Itineraries for Your Trip to Surat Thani
2 Days in Surat Thani for First Timers
My first visit to Surat Thani was for the same reason that most backpackers in Thailand come to this unassuming coastal town—for the ferry. I had planned to head straight to the port, where regular ferries run to the Gulf islands of Koh Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Koh Tao. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as it turned out), I missed my ferry and spent an impromptu evening in Surat Thani instead. This spontaneous visit, along with several consequent stays, led me to discover one of the region’s least-touristy towns, which has lively markets, beautiful temples, and several national parks on its doorstep. If you’re en route to the islands, two days in Surat Thani makes a worthwhile addition to your trip—here’s how to spend it.
If you only have time for one thing, make it tucking into street food at the night market.
Dodge the humidity by planning sightseeing for the cooler morning and evening hours.
It's best to explore Surat Thani’s compact Old Town on foot, and a guided walking tour is a great way to learn more about local history and customs. Stroll around the open-air food market (on Sunday mornings, there’s a small floating market along the river) and admire the all-white Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine and Wat Phothawat, the town’s two main temples.
You’ll need your own transport (taxis and motorbike taxis are easy to find) to visit Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, a striking Srivijaya temple about an hour’s drive north of Surat Thani. Combine your visit with a scenic forest walk to see the 20th-century monastery of Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, where you might even be able to join the monks for a guided meditation. Alternatively, spend the day exploring striking Koh Samui.
Surat Thani’s nightlife is a world away from the buzzing backpacker hubs of the Gulf Islands. Instead, take a sunset stroll along the riverfront and around Ko Lamphu Island, then relax and unwind with a traditional Thai massage—there are several massage parlors to choose from in the Old Town.
Ancient rainforest blankets the landscapes of Khao Sok National Park, about an hour’s drive west of Surat Thani, which is the most rewarding of the region’s many day trips. Take the wheel of an ATV for a guided off-road excursion and explore the wild jungle trails, visiting a rubber plantation and spotting wildlife along the way.
Set sail on a boat cruise around Ratchaprapha Dam with dramatic views of the park’s karst cliffs and rainforest-clad hills. After lunch at one of the lakefront restaurants, stop by Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see rare wildlife, including clouded leopards, Storm’s storks, and Asian golden cats. Or, if elephants are on your bucket list, head to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary for a rewarding afternoon.
One of the highlights of Surat Thani is its excellent street food, and there’s plenty of choice at the night market, which stretches over several streets in the Old Town. Local specialties have a seafood theme: Try a spicy crab curry, squid ink soup, or fried fish balls, followed by sweet coconut pancakes.