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| Home » Thailand Travel Guide »
Surat Thani » Surat Thani Town |
| DESTINATION THAILAND |
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SURAT THANI
GUIDE |
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 ATRACTIONS IN
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| HIGHLIGHTS IN
SURAT THANI |
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| QUICK GUIDANCE |
| The breathtaking landscapes, beautiful coastlines, cultural delights and historical significance, make Thailand an enjoyable stop in Asia travel map. To help you plan a trip in Surat Thani - Thailand, we provide the useful guide of hotel options, package tours, transport, attractions, shopping and entertainment. You just click the sections below for helpful information. |
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SURAT THANI
OVERVIEW |
Located some 650km south of Bangkok, Surat Thani is the capital city of Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Considering the amount of tourists passing through Surat, very few actually stay in the town or spend more than a couple of hours waiting for a boat or bus. It is a pleasant growing city in its own right, far less touristy than Krabi and a decent spot to spend a couple of days lounging around town or to use as a base for day trips to the surrounding area. Surat boasts many hidden gems for tourists willing to give it a chance. If you are planning on heading to the Gulf Islands from Surat Thani, savour Surat as it will be the last slice of 'real Thailand' you will see till you return!
With a population of around 45,000 the central area of the city is stretched out along the southern bank of the Tapi River, the modern part consists of two long parallel streets containing most of the banks and larger shops whilst the older part, with the market and narrower streets is situated by the river. On the outskirts of the city, Surat is growing up. There is a Tesco/Lotus plaza and several hotels under construction. Even though the concrete architecture is not atheistically pleasing, Surat's welcoming downtown and night market make up for it. Take advantage of Surat's splendid cuisine and special attractions.
History
The city of Surat Thani received its name by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1915. The name means City of Good People, and was given to the city due to the high devotion of the locals to Buddhism. Previously the city was known as Bandon, which means Village on higher ground.
In 1932 Surat Thani became a sanitary district (sukhaphiban). On December 7 it was elevated to a town (thesaban mueang), with a municipal area of 2.67. The area of the municipality was enlarged to 6.95 km2 on October 14 1958, and on December 22 1994 it was further enlarged to 68.97 km2.
Since 1969 Surat Thani is the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Surat Thani, responsible for about 6000 Catholic Christians in southern Thailand.
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SURAT THANI TRAVEL TIPS |
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GETTING IN - OUT
SURAT THANI |
The city of Surat Thani is connected with Bangkok by the southern railway, even though the Surat Thani Railway Station is actually located Phunphin, about 15 km away from city. Asian highway AH2 also passes the city at Phunphin. A regional airport, Surat Thani International Airport, is about 30 km from the city. Though some ferries to Ko Samui start at the city itself, but the main ferry station is at Don Sak, 40 km east of the city.
* Car: The province of Surat Thani can be most conveniently reached by car from Bangkok by taking Highway No. 4 to Chumphon Province via Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces and then taking Highway No. 41 and Highway No. 401 directly to Surat Thani City.
* Bus: The air-conditioned buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal to Surat Thani Province everyday.
* Train: The trains leave Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Railway Station 10 times daily from 12 p.m. until 10.50 p.m. The trip takes approximately 12-13 hours. Ask for the train from Bangkok to Phun Phin, the closest station to Surat Thani. Surat Thani Railway Station is 12 kilometers from town. A bus service between the station and the town is available.
* Plane: The Thai Airways International has 2 daily flights connecting Bangkok with Surat Thani. The flight time is approximately 70 minutes. |
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GETTING AROUND
SURAT THANI |
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Apart from the local orange bus,songthaews are another option to get around the city. It costs 10 baht / trip / person. Samlors will cost approximately 20-30 baht. The orange bus departs from the Phu Phin train station to the city every 10 minutes from 6.00 a.m. until 8.00 p.m. The same ride by taxi will cost approximately 100 baht.
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SURAT THANI FOODS |
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ENTERTAINMENT |
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| Northern Thailand |
| Chiang Mai - Chaing Dao - Mae Ai , Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong - Chaing Saen , Lampang, Lamphun , Mae Hong Son - Pai ,
Nan ,
Phayao, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok , Phrae , Sukhothai - Sisatchanalai, Tak - Maesot, Buriram , Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom,
Nakhon Ratchasima,
Nong Khai , Surin, Ubon Ratchathani , Udon Thani , Yasothon |
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| Central Thailand |
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Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi - Sai Yok , Lop Buri, Nakhon Phathom, Nonthaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan - Hua Hin,
Phetchaburi - Chaam ,
Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi , Chon Buri - Pattaya, Rayong - Ko Samet, Trat - Koh Chang , Lop Buri |
| Southern Thailand |
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Chumphon, Krabi - Ao Nang - Ko Phi Phi - Rai Leh , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat,Pattani,
Phang Nga - Ao Phang Nga - Khao Lak, Phatthalung, Phu ket - Karon Beach -Patong Beach , Ranong, Satun - Tarutao,
Songkhla,
Surat Thani - Ko Pha Ngan - Ko Samui , Trang, Yala |
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