Surat Thani Train Station Ferries

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

Surat Thani is well-connected to Thailand's transportation network, with the train station serving as a convenient arrival point for many travelers. Overnight trains from Bangkok take approximately 12 hours, offering both sleeper and seated options. From Surat Thani Train Station, shuttle buses run regularly to the ferry piers, typically taking 60-90 minutes depending on which pier you need. If arriving by long-distance bus from Bangkok (about 10 hours) or neighboring provinces, most services terminate near the city center with easy connections to ferry terminals. For those driving, secure parking is available near most ferry departure points, though spaces can fill quickly during peak season.

Nestled along Thailand's eastern Gulf coast, Surat Thani serves as the vital connection point to some of the country's most celebrated islands. This bustling provincial capital blends authentic Thai mainland culture with the excitement of a major transportation hub. Ferry travelers passing through Surat Thani are perfectly positioned to access tropical paradises while experiencing the rhythm of everyday Thai life that remains refreshingly untouched by mass tourism.

Surat Thani enjoys a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons that should factor into your travel plans. The ideal visiting window falls between February and April when rainfall is minimal and temperatures hover pleasantly around 28-32°C (82-90°F). November through January offers slightly cooler temperatures and good conditions for ferry crossings with calmer seas. The monsoon season (May-October) brings intermittent heavy rainfall that can occasionally disrupt ferry schedules, with September and October seeing the heaviest precipitation. Ferry services generally run year-round, though with reduced frequency during monsoon months when passenger numbers typically decline.

Surat Thani serves as the jumping-off point for Thailand's most stunning island destinations in the Gulf. Koh Samui, reachable in approximately 1.5 hours by high-speed ferry, offers pristine beaches and developed tourism infrastructure with luxury resorts and beachfront dining. Koh Phangan, famous for its Full Moon Parties but also home to secluded beaches and yoga retreats, is accessible via a 2.5-hour ferry journey. The diving paradise of Koh Tao can be reached in about 3.5 hours, offering some of Thailand's most affordable scuba certification courses and vibrant marine life. The Ang Thong Marine National Park, with its 42 islands of dramatic limestone formations and hidden lagoons, makes for an unforgettable day trip from Surat Thani's ferry terminals.

While many travelers pass quickly through Surat Thani en route to the islands, the city and its surroundings merit exploration. The night market along the Tapi Riverfront comes alive after sunset with local vendors selling authentic southern Thai cuisine, including the region's famously spicy curries and fresh seafood dishes. Khao Sok National Park, just 90 minutes from the city, features ancient rainforest, dramatic limestone karsts, and the stunning Cheow Lan Lake where visitors can stay in floating bungalows. The Monkey Training College offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional practice of training monkeys to harvest coconuts, a cultural experience unique to southern Thailand. In the city itself, Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, an ancient temple with Srivijaya-style architecture, provides insight into the region's rich historical significance.

Surat Thani's name translates to 'City of Good People,' bestowed by King Rama VI in 1915 in recognition of the locals' hospitality. The province produces more coconuts than any other in Thailand, with over 1.6 million rai (640,000 acres) dedicated to coconut plantations. Before becoming Thailand's most important ferry hub, Surat Thani was the center of the Srivijaya Empire, which controlled much of maritime Southeast Asia between the 7th and 13th centuries. The city hosts Thailand's unique Chak Phra Festival each October, where elaborately decorated Buddha images are pulled through the streets on land and along the Tapi River in boat processions, creating spectacular water-based celebrations rarely seen elsewhere.