Surat Thani

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 Ko 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

A major tourist attraction is Koh (Island) Samui, a palm-fringed paradise with a coastal road that encircles the complete island. Aside from the lovely beaches and coral beds, it is abound with coconut plantations and forested hills. The more popular beaches are on the northern and eastern coasts, namely Chaweng Beach, for its party scene and combination of luxury accommodations, and Lamai Beach. It is Thailand 's 3 rd largest island.

Many international diving schools have been established on Koh Tao (Turtle Island) because of its pristine beaches and abundant coral reefs around the island, making it the best scuba diving spot in the Gulf of Thailand.

The Angthong Marine National Park consists of roughly 40 islands, mostly comprised of limestone masses rising to heights of 400 meters, pristine beaches and lush forests. The emerald saltwater lake on Ko Mae Ko (Mother Island) entails a strenuous climb and is a major scenic attraction. Another popular venue is the Ko Sam Sao (Tripod Island) with an extensive coral reef.

The ever popular Full Moon party is held annual at Ko Phangan where revelers from all over the world come to dance the night away and be merry. It also has many beautiful natural attractions, such as waterfalls, hillside temples, and pristine beaches.

Khao Sok National Park is becoming more popular every day as more people discover that the lush jungles and mountainous complexes are still inhabited by numerous wildlife, including elephants, tapirs, bisons, bears and black panthers. Highlights include the Sip Et Chan (11-tiered) Waterfall, and many other spectacular waterfalls all within close proximity to the park office. Ideal for camping, trekking and viewing wildlife.

Watch students as they are trained to pick coconuts at the Monkey School on the mainland and at Koh Samui. Majority of students are pig-tailed monkeys captured in the local forest, and undergo an intensive 3-month program.

The Phumriang Village is an arts and crafts center well known for its silver brocaded silk cloth and jute headwear.

The late Bhikkhu Buddhadhasa, who was highly respected both locally and internationally for his basic forms of Buddhism teachings, founded the 150-acre forest temple of Suan Mokkha Phalaram, or Suan Mok. Mirroring the teaching of Lord Buddha's earlier disciples 2,500 years ago, the place attracts many Buddhist monks and meditators from Australia, Europe, Japan and North and South America. The enclave is devoid of extravagant ceremonial chapels, instead providing a forest tranquility ideal for contemplation.

The oyster farms concentrated in the estuarine areas of the Kadaeh and Ta Thong rivers produced the largest oysters found anywhere else. Visitors can see the harvesting by hiring long-tail boats to get to the farms.

The elaborately restored and highly revered pagoda at Wat Phra Borom That Chaiya is believed to be more than 1,200 years old. The pagoda contains Buddha relics. A small museum adjacent to the temple houses artifacts from that vicinity.

City Attractions

Tapi River Estuary Located some 7 kilometres from the town, this area is noteworthy for its quality seafood restaurants.

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.

Kanchanadit

Monkey School Located some 7 kilometres along Highway No. 401 and 2 kilometres along an access road, the school trains monkeys to pick coconuts. Most 'students' are pig-tailed monkeys captured in local forests. Training usually takes some 3 months. Would-be visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details.

Don Sak

Namtok Vibhavadi This waterfall is located 38 kilometres east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 401. The entrance to the waterfall is between the 60-61 km. markers. The petite waterfall enjoys bucolic surroundings and attracts a lot of local people during weekends.

Wat Khao Suwan Pradit Located 1 kilometre from Don Sak district, this temple was founded by Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailand 's most revered Buddhist ecclesiastics. The hilltop 45-metre pagoda contains Buddha relics and commands striking coastal views.

Chaiya

Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram Better known as Suan Mokkh, this 150-acre forest temple is located beside Highway No. 41, some 50 kilometres north of the provincial capital. Suan Mokkh's founder, the late Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, was highly respected both locally and internationally. His 'back to basics' form of Buddhism, mirroring that led by the Buddha's earliest disciples more than 2,500 years ago, attracted many Buddhist monks and lay meditators from many countries. The enclave is devoid of extravagant ceremonial and elaborated chapels. The forest tranquility is ideal for a life of contemplation. Call 0-7743-1552, 0- 7743-1597 or visit www.suanmokkh.org for more information.

Phra Borom That Chaiya Located some 4 kilometres northeast of Suan Mokkh, and 1 kilometre from Chaiya railway station, this elaborately restored and revered pagoda is believed to be more than 1,200 years old. The pagoda contains Buddha relics and provides a direct link with the Srivijaya Empire. A small adjacent museum houses artefacts from the vicinity. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Call 0-7743-1066 for more information.

Phumriang Village Located some 7 kilometres east of Chaiya, this Muslim settlement is an arts and crafts centre well known for its silver brocaded silk cloth and jute headwear.

Ban Na San

Tai Rom Yen National Park include Tat Fa Waterfall, which is 13 kilometres off Highway No. 4009 after a 33-kilometre trip from the city; Muang Thuat Waterfall, 20 kilometres off Ban Na San district, and Khamin Cave with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Overnight stay is allowed.

Ko Samui

The 247-square-kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Ko Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51-kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Hat Chaweng and Hat Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Other beaches include Hat Choeng Mon, Hat Mae Nam in the north and Hat Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.

At the southern end of Lamai Bay are phallic rock formations called Hin Ta Hin Yai. A path connects the three waterfalls, called Namtok Hin Lat, Namtok Lat Wanon, and Namtok Na Muang, from west to south. The waterfalls are best visited during the rainy season. Elephant riding is an interesting activity at the Na Muang waterfall.

There are some Buddhist monuments and temples on the island: Phra Yai is a massive seated Buddha image at Fan isle; Phrathat Hin Ngu is a stupa containing the Buddha's relics and Chedi Laem So, a golden stupa on the western coast; and Wat Khunaram houses the dead body of Luang Pho Daeng which does not decay.

Animal Farms and Shows:
Phang Ka Snake Farm, at Tambon Taling Ngam, has daily shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 250 baht per person, Tel: 0-7742-3247.
Samui Buffalo Village, at Tambon Na Muang, has daily shows at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., 350 baht per person, Tel: 0-7741-8680.
Butterfly Garden and Honey Farm, in the south of the island, open daily from 8 s.m.-5 p.m., 120 baht per person, Tel: 0-7742-4020-21.
Monkey Training Centre, at Tambon Bo Phut, has daily shows at 10.30 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., 150 baht per person, Tel: 0-7724 -5140.
Samui Aquarium and Tiger Zoo, at Ao Laem Set, opens daily from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., 250 baht per person, Tel: 0-7742-4017-8.
Crocodile Farm, near Na Muang waterfall, daily shows at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., 250 baht per person.

Spa
Ban Sabai at Hat Bang Rak, Tel: 0-7724-5175,
Central Samui Beach Resort at Hat Chaweng, Tel: 0-7723-0500
Chaweng Regent Beach Resort at Hat Chaweng, Tel: 0-7742-2389-90
Health Oasis Resort at Hat Bang Po, Tel: 0-7742-0124
Natural Wing Health and Spa Resort at Hat Bang Po, Tel: 0-7742 -1368 or 0-7742-0871-2.
San tiburi Dusit Resort at Hat Mae Nam, Tel: 0-7742-5031-8
Tamarind Retreat at Ao Thong Takhian, Tel: 0-7723-0571.
The Imperial Boathouse at Hat Choeng Mon, Tel: 0-7742-5041
The Spa Resort at Tambon Maret, Tel: 0-7723-0855
The Tongsai Bay at Tambon Bo Phut, Tel: 0-7742-5015

Getting there
- Bus: Visitors can also get to Ko Samui by bus from Bangkok (loaded onto a ferry at Don Sak). Bangkok-Ko Samui buses depart from Bangkok 's Southern Bus Terminal at 19.30 daily. Travelling time is 13 hours.
For a current schedule and further information, please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0-2435-1199, 0-2435-1200 or Surat Thani Bus Station at tel: 0-7720-0032 or visit www.transport.co.th
Songserm Rungrueang Co., Ltd. operates bus services from Bangkok to Ko Samui daily at 5 p.m. The bus arrive at Ko Samui at 11 a.m. on the next day.
- Train: Visitors can take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani Railway Station, then take a connecting bus to Samui (locaded on a ferry at Don Sak).
- Air: Bangkok Airways has numerous daily flights connecting Bangkok with Samui. In addition, they have daily flights servicing the Phuket-Samui route. For more information, call 0-2229-3456 (Bangkok) or 0-7742-2512-8, 0-7742-2234 (Ko Samui), or visit www.bkkair.co.th for more information.

Boat Services to Ko Samui
(Schedules and fares mentioned here are subject to change without notice. Please contact boat companies or TAT office in Surat Thani for current information.)

Surat Thani - Ko SamuiSongserm Rungrueang Co, Ltd operates express boat services from Surat Thani to Ko Samui. The boats depart from Surat Thani daily at 8 a.m. Travelling time is 2.30 hours. One-way fare is 150 baht. A joint ticket for connecting route, Bangkok-Surat Thani-Ko Samui, is available. Visitors can obtain more information from the following offices of Songserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd: Bangkok office Tel: 0 2280 7897, Surat Thani Office Tel: 0-7728-5124-6, Ko Samui office Tel: 0-7742-1316-9, 0-7742-0163 and Ko Pha-ngan office Tel: 0-7737-7096.
A nighttime boat leaves Ban Don pier (in Surat Thani town) at 11 p.m. daily. It takes 6 hours for the journey. One-way fares are 100 baht and 150 baht

Don Sak - Ko SamuiDon Sak pier is located 40 kilometres from Surat Thani town. Racha Ferry operates ferry services from Don Sak pier to Ko Samui 7 times daily from 8.00 a.m.-7 p.m. It takes 1.30 hours for the journey. One-way fare is 55 baht. For more information, contact Racha Ferry at tel: 0-7737-1151, 0-7737-1026 (Don Sak Office) or tel: 0-7742-3026 (Ko Samui Office). Private vehicles can be loaded onto the ferry. Bus services from Surat Thani town and Surat Thani railway station to Don Sak pier are available.

Travelling around Ko SamuiVisitors can travel around the island by public transport called "Song Thaews" by Thais. The fares range from 10-40 baht, depending on distance. Motorcycles and jeeps for rent are also available.

Ko Taen This is a small island to the south of Ko Samui. It can be reached by chartered boat from Ko Samui's Thong Krut Bay within 30 minutes. The island has a peaceful atmosphere and its natural beauty is well preserved. A long sandy beach is found in the east of the island while a stony beach and mangroves are in the west. Coral reefs are found around the island especially on the west. Visitors can trek along nature trails, varying in 4 routes, passing villages, mountains, mangrove forests and scenic coastal areas. Accommodation on the island is available. Nearby isles, such as Ko Mat Sum and Ko Mot Daeng, are suitable for snorkeling.

Moo Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park This comprises some 40 islands about 20 kilometres, or two hours by boat, northwest of Ko Samui. The park covers 250 square kilometres, of which approximately one fifth is landmass. The most attractive islands include Ko Wua Ta Lap, Ko Mae Ko, Ko Prayat, Ko Sam Sao, Ko Nai Put and Ko Wua Te. Most islands comprise limestone masses reaching heights of up to 400 metres, and fringed by beaches and rain forest.

An emerald saltwater lake known as Tha-le Nai (Inland Sea) on Ko Mae Ko is the park's major scenic attraction and entails a mildly strenuous climb. The resultant views are well worth the effort. Another popular venue is Ko Sam Sao where an extensive span of coral reef and a huge rock arch offer scenic fascination.

The park office is on Ko Wua Ta Lap where bungalow-style accommodation is available. Visitors wishing to stay overnight should make advance bookings and specify whether meal services are required, either through the Ang Thong Marine National Park office, 145/1 Talatlang Road, Surat Thani. Tel: 0-7728-6025 or 0- 7742-0225, or the National Parks Division in Bangkok, Tel: 0-2561- 2920-21

Getting There: A ferry departs from Ko Samui's Na Thon pier daily at 8.30 a.m. and arrives at Moo Ko Ang Thong at 10.30 a.m. On return, the ferry departs from the Ang Thong National Park at 3 p.m. A one-day tour package to Moo Ko Ang Thong is also organised by travel agents on Ko Samui.

Ko Pha-ngan

Ko Pha-ngan This popular 191-square-kilometre island is situated 20 kilometres north of Ko Samui, or 100 kilometres, from Surat Thani. Attractions include beautiful beaches around the island, a hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham which is ideal for meditation, the Than Sadet Waterfall, and the Namtok Phaeng National Park.

Boat Services to Ko Pha-ngan(Schedules and fares mentioned here are subject to change without notice. Please contact boat companies or TAT offices in Surat Thani and Ko Samui for current information.)
Don Sak - Ko Pha-nganRacha Ferry operates ferry services from Don Sak pier (40 kilometres from Surat Thani town) to Ko Pha-ngan daily at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. It takes 2.30 hours for the journey. One-way fare is 180 baht. Bus services from Surat Thani town or Surat Thani Railway Station to Don Sak are available.

Surat Thani-Ko Pha-nganSongserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd operates express boat services. The boats depart from Lamphun pier (10 kilometres from Surat Thani) to Ko Pha-ngan daily at 8 a.m. It takes 3 hours for the journey. One-way fare is 205 baht. Bus services to the pier are available.

Visitors can obtain more information from the following offices of Songserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd: Bangkok office Tel: 0-2280-7897, Surat Thani Office Tel: 0-7728-5124-6, Ko Samui office Tel: 0 -7742-1316-9, 0-7742-0163, Ko Pha-ngan office Tel: 0-7737 -7096.

A nighttime boat departs from Surat Thani's Ban Don pier to Ko Pha-ngan daily at 11 p.m. It takes 6 hours for the journey. One-way fares are 150 baht and 200 baht.

Ko Samui - Ko Pha-nganSongserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd 's express boats depart from Ko Samui's Na Thon pier 3 times daily at 9 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. It takes 45 minutes for the journey. One-way fare is 115 baht.

A catamaran leaves Ko Samui's Mae Nam pier at 8 a.m. and arrives at Ko Pha-ngan at 8.40 a.m. One-way fare is 250 baht.

Ordinary boats leave Ko Samui's Phra Yai pier at 10.30 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. and proceed to Ko Pha-ngan's Rin Nai beach. It takes 50 minutes for the journey. One-way fare is 100 baht

Another ordinary boat leaves Ko Samui's Mae Nam pier at 9.30 a.m. and arrives at Ko Pha-ngan at 10.30 a.m. One-way fare is 115 baht.

Ko Tae Nai This small island can be reached within 5 minutes from Ko Pha-ngan by chartered boat. High jungle-covered hills, a long stretch of golden sandy beach and thriving coral reefs are some of its major attractions. Accommodation in the form of bungalows is available.

Ko Tao This is a small island to the north of Ko Pha-ngan, which can be reached either from Surat Thani or Chumphon. There are several beautiful beaches and coral reefs around the island. Simple bungalows are available. Like Ko Tarutao, Ko Tao was once a place where political prisoners were detained. Nearby Ko Nang Yuan is a coral island with a high viewpoint and long white sandy beaches.

Boat Services to Ko Tao(Schedules and fares mentioned here are subject to change without notice. Please contact boat companies or TAT offices in Surat Thani and Ko Samui for current information.)

Songserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd 's express boats leave Ko Pha-ngan's Thong Sala pier 2 times daily at 10 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. It takes 1.30 hours for the journey. One-way fare is 250 baht.
An ordinary boat leave Ko Pha-ngan's Thong Sala pier at 12 noon daily. Travelling time is about 3 hours. One-way fare is 250 baht
Speedboats leave Ko Pha-ngan's Thong Sala pier to Ko Tao at 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. Travelling time is 1 hour. One-way fares are 250 baht and 350 baht.
A catamaran leaves Ko Pha-ngan at 8.50 a.m. and arrives at Ko Tao at 10.30 a.m. One-way fare is 350 baht

Ko Samui-Ko Tao (via Ko Pha-ngan)
Songserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd operates an express boat departing from Ko Samui to Ko Tao via Ko Pha-ngan. The boat leaves Ko Samui's Na Thon pier daily at 11 p.m. and arrives at Ko Pha-ngan at 12 noon. The boat departs from Ko Pha-ngan at 12.30 p.m. and arrives at Ko Tao at 2 p.m. One-way fare is 350 baht.
Catamarans depart from Ko Samui's Phra Yai pier and Mae Nam pier daily at 8.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. respectively. Travelling time is about 2 hours. One-way fare is 550 baht. Tel: 0 7724 7146.
Speedboats to Ko Tao are available at Bo Phut and Na Thon. The boats depart from Bo Phut at 8.30 a.m. and from Na Thon at 12 noon. It takes 1.30 hours for the journey. One-way fare is 550 baht
An ordinary boat departs from Ko Samui's Na Thon pier at 11 a.m. to Ko Tao via Ko Pha-ngan. The boat arrives at Ko Tao at 2 p.m. One-way fare is 350 baht.

Surat Thani - Ko TaoA nighttime boat departs from Ban Don pier in Surat Thani town at 11 p.m. and arrives at Ko Tao at 8 a.m. One-way fare is 250 baht.Chumphon - Ko Tao
Ko Tao can also be reached from Chumphon province. Songserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd operates express boat services from Tha Yang pier (7 kilometres from Chumphon) to Ko Tao daily at 7.30 a.m. The boat arrives at Ko Tao at 10.30 p.m. One-way fare is 400 baht. A joint ticket for connecting route, Bangkok-Chumphon-Ko Tao-Ko Pha-ngan-Ko Samui- Surat Thani, is available. Call Songserm Rungrueang Co. Ltd at Tel: 0-2629-0781-2 (Bangkok), 0-7750-6205 (Chumphon) or Tel: 0-7745-6274 (Ko Tao).Ekkawin's express boat leaves Chumphon at. 7.30 a.m. and returns from Ko Tao at 1 p.m. One-way fare is 400 baht. Call 0- 7650 -1821 for details.
An ordinary boat leaves Tha Yang pier at midnight and arrives at Ko Tao at 6 a.m. One-way fare is 200 baht
Speedboats depart from Tha Yang pier at 7.30 a.m. daily. Travelling time is 2 hours. On return, the boat departs from Ko Tao at 10.30 a.m. and arrives at Chumphon at 12.30 p.m. One-way fare is 400 baht. Tel: 0-7752-1114

Festivals

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.

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.

Hotels and accommodation

  • A.C. Resort 1 : Hat Sai Ri, Ko Tao [0 7745 6197, 0 7745 6033] : 300-1,200 baht
  • A.C. Resort 2 : Har Sai Ri, Ko Tao [0 7745 6195] : 300-400 baht
  • A.D. View : Hat Thong Nai Pan Yai, Ko Pha-Ngan : 150-400 baht
  • Aloha Resort : 128 Lamai Beach [(66 77) 424-418-9]
  • Aloha Resort : 128 Mu 3 Hat Lamai Ko Samui [0 7742 4014-6, 0 7742 4418] : 2,000-4,500 baht
  • Amari Palm Reef Resort : 14/3 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui [0 7742 2015-8 Fax: 0 7742 2394] : 6,000-8,200 baht
  • Amari Palm Reef Resort : 14/3, Moo 2, Bo Phut, Chaweng Beach, Samui [(66 77) 422-015-19]
  • Amedeus : 129 Mu 3 Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7723 3122] : 250-800 baht
  • Amity : 125/3 Mu 3 Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7742 4084] : 300-800 baht
  • Animal House : 109/12 Mu 3 Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7742 4208] : 250-350 baht
  • Anong Villa : 1/4 Mu 4 Hat Mae Nam, Ko Samui [0 7724 7256] : 200-800 baht
  • Arabian Bungalow : 17/2 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui [0 7742 2197-8] : 500-1,000 baht
  • Art River View Jungle Lodge : Khao Sok [0 7642 1614] : 350-1,500 baht
  • Asia Travel 1985 : 38/43 moo 3 Had Chaweng Rd, Borpud,Kor Samui [(66 77) 413-100]
  • Baan Hin Sai Resort : 5/5 Moo3, Tumbol Bo Phud, Koh Samui [(66 77) 422-624-7]
  • Baan Samui Resort : 14/7 Moo 2, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui [(66 77) 230-965-96]
  • Bamboo Bungalow : Hat Thong Nai Pan Yai, Ko Pha-Ngan : 200 baht
  • Bamboo Hut 1 : Khao Sok [0 7739 7307, 0 1218 2468] : 100-500 baht
  • Ban Chaweng Resort : 163/1 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui [0 7742 2403-4 Fax: 0 7742 2404] : 400-1,500 baht
  • Ban Diving Resort : Hat Rai Si, Ko Tao [0 7745 6061-2] : 300-500 baht
  • Ban Don : 268/2 Na Mueang Road, Amphoe Muang [0 7727 2167] : 160-280 baht
  • Ban Mae Mai :: 44/4 Mu 4 Ban Don Sai, Tambon Mae Nam, Ko Samui [0 7742 7162] : 400-1,200 baht
  • Ban Nang Jungle Trekking : Khao Sok : 150-400 baht
  • Ban Samui Resort : 14/7 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui [0 7742 2415, 0 7723 0965-8 Bangkok Tel: 0 2261 2986-9] : 2,000-8,500 baht
  • Ban Thai Resort : 125/4 Mu 3 Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7742 3317] : 400-500 baht
  • Banana Fan Sea Samui : 201 Moo 2, T.Bophut,Koh Samui [(66 77) 230-899]
  • Bay View Bungalow : Ao Hat Yao, Ko Pha-Ngan [0 7737 4148, 01-676 6232] : 150-400 baht
  • Bay View Village : 16/4 Mu 3 Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7742 7500-2, 0 7723 0348-50] : 2,000-3,600 baht
  • Bay View Village : 6/14 Moo 5, Bo Phud, Koh Samui [(66) 7742-7500-1]
  • Beachcomber : 3/5 Mu 2 Hat Chaweng, Ko Samui [0 7742 2041-3 Fax: 0 7742 2388 Bangkok Tel: 0 2651 2371-2] : 3,800-4,800 baht
  • Beachcomber Hotel : 3/5 Moo 2 Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui [(66 77) 422-041-43]
  • Beer House : 161/4 Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7723 1088] : 350-800 baht
  • Best Resort : 109/9 Mu 3 Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7742 4214, 0 7723 3341] : 500-1,700 baht
  • Beverly Hill Resort : 211 Mu 4 Tambon Maret, Hat Chaweng-Hat Lamai, Ko Samui [0 7742 2232] : 300-800 baht

Restaurants

- Amphoe Kanchanadit

  • Khiang Le : 124 Mu 7 Tambon Kadae Tel: 0-7725-5243 (seafood)

- Amphoe Muang

  • Chai Huai : 285/1 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0-7727-2969, 0- 7728-2558 (Thai & Chinese food)
  • Hat Tapi : 115/5 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road, Tel: 0-7728- 5109 (seafood)
  • Kampan : 2/1 Phakdi Anuson Road Tel: 0-7727-2700 (Thai food)
  • Lucky : 452/84-85 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0-7727-3267, 0-7727-3471 (southern-style food)
  • Phet Tapi Suki : 184/1 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0-7727-2570
  • Sun Hiang : 21 Chonkasem Road Tel: 0-7728-1367, 0- 7727-2180 (seafood)
  • Takiang : 38/15 Surat Thani-Phunphin Road Tel: 0-7728- 3932-3 (Thai food)
  • Tapi Seafood : 30 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road Tel: 0-7728-2115 (seafood)
  • Wang Thong : 20 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0-7728-3774 (Thai & Chinese food)

- Ko Samui

  • Bang Po Seafood : Ao Bang Po Tel: 0-7742 -0010 (seafood)
  • Bevery Hill : Ao Thong Takhian Tel: 0-7742-2232 (seafood)
  • Big Chiu Seafood : Ao Makham Tel: 0-7742-0350 (seafood)
  • Chao Ko : Na Thon Tel: 0-7742-1039 (seafood)
  • Chun Chim Seafood : Near Samui Lagoon Resort Tel: 0-7723-0886 (seafood)
  • Drop Inn : Hat Chaweng Tel: 0-7723-0361-2 (seafood)
  • Khrua Savoey : Na Thon Tel: 0 7742 0380 (Thai food)
  • Ko Kaeo : Na Thon Tel: 0-7742-1061 (seafood)

How to get there

* By 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.

* By 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.

* By 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.

* By plane
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.