Surat Thani is a busy province for two reasons: work and travel. Most people pass by the central city when going to Surat Thani Beach in the islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao.
Here’s a simple guide that explains what tourists can expect out of their beach-hopping trip in “The City of Good People.”
What is Surat Thani?
Surat Thani is a tourist-friendly city that boasts of the hustle and bustle of life. It’s a popular transport hub that moves both people and cargo, moving them to small islands through the Surat Thani ferry or pier.
Most travellers don’t stay long in the central city given the number of Surat Thani beach resorts and staycation islands, which may be found in Koh Samui, Koh Pha-Ngan and Koh Tao.
What is the weather like in Surat Thani?
Guests who are planning to take a vacation in Surat Thani beaches need to take note that the summers in the province are short and hot, with temperatures ranging between 72°F and 93°F. Given the Surat Thani weather, it’s advisable to travel from December to March, which is the hottest months.
How to go to Surat Thani and its neighboring islands
There are many ways to go to Surat Thani from Bangkok:
● By Bus
From Bangkok’s Southern Terminal, tourists can ride a bus to Surat Thani to save on costs. Buses are air-conditioned so guests no longer have to worry about cozying up during the 11-hour travel. It also offers onboard refreshments as well as reclining seats for added comfort.
Buses from Bangkok will drop off at the Bor Kor Sor Mai bus station, but guests need to confirm this with the ticketing station before they purchase their tickets.
● By Train
Riding a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani may take up the same amount of time when travelling by bus. All trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station.
Tourists ride a sleepover train, which leaves Bangkok at 6 in the evening and usually takes 10 to 12 hours to get to Surat Thani.
Take note also that Surat Thani Railway Station (where the train stops) is still 15 kilometers away from the city, so arriving guests need to put that into consideration.
● By Plane
The fastest way to get to Surat Thani is by plane, which can be via budget airlines like Thai Lion Air, Nok Air, or Air Asia. From April to November, airfare is cheaper because it’s considered a low season. However, the prices triple during its peak seasons.
While air travel brings passengers to Surat Thani beach right away, the airport sits 20 kilometers outside town proper. Tuk-tuks are readily available outside Surat Thani International Airport to transport guests to the city.
How to go to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan and Koh Tao from Surat Thani
The islands of Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao can be accessed by the Surat Thani ferry. Known as Lomprayah Ferry, guests coming from the airport may conveniently get to Lomprayah Ferry Pier. Visitors who are already in Surat Thani city may get a cab to the pier.
At the Surat Thani pier, tourists can get tickets going to Koh Samui, Koh Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao. Take note that it takes two hours from Surat Thani Pier to Koh Samui, four hours to Koh Pha Ngan, and seven hours to Koh Tao.
What to Do in Surat Thani
Eat fresh seafood at the Surat Thani pier.
The province is famous for its wide variety of seafood, particularly oysters. Surat Thani has oyster farms and riverside restaurants that travelers can drop by before heading riding the ferry.
At Crossroads Riverside, for example, tourists savor its oysters that are served raw or grilled. It also has prawns, squids, crabs, and fish, seasoned with garlic, lime, and other herbs.
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Snorkel at Shark Bay
A paradise for snorkelers, Shark Bay in Koh Tao features crystal-clear waters and underwater activities. It’s mostly visited by tourists who want to test their fear of sharks.
These blacktip reef sharks visit the Bay between 7 and 10 in the morning. The biggest shark that appeared in the area is about six feet tall. They’re not preying on humans; they just like to stay in shallow waters where coral reefs are abundant.
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Watch wildlife creatures at the Cheow Lan Lake.
Developed in 1982, the Cheow Lan Lake is located in Khao Sok National Park, tucked in Thailand’s southern hemisphere. Onboard a long-tail boat, guests will be toured around the Rachapapa Dam with breathtaking views of the Limestone Mountains.
There are several wild animals in the national park like tapirs, elephants, and tigers. The area is also home to various kinds of birds like hornbills and great argus, as well as reptiles like snakes and huge lizards.
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Enjoy a night out at Chaweng Beach
Koh Samui is best known for its active lifestyle and nightlife. One popular go-to paradise for people who want to enjoy a night full of dancing is Chaweng Beach, a five-kilometer long beach known for its upbeat vibe and romantic ambiance when the sun goes down.
But the beach is more than that. For those who want to keep their heart racing throughout the day, guests should try bungy jumping and indoor skydiving.
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Try different Thai delicacies at the night market
The busy streets of Surat Thani are not without its famous night market, which stretches for more than 150 meters. The most famous one can be found in Tonpo Alley, offering locals and tourists a wide selection of dishes, desserts, clothes, cosmetics, shoes, and accessories.
Traverse through 40 mini islands
Koh Pha Ngan is home to what locals call the “golden bowl” or the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which consists of more than 40 small islands.
Apart from the famous Surat Thani beach, guests visit the Marine Park for its lush, natural landscape. These islands are made of limestones and have several caves within them. Island-hopping through the Marine Park will allow tourists to check its small beaches, lagoons, and coral gardens.
Experience the Full Moon Party firsthand
Partygoers look forward to the internationally recognized Full Moon Party at Koh Pha Ngan. It is a grand festival held on the island every full moon, which means that there’s no concrete date to start the party.
To be part of the festivities, guests need to book on the exclusive website. Most backpackers look forward to this event and the other well-recognized festivities such as the Half-Moon Festival, Blackmoon Culture, Jungle Experience, and Shiva Moon Party.
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