Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There are also several ferry and speedboat operators that connect Surat Thani to Ko
Tao, Ko Pha-Ngan and Ko Samui. Most boats - such as the Raja and Seatran services -
leave from Don Sak (about one hour from Surat; bus transfers are included in the ferry
ticket) although the Songserm leaves from the heart of Surat town. Be warned that the
Raja service can be a very frustrating experience, especially for travellers who are tight
on time. The boat trip usually takes around 1½ hours to Ko Samui and 2½ hours to Ko
Pha-Ngan, although often the captain will cut the engines to half propulsion, which
means the journey can take up to five hours.
Night Ferry
From the centre of Surat there are nightly ferries to Ko Tao (eight hours, departs at
10pm), Ko Pha-Ngan (seven hours, departs at 10pm) and Ko Samui (six hours, departs at
11pm). These are cargo ships, not luxury boats, so bring food and water and watch your
bags.
BUS & MINIVAN
The most convenient way to travel around the south, frequent buses and minivans depart
from two main locations in town known as Talat Kaset 1 and Talat Kaset 2. Talat Kaset 1,
on the north side of Th Talat Mai (the city's main drag) offers speedy service to Nakhon
(120B, 1½ hours). This is also the location of Pranthip Co, one of the more trustworthy
agencies in town. Buses to Phun Phin also leave from Talat Kaset 1.
At Talat Kaset 2, on the south side of Th Talat Mai, you'll find frequent transportation.
The 'new' bus terminal (which is actually a few years old now, but still referred to as
new by the locals) is 7km south of town on the way to Phun Phin. This hub services
traffic to and from Bangkok (380B to 800B, 11 to 14 hours).
BUSES & MINIVANS FROM SURAT THANI
DESTINATION
FARE
DURATION
Bangkok
421-856B
10hr
Hat Yai
160-240B
5hr
Khanom
100B
1hr
Krabi
150B
2½hr
Phuket
200B
6hr
Trang
190B
2hr 10min
