Surat Thani

Surat Thani

Surat Thani is a provincial capital on Thailand’s Gulf coast, best known as the jumping-off point for the island trio of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Travellers from the Andaman side — arriving via Phuket or Khao Lak — frequently pass through Surat Thani to catch a ferry to the Gulf islands, making it one of Thailand’s most-transited transport hubs.

Getting from Khao Lak to Surat Thani

Surat Thani is approximately 200 km north-east of Khao Lak by road. The most direct overland route takes 2.5–3 hours via the Phetkasem Highway (Route 4). Khao Lak Land Discovery offers private transfers to Surat Thani Airport from ฿4,600 one-way — suitable for travellers catching a domestic flight onward, or arriving at Surat Thani and heading to the Khao Lak coast.

Surat Thani to the Gulf Islands

The Don Sak ferry pier (35 km east of Surat Thani town) is the main vessel hub for Koh Samui (45 min high-speed), Koh Phangan (2 hrs), and Koh Tao (4–5 hrs). Night boats run directly from Surat Thani pier. Khao Lak Land Discovery can arrange a direct transfer to Don Sak pier from Khao Lak from ฿5,800 one-way, combining the road leg with your ferry embarkation in one booking.

Surat Thani Airport

Surat Thani Airport (IATA: URT) is a small domestic terminal serving Bangkok routes. It sits about 30 km south-west of Surat Thani town. Flying Surat → Bangkok is practical for travellers who want to skip the 11-hour overnight train; combined with a private transfer from the Khao Lak coast to the airport, the total journey from beach to Bangkok airport takes approximately 4–5 hours.