Tha Kham, Surat Thani Travel Guide

City City in Surat Thani, gateway to islands

Surat Thani’s Tha Kham functions as a provincial crossroads: river piers, seafood markets and night stalls, plus routes that link to island ferries and inland rubber plantations.

Costs
Affordable southern Thailand prices
Budget-friendly: $25-50/day for local stays, markets, and island transfer options.
Safety
Safe with standard precautions
Generally safe; normal tropical precautions apply, especially when taking island transfers.
Best Time
December to April
December to April offers the best weather for coastal trips and island-hopping.
Local Time
5:54 AM
GMT+7
Weather
Overcast 77°F
Overcast
Population
25,810
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good road and river connections, basic tourist services, ferries and some English signage at transport hubs.
Popularity
Used mainly as a transit point; tourists pass through en route to islands and national parks.
Known For
riverine transport, provincial market life, local temples, gateway to Gulf islands, seafood, ferry connections, tropical climate, southern Thai cuisine
Tha Kham in Surat Thani serves as a local transport node with river and road links toward the province's island ferry routes.

Why Visit Tha Kham, Surat Thani? #

A southern Thai community with strong coastal and culinary appeal, Tha Kham serves as a gateway to local island and river life. Night markets and seafood stalls showcase Surat Thani’s southern Thai flavors - think spicy curries and fresh fish - while nearby boat piers and riverfront temples reflect the area’s maritime traditions. It’s a practical, food‑forward stop for travelers heading to the Gulf islands or exploring inland markets and festivals.

Best Things to Do in Tha Kham, Surat Thani

All Attractions ›

Tha Kham, Surat Thani Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya - Historic provincial temple complex with ancient chedi and important regional Buddhist relics.
  • Don Sak Ferry Terminal - Main ferry hub connecting mainland to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao islands.
  • Surat Thani Night Market - Bustling evening market offering seafood, local snacks, and affordable clothes stalls.
Hidden Gems
  • Tha Kham Fresh Market - Local market where fishermen and farmers sell produce, fish, and snacks each morning.
  • Khanom pink dolphin lookout - Coastal viewpoint ideal for spotting Irrawaddy dolphins on early morning boat trips.
  • Riverside rice fields walk - Quiet country trails passing paddies and small village temples outside town center.
Day Trips
  • Ko Samui (via Don Sak ferry) - Easy ferry hop to island beaches, restaurants, and coastal temples for a full-day escape.
  • Khao Sok National Park - Ancient rainforest with limestone karsts, jungle trails, and lake boat excursions nearby.

Best Time to Visit Tha Kham, Surat Thani #

Tha Kham (Surat Thani province) is most pleasant between November and February when seas are calmer and rainfall is lower - ideal for islands and coastal trips. The hot months are humid, and the monsoon brings frequent heavy showers and choppy seas.

Cool Season
November - February · 24-32°C (75-90°F)
Drier, sunnier days make island hopping and beach time enjoyable; early mornings are pleasantly cool before the tropical heat returns by midday.
Hot Season
March - May · 26-34°C (79-93°F)
Humid, hot afternoons; sea breezes help somewhat but midday activity is draining - mornings are the best time for boats and temple visits.
Rainy Season
May - October · 24-31°C (75-88°F)
Short, heavy storms and cloudy stretches restrict some boat services, but waterfalls and national parks are spectacularly green and far less crowded.

Best Time to Visit Tha Kham, Surat Thani #

Climate

Tha Kham, Surat Thani's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1660 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.

Best Time to Visit
FebruaryMarchJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
21° 31°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

42 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

February

February is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). The driest month with just 17 mm.

83 Excellent

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
21° 33°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

17 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.7h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).

81 Excellent

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
22° 34°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

34 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
29°C
Temperature
23° 34°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

78 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (167 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

34°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 33°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

167 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

June

June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (131 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

33°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
24° 32°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

July

July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
23° 32°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
1.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

August

August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
23° 32°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

149 mm
Rainfall
1.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

September

September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
23° 32°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

189 mm
Rainfall
1.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (258 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

55 Acceptable

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
23° 31°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

258 mm
Rainfall
1.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.8h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (314 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
23° 30°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

314 mm
Rainfall
1.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.6
UV Index
Very High
11.6h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (135 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

69 Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
22° 30°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

135 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

How to Get to Tha Kham, Surat Thani

Tha Kham (Surat Thani province) is accessed via Surat Thani Airport or Surat Thani Railway Station, with the last miles covered by minivan, taxi or local bus. For island connections factor in extra time for transfers between bus/rail and piers where applicable.

By Air

Surat Thani Airport (URT): Surat Thani Airport is the primary airport for the province. From the airport you can take a shared minivan or taxi to Surat Thani city and nearby districts such as Tha Kham; typical minivan fares into Surat Thani are around 100-300 THB and the drive to Tha Kham is commonly 20-60 minutes depending on the exact location.

Koh Samui / Bangkok connections: Many international visitors arrive via flights to Koh Samui (USM) or Bangkok and then continue by land/sea to Surat Thani. From Bangkok you can also take a direct train to Surat Thani station and continue by local bus or taxi to Tha Kham.

By Train & Bus

Train: Surat Thani Railway Station is on the southern line from Bangkok; daytime and overnight trains connect Bangkok and Surat Thani (journey ~8-12 hours). From Surat Thani station take a local bus or taxi for the short onward trip to Tha Kham.

Bus: The Surat Thani bus terminal has frequent services to district towns and nearby islands; local songthaews and buses service areas around Tha Kham with short transfer times. Intercity buses from Bangkok take roughly 10-12 hours and fares vary by operator and coach class.

How to Get Around Tha Kham, Surat Thani #

Tha Kham (Surat Thani) is a small town area where walking and motorbike taxis are commonly used for short trips. Buses and songthaews link Tha Kham with Surat Thani city and nearby islands; for island transfers use the regional bus and ferry services. Expect modest fares and informal schedules-plan connections ahead of time.

Where to Stay in Tha Kham, Surat Thani #

Budget
Tha Kham centre - $8-30/night
Small guesthouses and roadside inns serve locals and passing travelers. Rooms are basic; transport to ferry piers and island transfers available nearby.
Mid-Range
Near ferry terminals - $30-80/night
A few comfortable hotels and family-run resorts provide air-conditioning and breakfast. Good base for island transfers and local markets.
Luxury
Limited luxury - island resorts recommended
Tha Kham has limited upscale options; for luxury resorts consider larger Surat Thani area or nearby islands with full-service beachfront resorts.

Where to Eat in Tha Kham, Surat Thani #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Tha Kham, Surat Thani's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Thai
Chicken
Noodle
Tea
Pizza
Italian
Italian Pizza
Asian
Local
Ramen
Sushi
Chinese
Noodles
Japanese
Breakfast
Coffee Shop

Nightlife in Tha Kham, Surat Thani #

Nightlife is subdued and local: small restaurants, roadside stalls and guesthouse bars rather than clubs or live music venues. If you need more evening entertainment, Surat Thani city offers a wider mix of bars and restaurants.

Shopping in Tha Kham, Surat Thani #

Shopping options are limited to local markets, small shops and convenience stores selling everyday goods and regional produce. For more extensive shopping-electronics, larger supermarkets or specialty stores-travel to Surat Thani city.

Nearby Cities #