SURAT THANI

Executive summary by darmansjah

While many consider this city as the gateway to beach destinations like Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, SURAT THANI is more than just a place of transit. Thanks to a plethora of temples and religious sites, temple-hopping is fast becoming one of the favourite activities travelers here partake in. participate in a ten-day meditation course at Suan Mokkh, located in the town of chaiya, where locals and foreigners find respite amidst peace and tranquility, or visit the thousand-year-old compound of Phra Borom that Chaiya, which has recently been restored but still preserving its ancient architectural designs, Buddha sculptures and images.

For travelers from Kuala Lumpur, fly AirAsia (airasia,com) direct from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Surat Thani Airport. For Travellers from Singapore, connect either via Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia or via Bangkok with Thai Air Asia or Thai Airways (thaiairways.com)

Wantai Hotel is conveniently located at the town centre and just across the Tourism Authority of Thailand office. It offers a panoramic view of the Tapee Riveer and is a short distance to City Pillar Shrine and Municipal Market (from US$30; wangtaisurat.com).