Surat Thani: Islands, Nature and Culture

Surat Thani is nicknamed the “Province of a Thousand Islands”; travel ideas range from beaches and island experiences to temples, silk art and activities in national parks. If you’re looking for a holiday rental, start by asking which of these travel interests you want to shape your stay. Ko Samui offers beaches for swimming, Ko Pha-ngan combines a monthly festival with a place of interest, and Chaiya offers different perspectives on cultural history.

Beaches, rocks and island experiences

On Ko Samui, white beaches such as Chaweng and Lamai are practical points to consider when planning: they’re suitable for sunbathing and swimming all day. At Hat Lamai, you’ll also find Hin Ta and Hin Yai, unusually shaped rocks. Ko Samui thus combines time at the beach with a distinctive natural landmark.

The Full Moon Party takes place monthly on Ko Pha-ngan. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the specific event dates before making plans. Tan Sadet National Waterfall is also a place of interest on Ko Pha-ngan. These two attractions offer different kinds of experiences: a recurring event and a named natural destination.

Enjoying water and nature actively

In Khao Sok National Park, in the Khlong Sok subdistrict of Phanom District, visitors can go trekking, take inflatable boat trips on Khlong Sok and go kayaking. There’s a choice of activities on foot and on the water. Operators’ offerings may vary, so check which activities are planned before your trip.

Rafting is another activity in the region: visitors can raft on the Yan Canal in Kaeng Krung National Park, in Vibhavadi District. There are two rafting sites on Khlong Yan in Vibhavadi District; the river is by Kaeng Krung National Park in Takuk Nuea subdistrict. Before your trip, check availability and safety precautions for rafting on Khlong Yan.

If you’d like to make a boat trip the focus of your visit, tours are available in the Khlong Roi Sai area of Bang Bai Mai subdistrict, where you can travel through the Khlong Roi Sai area. For a different kind of landscape, visit Khao Sam Kloe, a rock formation with three limestone peaks rising out of Rajjaprabha Reservoir. Locally, it’s called “the three friends.”

Chaiya: Museum, temples and silk art

Several aspects of cultural history come together in Chaiya. Chaiya National Museum is in Wiang subdistrict of Chaiya District and is a museum of art history and archaeology. Wat Suan Mok Phalaram, also known as Wat Than Nam Lai, is on Khao Put Thong in Chaiya District and was founded by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.

Another notable place is Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan in Wiang subdistrict of Chaiya District. Its chedi was built in the Srivijaya style, is more than 1,400 years old and is among the best-preserved examples of its kind in the country. A visit brings together a specific architectural feature and a long history.

In Phum Riang, silk is woven with silver and gold threads, and distinctive local patterns define the craft. Together, the museum, temples and weaving offer different ways to explore Chaiya: art history and archaeology, religious architecture and textile traditions.

Choose the focus for your holiday rental

When looking for a holiday rental, you can plan your trip around these interests: Ko Samui for beach days and swimming, Chaiya for its museum, temples and silk art, and Khao Sok National Park for trekking and water activities. On Ko Pha-ngan, the monthly Full Moon Party or Tan Sadet National Waterfall may determine which focus you choose.

Discover more destinations

Mae Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Bo Put, Taling Ngam, Ko Pha-Ngan, Lamai Beach, Lipa Noi, Don Sak, Phanom, Amphoe Phunphin, Khao Wong, Ko Samui, Ko Tao, Surat Thani, Khao Phang, Krut, Ban Tai, Tha Khanon, Ban Na San District, Ban Song, Hua Toei, Takuk Nuea.

For the overview of destinations in Thailand, go to: Thailand.