Surat Thani doesn\’t get much attention — most travelers pass through without stopping. But understanding how it works is essential for anyone traveling between Bangkok and the Gulf islands. This guide explains every connection through Surat Thani, including the best hotels if you need to overnight.
Getting to Surat Thani
From Bangkok
Three options: fly (AirAsia/Nok Air from DMK, ~1h 20min, from ~$20 USD), overnight train from Hua Lamphong (~9–10 hours, from ~250 THB), or overnight bus (~9–10 hours, ~$12–18 USD).
✈️ [Travelpayouts Kiwi widget: Flights Bangkok → Surat Thani (URT)]
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Bangkok → Surat Thani train or bus]
From Hat Yai (Coming from Malaysia)
Bus from Hat Yai Bus Terminal to Surat Thani — approximately 3–4 hours, ~200 THB. Several departures daily. Alternatively overnight train from Hat Yai to Surat Thani — fan sleeper from ~300 THB.
🎟 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Hat Yai → Surat Thani bus or train]
Onward Ferries from Surat Thani
All ferries depart from Don Sak Pier, approximately 60 km east of Surat Thani city. Most ferry operators include a minivan transfer from Surat Thani city/airport to Don Sak in the ticket price.
- → Koh Samui (Nathon Pier): Seatran Discovery and Raja Ferry, ~1.5 hours, ~200 THB. Multiple daily.
- → Koh Phangan (Thong Sala): ~2.5 hours, ~250 THB.
- → Koh Tao: ~6 hours by Raja Ferry (overnight) or ~3.5 hours by Lomprayah speedboat.
🚤 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Surat Thani → Koh Samui ferry]
🚤 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Surat Thani → Koh Phangan ferry]
🚤 [Travelpayouts 12Go widget: Surat Thani → Koh Tao ferry]
If You Need to Stay Overnight in Surat Thani
Surat Thani city has a good selection of budget and mid-range hotels near the bus and train stations. The night market along Ton Pho Road is genuinely excellent — one of southern Thailand\’s best for local food. If you arrive late from Bangkok and the first ferry is the next morning, staying a night here is a perfectly pleasant option.
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels in Surat Thani city]
Surat Thani Airport Hotels
If you have an early flight out of Surat Thani Airport, several hotels are located close to the terminal — useful for avoiding a city-to-airport taxi at 04:00.
🏨 [Travelpayouts Hotellook/Agoda widget: Hotels near Surat Thani Airport]
Related Guides
- Kuala Lumpur to Koh Samui
- Hat Yai to Koh Samui
- Koh Samui to Koh Phangan Ferry
- Gulf of Thailand Island Hopping
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