The name “Surat Thani” literally means "City of Good People", a title bestowed by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) in 1915, recognizing the piousness of its residents. But its roots dig even deeper, this area was once part of the mighty Srivijaya Empire, a Buddhist thalassocratic (sea-based) kingdom that thrived from the 7th to the 13th century. You can still sense its grandeur in ruins like the Wiang Sa and Chaiya districts, which hold relics of that once-glorious empire.

Built in the early 19th century, Chalong Temple (Wat Chaitararam) is the largest and most revered of Phuket's 29 Buddhist temples. Located near the southern tip of the island, it attracts both locals and visitors from around the world, drawn by its historical and spiritual significance.