Surat Thani Lower Southern Gulf, Thailand Travel Guide
Songthaews are the most common form of local public transport in Surat Thani city and its surrounding areas. They are modified pickup trucks with two benches in the back, serving as shared taxis.
Local buses and minivans connect Surat Thani city to nearby towns and districts, and also serve as an inter-provincial transport option for shorter distances within Southern Thailand. They offer a more structured route system than songthaews.
Surat Thani City Center, notably around Talad Mai Road and the Tapi Riverfront, functions as a central hub for songthaews and local minivans. The main bus terminal also serves as a hub.
Official route maps in English are generally not available; rely on asking locals or drivers for directions and routes. Use Google Maps to identify your approximate location and destination.
Public transportation systems in Surat Thani, including songthaews and minivans, are generally not designed for wheelchair accessibility. Boarding and alighting can be challenging for those with mobility limitations.
Less common in Surat Thani city than in larger metropolitan areas like Bangkok. If you find one, ensure the driver agrees to use the meter. If a meter is not used, negotiate the fare before starting your journey. Taxis are typically found waiting at the airport, train station, bus terminal, and major hotels.
Grab is the most widely used ride-sharing app in Thailand and operates effectively in Surat Thani. Grab has both car and motorbike taxi services. The app displays fixed fares before you confirm your booking, eliminating the need for negotiation and simplifying pricing. Grab is highly convenient for booking rides to and from key transport hubs or specific attractions.
Grab is generally considered a safe option as drivers are registered with the service, and rides are tracked via the app. You can share your journey details with others for added safety. For non-app taxis or tuk-tuks, always negotiate the fare upfront to prevent disputes. Be aware of common scams, like inflated prices.
Cash is the predominant payment method for taxis; drivers rarely accept credit cards. For Grab, you can often link a card, but cash payment is also an option. It's good practice to have small bills available for taxi fares.
For self-driving, an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country's driving license is needed. Always carry both documents.
Surat Thani city center, especially the areas around the Tapi Riverfront, the night market, and Ko Lamphu Public Park, are relatively pedestrian-friendly.
Formal, organized walking tours in Surat Thani city are not widely advertised. However, self-guided exploration of the night market, morning markets, and riverfront areas is easy.
Dedicated bicycle infrastructure is limited. Cycling on main roads can be hazardous due to traffic volume and driver behavior. Cycling is more suited for rural areas or around Khao Sok village.
Beyond standard options, Surat Thani also has unique transport for specific tours and experiences.
Accessibility infrastructure is generally limited throughout Thailand, including Surat Thani.
Be aware that public transport, sidewalks, and many older attractions may not be easily accessible for wheelchair users.
Larger, modern hotels may offer some accessible rooms.
Always confirm directly with the property regarding specific accessibility features and services before booking.
For travelers with mobility needs, planning transportation and accommodation in advance is a good idea to minimize challenges.
Consider private transfers or specialized tour operators for enhanced comfort.
Plan your internal transfers in Surat Thani by understanding the options available. Taxis, Grab, songthaews, and minivans offer different levels of convenience and cost.
Allow ample time for transfers to Surat Thani International Airport from the city or other hubs, especially during peak travel times or heavy rain.
Give yourself plenty of buffer time, especially if you have an onward bus, train, or flight connection, as ferry schedules can sometimes experience minor delays.
Review your full travel itinerary to account for all legs of your journey, from accommodation to airport or station, and vice versa.
Always factor in potential delays, especially during peak seasons or heavy rain, to maintain a stress-free departure experience.
