How to get to Surat Thani

When planning a visit to Surat Thani, you are heading to a key transport hub in southern Thailand that serves as the main gateway to the picturesque islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Whether you choose to travel by plane, train, bus, or car, the question of how to reach the city is easily solved thanks to the region's developed infrastructure and convenient geographical location.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the region is by air. Surat Thani Airport (URT) is located approximately 20 kilometres west of the city centre and serves as a vital transport hub for the province. Regular flights arrive daily from Bangkok, allowing tourists to reach their destination in just over an hour, bypassing tiring overland journeys.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into neighbouring tourist hubs such as Koh Samui or Krabi, which are located within a radius of 100–120 kilometres. However, a direct flight to Surat Thani often proves to be a more budget-friendly option. Upon arrival, travellers can easily use buses or taxis to reach the city or proceed directly to the ferry terminals.

Travelling by rail through Thailand is an atmospheric and budget-friendly way to reach the southern provinces while enjoying views of tropical nature. Although there is no railway station directly in the centre of Surat Thani, the city is served by the major Phunphin station, located just 15 kilometres to the west. It is here that night and day express trains from Bangkok arrive, bringing the main flow of travellers to this region.

If you are planning a complex route through the south of the country, you might also consider travelling via Nakhon Si Thammarat, which has its own railway station, though this will require an additional transfer. Regular buses and taxis constantly run from Phunphin station to the city centre or the piers, so the absence of tracks within the city limits causes no inconvenience to tourists.

Bus services connect Surat Thani with most neighbouring provinces, offering scenic routes through dense tropical forests and plantations. A trip from Krabi, popular among tourists, will take about 3–4 hours, during which the bus covers approximately 160 kilometres of road winding among impressive limestone cliffs.

For those travelling from the historic city of Nakhon Si Thammarat, the journey will be even shorter: comfortable minivans cover the distance of 140 kilometres in an average of 2–3 hours. A convenient combined transfer is also established from Koh Samui, including a ferry crossing and a subsequent bus ride from Don Sak pier directly to the mainland's main transport hubs.

Travelling by car through Thailand's southern provinces allows you to plan your own stops and enjoy the views of tropical forests. A well-paved highway connects Surat Thani with the popular resort of Krabi: the distance of 154 kilometres can be covered in approximately 2.5 hours. You can arrive even faster, in just over 2 hours, from historic Nakhon Si Thammarat, driving about 141 kilometres.

The combined route from Koh Samui deserves special attention, as it includes a picturesque ferry crossing to the mainland. The total length of such a journey is about 120 kilometres, and the travel time, including the ferry, will take around 3.5 hours. For those who prefer maximum comfort and privacy, booking a private taxi is available: drivers know the optimal routes, and travelling in a cool, air-conditioned cabin will save you from the hassle of handling luggage.

A journey to Surat Thani is an opportunity to see the authentic life of the southern region of Thailand without the crowds of tourists typical of popular resorts. To ensure your trip is as comfortable and worry-free as possible, we have prepared several important recommendations that will be useful for every traveller.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is hot and humid year-round, so opt for light, modest clothing made from natural breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. During the monsoon season (usually May to December), be sure to carry a raincoat. When visiting Buddhist temples, respectful attire covering shoulders and knees is mandatory.
2. Transport: It is convenient to get around the city by songthaew (pickup trucks with bench seats in the back) or motorcycle taxis—these are the most budget-friendly options. If you take a regular taxi or tuk-tuk, be sure to negotiate the price of the trip in advance, as drivers do not always use the meter.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Thai Baht. Major shopping centres and hotels accept bank cards, but at night markets, street cafes, and small shops, you can only pay with cash. We recommend exchanging money at banks or official exchange bureaus in the city centre.
4. Health and Safety: Never drink tap water; buy only bottled water with a sealed cap. It is also worth stocking up on high-quality repellents: in the tropical climate, mosquitoes can be active not only in the evening but also during the day.
5. Communication: Unlike the tourist islands, not all locals in the city itself speak English. Install an offline translator on your smartphone and learn a couple of basic phrases ("hello", "thank you")—this will help establish contact and build rapport with people.
6. Local Etiquette: Thailand is the land of smiles and restraint. It is not customary to shout loudly or argue in public—this is considered "losing face." When entering private homes, temples, and even some shops and massage parlours, be sure to remove your shoes.
7. What to Avoid: Categorically refrain from any critical remarks or jokes regarding the Royal Family of Thailand. This is a very sensitive topic; disrespect towards the monarchy is punishable by law and carries serious consequences.
8. Dining Advice: Surat Thani is renowned for its large oysters and salted duck eggs. Be sure to try these delicacies at the local market, but do be cautious with the spiciness of dishes—the phrase "mai phet" (not spicy) might save your dinner.

By following these simple rules, you can avoid awkward situations and safely immerse yourself in the colourful atmosphere of the province. Be polite, smile at the locals, and this hospitable city will reveal its very best side to you.