The city of Surat Thani is located in southern Thailand, near the mouth of the Tapi River. It is the capital of the province of the same name : Surat Thani. The population was estimated to be around 128,179 in 2009. It is best known as a transit point to the paradise islands of the Gulf of Thailand.
Surat Thani has a tropical savannah climate with dry winters. The average annual local temperature is generally around 27°C.
Surat Thani has become the starting point for trips to the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan and Koh Phaluai.