What to expect when visiting Bangkok
Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s something about the constant buzz and energy floating through its streets at all hours of the day, giving it the name of the city that never sleeps!
Its main attractions include the Grand Palace, Wat Arun, and Wat Pho. But ancient temples aren’t the only reason people flock to this vibrant city. From jam-packed shopping areas to mouthwatering street food and the wild nightlife of Khao San Road, there are so many things you can do in Bangkok.
3 ways to get from Surat Thani to Bangkok
There are three ways to travel the distance of 645 km (401 miles) from Surat Thani to Bangkok: by bus (9h-10h30m), train (13h3m-14h27m) and flight (1hr 10m). The journey takes between 1h10m - 14h27m and the quickest way is by flight. The lowest priced tickets start from 670 THB ($18.50) for the bus.Where to stay in Bangkok?
Still looking for accommodation? Don't forget to check out our favourite places to stay in Bangkok at the bottom of this page.
Surat Thani to Bangkok by Bus
It takes approximately 9-10.5 hours to travel by bus from Surat Thani to Bangkok. We suggest taking the night bus to catch up on some sleep and save your day for seeing the sights of the capital city.
There are several bus companies that operate the Surat Thani to Bangkok route: Krung Siam Tour, Bangkok Buslines, Sri Suthep Tour, and Choke Anan Tour. The earliest bus departure is 07:30 with the last trip at 19:15.
Fares for VIP buses start at 670 THB ($18.50). VIP buses provide a little more space with a reclining seat and often a blanket and bottled water for your comfort.
Departure and arrival station
All buses depart from Surat Thani Bus Terminal which is just a 15-minute drive from Surat Thani town.
Bus Schedule from Surat Thani to Bangkok
Since this is a long-distance trip, the bus will make 2-3 stops along the way for bathroom and food breaks, and each stop will be approximately 10-20 minutes. You have the option to stay on the bus if you don’t want to explore the local market or restaurant.
Surat Thani to Bangkok by Train
Taking the train is the longest option when travelling from Surat Thani to Bangkok.
There are multiple trains to choose from that operate daily, all offering different seats and berths. There is a morning departure at 10:35, and the rest departs at night with the last trip at 22:27.
For this long journey, we recommend taking night trains with second-class berths and an air conditioning unit so that you don’t lose a day and for a more comfortable trip. The ticket price starts at 730 usd ($730.00) and the journey takes 13-14.5 hours.
Departure and arrival station
The train arrives at Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok after a long journey. This train station is about 5 km from the centre or at least 15 minutes away from the city centre. You may check out more info on this station in our article Hua Lamphong Railway Station.
Train Schedule from Surat Thani to Bangkok
The quoted prices are for 2nd class sleeper berths.
Surat Thani to Bangkok by Flight
Flying from Surat Thani to Bangkok is the fastest option and sometimes only costs a little more than taking the train or flight.
Flights fares start from 790 THB ($22.00). However, if you book later, flight tickets tend to increase. For this option, you would also need extra time to travel from and to the airport.
If you’re staying in the city centre, you need to travel the 30 km distance to Surat Thani Airport. You can ask your hotel if they offer airport drop-off services.
When booking your flight, you can also choose a flight that arrives at either Don Muang Airport in the north or Suvarnabhumi Airport on the western side of Bangkok. Both airports are around 30 km away from Bangkok city centre and are accessible by bus, train, and taxi.
TIP: If you decide to travel by plane, please consider including a carbon compensation fee to reduce your impact on the environment.
Our favourite places to stay in Bangkok
Bangkok is a big and bustling city with each neighbourhood offering something different to the next. Covering nearly 1600 km² and offering over a thousand accommodation options, it can be slightly daunting picking where to stay. Here is a quick rundown of our favourite areas to stay in Bangkok:
- Khao San Road — is one of the most famous areas in Bangkok, known for its party reputation. This area attracts a lot of backpackers that are looking for cheap accommodation and a place to party.
- Sukhumvit — has a more relaxed nightlife, centred around sophisticated restaurants and rooftop bars as opposed to travellers dancing on tables. It’s a great jumping-off point to explore the jam-packed city, thanks to the good connections via public transport.
- Riverside — along the Chao Phraya River, you’ll find an area rich in history and culture, hosting many of the popular sights of Bangkok, including the Royal Palace and Wat Pho – the Reclining Buddha.
Check out our favourite accommodations in Bangkok:
dusitD2 Samyan - Treating Yourself
dusitD2 Samyan is one of the most unique hotels in Bangkok with its tiered appearance overlooking the city. You can take a refreshing dip in their sky swimming pool and enjoy the panoramic views. Or head to the gym and take them in whilst working up a sweat.
The floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the hotel create a bright and modern feel. The rooms are stunning, and decorated to an extremely high standard. This is one of the best hotels in Bangkok.
- One of the coolest buildings in Bangkok
- Rooftop swimming pool
- Onsite gym
- Bright and modern rooms
King rooms start from $110 per night.
The One Smart Living - Treating Yourself
The One Smart Living offers incredible value for money. The rooms are beautiful and feel extremely luxurious. You won’t want to leave your room it’s so nice!
It’s a great choice if you want to be close to the airport, but not so close that you’re constantly hearing planes above your head. The staff are incredibly helpful and super friendly. It’s hard to fault this place.
- Great value for money
- Close to the airport
- Helpful staff
- Beautiful rooms
Double rooms start from $50 per night.
Naga Residence - Mid Range
Naga Residence feels less like a hotel and more like a home — just a very beautifully designed home that’s exceptionally clean. The rooms are very spacious and all of them have a private balcony overlooking the city.
There’s also an onsite gym, garden and terrace area for you to enjoy. And when you venture out of the hotel there are plenty of restaurants, shops and cafes nearby.
- Huge rooms
- Exceptionally clean
- Private balcony
- Onsite gym
Double rooms start from $37 per night.
Phranakorn-Nornlen - Mid Range
It will be hard to find another hotel in Bangkok like Phranakorn-Nornlen. This hotel is like a piece of art, with every room decorated differently and boasting a unique theme. Make sure to pick your room wisely.
The staff takes your stay here to another level. They are incredibly friendly and helpful. They’ll give you great recommendations for the local neighbourhood which is full of cosy cafes and local restaurants.
- Unique design and rooms
- Incredible staff
- Nice local neighbourhood
- Very clean
Double rooms start from $33 per night.
Greenery Hostel - Budget Friendly
As you’ve probably already guessed, Greenery Hostel has a green theme both inside and outside. It actually creates a really tranquil vibe inside a busy city.
The rooms are simple but great value for money. Plus there are nice chill-out spaces throughout the hostel with a swing, games and comfy chairs. It’s in a great location, close to lots of Bangkok’s attractions.
- Great value for money
- Relaxing chill-out areas
- Good location
- Free cancellation
Private rooms start from $21 per night.
Frequently Asked Questions about Surat Thani to Bangkok
What is the distance from Surat Thani to Bangkok?
The distance from Surat Thani to Bangkok is 645 km (401 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Surat Thani to Bangkok?
The fastest way to get from Surat Thani to Bangkok is by flight and takes 1hr 10m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Bangkok?
The cheapest way to get from Surat Thani to Bangkok is by bus with ticket costs starting from 670 THB ($18.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Surat Thani to Bangkok. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
Bangkok Travel Guides
The Ultimate Bangkok Travel Guide
12 Best Things to Do in Bangkok
Routes from Bangkok
Bangkok Airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the City Centre
Most popular routes in Thailand
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
Abby is a writer who finds joy in mountains, beaches, and road trips. She considers her solo backpacking trip to the rice terraces of Bontoc one of the most fulfilling moments in her life. She’s loyal to the islands of her home country, the Philippines, but Thailand’s beaches also have a special place in her heart.
