Surat Thani Information

Khao Sok National Park

Khao Sok is an amazing national park and wildlife reserve covering almost 740 square kilometres of completely unspoilt natural rainforest land. It's covered with great limestone mountains and great waterfalls, with hiking and biking trails that beckon tourists and adventurers from all walks of life to explore and discover the ancient Thai evergreen rainforest. There's also elephant trekking, canoeing, and jeep safaris that will get you into the lush forest. All kinds of wildlife are found here that are unique to the region and you're hardly ever disappointed. The amazing "Bua Phut" (wild lotus), one of the world's largest flowers is found only here in Khao Sok, it can grow to 80cm in diameter! For the budding "David Livingstones" of the world, what an adventure you have in store.

Ratchaprapa Dam

Ratchaprapa Dam (also known as the Cheow Lan Resevoir) is an absolutely stunning area of Thailand that really needs to be experienced because it's very difficult to put into words how amazing it is. The enormous dam itself was built in 1982 to provide hydroelectric power to nearby provinces, and it is a magnificent sight with great viewpoints that offer panoramic views of the 185 square kilometre body of water contained within dense forest and mountainous terrain. The lake contained within the dam is really deep, yet over one hundred small little islands jut out of the great expanse of water, which you can see up close on rented long tail boats. What a fantastic place.

Cheow Lan Lake

The natural result of the building of the great Ratchaprapa Dam is the incredible Cheow Lan Lake, which demands a travel summary all by itself. As mentioned, the lake covers 185 square meters. It is absolutely well worth the cost of an unforgettable long tail boat ride to see the natural beauty of the place for yourself. Ask the long tail boat sailor to take you to "Guilin", a set of rock structures in a small alcove on the lake that makes for stunning photos. And it's possible to actually stay on the lake in one of the fascinating bamboo lodges. The serenity of the experience long fills the memory, hours spent floating in the lake, kayaking around its perimeter, fresh fish meals and unhindered starlit-moonlit night skies. Incredible moments!

Suratthani Itself

The province's name means "city of good people"; the title being given by a former king of Thailand, King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). The main road that runs through Suratthani connects to both Phuket in the south and Bangkok in the north. Suratthani is also known as "province of a thousand islands", because of the nearby "Ang Thong Marine National Park", which is an extravagant natural group of beautiful islands that rise up out of the seascape surrounding the mainland.  While there's not so much for tourists in Suratthani Town itself, the province is also in a prime spot to be a travel hub to the spectacular surrounding islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. You can read about these destinations on our website.