There are many great places to visit in Thailand, but for those seeking something a little different, Surat Thani is the perfect place to go. This underrated province offers visitors a chance to explore traditional Thai culture, enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area and see monkeys swing from rows upon rows of towering trees like Tarzan.
There are several reasons to visit the Surat Thani in Thailand. First, it’s a great place to experience the laid-back vibe of a beach town. Second, it’s a relaxing destination that offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and excitement. Third, there are numerous places to eat and drink, which means there’s virtually no shortage of options when it comes to dining out—whether it be authentic Thai flavors or savory international delights. Finally, there’s a wealth of cultural experiences to be enjoyed as well.
So if you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok and its surrounding areas, then Surat Thani is a perfect choice!
Much like the rest of Thailand, the Surat Thani also has a tropical climate. This means the average temperatures vary little, regardless of the season. Having said that, the weather plays a large role in determining when the island would see the most number of visitors.
During the rainy season, the temperatures will range between 33 to 34 degrees during the mornings and 22 to 24 degrees at night. The rainiest month is May, which sees an average of 27 rainy days.
The warm season is the best season to visit Surat Thani as there is plenty of sunshine and very few days of rainfall. During this time, the average high temperature ranges between 33 to 36 degrees.
There are plenty of people who come to Surat Thani during the transitional period. However, it’s some of the hottest months on the island, and you’re likely to find yourself sweating while traveling, which doesn’t make for a comfortable trip.
The months between December to February are considered the best time to visit Surat Thani. While the peak season does have the best atmosphere if you’re looking for a lively vibe, the prices are at their highest at this time.
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The rainiest seasons are between March and May, meaning it’s the slowest month in tourism. However, it’s a great time to visit if you’re hoping to save some money as accommodation and destinations cost less.
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The Surat Thani is one of the southernmost provinces in the country and is bordered by Phangnga (Laos) to the north, Ranong Province to the west, Krabi, and Phuket to the south, and the Andaman Sea to the east. There are plenty of ways to go to Surat Thani.
Here are the best ways to get to Surat Thani.
There are several budget airlines that depart from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport to Surat Thani Airport, namely Air Asia, Thai Lion Air, and Nok Air. The flights go out at least 10 times a day and are a great choice for a cheaper trip. That being said, there is no free food or drinks on board. There’s also limited space for legroom and checked luggage is often not included in the price.
If you’re looking for a bit more comfort, and you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can always take a flight to Surat Thani from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. Thai Airways, the carrier that services trips from the capital to Surat Thani, offers onboard meals and other extras.
Flight prices can vary, depending on the season. During the low and shoulder seasons, flight tickets from Bangkok to Surat Thani cost the same as train tickets. During the peak season, however, flight prices can cost double or triple that, especially if you don’t book months in advance.
Once you arrive at Surat Thani International Airport, you can take a tuk-tuk or catch a bus to the town center.
There are pros and cons to taking a train to Surat Thani. Trains are way more comfortable than buses, especially if you book a sleeper train where you can doze away part of your trip. Additionally, you can also savor the views of Thailand’s sleepy towns, rice paddies, lush countryside greens, and Thai living as you speed along to your destination.
Train tickets cost less than flight tickets and stay the same price even during the peak season. That being said, trains can take between 10 to 12 hours to get to your destination.
All trains depart Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station and arrive at Surat Thani train station, which is located 15 kilometers outside the city. You can take a bus or tuk-tuk to the city center or your hotel.
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, buses are the cheapest way to travel to Surat Thani. Buses depart from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, Eastern Bus Terminal, and Chatuchak Terminal.
Buses take about the same time as trains to reach their destination. Most buses offer air-conditioned coaches with reclining seats. In addition to regular buses, VIP buses to Surat Thani are also available. VIP buses offer more legroom, hot meals, and seats that recline even further.
All bus tickets can be booked through an online portal or bought directly at the station. However, if you’re traveling during the peak season, booking in advance is the best choice. If you wait till the last minute to buy your tickets, you might find yourself waiting for a later trip.
Surat Thani is well connected by car, motorcycle, and scooter. But while many of the roads in Surat Thani are paved, some areas have uneven and unpaved dirt roads.
Having said that, there are plenty of travel options within the province. Here’s a guide.
The easiest way to get around Surat is by walking. There are lots of nice parks and beaches in the city, and it’s relatively flat so you won’t have to worry about hills. The riverfront area in Ban Don is also very conducive to leisurely strolls. The benefit of walking is that you can see all the attractions at your own pace and it’s free!
Once you get to Surat Thani, you can hire a bicycle for about 100 Thai Baht per day. Much like walking, going around on a bicycle will give you the chance to take in the scenery for free.
Bicycles can be rented at streetside stalls and My Place Hotel.
There are two types of motorbikes that you can use to travel around Surat Thani: the kind that you drive and the kind that’s already being driven.
Motorbikes can be rented from X Motorbike Rentals located on Soi 9 Karunrat Road. There are also motorbike rental shops directly across the street from the City Pillar Shrine between Talad Mai and Bandon roads.
If you don’t have an international driving license, you can hire a motorbike to take you around the province for about 300 THB per day.
Surat Thani is much smaller than most other capitals. Nonetheless, it still has plenty to offer visitors, especially those who are looking for an authentic Thai experience rather than a tourist trap. There are also many hotels to choose from, with everything from boutique guesthouses to luxury resorts available.
While there are some great stays outside the city center, many areas in the province are still underdeveloped, which makes them harder to go to. As such, we recommend staying in the city center instead.
The Surat Thani city center has plenty of accommodation options to choose from, with prices ranging from hostels to luxury stays. In addition to great stays, the city center has rows upon rows of restaurants and bars serving classic Thai eats, including fish dumplings, curries, and fresh noodles. There are also open-air markets where vendors serve mouthwatering street food and refreshments.
There are so many things to do in Surat Thani, there’s almost not enough time in the day to get to them all. This fascinating corner of the country has plenty of character and history, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure. From beaches that dazzle and outdoor activities galore to stunning temples and museums, there are plenty of places you won’t want to miss.
If you are wondering what to do in Surat Thani, read on to find out more about just that.
If you are a nature enthusiast, Surat Thani is the perfect place to visit. The province is marked with lush green forests, rolling hills, and an incredibly diverse amount of flora and wildlife. In addition to reconnecting with nature, you’ll also have a range of opportunities to go elephant trekking, jungle hikes, canoeing, river rafting, and more activities!
If there’s anything Thailand is known for, it’s food. Many places in the country offer mouthwatering dishes that you’re unlikely to forget at any time in the future, and the plates served in Surat Thani are no exception.
There are three amazing night markets in Surat Thani, each of which houses vendors that serve traditional Thai cuisine and street food. If you’re looking for something fresh, however, you can catch your own oyster at the farms and give yourself a chance to experience the best seafood.
The world-famous Full Moon Party is an event that deserves a category of its own. It’s arguably the biggest and wildest party in Southeast Asia, with tens of thousands of people in attendance every full moon.
The Full Moon Party allegedly began in the mid-1980s when a group of backpackers threw a party on the beach the night of the full moon. There’s really no set account of that night, but it did pave the way for a memorable event.
Today, guests who come to the Full Moon Party are treated to rows upon rows of bars that blast different music from their sound system. The beach is also lined with vendors selling alcohol, glow-in-the-dark paint, and mouthwatering bites. Additionally, the beach also transforms into a stage for fire dancers to showcase their mesmerizing performances.
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