Surat Thani, Thailand: The Gateway To The Gulf of Thailand

Surat Thani, a vibrant city in southern Thailand, is often called the gateway to the Gulf of Thailand. This lively region is renowned for its stunning islands and world-famous beaches, including Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. But what else does this beautiful city have to offer? Follow us to find out everything there is to know, so that your trip is not only easy, but also enriched with fascinating insights that will make your stay truly memorable.
 

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 08-07-2024

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1. An Overview Of Surat Thani

Surat Thani, the largest province in southern Thailand, is nestled near the mouth of the Tapi River along the eastern shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Located about a 9-hour drive or a 1-hour and 15-minute flight from Bangkok, it's also approximately 4 hours from Phuket and 3 hours from Krabi.

The name Surat Thani means "city of good people" in ancient Thai, reflecting the warmth and friendliness of its locals. Visitors to Surat Thani are always welcomed with genuine hospitality.

With a unique location, surrounded by more than 40 beautiful islands, Surat Thani is not only an important port city, but also as the gateway to explore the natural paradise of the islands and beaches of the Gulf of Thailand such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao,...

2. When Are The Best Times To Visit?

Surat Thani enjoys a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures and constant humidity year-round. The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is generally dry and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 26°C to 32°C.

From May to October, the monsoon season brings heavy rainfall and occasional flooding. It's advisable to avoid planning your trip during this period, especially in September and October, as the unpredictable weather can disrupt your travel plans.

3. What Are The Options For Getting From Bangkok To Surat Thani?

To reach Surat Thani from Bangkok, the different transport options offer various travel times:

• By plane:

• Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Airlines: Thai Smile Airways (WE), Nok Air (DD), Thai AirAsia (FD), Thai Lion Air (SL), Thai VietJet Air (VZ)
• Departure: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) or Don Mueang Airport (DMK)
• Arrival: Surat Thani Airport (URT)
• Transfer to the city center from Surat Thani Airport: Shuttle or taxi (21 km west of the city)

• By train:

• Duration: 11 to 13 hours
• Railway Company: State Railways of Thailand (SRT)
• Departure: Hua Lamphong Station, Bangkok
• Arrival: Surat Thani Railway Station, Phunphin District
• Significant savings compared to the aircraft (about 1/3 of the cost)
• Surat Thani railway station about 10 km from the city centre

By bus:

• Departure: Mo Chit Bus Terminal (Chatuchak) or Bangkok South Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai)
• Arrival: Surat Thani Bus Terminal, Tambon Wat Pradu, Mueang Surat Thani
• Tip: To preserve the local bus services, ask your hotel for help or buy the ticket directly at the bus station. You can also book online through third-party sites such as TripAdvisor, 12Go.Asia, offering additional convenience for online bookings. The cost may be slightly higher, but it can be useful if you have limited time to search for information.

4. Surat Thani's Must-See Sights

• Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake

Khao Sok National Park can be regarded as one of the pride sources not only in terms of tourism but also in the ecological aspect of Surat Thani. Besides, this extensive area of natural resources can be a phenomenal climate-beneficial rainforest that is, at the same time, characterized by outstanding variety, as people can find numerous plant and animal species here.

Khao Sok has become famous for its limestone mountains, or what Thais call "karstics,"  which soar majestically coupled with great lakes. Cheow Lan Lake is one of Khao Sok's most popular attractions, capturing the beauty of Halong Bay in a unique way.

This center’s beautiful landscape, when combined with other features endowed by an extensive variety of wild mammals, amphibians, birds, and insects, makes it a center of interest.

•  Ang Thong Marine National Park

The Ang Thong Marine National Park, located in the province of Surat Thani in the Gulf of Thailand, encompasses 42 islands with varied landscapes. The islands around Ang Thong Marine Park are home to huge, remarkably well-preserved corals, a great diversity of marine life, and stunning scenery above the water. A relaxing and rewarding day awaits divers, snorkelers, or simply friends who want to relax on the boat.

A very popular activity at this site is diving, with colorful fish and coral sightings. It's no wonder that this place is often referred to as "the most beautiful snorkeling spot in the Gulf of Thailand".

Note that the island offers bungalows and camping areas, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway. A day trip to Ang Thong Marine Park is a great idea during your beach stay.

>>> Also read: Scuba Diving In Thailand: The 10 Most Fascinating Dive Sites

• Elephant Hills 

Elephant Hills, located in the center of Khao Sok National Park, offers an unforgettable experience in Surat Thani. Among the highlights of the activities, you can experience an ethical interaction with the elephants, meeting them in their natural park, feeding them, and observing them in their natural habitat. In addition to visiting and caring for the elephants, Elephant Hills also offers short tours to explore the surroundings of Khao Sok Park.

• San Chao Night Market and Chaweng Pedestrian Street

Known as the Surat Thani Night Market, San Chao Market is a bustling hub of delicious Thai street food. Lined along its two sidewalks, you'll find unique shops offering a variety of local food products.  Here is the address of the San Chao night market.

In addition, Chaweng Walking Street is another lively destination, offering a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, souvenirs, and street food. During your visit, be sure to try Thai favorites like Pad Thai, tom yum, som tam, and especially Thai coconut ice cream!

>>> Discover more must-try Thai dishes: Top 10 Thai dishes to try now!

• Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya

This ancient pagoda, built during the peak of the Si Wichai Empire, stands as a remarkable site in Thailand, showcasing the Mahayana Buddhist art and architecture of that era. It is one of the iconic temples in the province of Surat Thani, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

• Wat Khao Suwan Pradit

At Moo 5 Don Sak, Surat Thani, Wat Khao Suwan Pradit is a small temple perched atop a hill, accessible by about 100 steps. Renowned for its stunning stupa and peaceful ambiance, this temple offers panoramic views of Surat Thani. It's a tranquil retreat, perfect for those seeking serenity and breathtaking scenery.

5. Famous Islands Off Surat Thani’s Coast

Nicknamed the gateway to the natural paradise of the islands and beaches of the Gulf of Thailand, Surat Thani allows you to explore its beautiful outer islands:

• Koh Samui

Koh Samui, the most famous island in Surat Thani, is renowned worldwide for its exceptional beauty. This seaside paradise offers stunning islands and beaches that showcase the splendor of the Gulf of Thailand. Every corner of Koh Samui reveals breathtaking scenery and a unique ambiance, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience.

From turquoise beaches to the famous Fisherman's Village, scuba diving, and snorkeling, Koh Samui is filled with must-see attractions waiting to be discovered.

• Koh Phangan

Koh Phangan is another beautiful island that is also the setting for the famous "Full Moon Party",  a world-renowned full moon party. This event brings together thousands of people from all over the world and features live music, fire shows, and dancing on the beach. The Full Moon Party is a must-see for party lovers and offers a unique experience in the vicinity of Surat Thani.

• Koh Tao

Called "the island of turtles", Koh Tao is a popular destination for divers and snorkeling enthusiasts. The island is home to vibrant coral reefs, colorful marine life, and crystal clear waters. You have the option of taking a diving course, snorkeling or simply relaxing on its beautiful beaches.

6. Suggestions For Gastronomy And Accommodation

For gastronomy

• Night Market in Surat Thani

Located on Namueang Road, the Surat Thani Night Market is an affordable paradise for food lovers. Some of the must-try dishes include Pad Thai, papaya salad, and many other Thai delicacies.

• Restaurant Khao Hom

Renowned for its exceptional mango sticky rice, Khao Hom restaurant stands out for its hot, buttery rice accompanied by perfectly sweetened coconut milk. The addition of mung beans sets it apart from the rest when it comes to mango sticky rice.

• Day & Night in Surat Thani

The versatile Day & Night restaurant serves as a café, bar, and restaurant with an industrial loft-style décor. It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, transforming into a calming place in the evening with live music and a huge selection of drinks.

For accommodation

• 500 Rai Floating Resort

Nestled in the heart of unspoiled nature, 500 Rai Floating Resort offers a world-class escape with vibrant colors, exotic vistas, and the sounds of wildlife. Disconnect from Wi-Fi and the internet to fully reconnect with nature. Discover more about 500 Rai Resort.

• Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel

Conveniently located in the heart of Surat Thani, Blu Monkey Hub, and Hotel is a monkey-themed hostel perfect for backpackers and young travelers. It’s also within walking distance of the night market. Learn more at Blu Monkey Hotels.

• Floating Bungalows of Khao Sok Lake

The Floating Bungalows on Khao Sok Lake are authentic Thai floating homes, attracting travelers from around the world visiting Khao Sok National Park. These peaceful and secluded bungalows offer a unique experience immersed in nature. Note that each location is remote and isolated. Explore more about Floating Bungalows in Khao Sok.

Our last words

Surat Thani is the ideal starting point to start your exploration of the Gulf of Thailand and the surrounding islands. Boasting spectacular natural scenery, a rich culture, and a diverse range of travel experiences, this city presents itself as a must-see destination during your stay in Thailand.