Surat Thani Lower Southern Gulf, Thailand Travel Guide
Southern Thai cuisine remains distinct within Thailand's diverse culinary landscape. It uses fresh seafood from the region's coastline, and coconut milk provides richness.
Flavors are typically strong, with emphasis on spicy, sour, and salty notes. Influences from neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia appear, incorporating turmeric and black pepper more heavily.
Thais typically eat with a spoon and fork. Use the fork in your left hand to push food onto the spoon, which you use in your right hand to eat. Chopsticks apply mainly for noodle dishes.
Dishes are usually served family-style. Order several different dishes for the group. Use the serving spoon provided with communal dishes; avoid eating directly from the communal dish.
Finish your rice; it has a reputation as wasteful if left on the plate. Meals maintain a relaxed, social pace.
A fiery, sour, and spicy fish curry, typically without coconut milk, making it lighter but intensely flavorful. It contains various vegetables and fresh fish.
Where to find: Local Southern Thai restaurants.
A distinctive Southern Thai dish with "stink beans" (sator), stir-fried with shrimp paste, chili, and often shrimp or minced pork. Its flavor leaves a lasting impression.
Where to find: Local Southern Thai eateries; it may not be on every menu.
A rich, relatively mild, and sweet curry made with coconut milk, peanuts, potatoes, and usually chicken or beef. Its origins draw influence from Persian and Indian flavors.
Where to find: Widely available in many Thai restaurants.
A seasonal dessert with fresh slices of ripe mango, sweet sticky rice, and coconut milk. Best enjoyed during mango season (typically April-June).
Explore small, colorful traditional desserts made from coconut milk, rice flour, and fruit. Sold in markets.
Fine dining options are limited in Surat Thani city. Some higher-end hotels or resorts, specifically in Khao Sok National Park, may present more upscale restaurants.
Numerous mid-range restaurants exist throughout Surat Thani city and in Khao Sok Village. These establishments contain a mix of local Thai cuisine and some international dishes.
The Surat Thani Night Market (San Chao) and Talad Mai Night Market present fantastic places to experience a wide array of affordable street food and sample various dishes.
While Surat Thani's focus remains on local Thai food, some restaurants in the city cater to Western tastes, offering popular dishes like pizza, pasta, or basic European fare.
More limited than in major tourist centers like Bangkok or Phuket.
Riverfront dining in Surat Thani city offers scenic views of the Tapi River, notably in the evening, with a relaxed ambiance.
A unique dining concept for the region.
Meals serve as a social occasion. Eat at a relaxed pace.
It is common to finish rice on your plate.
Order several different dishes for the group to sample.
Thais typically eat with a spoon and fork, using chopsticks mostly for noodles.
This can present a challenge. Many common Thai sauces (soy sauce, oyster sauce) contain gluten. Staff are generally helpful, but may not fully grasp gluten intolerance distinctions.
Preparation involves learning Thai phrases and clear explanations.
Clearly state your allergies. Carry allergy cards translated into Thai to show restaurant staff.
Use Google Translate or pre-printed allergy cards.
Surat Thani's location near the Gulf of Thailand highlights an emphasis on fresh seafood. Dishes frequently highlight locally caught fish, crabs, and shellfish.
Cha Yen (Thai Iced Tea), Oliang (Thai Iced Coffee), Fresh Coconut Water, and Fruit Shakes/Smoothies are widely available.
Fewer formal cooking classes exist in Surat Thani city. Some guesthouses or resorts, specifically in Khao Sok, may offer basic Thai cooking demonstrations.
Surat Thani maintains renown for its extensive fruit orchards and palm oil plantations. Agritourism opportunities appear during fruit seasons.
Local fruit festivals (e.g., durian festival) happen during harvest season. Dates vary annually.
Given Surat Thani's coastal location and abundant fishing, fresh grilled fish, prawns, and squid are highly recommended.
Look for seafood restaurants along the Tapi River or at local markets.
At many local spots, you may pick your seafood fresh from tanks or ice displays.
This guarantees the freshest possible meal.
Surat Thani is one of Thailand's largest producers of durian, the "king of fruits." Visit during peak season (generally May-July) for abundant fresh durian.
The famous spicy and sour shrimp soup. Available with or without coconut milk (creamy or clear). Fragrant with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili.
A simple, customizable, and universally available dish. Prepared with chicken, pork, shrimp, or mixed vegetables. A reliable choice for a quick meal.
Street food offers the most flavorful, authentic, and affordable way to eat in Surat Thani.
