About the ride from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Surat Thani is often called the "Gateway to the Gulf" and is mainly used as a jumping-off point to more popular destinations like Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao.
Although this city in southern Thailand isn't somewhere you should avoid, travelers typically just prefer to head straight to the islands.
For those that do stick around, there are lively floating markets to be discovered, and they're much less touristy than the ones in Bangkok. You might want to visit Khao Sok National Park from there or just spend your time eating.
Whatever your reason for visiting, there are three ways to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani: by bus, flight and train.
The quickest way is to fly, with flights taking just over an hour. However, this is also the most expensive mode of transportation.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, the train is the cheapest option, but the journey takes 9-11 hours. The bus takes a similar amount of time, too.
If you're overwhelmed with the options, this guide breaks down the transportation modes to help you pick the best way to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
Fun things to do in Surat Thani
Surat Thani doesn't have an endless list of things to do like some other cities in Thailand. But if you decide to stick around for a day or two, here are some of the best things to do in the area:
Explore Khao Sok National Park. Believed to be the oldest evergreen forest in the world, this national park is around 1.5-2 hours from Surat Thani. It's a perfect day trip. Spend your time hiking through the park's stunning limestone karsts and lush rainforests, spotting wildlife along the way. Or hop on a boat and explore Cheow Lan Lake's emerald-green waters.
Go shopping at a floating market. Visiting a floating market is a must-do experience in Thailand. If you didn't go while in Bangkok, now is your chance. And the ones in Surat Thani are a lot less touristy. Hop on a boat and float past stalls selling food, spices and handmade crafts. Pracha Rat Floating Market and Ban Don Floating Market are both great options.
Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine. This is the city's most important cultural and religious landmark. Locals visit it daily to pray.
Eat your way through the Surat Thani night market. Another market to add to your list is the night market. It's a great place to absorb the city's atmosphere, buy souvenirs, and taste all the food.
Take a river cruise on the Tapi River. Do it at sunset, when it's especially lovely. Enjoy the picturesque landscapes, local life, and array of birds.
How to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani
There are three ways to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani: by bus, flight and train.
By bus
The bus is a popular way to travel from Bangkok to Surat Thani.
There are departures during the day and night, but many people take the overnight bus to save money on accommodation and avoid wasting a day traveling.
The journey takes 9-12 hours, and tickets start at $17.
VIP and Express buses are a good choice for this journey. Although they might be slightly more expensive, they're more comfortable than a standard bus. They offer air conditioning and comfortable reclining seats with quite a lot of space.
Most buses depart from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal or near Khao San Road. They generally arrive at the Surat Thani Bus Terminal. However, some operators may use their offices instead, so check before booking to be sure.
By flight
Flying is the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani, but not surprisingly, it's also the most expensive. However, if you're lucky, you can get tickets for as cheap as $30, not including luggage.
The flight takes just over an hour and is operated by several airlines, including Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Vietjet.
You can fly from Don Mueang International Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. You'll arrive at Surat Thani Airport.
By train
The train is the cheapest way to get from Bangkok to Surat Thani, with tickets starting from $6.
The journey takes 9-10 hours. Pick the train class that suits your needs for this long journey.
Here's a quick rundown of the classes available:
Third Class Fan Seat: Bench-style seats with only a fan.
Second Class Fan Seat: More comfortable reclining seats, with only a fan to cool the car.
Second Class Fan Sleeper: Seats that turn into a bed at night. But still, only a fan.
Second Class Sleeper: The most comfortable option. Seats that turn into a bed and have curtains. There's also air conditioning.
Several departures are available throughout the day and overnight if you want to experience sleeping on a train or save money on accommodation.
Trains leave Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Station and arrive at Surat Thani Train Station.
What to expect from the journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani
Your experience of the journey from Bangkok to Surat Thani will vary massively depending on the transport you take.
With the flight, the trip will be over in no time, but make sure to consider the time it takes to get to and from the airport, check in, and wait for your luggage.
The bus and the train will take much longer but can be a great option if you want to travel overnight and not waste time traveling during the day.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
The best time to visit Surat Thani is during the dry season, from December to February. During these months, the temperatures are comfortable, ranging from 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F).
There's minimal rainfall, perfect if you're hopping over to Thailand's paradise islands after Surat Thani.
March to May can also work, but you should be prepared for much warmer temperatures, often exceeding 35°C (95°F). A plus is that it's often less crowded than during the peak months.
The rainy season in this part of Thailand is from June to November. Expect frequent heavy downpours, but lower prices and lush greenery will compensate.
How many days should you spend in Surat Thani?
Some people spend only a few hours in Surat Thani, using it as a transit hub.
However, if you want to explore this city and its surroundings, one to two days is ample time.
Where should you visit after Surat Thani?
The world is your oyster from Surat Thani. It's the gateway to Thailand's Gulf islands, like Koh Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Phangan.
Ferries from Surat Thani to these islands take 2-3 hours.
