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.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Ang Thong Marine National Park
A spectacular archipelago of 42 uninhabited islands with pristine beaches, hidden lagoons, and dramatic limestone formations. Highlights include kayaking through sea caves to the inner Thale Nai lagoon, hiking to the summit viewpoint for a breathtaking panorama, and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.
Highlights: 42-island panorama from summit viewpoint · sea kayaking through caves · Thale Nai inner lagoon · snorkeling at coral reefs · secluded white sand beach
Chaiya Ancient Town & Srivijaya Heritage
A fascinating day trip from Surat Thani City to the ancient Srivijaya settlement of Chaiya, featuring the stunning 8th-century Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya temple, the outstanding Chaiya National Museum, and the famous Wat Suan Mokkh forest monastery founded by Buddhist monk Buddhadasa Bhikkhu.
Highlights: Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya (8th-century temple) · Chaiya National Museum (Srivijaya artifacts) · Wat Suan Mokkh forest monastery · Chaiya town heritage architecture
Khao Sok National Park Full Day Trek
A full-day adventure in one of the world's oldest rainforests. Day trips from Surat Thani City or the islands typically include guided jungle trekking, river swimming, optional river tubing, and a longtail boat exploration of Klong Sok river. Wildlife spotting — hornbills, gibbons, and macaques — is excellent.
Highlights: guided rainforest trekking · river swimming · wildlife spotting · limestone karst formations · Rafflesia flower (seasonal Nov-Feb)
Cheow Lan Lake (Rajjaprabha Dam) Day Boat Tour
A day trip to the stunning emerald reservoir of Cheow Lan Lake within Khao Sok National Park. Longtail boat tours explore the dramatic karst landscape, stopping at swim spots, bat caves, and viewpoints. Considered Thailand's most beautiful inland water destination.
Highlights: longtail boat through limestone karst scenery · bat cave exploration · swimming in emerald water · wildlife watching · possible raft house lunch
Koh Samui Day Trip from Surat Thani City
Surat Thani City serves as the departure point for Koh Samui. A day trip allows you to enjoy Chaweng or Bophut beaches, visit Big Buddha Temple, and explore Fisherman's Village before catching the evening ferry back. Works well if you are overnight in Surat Thani.
Highlights: Chaweng or Lamai Beach · Big Buddha Temple · Fisherman's Village Bophut · island street food
Koh Phangan Full Moon Party (Special Event Day Trip)
Join one of the world's most famous beach parties on Haad Rin Beach during the monthly Full Moon Party. If staying on Koh Samui, many travelers make the short ferry crossing for the night and return in the morning. Advance boat tickets essential — services run through the night.
Highlights: Full Moon Party on Haad Rin Nok Beach · fire shows · UV paint stations · multiple music stages · sunrise ferry return
Koh Tao Diving Day Trip from Koh Samui
A day trip from Koh Samui to Koh Tao for world-class snorkeling or a Discover Scuba Diving introductory session. Several dive schools on Koh Tao offer day packages that include equipment, a guided snorkel trip to Japanese Gardens and Koh Nang Yuan, and lunch.
Highlights: Koh Nang Yuan viewpoint · Japanese Gardens snorkeling · Discover Scuba Diving · sea turtle possible sightings
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours from Koh Samui to Ang Thong Marine Park ($50-80) and Khao Sok ($70-120) include all transport and activities
- Private
- Private car hire from Surat Thani City from $60-80/day with driver; essential for Cheow Lan Lake or Chaiya without a tour
- Public
- Local buses serve Chaiya from Surat Thani City bus terminal (hourly, 40 THB). Ferries serve all islands.
- Rental
- Motorbike rental ($8-15/day) for exploring Koh Samui or Koh Phangan independently
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Book Ang Thong Marine Park tours at least one day in advance during peak season — spots fill quickly
Ang Thong is closed during rough weather (typically October-December) — confirm before booking
For Khao Sok day trips from Koh Samui, start times are typically 7AM for the long drive — set an early alarm
The Chaiya day trip is best done by hire car to visit both the temple and museum at your own pace
Ferry schedules to and from Koh Tao become infrequent after 4PM — plan your return carefully on day trips
Bring cash for national park entry fees, boat transfers, and local restaurant payments on all trips