Surat Thani City Ferries

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

Surat Thani is well-connected to major Thai cities, with regular train services from Bangkok taking approximately 12 hours on the overnight sleeper. Buses connect the city to Bangkok (8-10 hours), Phuket (5-6 hours), and Krabi (3-4 hours). The city's airport receives domestic flights from Bangkok, with shuttle services running between the airport and ferry terminal. Local songthaews (converted pickup trucks) and tuk-tuks provide affordable transport from the city center to the ferry piers. If arriving by car, several secure parking facilities are available near the main ferry terminals at reasonable daily rates.

Nestled along the banks of the Tapi River, Surat Thani serves as the vital maritime gateway to Thailand's spectacular southern gulf islands. This bustling provincial capital blends authentic Thai culture with the energy of a transportation hub, offering travelers their first taste of southern Thai hospitality. As ferries glide from its shores, Surat Thani opens the door to tropical paradises while offering its own distinct charm and local flavor.

Surat Thani experiences a tropical monsoon climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The ideal time to visit is between February and April when temperatures are warm and rainfall minimal, creating perfect conditions for ferry crossings and island exploration. December through January offers slightly cooler temperatures while still maintaining good weather for sea travel. The Chak Phra Festival in October presents a vibrant cultural experience despite occasional rain showers. Ferry services operate year-round but expect reduced schedules during the monsoon season (October-November), when rougher seas can occasionally disrupt crossings.

Surat Thani serves as the premier jumping-off point to Thailand's most celebrated gulf islands. Koh Samui, reachable in approximately 1.5 hours by ferry, offers palm-fringed beaches, luxury resorts, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure. Adventure-seekers can continue to Koh Phangan (2.5 hours), home to the famous Full Moon Party and secluded northern beaches. For world-class diving and snorkeling, Koh Tao (3-4 hours) provides crystal waters and abundant marine life. The Ang Thong National Marine Park, accessible on day trips from Surat Thani, features a stunning archipelago of 42 protected islands with limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches.

While many travelers pass quickly through Surat Thani, those who linger find rewarding cultural experiences. The morning floating market offers a glimpse into local life, with vendors selling fresh tropical fruits, handmade goods, and southern Thai specialties from traditional boats. Don't miss sampling the region's distinctive cuisine, particularly khanom jeen (rice noodles with curry) and the intensely flavorful southern curries. The Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine provides cultural insight, while the nearby Khao Sok National Park offers jungle trekking among some of Thailand's oldest evergreen rainforests. The riverside area comes alive in the evening with food stalls and the perfect spot to watch the sunset before your ferry journey.

Surat Thani's name translates to 'City of Good People,' bestowed by King Rama VI during his visit in the 1900s. The city serves as Thailand's largest producer of oysters, with local pearl farms contributing significantly to the economy alongside the ferry industry. Before becoming a crucial ferry hub, Surat Thani was the center of the Srivijaya Empire, an influential maritime kingdom that controlled trade through the Malacca Strait from the 7th to 13th centuries. The city's strategic position has made it an important trading post for over a millennium, with today's ferry operations continuing this maritime legacy.