Surat Thani.
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Overview

Surat Thani (สุราษฎร์ธานี) is a city and a province on the Central Gulf Coast of southern Thailand.

Understand

Surat Thani (often just "Surat") is the largest province of southern Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). It is a gateway to the islands of Thailand's Gulf Coast: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao are much-visited destinations, as well as Ang Thong National Marine Park and the famous Khao Sok National Park.

Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). The TAT office on Talad Mai Road is the only government tourism office on mainland Surat Thani. TAT has brochures and maps for both local tourist destinations as well as those in other provinces. Clean public toilets are also available free of charge. TAT does not sell anything, they are only there to promote tourism. The other tourism offices around the city (like the one at the airport and the ones near Talad Kaset 1 and 2) are not official tourism offices and will try to sell you tourism packages or ferry tickets. For ferry tickets, only buy them directly from the ferry operator or from Phantip Travel.

Get in

By road Parallel to the railway in a north-south direction runs the Asian Highway AH2 (Thailand Route 41). The major east-west road is Thailand Route 401 connecting Takua Pa with Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Thailand Route 44|Rte 44 goes southwest from Kanchanadit to Krabi. Rte 44 was built as part of the land bridge project connecting the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea. Unlike other highways there are no crossing intersections. The wide space between the two lanes is reserved for pipelines and a railway.

By plane The province has two international airports: Surat Thani International Airport in Phunphin and Samui Airport on Ko Samui. Samui Airport is owned by and mostly served by Bangkok Airways with flights to Bangkok (both airports), Chiang Mai, Krabi, Pattaya and Phuket, as well as internationally to Chengdu, Hong Kong and Singapore..

Connect by bus or rental car (buy ticket and rent in the airport) to town. Phantip Travel has bus service connecting all flights to Surat Thani. Phantip Travel (, ) is on Taladmai Rd.

Be vigilant at the airport, or anywhere you are repeatedly asked where you have come from and where you are going. Know what Thai police uniforms look like.

If you're heading to Ko Samui, Seatran Ferry and other companies offer a bus/ferry service from the airport to Nathon Pier on Ko Samui for 400 baht (Aug 2017). It's also possible to book this trip with Air Asia, even while you're on the flight there! They also use Seatran ferry. Travel time is three hours. Buses leave the airport six times per day.

Air Asia. Flights from Bangkok (both airports) and Chiang Mai.

Nok Air. Flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport).

Thai Lion Air. Flights from Bangkok (Don Mueang Airport).

The province is crossed by the southern railway, with Surat Thani Railway Station in Phunphin, about 15 km from downtown. A branch line to the west ends at Kirirat Nikhom Railway Station. It had been planned to run to the coast next to the island of Phuket, but construction ended in 1956. There are 32 railway stations in Surat Thani Province.

Surat Thani Railway Station. The Surat Thani train station, despite its name, is in Phun Phin, about 12 km west of the town centre. Most comfortable are the overnight trains from Bangkok, which arrive in early morning. There are always many who try to catch the tourists and sell them trips to Surat or the islands directly. Usually the most aggressive sellers are the most expensive. However, it's not a big problem to reach the city itself from the railway station. After that, the only option is a taxi, the drivers of which will come in to the station to try to find passengers.

From Nakhon Si Thammarat, at 16:00 daily, 170 baht, duration ~3 hr (Jan 2024).

By bus There are 3 main bus & coach terminals in Muang Surat Thani: Talad Kaset 1, Talad Kaset 2, and Surat Thani Bus Terminal.

Talad Kaset 1 and Talad Kaset 2 are across from each other, off of Talad Mai Road in the city centre, whereas Surat Thani Bus Terminal is outside of the city off of Highway 401, behind CentralPlaza. Talad Kaset 1 is for local buses to nearby districts. Talad Kaset 2 is for coaches and buses to further districts and popular tourist destinations, such as Khanom, Khao Sok, Krabi, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Hat Yai. The Surat Thani Bus Terminal is for longer haul rides, such as overnight buses to Bangkok.

Talad Kaset 1. For local buses to nearby districts.

Talad Kaset 2. For coaches and buses to further districts and popular tourist destinations.

Terminal 1: Surat Thani – Phuket Terminal 2: Surat Thani – Trung Terminal 3: Surat Thani– Khanom Terminal 4: Surat Thani– Bannaderm Terminal 5: Surat Thani– BanSong Terminal 6: Surat Thani– Bang Sawan Terminal 7: Surat Thani– Phasang Terminal 8: Surat Thani– Krabi Terminal 9: Terminal 10: Terminal 11: Terminal 12: Surat Thani– Chaiya Terminal 13: Surat Thani– Phuket Terminal 14: Surat Thani– Phuket Terminal 15: Surat Thani– Hat Yai Terminal 16: Surat Thani– Hat Yai Terminal 17: Surat Thani– Phang Nga Terminal 18: Surat Thani– Phuket Terminal 19: Surat Thani– Krabi Terminal 20: Surat Thani– Ranong Terminal 21: Surat Thani– Kian Sa Terminal 22: Surat Thani– Khao Sok Terminal 23: Surat Thani– Thungsong Terminal 24: Surat Thani– Ko Lanta From Nakhon Si Thammarat, by minivan from bus terminal, counter 10, at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 140 baht, duration ~2 hr 30 min (Jan 2024).

Surat Thani Bus Terminal. For longer haul rides.

Phantip Office - Surat Thani Town Branch. The main transportation provider in Southern Thailand is Phantip Travel (pronounced “pun-tip”). They are licensed by both the Department of Land Transportation and Department of Civil Aviation and have been in operation in Surat Thani since the early-1970s. They also hold the government contract for the downtown transportation hub. Their coaches are easily identifiable. Their minivans are white with green Thai writing. Look for the green "(1970)" above the back passenger window and the logo "Phantip (1970)" on the front doors.

Surat Thani (Town) – Khao Sok (2.5 hr, 200 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Lanta (6 hr, 550 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Pha Ngan (3.3 hrs, 350 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Samui (3 hr, 250 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Ao Nang (4.1 hr, 450 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Phi Phi (5.3 hr, 550 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Krabi (3 hr, 250 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Phuket (5 hr, 195 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Ko Phang Nga (3.3 hr, 150 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Railay (4.3 hr, 600 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Ratchaprapha Dam (2 hr, 200 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (1.3 hr, 150 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier (1.3 hr, 150 baht) Surat Thani (Town) – Khanom (1.5 hr, 200 baht)

Phantip Office - Surat Thani Airport Branch.

Surat Thani (Airport) – Khao Sok (2 hr, 250 baht) Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Pha Ngan (4.3 hr, 500 baht) Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Samui (3.3 hr, 400 baht) Surat Thani (Airport) – Ratchaprapha Dam (1.3 hr, 250 baht) Surat Thani (Airport) – Ko Tao (6 hr, 900 baht) Surat Thani (Airport) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 250 baht) Surat Thani (Airport) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 250 baht)

Phantip Office - Surat Thani Train Station Branch.

Surat Thani (Train Station) – Khao Sok (3 hr, 200 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Lanta (6 hr, 650 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Pha Ngan (5.3 hrs, 400 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Samui (3.3 hr, 280 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ao Nang (4.3 hr, 400 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ko Phi Phi (6.3 hr, 650 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Krabi (3 hr, 250 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Phuket (5 hr, 200 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Ratchaprapha Dam (3.3 hr, 200 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Raja Ferry, Donsak Pier (2 hr, 180 baht) Surat Thani (Train Station) – Seatran Ferry, Donsak Pier

By boat The islands Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan are connected with the mainland by ferries, which mostly embark from Don Sak, while the ferries to Ko Tao start at Surat Thani or Ko Samui. There are three main ferry companies that operate from mainland Surat Thani to the islands: Lomprayah, Seatran, and Raja.

There are only two ferry piers in Muang Surat Thani: Tapee Pier, which Lomprayah's High Speed Catarman operates from, and Bandon Pier, which is for night boats only. Seatran Pier and Raja Pier are in Don Sak District, 65 km (40 mi) east of Surat Thani city centre.

Bang Num Jerd Pier. Used by P&T Samui Group

Laem Thuat Pier. Used by Lomprayah for the slow ferry.

Lomprayah. Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran provides service from Muang Surat Thani and Donsak to Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Tao, Ko Nanguan, and Angthong National Marine Park

Seatran. Seatran Ferry provides service from Surat Thani to Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao.

Raja Ferry. Raja Ferry provides service from Surat Thani to Ko Samui and Ko Pha Ngan.

Night boats The night boat ferries are individually owned and operated. Routes can be cancelled without any prior notice. Only buy night boat tickets directly from the ferry operator. The tickets can be purchased the day of departure from the boat operators at Bandon pier. The ticket stands are directly in front of the individual night boats.

The departure times and ticket prices for the night boats can vary as the individual boat and operator are on rotations. For example, the wooden Ko Tao night boat leaves an hour earlier than the metal Ko Tao night boats. Confirm with the operators at Bandon Pier the day of departure. Arrival times are estimates as it depends on the sea conditions.

Get around

X Motorbike Rentals. Offers motorbike rentals and full time mechanical services. Free delivery and pickup. Free motorbike riding lessons and help with Thai licensing also available.

By car Car hire services are available at Surat Thani International Airport.

GrabTaxi. Grab taxi is available in Surat Thani.

See

Bang Bai Mai Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำประชารัฐบางใบไม้). A "must see" in Surat Thani, this picturesque riverside market offers a range of ready-to-eat foods. This market is on Sundays only and even though it's open until 15:00, it’s best to go before noon.

City Pillar Shrine. Former site of the provincial administration building. The building was first destroyed when the Japanese invaded Thailand on 8 December 1941 and landed in Surat Thani. The building caught fire during the short battle and burned down. It was reopened in 1954. On 19 March 1982 it was destroyed again by a bomb planted by communist rebels, killing 5 people. This is a religious shrine and, although it is not a temple, dress appropriately and to remove shoes when entering the structure.

Phra That Si Surat (พระธาตุศรีสุราษฎร์์). Khao Tha Phet is a hill outside of the city centre. It has an elevation of about 210 m (689 ft) and offers a good view over the town. On top of the hill is the Sri Surat stupa (also known by its common name, Phra That Khao Tha Phet), which was built in Srivijavan-style in 1957. The stupa contains a Buddha relic donated by India. Next to the stupa is a sweet shorea tree (Shorea roxburghii) planted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

The two most important Buddhist monasteries of the province are in Chaiya District. Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya boasts a chedi in Srivijaya-style, dating from the 7th century and carefully restored. Buddhist relics are enshrined in the chedi, and the surrounding chapels contain Buddha figures in Srivijayan style. The Chaiya National Museum adjoins the temple. Nearby is Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, a forest monastery founded by the famous monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.

Nature Nai Bang Area (ในบาง) – Nai Bang is an alluvial plain around the mouth of the Tapi River which is crisscrossed with networks of canals. The canals are lined with mangrove forest alternating with traditional southern-styled houses, behind which are coconut farms and orchards. The people here still maintain a simple way of life and make their living on indigenous natural resources, despite the bustling economy in the Ban Don (town) market just opposite the river. Access to Nai Bang is by the bridge across the Tapi River or by longtail boat from Ban Don. The boat can carry 6–8 people and charges 250 baht per hour. Visitors may contact travel agents in Surat Thani who sell a one-day package tour to the Nai Bang area.

Ko Lamphu Public Park. A small, car-free island on the Tapi River offering walking & biking paths, exercise equipment, and a playground. Great place to play volleyball and basketball.

Rama 9 Park (สวนหลวง ร.9). A city park offering walking & biking paths, exercise equipment, and a playground. There's also a large fish pond where you can buy fish food to feed the fish.

Khun Thale Swamp (บึงขุนทะเล). Khun Thale Swamp, despite its name, is a picturesque marshland just south of the city centre. A local fishing spot for many years, the area is undergoing renovations (May 2018) to make the area more accessible. Despite ongoing renovations to the boardwalk, the area is still a great place for cycling. Paddle boats are available for a small fee to take out into the swamp. A troop of wild monkeys also lives on the south side of the swamp.

Rubber Tree Road. Rubber Tree Road is a scenic stretch of Talad Klauy-Kaouhaoukway Road in Muang Surat Thani with rubber trees that form a shaded canopy over the road.

Rice Paddy at Rice Farm Villa Hotel. This small rice paddy is in the middle of the city. The rice paddy can be viewed free of charge, just walk through the OTOP shopping center.

Si Surat Bridge. Tallest bridge in southern Thailand.

Khao Sok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก) – As part of the largest moist evergreen forest in southern Thailand, the park is rich in flora including certain families of lotus, white palm, and fern. Khao Sok is also one of the best bird-watching spots in Thailand. Attractions in the park include: Ratchaprapha (Rajjaprabha) Dam: The completion of this dam in 1988 gave birth to Cheow Lan Lake about 168 km² in area, which is adorned with hundreds of islands and islets. Tham Nam Thalu: Cave Tang Nam: Streams chiseled across two ridges create this striking gorge. Many people came to pay respect to this place, around which the venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu's ashes were traditionally showered. Namtok Than Sawan: This scenic waterfall is three kilometres from Tang Nam. Namtok Sip Et Chan: This 11-tier waterfall originates from Bang Len canal. The first level is largest and most picturesque. San Yang Roi Trail: This two kilometre trail begins at the park headquarters and runs along the mountain shoulder past streams, waterfalls, and moist evergreen forest. A trail to a rarely seen plant called Bua Phut at Bang Luk Chang Mountain.

Khlong Phanom National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองพนม) – High limestone mountains connected with Khao Sok National Park. Attractions in the park include Kiriwong and Chong Yung waterfalls and several caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. Kaeng Krung National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแก่งกรุง) – Mountainous area covered by moist evergreen forests, where some rare and endangered species such as tree ferns can be found. Attractions in the park include hot springs, Bang Hoi Waterfall and Khlong Pa Waterfall. Tai Rom Yen National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติใต้ร่มเย็น) – The 425-km² forest areas in Kanchanadit, Ban Na San and Wiang Sa were designated a national park in 1991. The mountains of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range are mostly covered with moist evergreen forest and exotic and rare flora and fauna. Attractions in the park include: Namtok Tat Fa: A perennial 13-level waterfall is the highest in Surat Thani. The fourth level is most attractive with its 80 m cliff. Tham Khamin or Tham Men: Exotic stalagmites and stalactites in this cave. The walkway is well-lit and fitted with stairs. San Yen: The eastern range, about 40 km long and 1,000-1,300 m high, is fertile with rare flora, fauna, and wildlife. Namtok Mueang Thuat: This seven-level waterfall has a large basin.

Nearby districts Chaiya District See Chaiya page

Monkey Training College. Founded in 1957 by Somporn Saekhow to train pig-tailed macaques how to properly pick coconuts. Somporn's daughter, Somjai, now runs the school. The college remains first and foremost a training centre for coconut farmers' monkeys. Visitors are of course welcome but please contact the school before your visit. The training is done in an animal-friendly fashion. No punishments are given, only rewards. Also offers home stay ("home stay" is a word frequently used to indicate basic accommodations, and joining the host for meals) in two basic bungalows.

Kuha Cave. Cave temple filled with multiple Buddha images of various styles including Dwaravati, Srivichai, Indian Pallava, and Siam Ayutthaya.

Wat Khao Pranim Viewpoint. Hillside view of the mountains and nearby fishfarms.

Phetpanomwang. Display of large golden Buddha statues

Vipavadee Waterfall. Medium size waterfall. Popular socializing venue after school and on weekends.

Rock Fish Museum. Collection of hand carved fish made out of stone. This museum was established in 1992 by Mr. Kitti Sin-udom, an old fisherman who spent more than 10 years carving stone here. More than 1,000 lifelike sculptures of marine fish found in the Gulf of Thailand are on display.

Wat Khao Suwanpradit. Wat Khao Suwanpradit was founded in 1982 by one of Southern Thailand’s most revered monks, Luang Pho Choi. The 45-m-tall stupa contains Buddha relics from Wat Phra Kiat from Chiang Mai. This hilltop monastery offers a great panoramic view of Don Sak as well as the Gulf of Thailand and the nearby islands.

Hug Village Horse & Sheep Farm. A horse (pony) and sheep farm with beautiful flower gardens and a café.

Ko Raet. A traditional Chinese fishing village. It's also the smallest populated island in Thailand connected to the mainland via bridge. You can walk around the entire island in less than an hour and enjoy the views of the nearby gulf islands. Has multiple traditional homestays for visitors.

Cho Waterfall. A small stream popular with the locals. Surrounded by food stalls and a couple small restaurants, people go to cool down or have their feet cleaned by "doctor fish" in the natural fish spa.

Clear Water Canal. A crystal clear stream. Popular local swimming spot.

Hin Pat. A giant fan-shaped rock that sits on top of a cliff. It has been a popular viewpoint among locals for many years but only became an "official tourist attraction" in 2014.

Than Thong Waterfall. Small waterfall, popular with the locals as a swimming spot.

Phasuankwang Farm. An animal farm/petting zoo with multiple animals including: deer, rabbits, turkeys, ponies, buffalo, and crocodiles.

Wat Tham Singkhorn. Wat Tham Singkhorn is an ancient temple built in the Ayutthaya period (1351 to 1767). Behind the temple is a large cave with multiple Buddha statues.

Tham Singkhorn Hotsprings. Nine natural hot springs. The hottest is around 70°C.

Namrad Forest Headwaters. Clear, fresh water swimming spot. As of 2018, this spot has been featured in numerous local travel blogs making it very popular. Get there early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds.

Kunfai Farm. U-Pick strawberry farm. Strawberries don't grow very well in the southern Thai heat so be sure to check ahead to see if there is any fruit available.

Rajjaprabha Dam Golf Course. Par 72, 18-hole course.

Khao Theppithak Suspension Bridge. Wooden suspension bridge with a heart shape mountain in the background.

Ban Thum Phueng. Small farming village offering numerous homestays and cabins for visitors. Fruit orchards, rubber and palm plantations, and vegetable farms. Small waterfall and hotspring nearby.

Rajjaprabha Dam (เขื่อนรัชชประภา). 165-km2 (64-sq mi) man-made lake in Khao Sok National Park. Known for its floating raft-houses, it's an extremely scenic place great place for wildlife watching, swimming, kayaking, and even diving.

Wat Phanom's Fishes River. Fish viewing area. Fish include: tinfoil barb, silver barb, ponyfish, catfish, and carp.

Mai Yai Waterfall. The only waterfall in Khao Sok National Park that can be reached by car. Approximately 30 m high. Best time to visit is during the rainy season.

Nong Thung Tong. A wildlife sanctuary/no-hunting area. It is home to over 70 species of migratory birds, the oriental small-clawed otter, and the Asian Golden Cat. The area is mixed grasslands, marshes, and swamps. During the rainy season (October-December) the area is almost completely flooded.

Thamma Park. Hilltop temple with a picturesque view.

514 Base Historical Learning Centre. Formerly the People's Liberation Army 514 Camp. Provides information on the tropical rainforest’s ecosystem, social history, fighter and mass struggle during the movement of the Communist Party of Thailand, folk wisdom, indigenous values, and the concept of sacrifice for common good to youth.

Ang Nam Pood. Clear water spring. You can see the bubbles come up from the sand. Cabomba, a non-native invasive aquatic plant with pretty white flowers, can be viewed in the clear water. In addition to swimming, kayaks and paddleboats are available to rent.

Tourism Attraction Bangsawan. River swimming spot.

Do

Nakwaree Shooting Association. Shooting range with a variety of pistol and rifle rentals. Memberships also available.

Bang Yai Fishing Park. Stocked fishing park pond. Bring your own rod.

SF Cinema Central Plaza. Regularly shows (EN/TH) & (TH/EN) films.

Major Cineplex Sahathai. Regularly shows (EN/TH) & (TH/EN) films.

EGV Lotus. Mostly in Thai (TH/--), but will screen (TH/EN) and (EN/TH) occasionally.

SF Cinema Coliseum Surat Thani. Mostly (TH/--) but will screen (TH/EN) occasionally.

Chak Phra Festival. Celebrates the return of Gautama Buddha from heaven to earth to be greeted by multitudes. The celebration takes place every year immediately after the end of three month rain retreat, about October. It is celebrated in many parts of southern Thailand, but especially in Surat Thani. The evening prior to Chak Phra Day, billboards are erected showing Buddha's story around the city and celebrations continue day and night. On land, the splendidly adorned floats are pulled across the town by the participants. At the same time, on water a float decorated with colourful Thai designs carries Buddha's image. Chak Phra festivities conclude with a boat race and traditional games.

Rambutan and Thai Fruit Festival. Rambutan trees were first planted in Surat Thani at Ban Na San in 1926 by Mr. K. Vong, a Chinese Malay. The annual Rambutan Festival is held during the August harvest.

Boon Sad Dean Sib Festival. Held on the full moon of the 10th month in traditional calendar (about August). People go to the temple in remembrance of ancestors.

Surat Thani Songkran Festival. Thai New Year water festival is celebrated every year on 13 April.

Surat Thani Loy Krathong Festival. Held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar. In the Western calendar this usually falls in November. During the evening of the full moon, people launch symbolic floating "krathong" on the river.

Surat Bike Week. Held annually in February in Muang Surat Thani.

Surat Thani Kite Festival at Tha Chana Beach. Held annually in February or March in Tha Chana District.

Hae Pha Hom Pharthat Si Surat Lae Thammachat Khao Tha Phet Fair. Held annually in March in Muang Surat Thani.

Surat Thani Food Fair. Held annually in March along the Tapi River in Muang Surat Thani.

Praram Surat Thani. Nicknamed 'The Mushroom Pool' for its mushroom waterfall structure. Popular swimming spot for the local expat English teachers.

Provincial Sport Centre Pool. Olympic-sized swimming pool

Sport Club Pool. Partially shaded swimming pool with a children's pool and 2 small water slides. Popular with locals for children's swimming lessons.

Rajabhat University Sport Complex Pool.

Buy

Chaiya Salted Eggs (ไข่เค็มไชยา) – Ducks in Chaiya eat mollusks, crabs, and fish on the farm, which make their egg yolks particularly red. Eggs are covered with soil mixed with salty water and rice husks. Oysters (หอยนางรม) – Surat Thani's oysters are well known for their size, cleanliness, taste, and smell. Rambutan – Rambutan here are exceptional due thanks to their sweet taste, crisp flesh, big size, small seeds, and thin peel. Phumriang Silk Cloth (ผ้าไหมพุมเรียง) – Hand-woven products of a Muslim village. The weavers here create their own patterns which are embossed on the silk by shuttle looms. Tha Krachai woven cloth (ผ้าทอท่ากระจาย) Para-rubber leaf butterflies (ผีเสื้อใบยางพารา) Bulrush wickerwork (ผลิตภัณฑ์จักสานจากกระจูด) Kalamae (กะละแม) Processed seafood products (ผลิตภัณฑ์อาหารทะเลแปรรูป) Coconut wooden products (ผลิตภัณฑ์ไม้มะพร้าว)

Tops Supermarket. Good selection of Western foods, including bakery products, cheese, wine, beer, and sweets. Also carries 'Waitrose' products imported from the UK.

Tesco Lotus. One of the larger grocery stores in Surat Thani. Good selection of meat, produce, and grocery items. Also carries 'Tesco Finest' products imported from the UK.

Big C. One of the larger grocery stores in Surat Thani. Good selection of meat, produce, and grocery items.

Makro. Most items sold in bulk. Cheap meat and vegetables. Large selection of spices as well as some imported products. No membership needed, pick up a pass from the customer service desk on the way in.

OTOP Souvenir Shop at 100 Islands Resort. Large number of souvenirs and local handicrafts, including hand woven baskets, coconut and mango wood products, pearls, clothing, dried fruit, and fish products.

OTOP Product Zone in CentralPlaza Surat Thani. Selection of Thai products and souvenirs, including hand woven baskets, coconut and mango wood products, clothing, and cosmetics.

Eat

San Jao Night Market. Walk the block and pick up whatever treats catch your eye, or grab a table at one of the restaurants and watch the market scene as you dine. Freshly juiced fruits, corn on the cob, squid-kebabs, fried chicken, saffron rice, pad Thai, sushi.

Night Boat Pier. A popular spot for tourists to eat and drink beer before boarding the night boat to Ko Tao or Ko Pha Ngan. If you walk further down the road toward the bridge, you'll find fruit vendors galore.

Wonderland Night Market. One of the newer night markets in town. Smaller selection of food compared to the other night markets like San Jao and Diamond, but has one of Surat's best beer gardens, sit-นี่.

Diamond Night Market. One of the largest night markets in Surat Thani. Good variety of food.

Kampan. A cut above your average Thai restaurant. Small menu, great choice of beer and whiskey. Mix of Thai and Western music, with a live Thai band.

Zaab Eli Der 2. This Thai Isan restaurant is located on a lotus pond. Indoor and outdoor seating. Menu is in Thai only but has pictures.

BaanBonKhao ViewSuay. On a hill, BaanBonKhao ViewSuay has amazing views of nearby mountains and the surrounding rubber tree farms. Has an extensive menu of Thai food including hard to find local specialties. Menu is in Thai only.

Vanilla Cafe & Bistro. Closest thing that Surat Thani has to “fine dining”, along with Day & Night. Offers Thai, southern Thai, European, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese fusion dishes.

Day & Night Restaurant. Opened in 2016, Day & Night is Surat Thani's fine dining restaurant. Enormous drink menu with imported beer, wine and spirits. Their menu includes pizza, salad, burgers, lamb, salmon, and Canadian lobster. Indoor and outdoor seating. Popular wedding venue. Same owners have a restaurant of the same name in Phuket.

Jae Tom Vegetarian Restaurant (ร้านอาหารเจเจ๊ต้อม).

Jay Hong Vegan Restaurant (ร้านอาหารเจ เจ๊หงษ์).

Surat Thani Vegetarian. Cafeteria style vegetarian restaurant with a nice garden ambiance. Selection of juices as well as free cleansing tea to go with your meal. Open since 2006.

Lamphu 3 (ลำพู 3). Lampu 3 offers up some of the freshest seafood in Surat Thani. Giant river prawns, shrimp, crab, squid, cockles, fish, and Surat Thani's famous giant oysters. Menu in Thai and English.

Hashi Japanese Restaurant. One of the more expensive Japanese restaurants in town.

On-Zen Japanese Cafe. Formally MyCup Cafe, the building underwent renovations in 2018 and re-opened as On-Zen. This cafe serves Japanese food such as sushi, donburi, ramen, curry, as well as sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

2SISTERs Cafe. Specializes in cakes and Chazen boba tea. Same owners as Baan Cake.

Baan Cake. Known for their young coconut cake.

69 Milk. Specializes in Bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert.

Ice Cream Nam Choke. Homemade ice cream with the option of a frozen egg on top. Famous in Surat Thani for decades. Flavours include: coconut, durian, strawberry, vanilla, coffee, and chocolate.

Yotse. Ice cream served in a Thai fire pot (maw fai/หม้อไฟ) with dry ice added to give it a smoke effect.

Sizzler. All you can eat soup, salad, pasta, and dessert bar. Also offers steak, grilled meat, and burgers.

KFC. 4 branches: Central Plaza, Tesco-Lotus, Coliseum, and Saha Thai

Dairy Queen. 5 branches: Central Plaza (1st FL. and 3rd FL.), Tesco Lotus, Saha Thai, and Big C. Seasonal blizzard flavours include mango and sticky rice, green tea, Thai tea with jelly, and durian.

MK Restaurants. 2 branches: CentralPlaza and Tesco Lotus. Famous for their suki (hot pot) and roast duck.

S&P Restaurant. Thai and Thai-style western dishes.

Chester’s Grill. Specializes in chicken dishes.

Black Canyon Coffee. Large menu offering sandwiches, salads, and steak.

Drink

sit-นี่ (Sit Nee). Outdoor beer garden

Masuk Bar (มาสุข บาร์). Signature shots, cocktails, and fire shows. Also hosts the Surat Thani Teacher bi-monthly pub quiz on occasions.

Mouth 2 Mouth. Cafe & restaurant, food, international beer, cocktail, whisky, wine, and music.

The Grounds Cafe & Hangout. Contender for the best coffee in Muang Surat Thani, The Grounds lives up to its name as a popular hangout spot. Western style breakfast available. Fantastic milkshakes and smoothies.

Sky Koff. A small café at Sky Hill Restaurant with beautiful views of the city.

Kens. A small café overlooking the Khun Thale marsh offering excellent coffee and a Thai-Western menu. Owned by a Thai couple, Ken & Pop, who spent a number of years overseas in Australia.

Renovate Espresso Bar. A small dessert and coffee café with signature drinks flavours like navel orange, coconut, and charcoal.

Sleep

Baan URT Surat Thani Airport Hotel. Clean, comfortable rooms, sells tickets to the island and provides free breakfast and free transfers to the airport.

Ban Don Hotel. A place for really cheap and clean rooms, understandably not fancy. Most rooms don't have air-con or hot water and the entrance is through a cheap restaurant. If you're looking for a place to stay and you're watching your money, it's pretty good value.

Myplace@surat Hotel. Single room, fan, toilet outside, start at 199 baht. Bath inside from 290 baht. Clean good-sized rooms. Free Wi-Fi.

Tapee Hotel. Bright entrance, staffed front desk, and short distance to the market and bus stations. The rooms are older, very clean, and the air-con worked quietly. Five minutes from the waterfront and night market.

Thai Rungruang Hotel. Business hotel. Relatively nice, quiet, clean and good-sized rooms. Some have TV and hot water (probably just the air-con rooms). Wi-Fi available via username and password for 100 baht/24 hr. The hotel staff are very helpful and polite and speak enough English to answer your questions.

The Port Hostel by Suwatchai. Opened in 2016. Free wifi, shared bathrooms, kitchen with fridge, microwave and rice cooker, rooftop 6F.

100 Islands Resort and Spa. Clean, spacious rooms. Wide range of facilities and amenities including air conditioning, minifridge in the room, a pool, spa, and restaurant on-site.

Princess Park Hotel. Muslim owned and operated. The only Halal hotel in Surat Thani.

Diamond Plaza Hotel. Reputedly the best hotel in town although on a dismal commercial stretch of road.

Naraya Riverside Resort. Modern hotel that backs onto the river. Large outdoor pool, fitness center, and children's playground.