Surat Thani

Surat Thani (สุราษฎร์ธานี) is a city and a province on the Central Gulf Coast of southern Thailand.

Understand


Surat Thani (often just "Surat") is the largest province of southern Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). It is a gateway to the islands of Thailand's Gulf Coast: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao are much-visited destinations, as well as Ang Thong National Marine Park and the famous Khao Sok National Park.

By road
Parallel to the railway in a north-south direction runs the Asian Highway AH2 (Thailand Route 41). The major east-west road is Thailand Route 401 connecting Takua Pa with Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Thailand Route 44|Rte 44 goes southwest from Kanchanadit to Krabi. Rte 44 was built as part of the land bridge project connecting the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. Unlike other highways there are no crossing intersections. The wide space between the two lanes is reserved for pipelines and a railway.

By plane
As of 2014, the province has two international airports: Surat Thani International Airport in Phunphin and Samui Airport on Ko Samui. Surat Thani Airport is served by five airlines: Thai Airways International (operated by Thai Smile from Suvarnabhumi Airport), Nok Air, Thai Lion Air from Don Mueang International Airport, Thai AirAsia from Don Mueang and Chiang Mai, AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Samui Airport is served by Bangkok Airways and Thai Airways International from Suvarnabhumi Airport, Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Penang.



Connect by bus or rental car (buy ticket and rent in the airport) to town. Phantip Travel has bus service connecting all flights to Surat Thani. Phantip Travel is on Taladmai Rd. Price one-way is 100 baht.

Be vigilant at the airport, or anywhere you are repeatedly asked where you have come from and where you are going. Know what Thai police uniforms look like.

If you're heading to Ko Samui, Seatran Ferry and other companies offer a bus/ferry service from the airport to Nathon Pier on Ko Samui for 400 baht (Aug 2017). It's also possible to book this trip with Air Asia, even while you're on the flight there! They also use Seatran ferry. Travel time is three hours. Buses leave the airport six times per day.

By train
The province is crossed by the southern railway, with Surat Thani Railway Station in Phunphin, about 15 km from downtown. A branch line to the west ends at Kirirat Nikhom Railway Station. It had been planned to run to the coast next to the island of Phuket, but construction ended in 1956. There are 32 railway stations in Surat Thani Province.




 * From Nakhon Si Thammarat, at 16:00 daily, 170 baht, duration ~3 hr (Jan 2024).

By bus
There are 3 main bus & coach terminals in Muang Surat Thani: Talad Kaset 1, Talad Kaset 2, and Surat Thani Bus Terminal.

Talad Kaset 1 and Talad Kaset 2 are across from each other, off of Talad Mai Road in the city centre, whereas Surat Thani Bus Terminal is outside of the city off of Highway 401, behind CentralPlaza. Talad Kaset 1 is for local buses to nearby districts. Talad Kaset 2 is for coaches and buses to further districts and popular tourist destinations, such as Khanom, Khao Sok, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The Surat Thani Bus Terminal is for longer haul rides, such as overnight buses to Bangkok.


 * Terminal 1: Surat Thani – Phuket
 * Terminal 2: Surat Thani – Trung
 * Terminal 3: Surat Thani– Khanom
 * Terminal 4: Surat Thani– Bannaderm
 * Terminal 5: Surat Thani– BanSong
 * Terminal 6: Surat Thani– Bang Sawan
 * Terminal 7: Surat Thani– Phasang
 * Terminal 8: Surat Thani– Krabi
 * Terminal 9:
 * Terminal 10:
 * Terminal 11:
 * Terminal 12: Surat Thani– Chaiya
 * Terminal 13: Surat Thani– Phuket
 * Terminal 14: Surat Thani– Phuket
 * Terminal 15: Surat Thani– Hat Yai
 * Terminal 16: Surat Thani– Hat Yai
 * Terminal 17: Surat Thani– Phang Nga
 * Terminal 18: Surat Thani– Phuket
 * Terminal 19: Surat Thani– Krabi
 * Terminal 20: Surat Thani– Ranong
 * Terminal 21: Surat Thani– Kian Sa
 * Terminal 22: Surat Thani– Khao Sok
 * Terminal 23: Surat Thani– Thungsong
 * Terminal 24: Surat Thani– Ko Lanta
 * From Nakhon Si Thammarat, by minivan from bus terminal, counter 10, at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 140 baht, duration ~2 hr 30 min (Jan 2024).
 * Terminal 24: Surat Thani– Ko Lanta
 * From Nakhon Si Thammarat, by minivan from bus terminal, counter 10, at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 140 baht, duration ~2 hr 30 min (Jan 2024).

Phantip Travel

 * Surat Thani (Town) – Khao Sok (2.5 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Lanta (6 hr, 550 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Pha Ngan (3.3 hrs, 350 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Samui (3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ao Nang (4.1 hr, 450 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Phi Phi (5.3 hr, 550 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Krabi (3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Phuket (5 hr, 195 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Phang Nga (3.3 hr, 150 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Railay (4.3 hr, 600 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Ratchaprapha Dam (2 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (1.3 hr, 150 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier (1.3 hr, 150 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Town) – Khanom (1.5 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Khao Sok (2 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Pha Ngan (4.3 hr, 500 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Samui (3.3 hr, 400 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ratchaprapha Dam (1.3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Tao (6 hr, 900 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Airport) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Khao Sok (3 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Lanta (6 hr, 650 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Pha Ngan (5.3 hrs, 400 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Samui (3.3 hr, 280 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ao Nang (4.3 hr, 400 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Phi Phi (6.3 hr, 650 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Krabi (3 hr, 250 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Phuket (5 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ratchaprapha Dam (3.3 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 180 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ratchaprapha Dam (3.3 hr, 200 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 180 baht)
 * Surat Thani (Train Station) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier

By boat
The islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan are connected with the mainland by ferries, which mostly embark from Don Sak, while the ferries to Ko Tao start at Surat Thani or Ko Samui. There are three main ferry companies that operate from mainland Surat Thani to the islands: Lomprayah, Seatran, and Raja.

There are only two ferry piers in Muang Surat Thani: Tapee Pier, which Lomprayah's High Speed Catarman operates from, and Bandon Pier, which is for night boats only. Seatran Pier and Raja Pier are in Don Sak District, 65 km (40 mi) east of Surat Thani city centre.

Ferry piers


Surat Thani to/from Ko Samui

Surat Thani to/from Ko Pha Ngan

Surat Thani to/from Ko Tao

Night boats
The night boat ferries are individually owned and operated. Routes can be cancelled without any prior notice. Only buy night boat tickets directly from the ferry operator. The tickets can be purchased the day of departure from the boat operators at Bandon pier. The ticket stands are directly in front of the individual night boats.

The departure times and ticket prices for the night boats can vary as the individual boat and operator are on rotations. For example, the wooden Ko Tao night boat leaves an hour earlier than the metal Ko Tao night boats. Confirm with the operators at Bandon Pier the day of departure. Arrival times are estimates as it depends on the sea conditions.

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 car
Car hire services are available at Surat Thani International Airport.



By taxi
It goes without saying that if your taxi driver offers you drugs or prostitutes, you should say no.



Religious & historical sites



 * The two most important Buddhist monasteries of the province are in Chaiya District. Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya boasts a chedi in Srivijaya-style, dating from the 7th century and carefully restored. Buddhist relics are enshrined in the chedi, and the surrounding chapels contain Buddha figures in Srivijayan style. The Chaiya National Museum adjoins the temple. Nearby is Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, a forest monastery founded by the famous monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.

Nature

 * Nai Bang Area (ในบาง) – Nai Bang is an alluvial plain around the mouth of the Tapi River which is crisscrossed with networks of canals. The canals are lined with mangrove forest alternating with traditional southern-styled houses, behind which are coconut farms and orchards. The people here still maintain a simple way of life and make their living on indigenous natural resources, despite the bustling economy in the Ban Don (town) market just opposite the river. Access to Nai Bang is by the bridge across the Tapi River or by longtail boat from Ban Don. The boat can carry 6–8 people and charges 250 baht per hour. Visitors may contact travel agents in Surat Thani who sell a one-day package tour to the Nai Bang area.

National parks



 * Khao Sok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก) – As part of the largest moist evergreen forest in southern Thailand, the park is rich in flora including certain families of lotus, white palm, and fern. Khao Sok is also one of the best bird-watching spots in Thailand. Attractions in the park include:
 * Ratchaprapha (Rajjaprabha) Dam: The completion of this dam in 1988 gave birth to Cheow Lan Lake about 168 km² in area, which is adorned with hundreds of islands and islets.
 * Tham Nam Thalu: Cave
 * Tang Nam: Streams chiseled across two ridges create this striking gorge. Many people came to pay respect to this place, around which the venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's ashes were traditionally showered.
 * Namtok Than Sawan: This scenic waterfall is three kilometres from Tang Nam.
 * Namtok Sip Et Chan: This 11-tier waterfall originates from Bang Len canal. The first level is largest and most picturesque.
 * San Yang Roi Trail: This two kilometre trail begins at the park headquarters and runs along the mountain shoulder past streams, waterfalls, and moist evergreen forest. A trail to a rarely seen plant called Bua Phut at Bang Luk Chang Mountain.


 * Khlong Phanom National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองพนม) – High limestone mountains connected with Khao Sok National Park. Attractions in the park include Kiriwong and Chong Yung waterfalls and several caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.
 * Kaeng Krung National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแก่งกรุง) – Mountainous area covered by moist evergreen forests, where some rare and endangered species such as tree ferns can be found. Attractions in the park include hot springs, Bang Hoi Waterfall and Khlong Pa Waterfall.
 * Tai Rom Yen National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติใต้ร่มเย็น) – The 425-km² forest areas in Kanchanadit, Ban Na San and Wiang Sa were designated a national park in 1991. The mountains of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range are mostly covered with moist evergreen forest and exotic and rare flora and fauna. Attractions in the park include:
 * Namtok Tat Fa: A perennial 13-level waterfall is the highest in Surat Thani. The fourth level is most attractive with its 80 m cliff.
 * Tham Khamin or Tham Men: Exotic stalagmites and stalactites in this cave. The walkway is well-lit and fitted with stairs.
 * San Yen: The eastern range, about 40 km long and 1,000-1,300 m high, is fertile with rare flora, fauna, and wildlife.
 * Namtok Mueang Thuat: This seven-level waterfall has a large basin.

Chaiya District
See Chaiya page

Do




Cinema






Festivals


















Public pools










Hotel pools












Local products



 * Chaiya Salted Eggs (ไข่เค็มไชยา) – Ducks in Chaiya eat mollusks, crabs, and fish on the farm, which make their egg yolks particularly red. Eggs are covered with soil mixed with salty water and rice husks.
 * Oysters (หอยนางรม) – Surat Thani's oysters are well known for their size, cleanliness, taste, and smell.
 * Rambutan – Rambutan here are exceptional due thanks to their sweet taste, crisp meat, big size, small seeds, and thin peel.
 * Phumriang Silk Cloth (ผ้าไหมพุมเรียง) – Hand-woven products of a Muslim village. The weavers here create their own patterns which are embossed on the silk by shuttle looms.
 * Tha Krachai woven cloth (ผ้าทอท่ากระจาย)
 * Para-rubber leaf butterflies (ผีเสื้อใบยางพารา)
 * Bulrush wickerwork (ผลิตภัณฑ์จักสานจากกระจูด)
 * Kalamae (กะละแม)
 * Processed seafood products (ผลิตภัณฑ์อาหารทะเลแปรรูป)
 * Coconut wooden products (ผลิตภัณฑ์ไม้มะพร้าว)

Go next

 * Khao Sok National Park — jungle and diving adventures
 * Ko Samui — backpacker paradise gone up-market
 * Ko Pha Ngan — home of the infamous Full Moon Party
 * Ko Tao — popular diving spot and a good place to get certified
 * Ang Thong National Marine Park
 * Khao Lak — coastal resort region and diving centre just north of Ko Phuket