Surat Thani (often in short Surat) former name Chaiya Province is the largest of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).
Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phang Nga and Ranong.
Geographically the center of the province is the coastal plain of the Tapi river, mostly grassland interchanged with rubber tree and coconut plantings. In the west are limestone mountains of the Phuket range mostly covered with forests. The Khao Sok National Park is located in these mountains.
To the east the hills of the Nakhon Si Thammarat (or Bantat) mountain range start to rise, protected in the Tai Rom Yen National Park. Many islands in the Gulf of Thailand belong to the district, including the tourist islands Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan and Ko Tao, as well as the Ko Ang Thong marine national park.
The main rivers of the Surat Thani province are Tapi River and Phum Duang River, which join at the town Tha Kham shortly before they drain into the Bandon Bay. The delta of these rivers, locally known as Nai Bang, is located directly north of the city Surat Thani. It consists of several channels with small islands mostly covered by mangrove or orchards.
Further protected areas in the province are the Khlong Phanom and Kaeng Krung national park, Than Sadet-Ko Pha-Ngan marine national park, the non-hunting areas Khao Tha Phet and Nong Thung Thong and the wildlife sanctuaries Khlong Phraya, Khlong Saeng and Khlong Yan. The Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale Tai, which will contain a few small island south of Ko Samui, is currently in process of creation.
1. Air
The Surat Thani airport is located about 30km north of the city.
http://www.suratthaniairport.com/
How to get to Surat Thani By Air
Panthip Travel (077) 27 2230 offers a mini bus from Taalat Kaset 1 at 08:30, 10:30, 14:00, 17:00
2.Train
The Surat Thani Train Station is located in Phun Phin (14 km West of Surat Thani).
Surat Thani (Phun Phin) Railway Station (SRN) is the Central Main Rail 'Hub' on Thai Railways Southern Line.
Trains pass through every 20 minutes. Surat Thani is also the Central Southern Penninsula's 'Bus and Minivan 'Hub'.
Passengers on both trains and busses from points North, South, East, and West usually have to change busses and trains there.
http://www.thairailways.com/train-station.suratthani.html
How to get to Surat Thani By Thai Railways
Surat Thani does not have a train station located downtown. The closest station is 13 km away in Phun Phin. A motorbike taxi from the centre of Surat will cost approximately
150 THB. A better choice is the local bus from Talaat Kaset 1
3.Bus
There are three bus stations in Surat Thani. Expect to pay 50B - 100B more when buying a ticket from a travel agent. Pay the local price if possible and buy the ticket on the bus or mini bus.
Talaat Kaset 1:
This is the bus station for local travel around Surat Thani province. It is located across the street from Talaat Kaset
1. Take the local orange bus (marked train station in English) to the new bus station and the train station.
Talaat Kaset 2:
This is the bus station and mini bus station for longer trips. It is located across the street from Talaat Kaset
1. Sample fares include:
Surat Thani to Krabi:
AC bus (3 hr): leaves hourly from 06:00 until 17:00
Mini bus (2.5 hr): leaves hourly from 08:00 until 16:00
Surat Thani to Phuket:
AC bus (6 hr): 06:00, 08:00, 09:00, 11:00, 12:00, 15:00
Mini bus(4 hr): leaves hourly from 08:00 until 18:00
Surat Thani to Hat Yai:
AC bus (6+ hr): 06:00, 09:00, 11:00, 13:00, 17:00
Mini bus: (4 hr): leaves hourly from 06:30 until 17:30
New Station:
Located en route to the train station, this is the place to catch an air-con bus to Bangkok. Take the local bus from Talaat Kaset 1 to the train station and tell the driver to stop at the new bus station.
Surat Thani to Bangkok: (11-14 hr)
VIP 24 seats: 640 THB - all day and overnight
A/C 38 seats: 488 THB - all day and overnight
