One of the oldest cities in Thailand, Surat Thani, which means “City of Good People,” was founded in the fifth century. It is the eighth-largest city in the nation. It is located on Thailand’s southern coast and is well-known as a tourist attraction because of its seaside coastlines.
The well-known islands of Ko Pha Ngan, Ko Samui, and Ko Tao may be reached from Surat Thani. Tourists flock to these islands for their scenic beauty, historic temples, and the variety of things each island has to offer.
Top 13 attractions of Surat Thani
Surat Thani provides the little break you want from the pressure of daily living if you wish to re-establish a connection with nature and be in tune with your soul. Here’s a list of Surat Thani’s best 13 attractions!
- Khao Sok National Park
- San Chao Market (Surat Thani Night Market)
- Sonchana farm and elephant sanctuary
- Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya
- Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
- Pra Cha Rat Traditional Floating Market
- Cheow Lan Lake
- Limestone lake rainforest
- Surat Thani city pillar shrine (San Lak Muang)
- Oyster Farms
- Khanom Beach
- Ko Lamphu Public Park
- Tham Khao Wang Thong
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani is a must-visit attraction in this charming city if you love nature and are wondering what to do in Surat Thani. It comprises the Ratchaprapha dam and Chew Lan Lake. The remnants of this forest, which are older and a component of the Amazon rain forest, are significantly more diversified and make up the greatest tract of virgin forest in southern Thailand.
Khao Sok National Park is worth exploring since it offers a large variety of vegetation, fauna, and animals. Trekking, bamboo rafting, canoeing, and other adventure sports are available in this park.
- Location: 62 Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani 84250, Thailand.
- Timings: every day from 7 am to 7 pm.
San Chao Market (Surat Thani Night Market)
Tourists find the Thai Sunday and Night Market to be highly alluring due to its wide variety of interesting goods. Rambutan, a well-known local fruit, and tasty salted duck eggs are symbols of Thailand. The biggest oysters in the world may be found in this stunning tropical nation. Along with items made of local handicrafts like the beautiful Phum Riang silk, you may discover many of these delights in San Chao Market. Only a Muslim village named Phum Riang produces this exquisitely patterned silk, which is among the greatest in the world.
Try some of their unique cuisine and purchase at least one of their well-known silk items to actually take a piece of Thailand with you from San Chao Market or the Surat Thani Night Market. This market is one of the top attractions in Surat Thani.
- Location: ซอย ตีเหล็ก Talat, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand.
- Timings: every day from 3:30 pm to 9 pm.
Sonchana farm and elephant sanctuary
This is a farm and an elephant sanctuary in Surat Thani, as the name implies. It is a wonderful family outing to visit this site where people cultivate and prepare meals using their own vegetables. Although there are many Khao Sok excursions, the sonchana farm and elephant sanctuary is one of the top Surat Thani tourist destinations.
A family that has made a commitment to the elephants’ welfare and care runs Sonchana Farm and Elephant Sanctuary as an elephant farm. By washing, feeding, and witnessing the gentle elephants’ everyday activities, visitors may get up close and personal with them. Additionally, the keepers may instruct visitors on how to cook authentic Thai food and provide the elephants with medicine to improve their health.
- Location: Unnamed Road, Khlong Sok, Phanom District, Surat Thani 84250, Thailand.
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya
One of Surat Thani’s most magnificent attractions is this gorgeous white and gold pagoda called Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya. One of Thailand’s oldest cities, Chaiya was said to have been the country’s capital in antiquity. This was the center of the Srivijaya Empire, meaning the city existed in the 5th century. The temple was constructed by the Mahayana Buddhists and is the best-preserved artifact designed in the Si Wichai style, which is as old as the 7th century.
The historic Buddha relics are housed at Chaiya’s Chedi or the main temple. Additionally, it has a number of rooms and sculptures. Although it is a holy place, many Thai people travel to this temple to pay their respects. You are still permitted to snap photographs inside. The National Chaiya Museum is direct across the street. For a more intriguing perspective, go to this Surat Thani site at night when it is more spectacularly lighted with colorful lights.
- Location: 95MM+RMW, Wiang, Chaiya District, Surat Thani 84110, Thailand.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park
More than 40 islands make up the protected marine park known as Ang Thong, which means “golden bowl.” With the exception of 2, the majority of the islands’ lush, natural landscapes remain uninhabited. The islands of Ko Wua Talap and Ko Paluay are home to sea gypsies who make their livelihood fishing. You will discover islands built of limestone that unexpectedly rise out of the water as well as strangely sculpted rock formations.
Numerous caverns, beaches, and lagoons are just waiting to be discovered in Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park! Due to its shallow coral gardens, the park is excellent for snorkeling. It is an exciting place to visit for a day trip because of its unusual and diversified flora and wildlife, and one of the greatest places to visit in Surat Thani.
- Location: Ang Thong, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand.
Pra Cha Rat Traditional Floating Market
Visit the Pra Cha Rat Traditional Floating Market when you are in Surat Thani for a genuinely unforgettable experience. Why not do your food shopping the old-fashioned way rather than at the grocery store? Vendors in the Pra Cha Rat Traditional floating market serve a wide variety of food, from traditional meals to different delicacies, and it is only open on Sundays. This floating market is one of the greatest attractions in Surat Thani.
Park near the majestic Wat Bang Mai Bai, cross the river on the little bridge and enter the network of walkways dotted with shacks selling delectable regional cuisine in bowls made of bamboo and banana leaves in the middle of the hot forest. A few cargo boats arrive at the riverside, but the majority provide boat trips up and down the waterway so visitors may witness how locals live and see the mangrove jungle that surrounds them.
- Location: 5824+JXF, Bang Bai Mai, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand.
Cheow Lan Lake
Taking a long-tail boat into Cheow Lan Lake (also known as Khao Sok Lake) and spending the night in one of the many floating bungalows there is one of the main highlights of visiting Khao Sok and Surat Thani. There, you will be able to spend some nights away from civilization (literally, as there is no cell service inside) and in the middle of nature.
The sunrise and sunset experiences at these floating bungalows are likely to be some of the finest ones you will ever have in your life because its position is remote from the rest of the world and surrounded by nothing but nature.
It simply doesn’t get any better than that to be kayaking around the peaceful waters of Cheow Lan Lake while listening to the sounds of the forest awakening, monkeys wailing, and birds tweeting. Spending a night in Cheow Lan Lake is one of the greatest things you get to experience in Surat Thani.
Limestone lake rainforest
Experience a treehouse stay, a jungle trek, and even a canoe or boat ride experience in Khao Sok National Park by indulging in a Limestone Lake Rainforest Day Tour package in Surat Thani. These tours allow visitors to experience nature in its unadulterated state and are a great way to learn about the national park. The tour operators also allow for some customisability on request to go exploring nearby caves and streams and for some wildlife spotting too.
- Location: 682 Moo 4, Tambon Khao Pang, Baan Takun, Surat Thani 84230, Thailand.
Surat Thani city pillar shrine (San Lak Muang)
The City Pillar Shrine, also known as San Lak Muang, is a well-kept shrine that many people see as the city’s symbol. It is situated in the center of the city. This shrine, which is located next to the Tapee River, is a wonderful place to spend some time in the city at night because it is well lighted at that time of the day. The Golden Shower Tree’s wood was used to construct the entire thing.
Surat Thani city pillar shrine is a site of ceremony and reverence and one of the greatest attractions to visit in Surat Thani. The ghosts of the ancestors are housed in such buildings in Thailand, and Surat Thani is no exception. Visitors regularly visit this location to worship and make sacrifices to the ancestors.
Surat Thani city pillar shrine is where Surat Thani’s history can be found. Visitors should dress appropriately since this location is very important. The local way of life and culture are revealed at this place, and visitors may also take in the stunning architecture.
- Location: 48QC+PM7, Tambon Talat, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand.
Oyster Farms
The city of Surat Thani takes pride in producing some of the biggest oysters in the world. It is a delicious treat that can be found in most dining establishments and restaurants in Surat Thani. One of the greatest attractions you get to experience in Surat Thani is exploring the oyster farms of the city. You may observe how oysters are raised, harvested, and prepared from farm to table right here at the oyster farm.
On certain farms, you can actually eat there and enjoy freshly picked oysters with a dash of lime and a bit of salt. However, a word of caution: you must have a strong stomach to consume raw oysters! And to go to the farms, you will need to charter a boat.
Khanom Beach
Khanom Beach is one of the Surat Thani beaches that are less frequented, and it is considered to be one of the greatest attractions in this beautiful city. This beach is frequently chosen by locals over other beaches in the city because of its typically tranquil environment.
It is also conveniently reachable from the city center. Along with swimming and snorkeling, viewing the sunset is another popular activity in this area. According to locals, visiting Surat Thani is incomplete unless you visit Khanom Beach.
- Location: 5VRF+9WQ, Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
Ko Lamphu Public Park
Last but not least great attraction in Surat Thani is Ko Lamphu Public Park. A bridge reaches the Tapi River and connects the City Pillar Shrine to the little island of Ko Lamphu. The park may only be visited on foot or by bicycle; cars are not permitted within.
Everyone is welcome to utilize the park’s playground and workout equipment. It’s a lovely area to take your family for a picnic and to spend time together. The river can be seen in magnificent and picturesque ways in Ko Lamphu Public Park, making it the ideal location for photographs.
- Location: 11 Namueang Rd, Tambon Bang Bai Mai, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand.
- Timings: every day from 4 am to 10 pm.
Tham Khao Wang Thong Cave
Tham Khao Wang Thong Cave, which is in Khanom, is a top tourist destination in Surat Thani. This cave is worth exploring since it features amazing stalagmites and stalactites, as well as iron and copper walls. For those who appreciate new experiences and adventures, this might be a terrific experience and hobby.
- Location: Unnamed Rd, Khuan Thong, Khanom District, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80210, Thailand.
- Timings: every day from 9 am to 4 pm.
Final words about Surat Thani’s best attractions
These are only a few of the province of Surat Thani’s entertaining activities. It might not be as well-known as some other provinces. But as a result, its sites are frequently undeveloped and unspoiled, making it perfect for backpackers and lone travelers.
These are some of the attractions in Thailand’s Surat Thani that one should visit. Although Surat Thani is more famous as a transportation hub than for its own attractions, it has a bright future and should be visited to take advantage of everything it has to offer now before it becomes overrun by tourists who will soon add it to their itinerary when traveling through Thailand. Hope this article helps you get a better idea of Surat Thani’s numerous attractions.