Surat Thani Travel

Best time to visit

July, August and December-February is the best time to visit Surat Thani, Thailand. Hotels are the most expensive during these months along with the airfare. March through May is the spring season in Surat Thani, and the average high temperature ranges between 97.2°F (36.2°C) and 92.8°F (33.8°C). 4 to 10 days of rain every month is common in this season, and it is also the slowest month in tourism.

So, if you are looking for good deals while travelling to Surat Thani, you can plan your trip during spring. June, July and August are the summer months, and the high temperatures are quite warm and uncomfortable for tourists during the day time. There’s a moderate precipitation rate of around 4-10 days per months. September-November is the fall season in Surat Thani.

Daily highest temperature ranges between 92.1°F (33.4°C) and 85.9°F (29.9°C), which feels nice even with a good amount of humidity. December-February, the winter months in Surat Thani are again quite crowded for the excellent weather conditions. The highest temperatures are between 92.8°F (33.8°C) and 86°F (30°C). This is a busy tourist season in Surat Thani, and you should make the bookings ahead of time to experience the best at a manageable cost.

Check the below table for the general idea of Surat Thani weather throughout the year.

Surat Thani’s current weather and 7-day forecast

SURAT THANI WEATHER

Explore the 11 gorgeous places to visit in Surat Thani:

1. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ang thong means ‘golden bowl’. Limestone islands and karst topography can be seen here that rises from the sea and forms dramatic rock formations and bizarre rock cliffs. Caves, hidden lagoons and white beaches that people can explore or snorkel around the shallow coral gardens that are quiet popular here. One of the best places to visit in Surat Thani, the marine park encompasses 40 different islands and is worth your time.

Location: 346/1 Talad Lang, ตำบล บางกุ้ง Mueang Surat Thani District, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84000, Thailand

2. Surat Thani city pillar shrine

One of the best places to visit in Surat Thani, this shrine is a place of respect and ritual. Such building houses the city’s ancestor’s spirits and Surat thani’s no different. This place the history of Surat thani and visitors come here to pray and pay their offerings to the ancestors daily. Tourists should have appropriate clothing as this place is of great value. This place gives you an insight of local’s life and culture and the tourists can also admire the magnificent architecture of this place.

Location: Talat, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand

3. Cheow Lan Dam

Cheow Lan Dam is a national park area which is inhabited by many mammals such as tigers, tapirs, elephants and many kinds of monkeys. It is a glittering jewel of Surat Thani tourism. Various kinds of birds such as hornbills, banded pitas and great argus are some species that are forests residents. Reptiles such as cobra, snakes, lizards and many more have made a place in this sanctuary.

4. Khao Sok National Park

If you are a nature enthusiast and thinking what to see in Surat Thani, located in Surat thani, Khao Sok is the place you must explore. It includes chew lan lake that contains Ratchaprapha dam. This park is known as the largest area of virgin forest in southern Thailand and the remnant of this forest are older and a part of the Amazon rain forest and is much more diverse. This place has a great and diverse amount of flora, fauna and wildlife which is worth exploring. This park also has many adventure activities like trekking, bamboo rafting, canoeing and many more.

Location: Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani 84250, Thailan

5. Night Market

Surat Thani sightseeing street market is quiet popular in Surat thani. It is sweet and nice and stretches over 100 to 150 meters on both the sides of the road. These streets are not that busy and lead you to the main night market. It has amazing food and lots of different dishes and sweet like chicken dishes, fruits, fishes, veggies and more. There are shoes, cosmetics and footwear which you can buy and they also have few restraints that have great food if you’re not that satisfied with the street food.

Location: Tonpo Alley, Tambon Talat, Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84000, Thailand

6. Khanom Beach

Your Surat Thani sightseeing isn’t complete without paying a visit to Khanom Beach. It is a great place to hangout with your friends and family without any disturbance as this place is quite untouched by the tourists but is quiet easy to get to. There are many beaches surrounding this area and khanom bay is the main tourist area here. There are many public transport options also to reach here but one needs to walk a certain amount of distance to reach this particular area.

7. Sonchana farm and elephant sanctuary

As the name suggests this is a farm and an elephant sanctuary in surat thani. Here people farm and cook using their own crops and it is a great family experience to visit this place. There are numerous khao sok tours, but the sonchana tour is among the most popular Surat Thani tourist attractions.

Location: Unnamed Road, Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani 84250, Thailand

8. Limestone lake rainforest

This tour offers a great package and has really great places added in their package that contains limestone cliffs and lush tropical rainforest. This place has a very unique collection of flora and fauna which is hidden from the world. One can choose from amazing options like elephant trekking, jungle hikes, canoeing, river rafting and so much more.

Location: 682 Moo 4, Tambon Khao Pang, Baan Takun, Surat Thani 84230, Thailand

9. Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya

This place elaborates the examples of srivijaya in Thailand. This eye-catching Javanese style chedi is thought to be established during the reign of srivijaya and when chaiya used to be a prominent regional centre of this kingdom in the eighth century. Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is one of the finest places to see in Surat Thani.

Location: Wiang, Chaiya District, Surat Thani 84110, Thailand

10. Tham Khao Wang Thong

This place is located in khanom and is a very important attraction in this area. This cave is worth a visit as it has iron and copper wall, stalagmites and stalactite to die for. This can be a great experience and activity for all the adventure-junkies that love all the new experiences.

Location: Unnamed Road, Khuan Thong, Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80210, Thailand

11. The Chak Phra Festival

At the start of the eleventh lunar month (usually in October) the people of Surat Thani celebrate the end of Buddhist Lent with the Chak Phra Festival (Pulling the Buddha), which symbolizes the Buddha’s return to earth after a monsoon season spent preaching to his mother in heaven. On the Tapi River, tugboats pull the town’s principal Buddha image on a raft decorated with huge nagas, while on land sleigh-like floats bearing Buddha images and colourful flags and parasols are hauled across the countryside and through the streets. As the monks have been confined to their monasteries for three months, the end of Lent is also the time to give them generous offerings in the kathin ceremony, of which Surat Thani has its own version, called Thot Pha Pa, when the offerings are hung on tree branches planted in front of the houses before dawn. Longboat races, between teams from all over the south, are also held during the festival.

Surat Thani Province is located in southern Thailand and is the largest of the southern provinces. Its coast is lined with many islands and its jurisdiction encompasses 19 different sub-districts including the beautiful islands of Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan, making it a perfect destination for vacationers who are looking to island hop.

Here are some accommodations for two of the most popular islands in Surat Thani.

Ko Samui

Ko Samui, the second-largest island in Thailand, is a cosmopolitan beach paradise where there is no shortage of things to do such as relaxing on beaches, enjoying a vibrant nightlife, and access to great shopping.

1. The Naked House 

Now don’t let the name scare you off! The name refers to the open concept of the villa, surrounded by a nature reserve on three sides. Seated on a hill, it offers a panoramic view of the ocean and receives a natural breeze without attracting mosquitoes typical of a tropical island.

Beautifully decorated by its architect and photographer owner, it boasts a saltwater lap pool, an open patio and a Bluetooth surround system if you wish to stay in and watch movies. This villa houses 11 guests at any one time so this accommodation is perfect for those travelling in a group or with a big family.

2. Philippa Villa 

The Philippa Villa has an open living area, is well furnished and equipped with an HDTV, air-conditioning, a private outdoor pool, and even a sleeper tub for those indulgent baths. The villa also has a cook on request if you wish to have traditional Thai food in the comfort of the indoors instead of in the tropical heat.

Airport pickup can be arranged with the Airbnb hosts and the villa comes with a car for your use. There are many nearby landmarks and activities that can be easily explored by car such as the beach, the safari, numerous temples and waterfalls, the nearby tiger zoo, and aquarium.

3. Resort Le Meridien Koh Samui

The Le Meridien Resort is located on Lamai Beach for you to enjoy the many water activities available and if salt water isn’t your thing, you can swim in the outdoor and infinity pools instead. The resort also offers amazing spa services and numerous beauty treatments and massage therapies for you to pamper yourself or your spouse.
The rooms come with built-in features such as Trivoli music system and iPod docks and features open-air bathrooms. Selected rooms boast private pools and balconies.

4. Bandara Resort and Spa 

This hotel has three pools including a stunning outdoor pool and if that’s not enough, the pool villas have a private pool for your personal use. On top of that, it is located on Bophut Beach and is conveniently close to Bophut Fisherman’s Village.

Besides water activities, the resort also boasts a fantastic spa facility and a fitness center. It also has two on-site restaurants that serve many different types of cuisine such as Chinese, European, and fresh seafood.

5. Livia's Luxury Villa 

Located in a secure complex and nestled in lush greenery, this villa offers assured security and private access to its pool. It can house 6 guests and a baby bed is available for infants. The villa also comes with a motorbike for you to explore the island.

The manager can also organize different activities for guests including fishing trips, renting of private boats and yachts, and a visit to Angthong Marine Park. A resident cook can also be arranged if you wish to dine indoors.

Ko Pha Ngan

Ko Pha Ngan is home to the boisterous Full Moon Party. However, not all the beach is privy to the party scene, so don’t worry if you’re there for peace and quiet. The northern coast is home to quieter beaches for you to enjoy in peace.

6. The Glass Cottage

Stay in a quirky cottage made of reused local wood that offers a fantastic ocean view. Nestled on a gentle hill, the location gives privacy and the illusion of being away from civilization whilst still remaining accessible to shops and the town of Khang Sala.

Facing the west, this cottage is perfect for you to catch the ocean sunsets in the comfort of your residence. This cottage also boasts a luxurious bathroom with a rain shower and complementary herbal soaps.

7. Koh Phangan Bayshore Resort 

The Koh Phangan Bayshore Resort is located on Haad Rin Beach, host of the famous Full Moon Party. Party your nights away on those full moon evenings and retire safely in your villa afterwards! However, even with the parties, the hotel does not get too noisy and the staff are well versed to address your stay and party needs.

Located a minute away from the beach, the hotel sports an 80 meter (262.5 ft) beachfront. Sun loungers are provided by the poolside if you wish to work on your tan!

8. The Hideaway

Situated on a waterfront cliff, this residence offers a panoramic view of the Gulf of Thailand and an infinity pool for you to swim and enjoy the view at the same time. Although it is secluded, travellers can still enjoy activities, such as diving and snorkeling, as well as nearby landmarks like the Tharn Sadet Waterfall.

The villa is fully equipped with a kitchen and it comes with in-house entertainment such as a PS3, iPod docks, and satellite TV.

9. Baan Manali Resort 

Located on the private Nai Wok Beach, the Baan Manali offers a peaceful respite to guests. Water sports, such as sailing and kayaking, are available for guests and if you wish, you can catch a 15-minute ride to the Full Moon Party. Each bungalow comes with its own private balcony and hammocks for you to relax in and catch the beautiful lilac skies telling of the sunset.

10. Narivana Koh Phangan

Located on the quieter side of the island above Thong Nai Pan, this luxury villa boasts a spectacular 15 m (49 ft) infinity pool with an amazing ocean view. This residence hosts eight and all of its bedroom villas are nicely furnished and decorated, and come with outdoor rain showers to cool you down. Surrounded by lush greenery, the second “Jungle” villa leads you to the national park.

The manager is also available to help you plan and book various excursions and organize bike and car rentals.

Surat Thani is a great place to dine on traditional Thai cuisine. Here, locals like to serve up tasty Thai dishes that haven’t been toned down to suit western travellers so you’ll be able to enjoy spicy curries, fresh seafood and delicious street food delicacies. With local Thai basil, coconuts from Koh Samui and fish caught in the Gulf of Thailand you’ll know you are eating fresh, local produce which makes dishes all the more tasty.

Street food

Rather than restaurants, perhaps the best place to eat out while in Surat Thani is the night markets.
The main street food market is located on Soi Tonpo, close to the Ta Pi River. This daily night market offers everything from spicy papaya salad to sticky desserts with a smattering of satay, fish and curry thrown in for good measure. The market sprawls out over a number of streets so you could easily head out along Soi Tonpo every night and dine on something different each time! Some of our favourites include freshly grilled prawns and kaew muu sap (Chinese-style pork dumplings).

An alternative market is set up near Bandon Pier which is a great place to pick up fresh fruit and veg. It also offers more popular Thai dishes for travellers such as pad thai and noodle soup and a smoothie, juice or cold beer is never far away. This is a great place to hang out of an evening and meet up with other travellers. Although this street market has less of a local feel you’ll still be able to pick up cheap nosh on the go.

Local produce

Surat Thani is known for producing rambutans (an unmistakable small red-skinned fruit with green spikes) and they even have a rambutan festival in August every year to celebrate the harvest. These fruit are similar to lychees and have light, sweet flesh with a stone inside. It is worth picking up a handful as a tasty, healthy snack. As they have skins you also don’t need to worry about them having been washed in unclean water.

The area is also known for its oyster farms and many restaurants along the Ta Pi River serve up the catch both raw and cooked. If you choose a modern western-style restaurant along the main stretch you are likely to pay a premium so if you want to try oysters at a fraction of the cost look for local cafes or head further out of town towards the sea.

Cafes and restaurants

If you’d rather eat out at a café or restaurant (although we think the best food is served in roadside ‘shacks’), Day & Night offers great western food with a hipster vibe and Kao Hom serves up authentic Thai cuisine.

The Surat Thani food scene has got better and better in recent years so if you wander around town you will be sure to find somewhere modern offering a range of dishes.

Vegetarian

As with much of Asia, Thailand caters well to vegetarians and vegans. Many stir-fries and curries feature tofu and vegetables which make for healthy, filling meal. Surat Thani Vegetarian offers a huge selection of dishes for vegetarians including stuffed avocados, spring rolls and fried rice. Dom, just north of the Coliseum shopping centre, also produces great vegetarian and vegan cuisine although it does not have an English menu so just point at what you want.
Although many just see Surat Thani as a stopover destination, if you stop to explore you will find that it is a great place for food enthusiasts to try delicious local cuisine.

Get in

By plane

Surat Thani Airport (IATA: URT) is about 20km west of the city in the Phun Phin District. Thai Airways, Air Asia, and Nok Air operate daily flights to and from Don Mueang International and Suvarnabhumi Airports in Bangkok. There are also direct flights to Chiang Mai and Kuala Lumpur on Air Asia. Phantip Travel +66 77 272230, +66 77 282331 on Taladmai Rd has a bus service connecting with all flights to the airport from Surat Thani. The price one-way is 100 baht. Also Pha Ngan Tour will get you to the airport for 100 baht. The buses leave from outside the agent on Taladmai Road, next to Soi 27 and some 200 metres from Soi 31. Buses arrive at the agent from the islands at 09.00 11.00 14.00 17.00 21.00. A bus to the airport is available for the first four, and takes about one hour. The agent is open from 05.00 to 21.00. If you want to go quickly to the airport, a tuktuk should charge about THB400, which is reasonable for a foreigner considering the distance. But you can try to bargain it down, or try another tuktuk.

Domestic

• Air Asia: Flights to/from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport), and Chiang Mai
• Nok Air: Flights to/from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport).
• Thai Lion Air: Flights to/from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport).
• Thai Smile: Flights to/from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi Airport).

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By train

The Surat Thani train station, despite its name, is located in Phun Phin (พุนพิน), about 15 km west of town centre. Most comfortable are the overnight trains from Bangkok, which arrive in early morning.

There are regular orange non aircon buses to the left as you walk out of the station. these take you to to Bus Station Number One in Taladmai Rd (see below). Cost is B15 for the trip. A taxi to the city center from the train station (Tapee hotel used as reference - advertised on big blue poster where taxi drives sleep) is 160baht, however on exiting the station most touts will try to push the same taxi for 300baht.

If you arrive from Koh Samui or Phangan on one of the later ferries (240 baht combined ferry and bus ticket to Surat Thani town center) in order to catch a train to Bangkok (they start about 9pm) or Hatyai/Butterworth then the ferry company buses (both SeaTran and Raja ferry buses) will terminate in the city center (usually outside a travel agent), from there you need to negotiate a songthaew ride to the station, from repeated experience this is about 180-200 baht per songthaew, but your bargaining power will be initially in the hands of the travel shop when you disembark the bus so don't be surprised to be initially offered a per person price that can result in the songthaew effectively costing 400thb and up. In these scenarios walk away (or if on the seatran bus stay on another 0.5km until it terminates at the main seatran sales office - not the travel agent) then you can find a lone songthaew and acquire the correct price. Even though the private Songthaew is usually 200thb per songthaew, do agree the price per person, i.e. 200 divide by however many in your group to avoid any "confusion" on arrival.

Alternatively, if you arrive in Soi 31, cross the road to Bus Station 1 and take the B15 orange non aircon bus to the station. If you arrive after the buses have stopped running, you have the above option, or a wandering tuktuk, or - Pha Ngan Travel have a bus to the railway station at 17.00 and 21.00. The bus leaves from outside the agent, who is open until 21.00. It takes 20 minutes to the station, and will cost you 60 baht. This agent also sells train tickets at an honest price. 

If already in possession of your train ticket (always a good idea to book ahead) and you have some time (e.g. a 1am train etc.) then head towards to the night market (where the slow boats to Samui/KPG go from - lat 9.143838, long 99.322768 - google map the cordinates) and enjoy a few outdoor beers + music and food, there is very little to do in Phun Phin except watching backpackers get increasingly angry due to delays and lack of facilities. You need safely at least about 20 minutes from Surat Thani centre to train station, depending on your mode of transport.

By bus

The new Surat Thani (long distance) bus terminal is located a bit outside the city (about 5 km); however if you plan to go directly into the city, it is usually possible to ask for a stop before. If you are coming from Phuket, it takes about 6 hours to reach Surat Thani. The bus station is actually located close to the four way intersection of the main north/south road, and the road into town in one direction, and to Phuket and the train station in the other. There may also be tuktuks there.
If you are coming in from Phang Nga, a non aircon bus from there is B150 and takes 2.5 hours. It stops at the train station on the way and terminates in Soi 33 in the city.

If you come with the company Songserm (fairly priced joint tickets, not too bad normally), be warned: if (e.g. on their pier in Don Sak) you say that you want to go to the city center, they will put you with travelers to Bangkok, Krabi, Hat Yai and drop you at their private hub station some 15 km out of town in the middle of nowhere. After they told you that the bus ends here, your only chance apart from walking is a songthaew for 80 baht, awaiting you with a big grin. You might be better off getting on the bus to Phun Phin and take the public 15 baht bus from there.

If you come with the company Seatran from Donsak pier, the bus will stop at Soi 35 in Taladmai Road, just a couple of hundred metres from Soi 31, where is the number two bus station.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By boat

You can take the ferry from any of the islands nearby, taking about two and a half hours. There is food for purchase on board and movies on some boats as well. From islands such as Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan and Ko Tao, a ferry ride takes between 2 and 9 hours depending on whether you take the fast or slow boat. The slow boat from Ko Tao is overnight and features mattresses for sleeping. The skipper is especially friendly. The Seatran ferry at Nathon, Koh Samui leaves almost every hour until 6pm and costs about 240 baht to Surat Thani centre. The ride will generally cost between 200 and 600 baht depending on the season. Be wary of black market tickets as people will try to sell you tickets for over 2,000 baht promising food and DVDs included in the price. Always go to a TAT approved travel agency.

• Lomprayah: Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran provides service to/from Muang Surat Thani and Donsak to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Koh Nanguan, and Angthong National Marine Park 
• Seatran: Seatran Ferry provides service to/from Surat Thani to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. 
• Raja Ferry: Raja Ferry provides service to/from Surat Thani to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.  

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 motorbike

X Motorbike Rentals

Add: Soi 9 Karunrat Rd

Tel: +66 83 968 7298 (mobile)

Daily 08:00-20:00. 

Offers motorbike rentals and full time mechanical services. Free delivery and pickup. Free motorbike riding lessons and help with Thai licensing also available.

By car

Car hire services are available at Surat Thani International Airport.

By taxi

It's important to understand that Surat Thani has a drug cartel and a local mafia that relies on a network of spies and hawkers. Taxis in Surat Thani are the same risk as anywhere else these things are true.