Enjoy an affordable trip to Surat Thani that is both budget-friendly and rewarding.

After working hard for an extended period, nothing beats taking a break to unwind—especially in the great outdoors. Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and discover the natural beauty in Surat Thani, a southern province of Thailand filled with captivating destinations. Just pack your bags for a 3-day, 2-night getaway and a few thousand baht will suffice. Grab a budget flight and let's embark on this adventure!

Traveling from Bangkok to Surat Thani

There are several options for traveling from Bangkok to Surat Thani, including train, bus, or plane. This time, we chose to purchase a ticket for a budget flight through Mytour. The cost is comparable to other modes of transport, and it only takes about an hour. We also snagged the best fare using the Price Alerts feature, which notifies you of prices from various airlines. This way, you won’t have to compare prices manually; just let Mytour do the work. Simply enter your destination, date, and time in the app, then wait for the notification to book your flight.

Day 1

Upon our arrival at Surat Thani airport, we made our way to Seree Tae Tiam dim sum restaurant. This spot is famous for its delicious dim sum offerings, featuring a variety of buns and dumplings—best enjoyed hot and fresh! Don't miss out on the fried buns, congee, and bak kut teh. This restaurant has been a staple for many years, beloved by both locals and visitors. If you're searching for a great breakfast spot, this is the place to be!

Credit: facebook.com/sereetaetiam2

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, our next destination was Ratchaprapha Dam (Cheow Lan Dam). We took some time to stroll around and capture photos before boarding a boat to our hotel. This location offers stunning views, with the dam's waters resembling a vast lake.

Next, we headed to our accommodation for the night, the ‘Nang Prai Raft House,’ known for its affordable rates and stunning views, nestled among mountains and close to the famous three peaks in the water.

On our journey to the raft house, we admired numerous mountains and limestone formations. The fresh air was invigorating, accompanied by a refreshing breeze.

Pack your belongings at the raft house and hop on a boat to capture a photo of Sam Klur Mountain, which features three impressive limestone peaks. It’s another highlight of this dam.

After taking plenty of photos, we were taken to Pra Kie Phet Cave to explore its fascinating stalagmites and stalactites. The standout feature of this 100-meter cavern is its walls that sparkle like diamonds, especially when illuminated by a flashlight.

Now it's free time! We returned to the raft house where you can enjoy kayaking, feeding the fish, or simply swimming in the refreshing water. Dive in and feel revitalized!

There’s nothing quite like spending quality time alone or with loved ones, surrounded by majestic mountains, lush trees, and the tranquility of emerald waters.

In the evening, the raft house served us a delightful dinner featuring authentic Thai dishes like fried fish, stir-fried vegetables, and omelette—a simple yet satisfying meal. After a long day, we fell into a deep sleep, ready for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 2

On Day 2 in Surat Thani, we enjoyed breakfast and packed our belongings as we prepared to head back to the mainland. However, before moving on to Khao Sok, we made a quick stop to feed the playful school of Tinfoil barbs swimming in the water.

Next, we headed to the mainland pier, but we still had some time before checking into our hotel. Instead, we visited the Khao Phang Suspension Bridge, set against a backdrop of heart-shaped mountains. This popular attraction in Surat Thani, located by the river, offered an exciting walk where we could breathe in the fresh forest air. It’s also a perfect spot to watch the sunrise or sunset.

After strolling and snapping pictures for a while, it was time for lunch. We drove to Kieng Khlong Khieun Chiew Larn Restaurant for a delicious meal not far from the suspension bridge. This eatery specializes in local cuisine at reasonable prices, particularly the freshly caught fish from the dam. Be sure to try their fried fish or fish soup—freshness guaranteed!

We ordered three dishes to enjoy with hot, fluffy rice. Once our bellies were satisfied, we made our way to Nam Rad Forest Headwaters, another popular attraction known for its clean, clear waters that draw many visitors.

After about an hour of travel, we arrived at our destination. The water was crystal clear, just like the photos, and many people were swimming and relaxing nearby. Surrounded by trees and forests, the atmosphere was incredibly refreshing.

If you prefer not to dive in completely, there's a spot where you can sit and dip just your feet in. It's a perfect way to unwind in nature and enjoy the gentle breeze, allowing you to forget your worries.

Once we felt sufficiently relaxed, we headed to ‘Khaosok Boutique Camps,’ where we had booked our accommodation for the night. The place was nice, and the cost was around 1,000 baht.

We arrived in the evening, so we decided to take it easy and prepare for our final day, which would be a sightseeing trip in Surat Thani.

Day 3

We kicked off our final day with a breakfast provided by the camp. Afterward, we prepared to check out and made our way to Bridge Hill Café, which was just a short distance away.

This stylish and trendy café boasts stunning views, nestled among mountains and lush forests. Refresh yourself with cold drinks and capture memorable photos. The menu offers a variety of beverages priced around 80-85 Baht, along with an assortment of baked goods and cakes to choose from.

Credit: facebook.com/bridgehiicafe

There are plenty of spots in this café perfect for taking great photos! Get your camera ready and strike a pose like a model. The views, delicious beverages and desserts, along with the inviting atmosphere, will make you fall in love with this place.

After satisfying our appetites, we headed to Wat Tham Wararam, also known as Wat Tham Pla. This temple features a cave located about 100 meters beneath the mountain, where historical relics and artifacts from ancient times have been discovered. Currently, the site showcases various Buddha statues.

Next on our itinerary is one of Surat Thani's most significant temples – Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya. This sacred site houses and preserves the relics of the Buddha.

The architecture of this temple reflects the stunning Sri Vichai style, making the pagoda exceptionally beautiful. This serene temple offers a sense of peace for both heart and soul.

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After returning the car to the attendant, we checked in with the airline, passed through the gate, and boarded a budget flight back to our everyday lives.

That wraps up our 3-day, 2-night trip to Surat Thani, where we explored nearly all the key attractions. We especially enjoyed relaxing amidst the mountains and stunning nature, embracing a 'slow-life' lifestyle free from urban stress. Surat Thani is a city brimming with interesting experiences, much like Phuket or Krabi. Visit once, and you'll carry the memories with you forever!