Direct Ferry Access to All Three Islands
Major ferry companies like Lomprayah, Seatran, and Raja Ferry operate daily services from Donsak Pier, just an hour’s drive from Surat Thani city or airport.

Koh Samui: 1.5 to 2 hours

Koh Phangan: 2 to 2.5 hours

Koh Tao: 4 to 5 hours (via Koh Phangan)

Multiple Transport Options
Whether you’re flying into Surat Thani Airport (URT), arriving by train from Bangkok, or coming by overnight bus, the city offers seamless island transfer services via shuttles and package tickets.

Budget-Friendly Alternative
Surat Thani is a more affordable transit point compared to flying directly to Koh Samui’s private airport. It’s popular among backpackers and cost-conscious travelers.

Great Base for Exploring Mainland Attractions
While most pass through, Surat Thani province itself offers waterfalls, national parks, and authentic Thai culture—including Ratchaprapha Dam (Cheow Lan Lake) in Khao Sok National Park.

Reliable Year-Round Access
Even during monsoon transitions, Surat Thani offers more ferry flexibility and updated weather routes, especially for Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.__________________________________________________________________________

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya (วัดพระบรมธาตุไชยา)
Located in Chaiya District, this ancient temple is one of southern Thailand’s most revered Buddhist sites, dating back over 1,200 years to the Srivijaya Empire. Its central stupa (chedi) is in the Srivijaya architectural style and is believed to house relics of the Buddha.

Wat Suan Mokkh (Suan Mokkhaphalaram)
Founded by the renowned monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, Suan Mokkh is a serene forest monastery and meditation retreat center located in Chaiya. It emphasizes simplicity, mindfulness, and Dhamma study.

Wat Trai Thammaram (วัดไตรธรรมาราม)
Located near Surat Thani city center, this temple features elegant Thai-style architecture and serene surroundings, making it a quiet spiritual stop within the urban area.

Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine (ศาลหลักเมืองสุราษฎร์ธานี)
This revered shrine, with its distinct southern design, is dedicated to the guardian spirit of the city. Locals frequently stop to pray for prosperity and protection.

Wat Khao Suwan Pradit (วัดเขาสุวรรณประดิษฐ์)
Perched on a hill in Don Sak District, this temple offers sweeping views of the coastline and distant islands. The golden Buddha and peaceful setting make it a hidden gem for those heading to or from the ferry pier.__________________________________________________________________________

Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam)
This man-made lake is the crown jewel of Khao Sok, known for its emerald-green water, towering karst formations, and floating raft houses.

Jungle Hiking & Wildlife Watching
Khao Sok is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests, with trails that take you through dense jungle, waterfalls, and wildlife habitats. Keep an eye out for hornbills, gibbons, langurs, and rare plants like the Rafflesia flower (the world’s largest bloom).

Canoeing & River Tubing
Explore the Sok River by canoe or tube, drifting past limestone cliffs and lush rainforest while listening to birdsong and the rustle of wildlife.

Night Safari & Jungle Sounds
Join a guided night walk to experience the sounds and sights of the jungle after dark—spotting frogs, snakes, insects, and nocturnal creatures.

Eco-Lodges & Treehouse Stays
Stay in rustic treehouses or eco-resorts nestled in the jungle. These accommodations blend comfort with nature and often include packages with meals and guided tours.__________________________________________________________________________

Tapi River Cruises
The Tapi River runs through Surat Thani city and its outskirts, offering boat rides that pass by lush mangroves, stilt houses, and fishing communities.

Homestays in Ban Phum Riang (Chaiya)
This charming Muslim fishing and weaving village offers community-based tourism experiences, including boat rides, traditional textile weaving, and southern Thai cooking.

Coconut & Rubber Plantations
Explore the agricultural backbone of the province with visits to coconut farms (where the iconic Surat coconuts are grown) and rubber tapping demonstrations in local plantations.

Local Markets & Riverbank Culture
Stroll through riverside markets like Talad Tai Rom Yen or morning village markets where locals trade fish, fruits, herbs, and snacks in a casual, community-centered setting.

Eco-Tourism in Phunphin District
Just west of Surat Thani city, this area offers kayaking, organic farms, and visits to Buddhist temples tucked along the riverbanks.__________________________________________________________________________

Chak Phra Festival (งานชักพระ)
One of the most important and iconic festivals in Surat Thani, Chak Phra celebrates the Buddha’s symbolic return from heaven. Long, ornately decorated floats carrying Buddha images are paraded on land and pulled along the Tapi River by boats.
When: Annually in October, immediately after Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa).

Surat Thani Songkran Festival
Thailand’s famous water festival is celebrated here with a mix of fun and tradition. Locals pour water on elders for blessings, clean Buddha statues, and then join in citywide water fights.
When: April 13–15

Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) Ceremonies
Marking the beginning of the three-month rains retreat for monks, this spiritual festival features candle processions, merit-making rituals, and temple visits.
When: July (exact date varies by lunar calendar)

Coconut Festival (งานเทศกาลมะพร้าว)
Celebrating Surat Thani’s reputation as a top coconut producer, this local event showcases everything coconut—from crafts to cooking to climbing competitions.
When: Usually held in late summer (August–September)

Southern Shadow Puppet Festival (Nang Talung)
This traditional art form is celebrated during cultural fairs and temple festivals, where puppet shows, folk music, and storytelling entertain all ages.
When: Various dates, often during temple fairs or cultural events in rural areas.__________________________________________________________________________

Great Value for Accommodation & Food
From charming guesthouses and riverside homestays to clean, simple hotels, Surat Thani offers excellent stays at a fraction of the price compared to island resorts. Local eateries serve delicious Thai food for less than 50 THB per meal.

Cheaper Gateway to the Islands
Flying or traveling into Surat Thani and taking a ferry to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Koh Tao is far more affordable than flying directly to Koh Samui’s private airport.

Free and Low-Cost Attractions
Enjoy river walks, local temples, vibrant markets, and lakeside views without entrance fees. Natural attractions like Khao Sok National Park offer jungle treks and lake adventures that are surprisingly affordable, especially when shared in small group tours.

Less Crowded, More Authentic
Surat Thani's rural towns and riverside communities offer genuine Thai experiences untouched by mass tourism. Visit fishing villages, coconut farms, or join a homestay for a cultural exchange that costs little but offers great value.

Markets & Local Shopping
Night markets in Surat Thani city and surrounding districts are treasure troves of cheap local snacks, crafts, and fashion—ideal for travelers wanting to support local vendors without breaking the bank. __________________________________________________________________________

Surat Thani Airport (URT)
Served by multiple low-cost airlines, the airport offers frequent flights to and from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and other key Thai cities—making it an accessible and budget-friendly entry point to the south.

Phunphin Railway Station
Located just outside the city, this is a key stop on Thailand’s southern railway line. Comfortable overnight trains connect Surat Thani directly with Bangkok and Hua Hin.

Regional Bus Terminals
Surat Thani has a reliable network of buses and minivans linking travelers to Phuket, Krabi, Hat Yai, and other major towns in southern Thailand.

Donsak Pier – Gateway to the Islands
Located about 90 minutes from the city or airport, Donsak Pier is the departure point for ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Ferry companies like Lomprayah, Seatran, and Raja Ferry offer multiple sailings daily.

Combo Transfers and Travel Agents
Travel agents and kiosks at the airport, train station, and city center offer combo tickets that include minibus transfers to the pier and ferry rides to the islands.

Local Transportation Options
Taxis, shared songthaews (red trucks), tuk-tuks, and minivans operate throughout the city, connecting key points like the airport, city center, train station, and bus terminals.__________________________________________________________________________