Although not the most populous, Surat Thani is considered the largest province by area in Southern Thailand. Some of the most well-known tourist attractions in the country are also located here, such as Khao Sok, Ko Samui, and Ko Phangan.
That said, there are also other awesome hidden gems in Surat Thani that few know about, and I am here to tell you all about them. Within this guide, you will find a list of hidden gems, awesome things to do in Surat Thani, and all the information you need to have the best time of your life here.
Without further ado, here are the 11 best things to do in Surat Thani for solo travelers:
- Surat Thani Things to Do Map
- Where to Stay in Surat Thani?
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11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani
- Explore Khao Sok
- Spend A Few Nights at a Floating Bungalow
- Explore Surat Thani's Old Town
- Hike the Big Tree Trail at Khlong Phanom National Park
- Let Fish Nibble Your Feet at Suan Ta San
- Visit Ko Samui
- Go on a Snorkeling Trip in Ang Thong Marine Park
- Party at Ko Phangan
- Swim at Ban Nam Rad Headwater Forest
- Hike to One of the Many Viewpoints at Thamma Park
- Explore the Historical City of Chaiya
- More Surat Thani Activities
- Thailand Travel Video
- Further Reading for Southern Thailand
Surat Thani Things to Do Map
11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani
1. Explore Khao Sok
Khao Sok National Park has got to be one of my favorite places in Thailand. Located deep in the forest of Surat Thani, it is home to the breathtaking Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok Lake) and many awesome hiking trails. It is the place I always suggest to anyone who is visiting Thailand for the first time.
The whole area is filled with many incredible things to do, like taking a long-tail boat out into Cheoew Lan Lake and spending a night in a floating bungalow (which we will discuss next). Additionally, hiking up to Kri Sorn Viewpoint offers an incredible view over the lake. Moreover, you can spend hours hiking around the tropical forest, tracking down tapirs and the largest flowers in the world.
You can also kayak around the lake in the early morning or go on a safari around Cheow Lan, spotting all kinds of wild animals, from wild boars to monkeys to birds.
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- AreNice Boutique Hotel (High-End)
- Overnight Packages at Khaosok National Park and Cheowlan Lake (3 days)
- Blue Stars Kayaking Adventure in Angthong Marine Park (8 hours)
- Donsak pier to aonang , krabi town , klongmuang any hotel Private transfer (3 to 4 hours)
Not to mention all the caves and hiking trails hidden in these massive limestone mountains that dot the lake, waiting for you to explore. Khao Sok is an area that you can just visit for a day and move on to the next. The place requires your undivided attention, and I highly recommend spending at least 3 nights here to do this place justice.
Where to Stay in Surat Thani?
2. Spend A Few Nights at a Floating Bungalow
One of the main highlights of visiting Khao Sok is taking a long-tail boat into Cheow Lan Lake (Khao Sok Lake) and spend a night in one of the many floating bungalows where you will be able to disconnect from the world (literally, as there is no cell service inside) and be among nature for a few nights.
Due to its isolated location from the world and being surrounded by nothing but nature, the sunrise and sunset experiences at these floating bungalows will be some of the best moments you will ever have.
The sound of the forest waking up, monkeys howling, birds chirping, as you kayak along the calm water of Cheow Lan Lake, observing the wildlife around you, it just doesn't get any better than that.
And to experience these magical moments, you will have to spend at least a few nights at one of the many floating bungalows in Khao Sok. You can choose one of the tour options I have illustrated in the Which Khao Sok Lake Tour to Pick? section, pick the one that suits you the most, and you should be golden.
Most of the floating bungalows here are made of bamboo, giving them another level of immersion in being closer to nature. Since there is not much to do at these raft houses, you can spend the rest of your day kayaking, swimming, or enjoying the sights.
If you can stay overnight at Cheow Lan Lake, I highly recommend you do so. A day trip to Cheow Lan Lake is way too rushed and pricey, and you won't get to experience the best part of being here. Therefore, I would recommend avoiding it at all costs.
3. Explore Surat Thani's Old Town
If you happen to be traveling to Surat Thani by bus or train, you will likely end up in Surat Thani's Old Town, the travel hub of the province that may not seem that interesting at first glance compared to all the places you can visit in Surat Thani, like Khao Sok or Koh Samui. However, the old town does have its charm that will allow you to get a glimpse of what the local life is really like in this touristic province.
One of my favorite things to do here is to eat! There are so many great night markets and restaurants here that serve real, authentic Southern Thai foods that the locals actually eat without the markup prices you often find on the islands in Thailand.
The Hokkien Shrine's Night Market is home to some of the best street food in Thailand. Here, you can find all kinds of street food, including one of my favorite dishes of all time, the unique-to-Surat-Thani Pad Thai from Tha Chang with its delicious thick sauce that you can only find here.
Lucky Restaurant is also a great place to eat if you prefer a proper restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine. While here, you must try their unique Butterfly Pea coconut juice that will freshen you right up, even on the hottest days.
There are plenty of things you can do in Surat Thani's Old Town that should occupy you for a day before you explore other parts of the province. If you have to travel through Surat Thani's Old Town, be sure to go around and explore all the city has to offer. For more things to do, check out my full travel guide below.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
4. Hike the Big Tree Trail at Khlong Phanom National Park
Another cool national park you should check out while you are in Khao Sok is Khlong Phanom National Park, a small national park located not too far from Khao Sok Village known for its large trees.
In fact, the largest tree in the region is located inside this park, and there is a nature trail you can hike that will take you through thick forests to see this tree, all the while enjoying several viewpoints that show how beautiful the landscape around Khao Sok is, along the way.
The nature trail will take you on a loop along some really steep trails where you will have to use ropes to get up and down, so I highly recommend that you start the hike as early as you can to avoid bad weather, as it tends to rain more in the evening here.
The whole trail should take you about 2 hours in a loop, and make sure to wear sturdy shoes and cover your entire body with insect repellents to avoid mosquitoes, as there are a ton of them in there.
Khlong Phanom National Park opens from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person, which is way cheaper than Khao Sok National Park. This makes it a great alternative place to visit.
5. Let Fish Nibble Your Feet at Suan Ta San
Suan Ta San is a hidden gem I discovered during my road trip around Surat Thani. This hidden little spot is a naturally occurring pool, home to the famous foot-nibbling fish you often see in foot spas.
These fish, also called Garra Rufa or doctor fish, live in the nearby river, and people have decided to build a beautiful recreational area equipped with several seating sections where you can dip your foot in and let the fish nibble away all the dead skin.
These are not the same as the artificial fish spas you often see in places like Khaosan Road. They actually live in the river and look way healthier than those you see in fish tanks in night markets. Some of them are massive!
The area is well-shaded with lots of trees. You can even come here for a picnic, as there are tables and restaurants ready to serve visitors.
The best part is that the entrance fee to Suan Ta San is only 20 THB per person, which is cheaper than getting a fish foot spa on Khaosan Road. If you have your own vehicle and are looking to do something unique in Surat Thani, be sure to drop by Suan Ta San.
6. Visit Ko Samui
Ko Samui needs no introduction from me. It is one of the most popular islands to visit in Thailand and it is home to many beautiful beaches like Maenam Beach, Chaweng Beach, and more, making it a great spot if you are looking for a proper beach vacation in Surat Thani.
Samui is not just beaches. There are a ton of other cool things to do as well, like going island-hopping around the beautiful Ang Thong National Park, riding an ATV across mountains, and going jungle trekking.
Other attractions in Ko Samui worth visiting are Wat Phra Yai, a giant golden Buddha image with a panoramic view of the island, Wat Khunaram, home to the mummified monk, and some of the most magnificent waterfalls out there, such as Namuang Waterfall and Namuang 2 Waterfalls.
Ko Samui is a destination in and of itself, and to do the island justice, you will have to spend at least 3 nights or more on the island. For more things to do on Ko Samui, be sure to check out my complete travel guide with the link below.
7. Go on a Snorkeling Trip in Ang Thong Marine Park
"A snorkeling trip in Ang Thong Marine Park" is the highlight of visiting Ko Samui. There are tons of opportunities for snorkeling here, where you can explore the national park's incredible marine ecosystem, swim in the turquoise water, relax at the beach, hike, and more.
To visit Ang Thong Marine Park, you are going to have to go on an organized tour that will take you on a long-tail boat from Ko Samui to the national park and sail around the area, snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking to some of the best viewpoints in Thailand, all in one day.
Ang Thong Marine Park is an incredible place to visit as a day trip from Ko Samui. If you decide to do it, you will have the option to hike to Pha Chan Charat Viewpoint, which requires a bit of hiking. But trust me, you will want to see the view of Ang Thong National Park from up there. You can check out the full itinerary of Ang Thong National Park from my Koh Samui travel guide, so don't forget to check it out.
8. Party at Ko Phangan
Ko Phangan is a great place to be while you are in Surat Thani, especially if you are interested in attending the full moon party at least once in your life.
Personally, the full moon party is not my cup of tea, but if you want to party in an exotic place like Thailand, right on the beach under the bright, full moonlight, you won't regret visiting Ko Phangan.
Just make sure to book your accommodation in advance, as all the accommodation on the entire island is often fully booked a week before the full moon party. I had to sleep on a dining table when I was there during the full moon party, so don't be like me and plan ahead.
Don't enjoy parties? Do not sweat it. You can still enjoy Ko Phangan and all its incredible scenery waiting for you to explore here. There are a ton of cool places to visit, like the white sand beach of Mae Haad and the shallow strip of sand connecting Ko Ma island nearby, one of my favorite places on the island.
If you are looking to avoid the party crowds on Ko Phangan, the best way to do that is to actually travel a day after the big party has already taken place, and you will have the whole island to yourself. All the accommodation is much cheaper, and the beaches are less crowded and calm, the way they are supposed to be.
9. Swim at Ban Nam Rad Headwater Forest
Ban Nam Rad Headwater Forest is another hidden gem that I discovered in Surat Thani. It is not too far from Khao Sok and is tucked away between the tropical trees in the remote region of Surat Thani. Here, you will find an incredible natural pool waiting for you to jump in.
The bright emerald-colored pool and the crystal clear water, fed by the nearby river, are the perfect places to escape the heat and humidity of Thailand and get soaked in refreshing water while surrounded by a tropical forest.
In the other section of the area, you can rent a kayak and paddle along the river that feeds the pool, explore the beautiful tropical forest that surrounds the area, and spot some wildlife along the way.
The entrance fee to Ban Nam Rad Headwater Forest is 30 THB per person, 20 THB for a parking spot, and if you wish to rent a kayak to explore the river, it's another 100 THB. The place opens from 9 AM to 5 PM every day.
10. Hike to One of the Many Viewpoints at Thamma Park
Thamma Park is another interesting place I visited during my road trip around Surat Thani. This temple park is a mountain temple located not too far from Ban Nam Rad Headwater forest, and it has recently become quite a popular attraction among local tourists.
The temple itself consists of a beautiful temple gate built of stacked bricks, and it is said that during certain months of the year, the sun will rise right at the center of the gate, making it a great place to watch the sunrise.
The temple is surrounded by several limestone mountains, each being higher than the other. They have now constructed around 4 viewpoints, along with several pilgrimage trails for visitors to hike to.
You can hike one of the viewpoints or all of them if you are feeling active. The highest one was still under construction when I was there, so I decided to hike the second viewpoint, which gave me an incredible vantage point over the whole area.
You can really see just how remote the temple is from these viewpoints. There is nothing but tropical forests and limestone mountains around Surat Thani. It becomes even more apparent when I took my drone up and flew to the other viewpoints.
It is not very easy to get to, as you must rent your own vehicle to drive to the temple. But at least the place isn't very crowded, which I prefer. If you are looking for a hidden gem in Surat Thani, Thamma Park is the place to be.
11. Explore the Historical City of Chaiya
Not many people know this, but Chaiya, a small town in the northern part of Surat Thani, is said to have played an important role as the main coastal trading post during the Srivijaya's reign.
Some even go as far as to say that Chaiya was the capital city of the maritime empire that controlled much of modern-day Indonesia and Malaysia between the 7th and 13th Centuries, way before any Thai kingdom was established.
Note: The above photo does not depict tourists riding an elephant, which is something I am totally against, but a part of the rite of monk ordination where the monk-to-be, or Nak, seen in the middle of the picture, is carried to a temple on an elephant.
With such a rich and important history, I should have known all about it when my parents moved to Surat Thani when I was young, but I have never heard of this until recently. Now I am obsessed with it, so I went there to check out what's left of this once-flourishing trading city.
Unfortunately, most of the larger structures have disappeared over time since the fall of the Srivijaya Empire, and much of the information was lost in time. However, we can still see some of the remnants of the once-thriving maritime city.
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is one of the Srivijaya remnants that are still standing and can be seen today. It is said that the Buddhist temple was constructed in the 13th century, and it represents the last example of a Srivijaya architectural style that remains in Thailand.
The main highlight of the temple is the Buddha Relic Pagoda, all painted white and adorned with Srivijaya-style decoration on its spire. People from around the country often come to this temple and pay respect to the relic every day.
Not too far from Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, there is also a small Chaiya National Museum that holds several archaeological relics and artifacts that were excavated from some of the ruins found in Chaiya. Many of them have the distinct Srivijayan look that you cannot find anywhere else in Thailand.
It is a small museum with a few rooms, and that is it, but it was quite interesting to see some of these old relics with my own eyes. The museum is free to enter, and it opens from 9 AM to 4 PM from Wednesday to Sunday.
It is also said that there are three other ancient temples in Chaiya, Wat Wiang, Wat Long, and Wat Kaew that are as old as Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya. However, not much is left except a few ruins and a base of a pagoda.
Still, it shows just how rich in history this place is. If you are interested in learning more about the history of Southern Thailand, Chaiya is a great place to stop by for a few hours.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Southern Thailand
Looking for more information for your trip to Southern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
- Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
- One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
- Looking to change things up a little? How about heading down to the south of Thailand and exploring one of my favorite places in Thailand? Here is How to Travel to Khao Sok National Park, Backpacking-style.
- The pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, is an island full of history, cultures, and stunning beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Phuket.
- There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry; I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
- Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
- Phang Nga is probably what Phuket was like before mass tourism ruined it. From quiet, empty beaches to wild, untouched waterfalls, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga.
- Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga, and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island-hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
- If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
- For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
- Whether you are an adventurer or a beach-goer, Krabi has it all. From island-hopping to rock climbing, here are the 13 Best Things to do in Krabi.
- Krabi is not just about beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
- Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to do in Ko Lanta.
- Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
- For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui.
- Nakhon Si Thammarat is the land of countless waterfalls that no one knows about. It is an off-the-beaten path place to visit in Southern Thailand that may surprise you. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
- You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to the Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
- There is more to Chumphon than just Koh Tao. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon.
- If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
- Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
- Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
- Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand, Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand, and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
- Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
- Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
- For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
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10 Comments
I appreciate your enthousiastic and meaningful writing on what to do and experience in and around Surat Thani! Therefore it is very disappointing to see a picture of Elephant riding in your story.
You would expect that you , in your role as influencer, would even inform your readers about the negative impact of this awful and stupid tourist activity.
Keep on the rest of your good work.
Regards
I wholeheartedly agree with you about tourists riding elephants, Paul. However, the elephant ride shown here is part of the rite of monk ordination where the monk-to-be, or Nak, seen in the middle of the picture, is carried to a temple on an elephant. This is a Thai tradition that has been practiced for decades, and I thought it would be cool to showcase a lesser-known aspect of Thai culture here.
Don't worry, you won't be able to do it as a tourist here as it is a local temple, but I do understand where you are coming from. I'll add a bit more detail under the photo for clarification. :)
Thanks for the heads up!
Hello Pete thanks very much for your quick and clear reply. You taught me an interesting aspect of thee Thai culture which interest me so much. I also appreciate your positive attitude towards my message instead of being defensive and irritated. My pleasant surprise with your reaction probably is the part of my Dutch culture.....:-). Again thanks and you have yourself a new subscriber. Best regards Paul
Haha, thank you for subscribing Paul! Much appreciated! I totally understand and as a Thai, I'm glad that more and more tourists are up in arms about that practice. Hopefully, it will be completely eradicated from Thailand and elsewhere in Southeast Asia someday. Clarification has been added under the photo! :)
Happy to hear. This very moment, following your tip, i am enjoying pad sii-ew at Tip Pa Rod. Great dish. We are enjoying Surat Thani for 4 days. We like the atmosphere of this provincial city. Top!!
Oh if you have time, be sure to check out the food market in Surat Thani's old town. There is a unique Pad Thai dish you can try there called Pad Thai Tha Chang. Delicious! I have the location listed in my Surat Thani Old Town guide if you want some more food recommendations!
Fun fact, my family are from Surat Thani and I spent much of my childhood there. :) Good memories!
I read about your roots from here and your insight knowledge and experience also of the specific local food. Very helpful to us. Last night we have spent a long time at the Riverside on the terrace watching the loading and departure of the nightboat to KP. A cool Chang, nice breeze, Chinese opera and a lot to watch. Great street life atmosphere not to mention all the delicious food stalls with their skillful cooks. Before Wednesday we will go after your latest Tip. Kap Khun Krap
Dear Pete, thanks for all the amazing information you shared. I wonder whether you could assist me with your knowledge.
I'll be at Surat Thani from mid August for 10 days approximately. I wanted ro trek Khao Sok NP but it's raining season and it will be full of leeches. Some people suggested that it might be a nightmare.
Is there any other forest in Surat Thani worth trekking that is not affected by monsoon so the chances of leeches might be at its lowest?
Thank you very much
WKR
Alex
Hey Alex, the leeches are everywhere in the rainforest so you might not be able to avoid them, but it's not as bad as it sounds. During the rainy season, it rains heavily but only for a few hours. Morning is always the best time to hike as the weather is more stable. Wear long pants and long socks and put your socks over your pants and you should be leech free. :)
Be very careful with the jungle in Khaosok. Many tourists have gotten lost in there. Go with a guide or go for popular trails over remote ones. I hope this helps!
Thank you very much 😀