Surat Thani has been a popular hub since ancient times. The Semang and Malayan tribes had inhabited this area since prehistoric ages. In the 13th century the Srivijaya kingdom dominated the province and the city Chaiya was the capital of the kingdom.

Surat Thani is famous for its natural and agricultural wealth. Coconut and Rambutan are the major agricultural products of the province. The coconuts are picked from the tree by specially trained Pig-tailed Macaques. The rambutan trees were first planted in Surat Thani by the Chinese. The rubber tree planting is also common in the province.

Surat Thani is famous for the hand-woven silk clothes from the coastal villages of the Chaiya district. Chaiya is also famous for a local specialty, the red eggs. Oysters from the coast of Kanchanaburi district are another local specialty at Surat Thani. The province is always merry and dazzles with colors during the festivals of Chak Phra and the Thai Fruit Festival.