Surat Thani is Thailand's largest southern province, renowned as the gateway to world-famous Gulf islands including Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. The province combines pristine island beaches, the ancient rainforest of Khao Sok National Park, and the emerald waters of Cheow Lan Lake, making it one of Thailand's most diverse destinations.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Remove shoes before entering temples, traditional homes, and many local businesses — look for a shoe rack at the entrance
Dress modestly when visiting Buddhist temples — cover shoulders and knees; sarongs are available to borrow or purchase at major temples
The 'wai' greeting (pressing palms together and bowing slightly) is used to show respect; return the gesture if someone wais you first
Never touch a Thai person's head — it is considered the most sacred part of the body
Never point your feet at a person, Buddha image, or sacred object — it is considered deeply disrespectful
Speak calmly and quietly — losing your temper or raising your voice in public causes significant loss of face for all involved
The monarchy is deeply revered; never speak disparagingly about the king, queen, or royal family — this is a criminal offense in Thailand
Buddhist monks follow strict rules — women must never touch a monk or hand objects directly to them
Bargaining is acceptable at markets but should be friendly and good-natured — know when an offer is fair and accept graciously
Southern Thailand has a significant Muslim population in some areas — be especially respectful near mosques
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Do remove your shoes at temple entrances and before entering many businesses
- Do wai (press palms together) when greeted with a wai — a simple nod suffices if you are unsure of the depth
- Do dress modestly at religious sites and in rural communities
- Do support local businesses and buy from street vendors when possible
- Do try to learn a few words of Thai — even basic phrases are greatly appreciated
- Do ask permission before photographing people
- Do stand still during the national anthem (played at 8AM and 6PM daily in public spaces)
Don't
- Don't disrespect or make jokes about the royal family — lèse-majesté is a serious criminal charge
- Don't touch another person's head
- Don't point your feet at people, Buddha statues, or sacred objects
- Don't enter a temple without modest dress
- Don't raise your voice or show anger in public — it causes deep embarrassment
- Don't buy counterfeit goods — while widely sold, purchasing is officially illegal
- Don't photograph monks without permission
- Don't litter — particularly important at beaches and in national parks
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Songkran (Thai New Year Water Festival)
Celebrated in mid-April with street water fights across Thailand. On the islands it combines with the full tourist season for a spectacular celebration. Major events in Surat Thani City and throughout the province.
Loy Krathong
The festival of lights held in November, when Thais release small lotus-shaped floats carrying candles onto rivers and the sea. Watching Loy Krathong on Koh Samui's beaches with hundreds of lanterns floating is magical.
Chak Phra Festival
Unique to Surat Thani province, the Chak Phra festival marks the end of Buddhist Lent with boat processions on the Tapee River. One of the most distinctive cultural events in southern Thailand.
Full Moon Party
The monthly Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Beach, Koh Phangan is the world's most famous beach party. While not a Thai cultural tradition, it has become an embedded part of the island's identity.
Making Merit
Thais regularly give food and donations to Buddhist monks as a way of making merit. Witnessing the morning alms-giving ceremony in Surat Thani City at dawn is a beautiful cultural experience.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- The wai (palms pressed together, slight bow) is the traditional greeting. Younger people or those of lower status initiate the wai first. Handshakes are common with foreigners.
- Dining
- Wait for the most senior person to begin eating before you start. Share dishes communally — Thai meals are designed for sharing. Use the communal serving spoon, not your own utensils, when taking from shared dishes.
- Dress
- Smart casual for restaurants; beachwear is fine on beaches but should be covered when leaving the beach area; modest dress (covered shoulders and knees) when entering temples or government buildings.
- Gifts
- If invited to a Thai home, bring fruit, sweets, or flowers. Gifts are often not opened immediately in the giver's presence.
- Business
- Exchange business cards with both hands and treat received cards with respect. Building personal relationships before business is important in Thai culture.
- Tipping
- Not mandatory but appreciated. 20-50 THB at casual restaurants; 50-100 THB at mid-range restaurants; 10% at upscale establishments. 100-200 THB for excellent guide service.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
สวัสดี (Sawadee)
Hello / Good day
sah-wah-dee (add 'krap' if male speaker, 'kha' if female)
ขอบคุณ (Khob khun)
Thank you
kob-koon (add 'krap'/'kha')
ไม่เป็นไร (Mai pen rai)
No worries / Never mind
my-pen-rye
เท่าไหร่ (Tao rai)
How much?
tao-rye
แพงไป (Phaeng pai)
Too expensive
pang-pie
อร่อย (Aroy)
Delicious
ah-roi
ไม่เผ็ด (Mai phet)
Not spicy
my-pet
...อยู่ที่ไหน (...yoo tee nai)
Where is...?
...yoo-tee-nye
ห้องน้ำ (Hong nam)
Toilet
hong-nam
ช่วยด้วย (Chuay duay)
Help!
chu-ay-du-ay
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Surat Thani.
Main: Theravada Buddhism (approximately 90% of the population in Surat Thani province). Islam is practiced by a minority, particularly in the southern districts.
Sites: Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya (ancient Srivijaya temple), Big Buddha Temple on Koh Samui, Wat Suan Mokkh Buddhist monastery in Chaiya (famous for international meditation retreats)
Holy Days: Buddhist holy days (Wan Phra) occur on full moon, new moon, and quarter moon days — some businesses close. Makha Bucha, Visakha Bucha, and Asarnha Bucha are national Buddhist holidays. Alcohol sales may be banned on these days.
Conversations: Religion and the monarchy are sensitive topics — avoid critical discussions. Political opinions about internal Thai matters are best kept private.