(Including Koh Samui, Koh Hengan and Koh Tao) 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 Daunt, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Chaiya, and 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 Koh Samui, Thailand's third largest island, and its neighbor Koh Pha-ngan a celebrated island that hosts the biggest beach full moon party. North of Koh Pha-ngan is Koh 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. History of Surat Thani Surat Thani is a city with a long history. Archeologists believe that it was once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the Saemang and original Malays who built their communities on the Tapee RiverBasin and Ao Ban Don. Later on, the Indians migrated into the area and gradually spread out their culture, as evidenced in the discovery of ruins of ancient communities in Tha Chana and Chaiya Sub-districts In the 13th century, the city became a part of and, as some historians might claim, a center of the glorious Srivijaya Empire the kingdom that dominated the whole Malay Peninsula and much of Java. It was during this period that Mahayana Buddhist reached its height of influence. The empires Attractions in Surat Thani Amphoe Ban Na San Tai Rom Yen National Park The park covers areas in Ban Na San, Kanchanadit and Wiang Sa Districts. With a total area of 265,625 rai of land, the zone was declared a national park on 31 December 1991. The park is covered by lush virgin forests where rare plants can be found. The mountains peak, covered by mist all year round, is the origin of the Tapi River. Wild animals such as elephants, mountain goats, tapirs, chevrotains, wild boars, etc. can also be spotted here. Interesting attractions include Tat Fa Waterfall, Muang Thuat Waterfall, Khamin Cave naturally decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, and Camp 180 as well as Camp 357, which once were the base of the Communist Party of Thailand. Amphoe Chaiya Ban Phumriang A small handicraft village located approximately 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, Ban Phumriang is notable for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute head gear. Chaiya National Museum Adjacent to Phra Borom That Chaiya is a charming petite museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum features prehistoric and historic artifacts in the vicinity, local handicrafts and a shadow puppet. In addition, artifacts from Dvaravati, Lop Buri, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras are also put on display. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Call 0-7743- 1066 for more information. Admission fee is 30 baht / person. Folklore Museum Located approximately 300 meters from Chaiya City, at the intersection of Highway No. 41 and the side road of Wat Kaew (or Wat Long), the museum features numerous interesting historical objects. They include Bone China, pottery, shadow puppets, old instruments and a ceramic opium pillow. Admission fee is by donation. The Museum is open daily from 8.00 a.m. until 9.00 p.m. Laem Pho Located approximately 2 kilometers along Phumriang Beachside Road is Laem Pho a cape that is famous for its fresh and excellent seafood. Highly recommended is Hoi Kao (white mussel), a local delicacy which can only be found here. To get to Laem Pho by public transportation, either takes Surat Thani Ranong or Surat Thani Chumphon buses. From Chaiya City, take Chaiya Phumriang buses. Phra Borom That Chaiya Located approximately 4 kilometers northeast of Suan Mokkh, or approximately 54 kilometers north of the provincial capital. This ancient chedi houses Buddha relics, which are highly revered by local residents. The restored Phra Borom That Chaiya serves as a fine example of Srivijaya's influence on religious architecture and is believed to have been built more than 1,200 years ago. Along the courtyard of the chedi are several sculptures and Buddha images. Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram Commonly known as Suan Mokkh (Garden of Liberation), the modern forest monastery was founded in 1959by the late Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, one of Thailand's most famous monks. This 150-acre forest temple is formerly called Wat Than Nam Lai, and is located beside Highway No. 41, approximately 50 kilometers north from the Surat City. (or at kilometer 134 marker). Suan Mokkh is set in a serene ambience conducive for meditation or contemplation of the philosophy of life. The temple itself is nothing but a combination of natural sandy grounds and rocks, dotted with trees. There are no elaborate stupas and chapels like other temples, only a place that keeps one in truly in tune with nature. Buddhadasa Bhikkhus philosophy is universal in nature. It's the combination of Zen, Taoist and Christian elements with the Theravada Buddhism. That's why his teaching has attracted many Thais and foreigners, especially those who are eager to look inward and realign themselves with nature. The 'Spiritual Theatre' is an interesting attraction for casual visitors. It features art objects, drawings and poems related to Buddhas' teachings in which Buddhadhasa Bhikkhu describes a pictorial interpretation of Dharma. The building also exhibits a diverse mixture of Thai, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Tibetan and European-style murals and sculptures. Amphoe Don Sak Ferry Pier The Pier is located at Kula Cape, approximately 6 kilometers from the District Administrative Office. This big pier provides ferry services for visitors to Koh Samui. Namtok Vibhavadi This medium-sized waterfall is the local residents socializing venue on weekends. With rustic surroundings, the waterfall is located 38 kilometers east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 401, approximately at the kilometer 60-61markers before the Don Sak intersection. Visitors can take either Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat or Surat Thani Don Sak buses to get to the waterfall. Wat Khao Suwan Pradit Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailands' most revered Buddhist monks, founded this monastery. The 45-meter hilltop pagoda contains Buddha relics brought from Wat Phra Kiat, Hod District, Chiang Mai. From the pagoda, visitors can get a panoramic view of the coast. The temple is located approximately 1 kilometer from Don Sak District, along the Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401). Amphoe Kanchanadit Monkey School Mr. Somporn Saekow, a person who believes that monkeys can be trained in order to use their capacities to the fullest, established this training college for monkeys. Students are mostly local pig-tailed monkeys from the forests. Monkey owners must pay a tuition fee, which is inclusive of food and accommodation. Classes of 3-6 months are classified into three levels, beginners, intermediate and advance. Graduate monkeys are trained to pick only ripened coconuts from the trees. To get there, take Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401) and drive for approximately 7 kilometers. Upon approaching a junction, turn right to the dirt road and proceed for approximately 2 kilometers. The college is located on the right side. Interested visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details. Alternatively, call the College at 0 7722 7351 for more details. Oyster Farms Surat Thani is famous for oyster cultivation and the sizes of the oysters farmed here are substantially larger than those found elsewhere. Several medium to small-sized farms are located around the estuarine areas of the Kradae Canal and the Thong River. These farms can be reached by boat from the Tha Thong Quay side within 30 minutes. Amphoe Ko Pha-ngan Ao Si Thanu Located at Moo 8, Pha-ngan District, approximately 10 kilometers from the District Office is the one of the most beautiful beach of Koh Pha-ngan. To reach this beach, take a Songthaew from Thong Sala Pier for a fare of 40 baht / trip / person. Ao Thian Part of Koh Tao, Ao Thian can be seen from a viewing point located on the hilltop of Ta To Cape Ao Thong Nai Pan Located at Moo 5, Ban Tai Sub-district, approximately 23 kilometers from the District Office is the second most beautiful beach on Koh Pha-ngan. To reach this beach, either takes a boat or Songthaew from Thong Sala Pier. The songthaew fare is 80 baht / trip / person while that of chartered boats is up to negotiation. Ban Chalok Lam The village is situated along the bay to the north of Pha-ngan Island. The area is lined with shops selling merchandise and souvenirs with the most popular item being dried squid.