SURAT THANI

The largest southern province, Surat Thani is steeped in history as part of the Srivijaya empire with ancient Chaiya a key city. A must-visit spot is Phra Boromthat Chaiya, with its authentic Srivijaya architecture. Its beautiful 1,200-year-old chedi contains relics of the Buddha, while the nearby national museum contains statues and artifacts discovered in Chaiya.

Surat Thani is famous for coconuts, mainly picked by pig-tailed monkeys which are trained in special schools around the province. The schools also put on entertaining shows for visitors.

Although the town is a major road and rail hub, it is more famous as the gateway to Samui islands the province's top tourist destination. Thailand's third largest island, Samui is fabled for its long, clean beaches (most especially Chaweng) lined with high quality resorts, numerous restaurants and entertainment spots. The island's interior is mountainous and forested, giving rise to growing numbers of treks and eco-tours.

Divers head to the quieter Phangan and Tao islands, whose superb coral reefs and underwater scenery are great attractions. Further west, the Ang Thong National Park comprises 40 islands with beautiful beaches, clear waters, and stunning rock formations. Many tour companies arrange sea canoe explorations of the islands.