Tha Kham, Surat Thani
Tha Kham, Surat Thani at a Glance
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.
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
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.
Nearby Cities #
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
Drier, sunnier days make island hopping and beach time enjoyable; early mornings are pleasantly cool before the tropical heat returns by midday.
Hot Season
Humid, hot afternoons; sea breezes help somewhat but midday activity is draining - mornings are the best time for boats and temple visits.
Rainy Season
Short, heavy storms and cloudy stretches restrict some boat services, but waterfalls and national parks are spectacularly green and far less crowded.
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.2 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Excellent | 21° - 33° | 27° | 17 mm | some cloud | 83% | 2.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 22° - 34° | 32° | 34 mm | some cloud | 79% | 1.8 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 23° - 34° | 34° | 78 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 1.6 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 24° - 33° | 34° | 167 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 33° | 131 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 32° | 146 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 32° | 149 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 32° | 189 mm | overcast | 88% | 1.3 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 258 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Good | 23° - 30° | 26° | 314 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.4 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 135 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.9 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.5h |
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.
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.
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
The practical approach is to arrive at Surat Thani by air or rail and use shared minivans, local buses or taxis for the short onward journey to Tha Kham. For island transfers allow extra time and confirm pickup points with operators.
- Shared minivan (100-300 THB) - Shared minivans link the airport, railway station and bus terminals to district towns including Tha Kham. They are frequent, relatively fast and cost‑effective for single travellers and small groups. Expect basic seating and luggage on board.
- Long‑distance train (300-900 THB) - Trains from Bangkok to Surat Thani are useful for overnight travel; from Surat Thani station a taxi or local bus completes the trip to Tha Kham. Sleeper berths add comfort for the long journey.
- Intercity / VIP bus (300-800 THB) - Day and overnight intercity buses serve Surat Thani from Bangkok and other southern cities. VIP buses offer more comfortable seats for long distances; check whether the route stops at the terminal nearest your destination.
- Local bus / Songthaew (10-100 THB) - Local buses and songthaews operate short routes within Surat Thani province and are the cheapest option for short hops to and from Tha Kham. They run frequently, but can be crowded during peak times.
- Taxi / Private transfer (300-1,200 THB) - Taxis and private transfers are the quickest and most comfortable way to reach specific hotels or remote piers. Pre‑booked transfers are handy when connecting to flights or ferries to islands.
- Walking - Within small town centres and near piers, walking is practical for short errands and sightseeing. Combine walking with local buses or tuk‑tuks for longer trips.
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.
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.