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.
Surat Thani province is home to some of Thailand's richest culinary traditions, combining the bold spices of Southern Thai cooking with the freshest Gulf of Thailand seafood. The provincial capital's night markets are excellent for authentic southern curries — fiery gaeng tai pla and rich massaman — while the islands offer everything from beachfront seafood shacks to international fine dining. Koh Phangan has developed a thriving healthy and vegan food scene, while Koh Tao is known for its laid-back dive-camp café culture.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Surat Thani.
Gaeng Tai Pla
A deeply flavored Southern Thai curry made with dried fish organs, vegetables, and spices — intensely savory and distinctly regional
Where to try: Sabienglae Restaurant, Surat Thani City or local market stalls
Price: 80-150 THB
Hoy Tod
Crispy egg-battered oysters and mussels fried on a large griddle — a beloved Thai street food snack
Where to try: Ton Po Night Market, Surat Thani City
Price: 60-100 THB
Khao Yam
A colorful Southern Thai rice salad with toasted coconut, dried shrimp, herbs, and a tangy fish sauce dressing — light and refreshing
Where to try: Local morning markets in Surat Thani City
Price: 50-80 THB
Tom Yum Seafood
Hot and sour Thai soup with Gulf seafood, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal — a Thai classic best enjoyed fresh on the coast
Where to try: Most restaurants throughout the province
Price: 150-350 THB
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
Sweet fragrant sticky rice served with fresh mango and coconut milk — the quintessential Thai dessert
Where to try: All night markets and dessert stalls throughout Surat Thani
Price: 70-120 THB
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Dining on the Rocks
Perched on nine platforms carved into the rocky headland at Six Senses Samui, Dining on the Rocks is one of Thailand's most spectacular dining experiences, with panoramic Gulf of Thailand views and creative cuisine. The tasting menu showcasing local ingredients is outstanding.
Known for: Panoramic sea views and creative fine dining
9/10 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
The Fisherman's Catch
An upscale seafood restaurant in Bophut's Fisherman's Village, serving the freshest Gulf of Thailand catch prepared with skill. The waterfront terrace and expertly prepared whole fish dishes make this one of Koh Samui's top special-occasion restaurants.
Known for: Fresh Gulf of Thailand seafood in Fisherman's Village setting
Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Zara's Restaurant Koh Samui
A celebrated fine dining destination in Chaweng offering sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with global influences. The expertly curated wine list and elegant beachside setting make it popular for anniversary dinners and special occasions.
Known for: Mediterranean cuisine with excellent wine selection
154/10 Moo 2, Chaweng, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Ton Po Night Market Stalls
The beloved evening market in Surat Thani City's Ton Po Alley is packed with vendors cooking everything from grilled pork skewers to fresh noodle soups and sticky rice desserts. It is the best place in Surat Thani City to eat like a local.
Known for: Authentic southern Thai street food at very low prices
Ton Po Alley (Soi Don Nok), Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
Ban Don Seafood (Aow Ban Don Tai)
A row of open-air seafood restaurants along the Ban Don waterfront in Surat Thani, where locals come for spectacularly fresh seafood at prices far lower than on the islands. Go-to for steamed crab, grilled shrimp, and southern Thai curries.
Known for: Freshest seafood in Surat Thani at local prices
Aow Ban Don Tai, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
Barracuda Restaurant & Bar
A popular restaurant and bar in Bophut's Fisherman's Village known for its excellent wood-fired pizzas, fresh fish, and relaxed beachside atmosphere. A great choice for a casual dinner with quality food at reasonable prices.
Known for: Wood-fired pizzas and grilled fish in Fisherman's Village
Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Ninja Crepes
A legendary breakfast and brunch spot in Chaweng, Koh Samui, famous for creative sweet and savory crepes, smoothie bowls, and excellent coffee. The open-air garden setting and cheerful vibe make it a morning institution.
Known for: Creative crepes and breakfast bowls
Chaweng Beach Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Larder Restaurant & Wine Bar
An excellent European-style bistro in Bophut, Koh Samui, offering charcuterie, artisan cheese boards, and simple but perfectly executed European dishes. The wine selection is one of the best on the island.
Known for: European charcuterie, cheese, and wines
Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Thai
The Fisherman's Catch
Ton Po Night Market Stalls
Ban Don Seafood (Aow Ban Don Tai)
Ziggy's Bar & Restaurant
Sanae Hat (Taste of Koh Phangan)
Cafe Corner Surat Thani
Rim Nam Restaurant Surat Thani
Chaweng Walk Night Market
The Jungle Club Restaurant (Koh Samui)
Sabienglae Restaurant (Surat Thani)
The Gallery Restaurant (Koh Tao)
Khao Sok Riverside Restaurant
Long Tail Kitchen (Koh Phangan)
Surat Thani Night Bazaar
Bo Phut Food Stalls (Sunday Market)
Ruan Thai Restaurant (Surat Thani City)
International
Dining on the Rocks
Ninja Crepes
The Islander Breakfast Club (Koh Samui)
Hemingways Koh Samui
Three Sixty (Koh Tao)
Karma Beach Bar (Koh Samui)
Beach Republic (Koh Samui)
The Pirate Bar (Koh Tao)
Bakery
Sunrise Bakery Koh Phangan
Koh Tao Bakery
Italian
Cucina Restaurant (Koh Tao)
La Dolce Vita (Koh Phangan)
Mediterranean
Zara's Restaurant Koh Samui
Barracuda Restaurant & Bar
American
Mr. Moo's Burgers (Koh Samui)
Bistro
Larder Restaurant & Wine Bar
British
Elephant & Castle (Koh Phangan)
Indian
Karma Sutra Indian Restaurant
Organic
Koh Phangan Farmers Market
Vegan
Same Same But Different (Koh Tao)
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Marinated pork skewers grilled over charcoal — an irresistible Thai street food snack
Find it at: Chaweng Walk Night Market; Ton Po Alley, Surat Thani
Pad Thai
Thailand's most iconic stir-fried noodle dish with egg, tamarind, bean sprouts and choice of protein
Find it at: All night markets and street stalls throughout the province
Rotee (Banana Pancake)
Flaky pan-fried flatbread with banana and condensed milk — a backpacker staple across Thai islands
Find it at: Haad Rin, Koh Phangan; Sairee Beach, Koh Tao; Chaweng, Koh Samui
Coconut Ice Cream
Fresh coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell with toppings like peanuts, sticky rice, and syrup
Find it at: Markets and beach vendors throughout the province
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Ton Po Alley Night Market
Surat Thani City's most beloved evening food market with dozens of stalls serving authentic local cuisine
Hours: 4PM-11PM daily
Chaweng Walk Night Market (Koh Samui)
Bustling evening market along the inland road in Chaweng with Thai street food, drinks, and souvenirs
Hours: 6PM-midnight daily
Bophut Fisherman's Village Walking Street
Weekly Friday night walking street market with artisan goods and excellent street food in Koh Samui
Hours: Friday 4PM-10PM
Thong Sala Night Market (Koh Phangan)
The main food market in Koh Phangan's capital town, bustling every evening with local produce and cooked food
Hours: 5PM-10PM daily
Koh Phangan Saturday Farmers Market
Organic and artisan market in Srithanu village popular with the island's wellness community
Hours: Saturday 8AM-1PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Southern Thai food is spicier than central Thai cuisine — specify 'not spicy' (mai phet) if needed
Fresh seafood is exceptional throughout the province — always ask what was caught that day
Night markets are the best value option for meals — a full dinner costs $2-5 at local stalls
Island restaurants are more expensive than Surat Thani City — expect to pay 30-50% more for the same dish
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge and 7% VAT — check the menu carefully
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options widely available. Look for 'jay' (เจ) signs for vegan Buddhist food; growing vegan scene on Koh Phangan
- Halal
- Halal food available in southern provinces; look for green halal certification signs on restaurants
- Gluten free
- Thai cuisine is largely naturally gluten-free; inform staff about soy sauce in stir-fries if strictly avoiding gluten
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 100-200 THB ($3-6) per meal | Street food stalls, night markets, and basic local restaurants |
| Mid-range | 300-600 THB ($9-18) per meal | Sit-down restaurants with table service on the islands |
| Upscale | 1,500+ THB ($45+) per meal | Fine dining restaurants on Koh Samui and resort restaurants |