mouth of the Tapi and Phum Duang Rivers.

It lies 644 km. south of Bangkok, and most visitors arriving by bus or train head on to the islands by ferry from here or the nearby Don Sak Pier. The provincial capital of Surat Thani rose to importance during the Srivijaya period (7th – 13th centuries) because of its strategic position at the mouth of the Tapi and Phum Duang Rivers. These days its port is important for the trade in rubber and coconuts.

Surat Thani is southern Thailand’s largest province, covering almost 13,000 sq. km., including the region of the Gulf of Thailand that contains its most famous beach resorts, on the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao.

Major Attractions
Chaiya
Located 54 km. north of Surat Thani, just a few kilometres east of Highway No. 41, Chaiya is one of southern Thailand’s oldest towns, believed to have been a centre of the Srivijayan Empire, which was a Mahayana Buddhist sect based in Sumatra, with strong Indian influences. In fact, it is likely that the town’s name comes from the second part of the word “Srivijaya.” A great number of artifacts dating back a thousand years or more have been recovered here, including a bronze statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, an acclaimed masterpiece now on display in the National Museum in Bangkok. Chaiya’s two main sights are Wat Phra Borommathat and the Chaiya National Museum, located next to each other on the west side of town. The main feature of the temple is its Chedi, which dates back to the ninth century and is one of the few remaining examples of Srivijayan architecture.

Khao Sok National Park
Covering an area of over 700 sq. km. the west of Surat Thani, Khao Sok National Park consists of tropical rainforest draped over limestone outcrops, which form hundreds of islands in Ratchaprapha Dam, resulting in some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes. The Park is home to elephants, bears and even a few tigers, though visitors are more likely to hear the raucous whoops of gibbons and glimpse a few of the 188 bird species during a stay in the park. Khao Sok also has the world’s largest flower, the Raffiesia Kerrii, which can grow up to 70 centimeters wide when it blooms for a few days in December or January.

There are several hiking trails within the park that are suitable for everyone, though tbr steep routes hikers must be in good physical condition. A less strenuous, but equally pleasurable activity is to take a canoe trip around the towering rocks that protrude from the darn. Khao Sok is best visited between January and April, when skies are usually clear. There are plenty of places to stay near the visitor centre. National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department
Tel. 0 2562 0760
Khao Sok National Park Tel. 0 7739 5 139
Website: www.dnp.go.th