The largest province in southern Thailand has coconut plantations, Buddhist temples, and access to Ko Samui island. Local night markets sell fresh seafood and regional sweets.
Surat Thani sits along the Tapi River, where fishing boats dock and market vendors sell fresh catches each morning. While many travelers use the city as a gateway to Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao islands, you'll find 1,500-year-old Buddhist temples in Chaiya, giant Rafflesia flowers blooming in Khao Sok National Park, and riverside villages where locals still fish with traditional nets and traps.
Getting to the Islands
From Surat Thani, three main ferry companies - Lomprayah, Seatran, and Raja - run daily services to Ko Samui (2 hours), Ko Pha Ngan (4 hours), and Ko Tao (7 hours). The ferries leave from the city pier and Don Sak pier, 60km east of the city. You can buy combined bus-ferry tickets from the city center, including hotel pickup. Book your ferry tickets at least three days ahead during December to February, especially for morning departures.
Exploring Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park's rainforest has existed for 160 million years. At its heart, Cheow Lan Lake spreads between 300-meter limestone cliffs, creating waterways that lead to small bays and caves. You can sleep in floating bungalows on the lake, from basic wooden rooms to modern air-conditioned units. Walking trails run from 3km to 12km, and between December and March, you might spot white-handed gibbons, great hornbills, or the giant Rafflesia flower, which grows up to one meter wide.
Local Markets and River Life
Food vendors set up at the night market on Namueang Road from 5 PM. Try southern Thai specialties like khanom jeen (rice noodles with curry), grilled fish, and local-style tom yum soup. At Ban Don market by the river, fishermen sell their morning catch, including oysters from nearby farms. Long-tail boats take you along the Tapi River past wooden houses on stilts, while smaller canals wind through mangrove forests where you'll see locals catching fish with nets and bamboo traps.
Traditional Festivals
During October's Chak Phra Festival, boats carrying Buddha statues move down the Tapi River as local groups perform music and dance on the banks. At the same time, Chinese shrines across the city celebrate the Vegetarian Festival with meat-free versions of local dishes and twice-daily ceremonies. In April, Songkran celebrations include water splashing in the streets and morning temple visits where people pour scented water over Buddha images.
Weather and Best Times to Visit
December to February brings steady temperatures around 28°C (82°F) with minimal rain. From March to May, temperatures climb above 33°C (91°F) - plan your walks and sightseeing before 11 AM or after 4 PM. May to December sees regular afternoon rain, peaking in October and November. During these months, schedule your activities in the morning when the weather tends to be clearer.
