Surat Thani is a provincial capital on the Gulf of Thailand coast, best known as the jumping-off point for the Samui Archipelago. If you are heading to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao, you will most likely pass through here to catch a ferry or a combined bus-ferry ticket from Bangkok.
The city itself is a working Thai town without much to detain travellers. It has a large night market and a good selection of accommodation clustered around the bus and ferry terminals. The main pier for island ferries is at Don Sak, about 60 km east of town — most guesthouses can arrange transport.
Surat Thani is also a rail hub. Trains run north to Bangkok and south to Hat Yai and the Malaysian border, making it a useful connection point for overland travellers.