Surat Thani Travelers Recommend

With three days in Surat Thani, you have time to discover the natural wonders of Khao Sok National Park, take an island-hopping cruise, and experience local life in this quiet port town. Here’s how to do it. 

Day 1: Eat, pray, swim

With most travelers only passing through en route to the islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, Surat Thani remains a typically Thai town and is a good place to escape the crowds. Start by visiting the town’s temples, including Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, the white and gold Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, and the Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram monastery. 

Spend the afternoon at Khanom Beach, far less crowded than nearby islands. Cool off with a swim in the ocean, relax with a cocktail, or watch the local fishermen. If you tire of the beach, check out Khao Wang Thong Cave and Samet Chun Waterfall.

Return to Surat Thani in the evening to wander the atmospheric night market. Browse the stalls for handicrafts (such as silk goods from nearby Phum Riang), and feast on street food. 

Day 2: Explore Khao Sok National Park

Set aside a full day for Khao Sok National Park. Most tours begin with a longboat cruise or kayaking excursion around Cheow Lan Dam, a man-made lake framed by towering karst cliffs and flooded mangrove forests. Then for the most impressive views, head up to the mountaintop Guilin Viewpoint—or brave a walk on the Rope Bridge Heart Mountain, a 394-foot-long (120-meter-long) suspension bridge. 

Afterward, hike the ancient rain forest, looking out for elusive flora and fauna. Clouded leopards, monkeys, elephants, and tapir are all possible sightings, as are Thailand’s gigantic Rafflesia flowers. Or, see gibbons and hornbills at the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Day 3: Set sail

Surat Thani is the gateway to some of Thailand’s most popular islands, and you can visit several of these on a day cruise. Close to shore and fringed with coral reefs and white sand, Koh Tan and Koh Madsum are ideal for swimming and snorkeling. 

Alternatively, choose a full-day island-hopping tour, setting out by speedboat to explore Angthong Marine Park. The sprawling archipelago contains around 45 islands blanketed with lush forests and dotted with dramatic cliffs, lagoons, and sea caves. Tours usually include lunch onboard, as well as multiple stops to swim and snorkel in the crystalline waters. 

Many travelers make a pit stop in Surat Thani before catching the ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Phangan islands, and one day is just enough time to take in the highlights of this port town. From historic temples and natural wonders, to a romantic sunset cruise, here’s how to spend 24 hours in Surat Thani. 

Morning: Lakeside views

Khao Sok National Park lies just over an hour from Surat Thani, making it possible to visit in a morning. To make the most of your time, opt for a half-day tour to Cheow Lan Dam, a man-made lake surrounded by lush jungle and looming cliffs.

Gaze out over the lake from the mountaintop Guilin Viewpoint, then set out on a longtail boat cruise to explore the lake and its mangrove forests. Keep a lookout for clouded leopards, monkeys, and tapir, as well as gigantic Rafflesia flowers. Finally, brave a walk on the Rope Bridge Heart Mountain, a 394-foot-long (120-meter-long) suspension bridge that affords sweeping views over the lake. 

Afternoon: Temples and shrines

After lunch, discover the temples and shrines near Surat Thani. Getting around by public transit can eat up valuable time, so hire a taxi or join a tour. 

The resplendent white and gold Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya dates back to the seventh century and houses a fascinating exhibition of ancient Buddhist relics. Nearby, Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram is a 20th-century monastery set in a tranquil 150-acre (61-hectare) forest, while the snow-white facade of the Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine is striking against a backdrop of the Tapi River. 

Night: A sunset cruise

Set sail along the Gulf of Thailand coast on a traditional wooden junk boat, and watch the sunset from the water. Cruise around the offshore islands, admire views of the white-sand beaches and karst cliffs, and perhaps dive in to swim and snorkel. While onboard, tuck into a typical Thai dinner or local specialties such as fresh seafood. 

Back in Surat Thani, spend the rest of the evening browsing the stalls at the night market. You’ll find a wide selection of handicrafts, such as silk goods from the nearby village of Phum Riang. 

Two days in Surat Thani are enough time to take in the highlights of this port town and explore nearby Khao Sok National Park. From temple tours and rain forest hikes, to a scenic sunset cruise, here’s how to spend 48 hours in Surat Thani. 

Day 1: Temples and beaches

**Morning:**A sightseeing tour of Surat Thani whisks you around to the most beautiful temples. Visit the riverside Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, admire the white and gold facade of Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, and learn about Thailand’s Buddhist heritage at the Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram forest monastery. 

**Afternoon:**Just south of Surat Thani, you’ll find some of the best beaches on the mainland at the seaside resort of Khanom, with far fewer crowds than on nearby islands. Spend the afternoon lounging on the golden sand, dive in to swim or snorkel in the Gulf of Thailand, or visit natural attractions such as Khao Wang Thong Cave and Samet Chun Waterfall. 

**Night:**Set sail along the coast for a romantic cruise on a traditional wooden junk boat. While onboard, tuck into a seafood dinner, watch the sun set over the ocean, and perhaps even spot some Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. Some cruises include stops to swim or snorkel. 

Day 2: Khao Sok National Park

**Morning:**Home to some of Thailand’s oldest rain forest, Khao Sok National Park brims with wildlife. Although it’s just over an hour from Surat Thani, the park is tricky to reach without your own transport, so consider joining a full-day tour. Start with a longboat cruise or kayaking excursion around Cheow Lan Dam—the man-made lake, surrounded by lush jungle and looming karst cliffs, is a lovely sight.

**Afternoon:**Take a hike, ideally with a guide, to maximize your chances of spotting elusive flora and fauna. Clouded leopards, elephants, langurs, and tapir are all possible sightings, as well as gigantic Rafflesia flowers (depending on the season). Alternatively, head to the Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary to look for gibbons, hornbills, and other animals. 

**Night:**At sunset, Surat Thani’s night market fills up with both locals and travelers, and it’s an atmospheric place to spend the evening. Browse the stalls for traditional handicrafts (including silk goods from nearby Phum Riang), and feast on street food specialties such as fresh oysters and salted duck eggs.