Surat Thani Province, situated in Thailand, shares its borders with Chumphon to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat to the east, Krabi to the south, Phang Nga to the southwest, and Ranong to the northwest.

The province features a varied geographic landscape. The central area is dominated by the Tapi River coastal plain, characterized by a combination of grasslands, rubber plantations, palm oil trees, and coconut groves. To the west, the limestone mountains of the Phuket range, largely forested, encompass the renowned Khao Sok National Park. The eastern region marks the beginning of the Nakhon Si Thammarat (or Bantat) mountain range, part of which is protected within Tai Rom Yen National Park. Surat Thani’s forested area covers approximately 3,764 km² (1,453 sq mi), representing 28.8 percent of the province’s total land area.

Several islands in the Gulf of Thailand fall under Surat Thani’s jurisdiction, including prominent tourist destinations such as Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao, along with the Ko Ang Thong Marine National Park.

The province is also defined by its principal waterways, the Tapi River and the Phum Duang River, which converge near Tha Kham town before flowing into Bandon Bay. The delta formed by these rivers, locally known as Nai Bang (ในบาง), lies directly north of Surat Thani city. This delta comprises a network of channels interspersed with small islands, predominantly covered by mangroves and orchards. Although not the most populous, Surat Thani is recognized as the largest province by area in Southern Thailand. It is home to some of the country’s most famous tourist attractions, including Khao Sok, Ko Samui, and Ko Phangan.

Beyond these well-known sites, Surat Thani also offers numerous hidden gems that remain largely undiscovered. This guide provides a curated list of these unique attractions, along with exceptional activities to enjoy, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience in Surat Thani.

One of the main highlights of visiting Khao Sok is taking a long-tail boat into Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok Lake) and spend a night in one of the many floating bungalows where you will be able to disconnect from the world (literally, as there is no cell service inside) and be among nature for a few nights.

Khao Sok National Park has got to be one of my favorite places in Thailand. Located deep in the forest of Surat Thani, it is home to the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok Lake) and many awesome hiking trails. It is the place I always suggest to anyone who is visiting Thailand for the first time.

If you happen to be traveling to Surat Thani by Happy2Travel, you will likely end up in Surat Thani's Old Town, the travel hub of the province that may not seem that interesting at first glance compared to all the places you can visit in Surat Thani, like Khao Sok or Koh Samui. However, the old town does have its charm that will allow you to get a glimpse of what the local life is really like in this touristic province.

Thamma Park is another interesting place I visited during my road trip around Surat Thani. This temple park is a mountain temple located not too far from Ban Nam Rad Headwater forest, and it has recently become quite a popular attraction among local tourists.