City: Surat Thani Province
Top Things to do in Surat Thani Province
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The 6 Best National Parks in Surat Thani Province, Thailand
Surat Thani (Thai: สุราษฎร์ธานี, pronounced [sù.râːt tʰāː.nīː]), often shortened to Surat, is the largest of the southern provinces (changwat) of Thailand, on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means "city of good people", a title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI).
Restaurants in Surat Thani Province
1. Tai Rom Yen National Park
2. Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,435 reviews
These 40 islands, spread over approximately 97 square miles in the Gulf of Thailand, are characterized by hundreds of limestone monoliths, carved into fantastic shapes by years of erosion.
Reviewed By P963SLalisonb - Australia, null
We did a full day trip on a speed boat, it was excellent, the snorkeling was amazing, I would probably would give the emerald lake a miss if climbing ladder-steep steps for 15-20 min is too much, as it was very very hot (it is winter here) but well worth a visit, I am so glad we did it! Massages are cheap enough here that the sore thighs didn’t last long ???? The marine park is a visual wonder above & below the water. Inexperienced people can still snorkel over amazing corals surrounded by brilliantly coloured schools of fish & marine life (not a shark in sight ????). Lunch at one of the the islands restaurants is recommended to see the original lifestyle of the local people, and the huge buffet of food was delicious. The only thing I might change was the length of the tour, we were off at 8am from the pier at big Buddha beach & back at about 5.30pm, it was a long day , but we saw heaps in that time. We even stopped at the rangers island & saw wild monkeys. The crew were lovely, but all heavy smokers, the smell kind of detracted from the pristine snorkeling environment.. The return trip in the speedboat-due to the ocean swell was very rough (I have butt bruises to prove it! ????), but I sat at the front end of the boat so that was caused by my position... All in all it was great fun & definitely worth doing. For those with back issues I would recommend the larger boats for a smoother ride home.
3. Khao Sok National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,356 reviews
This is one of Thailand's most popular parks for foreign visitors but at the same time is unspoiled and uncrowded. The national park is home to a number of eco-resorts offering room, food, and tours. The park is includes a large rainforest and exception steep limestone mountains. There are also rivers and waterfalls. Tours include jungle treks, elephant experience, kayaking and tubing on the river. The most popular tour in the area is to the Rajaprapa reservoir, also known as Khao Sok Lake. Here guests can sleep on rafthouses at the edge of the jungle and enjoy kayaking, birdwatching, and hiking in pristine forest. Day trips are also available. In addition to observing numerous tropical birds including majestic hornbills, Asian buffalo and elephants are often seen, and tapirs and other jungle animals more rarely. The area can be reached easily from airports in Phuket (2 hours away) and Surathani airport (1.5 hours away).
Reviewed By TillyHavelockNorth
If you want adventure, go with a tour through here. We spent two days in different areas of this park, and thoroughly enjoyed the canoe ride up through the river to see wildlife, plus the 1 1/2 days in the National Park, being taken over the lake in a Longtail boat, to amazing acomo on this lake, and some hiking into the waterfall, plus more rides on the Longtail boat to view wildlife.With the tour we took we had an excellent guide - Ot - who looked after us so well. (there were only 3 of us so got full on attention).
4. Thansadej Koh Phangan National Park
5. Pakarang Cave (Coral Cave)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By grinandbareit
I think the only way to get to the cave is part of an excursion to Cheow Lan lake. It's a fabulous day trip and the cave is part of the day. We went from Khao Sok, the drive is about an hour then we took a long boat across the lake past the Rajjaprapha dam. The area was flooded in 1987 to form a 165 km2 lake. The lake is stunning, likened to Halong Bay, Vietnam. After lunch and swim at one of the floating settlements we went to shore to walk around an hour through the jungle to take a bamboo raft over to the cave. The track is up and down and there's a bit if climbing, its not suitable for everyone so best to check it's ok if you're not sure. The cave isn't huge but interesting. I did worry that although we're asked not to touch any of the stalactites and stalagmites, there's no barrier to stop you. You return the same way which is all part of a fabulous day excursion.
6. Than Sadet Waterfall National Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 179 reviews
Reviewed By kesllerjenifer - Melbourne, Australia
The waterfall is located north Khao ra view point about 620 m up. Bring swimming gear, enough drinking water and the usual sun protective gear. We were advised food cannot be taken into the park, therefore fill your stomachs beforehand either. The walk from to the fall is approximately 1and half K. meters through nice lush jungle, following the stream of clear water. You do not have to be fit to master the walk, however, people requiring walking aids will not be able to make it unless they are absolutely determined. The path is not paved, it is a natural hiking trail covered with smaller rocks, some steps to climb and tree roots running across. The fall itself is about 30m high and ends in a nice pool for swimming which then flows out as a small creek. Especially after rainfall the current in the creek can be strong, but ropes have been fixed across the creek to hold on to. When we were there the rainy season had just finished and the water was abundant, crystal clear and refreshing. Definitely worth a visit. Plan 3-4 hours a relaxing time out at the water fall.
