Surat Thani is a large province on the Gulf of Thailand coast of southern Thailand. Most visitors know it as the mainland gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, because the ferry piers and the railway and airport links sit here. Inland it has a second side: Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake behind the Ratchaprapha Dam. It also works for a single night between a flight or train and a boat.
This hub lists the basics with official sources. For hotels see our guide to where to stay in Surat Thani, and for the islands see the Koh Samui hub, the Koh Phangan hub and the Koh Tao hub.
How to get to Surat Thani
Transport details change, so treat the table as a list of official starting points and confirm times and fares on each operator's own page.
| Option | What the official source says | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Plane | The Department of Airports lists Surat Thani Airport at Tambon Hua Toei, Phunphin district, and runs it, not AOT | doa.airports.go.th |
| Train | The national park page says the State Railway runs daily trains between Bangkok and Surat Thani, express and rapid, and names the station Surat Thani (Phunphin) | railway.co.th |
| Ferry connection | Lomprayah says it offers a connection from the airport to the pier and on to the islands | lomprayah.com |
| Pier transfer | Seatran lists Surat Thani airport and train station as transfer points; Raja Ferry lists the railway station as a pickup point | seatrandiscovery.com, rajaferryport.com |
An island guide on the Hat Yai airport site says you can take a minibus from the airport to Don Sak Pier or Seatran Pier. For the train and other routes between cities see our Thailand getting-around guide.
Ferries to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao
Don Sak is the departure point for Raja Ferry, Seatran and Lomprayah services to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, according to those operators. Raja Ferry's booking form lists a Donsak to Koh Samui (Lipa Noi pier) route and a Donsak to Koh Phangan (Thong Sala pier) route. Lomprayah gives journey times of about 45 to 90 minutes by high-speed ferry and 90 to 120 minutes by vehicle ferry, and says schedules may vary.
For the onward trip to the third island, read Surat Thani to Koh Tao, and for the island loop see the Samui, Phangan and Tao ferry guide. If you are still choosing an island, which Thai island compares them.
If you arrive by train or on a late flight, sleep near the airport and station in Phunphin and take the boat the next morning. Ask the hotel which pickup point suits your ferry.
Khao Sok National Park
The Department of National Parks gives the park address as Moo 6, Tambon Khlong Sok, Amphoe Phanom, Surat Thani. It says the park office turn-off is at km 38 on Highway 401 (Surat Thani to Takua Pa), then about 1.5 km further. Lodges in the Khao Sok village area offer treehouse and bungalow stays and sell park tours; check park opening days and rules with the Department of National Parks before you plan activities.
Cheow Lan Lake
The Department of National Parks says the Ratchaprapha Dam is in Ban Ta Khun District, reached from the Kaeng Cheow Lan turn between km 57 and 58, then about 12 km. Stays here include a floating resort that says it has no Wi-Fi and a villa resort a few minutes from the dam. Some Khao Sok lodges say their tour desks arrange overnight experiences on the lake.
When to go
The Department of National Parks says Khao Sok has heavy rain from May to September from the south-west monsoon, more rain from October to December from the north-east monsoon, and a dry season from January to April. The Thai Meteorological Department says the east-coast side of the south gets more rain than the west-coast side in the October to December period. Check the forecast for your dates and compare other regions in best time to visit Thailand by region.
Where to stay
- Phunphin: the airport and railway station district, for late arrivals and early departures.
- Surat Thani city: hotels in Mueang District, with one near the night market and others on the Makham Tia side.
- Khao Sok village area: treehouses and bungalows by the park.
- Cheow Lan Lake and Ban Ta Khun: floating and villa stays on the dam side.
- Khanom: beach resorts in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, a different province, as a side trip.
The full comparison, with hotel cards checked against official sites, is in where to stay in Surat Thani.
Nearby destinations
- Koh Samui, the largest island reached from Don Sak.
- Koh Phangan, with the Full Moon Party guide.
- Koh Tao, known for diving courses.
- Khao Lak and Krabi on the Andaman side, if you are crossing the peninsula.
FAQ
Is Surat Thani worth a stop or just a transit point?
Many visitors use it as a gateway, but Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake make it a nature destination on its own. Plan two or three nights if you want the park.
Where do the ferries to Koh Samui leave from?
Don Sak, according to Raja Ferry, Seatran and Lomprayah. Lomprayah also has a Tapee Pier in Mueang Surat Thani District and says it offers hotel pickup from the city.
How long does the ferry to the islands take?
Lomprayah gives about 45 to 90 minutes by high-speed ferry and 90 to 120 minutes by vehicle ferry, and says schedules may vary. Check the operator's page for your date.
Is there a direct train from Bangkok?
The Department of National Parks says the State Railway runs daily express and rapid trains between Bangkok and Surat Thani. Check the current timetable on the State Railway of Thailand site.
Can I reach Khao Sok from Surat Thani town?
Yes. The park office turn-off is at km 38 on Highway 401, then about 1.5 km further, according to the Department of National Parks. Ask your lodge about transfers.
Is Khanom in Surat Thani?
No, Khanom is in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. Raja Ferry's booking form lists Khanom (market) as a pickup point.
Official sources and further reading
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. Figures here are approximate as of 2026; always confirm on the official or operator page before you book. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
