Surat Thani Airport Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Surat Thani is well-connected to the rest of Thailand through multiple transport options. The city has its own airport with regular flights from Bangkok (approximately 1 hour), Chiang Mai, and other major Thai cities. For overland travelers, trains from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station reach Surat Thani in about 12 hours on the overnight sleeper service. Buses connect Surat Thani to major cities throughout Thailand, with the journey from Bangkok taking approximately 10-12 hours. From the airport, train station, or bus terminal, songthaews (shared taxis) and minivans provide convenient transfers to the ferry piers, typically taking 30-60 minutes depending on your departure point.

Nestled along Thailand's eastern coast, Surat Thani serves as the vital mainland gateway to the tropical paradise islands of the Gulf of Thailand. This bustling provincial capital combines authentic Thai culture with strategic transport connections, making it an essential stopover for island-bound travelers. From its riverside markets to its surrounding temples, Surat Thani offers visitors their first taste of southern Thai hospitality before embarking on ferry journeys to sought-after destinations.

Surat Thani enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that shape the ideal visiting window. The most pleasant weather occurs between December and April when days are sunny with lower humidity and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for ferry crossings and island exploration. May through November brings the monsoon season, with October typically seeing the heaviest downpours and occasionally disrupted ferry schedules. The Chak Phra Festival in October marks the end of Buddhist Lent with colorful boat processions, while February's Chinese New Year celebrations add cultural vibrancy to the city. For travelers seeking the optimal balance of good weather and manageable crowds, January and February offer ideal conditions.

Surat Thani serves as the premier jumping-off point for the Gulf of Thailand's most coveted island destinations. Koh Samui, reached in approximately 1.5 hours by high-speed ferry, offers pristine beaches and luxury resorts alongside authentic Thai villages. Adventure-seekers can continue to Koh Phangan (2 hours by ferry), home to the famous Full Moon Party and secluded northern bays perfect for peaceful retreats. Further out, Koh Tao (2.5-3 hours) beckons with world-class diving sites and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for obtaining PADI certifications. The Ang Thong Marine National Park, an archipelago of 42 protected islands, can be visited on day trips from Surat Thani, offering spectacular limestone formations and hidden lagoons across a 90-minute ferry journey.

While many travelers pass quickly through Surat Thani, those who linger will find authentic southern Thai experiences worth exploring. The vibrant Night Market along the Tapi River showcases local life through street food stalls serving regional specialties like spicy curries and fresh seafood at remarkably affordable prices. History enthusiasts should visit Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, an ancient temple complex dating to the Srivijaya Empire with distinctive architecture reflecting the region's historical significance. Nature lovers can arrange excursions to Khao Sok National Park, home to one of the world's oldest rainforests and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake with its floating bungalows. The Monkey Training College offers a uniquely Thai cultural experience, demonstrating how locals have traditionally trained macaques to harvest coconuts for generations.

Surat Thani's name was bestowed by King Rama VI and translates to 'City of Good People,' reflecting the renowned hospitality of southern Thais. The province is Thailand's largest producer of coconuts, with local monkeys traditionally trained to harvest them, a practice that continues today despite modern agricultural methods. Before becoming a ferry hub, Surat Thani was a major center of the Srivijaya Empire, an influential maritime kingdom that controlled trade through the Malacca Strait between the 7th and 13th centuries. The waters around Surat Thani contain bioluminescent plankton that create a natural light show at night in certain seasons, with some night ferry passengers witnessing the ethereal blue glow trailing behind their vessels.