The name literally
means "city of the good people" and is the former seat
of the Sivichaya Empire. It is the largest and most important
province of the South, located 644 kms. from Bangkok. It occupies
an area of 12,891 square kilonetres bordering on Chumphon and
the Gulf of Thailand to the north, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Kraby
to the south, Phangnga and Ranong to the west and the Gulf of
Thaoland and Nokhon Si Thammarat to the east. Geographic characteristics
of Surat Thani are : High plateau and mountains covered with valuable
woodforest to the west, and low basins in the central and eastern
seashore area.
There are a tremendous number of islands along the coast and two
major rivers : the Tapi River and Phum Duang River. It is administratively
divided into 17 Amphoes and 1 King Amphoe i.e., Amphie Muang,
Ban Na San, Ban TA Khun, Chaiya, Don Sak, Kanchanadit, Khian Sa,
Khiri Ratthanikhom Ko Phangan, Ko Samui, Phanom, Phrasaeng, Phumphin,
Tha Chana, Tha Clang, Wiang Sa Ban Na Doem and King Amphoe Chai
Buri.
Samui Island is a beautiful island of Suratthani , and also it
is a rare gem, preserving the idyllic simplicity of a tropical
hideaway. It is characterised by beaches of powdery white sand,
crystal-clear waters. Here you can delight in a latter-day Robinson
Crusoe experience-in comfort. The island, Thailand's third largest,
measuring 21 kilometres at its widest point and 25 kilometres
in maximum length, is one of a group of more than 80 tropical
islands, only a few of which are inhabited. A mountain ridge runs
east to west and most of the hinterland comprises forested hills.
The rich hues of wild vegetation are dappled throughout with the
contrasting greens of coconut palms and emerald paddy fields.
|
