Surat Thani Hotels and Guesthouses
As Surat Thani is usually a stopgap destination between the mainland and the islands, the accommodation options do not offer the same variety as Koh Samui, Phuket or Bangkok.
If you are transferring on to the islands after travelling down on a train from Bangkok, it may be that you need a night’s accommodation in Surat Thani. You are therefore likely to want to choose accommodation that is situated close to the port (Donsak) or train station (Phun Phin).
If you’re staying in Surat Thani for a few days, however, we suggest staying close to the centre so that you can explore on foot.
If you want to be in the heart of the action, we recommend staying close to the Ta Pi River, between Ban Rung Charoen and Mu Ban Siriphon. It is great to stay within walking distance of the night market (located along Soi Tonpo) so you can head out in the evenings to taste the delights of Surat Thani and watch as the locals go about their nightly business.
Accommodation standards in Surat Thani
Most hotels in Surat Thani are simple three-star properties that offer all the amenities you will need during your stay. They are unlikely to have much in the way of frills or style, but usually offer friendly staff, central locations and clean, comfortable rooms.
The following hotels provide modest accommodation for less than THB1000 per night:
CBD Hotel (428/8 Namuang Road T. Thalad, Surat Thani 84000) is centrally located and provides you with a great base from which to explore. Rooms are spacious and have been recently updated, and bathrooms are clean and tidy. Although the hotel is named after the Central Business District, don’t worry that you will be staying in the finance quarter and will be away from all the tourist spots.
You are just a stone’s throw from the night market which is ideal and there is a bus stop nearby which can take you to and from the airport.
If you’re not too bothered about staying in the centre of Surat Thani, Wang Tai hotel (1 Talad Mai Road, Surat Thani) is a good option. It is located a little further along the Ta Pi River so is not within walking distance of the main transport links and markets. However, it does boast a swimming pool and lovely river views which many of the main city hotels do not have. Wang Tai also has a restaurant on site, so if you want to get away from it all and enjoy a couple of days staying in your hotel, this is perfectly possible. As the hotel is situated out of town, you can easily get to the airport without going through the centre of town too.
For more modern accommodation, B Boutique Residence (234/40 Chonkasem Road Muang, 84000 Surat Thani) is a good choice. Rooms are spacious and contemporary featuring comfortable beds, sitting areas and flatscreen TVs. Although it is situated around 3km from the centre of Surat Thani (Bandon), there is free parking on site so you can explore the area by car or motorbike. There is a range of room options, from standard doubles to deluxe suites, so all guests should find a room to suit them.
Which area to choose
If you want to book accommodation when you arrive in Surat Thani, this is possible and we suggest focussing on central hotels around Soi Tonpo and Ta Pi. You are able to haggle somewhat with the price, and it is worth keeping in mind that a twin or double room should cost between THB500-1000.
Although you won’t find luxury in Surat Thani, you’ll find somewhere comfortable to rest your head and to explore the local sights.