Talk:Surat Thani/Listings

Province page

Surat Thani Province (thai:สุราษฎร์ธานี) It known as Surat (Thai: สุราษฎร์) for short.Surat Thani is the largest province in the South region of thailand,on the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).

The seal of the province shows the pagoda of Phra Boromathat Chaiya (Srivijaya style), which is believed to have been built 1200 years ago in centre of Srivija empire. The flag of the province also shows the pagoda in middle, placed on a vertically split flag with red color in top and yellow in bottom.

The provincial symbolic flower is the Bua Phut (Rafflesia kerrii), a parasitic plant with one of the biggest flowers of all plants. The provincial tree is the Ton Kiam (Cotylelobium melanoxylon).

Understand

Surat Thani covers some 12,800 square kilometres and has an extensive coastline lapped by Thai Gulf waters. The provincial capital, 685 kilometres from Bangkok, is situated at the mouth of the Tapi River on the eastern side of the peninsula. Surat Thai is a major destination for both luxury and shoestring travellers seeking to realise their dreams of a tropical seascape. Renowned for its vast collection of palm-fringed islands off its coast and beautiful beach,the Gulf of Thailand belong to the district, including the tourist islands and beach Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao and Ko Nang Yuan. Surat Thani is also covered with large forest areas abundant in flora and fauna. Many rare species of plants and birds are to be found in the province’s national parks.

Thale Nai - An emerald saltwater lake Ang Thong Marine Park islands, Surat Thani

6 national park in Surat Thani Province

• Ko Ang Thong marine national park***
• Khao Sok national park***
• Khlong Phanom national park
• Kaeng Krung national park
• Than Sadet-Ko Pha-Ngan marine national park
• Tai Rom Yen National Park

The non-hunting areas' Khao Tha Phet and Nong Thung Thong andthe wildlife sanctuaries Khlong Phraya Wildlife Sanctuary, Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary and Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary. The Hat Khanom - Mu Ko Thale Tai, which will contain a few small island south of Ko Samui, is currently in process of creation.

The main rivers of the Surat Thani province are Tapi River and Phum Duang River, which join at the town Tha Kham shortly before they drain into the Bandon Bay. The delta of these rivers, locally known as Nai Bang (ในบาง), is located directly north of the city Surat Thani. It consists of several channels with small islands mostly covered by mangrove or orchards.

Surat Thani once formed part, and may have been the centre, of the Mahayana Buddhist Srivijaya Empire which steeped in legend and mystery, dominated the Malay peninsula and much of Java some 1,500 years ago. Archaeological discoveries at Chaiya district indicate the former empire's splendour.

Get in

By car

Surat Thani can be most conveniently reached by car from Bangkok by taking Highway No. 4 to Chumphon via Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, and thence onto Highway No. 41 and Highway No. 401, a total distance of 685 kilometres.

By plane

Surat Thani Airport (URT)

• Thai Airways International [1] operates daily flights between Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport and Surat Thani. Flying time is 70 minutes. Call 1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, or visit the website for further details.
• Also Thai Air Asia Airlines [2],Nok Air and One-Two-Go Airlines operates daily between Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok and Surat Thani.

Samui Airport (USM)

• Bangkok Airways [3] operates daily flight between Bangkok-Ko Samui, Phuket-Ko Samui and U Taphao (Pattaya)-Ko Samui and from Chiang mai, Singapore, Hong Kong to Ko Samui Call 0 2265 5555 (Bangkok) or 0 7742 2512-8, 0 7742 2234 (Ko Samui), or visit for more information.
• Thai airways International operates daily flight from Suvarnabhumi Airport Bangkok to Ko Samui.

By train

The trains depart from Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway Station to Surat Thani Station 10 times daily from 7.45 a.m. - 10.50 p.m. It takes approximately 13 hours for the journey. Surat Thani Railway Station is at Phunphin District, 12 kilometres from town. There are bus services between the station and the town. For further details, please call 1690, 0 2220 4334 or visit www.railway.co.th.

Joint tickets for train/ bus/ boat from Bangkok to Ko Samui can be bought at the advance booking office of Hua Lamphong Railway Station, Tel: 0 2224 7788.

For a current schedule and further information, please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200 or Surat Thani Bus Station at tel: 0 7720 0032.

Boat

• Songserm Express Boat
• Seatran Ferry
• Seatran Express
• Racha Ferry

From Surat Thani city train station and Surat Thani Airport (URT), there are combined bus/ferry services to Ko Samui that cost 200-300 baht - some entail a 60 minute bus ride followed by a 90 minute ferry crossing, others a 30 minute bus ride but wxcluding extra time on the ferry. Tickets are sold by numerous agents who meet each train and airport. There are 2 ferry companies with departures every 30 minutes.

Numerous ferry services direct from mainland Surat Thani include an express boat (3 departures daily, taking around 3 hours and costing 150 baht) and slow night boats (taking 6-7 hours).

There are also regular speedboats and ferries to Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao from Ko Samui and Surat Thani

• Lomprayah Catamaran

Lomprayah Catamaran offers a combined bus/high speed catamaran ferry service from Bangkok to Ko Samui which takes about 11 hours and costs around 850 baht (1000 baht in the opposite direction). The bus pauses in Hua Hin and then stops at Chumphon where it connects with the ferry, which calls at Ko Nang Yuan, Ko Tao and Ko Pha Ngan on its way to Ko Samui.

Bus

The Surat Thani new bus terminal is located a bit outside the city; however if you plan to go directly into the city, it is usually possible to ask for a stop before. The old bus terminal in the middle of city is now frequented only by some private buses, which are however much more risky than the government buses. There are many bus companies from Southern Bus Terminal Bangkok to Surat Thani Bus terminal. If you are coming from Phuket, it takes about 6 hours to reach Surat Thani. Connexions by bus, tuk-tuk, or Songthaew from the bus terminal to the main town are available.

If coming from District to Surat Thani,takes on the old bus terminal in the middle of city. There are the bus from Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Krabi, Phang Nga, Ranong, Phuket, Bangkok and Hat Yai to Surat Thani

Connect by bus, tuk-tuk, or Songthaew from bus terminal to the main town.

For a current schedule and further information, please call the Southern Bus Terminal at tel: 0 2435 1199, 0 2435 1200 or Surat Thani Bus Station at tel: 0 7720 0032.

Van

If coming from District ,Chumporn, Ranong, Hat Yai to Surat Thani,takes on the old bus terminal in the middle of city.

Tuk-Tuk

Tuk Tuk are small local pick-up trucks/public passenger pick-up vehicles (cost around 10-20 baht) around the town. Hail one on any major road with a wave or yell, negotiate a fare, and sit down on the bench in the back. In the event you wish to hire own personally, then you ought to negotiate the cost first.

Tricycles

• Tricycles are the local vehicles can be found around the town. There is not enough room for 2 persons to sit down on the bench in the back as a tricycle. It isa fantastic vehicles.

Motorbike

(Islands only)

Motorbikes can be rented virtually anywhere on Ko Samui for between 120-700 baht per day depending on size. It is recommended though, to hire only from a reputable company as there have been reports of scams; that is where some places deliberately steal bikes that they have rented out. If hiring a bike does not appeal to you, then there are motorbike-taxis willing to take you around for a small fee.

Taxi

(Koh Samui)

The Ko Samui Taxi Service is a public taxi service, which cost around 50 baht.

For Rent

The vehicles rent companies are in the airport, the bus station, and train station. There are many companies that rent vehicles.

See

Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani

TaladSanjoa(ตลาดศาลเจ้า) is the food walk street. The night market has some great food vendors and much fantastic food. In the evening hours, there are also some food stalls there; however, the night market concentrates at a sidestreet next to Wat Sai.

Night Bandon pier(ท่าเรือกลางคืน)is Thai fruit walk street and food.

'Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine(ศาสหลักเมือง) (Srivijaya style) It is beautiful Thai art style place at the centre of the city.

Si Surat Stupa(พระธาตุศรีสุราษฎร์) and Khao Tha Phet Nature and Wildlife Study Centre (สถานีพัฒนาและส่งเสริมอนุรักษ์สัตว์ป่าเขาท่าเพชร)

Pra tad sri surat appoint on Khao Tha Phet(เขาท่าเพชร)(thapech hills) is a hill near the town of Surat Thani. The hill has an altitude of about 210m (689ft) above sea level and offers a good view over the town Surat Thani.On top of the hill is the Si Surat stupa (also known by its common name Phra That Khao Tha Phet), which was built in Srivijavan style in 1957. The stupa contains a Buddha relic donated by India. Next to the stupa is a Sweet Shorea tree (Shorea roxburghii) planted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 6 kilometres south of the provincial capital along Highway 4009 (Surat Thani - Na San) and 1.5 kilometres along the access road, this centre is located on a hill called Khao Tha Phet and covers an area of 4.65 square kilometres. The designated trail allows visitors to see some rarely-seen trees and to take a close look at the levels of soil, sandstone, and dry evergreen forest. The hilltop, some 200 metres above sea level, offers commanding panoramic views of Surat Thani town and the Tapi River. Phrathat Si Surat, a candle-like stupa on the hill, was built in 1957 and contains Lord Buddha’s relics donated by the Indian government.

Nai Bang Area (ในบาง)

Nai Bang is an alluvial plain around the mouth of the Tapi River which is crisscrossed with networks of canals. The canals are lined with mangrove forest alternating with traditional southern-styled houses, behind which are coconut farms and orchards. The people here still maintain a simple way of life and make their living on indigenous natural resources, despite the bustling economy in the Ban Don (town) market just opposite the river. Access to Nai Bang is by the bridge across the Tapi River or by long-tail boat from Ban Don. The boat can carry 6 – 8 people and charges 250 baht per hour. Visitors may contact the travel agents in Surat Thani which sell a one-day package tour to the Nai Bang area. If you can see the light, you can do trip on the night.

Tapee River Dinner Have romantic dinner on the boat in Tapi River to see Tapi River view, Tapi River to the sea or see view beside the river in the restaurant.

Ko Lamphu(เกาะลำพู) A popular place for picnic as well as for sports is Ko Lamphu, a small car-free island in the river Tapi, connected by bridge to the city at the city pillar shrine. A nice view is the riverfront, built as a promenade.

Patthanaram Temple(วัดพัฒนาราม)Locaed near Talad Sanjao next to the small food night walk street, Taladmai Rd. Lung Po Pat Na Ra To is one of southern Thailand's most revered Buddhist ecclesiastics.in The temple have the old the wood building, usually the finest one, in a Buddhist monastery,where the priests are assembled for rites, other large buildings being and old building in the temple.

There are several Buddhist as well as Chinese temples within the city; however, none is really notable. To the north is the Roman Catholic St. Raphael Cathedral, actually a small wooden church.

Amphoe Kanchanadit

Monkey Schools (สถานที่ฝึกลิง) In the southern provinces, monkeys work for humans in the harvesting of coconuts. Expert climbers, they show quick skills that are a boon to farmers. The various training schools in the region act as seats of higher learning for monkeys; some are open to visitors. Prior contact is necessary. Tourists are advised to check with local travel agents for full details.

Oyster Farm (ฟาร์มหอยนางรม) Surat Thani people take so much pride in their big and delicious oysters that they have become a part of the province’s motto. Most oysters are raised around the mouth of Kradae and Than Thong canals. To visit the farms, tourists are advised to contact local travel agents.

Amphoe Tha Chang

Ban Khlong Sai Monkey Training Centre (ศูนย์ฝึกลิงบ้านคลองทราย) Located in front of Wat Ampharam, Mu 3, Tambon Khlong Sai, Amphoe Tha Chang, the centre trains monkeys to pick up coconuts as well as to perform tricks for visitors. For details call 0 7721 6763 or contact travel agents in Surat Thani.

Amphoe Chaiya

Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram (วัดสวนโมกขพลาราม) Better known as Suan Mokkh, this 150-acre forest temple is located beside Highway 41 some 50 kilometres north of the provincial capital. Suan Mokkh's founder, the late Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, was highly respected both locally and internationally. His 'back to basics' form of Buddhism, mirroring that led by the Buddha's earliest disciples more than 2,500 years ago, attracted many Buddhist monks and lay meditators from many countries. The enclave is devoid of extravagant ceremonial and elaborated chapels. The forest tranquility is ideal for a life of contemplation. Call 0 7743 1552, 0 7743 1597 or visit www.suanmokkh.org for more information.

Phra Borommathat Chaiya (พระบรมธาตุไชยา) This elaborately restored and revered chedi (pagoda) is located some 4 kilometres northeast of Suan Mokkh, or 1 kilometre from Chaiya railway station. Constructed along Mahayana Buddhist’s beliefs of the 7th Century, the great chedi is reputedly the best preserved Srivijaya artwork in thailand. The stone chedi has 3 receding tiers, each of which are decorated with small stupas. The Buddha’s relics are enshrined inside the chedi. In the surrounding chapels are enshrined several Chaiya-styled Buddha statues. Call 0 7743 1090, 0 7743 1402

Chaiya National Museum in the temple contains artifacts from the 5th – 6th Century, which recount Chaiya’s history as a pre-historical community developed into a city port trading with China, India and Arabia. Other collections are antiques and gold offerings donated to the great chedi. The museum is open Tuesday-Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is 30 baht. Call 0 7743 1066 for more information.

Wat Wiang, Wat Kaeo and Wat Long (วัดเวียง วัดแก้ว และวัดหลง) These 3 temples are supposedly contemporaries of Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya. The seated Buddha statue protected by naga, made in 1183, and a sand stone, Chaiya-styled, Buddha statue were found at Wat Wiang. Wat Kaeo and Wat Long have Chaiya-styled brick chedi on indented square bases.

Phumriang Village (หมู่บ้านพุมเรียง) Located some 7 kilometres east of Chaiya, this Muslim fishing village is famed for its hand-woven silk cloth in red, yellow and black. Buddhist Thais in the village weave hats from leaves. Nearby Laem Pho was once an ancient port during the Srivijaya period.

Amphoe Don Sak

Namtok Vibhavadi (น้ำตกวิภาวดี) This waterfall is located 38 kilometres east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 401. The entrance to the waterfall is between Km.60-61. The petite waterfall enjoys bucolic surroundings and attracts a lot of local people during weekends.

Wat Khao Suwan Pradit (วัดเขาสุวรรณประดิษฐ์) Located 1 kilometre from Don Sak district, this temple was founded by Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailand's most revered Buddhist ecclesiastics. The hilltop 45-metre pagoda contains Buddha relics and commands striking coastal views of Ban Don district.

Rock Fish Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ปลาหิน) Situated next to Don Sak Hospital 4 kilometres from the ferry pier, this museum was established in 1992 by Mr. Kitti Sin-udom, an old fisherman who spent more than 10 years in stone carving work. He carved rocks into many fish and arranged them according to the real ecological milieu. More than 1,000 life-like sculptures of marine fish found in the gulf of Thailand are on display. The museum also sells local produce made by housewives from Amphoe Don Sak. Call 0 7737 1197 for more information.

Amphoe Phanom and Amphoe Ban Ta Khun

Khao Sok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก) This is a popular eco-tourism destination in the South. Khao Sok, covering 738 square kilometres, was proclaimed a national park in 1980. As part of the largest moist evergreen forest in Southern Thailand, the park is rich with diverse flora, some of which are rarely seen elsewhere, including certain families of lotus, white palm, and fern.

Khao Sok is also one of the best bird-watching spots in Thailand. At least 155 species of birds are reportedly seen here, some of which are rare, such as hawk, heron, and many others.

Most of the park is bejeweled with convoluted limestone mountains of the Phuket Range, and very scenic canyons, streams, caves and waterfalls. The limestone islands and islets in the reservoir at Ratchaprapha Dam are very striking. The Tourist Service Centre at the park headquarter provides information and brochures on the various trails and activities in the park. Visitors can go trekking, bird-watching, paddling, canoeing, and camping. The best time to visit the park is from December to April.

Attractions in the park include:

• Ratchaprapha (Rajjaprabha) Dam - 90 kilometres from the provincial capital via Highway 401 with a right turn at Km. 60, from where a 14-kilometre access road leads to the dam site. The complete of this dam in 1988 gave birth to a huge inland lake of about 168 square kilometres, which is adorned with hundreds of islands and islets. Many people compare the striking scenery here with the world-famous Kuilin in China. The dam has scenic points, restaurants, rest area, and 3 floating lodgings. Khao Sok Ranger Station near the dam site operates long-tail boat services to the raft-houses at 1,200 - 1,700 baht according to distances.

• Tham Nam Thalu – Much preparation is needed to visit this cave, as the trail is rather physically demanding. A guided visit is a must. Avoid visiting during rainy seasons, due to high waters and forceful tide. Do not touch the stalactites and stalagmites.

Tang Nam – Streams chiseled across 2 ridges to create this striking gorge. Once it was a trans-peninsula route from the western to eastern coast. The deep basin accommodates many fish. Many people came to pay respect to this place, around which the venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu’s ashes were traditionally showered. Parts of the trail to Tang Nam are rather steep and cut across the streams.

• Namtok Than Sawan – This scenic waterfall is 3 kilometres from Tang Nam.

• Namtok Sip Et Chan – This 11-leveled waterfall orignates from Bang Len canal. The first level is largest and most picturesque. The basin is good for swimming.

• Other waterfalls are Mae Yai (the only waterfall accessible by car), Ton Kloi, Ton Sai and Wing Hin waterfalls.

• San Yang Roi Trail – This 2-kilometre trail begins at the park headquarters and runs along the mountain shoulder past streams, waterfalls and moist evergreen forest. A trail to a rarely seen plant called Bua Phut at Bang Luk Chang Mountain. This plant blooms during October – April. Some rare palm can also be seen.

Getting there: The park office is some 140 kilometres from Surat Thani. It can be reached by proceeding on Highway No. 401 (Surat Thani-Takua Pa) to Km. 109 where a right turn leads to the park office, 1.3 kilometres further on. Private-run bungalows are along the access to the park office at Km. 109.

Visitors travelling by bus from Surat Thani town can take either Surat Thani-Phuket bus or Surat Thani-Takua Pa bus and get off at the entrance to the park at Km.109. From Surat Thani railway station, visitors can take a Phunphin-Phuket bus to the park.

Khlong Phanom National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองพนม) Covering an area of 464 square kilometres, Khlong Phanom National Park comprises high limestone mountains connected with Khao Sok National Park. Attractions in the park include Kiriwong and Chong Yung waterfalls and several caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.

Getting there: Take Highway 401 until arriving at Km. 90. The park office is situated on the left.

Amphoe Tha Chana

Kaeng Krung National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแก่งกรุง) This national park covers an area of 541 square kilometres. Its mountainous area is covered by fertile moist evergreen forests, where some rare and endangered species such as tree-ferns can be found. Attractions in the park include hot springs, Bang Hoi Waterfall in Chaiya district and Khlong Pa Waterfall in Tha Chana district.

Many adventure lovers fall in love with this fertile watershed forest. The one interesting activity is kayaking along Khlong (canal) Yan which runs past hundreds of islets and very fertile forest and offers a pretty view of the faraway mountain range. This 15-kilometre long route takes 3 days and 2 nights. Kayaking is now offered by both professional tour operators and local community.

Getting there: Travel from Surat Thani to Tha Chana, then turn left at Kan Thuli Village and proceed for 25 kilometres to the park headquarters.

Amphoe Ban Na San

Tai Rom Yen National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติใต้ร่มเย็น) The 425 - square kilometre - forest areas in Kanchanadit, Ban Na San and Wiang Sa were designated National Park in 1991 after the Communist Party of Thailand had been quelled by “Tai Rom Yen” (or “peaceful South”) strategy. The diluting mountains of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range are mostly covered with moist evergreen forest and exotic and rare flora and fauna. The captivating scenery, caves and waterfalls in the park are worth visiting.

Attractions in the park include:

• Namtok Tat Fa – The perennial 13-leveled waterfall is highest in Surat Thani. The 4th level is most attractive with its 80 metres high cliff.

• Tham Khamin or Tham Men – Exotic stalagmites and stalactites can be admired in this cave. The walkway is well-lit and fit with stairs when needed, to ensure maximum safety. Contact the official stationed in front of the cave prior to entering the cave.

San Yen – The eastern range, about 40 kilometres long and 1,000-1,300 metres high is fertile with rare flora, fauna and wildlife.

• Namtok Mueang Thuat – The 7-leveled waterfall has a large basin. The surrounding area is relaxing. It is accessible by car.

Other waterfalls in the park are such as Khong Nam Thao, Khlong Khan Bet, Sam Ha Chet, Than Tip and Phet Phanom Wat.

Natural study trails in the park are designated for trekkers. The short trail of 2,000 metres takes 2 hours while the 15-kilometre long trail takes 2 days with one night stay in the forest. The trekking should be guided by officials of the park.

Getting there: From Surat Thani, follow Highway 4009 for 30 kilometres to Ban Chiang Phra. There is a 15-kilometre road leading to the park office.

For more information, contact Tai Rom Yen National Park, P.O. Box 12, Amphoe Mueang, Surat Thani 84000 or call 0 7734 4633.

Do

Trekking

Khao Sok in western Surat Thani and the adjoining Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary provide a home for tigers, clouded leopards, Malaysian sun bears, elephants, gaur, and many other rare species. The park has hiking trials leading to caves and waterfalls surrounded by virgin forest.

Diving

In recent years, Ko Tao has overtaken Ko Samui as the centre for diving in the Gulf of Thailand. Ko Tao’s proximity to natural underwater classrooms and the availability of resources render it the attribute of an excellent educational facility for novice divers. It currently houses a large concentration of almost diving schools with approximately 100 professional instructors. Meanwhile, skilled divers can add to their log books the explorations of over 30 diving sites around this island.

Sea canoeing

Ang Thong Marine National Park is suitable for sea-canoeing. It comprises 40 islands with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and stunning rock formations. Many tour companies arrange sea-canoe explorations of the islands.

Meditation

Wat Suan Mokkh in Chiya district offers ten-day meditation retreats in English at international Dhamma Hermitage at the beginning of every month. Call 0 7743 1552 or visit www.suanmokkh.org for more information.

Wat Khao Tham (or Wat Kow Tahm) on Ko Pha-ngan offers regular ten-day retreats and longer retreats for experienced meditators. For more information, visit www.watkowtahm.org.

Learning Thai Cooking

Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts, Tel: 0 7741 3172 provides basic skills sufficient to prepare a Thai meal in your own home, or even training to professional standards. Some hotels that have their own in-house Thai restaurant offer cooking classes to their customers. Contact Central Samui Beach Resort Tel: 0 2230 5000, Imperial Samui Tel: 0 7742 2020-36, Poppies Samui Tel: 0 7742 2389; Santiburi Dusit Resort Tel: 0 7742 5031 for details

Buy

Shopping in The Surat Thani Main Market and Touristical Place.

Salted Eggs Ducks in Chaiya eat mollusk, crab and fish on the farm, which make their egg yokes particularly red. Eggs are covered with soil mixed with salty water and husk, resulting in the famous preserved eggs of Chaiya.

Oysters Surat Thani’s oysters are well-known for their size, cleanliness, taste, and smell. Oysters are raised most in Kanchanadit District.

Rambutan Rambutan here is probably the best in Thailand, thanks to its sweet taste, crisp meat, big size, small seeds, and thin peel. It is available in June.

Phumriang Silk are hand-woven products of a Muslim village. The weavers here create their own patterns which are embossed on the silk by shuttle looms.

Local Cloth Hand made local produce are Batic Cloth(ผ้าบาติก), a local simple skirt somewhat like a tube skirt(ผ้าถุง),silk fabric(ผ้าแพร), a loincloth for bathing without a bathroom(ผ้าข��วม้า)

Do

60 km north of Surat Thani is a small town called Chaiya, which gives a good representation of what small town life used to be like in Southern Thailand. It is one of the oldest towns in Thailand - dating to the 8th and 10th centuries. This was during the Srivijaya empire (~200 - 1400).

Halfway between Phuket and Surat Thani but still within the province of Surat Thani is the town Ban Takhun. There is little to do here but this is a very convenient stopping point for people on the way to Phuket, Khao Sok National Park and the Rajjaprabha Dam. Tourist information is available behind the bus shelter opposite the Takhun Temple at both the Pet Shop and the Ice Shop next door where the owners can speak English. The Pet Shop Girl also has cold drinks and English language books for sale.

At the Rajjaprabha Dam there is a beautiful view point which looks out onto the reservoir and the ring of limestone mountains surrounding it. There are refreshments and basic Thai food available there. Unless accommodation has already been booked visitors are not allowed to stay overnight and are required to leave by 7pm. Accommodation is available either on raft houses (ask at the pier) out on the reservoir or in hotels near the view point.

Festivals

Rambutan Fair (งานวันเงาะโรงเรียน)

(August)

The fair celebrates the delicious fruit, first planted in Surat Thani during 1926. Highlights include floats adorned with rambutans and other fruits, exhibitions of local products and ornamental plants, and demonstrations by specially trained monkeys who harvest coconuts.

Chak Phra Festival (ประเพณีชักพระ)

(mid-October)

Surat Thani celebrates the official end of the annual 3-month Buddhist Rains Retreat (Ok Phansa) with the Chak Phra Festival (literally 'the procession of hauling the Buddha image’). The tradition stems from the belief that the Buddha ascended to Heaven during Phansa to preach to his mother. The festival marks the Buddha's return to Earth, and is an occasion for religious merit-making and general celebrations. Local people organise dazzling land and waterborne processions of revered Buddha images (to symbolise the Buddha's return to Earth) and boat races on the Tapi River where long boats, manned by up to 50 oarsmen, are ebulliently raced. Religious devotion, spectacle and merriment combine to make Surat Thani's Chak Phra Festival a memorable annual event.It is celebrate in many place in south of thailand but in Surat Thani is the biggest.It is Chak Phra Festivals on land and on the Tapi River.Before Chak Phra Day ,on the night there are build the screen of Buddha's story around the city and celebrate its all day all night.On land,the splendidly adorned floats are pulled across the town by the participants.At the same time,on watera float decorated in colorful Thai design of a float made to carry the Buddha image.Chak Phra Festivals then concludes with and exciting boat race and treaditional game.

Bull Fighting (กีฬาชนวัว)

This ancient popular sport on Ko Samui was once held on large undercorated terrain in coconut fields or farms. Now, permanent stadiums in various districts take turns hosting the monthly bull fighting.

Surat thani Songkran festival(สงกรานต์สุราษฎร์ธานี)

(13th April)

Thai New Year (water festival) in Surat Thani is celebrated every year on 13 April at Bandon bay street and around the town and Ko Samui is celebrated on 13-15 April at chaweng beach lamai beach and around the island street. Surat Thani

Loy Krathong Festival on the Tapi River(ลอยกระทงในแม่น้ำตาปี)

(November Full Moon)

Loy Krathong Festival on the Tapi River It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a raft like this on a river and have celebitity all night.

• Boon Sad Dean Sib Festival(บุญสาร์เดือนสิบ)

(August)

(Southern Treditional) It is held on the full moon of the 10th month in traditional calender (about August). Many people will go to the temple and remember for the ancestor.Friend and relations will come back home and go to temple altogether.Treditional people can made sweetmeat for this festival.

Sleep

Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani

• Ban Don (บ้านดอน) 268/2 Na Mueang Road (Tel: 0 7727 2167), 15 rooms: 200-300 baht
• Diamond Plaza (ไดมอนด์พลาซ่า) 83/27 Siwichai Road (Tel: 0 7720 5323, 0 7720 5333-52 Fax: 0 77 20 5352 www. Daimondplazahotel.com), 405 rooms: 1,188 baht
• Golden Guest House (โกลเด้น เกสท์เฮ้าส์) 71/3 Suratthani-Nakhon Si Thammarat Road (Tel: 0 7727 3698), 10 rooms: 130-300 baht
• Grand City (แกรนซิตี้) 428/6-10 Na Mueang Road (Tel: 0 7727 2560, 0 7727 2960 Fax: 0 77 28 4951), 65 rooms: 230-500 baht
• Inn Town (อินทาวน์) 276/1 Na Mueang Road (Tel: 0 7721 0145-50 Fax: 0 7721 0422), 48 rooms: 200-370 baht
• Koh Klang Bungalow (เกาะกลางบังกะโล) 9/1 Bang Baimai Road (Tel: 0 7720 4309 Fax: 0 7721 0446), 50 rooms: 270-320 baht
• Kullathida Apartment (กุลธิดา อพาร์ทเม้นท์) 20/7 Makham Tia Road (Tel: 0 7720 4550-1, 0 7721 4932-3 Fax: 0 7720 7550 ext. 105), 50 rooms: 400-650 baht
• Merrytime Resotel (เมอร์ริไทม์ รีโซเทล) 227/49 Mu 4 Cholokrat Road (Tel: 0 7722 6212-4, 0 7720 3532-3 Fax: 0 7722 6212), 32 rooms: 700-1,600 baht
• Mueang Tai (เมืองใต้) 390-392 Talad Mai Road (Tel: 0 7727 2559, 0 7728 6390 Fax: 0 7721 7663), 48 rooms: 240-420 baht
• M.T. Riverside Resort (เอ็ม ที ริเวอร์ไซด์ รีสอร์ท) 4/18 Mu 1 Tambon Bang Kung (Tel: 0 7727 3093), 8 rooms: 280-350 baht
• Night Inn (ไนท์อินน์) 217/5 Mu 1 Chonkasem Road (Tel: 0 7720 8796), 47 rooms: 250-430 baht
• Nipa Garden (นิภา การ์เด้น) 83/25 Mu 3 Bypass (Tel: 0 7727 5093 Fax: 0 7727 5051), 80 rooms: 390 baht
• Palm Garden Resort (ปาล์มการ์เด้นรีสอร์ท) 70/38 Mu 3 Na Nian Road (Tel: 0 7722 1375, 0 7728 4213 Fax: 0 7728 6977), 64 rooms: 350-420 baht
• Pass Inn (พาสส์ อินน์) Suratthani – Na San Road (Tel: 0 7721 8121-5), 20 rooms: 180-450 baht
• Phan Fa (ผ่านฟ้า) 247/2-5 Na Mueang Road (Tel: 0 7727 2287-8, 0 7728 1905), 58 rooms: 150-280 baht
• Pongkeaw Apartment & Hotel (พงษ์แก้ว อพาร์ทเม้นท์) 126/3 Talat Mai Road (Tel: 0 7722 3410-16, 0 7722 3417 Fax: 0 7722 3420),40 rooms: 400-1,200 baht
• Phloen Phet (เพลินเพชร) 112/26 Mu 1 Don Nok Road (Tel: 0 7727 2910, 0 7727 3297 Fax: 0 7722 3297), 71 rooms: 100-350 baht
• Ratchathani (ราชธานี) 293/96-98 Talad Kaset 1 Road (Tel: 0 7727 2143 Fax: 0 7728 7638), 105 rooms: 200-490 baht
• Roi Koh Hotel (โรงแรมร้อยเกาะ) 19/6 Mu 3 Liang Muang Road (Tel: 0 7720 1150-1, www.Roikoh.com), 100 roooms: 570 baht
• Rung Ruang Mansion (รุ่งเรืองแมนชั่น) 335/34-39 Chonkasem Road (Tel: 0 7727 3264, 0 7728 6348 Fax: 0 7728 6353), 50 rooms: 150-220 baht
• Rung Tawan (รุ้งตะวัน) 44/5 Mu 2 Siwichai Road (Tel: 0 7722 0065-7 Fax: 0 7722 0068), 64 rooms: 490-850 baht
• S.A. Guest House (เอส.เอ. เกสท์เฮ้าส์) 157/8 Na Mueang Road (Tel: 0 7721 0415), 26 rooms: 100-250 baht
• Siam Guest House (สยาม เกสท์เฮ้าส์) 82/11 Surat Thani – Nakhon Si Thammarat Road (Tel: 0 7721 4210), 12 rooms: 180-220 baht
• South Inn (เซาท์ อินน์) 184/24 Siwichai Road ( Tel: 0 7726 4108, 0 7728 2671, 0 7728 5611 Fax: 0 7728 2671),38 rooms :290-420 maht
• S.R. Hotel (โรงแรม เอส อาร์) 1/69 Sri Wichai Road (Tel: 0 7727 5064-5 Fax: 0 7722 1958), 78 rooms: 450-1,200 baht
• Saowaluk Thani (เสาวลักษณ์ธานี) 99/99 Surat Thani-Nakhon Si Thammarat Road (Tel: 0 7721 3700-30 Fax: 0 7721 3735), 175 rooms: 800-2,300 baht
• Samaporn (ศมาภรณ์) 100 Na Mueang Road (Tel: 0 7727 3617, 0 7728 8791), 44 rooms: 380-600 baht
• Seri (เสรี) 2/2-5 Ton Pho Road (Tel: 0 7727 2279, 0 7727 3192), 20 rooms: 200-350 baht
• Siam Thani (สยามธานี) 180 Siwichai Road (Tel: 0 7727 3081-5, 0 7725 2167-8 Fax: 0 7728 2169), 215 rooms: 550-1,550 baht
• Siam Thara (สยามธารา) 1/44 Don Nok Road (Tel: 0 7727 3740-3), 170 rooms: 395-425 baht
• Southern Star (เซาท์เทิร์นสตาร์) 253 Chonkasem Road (Tel: 0 7721 6414-24 Fax: 0 7721 6427), 112 rooms: 1,000-2,690 baht
• Setthi Mansion (เศรษฐี แมนชั่น) 138/111-115 Chonkasem Road (Tel: 0 7721 9226, 0 7728 6348 Fax: 0 7728 6353), 360 rooms: 150-220 baht
• Tapi (ตาปี) 100 Chonkasem Road (Tel: 0 7727 2575, 0 7727 2675, 0 7727 2776 Fax: 0 7728 2433), 120 rooms: 300-550 baht
• Thai Rungrueang (ไทยรุ่งเรือง) 191-199 Mitkasem Road (Tel: 0 7727 3249, 0 7728 6351-2 Fax: 0 77 286353), 140 rooms: 240-400 baht
• Thai Hotel (โรงแรมไทย) Sri Chaiya Road (Tel: 0 7727 2932 Fax: 0 7728 6353), 20 rooms: 150-200 baht
• Thai Thani (ไทยธานี) 442/306-308 Talat Mai Raod (Tel: 0 7727 3586, 0 7727 2977, 0 7727 3620 Fax: 0 7728 6129), 120 rooms: 240-380 baht
• T.H. Mansion (โรงแรมที เอช แมนชั่น) 70/1-4 Mitrapab Road (Tel: 0 7721 2701-3 Fax: 0 7728 6129), 50 rooms:280-780 baht
• Top Inn (ท๊อบ อินน์) 103 Surat Paknam Road (Tel: 0 7721 2353), 17 rooms: 180-350 baht
• Wang Tai (วังใต้) 1 Talat Mai Road (Tel: 0 7728 3020-39 Fax: 0 7728 1007), 233 rooms: 950-2,000 baht

Amphoe Phunphin

• Queen (ควีน) 12 Sisawat Road, near Surat Thani Railway Station (Tel: 0 7731 1125, 0 7731 1831, 0 7731 1841 Fax: 0 7731 2265, 0 7731 1063), 34 rooms: 200-400 baht

Amphoe Don Sak

• Tandiew Bungalow (ตาลเดี่ยว บังกะโล) 85/1 Mu1 Don Sak Ferry Road (Tel: 0 7737 1376), 11 rooms: 280-800 baht
• Wanghin Bungalow (วังหิน บังกะโล) 368/12 Mu 5 Wang Hin Road (Tel 0 7737 1345), 10 rooms: 250-350 baht

Amphoe Phanom

• Khao Sok (เขาสก)
  • Baan Khao Sok Resort (บ้านเขาสกรีสอร์ท) Tel: 0 1747 8803, 8 rooms: 350 baht
  • Bamboo House (แบมบูเฮ้าส์) Tel: 0 7739 5013, 10 rooms: 300–500 baht
  • Evergreen House (เอเวอร์กรีน) Tel: 0 1978 7203, 3 rooms: 300 baht
  • Freedom Resort (ฟรีดอมรีสอร์ท) Tel: 0 1125 5594, 10 rooms: 200-400 baht
  • Garden Hut (การ์เด้นฮัท) Tel: 0 9047 2808, 8 rooms: 200 baht
  • Jungle Hut (จังเกิ้ลฮัท) Tel: 0 7739 5017, 20 rooms: 150-300 baht
  • Khao Sok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก) Tel: 0 7739 5025, 0 7739 5139, 3 houses: 800-1,000 baht; Rafthouses Tel: 0 7729 9318-9
  • Khao Sok Valley Lodge (เขาสกวัลเล่ย์ลอดจ์) Tel: 0 7265 5389, 5 rooms: 300-400 baht
  • Khao Sok Rain Forest Resort (เขาสกเรนฟอเรสรีสอร์ท) Tel: 0 7739 5006-7, 11 rooms: 300-400 baht
  • Pantoorat Mountain Lodge (พันธุรัตน์ เมาเท้น ลอดจ์) E-mail: pantoorat@yahoo.com , 4 rooms: 400 baht
  • Three Top River Hut (ทรีท็อปริเวอร์ฮัท) Tel: 0 7739 5129 www.treetops-riverhut.com, 28 rooms: 200–800 baht
  • Tiger Jungle Lodge (ไทเกอ���์จังเกิ้ลลอดจ์) Tel: 0 6282 6268, 7 rooms: 100-300 baht
  • Trek and Stay (เทรกแอนด์สเตย์) Tel: 0 7739 5137, 4 rooms: 400-700 baht

Eat

Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani

• TaladSanjoa(ตลาดศาลเจ้า)is the food walk street The night market has some great food vendors and many fantastic food. Next to the Sahathai department store have fast food there is a Pizza Company outlet, a Swensens ice-cream, a Minimart, Super Market, and Coffee Café

Recommened Food in TaladSanjoa(ตลาดศาลเจ้า) and Surat Thani Pad Thai Chaiya(ผัดไทไชยา)Thai noodle in Surat Thani Style with Sea Food. Kanomjean(ขนมจีน)white noodle with cerry Thaifruit Thai Crips and Thai Dessert

• Night Bandon pier(ท่าเรือกลางคืน)is thai fruit walk street and food.
• Chai Huai (ฉ่ายฮวย) 285/1 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7727 2969, 0 7728 2558 (Thai & Chinese food)
• Hat Tapi (หาดตาปี) 115/5 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road, Tel: 0 7728 5109 (seafood)
• Kampan (กำปั่น) 2/1 Phakdi Anuson Road Tel: 0 7727 2700 (Thai food)
• Lucky (ลัคกี้) 452/84-85 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7727 3267, 0 7727 3471 (southern-style food)
• Phet Tapi Suki (เพชรตาปีสุกี้) 184/1 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7727 2570
• Sun Hiang (ซุ่นเฮียง) 21 Chonkasem Road Tel: 0 7728 1367, 0 7727 2180 (seafood)
• Takiang (ตะเกียง) 38/15 Surat Thani-Phunphin Road Tel: 0 7728 3932-3 (Thai food)
• Tapi Seafood (ตาปี ซีฟู้ด) 30 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road Tel: 0 7728 2115 (seafood)
• Wang Thong (วังทอง) 20 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7728 3774 (Thai & Chinese food)
• Earth Zone On Chalok Rat Road opposite the large outdoor Popeye Restaurant is open between the hours of 6pm and 12am.(Pub)
• The Corner (มุมหนึ่ง)Chonkasem Road (Steak southern-style food )
• Smile of Steak (สเต็กรอยยิ้ม) (Steak southern-style food )
• Coffee corner (คอฟฟี่คอร์เนอร์) 1.near night market opposite chinese temple 2.Taladmai Road near Raja Ferry(coffee cafe)
• O-zone pub (โอโซนผับ) 1 st floor in Southern star Hotel Chonkasem Road
• Mahe pub (มาเฮผับ) Center point Taladmai Road
• Tapee Seafood
• Lumpoo Seafood
• Pizza Hut in Srivijaya Road
• There are fastfoods in the Super Market(TescoLotus(biggest),BigC,Makro) have Black Canyon Coffee,KFC, Swensense, HajiBung Ramen,Chester Grill,MK Sukiyaki,Mister donut,Dunkin donut,Anti Anne,Daily Queen icecream and foodcort

Amphoe Kanchanadit

• Khiang Le (เคียงเล) 124 Mu 7 Tambon Kadae Tel: 0 7725 5243 (seafood)

Amphoe Ban Na San

• Sin Hua Lang (ซินฮั้วล้ง) 60–62 Nasan Nok Road Tel: 0 7734 1104 (Thai food)

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 20:46, 6 February 2010 (EST)

City Page

See

TaladSanjoa(ตลาดศาลเจ้า) is the food walk street The night market has some great food vendors and many fantastic food. In the evening hours, there are also some food stalls there; however the night market concentrates at a sidestreet next to Wat Sai.

Night Bandon pier(ท่าเรือกลางคืน)is thai fruit walk street and food.

'Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine(ศาสหลีกเมือง) (Srivijaya style) It's beautiful Thai art style place and centre of the city.

Si Surat Stupa(พระธาตุศรีสุราษฎร์) and Khao Tha Phet Nature and Wildlife Study Centre (สถานีพัฒนาและส่งเสริมอนุรักษ์สัตว์ป่าเขาท่าเพชร)

Pra tad sri surat appoint on Khao Tha Phet(เขาท่าเพชร)(thapech hills) is a hill near the town of Surat Thani. The hill has an altitude of about 210m (689ft) above sea level and offers a good view over the town Surat Thani. On top of the hill is the Si Surat stupa (also known by its common name Phra That Khao Tha Phet), which was built in Srivijavan style in 1957. The stupa contains a Buddha relic donated by India. Next to the stupa is a Sweet Shorea tree (Shorea roxburghii) planted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej. 6 kilometres south of the provincial capital along Highway 4009 (Surat Thani - Na San) and 1.5 kilometres along the access road, this centre is located on a hill called Khao Tha Phet and covers an area of 4.65 square kilometres. The designated trail allows visitors to see some rarely-seen trees and to take a close look at the levels of soil, sandstone, and dry evergreen forest. The hilltop, some 200 metres above sea level, offers commanding panoramic views of Surat Thani town and the Tapi River. Phrathat Si Surat, a candle-like stupa on the hill, was built in 1957 and contains Lord Buddha’s relics donated by the Indian government.

Nai Bang Area (ในบาง)

Nai Bang is an alluvial plain around the mouth of the Tapi River which is crisscrossed with networks of canals. The canals are lined with mangrove forest alternating with traditional southern-styled houses, behind which are coconut farms and orchards. The people here still maintain a simple way of life and make their living on indigenous natural resources, despite the bustling economy in the Ban Don (town) market just opposite the river. Access to Nai Bang is by the bridge across the Tapi River or by long-tail boat from Ban Don. The boat can carry 6 – 8 people and charges 250 baht per hour. Visitors may contact the travel agents in Surat Thani which sell a one-day package tour to the Nai Bang area. If you can see the light, youcan do trip on the night.

Tapee River Dinner Have romantic dinner on the boat in Tapi River to see Tapi River view,entrane Tapi River to the sea or see view beside the river in restaurant.

Ko Lamphu(เกาะลำพู) A popular place for picnic as well as for sports is Ko Lamphu, a small car-free island in the river Tapi, connected by bridge to the city at the city pillar shrine. A nice view is the riverfront, built as a promenade.

Patthanaram Temple(วัดพัฒนาราม)Locaed near Talad Sanjao next to the small food night walk street, Taladmai Rd. Lung Po Pat Na Ra To is one of southern Thailand's most revered Buddhist ecclesiastics.in The temple have the old the wood building, usually the finest one, in a Buddhist monastery,where the priests are assembled for rites, other large buildings being and old building in the temple.

There are several Buddhist as well as Chinese temples within the city, however none really notable. To the north is the Roman Catholic St.Raphael Cathedral, actually a small wooden church.

Don Sak

Don Sak hosts the the two docks that service the islands Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, and Ko Tao. It is a small fishing village with a few small shops including a 7/11. Few locals speak English. It has a large local market at the port and a Sunday morning market on the main road into town.

One of the main attractions in Don Sak is Wat Khao Suwan Pradit (วัดเขา���ุวรรณประดิษฐ์). It is a buddhist temple located on a hill about 1 kilometer from the town Don Sak. Luang Pho Choi, who is a highly revered monk of southern Thailand founded the said temple in 1982. A 45 meter high chedi that contains Buddha relics sits on top of the hill of Wat Khao Suwan Pradit. This relic came from Wat Phra Kiat (Amphoe Hot, Chiang Mai Province). Around the chedi is a platform that offers a great view of the town and the Gulf of Thailand.

Traditional

• Chak Phra Festival (ประเพณีชักพระ)

(mid-October)

Surat Thani celebrates the official end of the annual 3-month Buddhist Rains Retreat (Ok Phansa) with the Chak Phra Festival (literally 'the procession of hauling the Buddha image’). The tradition stems from the belief that the Buddha ascended to Heaven during Phansa to preach to his mother. The festival marks the Buddha's return to Earth, and is an occasion for religious merit-making and general celebrations. Local people organise dazzling land and waterborne processions of revered Buddha images (to symbolise the Buddha's return to Earth) and boat races on the Tapi River where long boats, manned by up to 50 oarsmen, are ebulliently raced. Religious devotion, spectacle and merriment combine to make Surat Thani's Chak Phra Festival a memorable annual event.It is celebrate in many place in south of thailand but in Surat Thani is the biggest.It is Chak Phra Festivals on land and on the Tapi River.Before Chak Phra Day ,on the night there are build the screen of Buddha's story around the city and celebrate its all day all night.On land,the splendidly adorned floats are pulled across the town by the participants.At the same time,on watera float decorated in colorful Thai design of a float made to carry the Buddha image.Chak Phra Festivals then concludes with and exciting boat race and treaditional game.

• Surat thani Songkran festival(สงกรานต์สุราษฎร์ธานี)

(13th April)

Thai New Year (water festival) in Surat Thani is celebrated every year on 13 April at Bandon bay street and around the town and Ko Samui is celebrated on 13-15 April at chaweng beach lamai beach and around the island street. Surat Thani

• Loy Krathong Festival on the Tapi River(ลอยกระทงในแม่น้ำตาปี)

(November Full Moon)

Loy Krathong Festival on the Tapi River It is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. During the night of the full moon, many people will release a raft like this on a river and have celebitity all night.

• Boon Sad Dean Sib Festival(บุญสาร์ทเดือนสิบ)

(August)

(Southern Treditional) It is held on the full moon of the 10th month in traditional calender (about August). Many people will go to the temple and remember for the ancestor.Friend and relations will come back home and go to temple altogether.Treditional people can made sweetmeat for this festival.

Buy

• Salted Eggs: Ducks in Chaiya eat mollusk, crab and fish on the farm, which make their egg yokes particularly red. Eggs are covered with soil mixed with salty water and husk.

Salted Eggs is lined with dozens of little stalls selling the famous Chaiya Salted Eggs. These duck eggs are a delicacy not to be missed and can be either boiled or fried as with normal eggs.

• Oysters and Seafood: Surat Thani's oysters are well-known for their size, cleanliness, taste, and smell.

• Rambutan and fruit: Rambutan here is probably the best in Thailand, thanks to its sweet taste, crisp meat, big size, small seeds, and thin peel.Surat Thani is the place to produce the thai fruit.

• Phumriang Silk: Phumriang Silk are thai silk hand-woven products of a Muslim village. The weavers here create their own patterns which are embossed on the silk by shuttle looms.

Eat

• TaladSanjoa(ตลาดศาลเจ้า)is the food walk street The night market has some great food vendors and many fantastic food. Next to the Sahathai department store have fast food there is a Pizza Company outlet, a Swensens ice-cream, minimart,Super Market and coffee cafe

Recommened Food in TaladSanjoa(ตลาดศ���ลเจ้า) and Surat Thani Pad Thai Chaiya(ผัดไทไชยา)Thai noodle in Surat Thani Style with Sea Food. Kanomjean(ขนมจีน)white noodle with cerry Thaifruit Thai Crips and Thai Dessert

• Night Bandon pier(ท่าเรือกลางคืน)is thai fruit walk street and food.
• Chai Huai (ฉ่ายฮวย) 285/1 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7727 2969, 0 7728 2558 (Thai & Chinese food)
• Hat Tapi (หาดตาปี) 115/5 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road, Tel: 0 7728 5109 (seafood)
• Kampan (กำปั่น) 2/1 Phakdi Anuson Road Tel: 0 7727 2700 (Thai food)
• Lucky (ลัคกี้) 452/84-85 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7727 3267, 0 7727 3471 (southern-style food)
• Phet Tapi Suki (เพชรตาปีสุกี้) 184/1 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7727 2570
• Sun Hiang (ซุ่นเฮียง) 21 Chonkasem Road Tel: 0 7728 1367, 0 7727 2180 (seafood)
• Takiang (ตะเกียง) 38/15 Surat Thani-Phunphin Road Tel: 0 7728 3932-3 (Thai food)
• Tapi Seafood (ตา��ี ซีฟู้ด) 30 Mu 3 Paknam Tapi Road Tel: 0 7728 2115 (seafood)
• Wang Thong (วังทอง) 20 Talat Mai Road Tel: 0 7728 3774 (Thai & Chinese food)
• Earth Zone On Chalok Rat Road opposite the large outdoor Popeye Restaurant is open between the hours of 6pm and 12am.(Pub)
• The Corner (มุมหนึ่ง)Chonkasem Road (Steak southern-style food )
• Smile of Steak (สเต็กรอยย��้ม) (Steak southern-style food )
• Coffee corner (คอฟฟี่คอร์เนอร์) 1.near night market opposite chinese temple 2.Taladmai Road near Raja Ferry(coffee cafe)
• O-zone pub (โอโซนผับ) 1 st floor in Southern star Hotel Chonkasem Road
• Mahe pub (มาเฮผับ) Center point Taladmai Road
• Tapee Seafood
• Lumpoo Seafood
• Pizza Hut in Srivijaya Road

• RYDA cafe'shop Thai food very good Cheap Tel: +66817333038 (Thai Food) SAMUI ISLAND Lamai Beach
• There are fastfoods in the Super Market(TescoLotus(biggest),BigC,Makro) have Black Canyon Coffee,KFC, Swensense, HajiBung Ramen,Chester Grill,MK Sukiyaki,Mister donut,Dunkin donut,Anti Anne,Daily Queen icecream and foodcort

Sleep

• S.R. Hotel (โรงแรม เอส อาร์), 1/69 Sri Wichai Road (Tel: 0 7727 5064-5 Fax: 0 7722 1958), 78 rooms: 450-1,200 baht. Very friendly staff, breakfast included, free Wi-fi in all rooms, tv cable, mini refrigerator, air-con, private bathroom. 630 baht for double room. Very close to shopping mall "TESCO Lotus".