Koh Samui > In and Around > Surat Thani Province Surat Thani
Surat Thani is the largest province in the South situated approximately 685 kilometres south of Bangkok : "Surat Thani" literally translates as "City of the Good People". Surat Thani was formerly a capital of the Srivijaya Empire and the entire province spreads out over 12 891 square kilometres. Located to the west of the province are high plateaus and forested mountains whilst along the centre and eastern coast are low basins. This topography created 14 river basins including, Pum Duang, Tha Thong, Tha Krajai, Tapee, Chaiya and Tha Chang which are the most important of basins; all of Surat Thani's rivers flow east out into the Gulf of Thailand.
Surat Thani is the gateway to many of the best island destinations in Thailand , Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Every year thousands of travellers depart by boat from Surat Thani in search of the full moon parties, white sandy beaches and the lazy tropical island lifestyle promised in these three islands. To complete the list is the amazing Ang Thong Marine National Park , 250 square kilometres of palm fringed beaches, crystal clear water and colourful coral reefs. The water's excellent visibility and diversity of marine life make it a perfect scuba diving location for both novice and expert scuba divers alike.
History of Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a province with an ancient history. Archaeologists believe that Surat Thani was once a community of prehistoric tribes of indigenous people including the original Malays and Saemang. Eventually the Indians moved into the area and in time spread out their culture, as evidenced in the discoveries of ruins of ancient communities in the Chaiya and Tha Chana sub-districts.
In the 13th century Surat Thani became a part of the Srivijaya Empire, which at the time dominated the whole of Malay Peninsula and much of Java. During this time Mahayana Buddhism reached its strength in Surat Thani. The Srivijaya Empire's grandeur can still be admired in many parts of the Chaiya District.
On the decline of the empire, it was divided into three main cities namely Khiri Rat, Tha Thong and Chaiya. These remained under the jurisdiction of Nakhon Si Thammarat until King Rama IV decided to relocate Tha Thong City to Ban Don, a requirement being that it report directly to Bangkok 's administration. Ban Don's name was changed to "Kanchanadit" and once a former administrative unit called "Monthon" was established all three cities merged to form "Chaiya". King Rama VI changed the name of Chaiya into Surat Thani in 1915.
In the present day as well as providing access to the nearby islands Surat Thani is an important commercial and shipping area for coconut and rubber trading. | 
