Things to Do in Surat Thani: Markets, Temples, and Onwards

Surat Thani is a working Gulf coast city that most travellers see only through the window of a minibus or from the end of a pier. That’s partly fair — the city was built for commerce and fishing, not tourism. But it has enough to occupy an afternoon or evening: one of the better southern Thai night markets, a riverside promenade, and day-trip access to Khao Sok, which is among the best natural areas in southern Thailand.

The Night Market (Talat Kaset 1)

The best reason to spend an evening in Surat Thani rather than rushing straight to the ferry. The market opens around 5pm and runs until 10–11pm, concentrated around the Kaset 1 market building and the surrounding streets.

Southern Thai food is on offer in concentrated form here — spicier and more intensely flavoured than central Thai standards, with a visible influence from the Malay south. Gaeng tai pla (fermented fish organ curry) is the defining southern dish and is available here in several stalls — the flavour is complex and divisive, which makes it more interesting than most. Kanom jeen (rice vermicelli with fish curry sauce) makes a good breakfast or early dinner. Satay, grilled pork, fresh seafood, and pad kra pao round out a credible crawl.

Most dishes cost ฿40–80. The market accepts only cash. Arrive before 7pm for the best selection; popular dishes sell out.

Tapi River Promenade

The Tapi River runs through the centre of Surat Thani and its western bank has been developed into an evening walkway with seating, food vendors, and views of the water. It runs roughly 2 kilometres from the Kaset market area south toward the city pier — a good way to burn a post-dinner hour before bed.

The floating market (Talad Bon Fah) is held on the river on Saturday and Sunday evenings — longtail boats carrying food, fruit, and crafts, with vendors in traditional clothing. More family-oriented than food-market focused, but a reasonable weekend addition.

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya

40 kilometres north of Surat Thani town, this is one of the most historically significant temples in southern Thailand. Chaiya was a centre of the Srivijaya Empire between the 7th and 13th centuries, and the main prang (tower) at Wat Phra Borommathat dates to that period — it is one of the oldest intact religious structures in Thailand. The surrounding museum (entry approximately ฿100 as of 2026) holds Srivijaya-era Buddha images and artefacts.

Getting there: songthaew or bus from Surat Thani’s main bus terminal toward Chaiya (40 minutes, approximately ฿30–50). A taxi or motorbike taxi for a half-day is more practical (approximately ฿400–600 return with waiting time).

Khao Sok National Park (Day Trip)

The most compelling reason to allocate a full day from Surat Thani rather than just passing through. Khao Sok sits 90km to the northwest — a 1.5-hour minivan ride (approximately ฿150) through palm plantations and rubber tree forest.

A day trip from Surat Thani can cover either the jungle village area (riverside walks, short treks, the trail to a freshwater pool) or the lake tour (boat onto Cheow Lan Reservoir, with the option to extend into the Nam Talu Cave). The cave tour requires a half-day on the lake — doable as a long day from Surat Thani, returning in the evening. Most guesthouses and travel agents in Surat Thani organise package day trips (฿800–2,000 depending on the programme).

For a full Khao Sok experience — including overnight raft houses on the lake — a two-night stay is better. See our Khao Sok things-to-do guide for the full breakdown.

Donsak and the Ferry Network

Surat Thani is the mainland transport hub for three of the Gulf’s most-visited islands. Donsak pier (40km east) serves Koh Samui and Koh Phangan by vehicle ferry and high-speed catamaran; Koh Tao services run from the city pier or the night ferry terminal.

If you’re connecting to islands, the practical things to know:

• Raja Ferry to Koh Samui: Bus from Surat Thani bus terminal to Donsak (1 hour, approximately ฿80), then ferry (1.5 hours, approximately ฿120). Vehicle ferry — cars can go.
• Lomprayah catamaran: Leaves from the Surat Thani city pier, drops at Koh Samui (2.5 hours, approximately ฿300), Koh Phangan (3.5 hours, approximately ฿350), Koh Tao (6 hours, approximately ฿600). Foot passengers only.
• Night ferry to Koh Tao: Departs from a separate night ferry pier; a slow boat that includes a bunk cabin (8 hours, approximately ฿500). Arrives early morning — useful for diving or scuba courses that start the same day.
• Combination tickets: Most guesthouses and travel agents sell combined tickets from anywhere in Thailand to any of these islands via Surat Thani. These are simpler than booking each leg separately.

Oyster Farms and the Tapi River Estuary

The Tapi River estuary east of the city supports oyster farming on a significant scale. Several boat tours (approximately ฿300–500/person, arranged through the riverside promenade area) take visitors to the oyster farms where they can try freshly harvested oysters. The estuary mangrove areas also have kingfishers and migratory waders.

Practical Information

Getting to Surat Thani: Flights from Bangkok Don Mueang (1 hour, from approximately ฿900 as of 2026). Overnight train from Bangkok Hua Lamphong (9–11 hours, fan sleeper from approximately ฿500). Bus from Bangkok Southern Terminal (10–12 hours, overnight buses available, approximately ฿400–600).

Getting around town: Songthaews and motorcycle taxis cover the main routes (฿10–30). To Donsak pier: minibus from the bus terminal (approximately ฿80, 1 hour).

Accommodation: Budget options near the Kaset market area include My Place Surat Thani (฿400–600/night). Mid-range: Wangtai Hotel on Talat Mai Road (฿1,000–1,800/night with pool). Most travellers spend just one night.

Best time: The Gulf coast at Surat Thani is driest January to August; wettest October to November. The ferry services run year-round but can be disrupted during serious storms in October–November.

For tours on Koh Samui and the islands, browse Koh Samui tours and activities.

See also: Khao Sok National Park guide · Koh Samui guide · Koh Phangan guide