Surat Thani is a central hub for travel in and around southern Thailand. It's a thriving city and provincial capital, with a population somewhere around 100,000. Surat is a very safe city for travelers, and offers a few unique sights and a great night market (rah tree talad) just a few blocks from the K-LEO office. The Tapi River connects Surat to the Gulf of Thailand at Don Sak, where large ferries depart for Ko Samui and KPN. Smaller ferries to the islands originate at the waterfront in Surat Thani and leave daily/nightly.

Check with K-LEO for schedules and tickets for any of the area ferries, a map of the city and day trips to Chaiya and area attractions.