Visit Surat Thani , Ko Samui, Ko Pha-ngan

Surat Thani is Southern Thailand's largest province, covers some 12,800 square kilometres, and has an extensive coastline lapped by Thai gulf waters. The provincial capital is 685 kilometres south of Bangkok.

Surat Thani boasts some of Thailand's loveliest islands namely the Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand's third largest island, palmfringed jewel of a sparkling archipelago that includes the stunning 250-square-kilometre Ang Thong Marine National Park.


Thai Term Glossary
Amphoe : District
Ao : Bay
Ban : Village
Chedi : Stupa or Pagoda
Doi : Mountain
Hat : Beach
Khao : Mountain
Khlong : Canal
Ko : Island
Laem : Cape
Namtok : Waterfall
Tambon : Sub-district
Tham : Cave
Wat : Temple



Ko Samui
The 247 square kilometre Samui island is Surat Thani's major tourist attraction. Located 258 nautical miles south of Bangkok, and some 84 kilometres east of the provincial capital, Ko Samui measures some 21 kilometres at its widest point, and 25 kilometres at its longest. A 51 kilometre ring and largely coastal road encircles the island, which has numerous lovely beaches and bays, and is almost literally an island of coconuts and forested hills.

Samui's best beaches line the northern and eastern coasts, the most popular being Chaweng and Lamai, where generally attractive accommodation can be found. Besides beaches, other island attractions include coral beds at Laem Set and Thong Takhian: the hin Lat and Na Mueang waterfalls; the phallic rock formations at the southern end of Lamai Bay; the nearby butterfly garden and honey farm; a massive seated Buddha image on Fan isle in Plai Laem Bay; a herbal garden at Ban Bang Makham, a monkey training centre at Ban Khao Phra; and Na Thon, the island's major seafront settlement where shops, restaurants and tour agencies are concentrated.
Ko Pha-ngan
This popular 191 square kilometre island is situated 20 kilometres north of Ko Samui or 100 kilometres from Surat Thani. Attractions include beautiful beaches around the island, a hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham which is ideal for meditation, the Than Sadet Waterfall, and the Namtok Phaeng National Park.

- Tourism Authority of Thailand