Average Thailand visitors hardly spend more than a few hours in Surat Thani. Instead, it is popular as a transit point to the most beautiful Thai islands, such as Koh Samui. Most tourists come to Surat Thani from Bangkok to book a ferry to Koh Samui or other surrounding islands and then a ferry from Koh Samui to Surat Thani to reach Bangkok and continue their exploration of Thailand. The other islands you can reach from here are Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
But a closer look reveals that Surat Thani is much more than a gateway to Thailand’s pristine islands. It has its own charm, offering natural wonders, cultural landmarks, and a dynamic local atmosphere. Most travelers miss out on the city’s secrets because they treat Surat Thani as a transportation hub to the East Coast Thai islands.
Don’t be like them! Instead, squeeze Surat Thani into your Thailand itinerary, and we promise you won’t regret it.
Where is Surat Thani?
Surat Thani is situated on the muddy Tapi River, and it is the capital of the province under the same name. Koh Phangan and Koh Samui are also in Surat Thani Province, but the city itself is separate.
At a glance, it is a medium-sized working-class Thai city known as a pass-through town by island-bound backpackers and tourists. A closer look reveals the city has the most delicious Thai food, an abundance of day trips to exotic places, and authenticity you may not find elsewhere.
How to reach Surat Thani?
From Bangkok, you can get to Surat Thani via bus or train in 11-12 hours. If you don’t mind paying a little more, you can quickly get to this city by flight. Flying is the easiest and quickest way to reach Surat Thani.
Top attractions and activities in Surat Thani
Failing to make time to explore Surat Thani means you are missing out on the following:
- The beautiful town of Khanom
Khanom is a sleepy oceanfront town just one hour east of Surat Thani with pristine coastal scenery, gently winding roads, deserted beaches, cheap beach bungalows, and a late-night reggae bar. Undiscovered and untouched by tourists, the only foreigners you will find in this town are English teachers and expats. Usually, you will find them partying it up at Jam Bay Reggae Bar.
- Khao Sok National Park
Located deep in the forest of Surat Thani, Khao Sok National Park is home to the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake and amazing hiking trails. There’s so much to do here – boat tours, wildlife spotting, trekking, and more. You can even stay overnight in a floating bungalow, which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Early in the morning, you can kayak around the lake or explore the hidden caves in the limestone mountains that dot the lake.
Khao Sok National Park deserves your undivided attention, and your Thailand trip will be incomplete without a visit here.
- The fishing village of Chaiya
Chaiya is a tiny fishing village surrounded by rubber tree groves and littered with ancient ruins and temples. It is just one hour north of Surat Thani.
Wat Phra Borommathat is one of the most significant religious sites in the region, dating back to the Srivijaya Empire and boasting impressive architecture. It is a must-see for history buffs.
If you’ve had your fill of religious sites, continue strolling through the town to reach the Silk Village. Here, you will find 100% handmade pure Thai silk blankets for a surprisingly low price. You can end the day by heading to the pier and dining on fresh seafood.
- Surat Thani’s Old Town
You’ll likely end up in Surat Thani’s Old Town if you are traveling to Surat Thani by train or bus. At first glance, you may not find this town interesting. But if you look closer, you will get a glimpse of local Thai life. Also, if you enjoy Thai food, this place has many great restaurants and markets serving authentic, real Southern Thai food. The Hokkien Shrine’s Night Market is one you shouldn’t miss.
- Dat Fa Waterfall
Dat Fa Waterfall is situated one hour south of the city and the perfect place to spend some alone time amidst the dense nature. The waterfall is accessible with an easy-going trek through the dense jungle. Get your adrenaline pumping by jumping off the cliff and taking a dip in the chilly pools.
- The Monkey Training College
This is a real highlight! Local coconut farmers found this college for the purpose of training monkeys to harvest coconuts from the treetops. The college can be visited by appointment only to view the training and interact with the monkeys. If you are an adventurer, you can ride a motorbike around a dirt track with a monkey standing on the seat.
So, there you have it! Stop treating Surat Thani as a mere transit point and explore the magical, local charm of this city.
