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Suphanburi

Suphanburi (สุพรรณบุรี) is a town of 25,000 people (2019), and a province in the Chao Phraya Basin region of Thailand. Suphanburi is an ancient town rich in natural and historical heritage a hundred kilometres away from Bangkok.

Understand
The province was once an important border town involving battles and important wars during the period of the Ayutthaya Kingdom. Artefacts and archaeological evidence shows that Suphanburi is history dates back to 3,500-3,800 years ago. Archaeologists found artefacts from the New Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age.

Suphanburi's politics have long been dominated by the rich building contractor Banharn Silpa-archa (1932–2016). He held different ministerial posts (including transport and communication) and even served as prime minister from 1995 to 1996 (drawing international ridicule when he addressed the Queen of England as "Queen Elizabeth Taylor"). He redirected considerable amounts of state funding into the infrastructure of his home provinces hence its roads and telecommunication networks are much better than in most Thai provinces. Several public institutions in the province are named in honour of Banharn and his wife Jamsai, leading to jokes that the whole city was "owned" by Banharn or might be renamed "Banharn-buri".

By car
Within an hour of Bangkok, Suphanburi is accessible via many routes:
 * 1) Via Bang Bua Thong of Nonthaburi Province, tourists can drive directly to the province, a distance of 107 km, which is the shortest route.
 * 2) Via Lat Lum Kaeo of Pathum Thani Province, the route leads to Suphanburi, a distance of about 115 km.
 * 3) Via Ayutthaya to Suphanburi, the route is 132 km.
 * 4) Via Singburi Province, Suphanburi is accessible at Doem Bang Nang Buat. The route is 228 km.
 * 5) Via Ang Thong Province, the road leads to Suphanburi, a distance of 150 km.
 * 6) Via Kamphaeng Saen of Nakhon Pathom Province, Suphanburi is 164 km from Bangkok via this route.

By bus
Scheduled buses and air conditioned coaches leave the Northern Bus Terminal at Mo Chit 2 daily for Suphanburi. Contact the Transport Co. Ltd. ext. 311 or 442 for more information. Buses to Suphanburi also leave from the Southern Bus Terminal, on Boromma Ratchachonnani Rd. Check the bus schedule at, Dan Chang Tour Co. Ltd., , Tha Chang Tour Co. Ltd.,. and air conditioned coach at.

By train
A train leaves Bangkok Station daily for Suphanburi at 16:40 and reaches the province at 19:32. On the return trip, the train leaves at 05:00 and arrives at Bangkok at 08:10. For more details, call the service centre at 1690, 0 2220 4334 or visit the website.

Get around
You can use many public transportations in Suphanburi such as a motorbike, a tuk-tuk, a songthaew, a bus or a van. In the city, tuk-tuk, songthaew or bus can be used for traveling around the city of Suphanburi. At the same time, you can use a songthaew, a bus or a van for going to other districts.

See

 * Banharn-Jamsai Tower (หอคอยบรรหาร-แจ่มใส) This country’s first and highest viewpoint tower overlooking Chaloem Phatthara Rachini Park allows to enjoy a bird's eye view over the province at a height of 123 metres. The tower has four viewpoint decks.

 * Chaloem Phatthara Rachini Park (สวนเฉลิมภัทรราชินี) The park houses many spots of interest; namely, Ex-Prime Minister Banharn's performance building, water park, Thai design garden, pigeon garden, flower garden, child playground, dancing fountain and an exercise area.
 * Ban Yamaratcho (บ้านยะมะรัชโช): This group of traditional Thai houses on stilts was honoured and awarded for good urban architecture conservation. The house once belonged to Chaophraya Yommarat (Pan Sukhum), the regent of King Rama VIII.

 * Ancient Town Walls and Gate (กำแพงเมืองเก่าและประตูเมือง): An earthen wall and moat remain between Wat Pa Lelai and the City Pillar Shrine. The wall on the eastern side has all disappeared as it was dismantled during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat. The Fine Arts Department rebuilt the town gate, on Malai Maen Road, on the location believed to have been the site of an old gate.

 * Bueng Chawak Chalerm Phra Kiate is a zoo and an aquarium on the shore of the Chawak Lake. There are lots of different types of animals and aquatic animals. If you visit there, you need to walk through the tunnel under the water like you walk under the ocean. Bueng Chawak is open M-F 08:00 – 16:30, Sa Su 08:00 – 18:00.

Wat Pa Lelai Worawihan (วัดป่าเลไลยก์วรวิหาร): It is a royal temple as evident from the royal emblem of King Rama IV on the gable of the wihan. A huge Buddha image known as Luangpho To in the elegant image hall or wihan is the centre of faith for Buddhist people. In the backyard of the temple is a showcase of a traditional Thai house known as ‘Khum Khun Chang’.

Industrial Promotion Centre Region 8 (ศูนย์ส่งเสริมอุตสาหกรรมภาคที่ 8): Only a kilometre away from Wat Pa Lelai, on Malai Maen Road opposite Suphan Buri Water park.

Tha Sadet Bird Park (Tha Sadet Bird Sanctuary) (สวนนกท่าเสด็จ): The sanctuary is in private fruit orchards whose owners are kind enough to let the birds live undisturbed. The area has been developed as an attraction of the province under the management of the Royal Forestry Department.

Sa Saksit (Sacred Pond) (สระศักดิ์สิทธิ์): The six ponds here are considered as sacred ponds whose water has been used for royal ceremonies. The Fine Arts Department has registered them all as historical sites, but none has been renovated.

The Western National Theatre of Suphan Buri (โรงละครแห่งชาติภาคตะวันตกจังหวัดสุพรรณบุรี) The regional theatre is established for promoting and supplying knowledge about local cultural performances, music and classical dances of western provinces.

Don Chedi Monument (พระบรมราชานุสรณ์ดอนเจดีย์): The royal monument of King Naresuan the Great and the pagoda were built to commemorate the victory over the Burmese troops. The Royal Thai Army renovated the pagoda in 1952, and built a new pagoda over the ancient one.

Bueng Nong Sarai Historical Site
(โบราณสถานบึงหนองสาหร่าย): The huge lake was involved in the war when King Naresuan defeated a Burmese army. The lake, now covering only 29 rai (11.6 acres), is in poor condition.

Wat Pa Phruek's Fish Sanctuary (อุทยานมัจฉา วัดป่าพฤกษ์): Around the temple's waterside is a big school of various fish such as Nile tilapia, iridescent shark-catfish, and black-eared catfish.

Buffalo Villages (บ้านควาย) features the rural lifestyle in the central region such as Thai farmer villages, rice-threshing ground water, buffalo ranch, traditional Thai houses on stilts.

Soil-less Cultivation Centre (สวนพืชไร้ดิน): The country's largest soil-less plantation acquires an area of 200 rai. The vegetables are grown on sponge, sand, pebbles sawdust or on a hydroponics system.

Old Sam Chuk Market along Tha-Chin River (ตลาดสามชุกริมน้ำร้อยปี): This Chinese community and old-fashioned market with wooden shop houses remain in Thai original style a century ago.

Banharn-Jamsai Tower.jpg

Bueng Rahan (บึงระหาร): The large lake is 38 km from Mueang District. Restaurants and the rest area around the lake make it a nice place for relaxing

Bueng Chawak (บึงฉวาก): This natural freshwater lake covers a huge area of over 2,700 rai (1,080 acres). The lake was declared a wildlife sanctuary area in 1983 and by its great variety of flora and fauna, the government registered Bueng Chawak as an important wetland under the Ramsar Convention. As a new destination of Suphanburi, Bueng Chawak houses many interesting attractions as follows:

Bueng Chawak Aquarium (สถานแสดงพันธุ์สัตว์น้ำบึงฉวากเฉลิมพระเกียรติ) exhibits various species of fresh-water fish. Its first building exhibits fresh-water fishes such as Mekong giant catfish, clown feather back, bony tongue, tiger perch.

Freshwater Crocodile Pond (บ่อจระเข้น้ำจืด) Landscaped for a natural look, the pond houses 60 Siamese crocodiles of 1.5-4.0 metres.

Tiger and Lion Cages (กรงเสือและสิงโต) The cages house different kinds of the cat family such as lions, tigers, clouded leopards, leopards, Indian leopard cat, as well as tiger cubs fed by milk from pigs. Nearby are rare animals such as waterfowl, peacocks, pheasants, zebra, camels, and ostriches.

Native Vegetable Garden (อุทยานผักพื้นบ้าน): The landscaped garden houses over 500 species of native vegetables nationwide, including herbs, annuals and perennials. Attractions in the compound include agricultural produce exhibition, agro-tourism centre, and nursery.

Lao Si-Lao Khrang Weaving Group (กลุ่มทอผ้าพื้นเมืองจกลวดลายโบราณลาวซี่-ลาวครั่ง) The village is the last place in the province that keeps the Lao Si-Lao Khrang textile pattern alive. Until now, the colourful woven textiles of the last century have remained.

U Thong National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ อู่ทอง): It exhibits archaeological evidence and art objects from different periods found in Suphan Buri. Outside is a mock-up house in the style of the Lao Song ethnic group featuring traditions, clothing and tools.

Phu Muang Forest Park (วนอุทยานพุม่วง) Phu Muang Forest Park acquires a total area of 1,725 rai (690 acres), which is covered by mixed and bamboo forests. Its attractions include:

Nature trail (เส้นทางเดินศึกษาธรรมชาติ): The 1.5-km trail leads you through forests packed with various kinds of trees such as Makha, bamboo, etc.

Ancient elephant kraal (คอกช้างดินสมัยทวารวดี): The earthen elephant kraals date back to 1,500 years ago. There are a total of three kraals covering an area of 10 rai (4 acres).

Laterite Base of Draravati Building (ฐานวิหารศิลาแลงสมัยทวารวดี): The laterite foundation dates back to the Draravati period. It is presumed to have been a venue for royal rituals before catching wild elephants.

Namtok Phu Muang (น้ำตกพุม่วง): This waterfall was mentioned in the literature Khun Chang -Khun Phaen. With five tiers, it cascades by the elephant kraal and laterite foundation. Lush forest on the mountain range, Khao Phra, has various kinds of tree and stony field where cycads dot around.

Wat Khao Di Salak (วัดเขาดีสลัก): It houses quite a special Buddha's footprint, a bas-relief footprint carved out of red sandstone. Archaeologists presumed that the footprint is an art object of the Dvaravati style, dating back to 9th -11th century. Furthermore, Buddha images and artefacts were discovered from a rock cavity.

Agricultural Promotion and Development Centre (ศูนย์ส่งเสริมและพัฒนาอาชีพการเกษตร (พันธุ์พืชเพาะเลี้ยง)): Located in Tambon Phlapphla Chai. The centre was established to develop agriculture and plants.

Biotechnological Pest Control Centre (ศูนย์บริหารศัตรูพืชโดยชีวภาพ) The centre educates farmers about agricultural methods to control plant pests by natural resources rather than chemical treatment. The centre comprises a nursery for attacking insects, hydroponics plant house and chemical.

Affinite Orchids (สวนกล้วยไม้แอฟฟินิท) At Mu 9 Tambon Chorakhe Samphan, the orchid nursery grows orchids of different families for study and sale such as Dendrobium, Cattleya, Vanda.

Wat Phai Rong Wua (วัดไผ่โรงวัว)]: Around its compound are mocked-up important venues of the Lord Buddha. Furthermore, there is the world's largest cement Buddha image, the world's largest bronze multi-spired building known as ‘Phra Wihan Roi Yot’ and Dharmmacakra or ‘Wheel of the Doctrine’ as well as various other things in huge size. Its most exciting attraction is the "Hell Garden" with thousands of statues showing punishment in afterlife for Buddhist rules broken on earth.

Wat Thap Kradan (วัดทับกระดาน) The temple has a museum dedicated to a famous singer of Thai folk song, Phumphuang Duangchan. She spent her childhood around this temple. So, her belongings, equipment, photographs and news clipping are displayed in this temple. An annual ceremony to commemorate her death attracts lots of people to the temple.

Tham Weruwan (ถ้ำเวฬุวัน): The cave houses a Buddha image in the Pa Lelai posture. In the temple compound, district official have set up a bamboo garden in honour of Their Majesties where over 10 bamboo species are grown.

Krasiao Dam (เขื่อนกระเสียว): This country's longest earthen dam is built on Krasiao Stream in Tambon Dan Chang. Its reservoir, with maximum water storage of 240 million cubic metres, is also a major fish-breeding site.

Phu Toei National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติพุเตย): The park occupies an area of 198,422 rai (79,368.8 acres). The lush forest with a lot of flora and fauna is a major watershed of Suphanburi and Kanchanaburi. The mountain range of Phu Toei is home of thousands of mountain pines and also the best viewing point. Attractions in the park can be divided into two groups, according to its units as follows:

Unit 1 (Phu Toei) (หน่วยพิทักษ์อุทยานที่ ๑): The unit comprises a camping ground and exhibition about the forest.

Phu Toei National Park Headquarters (ที่ทำการอุทยานแห่งชาติพุเตย): The headquarters is at Ban Huai Hin Dam, Tambon Wang Yao, Dan Chang District, 12 kilometres from Unit 1.

Mountain Pine (ป่าสนสองใบธรรมชาติ): The mountain pine forest grows up naturally on the mountain range of Phu Toei 12 km from Unit 1. Four-wheel drive vehicles can only go for 10 km and then trek the rest.

Giant Cycad tree (ต้นปรงยักษ์): The big cycad trees grow on Phu Toei Mountain, dotting around the pine mountain forest. At a height of 6–8 metres, each cycad tree is 200–300 years old.

Namtok Taphoen Khi (น้ำตกตะเพินคี่): The two-tier waterfall cascades all year round to nourish the forest and Karen village, which has settled there for over 200 years. Lush forests allow naturalists to enjoy ecotourism and adventure.

Taphoen Khi Karen Village (หมู่บ้านกะเหรี่ยงตะเพินคี่): The drug-and-drink-free village is Buddhist. In the full moon period of the 5th lunar month, the village holds a large celebration for three days and three nights to worship Chulamani, the sacred place of worship made from sharpened bamboo at the village's ground.

Unit 2 (Phu Krathing) (หน่วยพิทักษ์อุทยานฯที่ 2 (พุกระทิง): The unit is in Ban Wang Hora of Dan Chang District. Around the unit are:

Lam Taphoen Reservoir (อ่างเก็บน้ำลำตะเพิน): The large reservoir is next to the unit.

Namtok Phu Krathing (น้ำตกพุกระทิง): The waterfall is seven kilometres from the unit, near the reservoir.

Tham Nakhi, Tham Mi Noi, Tham Yoi Raya, and Tham Pha Yai (ถ้ำนาคี ถ้ำหมีน้อย ถ้ำย้อยระย้า ถ้ำผาใหญ่): These caves are only two kilometres away from the headquarters.

Museums

 * National Museum, Suphan Buri (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ สุพรรณบุรี): Exhibitions feature development of the town from the pre-historical, through Dvaravati, Lop Buri, Ayutthaya, and Rattanakosin periods. The museum also displays ethnic groups in the province, noteworthy persons, famous votire tablets from different temples and songs of different famous folk singers.

 * National Museum of Thai Rice Farmers (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ชาวนาไทย) On Phra Phanwasa Rd, in the compound of Mueang Suphan Buri District Office, the museum building is a blend of a traditional Thai house and farmer’s granary.

Temples and shrines

 * Wat Pa Lelai Woraviharn (Pa Lelai Woraviharn Temple) is the most important temple in Suphanburi. This Buddhist temple is located in the center of this province. There is the great golden Buddha image “Luang Pho To”. Don’t miss this temple! Sam Chuk Market is the 100-year-old classic market. There are traditional desserts, food and cheap souvenirs. This place shows the traditional life style here.
 * Wat Suwannaphum (Wat Klang or Wat Mai) (วัดสุวรรณภูมิ) In the temple’s compound, the Museum of the Supreme Patriarch (Pun Punnasiri Mahathera) displays many special items of antiquity as well as a glazed ceramic alms bowl of the Sukhothai period or around the 13th century. It is the only one of its kind in Thailand.

Wat Phra Rup (วัดพระรูป) The ancient temple houses a reclining Buddha statue, which is said to have the most beautiful face in Thailand. Another interesting antique is a wooden Buddha footprint. Delicately carved on both sides of Paduak wood, it is the only one of its kind in Thailand. Wat Phra Rup is also the original place of the famous Phra Khun Phaen amulet. Wat Pratu San (วัดประตูสาร): Beautiful murals in the Phra Ubosot are worth a visit. In 1848, a royal painter painted the delicate murals featuring the life of the Lord Buddha. Besides, a series of painting on wood pieces, which seem to copy the murals, are well kept in the temple’s image hall.

San Chao Pho Lak Mueang (ศาลเจ้าพ่อหลักเมือง): The shrine was rebuilt as an edifice in Chinese style, housing a Mahayana Buddhist bas relief of Bodhisattra Avalokitesvara. On the full moon day of the 7th Chinese lunar month, the shrine with support from Chinese Association, hosts an alms-offering ceremony for the poor.

Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat (วัดพระศรีรัตนมหาธาตุ): The temple was once in the heart of the ancient town Suphannaphum. The main stupa once housed relics of the Lord Buddha, but it was raided for treasure and neglected in ruins. Wat Khae (วัดแค): houses a huge tamarind tree, which is around a thousand years old. Nearby the tree is “Khum Khun Phaen”, a traditional Thai house built as part of the literature and historical conservation park. The temple houses special antiques such as Lord Buddha’s footprints called “Phra Phutthabat Si Roi”.

Wat Phra Loi (วัดพระลอย) was built to house a Buddha image that drifted along the river. The white sandstone Buddha image seated under the Naga hood, presumably carved in Lop Buri period, was taken from the water to be enshrined here. Wat No Phutthangkun or Wat Makham No (วัดหน่อพุทธางกูรหรือวัดมะขามหน่อ) Buddhists flock there for admiring beautiful murals in the old Ubosot. Painted in 1848 during the reign of King Rama III but still remains in excellent condition, the delicate murals feature the story of Lord Buddha’s life.

Wat Phra Non (วัดพระนอน) is famed for its large fish sanctuary that occupies some part of the river as well as beautiful shady park which is the main recreational area of the province. The image hall or Wihan of Wat Phra Non houses a special reclining Buddha image. While most reclining Buddha images lie on one side this Buddha image lies supine.

Wat Phrao (วัดพร้าว) The temple’s Wihan has distinguished architecture in the Burmese style. The hall houses a Buddha footprint. In the backyard is the library for Buddhist scriptures, which is located in the middle of the pond. Large flocks of flying foxes live on the Java plum trees in the backyard of this temple.

Wat Sanam Chai (วัดสนามชัย): The Northern Chronicle says that King Katae assigned his brother to build this temple and to renovate Wat Pa Lelai at the same time. There is a big ruined octagonal pagoda surrounded by a wall with small pagodas at four points of the compass.

Wat Phra That or Wat Phra That Sala Khao (วัดพระธาตุหรือวัดพระธาตุศาลาขาว) Local people call it Wat Phra That Nok because of the stupa which is similar to the one in Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat. With a height of 25 metres, the ruined stupa is a bit smaller with a rounder spire.

Wat Ban Krang (วัดบ้านกร่าง): This temple is famed for sacred votive tablets known as Khun Paen. It is presumed that, this temple was built after the war between King Naresuan and the Burmese troops. At the temple entrance, old-fashioned wooden shop houses reflect the easy lifestyle of the people.

Wat Sam Chuk (วัดสามชุก): The ancient temple houses the Buddha footprint, sandstone Buddha statue from the Ayutthaya period, and a pair of bronze swans.

Wat Lat Sing (วัดลาดสิงห์): The temple houses a 500-year-old Buddha image and three pagodas standing for King Naresuan, King Eka Tossarod, and Phra Suphan kanlaya.

Wat Khao Khuen or Wat Khao Nang Buat (Wat Phra Achan Thammachot) (วัดเขาขึ้น หรือ วัดเขานางบวช) A former monk resident of this temple, Phra Achan Thammachot, played a key role in the ancient war against the Burmese troops. The temple's image hall houses the Lord Buddha’s footprint. And nearby is a pagoda made from a pile of stone slabs.

Wat Hua Khao (วัดหัวเขา): The temple’s entrance is at kilometre 2 or 3, and then 212 steps lead to the temple on the hill. To mark the end of Buddhist Lent, the temple always organise a large merit-making ceremony on the 2nd day of the waning moon of the 11th lunar month.

Wat Doem Bang (วัดเดิมบาง): The temple houses precious wooden pulpit carved delicately in a mixed Thai and Chinese style by a Chinese artisan. The temple also keeps oyster shell alms bowl cover, ceremonial fan and food carrier, which were presents from King Rama V. There is also a beautiful bell tower and murals in the Ubosot here.

Wat Khwang Weluwan (วัดขวางเวฬุวัน): The temple houses a 400-year-old Buddha image from the Dvaravati period.

Wat Khao Phra Si Sanphetchayaram or Wat Khao Phra (วัดเขาพระศรีสรรเพชญาราม หรือ วัดเขาพระ): It is presumed that this hilltop temple was founded since the Dvaravati period as a lot of archaeological evidence has been found. On the hill, a ruin of a pagoda from the Ayutthaya period is found together with the Buddha’s footprint carved from stone.

Lauda Shrine (ศาลเลาด้า): It was built to commemorate the 223 passengers of Lauda Air Flight 004 who died when the plane crashed on 26 May 1991.

Festivals
Don Chedi Memorial Day (งานอนุสรณ์ดอนเจดีย์): The annual celebration is held on 18 January of each year. Fair goers can enjoy watching a mock-up war on elephant back, performance on stage. The fair always runs for nine days.

Kam Fa Tradition (ประเพณีกำฟ้า): The ancient tradition of the Thai Phuan ethnic group is always held in February. Thai Phuan people dress up in traditional attire, offering food and sweets to monks and celebrate in a large party at night. This traditional practice remains in Thai Phuan villages in Amphoe U Thong, and Tambon Makham Lom of Bang Pla Ma District.

Bun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival (ประเพณีบุญบั้งไฟ): Thai Phuan and Thai Wiang also enjoy the local rocket festival on the full moon day of the sixth lunar month, worshiping the rain god in the monsoon season. A parade of great fun will be held before the rocket launching at the temple. The tradition remains in many tambons such as Ban Khong, Ban Kham, and Don Kha in U Thong District, and Tambon Wat Bot, and Makham Lom of Bang Pla Ma District.

Thing Krachat (งานเทศกาลทิ้งกระจาด): The merit-making festival is held annually around August–September in the municipal area. Thousands of poor people gather for free food and necessities.

Tak Bat Thewo (ประเพณีตักบาตรเทโว): A large event of merit making is always held to mark the end of Buddhist Lent in October. Buddhists prepare various food and items, particularly the so-called ‘Khaotom Luk Yon’ or seasoned sticky rice wrapped in coconut leaves to be offered to monks.

Lao Song Wedding Tradition (ประเพณีแต่งงานของไทยโซ่ง): Lao Song or Thai Song Dam ethnic group always hold a wedding ceremony during the waxing moon periods of the 4th, 6th and 12th lunar months. Thai Phuan people in Tambon Suan Taeng, Amphoe Mueang, and Tambon Ban Don, Tambon Don Makluea, and Tambon Nong Daeng of U Thong District still have such ceremony.

Buy
Well-known products from Suphanburi Province include bamboo and rattan basketry. Suphanburi artisans show their talents by putting patterns of bullet wood flowers, plumeria blossom and Suphan Buri's durian thorn in the basket. Suphanburi is famous for local chiffon soft cake Sali Suphan, canned water chestnuts, canned bamboo shoots, termite mushroom, honey roasted duck, baked chicken, small-scale croaker, sun dried fish and sun-dried beef.

Salee Ekachai is the most popular store where every tourist buys souvenirs. There are lots of desserts, especially salee, to be souvenirs. This store is opened daily during 07:30–21:00. You can pay by using cash, Visa, MasterCard or JCB.

title: Suphanburi


text:
Supraśl

Supraśl is a spa town in Podlaskie Voivodship, in north-eastern Poland, about 15 km northeast of the regional capital of Białystok. Its population was about 4,600 in 2017.

Go next

 * Białystok – capital of the Podlaskie Voivodeship
 * Knyszyn Forest Landscape Park (Park Krajobrazowy Puszczy Knyszyńskiej) – protected area covering an area of 744.47 km² (287.44 sq mi)
 * Arboretum in Kopna Góra

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Supraśl


text:
Suquamish

Suquamish is a community of 4,100 people (2010) on the Kitsap Peninsula in the Puget Sound region of Washington state.

Suquamish, located on the Port Madison Indian Reservation, is home of the Suquamish tribe.

Understand
Suquamish means "place of clear salt water" in the Native Lushootseed language, and has been the primary home of the Suquamish people since ancient times. It sits on Agate Passage, and is the site of Old-Man-House village, the winter home of Chief Seattle, the heart of the Suquamish people and of Puget Sound.

One of the most influential leaders of the Northwest, Chief Seattle, lived here and he is buried at Suquamish Memorial Cemetery behind St. Peters Mission.

Chief Kitsap for which the county and the Peninsula are named also lived in the area and was an influential leader.

Visiting the areas forested hills, clear streams and endless clear salt water will give insight into why the original inhabitants of Puget Sound chose this region to call home and navigated these waters in well-designed cedar canoes. Today Suquamish is culturally and economically diverse area, with a mix of native and non-native residents that include artists, crafts people, local workers, commuters and retirees. Suquamish Tribal traditions are celebrated throughout the year and are a visible part of the Suquamish experience.

By car
Follow Highway 305 North towards Poulsbo approximately six miles. Make a right on Suquamish Way NE at the stoplight, just after the Agate Pass Bridge. Follow Suquamish Way NE. Take Highway 104 to Poulsbo. Turn left on Highway 305 and continue south through Poulsbo toward Bainbridge Island. Follow on Suquamish Way NE. Take Highway 16 West to Highway 3 North towards Poulsbo. Exit at the Highway 305 Bainbridge Island exit. Follow through Poulsbo Toward Bainbridge Island. Follow Suquamish Way NE.
 * From the Seattle/Bainbridge Island Ferry
 * From the Edmonds/Kingston Ferry
 * From Tacoma

By shuttle
A free shuttle runs between the Bainbridge Island and Kingston ferry docks and the Suquamish resort.

Get around
The central area of Suquamish is accessible on foot from the central dock.

Sea kayaking
The Suquamish navigated these waters in well designed cedar canoes for thousands of years and much of the designs of modern sea kayaks owe some debt to these early designs. Suquamish is an excellent place to start a sea kayaking adventure exploring the many harbor towns that cater to kayakers with shops and restaurants accessible from the water. Harbor Seals, Otters, Sea Lions, Bald Eagles and Blue Herons are common sites while the occasional viewing of an Orca or Grey Whale is not out of the question.

Kayak trails
Organized trails offer overnight camping options and maps of appropriate and scenic travel destinations, many of these trails follow the same paths that the Suquamish have used for thousands of years.

Drink
Suquamish is known for its highly rated casino and resort, but there are a few other places in town that offer coffee.

By car
Suquamish is across the Agate Pass Bridge from Bainbridge Island and near Poulsbo and Indianola.

By boat
Suquamish is centrally located on the Kitsap Peninsula. There are several marinas nearby including Eagle Harbor on Bainbridge Island and the public marinas in Poulsbo and Keyport.

If you are following the Kitsap Water Trails, Suquamish is centrally located on the Kingston leg and also offers easy access to Bainbridge Island.

title: Suquamish


text:
Sur

Sur is a city in Central Coastal Oman, best known for its dhow shipyards.

Understand
Sur was founded in the 6th century CE as a trading port and has a long history of ship building, continuing to the present day. In addition to being an interesting destination in its own right, it makes a good base for day trips to Wadi Shab, Wadi Tiwi, and Ras al-Jinz turtle reserve established in 2008, all described in Central Coastal Oman.

Read

 * Tim Severin, The Sindbad Voyage. In 1980 Severin and a crew of Omanis – including several from Sur – sailed in a traditional dhow from Muscat to Guangzhou, China, in an effort to recreate the legendary voyages of Sindbad. The dhow was built in Sur by Omani and Indian shipwrights using completely traditional materials and techniques, described at length by the author.

Get in
There is no airport in Sur. Although one was in the works several years ago, the project has since been abandoned due to the expected increased frequency of cyclones.

Sur is a 2.5-hour drive south of Muscat, off of Highway 17. A taxi from the Rusayl Roundabout will cost about RO 25 (shared RO 5). Microbuses cost RO 3 and travel inland via Highway 23, passing Ibra.

Get around
There is no public transportation in Sur beside taxis, which charge 150 Bzs for any ride within Sur.

See

Eat
Sur has several decent restaurants but no five-star menus.

Nearby

 * Wadi Tiwi. A series of villages and hamlets about a 40 minute taxi ride from Sur (RO 5-6 from the center of Sur) direction Muscat. No restaurants, bring a lunch. There's a Thursday morning market where cheap Chinese made kitchen goods can be bought from Bengalis and Omanis. No restaurant, bring a lunch.
 * Wadi Shab. Right next to Wadi Tiwi, a long wadi, much more spectacular geography than Tiwi and great for a day trip. Bring swimming wear and sandals because the rocks at the bottom of the water are painful on bare feet.
 * Wadi Bani Khalid. Further from Sur than Tiwi and Shab, great spot, tons of tourists; no restaurants, bring a lunch.

Go next

 * Muscat 2:15 min drive
 * Ibra on the road from Nizwa to Sur around 2 hours by car
 * Ras al-Jinz turtle reserve, 50 minutes away by car.

title: Sur


text:
Surabaya

Surabaya (Surabaya Javanese: ꦯꦸꦫꦧꦪ Suroboyo) is a city on the eastern side of Java, the capital of the East Java province of Indonesia. It is the second largest city in the country with over 10 million inhabitants in its metropolitan area. Complementing Jakarta, its larger brother on the western side of the same island, it sits close enough geographically to be exposed by the Javanese culture, while large enough to hold its people of multicultural backgrounds.

Understand
According to folklore, Surabaya's name derives from the Javanese words Suro, meaning shark, and Boyo, meaning crocodile. With over 2 million people, Surabaya is the second-largest city in Indonesia. While many people come for business, Surabaya is also a gateway city for Mount Bromo and Bali. The city's tree-lined streets and renovated pavements will impress those newly arrived from other cities in the archipelago, though in general the city's attractions tend to be more apparent to those who make it their home rather than to short-term visitors. Put in the effort here, and you'll have an authentic, fascinating, unique experience of an Asia that once was: get it while it lasts.

Climate
Very tropical and you need to wear casual, light clothes: T-shirts, shorts, sandals or shoes. Temperatures vary little through the year, with daytime highs around 32-34°C, falling at night to 22-26°C. During the rainy season (November–April) be prepared for occasional flash floods and traffic jams, and sometimes its almost as bad as Jakarta.

Community

Being simultaneously one of the most ancient and significant trading ports in Indonesia, a post Dutch-colonial city (the Dutch knew it as Soerabaja), and having passed through brief Japanese control during WWII, Surabaya has a complex and patchwork heritage. It's not unusual to meet Surabaya locals with heritage from other parts of Indonesia, all parts of south-eastern China, the Middle East or Europe. Surabaya was also one of the only places in Indonesia with a synagogue; it was demolished in 2013.

Talk
While the Chinese were the first to record the area in the 13th century under the name 重迦廬 (zhonggala; apparently after the then-current local kingdom Jungala), local Chinese now know the city as 泗水 (sishui), while some further afield call it by a transliterated name 苏腊巴亚 (sulabaya).

By plane

To reach the Purabaya Bus Terminal a few kilometers west, there is a Damri Bus that leaves from both terminals and costs Rp 25,000 per person.

By train
The national rail operator Kereta Api runs multiple daily trains from Jakarta and several other cities in Java, with both daytime and overnight services available.

Surabaya has two main station for long distance trains, and, both located at the heart of downtown Surabaya. Pasar Turi serves executive air-conditioned trains from Jakarta, Semarang, and all of Java's northern coast; while Gubeng is the terminus station for mainly economy class trains and trains for southern and eastern Java, including Yogyakarta, Bandung, and Banyuwangi for the ferry to Bali. Slow and packed local economy-class trains from Malang arrive at station (also known as Semut) and passing through Gubeng station as they come in from the south.

Seats in Eksekutif (first class) and Bisnis (second class) for any intercity journey can be reserved from 90 days in advance up to 24 hours before departure at any major railway station in Java through e-kiosks serve by yourself. It same with online reserved by minimarket attendant of Alfamart and Indomart and the payment in minimarket can be done by cash also without any additional fee. On the last 24 hours before departure, the ticket is only available in the ticket counter at departure station. Senior citizens ages 60 and above are eligible for a 20% discount when the ticket is bought in this time bracket.

By boat
The main harbour is, at the northern end of Jl. Perak Timur road is about 4 km north of downtown.

 * Angkutan Sungai Danau dan Penyeberangan (ASDP): Daily ferry service from Ujung Kamal and Madura
 * Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (PELNI): Runs passenger ships from a large number of port cities throughout Indonesia.

By bus
Surabaya has frequent bus connections from all parts of East Java and from major cities in other parts of Java and beyond. The main bus terminal is at (also known as Bungurasih), about 10 km south of the city.

''Note: The names "Purabaya Terminal" and "Bungurasih Terminal" are used interchangeably to refer to Surabaya's main bus terminal. "Purabaya" is the correct name but it is sometimes called "Bungurasih" because it is located in Bungurasih.''

There are many people inside the terminal trying to solicit passengers to the bus of the company from which they get a commission, and they are especially bothersome to the foreigners. If you follow them to the bus, you are likely to get offered an inflated (Rp 200,000 or even more to Bali) price, even though there's an official price list (you can see it at the exit to the platform). Ticket offices do not guarantee you to be safe from overcharging - most of them are private, and there's no price posted on the window, so shop around. It may make sense to bargain if the price is certainly too high. Prices may be slightly higher during high-demand periods like weekends and public holidays.

There are frequent buses from Malang (Rp 30,000 for air conditioned, less for "ekonomi") and Probolinggo (for Mount Bromo, Rp 30,000), so just turn up.

To Denpasar in Bali, fair price is Rp 200,000-280,000 by eksekutif night bus, including the ferry trip between Banyuwangi and Gilimanuk, mineral water and a meal. Buses depart from Bungurasih bus terminal in Surabaya, and arrive in Mengwi bus terminal in Denpasar. Duration: 10-12 hr.

A ticket to Jakarta should cost Rp 250,000-350,000 in eksekutif bus. On average, eksekutif bus bound for Jakarta will head to Jakarta via the Trans-Java Toll Road, which allows direct travel from Surabaya to Jakarta via toll roads more quickly. The travel time for eksekutif bus via the Trans-Java Toll Road generally ranges from 10-12 hours with 1 or 2 rest stops on the way (20–30 minutes each), and at least some traffic jams near Jakarta.

Another option is to go by minibus (known in Indonesia as travel). A number of companies run door-to-door minibus services from and to major destinations in Java, including Malang and Yogyakarta. These services are both more convenient and more expensive than public buses. Seats can be booked in advance through company offices, and also through many hotels and travel agents.

By car
Surabaya is well connected from a few of Java island's large cities, thanks to the Trans-Java toll road. Surabaya is reachable in 12 hours from the west end of the island at the Merak ferry crossing to Sumatra, 9 hours from Jakarta, 4 hours from Semarang, 3.5 hours from Solo, 2 hours from Ngawi and less than 1.5 hours from Malang. From the neighboring Madura Island, the Suramadu bridge crosses the Madura strait, for free.

By taxi
Taxis are plentiful on the streets of Surabaya. Some taxis are not renowned for their reliability so stick to the well known firms: Always insist on a metered fare. Figure on Rp 20,000 for a cross-town trip and Rp 70,000 to the airport. Drivers will expect a minimum fare of Rp 15,000 for short trips and for longer trips, pay the fare shown on the meter rounded up to the nearest multiple of Rp 1,000. Drivers will appreciate a tip of a few thousand rupiah. Blue Bird has increased its minimum payment to Rp 25,000, but it's still the most reliable taxi company.

A trip from Stasiun Gubeng to Pasar Keputran should cost around Rp 20,000.

By becak
Becak (cycle rickshaw) are a traditional form of transportation in Surabaya. Surprisingly, they are still visible everywhere in the city outskirts, unlike throughout most of Southeast Asia where they have nearly vanished already. Expect to pay around Rp 5,000 for a short-hop, or Rp 10,000 for a few blocks, Rp 20,000 for a multi-block haul. Drivers may not want to go a long way, and if it's stinking hot have a heart and pay them some more money. Some of them have sun and rain covers, though these can be a bit low at times. Also, they can vary quite a bit in width: if you are 'big boned' you might need one to yourself.

Also available Becak Motor (cycle which powered by motor cycle engine).

By ride-hailing
Also available : Gocar & Gojek, Grab car & Grab bike.

By train
Commuter city trains are extremely limited, serving some parts of Surabaya and Sidoarjo.

By bus
Suroboyo Bus is the municipal city bus service. As of August 2018 it only serves Rajawali to Purabaya bus terminal via Pasar Turi train station, Siola and Tunjungan. While they do not accept cash as a form of payment, to help protect the environment passengers may exchange 3 large plastic bottles, 5 small plastic bottles or 10 plastic glasses for a ticket.

This is a large populous city and buses are usually crowded. There are two class of bus: standard buses which are usually very full and patas buses (supposed to be first class, but it is still... a bus.)

By minibus
Bemos (public minibus) in Surabaya are called bemo or lin. They are plentiful in Surabaya and routes are distinguished by their color.

You need to know the routes to specific destination and beware of pickpockets, as it's not safe.

By car
There are many car rental companies. To rent a car with a driver for one day might cost Rp 250,000-500,000, depending on the type of car and the length of the trip. For a full day trip, it is customary to buy lunch for the driver, or give some extra money for the driver to buy cigarettes, a snack, or coffee. Don't forget to pay for parking and toll fees and gas (unless you have already negotiated this into your initial price).

Religious architectures

Do

 * Swim and have fun with water in, a great place for swimming. It has a wave pool, slides, and more. This waterpark is located in the CitraLand complex. It is usually crowded on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays. The waterpark is open until 20:00.
 * Enjoy the local arts at Balai Pemuda, an art center in the heart of Surabaya, near the City Hall. You can watch the Reog Dance and other art performances. The big event is Festival Seni Surabaya (FSS), held every year in June. During the Dutch Colonial era, this building was a club called Simpangsche Societeit.
 * Get around the Old Town area (around Kembang Jepun to the port) and enjoy the view of nice colonial buildings.
 * Watch movies in 21 Group cinemas, a nice cinema. 21 Cinemas have air-conditioners and nice seats. You can identify if a cinema is part of Group 21 from the last name, like Empire 21 or Tunjungan 21. And now there are also XXI which is still the same group of 21. The XXI cinema is available at SUTOS (Surabaya Town Square) and Tunjungan Plaza. The XXI cinemas are more expensive than 21 Cinema. Also available CGV cinemas in Marvell City Mall.

Golf
Surabaya has several golf courses. Generally golf in Surabaya is both great and cheap if you compare with most other countries.

Buy
Surabaya boasts some of South-East Asia's largest shopping malls. Try to shop between 1 May and 30 June when the Surabaya big sale is on. Discounts are up to 50% at this time.

Mid-range

 * The Square, Jl Sumatra. At Big Box Complex. Men's, women's and children's apparel, featuring many branded items at discount prices. Open till 22:00

Budget

 * Royal Square
 * Royal Square
 * Royal Square
 * Royal Square
 * Royal Square

Specialty

 * Plasa Marina, Jl Margorejo Indah. a shopping area for computers, software, and cellphones.
 * Plasa Marina, Jl Margorejo Indah. a shopping area for computers, software, and cellphones.
 * Plasa Marina, Jl Margorejo Indah. a shopping area for computers, software, and cellphones.

Eat
Surabaya is famous for rujak cingur, a local salad with sauce, and cingur (slices of cooked cow nose). Try also the sate klopo, satay with coconut rasp which you can find in Jalan Walikota Mustajab.

Surabaya is home to a huge number of restaurants - this is an eating culture.

Don't forget to try rawon, pecel, gado-gado Surabaya, semanggi, es campur, es teler, and es kacang ijo (mung bean dessert).

Lapis legit Surabaya is the local variety of a cake that's made throughout large parts of Indonesia and Malaysia.

Drink

 * 360 Royal Plaza, Jl.Ahmad Yani.
 * Big Box Cafe, Jl.Sumatra. Under renovation but still open. Seems to have some other names, like 'Lava Lounge' and 'Box Entertainment Complex'. Basically an outdoor bar/restaurant with couches/stools, some decent western food and juice, alcohol and regular live music.
 * Blowfish Kitchen & Bar@MEX One Stop Entertainment, Jl.Pregolan, Tegalsari.
 * Colors Pub & Resto, Jl. Sumatra 81. Popular and very, very loud nightclub.
 * Coyote Top Ten Bar, at Plaza Tunjungan
 * D'esperados restaurant, (Shangri la Hotel), Jl. Mayjend Sungkono.
 * Foreplay Eclectic Lounge, Sutos, Jl. Adityawarman No 55.
 * Kantor Discotheque, Jl Semut Kali. Very nice place to hang out and drink at decent price.
 * Kowloon Palace Discotheque, at Delta Plaza or known as Plaza Surabaya building. Very nice place to hang out and chill out.
 * Lido, off Jl Mayjen Sungkono. Expat-oriented bar.
 * The Penthouse, East Plaza, Ngagel.
 * Vertical Six, (V-Six at J.W. Marriott Hotel), Jl. Embong Malang.
 * Lido, off Jl Mayjen Sungkono. Expat-oriented bar.
 * The Penthouse, East Plaza, Ngagel.
 * Vertical Six, (V-Six at J.W. Marriott Hotel), Jl. Embong Malang.
 * Vertical Six, (V-Six at J.W. Marriott Hotel), Jl. Embong Malang.

The tap water is unsafe to drink, make sure you order your drinks or soft drinks that come in sealed bottles. One drinking water brand that is pretty well known here is Cheers, the official drinking water of Surabaya approved by the city government.

Mid-range

 * Weta International Welcoming and modern hotel in a central location. Around US$30 including breakfast.
 * Weta International Welcoming and modern hotel in a central location. Around US$30 including breakfast.
 * Weta International Welcoming and modern hotel in a central location. Around US$30 including breakfast.
 * Weta International Welcoming and modern hotel in a central location. Around US$30 including breakfast.
 * Weta International Welcoming and modern hotel in a central location. Around US$30 including breakfast.

Stay safe
As with any big city, never let your guard down, because big cities such as Surabaya have a reputation among Indonesians for a mid crime rate. That said, Surabaya has few real dangers for visitors apart from the perils of crossing the very busy roads (the secret is to raise an arm while crossing, and to progress with a predictable speed and bearing, allowing the traffic to flow around you). Don't walk on the streets, especially at night other than the CBD area, if you can avoid it since you won't have anything to sightsee. Bring along your face mask if you travel by foot during rush hour since the traffic will be chaos and the air pollution is bad (16:30 to 18:30). Be polite to the people, since Surabayans tend to swear easily which is very common. Do not easily trust people you have just met, even if they look friendly.

Stay healthy
Avoid drinking tap water. Bottled water is available in most places. One of the trusted brands is Cheers, the official drinking water of Sparkling Surabaya.

Surabaya has hospitals with 24 hr emergency rooms Unit Gawat Darurat (UGD) (ER)

By phone
The international code for Indonesia is +62. Local Surabaya phone numbers will start +62 31 xxx xxxx or +62 31 xxxx xxxx for the CDMA provider or +62 8xx xxxx xxxx for the GSM provider.

There are four main telecommunication providers in Surabaya: Telkomsel, Indosat, Three, Smartfren and XL.

To make an international call from Surabaya, dial the access code 001 (for Indosat), 007 (for Telkom/Telkomsel), or 008 (for Indosat), followed by the country code, area code and party's number. Providers offer cheaper rates for calls using Internet telephony routes (VOIP). The access codes for this cheaper service are 01016 for Indosat provider and 01017 for Telkom and Telkomsel provider.

By net
If you have your own mobile phone, it may run free wifi networks at many malls. Ask at the information desk for access codes. Free hotspots are also available in most restaurants and cafes. Several hotels also provide free hotspots in their lobby. All major hotels provide internet access in one or more ways; simply ask them about this when you make your booking.

Alternatively, if you have a compatible 4G mobile phone and a laptop, tethering to your PC is the quickest way to gain internet access although speeds might not impress. Note that prepaid SIM cards can be purchased very easily and cheap, and that service activation is completed on the user's phone very quickly. Once activated, recharge with credits as necessary. Internet access is usually available at this stage; refer to your phone's user manual for tethering instructions. Operators will usually offer internet packets that offer cheaper access fees-instructions to access these services are available in the booklet that comes with your SIM card (i.e. XL's services are accessible by dialing *123#). BlackBerry Internet Service is readily available and can be registered similarly on the prepaid SIM.

Internet cafes are available in many parts of the city with a price of Rp 4,000-5,000 per hour. However, most of the internet cafes can be found around universities, and in most shopping malls.

Internet speeds in Surabaya are rarely fast, regardless of your connection. They are usually sufficient to make decent Whatsapp voice calls, although HD video calling may not be possible. Temporarily disabling software updates (Windows Update, security software updates, Adobe Updater, etc.) may help maximise access speeds.

Consulates

 * 🇦🇺 Australia
 * 🇧🇾 Belarus
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * East Timor
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇭🇺 Hungary
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇲🇳 Mongolia
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇳🇿 New Zealand
 * 🇵🇭 Philippines
 * 🇵🇱 Poland
 * 🇷🇺 Russia
 * 🇸🇰 Slovakia
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Taman Safari Indonesia II in Pasuruan is the second and probably biggest Taman Safari in terms of acreage in Indonesia, located in the foothills of Prigen. This park runs of the most successful Javan tiger conservation programs in Asia. This park is not like an ordinary zoo. You must drive through the park in your own car or in the sightseeing bus provided within the park, passing an interesting and amusing collection of local and international animals clustered within areas themed according to their original habitat - Americas, Asia, Africa, and Indonesia. There's also a food court, mechanical and animal rides, a petting zoo, and animal shows. The park is usually crowded on weekends and public holidays. However, it is mostly deserted on weekdays.
 * Mount Bromo is a popular 4-hour trip from Surabaya.
 * Tretes and Trawas are 2 hr away. Pleasant villas among hills. Good food. There are many roasted corn stalls at night.
 * Malang and Batu are 2 hr away. Malang (height: just over 400 m) is a coolish very busy city with some nostalgic charming houses and boulevards preserved from the colonial period. Hotels, recreation areas, and villas such as picnics and sports clubs are widely available. Bantu (height: around 1,000 m) is a hill resort around 30 min by car to the west of Malang. Higher again (around 2,000 m), just beyond Batu to the north on the slopes of Mt Arjuna, is the well-known hill resort of Selecta.
 * Wisata Bahari Lamongan (WBL) in Lamongan is 1 hr away.
 * Trowulan is believed to be the capital of the Majapahit Empire that reached its golden age in the 14th century. If you love culture and history, this is definitely a place worth visiting. There are few remains of the Majapahit Empire, such as the Ancient Pool (Kolam Segaran), Tikus Temple, Brahu Temple, Bajang Ratu temple, museum, and more. Here you can also see a sacred graveyard that people from other places around the area in Java often visit for a pilgrimage.
 * Sail to Karimunjawa through Tanjung Emas Port in Semarang is 3.5 hr away by train.
 * Sumenep on Madura can be reached by land after passing Suramadu Bridge.
 * Banyuwangi is the new destination around East Java, covering tourism from the sea (ferry to Bali) to the mountainous areas (e.g. the Ijen Plateau).
 * Bawean Island is 1.5 hr away by plane.

title: Surabaya


text:
Surakarta

Surakarta (Dutch: Residentie Soerakarta) is a region of Central Java in Indonesia.

Cities

 * — a predominantly rural regency with spacious greens and hilly areas around Mount Merapi
 * (also called Surakarta) — a bustling city that has retained its authentic traditional Javanese nature
 * (also called Surakarta) — a bustling city that has retained its authentic traditional Javanese nature
 * (also called Surakarta) — a bustling city that has retained its authentic traditional Javanese nature

Other destinations

 * — a hill station on the slopes of Mount Lawu

Understand
Most of the area in this region is formerly Surakarta Sunanate's territory.

By plane
The Surakarta area is served by Adi Soemarmo International Airport in Boyolali.

By train
You may use electric multiple unit from Yogyakarta. The train run to schedule daily.

By car
Trans-Java Toll Road pass through some cities like Boyolali, Solo, and Sragen. The other cities connected by good provincial roads.

See
See kraton (Javanese palace) in Solo and a UNESCO World Heritage List, Sangiran early man site in Sragen, as well as ancient temples in Boyolali and Tawangmangu.

Do
Climb Mount Lawu through Tawangmangu and Mount Merbabu through Boyolali. Swimming in natural springs in Klaten.

Eat
Javanese food is abundant in the area. You may eat mie ayam (chicken noodle soup), tongseng (spicy goat soup), and sate buntel (minced meat wrapped in fat satay).

Drink
Because of Islamic dietary laws, most eating places do not offer alcohol, and only few licensed hotels and restaurants will offer national and international brands of beer and wines in Solo. You may drink fresh milk in many stalls in the city of Boyolali.

Stay safe
Beware, if you speak English or even Indonesian language, they will charge you even more pricey compared to locals or people who speak Javanese. Get ready to be ripped off if you are a foreigner as they thought all foreigners must be filthy rich.

Go next

 * Kedu
 * Northwest East Java
 * Semarang Metropolitan Area
 * Southern Mountainous
 * Yogyakarta Special Region

title: Surakarta


text:
Surat

Surat (સુરત) is a city in Gujarat, India. It is a bustling, successful commercial city with extremely limited western influence. This makes it an example of both the boom in Gujarat's development and a continuation of the state's historical role as a center for the mass production of high quality textiles.

Understand

Surat (Hindi: सूरत, Gujarati: સુરત) is a port city and administrative headquarters of the Surat District. As of 2011, Surat and its metropolitan area had a population of approximately 4.5 million. It is the second largest city in Gujarat and 9th largest in India. Surat is a major gemstone centre, and over 92% of the world's diamonds are cut here. The city is on the banks of the Tapti River, and was a major port during the British colonial era. However, due to damming projects, the Tapti River become unnavigable and a new port was constructed down stream at the suburb of Hazira.

Surat is largely off the trail for foreign tourists. As a result, travelling there can provide some interest for the experienced traveller of India.

Rickshaw drivers and hotel staff speak almost no English, making ordering food and organizing travel more difficult than nearby Mumbai or Rajasthan. Still, the Surtis are friendly and curious: the occasional English speaker will likely ask why you have come there - and be shocked if your answer is anything but business. If you have even a little Hindi or Gujarati your travel will be more interesting and far, far simpler.

The STD code of Surat is 0261-.

Climate: The climate is tropical and the city receives the full impact of the monsoon. Winter Temperature: Max 31°C, Min 12°C Summer Temperature: Max 42°C, Min 24°C Rainfall: mid-June to mid-September 931.9 mm Lowest Recorded Temperature: 6.5°C Highest Recorded Temperature: 48°C

By plane

The nearest other international airports, almost equidistant with Surat City, are those of Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport ) and Ahmedabad (Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (SVP) International Airport ).

By train
Railway is most preferred mode of transport to reach Surat considering the frequency of trains from Mumbai. The city is connected to the national railway system through the Western Railways connecting it to Mumbai and beyond to the south as well as New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and other cities to the north. The Surat Railway station is in the eastern-central part of the city and is near major hotels and businesses. There is also a connection to the Central Railways through the Udhana Junction and the Tapti line.

The variety of passenger trains range from local trains that stop at all stations on the way, to super fast express trains like the August Kranti Rajdhani Express, Satabdi Express, Mumbai Ahmedabad AC double-decker. In addition there are plenty of goods trains that move the goods produced by the city to the rest of the country and beyond, and bring supplies to the city. Indian railways offer online booking service for all the trains having reservations.

4 hr each from Mumbai and Ahmedabad and 2 hr from Vadodara by train.

By car
The Golden Quadrilateral highway system passes by Surat city. You can get into Surat from National Highway 8 from 3 major connector highway. National Highway 8 corridor is one of the most industrially developed area in the country and Surat is one of the most industrially active cities that connect to it. National Highway 6 starts from Hazira and connects the city to Dhule, Nagpur, Raipur, Sambalpur, Kharagpur and Kolkata.

By bus
The Central Bus Station is on opposite side of Railway Station and has regular buses to different towns of Gujarat, operated by the GSRTC. Out-State bus stops at this depot. Very near to this, private bus operators have their offices.

The city has a local city bus system to travel in the city. Surat is connected with major cities of Gujarat as well as Mumbai and other Indian cities. Raj travels Volvo a/c buses run throughout the day to various cities of India. Daily more than 700 buses depart for various parts of Saurastra (the eastern part of Gujarat).

By boat
There is a port at Hazira, but passenger boats/ships are not frequently operated. Heavy ships are usually used by the Hazira-based industries like Reliance, Essar and L & T, Kribhco.

Get around
While the city has a local city bus system, the public transport needs of the city are met by privately operated auto rickshaws.

A lot of road engineering projects have been completed, particularly the elevated roads, or flyovers in the diamond and textile districts of the city. This has significantly cut down on the commuting time for many commuters travelling to the diamond and textile districts.

The bus rapid transit network has expanded rapidly. It has air conditioning. Check apps for schedule.

See

 * The entire city on the roads (esp. the Dumas Road) on Sunday Evenings. Amazing to see people spreading bed sheets by the roadside to enjoy the evening with Lari Food (hawker food) adding spice.
 * The entire city on the roads (esp. the Dumas Road) on Sunday Evenings. Amazing to see people spreading bed sheets by the roadside to enjoy the evening with Lari Food (hawker food) adding spice.
 * The entire city on the roads (esp. the Dumas Road) on Sunday Evenings. Amazing to see people spreading bed sheets by the roadside to enjoy the evening with Lari Food (hawker food) adding spice.
 * The entire city on the roads (esp. the Dumas Road) on Sunday Evenings. Amazing to see people spreading bed sheets by the roadside to enjoy the evening with Lari Food (hawker food) adding spice.
 * The entire city on the roads (esp. the Dumas Road) on Sunday Evenings. Amazing to see people spreading bed sheets by the roadside to enjoy the evening with Lari Food (hawker food) adding spice.

Do

 * Watch a Bollywood or Hollywood film at several Multiplexes such as:
 * Cinépolis at Imperial Mall
 * Cityplus
 * INOX at VR Mall
 * PVR at Rahulraj Mall
 * Rajhans Cinema
 * Valentine Multiplex
 * Valentine Multiplex

Devotional places

 * Ambika Niketan Temple - Ambika Niketan Temple is one of the popular pilgrim spots in Surat. Ambika Niketan Temple, situated on the banks of the River Tapti, was built in 1969. The temple is dedicated to Mother Goddess, who is in the form of Goddess Ashtabhuja Ambika. The most auspicious occasion at this temple is the Navrathri celebrations, which are conducted with great fervour. There are also shrines dedicated to Ram-Sita, Laxminarayan and Lord Shiva at Ambika Niketan Temple.

Learn

There are several libraries in the city:

 * Gandhi smruti library, Nanpura, Timaliyawad. Open: 8AM-8PM and 8AM-2PM on Monday and public holiday.
 * Ganpatram A. Travadi free library, Ambaji Road, pagathiya sheri. Open: 09:00-11:30 and 16:00-14:30.
 * Kavi narmad central library, opposite Umra Police Station, Athwa lines. Open: 08:00-20:00.
 * Nagindas kazi free library, Ghee Kanta Rd, Haripura. Open: 9-11:30AM and 4-6:30PM.
 * Public library, Chhaparia sheri, Mahidharpura. Open: 9-11:30AM and 2-6:30PM.

Buy
While there are limited sights of obvious tourist interest, the main attraction of Surat is shopping. The district ‘textile market’ is aimed at wholesale dealers. The endless rows of wholesalers peddling beautiful sarees may or may not sell to retail customers, but you will find excellent deals here on fabrics you would otherwise likely pay far more for. If you are not interested in sarees, there are clusters of upmarket Indian brand clothing stores. The many clothing shops of Gohd Dod road provide an array of beautiful designer Shalwar Kameez, Sarees and Indo-Western dresses. These are likely designed in Mumbai and produced in Surat, and so Surat is the cheapest place to by such items. High quality designer clothes cost nearly half as much as they would in Delhi and Mumbai.

For male shoppers, you can find good deals on high quality formal and casual wear here. Australians may be amused by the Indian brand ‘Aussie’ found on Gohd Dod road. It is nothing like what one would imagine a chain store of that name in Australia to be.

 * Books. Most of the schooling, engineering and commerce students' book needs are met with in book shops in the Athwa Lines locality. Examples include Lucky Book House and Maulik.
 * Clothing. G3+ Store is a fashionable boutique catering for both men and women. The store has high quality eastern and western clothing at reasonable prices. They may be overruns of European designer brands from the local textile industry.
 * Diamonds. There are a number of jewellers in the city.
 * Shopping Plazas. There are lots, with the latest attractions being the Iscon Mall and the Big Bazaar both located on the Dumas Road.
 * Textiles. The city is home to several textile markets.
 * There are a number of standard salons in Parle Point & Ghod-Dod Road area.
 * There are a number of standard salons in Parle Point & Ghod-Dod Road area.

Eat
Some special and unique dishes of Surat include Locho, Surti Undhiyu, Rasawala Khaman, Cold coco and Surti Ghari. Many of the popular types of food of the state of Gujarat originated in this region. Surti cuisine is not as sweet as the stereotypical Gujarati food, but rather on the spicier side.

Come winter and Suratis will emerge at River Tapi's banks to eat Ponk. Ponk is a unique roasted millet.

Surat is also known for its celebrations of Chandi Padvo usually which usually comes around October. This is the biggest full moon day of the Hindu calendar year. On this day, Surtis buy almost 100 tons of Ghari and other Surati delicacies, then head to Dumas where they have dinner/late night snack under full moon.

There is a popular adage in India which translated means if Kasi is a stairway to heaven, Surat is the place for food. The variety of cuisines is quite large, varying from the local Gujarati Thalis to South Indian food. There are a lot of nice eateries like Indian curry, Klassic, Deewan-e-Khaas which will give you the flavour of a traditional Indian food and for South Indians, Mysore Cafe, Vishnu's, and the Mallu Restaurant provide a good eat-out. The roadside stalls (laari in local parlance) provide tasty and inexpensive food.

Budget
You can fill your stomach on almost any budget in Surat.

You can take food in the laaris (roadside hawkers) if less on budget. There are laaris for Dhosa, Sandwich, Pizza, Wada-Pav, Pav-Bhaji, Pani-Puri, etc. throughout the city. You can easily find one at any corners of the city.

Though non veg varieties are less but the Anda/Beda (egg) laaris spread all across the city are very famous. Some popular names are bhai-bhai (Nanpura), raju (Adajan), amthabhai (Piplod), Ganesh (Moti talkies), a few in Zampa Bazaar and Rander area are also good.

Talking about non-veg food. for laari stuff Zampa Bazaar, rander, chowk are really good. You can try the Nan-chaaps at Zampa Bazaar, seekh paratha at chowk, and Irani paratha/egg roti (stuffed with keema) at rander (especially during the month of Ramazan).

Ann by the way if you haven't tried early morning baara (12) handis (pots) breakfast at Zampa Bazaar then many locals would say that you don't know what a really heavy breakfast is. Hygienic is not the word you can use, but it's really wonderful, and you can follow it up with sweet malpua.

Also the normal tandoori chicken at all of these places is good. And in Ramazan one can try the machchi (fish) masala chicken at Rander, the silver chicken (actually it's green masala chicken but wrapped in silver foil). Also the khausa (a kind of noodle and soup) is good.

On Sunday morning one can find youngsters and families alike crowding the Dumas area for various kinds of bhajiyas. Try tomato, rataalu, mirch for some variety.

Also famous is the kulfi and hand made ice creams of Surat. some very different kind of flavours like mirch (chili), coriander, ginger, etc. can be found at Janta ice-cream outlets. Also famous is the Kishore ice cream.

If you want to try good hand made kulfi/ice-cream go to Badshah, Tajmahal, King, hajoori at Zampa Bazaar.

Also there are scores of laaris outside the SV-NIT (SVR) college for non veg stuff.

Good non-veg restaurants are few like Sugar n Spice (ring road), Center Court (Athwa lines), Kandil, and Savera. Barbecue Nation at Parle Point serves the barbecue on the table.

Dosa and sai dosa are the most popular types of dosa and south Indian dishes.

With lot of malls coming up on the airport road major food chains of India have started flocking the city. Mainland China, McDonald, KFC, and TGB.

Mid-range
Surat has very good food and restaurant chains. It includes all major brands. Besides Chinese Room (Nanpura) and Sugar n Spice (Ring Road) offer good food at a decent cost.

For Gujarati food: visit Sasuma, Swastik, Kansar, Sabrus, Sab Food and Express.

Rajasthani food with food places: 1) Chowkithani 2) Bhatwari, these two are best modern traditional restaurants in Surat provides Jaypuri and Gujarati food along with Punjabi food. people may visit with families and children as well as with friends to celebrate party.

Splurge
Many multiplexes such as Valentine, City Plus and Raj Empire have various places to eat.

Drink
Alcohol is banned in Gujarat. Only foreign tourists and people with drinking licences can purchase liquor. However, the people of Surat are fun-loving and tend to find alcohol in the city. There are some places in Surat such as Golvad, Dumas and Olpad where people can find alcohol more easily under the table from the bootlegger. It's easy for foreign tourists to obtain a liquor permit, but it is not advisable to look for liquor under table as the risk of getting adulterated liquor and suffering from severe health problems is high.

Budget
For a decent hotel you need to spend at least ₹ 2000.

Mid-range

 * Hotel Merit offers excellent, clean, reliable and reasonably priced accommodation (₹1880 per 24 hours stay) – and it at least looks like the newest of the hotels clustered helpfully near the railway station. Its quiet English-speaking day manager is helpful and friendly and will assist with a rickshaw if you struggle with the drivers outside. While there is no restaurant, its staff serve fresh and hot (if a little oily) Punjabi-style curries as room service all day. Breakfast is included, with two options each morning, along with tea or coffee. Couples may be asked if they are married, though restrictions on the non-married only apply to Indian nationals.

Stay safe
Surat is one of the safest city in India, and even travelling at night is not a matter for concern, as the city night life is such that people don't interfere much with other. Everybody is busy with their own friends and family; leave them alone, and you'll be fine.

Go next

 * Dumas & Hajira. Dumas 16 km from Surat and Hajira 28 km from Surat are well known health resorts on the creek of Arabian Sea. Hajira has two wells with water rich in iron and sulphur. The pleasant Hazira beach is fringed by feathery casurina trees.
 * Vansada National Park. Located in Valsad district, the park is a home to leopards, tigers, panthers and wild boars. The best time to visit is between October to March.
 * Water Park: Chhab Chhaba Chhub(near Hazira) is very good water park to visit with friends, families, and couple, where lot of water sports rides are available.

Beaches from Surat
Due to very high tides, it is not recommended to take bath at beaches of Surat. There are a number of beaches near Surat for you to enjoy sun and sand.

 * Dumas: Dummas is a popular resort with locals. 16 km away
 * Hajira: Hajira is 28 km from the city, but due to Industries setup, most of it is now converted to jetties.
 * Suvali: Suvali. 27 km from Surat is a peaceful and clean beach. It is dangerous on high tide.
 * Navsari: Navsari is 29 km south of Surat, has been a headquarters for the Parsi community since the earliest days of their settlement in India.
 * Tithal : Beach near Valsad 80 km south of Suart is one of safer beach if you want to have a bath.
 * Udvada: Udhvada, 10 km north of Vapi, the station for Daman, has the oldest Parsi sacred fire in India. It is said that the fire was brought from Persia to Diu, on the opposite coast of the Gulf of Cambay, in 700 AD.
 * Umbharat: Umbharat is 42 km out.
 * Sanjan: Sanjan, in the extreme south of the state, is the small port where the Parsis first landed. A pillar marks the spot.

title: Surat


text:
Surat (disambiguation)

There's more than one place called Surat:

Australia

 * Surat - a small town in Queensland, about 450km west of Brisbane

India

 * Surat - a city in the state of Gujarat, Western India

Thailand

 * Surat Thani - the provincial capital of Surat Thani Province
 * Surat Thani Province - on the east coast in Southern Thailand

title: Surat (disambiguation)


text:
Surathkal

Surathkal is a suburb of Mangalore city in Karnataka state of India. Previously Surathkal was separate town, but is now merged to Mangalore city corporation. Surathkal lies in revenue district of Dakshina Kannada .Suratkal has a post office and its postal index number code ( Pincode ) is 575014. Once upon a time most of land within Surathkal was of paddy fields, coconut  gardens, arecanut plantations and evergreen forests, but today  most of land is filled with houses, residential apartments and shopping complexes.

Regions
Surathkal is on the shore of the Arabian Sea. It is part of Tulunadu also called Karavali in Kannada, meaning coastal region of Karnataka state.

Cities

 * Mangalooru
 * Udupi
 * Manipal

Understand
Surathkal is an educational and industrial centre, which has the finest beaches. There are very good educational institutions like National Institute of Technology,Karnataka ( NITK ), Govindadasa college ( GDC ) and Vidyadayinee High School ( VHS ). There are many factories like Mangalore petroleum refinery ( MRPL ), Mangalore Fertilizers ( MCF ) and BASF in and around Surathkal.

Get in
Surathkal town has connectivity by air, sea, road and railway. Mangalore International Airport is just 15 kilometre from Suratkal. New Mangalore sea port ( NMPT ) at Panamburu is at distance of 6 kilometres from Surathkal. Surathkal railway station ( Station Code:SL ) lies on Konkan railway route connecting Mangaluru to Mumbai city. National Highway 66 ( NH 66 ) formerly numbered as National Highway 17 ( NH 17 )  running from Panvel near Mumbai to Ernakulam ( Kochi )  goes via Surathkal. There is also a Karnataka state highway 101 starting from Surathkal to Kaikamba via Bajpe, This road was previously known as Bajpe road now popular as MRPL road.

Get around
Various modes of transportation are available to roam around Suratkal like Autorickshaws ( Three wheel passenger vehicle ), Car taxis and Buses. Buses generally run along predetermined routes fixed by Road Transport Office ( R.T.O.) on approved fares for different stages of journey. Autos or taxis can be hired to your destinations. Even though Autorickshaws are supposed to charge distance covered as per meter fare fixed by R.T.O. this is hardly followed by auto drivers.

Do

 * Visit the beach in front of NIT-K (formerly KREC) and also Sadashiva Ganapathi Temple nearby.
 * There many Hindu temples in and around Surathkal, including Iddya Mahalingeshwara, Marigudi, Sri Durgaamba, Kashi Mutt and Shri Virabhadra.
 * Visit Krishnapura Matha (Krishnapur Mutt) a Hindu monastery belonging to the Ashta Mathas of Sanatana philosopher Jagadguru Shree Madhva Acharya's lineage.

Eat

 * Hotel Sadanand ( Boarding and Lodging )
 * Hotel Maharaja International ( Boarding and Lodging )
 * Panjabi Dhaba (Non-Vegetarian Restaurant)
 * City Lunch Home ( Vegetarian food and snacks )
 * Hotel Woodlands ( Vegetarian food and snacks )
 * Hotel Panchami(Closed now)
 * Hotel Lalit ( Boarding and Lodging )
 * Samudra Darshan (for vadas, lassi and juice)

Drink
For classy ambience, Sadanand has an air conditioned bar attached.... The shady coffee shop Krishna at the gates of NITK serves amazing coffee and Lassi.
 * Garuda Bar,
 * Kalash,
 * Ruchita Bar
 * Akshaya Bar provide for great alcoholic ventures....

Stay safe
During rains water logging and floods occur due to unplanned,rapid construction  of houses, apartments (flats) and commercial complexes with beginning of 21st century. It is advisable to take help of a known guide or person when venturing out for first time. Do not go far away from the beaches onto Arabian sea as  sea bed suddenly plunges deep in Suratkal. Also do not sit on the rocks near sea shore as high waves may wash you off.

Go next

 * Udupi

 * Kudremukh National Park
 * Murdeshwar
 * Gokarna
 * Sirsi
 * Karwar
 * Shringeri
 * Dharwad
 * Anshi National Park

title: Surathkal


text:
Surat Thani

Surat Thani (สุราษฎร์ธานี) is a city and a province on the Central Gulf Coast of southern Thailand.

Understand

Surat Thani (often just "Surat") is the largest province of southern Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). It is a gateway to the islands of Thailand's Gulf Coast: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao are much-visited destinations, as well as Ang Thong National Marine Park and the famous Khao Sok National Park.

By road
Parallel to the railway in a north-south direction runs the Asian Highway AH2 (Thailand Route 41). The major east-west road is Thailand Route 401 connecting Takua Pa with Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Thailand Route 44|Rte 44 goes southwest from Kanchanadit to Krabi. Rte 44 was built as part of the land bridge project connecting the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. Unlike other highways there are no crossing intersections. The wide space between the two lanes is reserved for pipelines and a railway.

By plane
As of 2014, the province has two international airports: Surat Thani International Airport in Phunphin and Samui Airport on Ko Samui. Surat Thani Airport is served by five airlines: Thai Airways International (operated by Thai Smile from Suvarnabhumi Airport), Nok Air, Thai Lion Air from Don Mueang International Airport, Thai AirAsia from Don Mueang and Chiang Mai, AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Samui Airport is served by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways International from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Penang.

Connect by bus or rental car (buy ticket and rent in the airport) to town. Phantip Travel has bus service connecting all flights to Surat Thani. Phantip Travel is on Taladmai Rd. Price one-way is 100 baht.

Be vigilant at the airport, or anywhere you are repeatedly asked where you have come from and where you are going. Know what Thai police uniforms look like.

If you're heading to Ko Samui, Seatran Ferry and other companies offer a bus/ferry service from the airport to Nathon Pier on Ko Samui for 400 baht (Aug 2017). It's also possible to book this trip with Air Asia, even while you're on the flight there! They also use Seatran ferry. Travel time is three hours. Buses leave the airport six times per day.

By train
The province is crossed by the southern railway, with Surat Thani Railway Station in Phunphin, about 15 km from downtown. A branch line to the west ends at Kirirat Nikhom Railway Station. It had been planned to run to the coast next to the island of Phuket, but construction ended in 1956. There are 32 railway stations in Surat Thani Province.

 * From Nakhon Si Thammarat, at 16:00 daily, 170 baht, duration ~3 hr (Jan 2024).

By bus
There are 3 main bus & coach terminals in Muang Surat Thani: Talad Kaset 1, Talad Kaset 2, and Surat Thani Bus Terminal.

Talad Kaset 1 and Talad Kaset 2 are across from each other, off of Talad Mai Road in the city centre, whereas Surat Thani Bus Terminal is outside of the city off of Highway 401, behind CentralPlaza. Talad Kaset 1 is for local buses to nearby districts. Talad Kaset 2 is for coaches and buses to further districts and popular tourist destinations, such as Khanom, Khao Sok, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The Surat Thani Bus Terminal is for longer haul rides, such as overnight buses to Bangkok.

 * Terminal 1: Surat Thani – Phuket
 * Terminal 2: Surat Thani – Trung
 * Terminal 3: Surat Thani– Khanom
 * Terminal 4: Surat Thani– Bannaderm
 * Terminal 5: Surat Thani– BanSong
 * Terminal 6: Surat Thani– Bang Sawan
 * Terminal 7: Surat Thani– Phasang
 * Terminal 8: Surat Thani– Krabi
 * Terminal 9:
 * Terminal 10:
 * Terminal 11:
 * Terminal 12: Surat Thani– Chaiya
 * Terminal 13: Surat Thani– Phuket
 * Terminal 14: Surat Thani– Phuket
 * Terminal 15: Surat Thani– Hat Yai
 * Terminal 16: Surat Thani– Hat Yai
 * Terminal 17: Surat Thani– Phang Nga
 * Terminal 18: Surat Thani– Phuket
 * Terminal 19: Surat Thani– Krabi
 * Terminal 20: Surat Thani– Ranong
 * Terminal 21: Surat Thani– Kian Sa
 * Terminal 22: Surat Thani– Khao Sok
 * Terminal 23: Surat Thani– Thungsong
 * Terminal 24: Surat Thani– Ko Lanta
 * From Nakhon Si Thammarat, by minivan from bus terminal, counter 10, at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 140 baht, duration ~2 hr 30 min (Jan 2024).
 * Terminal 24: Surat Thani– Ko Lanta
 * From Nakhon Si Thammarat, by minivan from bus terminal, counter 10, at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 140 baht, duration ~2 hr 30 min (Jan 2024).

Phantip Travel

 * Surat Thani (Town) – Khao Sok (2.5 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Lanta (6 hr, 550 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Pha Ngan (3.3 hrs, 350 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Samui (3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ao Nang (4.1 hr, 450 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Phi Phi (5.3 hr, 550 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Krabi (3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Phuket (5 hr, 195 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Phang Nga (3.3 hr, 150 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Railay (4.3 hr, 600 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ratchaprapha Dam (2 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (1.3 hr, 150 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier (1.3 hr, 150 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Khanom (1.5 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Khao Sok (2 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Pha Ngan (4.3 hr, 500 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Samui (3.3 hr, 400 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ratchaprapha Dam (1.3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Tao (6 hr, 900 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Khao Sok (3 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Lanta (6 hr, 650 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Pha Ngan (5.3 hrs, 400 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Samui (3.3 hr, 280 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ao Nang (4.3 hr, 400 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Phi Phi (6.3 hr, 650 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Krabi (3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Phuket (5 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ratchaprapha Dam (3.3 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 180 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ratchaprapha Dam (3.3 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 180 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier

By boat
The islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan are connected with the mainland by ferries, which mostly embark from Don Sak, while the ferries to Ko Tao start at Surat Thani or Ko Samui. There are three main ferry companies that operate from mainland Surat Thani to the islands: Lomprayah, Seatran, and Raja.

There are only two ferry piers in Muang Surat Thani: Tapee Pier, which Lomprayah's High Speed Catarman operates from, and Bandon Pier, which is for night boats only. Seatran Pier and Raja Pier are in Don Sak District, 65 km (40 mi) east of Surat Thani city centre.

Ferry piers

Surat Thani to/from Ko Samui

Surat Thani to/from Ko Pha Ngan

Surat Thani to/from Ko Tao

Night boats
The night boat ferries are individually owned and operated. Routes can be cancelled without any prior notice. Only buy night boat tickets directly from the ferry operator. The tickets can be purchased the day of departure from the boat operators at Bandon pier. The ticket stands are directly in front of the individual night boats.

The departure times and ticket prices for the night boats can vary as the individual boat and operator are on rotations. For example, the wooden Ko Tao night boat leaves an hour earlier than the metal Ko Tao night boats. Confirm with the operators at Bandon Pier the day of departure. Arrival times are estimates as it depends on the sea conditions.

Get around
Tuk-tuks cost around 10-20 baht/per person around the town. Hail one on any major road with a wave or yell, negotiate a fare, and sit on the bench in the back.

By car
Car hire services are available at Surat Thani International Airport.

By taxi
It goes without saying that if your taxi driver offers you drugs or prostitutes, you should say no.

Religious & historical sites

 * The two most important Buddhist monasteries of the province are in Chaiya District. Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya boasts a chedi in Srivijaya-style, dating from the 7th century and carefully restored. Buddhist relics are enshrined in the chedi, and the surrounding chapels contain Buddha figures in Srivijayan style. The Chaiya National Museum adjoins the temple. Nearby is Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, a forest monastery founded by the famous monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.

Nature

 * Nai Bang Area (ในบาง) – Nai Bang is an alluvial plain around the mouth of the Tapi River which is crisscrossed with networks of canals. The canals are lined with mangrove forest alternating with traditional southern-styled houses, behind which are coconut farms and orchards. The people here still maintain a simple way of life and make their living on indigenous natural resources, despite the bustling economy in the Ban Don (town) market just opposite the river. Access to Nai Bang is by the bridge across the Tapi River or by longtail boat from Ban Don. The boat can carry 6–8 people and charges 250 baht per hour. Visitors may contact travel agents in Surat Thani who sell a one-day package tour to the Nai Bang area.

National parks

 * Khao Sok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก) – As part of the largest moist evergreen forest in southern Thailand, the park is rich in flora including certain families of lotus, white palm, and fern. Khao Sok is also one of the best bird-watching spots in Thailand. Attractions in the park include:
 * Ratchaprapha (Rajjaprabha) Dam: The completion of this dam in 1988 gave birth to Cheow Lan Lake about 168 km² in area, which is adorned with hundreds of islands and islets.
 * Tham Nam Thalu: Cave
 * Tang Nam: Streams chiseled across two ridges create this striking gorge. Many people came to pay respect to this place, around which the venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's ashes were traditionally showered.
 * Namtok Than Sawan: This scenic waterfall is three kilometres from Tang Nam.
 * Namtok Sip Et Chan: This 11-tier waterfall originates from Bang Len canal. The first level is largest and most picturesque.
 * San Yang Roi Trail: This two kilometre trail begins at the park headquarters and runs along the mountain shoulder past streams, waterfalls, and moist evergreen forest. A trail to a rarely seen plant called Bua Phut at Bang Luk Chang Mountain.

 * Khlong Phanom National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองพนม) – High limestone mountains connected with Khao Sok National Park. Attractions in the park include Kiriwong and Chong Yung waterfalls and several caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.
 * Kaeng Krung National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแก่งกรุง) – Mountainous area covered by moist evergreen forests, where some rare and endangered species such as tree ferns can be found. Attractions in the park include hot springs, Bang Hoi Waterfall and Khlong Pa Waterfall.
 * Tai Rom Yen National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติใต้ร่มเย็น) – The 425-km² forest areas in Kanchanadit, Ban Na San and Wiang Sa were designated a national park in 1991. The mountains of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range are mostly covered with moist evergreen forest and exotic and rare flora and fauna. Attractions in the park include:
 * Namtok Tat Fa: A perennial 13-level waterfall is the highest in Surat Thani. The fourth level is most attractive with its 80 m cliff.
 * Tham Khamin or Tham Men: Exotic stalagmites and stalactites in this cave. The walkway is well-lit and fitted with stairs.
 * San Yen: The eastern range, about 40 km long and 1,000-1,300 m high, is fertile with rare flora, fauna, and wildlife.
 * Namtok Mueang Thuat: This seven-level waterfall has a large basin.

Chaiya District
See Chaiya page

Do

Cinema

Festivals

Public pools

Hotel pools

Local products

 * Chaiya Salted Eggs (ไข่เค็มไชยา) – Ducks in Chaiya eat mollusks, crabs, and fish on the farm, which make their egg yolks particularly red. Eggs are covered with soil mixed with salty water and rice husks.
 * Oysters (หอยนางรม) – Surat Thani's oysters are well known for their size, cleanliness, taste, and smell.
 * Rambutan – Rambutan here are exceptional due thanks to their sweet taste, crisp meat, big size, small seeds, and thin peel.
 * Phumriang Silk Cloth (ผ้าไหมพุมเรียง) – Hand-woven products of a Muslim village. The weavers here create their own patterns which are embossed on the silk by shuttle looms.
 * Tha Krachai woven cloth (ผ้าทอท่ากระจาย)
 * Para-rubber leaf butterflies (ผีเสื้อใบยางพารา)
 * Bulrush wickerwork (ผลิตภัณฑ์จักสานจากกระจูด)
 * Kalamae (กะละแม)
 * Processed seafood products (ผลิตภัณฑ์อาหารทะเลแปรรูป)
 * Coconut wooden products (ผลิตภัณฑ์ไม้มะพร้าว)

Go next

 * Khao Sok National Park — jungle and diving adventures
 * Ko Samui — backpacker paradise gone up-market
 * Ko Pha Ngan — home of the infamous Full Moon Party
 * Ko Tao — popular diving spot and a good place to get certified
 * Ang Thong National Marine Park
 * Khao Lak — coastal resort region and diving centre just north of Ko Phuket

title: Surat Thani


text:
Surendranagar

Surendranagar is a city and a district in the Saurashtra region of the state of Gujarat in India.

By plane
Both Rajkot and Ahmedabad are 100 km away from Surendranagar.

By train
There are direct trains from all parts of India to Surendrangar. Some of the longer routes include trains from Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Jammu-Tawi, Kochi, Secunderabad, Thiruvananthapuram and Bhopal.

By bus
Surendranagar is quite well connected to the entire region of Saurashtra and rest of Gujarat by buses.

See

 * Tagore Baug
 * Ajramar Tower
 * Vruksh Mandir
 * Dholidhaja Dam
 * Narmada canal project passing from near the Dudhrej village
 * Trimandir temple
 * BAPS Swaminarayan temple
 * Nalsarowar Bird Sanctuary which is located not much far from the city

Do
Visit the army camp which is in the town of Dhrangadhra, 36 km from Surendranagar.

Buy

 * Bandhani from the Wadhwan district, it is a famous form of Traditional Gujarati Saree
 * Shop from the local market of the Vitthalpress road and Tanki Chowk

Eat
Parotha-Shaak.. with super spicy potato shaak and almost fried parathas... a treat to eat .. best place - Novelty.

Small spicy variant of the regular samosa. - Try it at Rajesh samosa house.

Try the 'Kachori' from the small and famous shop Sagar on the Dalmil Road.

In addition various street food dabeli, ghughara etc. are a must when visiting this city.

Drink
Cold Coco from the Murlidhar cafe near the Kunthunath derasar

title: Surendranagar


text:
Surf City

There's more than one place called Surf City:

United States of America

 * Surf City (New Jersey)
 * Surf City (North Carolina)

See also:
 * Huntington Beach (legally trademarked as Surf City, USA) - in Orange County, Southern California
 * Santa Cruz (California) (colloquially referred to as Surf City) - in Santa Cruz County, in the Bay Area (California) region of California

title: Surf City


text:
Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise

Surfers Paradise is a suburb of the Gold Coast in Queensland, and one of the largest tourist destinations in Australia. Set on kilometres of ocean surf beach, Surfers has more going on than just the waves. From the high rise apartments that line the shore, to the nightclubs, pubs and late night shopping lining the mall, Surfers is busy all through the day and night.

Understand
Surfers Paradise is the "capital of the Gold Coast", and is a site of near-pilgrimage to many Australian teens. It's a destination for New Zealanders, with direct flights bringing frozen Kiwis to defrost on the golden beaches, and an attraction for travellers from around the world.

Many believe that Surfers Paradise, whose population had grown to almost 24,000 in 2016, has been over-commercialised, and there is certainly intense high-rise development. The area has a reputation for rip-off shopping, timeshare salespeople, and seedy strip clubs (which are plentiful). The beaches and the rest of Surfers sit in the long shadows of the high rises in the late afternoon.

Love the beaches, or hate the kitsch. Love the nightlife, or just find the drunks stumbling and singing down Cavill Mall a turn-off. You can't be ambivalent about Surfers.

Get in
This part of Gold Coast is a 30-minute taxi ride from the Gold Coast Airport.

If coming via car, the Gold Coast Highway (Rte 2) connects Surfers from Tweed Heads in NSW to the Northern suburbs.

Get around
Surfers Paradise is quite compact, and you walk between much of the Surfers accommodation, Cavill Mall, and the beaches. In fact walking may often take less time than trying to find a parking spot close to the centre.

Surfside bus lines and the G-Link tram provide public transport services for the Gold Coast area, for timetable information and prices.

Taxi cabs are another way to go, but can be quite expensive.

Mobike sharebike scheme operates. Download the app to locate your nearest station.

See
There are theme parks, water parks, wildlife parks, and a range of things to see in the surrounding Gold Coast.

In Surfers Paradise there is:

Do
As the name of the city implies, surfing is the order of the day. Other water sports like boating and fishing are also plentiful.

If you are going to swim make sure you swim in patrolled areas (between the red and yellow flags). Each year hundreds of swimmers get into trouble in the strong currents swimming outside the flags. If you do get in trouble just put your hand up above your head to get the lifesaver's attention. There are many sets of flags around the Surfers area. Head north or south from the main beach if the crowds are too much.

Budget

 * Surfers Paradise RSL Club: the staff at the sign-in desk are quite rude and the whole place feels a little seedy as you walk right in to the pokie machine lounge, however once you get upstairs it's ok. This club offers a great value roast dinner from 5:30PM till about 8:30PM for about $6.50, all the other meals are well priced. Beer is cheap and it's just a short walk to Melba’s and Cavil ave.
 * Jacks Kebabs: this is a great little kebab joint across from the beach opp. McDonald's. It makes a very tasty kebab and it's popular in the early hours of the morning as all the drunks stumble out of the clubs looking for a meal.
 * King of Noodle is a great little Chinese restaurant in the Centre Arcade across from Circle on Cavill (next to the Hilton). They offer cheap Asian dishes however unlike some other cheap Asian restaurants, the dish sizes are quite very good for the price (Dishes start from $8). Offer a good range of vegetarian alternatives
 * King of Noodle is a great little Chinese restaurant in the Centre Arcade across from Circle on Cavill (next to the Hilton). They offer cheap Asian dishes however unlike some other cheap Asian restaurants, the dish sizes are quite very good for the price (Dishes start from $8). Offer a good range of vegetarian alternatives

Splurge
Plenty of the hotels around Surfers Paradise offer buffet all-you-can-eat seafood, which is normally quite nice for $50-60 per person plus drinks. Some offer lunch specials or early bird deals.

Drink
Most of the night clubs are down Orchid Ave just off the main strip Cavil Ave, ones to check out are:
 * Elsewhere
 * Cocktails & Dreams (multi-level club)
 * Shooters
 * Melbas

Sleep
There are accommodation options all up and down the Gold Coast. Surfers itself is home to numerous apartments, premium high-rise hotels, and many backpacker hostels. Motel style accommodation is generally elsewhere on the coast.

 * Backpacker hostels are mostly found in Surfers Paradise, Southport, Main Beach and Coolangatta. Some backpacker operators in Surfers Paradise require an international passport. If you hold an Australian passport, you may be asked to sign up and pay for membership to a group the backpacker operator is affiliated with (e.g. YHA, or VIP)
 * Motels are located all along the Gold Coast Hwy. Most can be found in Labrador, Mermaid Beach, Miami, Palm Beach and Tweed Heads. Single rooms are $60 to $80, while doubles rooms are $70 to $90 but prices increase during peak summer. Prices are lower and availability is better, the further they are away from Surfers Paradise.
 * Camping and Caravan grounds are dotted about the Gold Coast, although many have closed to make way for other development. The largest operator is Gold Coast Tourist Parks a business arm of the Gold Coast City Council. It has 7 parks: Main Beach, Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads, Kirra Beach, Broadwater, Jacobs Well, Ocean Beach (Miami). Other caravan parks can be found in Miami, Carrara, Labrador, Nerang and Mudgeeraba. Accommodation options include caravan and camping sites, luxury cabins and group lodgings. Facilities may include swimming pools, play equipment and barbecue areas.
 * Apartment accommodation in high and low rise buildings is plentiful.  Book early, and you will have a vast array of choice.  A two-bedroom apartment in Surfers Paradise will cost around $150 per night in the off-season, and upwards of $300 a night in peak summer. Many have a minimum stay of 3 or 5 nights, and in peak periods there may be other restrictions as they try to block book as many nights as they can.  Reception hours are limited and a bond may be required in some cases. Inside amenities typically include kitchen, washer and dryer, and separate bedrooms. Outside amenities often include a swimming pool, and sometimes a gym and other resort facilities.
 * Hotels, include chains such as the Mariott, Crowne Plaza and Novotel. Hotels are concentrated in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

Stay safe
As with all beaches in Australia you need to swim between the Red & Yellow flags at all times. These flags mark the safest area of water in which to swim & also the area in which the lifeguards are supervising. Many lives have been lost due to people not swimming in the marked area.

Surfers Paradise, as with all other clubbing areas, can have its fair share of alcohol related problems as drunks stumble out of clubs (or are not let in to them due to the 3AM lockout law). You'll even see a few who've obviously started earlier. There is probably safety in the crowds.

Go next
Go anywhere else on the Gold Coast, even if it's just a walk down the beach to Broadbeach. If you confine yourself to Surfers for the duration of your stay you haven't actually seen the Gold Coast.

title: Gold Coast/Surfers Paradise


text:
Surfside (Texas)

Surfside or Surfside Beach is a small beach town in the Gulf Coast region of Texas between the Gulf of Mexico and the Intracoastal Waterway. It has over 4 miles of beaches.

Get in
Surfside is about 60 miles (100 km) south of Houston. Take SH-288 South all the way through Lake Jackson. On the south edge of Lake Jackson you'll cross Main Street and a few hundred yards later, on the right, turn right on SH-332 East, across the intercoastal waterway bridge to Surfside Beach.

From Galveston, head south to the toll bridge ($2 either direction) and follow the Bluewater Highway to town.

Get around
The beach makes for excellent walking, but the few services in town are spread out enough to make a car or bike a necessity.

Horses are allowed on the village beach Sep 15 - May 15. Horses are allowed year-round on the county beach north of Stanek Dr.

Be careful with driving e.g. your speed and coming to a complete stop as it is monitored closely.

 * Valero, 91 Fort Velasco Dr, Freeport. . The only gas station on the island and from Surfside till Jamaica Beach.

Eat
Surfside has a small convenience store for groceries, for extensive shopping you'll need to head over the bridge to Clute or Lake Jackson. Fresh fish and shrimp can be purchased at the small fish market on the other side of the bridge. Ten restaurants offer a range of food, including seafood, Greek, American, and Italian.

Sleep
Most visitors to Surfside take advantage of the numerous and affordable vacation homes ranging from tiny one-bedroom A-frames, to multi-story houses big enough for family reunions. Always do your homework before choosing your vacation rental home or rental management company.

Connect
The closest public internet connections are at the Lake Jackson Public library and in Galveston. If you're in town for a week or more, you can arrange wireless access through Surfside.net (owned and operated by the mayor!).

Note that many vacation rentals do not have telephones, but there is decent cell phone coverage in town. Cell service varies the farther north one travels on the beach.

Stay safe

 * Tap water is affected by "trihalomethanes", a byproduct of over-chlorination. It's also not very tasty. According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, there's no health danger for short term visitors, but you'll probably want to buy bottled water for drinking and cooking.
 * Jellyfish are common in Gulf waters especially the Portuguese Man-of-War. Counteract the painful poison with a towel zapped in the microwave for 1 minute or a mix of vinegar and meat tenderizer.
 * Hurricanes affect the area. Evacuation route signs are posted along main roads.
 * Seaweed - a significant amount can sometimes be heaped up on the beach, especially after a storm. It can sometimes accumulate in large rafts that are too thick to comfortably navigate.
 * Beach conditions - flags dictate the condition of the beach, specifically if waves are dangerous or water quality is impaired.

Go next

 * Houston
 * Galveston
 * Lake Jackson
 * San Luis Pass
 * Jamaica Beach
 * Brazoria

title: Surfside (Texas)


text:
Surfside (Florida)

Surfside is a city in Miami-Dade County, Florida. It is just north of Miami Beach.

Do

 * Beach

title: Surfside (Florida)


text:
Surfside Beach (South Carolina)

Surfside Beach is a coastal town located in the Grand Strand region of South Carolina's northern coast.

Do

 * - located in Surfside Beach

title: Surfside Beach (South Carolina)