What's up with Surat Thani?

"Where is Surat Thani?"

This city of about 127,000 people is located south of Bangkok, close to the Gulf of Thailand.



Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, a highly respected  Buddhist monk lived in the Province of Surat Thani and established an international meditation center at Wat Suan Mukkh.  His most famous book is entitled The Handbook for Mankind, and can be downloaded from the internet.

The name Surat Thani, for many tourists, signifies the gateway to the islands. As such, most foreigners never even see the city of Surat Thani.  Instead, a port some 60  kilometers from Surat Thani city, takes tourists to the beautiful islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.

A whole variety of ferry boats are available to take tourists to one of the three islands.  Within hours, they can be on a beach, enjoying their tropical holiday.

Koh Samui is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and blue waters.

Koh Tao is known for its marine life.

In addition to Koh Phangan having an international meditation center at Wat Kow Tahm, it is perhaps best known for its Full Moon Party!

Since I've never attended a Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan, I leave it to you to google web and google image search this crazy event!