Surat Thani Travel Guide: Ferry Hub to the Gulf Islands

Surat Thani at a glance

Surat Thani is a mainland port city on the Gulf of Thailand coast, primarily significant as the transport hub for the southern Gulf islands — Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Most travellers arrive by bus, train, or plane and continue by ferry without stopping. Those who do stop typically use it as a base for Khao Sok National Park.

The city has a good night market and a workable restaurant scene. The Tapi River runs through the centre and has a pleasant evening promenade.

Getting to the islands

All ferry services to the Gulf islands originate from Surat Thani province:

To Koh Samui — Raja Ferry from Donsak pier (1.5 hours, ฿200 + bus connection). Lomprayah catamaran from city pier (2.5 hours, ฿300). Seatran Ferry from Donsak (2 hours).

To Koh Phangan — Lomprayah from city pier (3.5 hours, ฿350). Raja Ferry via Koh Samui (3 hours total).

To Koh Tao — Lomprayah from city pier (6 hours, ฿600). Songserm overnight ferry from night ferry pier (8 hours, ฿500 — includes a bunk in the cabin).

Combination train/bus/ferry tickets from Bangkok to any island are sold at Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station and travel agents — these are generally the most efficient way to organise the journey. Once on Koh Samui, browse tours and activities on the island to plan excursions before you arrive.

Khao Sok National Park

90km north of Surat Thani. One of the most biodiverse areas in Southeast Asia — the rainforest here is estimated to be 160 million years old, older than the Amazon. The park covers 739 sq km including the Cheow Lan Reservoir (created by the Ratchaprapa Dam in 1987), which has dramatic limestone karsts rising from the water.

Activities: guided jungle walks (gibbons, hornbills, and if lucky, Asian elephants), night safaris by boat on the reservoir, kayaking, and floating raft house accommodation on the lake.

Raft houses on Cheow Lan Reservoir offer an unusual accommodation experience — basic huts on floating platforms with no road access. Most are booked through tour operators in the nearby town of Ratchaprapa.

Getting there: Minivan from Surat Thani bus terminal (1.5 hours, ฿150).

Surat Thani city

Night market (Talat Kaset 1) — The best food option in the city. Open from 5pm, concentrated around the Kaset 1 market area. Good for southern Thai curries (spicier and coconut-heavier than central Thai), satay, and fresh seafood. Most dishes ฿40–80. Try the gaeng tai pla (fermented fish organ curry) — a defining southern Thai dish that is hard to find outside the south.

Tapi River promenade — The riverside walkway has been developed with seating, food vendors, and a pleasant evening atmosphere. Walk from the Kaset market area south along the river for the best stretch.

Monkey Training Centre — Surat Thani province still has working pig-tailed macaque monkey trainers who teach monkeys to harvest coconuts. Controversial as a tourist activity — the training practices are contested. Worth knowing the context before visiting.

Where to stay

Most travellers spend only one night in Surat Thani — either arriving late by train or waiting for a morning ferry. The accommodation is functional rather than luxurious.

Budget: My Place Surat Thani near the Kaset market area has clean rooms from approximately ฿400–600/night as of 2026. Ban Don Hotel near the train station is another solid budget option at similar rates. Both are walkable to food and transport.

Mid-range: The Wangtai Hotel on Talat Mai Road is the most established mid-range hotel with rooms from approximately ฿1,000–1,800/night. Good breakfast and a central location. The Wang Tai also has a pool — useful if you have a full day to wait.

Near Khao Sok: If staying near the national park, Khao Sok Riverside Cottages and Our Jungle House offer bungalows in the forest from approximately ฿800–2,500/night. Raft house accommodation on Cheow Lan Reservoir runs from approximately ฿1,500–3,000/night for a full package including boat transfer, dinner, and breakfast — book through operators in the Ratchaprapa Dam area.

Practical information

Getting there — Flights from Bangkok Don Mueang (1 hour, from ฿900). Overnight train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (9–11 hours, connects to Donsak ferry by bus). Bus from Bangkok (11–12 hours overnight, ฿450–600).

Getting around — Songthaews run within the city (฿10–20). For Donsak pier, take the connecting bus from the bus terminal (1 hour, approximately ฿80) or arrange a taxi (approximately ฿600–800).

Onwards — Most combination bus-ferry tickets include transport to the relevant pier and onward ferry. Book these through your guesthouse or a travel agent in Bangkok — they’re more reliable than organising each leg separately.

Best time — The Gulf coast around Surat Thani has its driest weather from January to August. October and November are the wettest months. For Khao Sok, February to April has the best weather for trekking; the reservoir is fullest (and most scenic) from September to January.

See also: Things to do in Surat Thani · Khao Sok National Park guide · Koh Samui travel guide · Koh Phangan travel guide · Koh Tao travel guide · Bangkok to Koh Samui · Getting around Thailand