Surat Thani
Introduction
Located in the southern region of Thailand, Surat Thani serves as the capital of its namesake province. You will find this city situated deep in the southern reaches of the country, far from the bustling atmosphere of Bangkok.
Before you go
Before you arrive in Surat Thani, known as the City of Good People, prepare for your journey to the Gulf Coast's famous islands and national parks. The city serves as a primary gateway to destinations such as Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao, as well as Ang Thong National Marine Park and Khao Sok National Park.
When seeking information on the mainland, visit the Tourism Authority of Thailand office on Talad Mai Road. This is the only official government tourism office in the area, where you can find maps and brochures for local sites and other provinces. While public toilets are available nearby, be cautious when visiting other locations like the airport or those near Talad Kaset 1 and 2; these are private offices that may offer inflated prices for packages or ferry tickets. To ensure fair pricing, purchase your ferry tickets directly from the operator or through Phantip Travel.
Getting there
You can reach the region by air via two international airports: Surat Thani International Airport in Phunphin and Samui Airport on Ko Samui. From the airport, you can arrange a bus or rental car to reach the city center. If your journey continues toward the islands, various companies offer bus and ferry connections from the airport to Nathon Pier on Ko Samui.
For those traveling by rail, the southern railway passes through the province with a station located in Phunphin. From this station, municipal buses provide regular service into the city center. Alternatively, you can travel by road via the Asian Highway AH2 or local routes connecting nearby destinations like Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi. If you prefer to travel by sea, ferries connect the mainland to islands such as Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao from piers in the Don Sak District.
- Surat Thani International Airport (Phunphin)
- Samui Airport (Ko Samui)
- Surat Thani Railway Station (Phunphin)
- Don Sak District ferry piers
Getting around
You can navigate the town by hailing a tuk-tuk on any major road with a wave or a yell. Once you have negotiated a fare, you can sit on the bench in the back of the vehicle to reach your destination.
For more independent travel, car hire services are available at Surat Thani International Airport. You may also choose to rent a motorbike, which can include additional services such as mechanical help or riding lessons.
Where to stay
Depending on your budget, you can find a variety of accommodations ranging from basic functional rooms to upscale riverside retreats. For those seeking value, several options provide clean, comfortable spaces near the city's main hubs. Some establishments offer convenient amenities like free breakfast and airport transfers, while others are situated just steps away from the night market and waterfront. If you prefer a social atmosphere or shared facilities, hostels with rooftop access and communal kitchens are available near the bus terminals.
For a more relaxed stay, mid-range options include hotels featuring on-site restaurants and swimming pools. You can also choose to stay at the city's only Halal-certified hotel. If you prefer a higher level of comfort, several upscale choices offer modern amenities, large outdoor pools, and fitness centers, with some locations situated along the river or on the outskirts of the city center.
Food & drink
Explore the vibrant local food scene by visiting various night markets to sample a wide array of treats. At San Jao Night Market, you can wander through the stalls for freshly juiced fruits, fried chicken, and pad Thai, or sit at a restaurant table to watch the bustling atmosphere. The Diamond Night Market offers an extensive selection of dishes, while Wonderland Night Market features one of the city's best beer gardens. For those heading toward the coast, the area near the Night Boat Pier is lined with food carts serving noodles and seafood, as well as numerous fruit vendors. If you prefer a more curated dining experience, find local specialties at BaanBonKhao ViewSuay, which overlooks rubber tree farms, or enjoy a fusion of international flavors at Vanilla Cafe & Bistro.
For specialized cuisines, you can choose from several options:
- Fresh seafood like giant river prawns and famous local oysters at Lamphu 3.
- Traditional Thai dishes at Kampan, which features live music.
- Isan cuisine served near a lotus pond at Zaab Eli Der 2.
- Japanese favorites such as sushi, ramen, and donburi at Hashi or On-Zen.
- Vegetarian and vegan options at venues like Jay Wa Wa or the garden-ambiance Surat Thani Vegetarian.
What to see and do
Explore the local culture and scenery by visiting Bang Bai Mai Floating Market on Sundays, where you can find ready-to-eat foods, enjoy live music, and take a ride on a canal boat. For a taste of traditional life, travel to the Nai Bang area to see an alluvial plain of mangrove forests and coconut farms, or visit the Rock Fish Museum to view a collection of lifelike stone fish sculptures. If you prefer nature, cycle through the Khun Thale Swamp, walk along the shaded canopy of Rubber Tree Road, or find a moment of calm at the city's various parks, including Rama 9 Park and Ko Lamphu Public Park.
Experience the region's spiritual heritage by visiting the City Pillar Shrine or traveling to the Chaiya District to see Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, which features a Srivijaya-style chedi. You can also visit the hilltop Phra That Si Surat for views over the town or explore the various cave temples and waterfalls in the surrounding national parks, such as Khao Sok, Khlong Phanom, Kaeng Krung, and Tai Rom Yen. For unique experiences, you can witness monkeys being trained to pick coconuts at a local training center or view the towering Si Surat Bridge.
Three days in Surat Thani
Day one, you can begin your journey at the Surat Thani International Airport or arrive via the Surat Thani Railway Station. Explore the local atmosphere of Talad Mai Road and Talad Kaset as you settle into the city.
Day two, travel toward the Gulf Coast to reach the Don Sak District. From here, you can head toward the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, or Ko Tao.
Day three, venture into nature at Khao Sok National Park or visit Ang Thong National Marine Park. Alternatively, you can travel toward Nakhon Si Thammarat or Krabi via the Asian Highway.