Surat Thani (Tapee Pier) 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 overnight. Buses run frequently from Bangkok (9 hours), Phuket (5 hours), and Krabi (3 hours) directly to the city center. For international travelers, Surat Thani Airport welcomes flights from Bangkok, with shared minivans and taxis available for the 30-minute journey to Tapee Pier. The pier itself is conveniently located in the city center, with tuk-tuks and songthaews (shared pickup trucks) providing affordable transport options. Long-term parking facilities are available nearby for those arriving by car, though spaces can fill quickly during peak season.

Nestled along the Tapi River on Thailand's eastern coast, Surat Thani serves as the vital jumping-off point to the stunning islands of the Gulf of Thailand. This bustling provincial capital blends authentic Thai mainland culture with the excitement of a major transport hub. As ferries glide from Tapee Pier, travelers are treated to the first glimpses of the aquamarine waters that have made this region a world-renowned tropical paradise.

Surat Thani enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons, making timing crucial for your visit. The ideal months fall between February and April when rainfall is minimal and temperatures hover comfortably around 30°C (86°F). December and January offer slightly cooler weather, perfect for exploring the mainland attractions. Avoid the monsoon season from October to November when heavy rains can disrupt ferry schedules and limit island activities. The spectacular Chak Phra Festival in October showcases elaborately decorated boats along the Tapi River, worth experiencing despite occasional downpours. Ferry services operate year-round but run more frequently during the dry season with additional routes and departure times.

Tapee Pier serves as the primary gateway to Thailand's most coveted island destinations. The party paradise of Koh Phangan, home to the famous Full Moon Party, is accessible via a 2.5-hour ferry journey. Koh Samui, with its upscale resorts and pristine beaches, can be reached in just 1.5 hours across the sparkling gulf waters. For world-class diving and snorkeling, Koh Tao offers an underwater wonderland approximately 3 hours from the mainland. The Ang Thong Marine National Park presents a breathtaking archipelago of 42 islands with limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and wildlife-rich jungles, perfect for day trips or overnight adventures from Surat Thani.

While many travelers pass quickly through Surat Thani, the city and its surroundings offer authentic experiences worth exploring before boarding your ferry. The vibrant Surat Thani Night Market serves up delicious southern Thai specialties like spicy yellow curry and fresh seafood at local prices. Just outside the city, Khao Sok National Park boasts some of Thailand's oldest rainforest, with limestone cliffs, emerald lakes, and exotic wildlife including sun bears and hornbills. The historic Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, dating back to the 7th century, provides cultural immersion with its Srivijaya-style architecture and sacred Buddha relics. For a unique experience, explore the peaceful canals of Ban Nai Bang, where traditional fishing communities welcome visitors to observe their time-honored way of life.

Surat Thani translates to 'City of Good People,' a name bestowed by King Rama VI in 1915 in recognition of the locals' charitable nature. The province produces over 80% of Thailand's cultivated oysters, with farms visible from ferries departing Tapee Pier. Surat Thani's unique position between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea means it experiences two different monsoon systems, creating a microclimate distinct from other Thai coastal regions. The waters around Tapee Pier witness one of Thailand's most unusual phenomena, bioluminescent plankton that illuminate the shoreline with an ethereal blue glow during certain moon phases.