TRAVEL GUIDE · SURAT THANI

A night in Surat Thani before or after Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao

Surat Thani is where many trips to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao change from road or rail to boat. When your train or flight lands late, or your boat leaves early, a night in the city keeps the journey unhurried. This page explains how the pieces fit together and which of our two hotels suits the way you are travelling.

Twin room with a red feature wall at The Harbourfront Hotel, Surat Thani

The short answer

Travelling by train, bus or boat without a car: choose The Harbourfront Hotel in the city centre. It is an easy walk to Talat San Chao market and the Tapi riverside, and under 1 km from the Surat Thani city pier on the river.
Driving yourself to the Donsak piers and want free private parking: choose HF Ville, a quieter place on the road to the Donsak ferry piers.
Arriving late at night: The Harbourfront Hotel has a 24-hour front desk. HF Ville check-in starts at 14:00, so please tell us your expected arrival time in advance.

From Surat Thani to the islands: the pieces

This is an overview only. We do not publish ferry or train timetables or ticket prices here because they change with the operator and the season. Please check directly with the operator before you plan.

Donsak piers: The mainland piers in Don Sak district, used for crossings to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. They are about 51 km from The Harbourfront Hotel in a straight line; the road distance is longer.
The city pier: The Surat Thani city pier sits on the Tapi river in the middle of town and is a departure point for some overnight boats to Koh Tao. Operators differ, so check the pier printed on your ticket.
Train: Surat Thani railway station is in Phunphin district, about 14 km from The Harbourfront Hotel and 16 km from HF Ville (as listed on the hotel pages).
Airport: Surat Thani Airport (URT) is also in Phunphin district, about 25 km from The Harbourfront Hotel and 27 km from HF Ville (as listed on the hotel pages).
Buses and minibuses: Some operators sell combined bus-and-boat tickets. Read the pick-up point, drop-off point and times on your ticket carefully.

Approximate distances from each hotel

Place	The Harbourfront Hotel	HF Ville
Surat Thani city pier (Tapi riverside)	under 1 km	about 4 km
Donsak piers	about 51 km	about 49 km
Surat Thani railway station	14 km	16 km
Surat Thani Airport	25 km	27 km

Pier distances are straight-line distances between map coordinates; the railway station and airport figures are the distances listed on the hotel pages. Real travel time depends on traffic and how you travel.

Choose by how you are travelling

City centre

The Harbourfront Hotel

Suits guests arriving by train, bus or boat who want everything close by: an easy walk to Talat San Chao market and the Tapi riverside, 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
Six room types, from a budget room to the four-guest Zenith Room

See rooms and starting rates →

Book online

@hfhotel Call 077 313 808

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 guests driving themselves to the Donsak piers who want free private parking and a quiet stay 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). The two hotels are a similar distance from the Donsak piers.

See rooms and starting rates →

Book online

@hfville Call 077 275 838

Free late checkout until 14:00 for direct bookings — quote code G-HFV-1

What to confirm before you travel

Boat, bus, train or flight times, and the pier on your ticket, directly with the operator.
If you leave very early or arrive late, include your travel times when you ask about rooms. Reception will confirm the check-in and check-out details.
If you would like to leave bags or check in early, ask the hotel in advance. It depends on availability and must be confirmed by reception.
The rate and availability for your dates. Reception confirms these before you book.

Common questions

Should I stay a night in Surat Thani before the islands?

It depends on when you arrive and when your boat leaves. If you arrive late, or your boat leaves very early, a night in the city saves you from rushing. If you have plenty of time to make your connection you may not need one. Check the latest times with the operator before you decide.

Which hotel is closer to the Donsak piers?

They are a similar distance from the Donsak piers in a straight line (see the table above). HF Ville is on the road to the piers, which suits people who drive. The Harbourfront Hotel suits people using trains, buses or boats who want to be near the city centre.

Can I check in late at night?

The Harbourfront Hotel has a 24-hour front desk. HF Ville check-in starts at 14:00. If you expect to arrive late, tell us in advance on LINE or by phone so reception can confirm the arrangement with you.

This page is general planning information, not a transport operator's timetable or price list. Sending a request through the website is not a confirmed reservation; reception confirms the price and availability with you first.