Surat Thani is a city in Thailand located 651 kilometers south of Bangkok. It is the capital of Surat Thani Province. The city is home to more than 130,040 residents and covers 68.97 square kilometers, with a population density of 1,914 people per square kilometer.
Khao Sok National Park
To reach Khao Sok National Park from Surat Thani, take a longtail boat from the village of Ban Ta Khun. There you will find a floating bungalow on the lake. Another option is to board a long-tail boat from Cheow Lan Lake Pier, also known as Ratchaprapha Pier.
The national park is home to a variety of species, including Asian elephants and tigers. There are also many types of wild fruits that are found throughout the park. Visitors can even try bamboo rafting or canoeing. Other activities include observing wildlife on the Sok River.
The park is also popular with hikers. Its natural landscape is lush and beautiful, and it is best to get out of the city and hike in the park. Hiking trails are available from Khlong Sok, a village adjacent to the main entrance. Hiking maps are available to help you find the best routes and weather conditions.
Khao Sok National Park is a sprawling nature reserve in Southern Thailand, featuring limestone karst cliffs, ancient rainforests, and an emerald lake. It is one of the largest protected parks in the Southern part of Thailand, with a vast network of trails, caves, and rivers.
Surat Thani Night Market
The Surat Thani Night Market is an amazing place to go shopping in the evening. This large open market is popular with both tourists and locals. You can find everything from clothing, desserts, and other trinkets. You can also find a variety of street foods for very cheap prices.
The market is situated on a 190-metre long pedestrianised road. There are over 150 stalls, and a walk through is essential to get an idea of the different kinds of food being offered. Most of these stalls sell both hot and cold dishes. Authentic Southern Thai food is offered here, but you can also find some less spicy dishes.
The Surat Thani Night Market is a great place to try authentic Southern Thai cuisine. Its stalls feature delicious grilled meats on sticks, som tam, homemade cakes, and a variety of seafood dishes. Depending on the size of your meal, prices range from forty to sixty THB. Small snacks can be as low as 10 THB.
Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine
Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine is a place of worship for the people of Surat Thani. It is located in the centre of the city. The shrine is open every day from 8:00am to 18:00pm. Visiting during this time is recommended as the crowds tend to be less. You can also see the colorful illuminations of the shrine in the evening.
Surat Thani, literally meaning “City of Good People,” is located on the Central Gulf Coast of southern Thailand. The city is a major transportation hub for the islands off the coast of Thailand. The city center is very busy, but can be explored on foot. This way, you’ll get a better feel for the local culture and atmosphere.
Travelling by train is also an option, though it’s a long road. From Bangkok, the bus journey will take about nine to eleven hours. For added comfort, you may want to book a sleeper train.
Pra Cha Rat Floating Market
The Pra Cha Rat Floating Market is a must-see attraction if you’re in Surat Thani. Located on a canal, the market displays a variety of goods, including fresh produce and Thai delicacies. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for something to buy, there is something for everyone.
Surat Thani is a laidback town where the center hasn’t changed much over the years. The lively night markets and places of worship are still bursting with authentic Thai culture. Although it’s a popular tourist city, it offers visitors an off-the-beaten-path experience.
While many tourists flock to Bangkok’s floating markets, the Pra Cha Rat market is less tourist-oriented. Instead, it’s a way for locals to earn a living. The market is located in a canal on the Tapi River. There are long-boats available to rent for a short trip along the canal.
You can get a drink at one of the local bars. Surat Thani’s nightlife isn’t as exciting as that of Phuket and Samui, but there are plenty of places to grab a drink. On the weekends, Ban Don (Night Boat Pier) is the perfect place to enjoy a beer and some local Thai food.
Wat Phothawas
Surat Thani is home to some of Thailand’s oldest temples. Many of them are over 200 years old and reflect the culture of the people living at the time. The temples each have unique features. The Banyan Tree Temple is a striking example. Its name comes from the huge Banyan tree that grows within the temple’s grounds. Inside the temple, you can find a prominent sandstone carving of Buddha. The wooden Sala Hall Chapel is another noteworthy structure.
Surat Thani’s temples aren’t filled with tourists, but the temples that are here are well worth the visit. The City Pillar Shrine is one of the most beautiful buildings in Surat Thani. It’s located near the river and is easily accessible by road. It’s open every day, but is closed for visitors during the evening. Be sure to remove your shoes before entering the shrine.
When you visit Wat Phothawas, you’ll enjoy the serene ambiance. The original parts of the first building are still there. There’s free parking on the site. The best time to visit Wat Phothawas is between 9:00 and 18:00. There’s also a free taxi service that will take you to the temple. If you’re hungry, you can find delicious local fare near the temple.
Ko Lamphu Public Park
The park is situated on an island in the river and has many walking paths, exercise equipment, and a playground. You can go hiking, biking, or just enjoy the sights while taking a relaxing stroll. The park is a great place to bring kids of all ages.
Ko Lamphu Public Park in Surat is a beautiful place to spend the day. It’s an island located in the Tapi River and is a perfect spot to enjoy the outdoors. It is also car-free, so visitors can cycle or walk around it. The park also has a playground and various sports courts. Whether you are looking for some exercise or just want to watch the locals play basketball, Ko Lamphu has something for everyone.
The park is also great for picnics and jogs. It’s packed with trees and is surrounded by the water, so it provides plenty of shade. You can also play badminton, basketball, or sepak takraw at the park’s sports area.
Sonchana Farm and Elephant Sanctuary
If you’re looking for a unique trip to Surat Thani, consider spending a few hours at Sonchana Farm and Elephant Sanctuary. This farm is operated by a local family that cares deeply about the welfare of elephants. Visitors to this farm can feed, bathe, and interact with the gentle creatures. The caretakers can also educate visitors about traditional Thai cooking and medicines.
The farm also features an opulent temple, the Chaiya Temple. This temple was built by the Mahayana Buddhists in the 7th century. Inside, you’ll find bronze statues of birds with lamps in their beaks. This sacred site is the perfect destination for those interested in history.
The Surat Thani area has incredible natural beauty, including a diverse flora and fauna. It is home to many animals, including elephants, tigers, monkeys, snakes, and hornbills. In addition to the animals, you’ll find beautiful landscapes and breathtaking scenery.
Surat Thani’s surrounding countryside offers many other exciting activities and experiences for travelers. There are several ways to spend a day here, including a long-tail boat ride on the lake and a visit to the famous Coral Cave. There’s also a night market, which is well known in the province.
10 interesting facts about Surat Thani
- Surat Thani is a province in southern Thailand, known for its beautiful beaches, islands, and natural beauty.
- The province is home to the popular tourist destination of Koh Samui, a tropical island with sandy beaches and crystal clear waters.
- Surat Thani is also home to the Ang Thong National Marine Park, a group of over 40 small islands with stunning beaches, lagoons, and caves.
- The province is known for its rich culture and history, with a number of ancient temples and historical sites to visit.
- Surat Thani is known for its delicious local cuisine, including dishes like khao tom (rice soup with pork or seafood) and tom yum goong (spicy shrimp soup).
- The province is home to a number of beautiful beaches and resorts, including the popular Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui.
- Surat Thani is also home to a number of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, including the Khao Sok National Park and the Khao Luang National Park.
- The province is known for its beautiful waterfalls, including the Namtok Ton Pariwat and the Namtok Pha Charoen.
- Surat Thani is an important transportation hub, with a number of roads, rail lines, and airports serving the region.
- The province is home to a number of traditional festivals and events throughout the year, including the Surat Thani Red Cross Fair and the Surat Thani Vegetarian Festival.