About Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a city and province on the Gulf of Thailand and, for many travellers, the junction for the islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan and Ko Tao. The city itself is often skipped but has calm riverbanks along the Tapi, night markets and, on Sundays, the Bang Bai Mai floating market. The region is known for its oysters and fresh fruit. About an hour and a half's drive away lies Khao Sok National Park, with rainforest, limestone cliffs and Cheow Lan lake, where you can sleep in wooden huts on the water. In Chaiya, north of the city, stands the old temple Wat Phra Borommathat. Surat Thani has an airport and a railway station, and is a good place to spend a night before heading to the islands or nature.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Driest from February to April, which is the best time for beaches and boats. From October to December a lot of rain falls (on Samui November is the wettest month, around 445 mm), and the sea can be rough. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight (about 1.25 hours), night train or bus (about 9 to 12 hours); from town buses and ferries run to the islands. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Surat Thani
- Bang Bai Mai market A floating market open only on Sundays, 9:00 to 15:00.
- Khao Sok National Park A rainforest park with limestone cliffs and Cheow Lan lake, about 1.5 hours’ drive.
- Gateway to the islands From Surat Thani and the piers, ferries leave for Samui, Phangan and Tao.
- Oysters and fresh fruit The region is known for its oysters and tropical fruit.
