Surat Thani
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Did you know?
- A Srivijayan-style stupa on Khao Tha Phet was built in 1957 to house a Buddha relic from India.
- Bang Bai Mai's Sunday market combines live music with canal-boat rides.
- The city name means “City of Good People”, a royal name bestowed by King Vajiravudh.
See also
Overview
Surat Thani is a gateway to the Gulf islands with markets and hilltop views of its own. Canal outings and a riverside food scene reward a stop between journeys.
Languages: Thai
Why Go
Surat Thani (often just "Surat") is the largest province of southern Thailand, serving as the primary gateway to Thailand's Gulf Coast islands. The name means "City of Good People," given by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). While the city itself is utilitarian rather than scenic, it is the essential transit point for reaching Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan (home of the Full Moon Party), and Ko Tao (diving certification hub). It also provides access to Khao Sok National Park and Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting In
Surat Thani is accessible by air via Surat Thani International Airport (26 km west of town), with flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang) on Air Asia, Nok Air, and Thai Lion Air. The train station is in Phun Phin, about 12 km west of the city centre — overnight trains from Bangkok arrive early morning. Bus connections run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal. The main bus terminal (บขส) is at Wat Pradu, while Talad Kaset 1 handles local buses and Talad Kaset 2 handles coaches to further destinations.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting Around
Tuk-tuks cost around 10-20 baht per person around town. Hail one on any major road with a wave or yell, negotiate a fare, and sit on the bench in the back. Phantip Travel is the main transportation provider in Southern Thailand, operating since the 1970s with minivans identifiable by their green "(1970)" logo.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to Go
The Chak Phra Festival celebrates Buddha's return from heaven and takes place annually after the three-month rain retreat, around October, featuring floats pulled across town and boat races. The Rambutan Festival is held during the August harvest when rambutan trees first planted in 1926 are celebrated. Songkran (Thai New Year) is celebrated on 13 April, and Loy Krathong takes place on the full moon of the 12th lunar month (usually November).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to Stay
Budget accommodation in Surat Thani is straightforward. The Port Hostel by Suwatchai offers dorms at 200 baht, singles at 250 baht, and doubles at 450 baht, located 220 m south of the Night Boat Pier. Ban Don Hotel provides cheap, clean rooms from 250-350 baht on Namuang Road. Tapee Hotel on Chonkasem Road ranges 450-550 baht with fan or air-con options. For more comfort, Diamond Plaza Hotel offers rooms from 1,500-3,000 baht on the outer edge of town.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and Drink
Night markets are the heart of Surat Thani's food scene. San Jao Night Market on Tri Anusonn Rd offers freshly juiced fruits, corn on the cob, squid-kebabs, fried chicken, pad thai, and sushi. The Night Boat Pier area has food carts selling seafood and noodles at slightly high prices. Diamond Night Market (Monday and Friday nights) is one of the largest in town. For vegetarian options, Surat Thani Vegetarian offers cafeteria-style dining with a garden ambiance, open since 2006. Local restaurants like Kampan on Amphur Rd serve Thai and Western food with live Thai bands.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to Do
The City Pillar Shrine (ศาสหลีกเมือง) is a religious shrine with a turbulent history — destroyed by Japanese in 1941 and bombed by communist rebels in 1982. Phra That Si Surat on Khao Tha Phet hill (210 m elevation) offers panoramic views and a Srivijavan-style stupa built in 1957 containing a Buddha relic from India. Bang Bai Mai Floating Market operates Sundays 09:00-15:00 with ready-to-eat foods, live music, and canal boat rides. Ko Lamphu Public Park is a car-free island on the Tapi River with walking and biking paths.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go Next
From Surat Thani, travelers head to the Gulf islands: Ko Samui (backpacker paradise now up-market), Ko Pha Ngan (infamous Full Moon Party), and Ko Tao (popular diving certification spot). Mainland destinations include Khao Sok National Park for jungle adventures, Ang Thong National Marine Park for snorkeling, and Khao Lak coastal resort region. By train, connections run north to Bangkok and south to Butterworth (for Penang, Malaysia), Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- eat
2SISTERs Cafe
Specializes in cakes and Chazen boba tea. Same owners as Baan Cake.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
100 Islands Resort and Spa Pool
Recorded price: 150 baht for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Bang Yai Fishing Park
Stocked fishing park pond. Bring your own rod.
Recorded price: 80 baht per person
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Big C
One of the larger grocery stores in Surat Thani. Good selection of meat, produce, and grocery items.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Boon Sad Dean Sib Festival
Held on the full moon of the 10th month in traditional calendar (about August). People go to the temple in remembrance of ancestors.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Chak Phra Festival
Celebrates the return of Gautama Buddha from heaven to earth to be greeted by multitudes. The celebration takes place every year immediately after the end of three month rain retreat, about October. It is celebrated in many parts of southern Thailand, but especially in Surat Thani. The evening prior to Chak Phra Day, billboards are erected showing Buddha's story around the city and celebrations continue day and night. On land, the splendidly adorned floats are pulled across the town by the participants. At the same time, on water a float decorated with colourful Thai designs carries Buddha's image. Chak Phra festivities conclude with a boat race and traditional games.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
Diamond Plaza Hotel Pool
Recorded price: 60 baht
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- do
EGV Lotus
Mostly in Thai (TH/--), but will screen (TH/EN) and (EN/TH) occasionally.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile data is available throughAIS, TrueMove, and DTAC networks. SIM cards can be purchased at 7-Eleven stores and convenience shops throughout the city.
Culture
As a Buddhist city, dress modestly when visiting temples. Remove shoes before entering the City Pillar Shrine. The annual Chak Phra Festival in October is a major cultural event.
Money
Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available. Night markets and local vendors typically cash-only.
Safety
Surat Thani is generally safe for travelers. Standard precautions apply — guard valuables on overnight trains and be wary of aggressive sellers at the train station.
Transport
Surat Thani is primarily a transit hub. Ferries depart from multiple piers (Tapee, Bandon, Seatran, Raja, Donsak) to Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao. Phantip Travel is the main overland transport provider.