Surat Thani is regarded as the land, of Dhamma, being the location of the renowned Buddhist meditation centre of Suan Mokh Phalaram, the Garden of Liberation, established by the late Venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, who is recognized by UNESCO as one of the world's great personalities. Historically, Surat Thani was an important centre of the ancient Sri Vijaya Kingdom and was a major port serving maritime trade in the distant past.
The province boasts many interesting tourist attractions, as well as offering activities such as hiking, camping, and swimming at the Khao Sok National Park. For visitors interested in cultural attractions there are temples, museums, and traditional communities, notably in Chaiya district and nearby areas. Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is a highly revered temple, especially interesting for its Sri Vijaya-style pagoda. Also of note are a number of scenic caves, each with a different atmosphere.
