Surat Thani: more than just a stopover on your way to the islands

✅ Article updated on May 24, 2025so you'll always have the latest news!

When I first landed in Surat Thani, I expected it to be a charmless town, just a crossing point between two ferries.

Spoiler: that's not the case.

Between a market that smells of fresh coriander and warm rain on the sidewalks, I found much more than a logistical stopover.

I found a little piece of Thailand realunfiltered.

🗺️ Where is Surat Thani?

Imagine a puzzle: the islands of Koh SamuiKoh Tao, Koh Phangan... they are all parts of Surat Thani.

But the town itself, located in the south of the country and often shunned by tourists, is well worth a visit.

Just to get a glimpse of Thailand in its everyday clothes, far from postcard clichés.

🤔 Why visit Surat Thani?

To feel the real Thailand

Here, there are no international channels on every street corner and no hostels showing Friends on a loop.

People speak little English, but a lot from the heart.

Once, asking for directions with a word of Thai and three gestures, a kebab vendor escorted me to the bus stop.

Does that give you an idea of the atmosphere?

To eat like a local

Strange fruit you've never seen before, dishes that sting more than expectedWith desserts that melt away embarrassment and explode the palate, welcome to Surat.

Here, you're not asking "where to eat", but "will I still be hungry after this 3rd plate?".

To explore Surat Thani province

The city is also a gateway to other hidden natural treasures.

To the east, Ang Thong archipelago is worth a visit for its emerald lagoons.

To the west, Khao Sok Park offers a compendium of jungle, limestone cliffs and supernatural lakes.

In short, everything you imagine when you think "wild Thailand".

🎒 What to do in Surat Thani?

Khao Sok: my floating night on Lake Cheow Lan

I slept on a straw hut in the middle of nowhere, lulled by the cries of the jungle and the lapping of the water.

No network, no alarm clock, just a kayak at hand and a sunrise worthy of a screensaver.

The kind of moment when you reconnects you to what's essentialwithout even realizing it.

If you want to experience the same thing, I recommend the Khao Sok Smiley Lakehouse A simple, warm and well-located floating accommodation on Lake Cheow Lan.

The bungalows are basic but comfortable, meals are included and you can go paddling whenever you like.

Explore Ang Thong Marine Park

This national marine park, nicknamed "the golden bowl", is home to over 40 islands.

Kayaking, hiking, snorkeling... the area is perfect for a day's adventure from Surat or Koh Samui.

Relatively uncrowded, it's a little paradise worth preserving.

Saturday Night Market: the giant buffet

San Chao MarketIt's a bit like a funfair without the merry-go-round, but with the smell of grilled meats, colorful juices and vendors shouting "aroi mak mak!" (very delicious!).

I tasted rambutan, salted eggs and... giant oysters.

Saturday Night Market is held every Saturday from 4pm to 10pm.

Koh Lamphu: a green break in the heart of the city

Need to digest? Koh Lamphu Park is perfect for that.

A tiny island in the middle of the Tapi River, with people doing tai chi at 6 a.m. and children chasing pigeons.

I even came across a monitor lizard.

The City Pillar Shrine: a vibrant temple

It's not a monumental temple, but it has a soul.

People go there to make wishes, burn incense and feed the spirits.

It's quiet, touching, and that's when I realized that Surat Thani had its own sacred rhythm.

🍜 Where to eat in Surat Thani?

• Lucky Restaurant butterfly pea iced tea (a blue tea that changes color with lemon) + winged bean salad = winning combo.
  
  
• Keo Pla noodles, broth, fish balls = the basics.
  
  
• Ran Kai Dao fried pork, just like grandma would have done, if grandma were Thai.
  
  
• Yok Kheng The kingdom of mango sticky rice and sugar. Lots and lots of sugar.

🚍 How do I get to Surat Thani?

If you want to enjoy Surat Thani in the best conditions, aim for the months between December and April.

From Bangkok :

Plane Fast, practical, but beware of the price tag.
✈️ Book your flight to Surat Thani on Trip.com

Train At night, with old-fashioned rocking and early-morning arrival.
🚆 Book your Bangkok > Surat Thani train ticket with 12GO

Bus cheap, a little time-consuming, but a good option if you want to save money.
🚌 View timetables and book a bus on 12GO

From Koh Samui :

No planes, only ferries. But that's good: the boat puts you in the mood.
🚤 Book your Koh Samui > Surat Thani ferry here

🛵 Getting around Surat Thani

On foot The "Pompidou": the ideal place to stroll and soak up the scents of the city, between grilled kebabs and tropical fruit stalls.

Scooter 250฿/day for freedom.

Tuk-tuk A typical experience, local atmosphere guaranteed (and negotiation welcome).

Cab if you want comfort (or if you're soaked after a shower).

Surat Thani isn't Instagrammable around every corner.

But it's sincerely, delicious, vibrating.

If you want to see a different kind of Thailand, one that the guidebooks are too quick to overlook, come and take a tour.

📘 Are you planning your very first trip to Thailand?

Get my free guide "My first in Thailand" right here : Get the guide

And if you've ever been to Surat, tell me about your experience.