Surat Thani City Guide

The city serves authentic Southern Thai dishes and fresh seafood. Night markets stay open late with street food. Vegetarian options are available but vegan choices are limited. International food is basic and not widespread.

Nightlife is low-key with local pubs, karaoke bars, and some live music spots. Not suited for big parties.

Growing coffee scene with local cafes and some specialty roasters. Quality is decent.

Tipping is optional but appreciated. Round up bills or leave 20-50 THB in restaurants. For taxis, round up fare or tip 10%. Massage tips of 50-100 THB are common. Some places include a service charge.

SIMs can be bought at the airport, official stores, or 7-Eleven. Main providers are AIS, TrueMove H, and dtac with good coverage. Passport is required for registration. eSIMs are available mostly online or at provider stores.

Street cleanliness is average. Waste collection is regular but recycling is limited.

7-Eleven and FamilyMart are open 24/7. Some pharmacies have extended hours but 24/7 pharmacies are rare. Emergency hospital services available.

Main supermarkets include Tesco Lotus, Big C, and Makro. Fresh markets like Surat Thani Night Market open early and offer local produce. Supermarkets usually open 8 AM to 10 PM, fresh markets close by afternoon. Bargaining is normal in markets but not in supermarkets.

Cards work in big supermarkets, malls, and some restaurants, but most small shops and street vendors take cash. Locals widely use PromptPay mobile payments.

ATMs are common at banks, convenience stores, and malls. Expect withdrawal fees around 150-220 THB per transaction for international cards.

Surat Thani International School offers English curriculum. Local schools teach in Thai. Contact schools early for admissions info.

The digital nomad scene is small with few meetups and limited co-living options. Some cafes are good for work.

Main green spaces include Ko Lamphu Park and the Tapi River promenade with shaded walking areas.

Popular routes include Ko Lamphu Park and the river promenade. Safe during the day.

Several gyms offer fitness options including local and chain facilities.

Some sports clubs and hotels have tennis courts.

Padel courts are not common.

A few gyms offer yoga; dedicated studios are rare.

Muay Thai gyms are common, with traditional styles including Muay Chaiya. Some gyms offer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and CrossFit.

No skiing in Thailand.

Limited water sports in the city; kayaking possible on Tapi River. More options on nearby islands.

No surfing spots near the city.

Surat Thani is a gateway to island diving spots accessible by ferry, but no diving nearby itself.

Surat Thani Hospital (public) and Bangkok Hospital Surat Thani (private) serve patients, with better English support and facilities at Bangkok Hospital. Pharmacies are common and provide basic medicines and advice.

Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or filtered water.

Playgrounds exist in parks like Ko Lamphu. Some cafes cater to families but are limited. Baby supplies are in big supermarkets. Good attractions include Ko Lamphu Park and the Tapi River.

Generally accepted but more conservative than major tourist spots. No dedicated LGBTQ+ venues.

Pet policies vary by place. Veterinary clinics exist but dedicated pet parks are scarce.