Staying for Chak Phra, the Rambutan Fair and other Surat Thani events
The Chak Phra river procession on the Tapi and the Rambutan Fair are two of the events that bring visitors to Surat Thani. This page describes them briefly and says which hotel suits going to them. We do not list the dates of any particular year, because dates, times and venues are announced afresh every year.
The short answer
The Chak Phra river procession on the Tapi: The Harbourfront Hotel is in the city centre and an easy walk to the Tapi riverside and Talat San Chao market, which suits going to the event without having to find parking.
The Rambutan Fair: the fair is tied to Na San rambutans from Ban Na San district, south of the city. Both hotels are a similar distance from that area. HF Ville suits drivers who prefer a quiet setting and free private parking.
Around big events: rooms may fill quickly, so ask about availability early.
Chak Phra, the river procession
Chak Phra is a tradition held around the end of Buddhist Lent (Ok Phansa). In Surat Thani, a procession of Buddha-image boats moves on the Tapi river in the city. In past years the event has been held along the Tapi riverside, Na Mueang Road and Ban Don Road, with activities such as offering monks' robes and long-boat racing (according to news and event announcements from past years).
Dates, times and the programme change every year, so check the latest announcement from the province or Surat Thani City Municipality before you plan. The Harbourfront Hotel is, as its hotel page says, within walking distance of the Tapi riverside, so you may not need to drive into the event area and look for parking.
The Rambutan Fair
Surat Thani is known for Na San (rong rian) rambutan from Ban Na San district, roughly 40 km south of the city. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) lists the Na San rambutan harvest as running from about July to August. The annual rambutan fair follows the fruit season, but its dates and venue are announced each year and we do not know them in advance. Please check the province's announcements, TAT or Ban Na San district.
If you are heading to Ban Na San, the straight-line distance from the Na San area (a map reference point) is about 38 km to The Harbourfront Hotel and about 36 km to HF Ville. The road distance is longer.
Other events in the city and province
Besides these two, the city and province hold events and seasonal events throughout the year. We do not collect event dates on this page, so you are never given out-of-date information. Check with the TAT Surat Thani office, the province or Surat Thani City Municipality, then send us the dates you need to ask about rooms.
Choose the hotel that suits the event
City centre
The Harbourfront Hotel
Suits events in the city, such as the Chak Phra procession on the Tapi: walk to Talat San Chao market and the riverside. It has a 24-hour front desk, parking in the building for guests, and buffet breakfast at the hotel restaurant (room rates exclude breakfast).
Check-in 13:00 · check-out by 11:00
A Family Room for three guests and a Zenith Room for four, for families and groups
Book direct with the hotel and get a free 2-hour late checkout. Just screenshot your booking and send it to us in chat, or show it at check-in.
A quieter setting
HF Ville
Suits drivers who want a quiet place to return to after an event. It has free private parking and sits outside the town centre. Rooms are Standard, Deluxe Pool Access and Family; pool use is exclusive to Deluxe Pool Access guests.
Check-in 14:00 · check-out 12:00
About 4 km from The Harbourfront Hotel (straight line). If you are going to an event in the city, plan your journey and parking in advance.
Free late checkout until 14:00 for direct bookings — quote code G-HFV-1
Common questions
When is Chak Phra this year?
We do not list the dates of any year on this page, because they are announced anew each year and move with the end of Buddhist Lent. Please check the latest announcement from the province or Surat Thani City Municipality, then send us the dates you want to stay to ask about rooms.
Should I book ahead for an event?
Yes. Rooms may fill faster than usual around big events, and rates may vary by date. Reception confirms availability and the rate before you book, and we cannot guarantee a room until it is confirmed.
I am going to the rambutan fair near Ban Na San. Which hotel?
The two hotels are a similar straight-line distance from Ban Na San (see the figures above), so choose by the way you travel. The Harbourfront Hotel is in the city centre for those who also want to explore on foot, and HF Ville is for drivers who prefer a quiet setting.
This page is general planning information, not an official announcement from the organisers. Please confirm event dates, times and venues with the organisers directly. Sending a request through the website is not a confirmed reservation.
