South Thailand / Surat Thani
Surat Thani is the capital of southern Thailand’s largest province of the same name, with an area of some 12,800sqkm (4,941sqmi). The city, some 700km (438mi) south of Bangkok by road, is a thriving modern commercial, entertainment and communication center.
Besides beautiful beaches, Surat Thani Province boasts some of Thailand’s loveliest tropical islands, namely the Penang-sized Ko Samui, Thailand’s third largest island. Nearby is the stunning 250sqkm (97sqmi) Ang Thong (Golden Bowl) Marine National Park.
Surat Thani Province has two national parks, Khao Sok National Park and Ang Thong Marine National Park. Camping facilities, which customarily provide cold running water and simple toilet facilities, are available at both. Trekking along either well-defined waterfall trails or nature trails to visit caves or appreciate local flora and fauna, is a popular activity at both national parks. Furthermore, ornithologists can enjoy year-round bird-watching at the Ang Thong Marine National Park where numerous marine bird species are at home.
Visitors wishing to stay at either of Surat Thani’s national parks are advised to book in advance, particularly if they intend to make weekend outings. Reservations should be made through Bangkok’s National Parks Division (Tel 579-0529, 579-4842).
Water sport enthusiasts will find ample opportunities for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling and scuba-diving at Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. Snorkeling and scuba-diving are also popular in the Ang Thong Marine National Park.
Accommodation
Ban Don; 168/2-3 Na-Muang Rd, Tel 27-2167
19 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-200 (f, ac)
Dear; 276/1 Na-Muang Rd, Tel 28-1750
31 rooms, sgl/dbl 140-250 (f, ac)
Kuang Meng; 2-4 Patinan Rd, Tel 27-2620
40 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-200 (f)
Muang Tai; 390-2 Talaat Mai Rd
Tel 27-2367, 27-2559
44 rooms, sgl/dbl 120-350 (f, ac)
Muang Thong; 428/6-10 Na-Muang Rd
Tel 27-2560, 27-2960 to 1
108 rooms, sgl/dbl 160-400 (f, ac)
Phan Fa; 247/1-5 Na-Muang Rd
Tel 27-2287; 58 rooms, sgl/dbl 140-320 (f, ac)
Phloen Phet; 112/26 Don Nok Rd
Tel 27-2910, 27-3297
50 rooms, sgl/dbl 180-400 (f, ac)
Ratchathani; 293/96-99 Kaset Market Shopping Center; Tel 27-2143, 27-2972, 27-3584 to 5
110 rooms, sgl/dbl 160-320 (f, ac)
Seri; 2/2-5 Ton Pho Rd, Tel 27-2279
35 rooms, sgl/dbl 120-250 (f, ac)
Siam Hotel; 51 Ton Pho Rd, Tel 27-2457
24 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-160 (f)
Siam Thani; 180 Surat-Phunphin Rd
Tel 27-3081 to 5; Bkk Resv Tel 271-0924 to 5
172 rooms, sgl/dbl 280-640 (ac)
Siam Thara; 1/144 Don Nok Rd
Tel 27-3740 to 5, 27-2995
Bkk Resv Tel 271-0924 to 5
172 rooms, sgl/dbl 200-450 (ac)
Surat; 431/1-2 Chonkasem Rd
Tel 27-2242 to 3; 43 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-160 (f)
Tapi; 100 Chonkasem Rd; Tel 27-2575, 27-2579
118 rooms, sgl/dbl 180-320 (f, ac)
Thai Hotel; 24/4 Si Chaiya Rd, Tel 27-2932
14 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-150 (f)
Thai Thani; 442/306-8 Talaat Mai Rd
Tel 27-3521, 27-3586
92 rooms, sgl/dbl 120-320 (f, ac)
Thanawat; 261/19 Chonkasem Rd
Tel 27-3521 to 2, 27-2473
50 rooms, sgl/dbl 180-400 (ac)
Wang Tai; 1 Talaat Mai Rd; Tel 27-3410 to 6
Bkk Resv Tel 233-5160; Tlx TH 67408
230 rooms, sgl/dbl 450-1500 (ac)
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