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 generally safe for tourists, with low violent crime rates. The main risks are motorbike accidents, water safety during monsoon season, and petty theft in crowded tourist areas during high season.
Current safety advisory
Low
Thailand is under a general Level 1 advisory (Exercise Normal Precautions) from most Western governments. Areas of deep southern Thailand (Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla near the Malaysia border) carry higher advisories, but Surat Thani province is not included in these warnings.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Standard precautions apply in Surat Thani province. Deep south insurgency zones are far south of Surat Thani.
Standard Advisory
Surat Thani is generally safe. Be aware of road safety risks and water safety on the islands.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike — motorbike accidents are the leading cause of tourist injuries and deaths throughout the province
Use Grab app or official metered taxis in Surat Thani City; avoid unlicensed taxi drivers who may overcharge
Keep copies of your passport, travel insurance, and important documents stored separately from originals
Avoid swimming at beaches when red flags are displayed — rip currents and waves can be dangerous during monsoon season (October-November)
Stay hydrated and use high-SPF sunscreen — heat exhaustion is a genuine risk, especially when hiking in Khao Sok
Do not touch or feed monkeys at tourist sites — bites can transmit rabies and require urgent medical attention
Be aware of ferry safety — choose reputable operators (Lomprayah, Seatran, Raja Ferry) and avoid overcrowded vessels
Use ATMs attached to bank buildings rather than standalone street ATMs to reduce card skimming risk
Store valuables in a hotel safe during Full Moon Party events on Koh Phangan — petty theft increases significantly on party nights
Avoid buying or using drugs — penalties in Thailand are severe, including lengthy prison sentences for possession
Do not accept drinks from strangers in nightlife venues — drink spiking incidents have been reported on island party circuits
Respect rip tide warnings at all beaches — Koh Samui's west coast can have strong currents during monsoon months
Carry a waterproof bag for valuables on boat transfers between islands — waves can splash onto decks unexpectedly
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation before visiting remote areas like Khao Sok
Be cautious of jet ski scams on Koh Samui — photograph existing damage before hiring and use established operators
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Jet Ski Damage Scam
Jet ski operators claim tourists caused pre-existing damage after returning the vehicle and demand large payments. Common on Koh Samui.
How to avoid: Photograph or video the jet ski from all angles before use. Rent only from established operators with fixed-price boards.
Tuk-Tuk and Taxi Overcharging
Drivers quote inflated prices to tourists, especially from airports or piers. More common in Surat Thani City than on the islands.
How to avoid: Use Grab app in Surat Thani City. Agree on a firm price before boarding any non-metered vehicle.
Gem Scam
Friendly locals invite tourists to a 'special sale' or 'government promotion' for gems or jewelry, which turn out to be worthless.
How to avoid: Politely decline any unsolicited offer of a special deal from a stranger, especially if it involves visiting a shop.
Full Moon Party Theft
Pickpockets and bag snatchers operate on Haad Rin Beach and in the crowds during Full Moon Party nights.
How to avoid: Leave all non-essential valuables locked in your accommodation safe. Carry only small amounts of cash.
Boat Tour Cancellation Scam
Unlicensed tour operators sell boat trips that are later cancelled or substituted with inferior alternatives.
How to avoid: Book Ang Thong, Khao Sok, and island tours only with officially licensed tour companies.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis. Consider Rabies vaccination if visiting jungle areas or working with animals. Japanese Encephalitis for long stays. Check current recommendations with your doctor.
- Water
- Do not drink tap water. Bottled water is widely available at low cost (7-15 THB for 1.5L at 7-Eleven). Most ice in hotels and tourist restaurants is safe, but exercise caution at street food stalls.
- Food
- Freshly cooked street food from busy stalls is generally safe. Avoid raw shellfish at beach shacks. Peel fruit you buy from markets yourself.
- Facilities
- Surat Thani City has Bangkok Hospital Surat (the best private hospital in the province). Koh Samui has Bangkok Hospital Samui and AEK International Hospital in Nathon. Koh Phangan has a government hospital in Thong Sala. Koh Tao has a small clinic — serious injuries require evacuation to Koh Samui.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Surat Thani is very safe for solo travelers. The islands are well-traveled backpacker circuits with strong traveler communities. Surat Thani City is an authentic Thai city with low crime — exercise normal urban awareness. Always tell someone your plans when venturing into Khao Sok jungle.
Female travellers
The province is generally safe for female solo travelers. Standard precautions apply: avoid walking alone late at night in remote areas, be cautious in nightlife areas especially during Full Moon Party, don't accept drinks from strangers, and dress modestly when visiting temples. There is a large female solo traveler community on all three islands.
Families
Surat Thani is very family-friendly, particularly Koh Samui which has calm west coast beaches ideal for children. Be extra cautious with young children near fast ferries and longtail boats. Khao Sok has suitable family activities. Avoid taking young children to Full Moon Party areas.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Thailand and Thai society is generally tolerant. LGBTQ+ visitors are welcomed in tourist areas. Same-sex public displays of affection are generally accepted in tourist destinations. The island resorts and Fisherman's Village in Bophut have a notably welcoming atmosphere.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 191 (national), or 1155 (Tourist Police — English speaking)
- Medical
- 1669 (Emergency Medical Service), or 1300 (Bangkok Hospital Surat)
- Embassy
- US Embassy Bangkok: +66 2 205 4000; UK Embassy Bangkok: +66 2 305 8333; Australian Embassy Bangkok: +66 2 344 6300
- Tourist Police
- 1155 (24-hour English-speaking tourist police hotline)