About Surat Thani Province
Surat Thani is the gateway province to the Gulf of Thailand islands — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao all lie within its waters, and most travellers pass through without stopping on the mainland. Those who linger discover a genuinely rewarding destination: the Cheow Larn Lake inside Khao Sok National Park, with its dramatic limestone karsts rising from jade-green water, is one of Thailand's most spectacular inland landscapes. The provincial capital is a busy commercial city with excellent local food markets and a relaxed riverside atmosphere that feels authentically Thai rather than tourist-oriented.
Key facts
- Population
- 1,073,663 (2022)
- Area
- 12,891 km²
- Density
- 83 / km²
- Districts
- 19
- Capital
- Surat Thani
- ISO code
- TH-84
- Airports
- Surat Thani Airport (URT), Samui Airport (USM)
National parks (5)
Kaeng Krung National Park, Khao Sok, Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park, Tai Romyen National Park, Than Sadet – Ko Pha-ngan National Park
All 19 districts
Ban Na Doem · Ban Na San · Ban Ta Khun · Chai Buri · Chaiya · Don Sak · Kanchanadit · Khian Sa · Khiri Rat Nikhom · Ko Pha-ngan · Ko Samui · Mueang Surat Thani · Phanom · Phrasaeng · Phunphin · Tha Chana · Tha Chang · Vibhavadi · Wiang Sa
Top Highlights
Cheow Larn Lake at Khao Sok National Park
overnight raft-house stays amid limestone karsts
Ferry hub for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao
the main mainland departure point
Monkey School at Ban Nasan
traditional training for coconut-harvesting monkeys
Surat Thani night market
excellent fresh seafood and southern Thai cuisine at local prices
Getting There
Surat Thani Airport (URT) has direct flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang and Suvarnabhumi) with AirAsia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. Train from Bangkok takes 9–12 hours on the southern line. Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal take around 10–11 hours. From the city, ferries to Koh Samui (Don Sak pier) take 1.5 hours; to Koh Phangan around 2.5 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources
Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.
- 1.Q240463 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
- 2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
- 3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026
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