Surat Thani (สุราษฎร์ธานี) is a city and a province on the Central Gulf Coast of southern Thailand.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons contributors.
Surat Thani (often just "Surat") is the largest province of southern Thailand. Surat Thani means City of Good People, the title given to the city by King Vajiravudh (Rama VI). It is a gateway to the islands of Thailand's Gulf Coast: Ko Samui, Ko Pha Ngan, and Ko Tao are much-visited destinations, as well as Ang Thong National Marine Park and the famous Khao Sok National Park. 1 Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Talad Mai Rd, ☏ +66 77-288-818. M-F 08:30-16:30. The TAT office on Talad Mai Road is the only government tourism office on mainland Surat Thani. TAT has brochures and maps for both local tourist destinations as well as those in other provinces.
Tuk-tuks cost around 10-20 baht/per person around the town. Hail one on any major road with a wave or yell, negotiate a fare, and sit on the bench in the back. 17 X Motorbike Rentals, Soi 9 Karunrat Rd, ☏ +66 83 968 7298 (mobile), sontayareffa@gmail.com. Daily 08:00-20:00. Offers motorbike rentals and full time mechanical services. Free delivery and pickup. Free motorbike riding lessons and help with Thai licensing also available. Car hire services are available at Surat Thani International Airport. Avis, ☏ +66 85 484 8010 (mobile). Daily 07:00-21:00. Hertz, ☏ +66 77 441 323. Daily 08:00-20:00. Sixt, ☏ +66 81 453 6611 (mobile). Daily 07:00-20:00.
1 Bang Bai Mai Floating Market (ตลาดน้ำประชารัฐบางใบไม้). Sundays 09:00-15:00. A "must see" in Surat Thani, this picturesque riverside market offers a range of ready-to-eat foods. The market also features a large fish pond, live music, and canal boat rides (at a cost). This market is on Sundays only and even though it's open until 15:00, it’s best to go before noon. 2 City Pillar Shrine (ศาสหลีกเมือง). Daily 07:00-18:00. Former site of the provincial administration building. The building was first destroyed when the Japanese invaded Thailand on 8 December 1941 and landed in Surat Thani. The building caught fire during the short battle and burned down. It was reopened in 1954.
1 Nakwaree Shooting Association (สนามยิงปืน นาควารี), Makham Tia, Muang Surat Thani (across from Tesco-Lotus), ☏ +66 86-947-0137 (mobile). Shooting range with a variety of pistol and rifle rentals. Memberships also available. Pistol rental 300 baht; rifle rental 350 baht, Range fee 100 baht. Ammunition extra. 2 Bang Yai Fishing Park (บางใหญ่ฟิชชิ่งปาร์ค), Makham Tia, Muang Surat Thani. Stocked fishing park pond. Bring your own rod. 80 baht per person. 3 SF Cinema Central Plaza, 4th FL. Central Plaza Surat Thani, ☏ +66 77 961-555. Regularly shows (EN/TH) & (TH/EN) films. 4 Major Cineplex Sahathai, Sahathai Garden Plaza Surat Thani, ☏ +66 77 205-825.
1 San Jao Night Market (Talat Sanjao - ตลาดศาลเจ้า), Tri Anusonn Rd at Namuang Rd.. Walk the block and pick up whatever treats catch your eye, or grab a table at one of the restaurants and watch the market scene as you dine. Freshly juiced fruits, corn on the cob, squid-kebabs, fried chicken, saffron rice, pad Thai, sushi. 2 Night Boat Pier (ท่าเรือกลางคืน). A popular spot for tourists to eat and drink beer before boarding the night boat to Ko Tao or Ko Pha Ngan. Lots of food carts selling seafood and noodles and standard Thai fare at only slightly elevated prices. If you walk further down the road toward the bridge, you'll find fruit vendors galore.
1 sit-นี่ (Sit Nee), Wonderland Night Market, ☏ +66 91-036-8597 (mobile). Daily 17:00-midnight. Outdoor beer garden 2 Masuk Bar (มาสุข บาร์), Amphur Road, ☏ +66 88-760-8893 (mobile). Daily 17:00-00:00. Signature shots, cocktails, and fire shows. Also hosts the Surat Thani Teacher bi-monthly pub quiz on occasions. 3 Mouth 2 Mouth, Amphur Road, ☏ +66 77 969-099, mouth2mouth.suratthani@gmail.com. Daily 10:30-23:30. Cafe & restaurant, food, international beer, cocktail, whisky, wine, and music. 4 The Grounds Cafe & Hangout, ☏ +66 85-445-1516 (mobile). Daily 06:30-21:00. Contender for the best coffee in Muang Surat Thani, The Grounds lives up to its name as a popular hangout spot.
Guide content from Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA) — abridged; the full article has much more.
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In Jul, Surat Thani typically sees ~33°C daytime highs and 18 rainy days.
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