An Overview of Surat Thani
Surat Thani, the largest province in southern Thailand, stretches near the mouth of the Tapi River along the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand.
- Location: About 9 hours by road or 1 hour 15 minutes by plane from Bangkok. Roughly 4 hours from Phuket and 3 hours from Krabi.
- Meaning: Its name means “City of Good People” in old Thai, reflecting the warmth and kindness of its residents.
- Gateway to Islands: Surrounded by more than 40 stunning islands, Surat Thani serves as the entry point to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Best Time to Visit Surat Thani
Surat Thani has a tropical climate with high humidity year-round.
- Best season: December to April (dry, pleasant, 26–32°C).
- Monsoon season: May to October, with September and October being the wettest months — best avoided if you want smooth travel.
How to Get from Bangkok to Surat Thani
✈️ By Plane
- Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Airlines: Thai Smile Airways, Nok Air, Thai Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, Thai VietJet Air
- Airports:
- Departure: Suvarnabhumi (BKK) or Don Mueang (DMK)
- Arrival: Surat Thani Airport (URT), 21 km west of the city
- Transfer: Shuttle buses or taxis available
🚆 By Train
- Duration: 11–13 hours
- Operator: State Railway of Thailand (SRT)
- Route: Bangkok Hua Lamphong → Surat Thani Station (Phunphin District, 10 km from city center)
- Cost: About one-third the price of a flight
🚌 By Bus
- Departure terminals: Mo Chit (Chatuchak) or Southern Terminal (Sai Tai Mai), Bangkok
- Arrival: Surat Thani Bus Terminal, Wat Pradu Subdistrict
- Tip: Buy tickets directly at the station or book online via 12Go.Asia or TripAdvisor (slightly pricier but convenient).
Must-See Attractions in Surat Thani
🌿 Khao Sok National Park & Cheow Lan Lake
- One of Thailand’s oldest rainforests, with limestone cliffs, caves, and waterfalls.
- Cheow Lan Lake is famous for emerald-green waters and floating raft houses.
🌊 Ang Thong Marine National Park
- Archipelago of 42 islands with coral reefs, lagoons, and beaches.
- Perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and island-hopping.
- Overnight stays possible in bungalows or camping sites.
🐘 Elephant Hills
- Ethical elephant camp in Khao Sok.
- Visitors can feed and observe elephants without riding them.
🌙 Local Markets
- San Chao Night Market: Street food paradise.
- Chaweng Walking Street: Clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and Thai specialties.
🏯 Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya
- Ancient Srivijaya-era temple showcasing Mahayana Buddhist art.
⛰️ Wat Khao Suwan Pradit
- Hilltop temple with a stupa and sweeping views of Surat Thani.
Famous Islands Off Surat Thani
🏝️ Koh Samui
- Famous for beaches, nightlife, diving, and Fisherman’s Village.
- A mix of tropical relaxation and luxury tourism.
🎉 Koh Phangan
- World-famous for the Full Moon Party.
- Also offers yoga retreats, waterfalls, and laid-back beaches.
🐢 Koh Tao
- Known as “Turtle Island.”
- Thailand’s scuba diving hub with beginner-friendly dive schools and crystal-clear waters.
Food & Accommodation in Surat Thani
🍲 Where to Eat
- Surat Thani Night Market (Namueang Rd): Street food classics like pad thai, som tam, and grilled seafood.
- Khao Hom Restaurant: Mango sticky rice with crispy mung beans.
- Day & Night Surat Thani: A lively café-bar with live music.
🏨 Where to Stay
- 500 Rai Floating Resort: Luxury eco-stay on Cheow Lan Lake.
- Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel: Fun, modern hostel in the city center.
- Floating Bungalows (Khao Sok Lake): Rustic, peaceful, and surrounded by nature.
Final Thoughts
Surat Thani is more than just a transit hub — it’s a gateway to adventure. With its lush national parks, vibrant markets, sacred temples, and nearby islands, it offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and relaxation. Whether you’re trekking through the rainforest, diving into coral reefs, or savoring street food, Surat Thani ensures your journey through southern Thailand begins with unforgettable experiences.
