Surat Thani

Surat Thani is often considered a gateway to where the rainforest meets the water. However here, rivers twist through valleys alive with macaques, hornbills, and rare orchids, and is a gorgeous, underrated location. While many pass through on their way to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan, Surat Thani itself offers a glimpse into Thailand's wild side, where coastal ecosystems and jungle backdrops collide.