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Surat Thani

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City
—°8
Surat Thani (Thailand)
ℹ️

Practical info — Surat Thani

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the San Chao Night Market for the most authentic local street food in the evening.
  • If traveling to the islands, book combined bus and ferry tickets at the train station or airport for convenience.
  • Take a night boat trip on the Tapi River to see fireflies in the mangrove trees.
  • The City Pillar Shrine is a beautiful spot for photography, especially during sunset.
  • Always agree on the fare before starting your journey in a local tuk-tuk.

🍽 Food

🍽
Chaiya Salted Duck Eggs

A famous local specialty, often sold as souvenirs in local markets.

🍽
Fresh Seafood by the Tapi River

Look for riverside restaurants for the freshest daily catches.

🍽
Surat Thani Oysters

The region is renowned for its exceptionally large and sweet oysters.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
San Chao Night Market

The premier spot for affordable clothing, snacks, and local crafts.

🛍
Surat Thani Floating Market

A traditional market area by the river, great for local goods on weekends.

🧘
Ko Lamphu Park

A peaceful island in the river, excellent for jogging or a quiet picnic.

🧘
Tapi River Walkway

A relaxing spot for a stroll away from the main city traffic.

Surat Thani, which translates to 'City of Good People,' is the capital of the eponymous province and a vital transportation hub in Southern Thailand. The city is situated near the mouth of the Tapi River as it flows into the Gulf of Thailand, with a history tracing back to the Srivijaya Empire. Its current name was bestowed in 1915 by King Rama VI, who was inspired by the devotion and hospitality of the local population. For many travelers, Surat Thani serves as the primary gateway to the renowned islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, hosting several major ferry terminals. Economically, the region is a powerhouse for the production of natural rubber, palm oil, and seafood exports. Alongside its modern urban growth, Surat Thani maintains deep-rooted traditions, such as the annual Chak Phra festival marking the end of Buddhist Lent. The surrounding landscape features lush mangroves and intricate canals, earning the city the moniker 'Venice of the South.'

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252627282827262626262625
Rain mm12331110104217221223216264276320224

Live webcam – Surat Thani

See what it looks like near Surat Thani right now.

Surat Thani · 1.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com

Geography

Population
132,040 (2026)
Coordinates
9.13300, 99.33300

Facts

  • King Rama VI renamed the city to Surat Thani in 1915.
  • Surat Thani is the largest province in Southern Thailand by land area.
  • The Tapi River, at 230 kilometers, is the longest river in the south.
  • The city acts as a major junction for the Southern railway line to Malaysia.
  • Phra Borommathat Chaiya is a significant 8th-century Srivijaya-era relic.
  • The coastal oyster farms are among the largest and most productive in Thailand.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Surat Thani (8)

Wat Phothawat⛪ religious

A serene temple complex in Surat Thani, featuring traditional Thai Buddhist architecture and peaceful grounds for contemplation.

Wat Dai Dhammaram⛪ religious

Located in Surat Thani, this Buddhist place of worship serves as a spiritual retreat and a center for local religious community activities.

Viewpoint to Bridge🌿 nature

An observation spot along the riverbanks offering clear, scenic views of the local bridge spanning the water in Surat Thani.

Tapee River Viewpoint 🌿 nature

Situated along the banks of the Tapee River, this viewpoint provides sweeping panoramas of the flowing water and passing boats.

St. Raphael cathedral⛪ religious

Serving the local Catholic community in Surat Thani, this prominent cathedral is a symbol of the Christian presence in the region.

Ko Lamphu Park🌳 park

A public park situated on a small island in the Tapee River, offering a green sanctuary for jogging, picnicking, and outdoor recreation.

City Pillar Shrine📍 landmark

A highly revered Buddhist shrine housing the city pillar of Surat Thani, featuring intricate architectural details and serving as a focal point for civic ceremonies.

Wat Klang📍 landmark

This central Buddhist temple is an integral part of daily life in Surat Thani, easily accessible and frequently visited by locals for daily prayers.

Frequently asked questions

Why travel to Surat Thani?
It is the gateway to islands like Koh Samui.
Are there beaches there?
Not in the city itself, you have to go to the islands.
What is the best way to reach the islands?
Ferries depart daily from the pier.
What is typical for the region?
The oysters and the river market are very well known.
When is the rainy season?
Between September and November it rains the most.
Surat Thani: where is it located?
Surat Thani is located in Thailand.
Surat Thani: what is there to see?
Highlights include Wat Phothawat, Wat Dai Dhammaram, Viewpoint to Bridge.
Surat Thani: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Surat Thani: why is it worth visiting?
Surat Thani, which translates to 'City of Good People,' is the capital of the eponymous province and a vital transportation hub in Southern Thailand.
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