Surat Thani
Surat Thani lies on the Malayan peninsula in the fertile plain on the estuary of the Menam Ta Pi in the Gulf of Thailand. It was already inhabited during the Stone Age (numerous tools excavated) and in the first millennium the terminus of an
important road from Ta Kuapa, which shortened the route to the South China Sea. Following the construction of good roads the town developed into an important trading place between Thailand and Malaysia; it is a center for shipbuilding, fishing, mining and the timber industry. There are no particular sights but the countryside with dense tropical rainforest, mighty dolomite rocks and paradise-like islands is breathtakingly beautiful. The island of Koh Samui is an internationally famous tourist destination.
By rail: from Bangkok-Hualampong (651 km (404 mi.), duration 12 hours; overnight train recommended, reservations necessary).
By car: from Bangkok Highway 4, from Chumphon Highway 41 (644 km (400 mi.)). From Nakhon Si Thammarat Highway 401 (135 km (84 mi.)).
By air: daily from Bangkok; also charter flights.
By ferry: express ferry between Bangkok and Surat Thani (duration about 15 hours), reservations from travel operators.
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