SURAT THANI
Surat Thani is a popular gateway to the Gulf of Thailand islands, such as Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, and also offers inland natural attractions like Khao Sok National Park and Rajjaprabha Dam. While the city itself is a bustling commercial hub, it also features local culture with sites like the Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya temple and the Tapee River for seafood dining.
POPULAR ATTRACTIONS:
- Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine
- Pracha Rat Floating Market, Bang Bai Mai
- Central Surat Thani
- Khao Sok National Park
- Surat Thani Rama 9 Public Park
- Ko Lamphu
- Ko Samui
- Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya
- Cheow Lan Lake
- Karma Two Palms Beach
POPULAR MARKETS:
- Surat Thani Night Market (Sanja Night Market): A popular destination for both locals and tourists, this market is conveniently located near the pier and offers a wide variety of food and shopping options.
- Pracha Rat Floating Market: Located in Bang Bai Mai, this market is primarily open on Sundays. It’s a vibrant spot to find local crafts, traditional foods, and fresh fruits.
- Surat Thani Walking Street: This is another weekend market, typically open on Saturdays and Sundays, that offers a unique shopping experience.
CULTURAL & CULINARY EXPERIENCES:
- Surat Thani is known for its use of local ingredients, such as GI-certified oysters from Kanchanadit and Chaiya salted eggs.
- A unique dish reflecting local culinary heritage is Moo Hong Terrine, a dish inspired by Southern Chinese Hokkien cuisine. The city also features popular dishes like coconut pudding with fruits.
Ancient history: The city was originally named “Bandon” (“high village”) before being changed to “Surat Thani” (“city of virtuous people”) in 1915.
WHY VISIT:
Surat Thani for its natural beauty, especially for access to Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake, and as a convenient gateway to Thailand’s southern islands like Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. The city also offers local cultural experiences like night markets, the Rock Fish Museum, and unique opportunities like firefly watching along the Tappy River.
HOW TO GET THERE:
From the Phuket to Surat Thani, you can take a Car or Bus.
From the Bangkok to Surat Thani, you can take a Car or Bus or Flight.
BEST TIME TO VISIT:
April to November: Good weather for the islands in the Lower Gulf, though this can be the rainy season for some parts of Thailand.
January to March: This is the most reliable dry season for the Lower Gulf islands, offering the most sunshine and calmest seas.
October to December: The Lower Gulf islands have their peak rainfall during these months.
May and September: This period offers a pleasant weather before or after the peak of the rainy season.