Information

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 neighbour Ko Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Ko Pha-ngan is Ko Tao, renowned for its excellent coral reefs. 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 to November.

Restaurants

Tamarind Restaurant
Address : Impiana Samui Resort and Spa, 91/2-3 Moo 3 T. Bophut, Chaweng Noi Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320
Telephone : 077 422 011
E-mail: infoirs@impiana.com
Website : http://www.impiana.com

Phet Tapi Suki
Address : 184/1 Talat Mai Road, Tambon Talat, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7727 2570

Wang Thong
Address : 20 Talat Mai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7728 3774

Tapi Seafood
Address : 30 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7728 2115, 0 7728 8345, 08 9729 3808

Takiang
Address : 38/15 Surat Thani-Phunphin Road, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7728 3932-3

Lucky
Address : 452/84-85 Talat Mai Road, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7727 3267, 0 7727 3471

Kampan
Address : 2/1 Phakdi Anuson Road, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7727 2700

Hat Tapi
Address : 115/5 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7728 5109, 08 1719 1700, 08 915 4456

Chai Huai
Address : 285/1 Talat Mai Road, Tambon Talat Mai, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7727 2969, 0 7728 2558
Fax : 0 7721 0379

Ko Kaeo
Address : 64 Mu 3 Tambon Ang Thong, Na Thon Market, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani
Telephone : 0 7742 1061

Local Products

Pearl
A 30-minute-boat-ride from Thong Krut Beach will take 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

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.

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

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