Tha KhanonTha Khanon at a Glance
Costs: $18-35 per day (budget) - very affordable-local eateries and basic stays.
Safety: Generally safe; low violent crime - small-town safety similar to other Thai provinces.
Best Time: November to February - cool, drier months best for travel and island connections.
Why Visit Tha Khanon?
This southern Thai town serves travelers seeking coastal village life, fresh seafood markets, and access to nearby island ferries and marine scenery. Local markets offer southern specialties and coconut-based desserts, and temple festivals bring music, food, and community gatherings. Fishing piers and palm-lined roads set a relaxed pace for beachside strolls or day trips to the Gulf’s islands. It’s a practical stop for those who want to combine seafood dining with island hopping and regional culture.
Best Things to Do in Tha Khanon
Park
Khao Sok National Park
Ancient rainforest park with limestone karsts and lake
Reservoir
Cheow Lan Lake
Reservoir in Khao Sok with limestone karsts
Island
Ko Lamphu
Small river island in Surat Thani city center
Tha Khanon Bucket List
Don't Miss
Khao Sok National Park - Day-hike Khao Sok’s rainforest for limestone karsts, jungle lakes, and guided treks.
Cheow Lan Lake - Paddle Cheow Lan Lake amid limestone cliffs and floating bungalows.
Tha Khanon market stalls - Visit Tha Khanon market stalls for southern Thai snacks and friendly local vendors.
Hidden Gems
Khlong Phanom National Park - Discover Khlong Phanom’s waterfalls, jungle trails, and shaded picnic spots away from crowds.
Rubber plantation visits - Take a short trip to see rubber plantations and learn tapping techniques from locals.
Khanom fishing villages - Visit nearby Khanom fishing villages to spot pink dolphins and taste fresh seafood.
Day Trips
Ang Thong Marine Park - Boat to Ang Thong Marine Park for snorkeling, sea kayaking, and limestone island beaches.
Koh Samui - Ferry to Koh Samui for beaches, temples, and lively night markets in accessible distance.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Tha Khanon
Tha Khanon is most enjoyable in the cool season (November-February) when weather is drier and breezier. The hot months are humid, and the monsoon brings heavy rain that affects island access.
Cool Season
Driest, most comfortable months with pleasant sea breezes - best for island excursions and beach days.
Hot Season
Heat and humidity rise; mornings tolerate activity but afternoons feel heavy and sultry.
Rainy Season
Frequent tropical downpours and occasional storms can disrupt boat schedules and outdoor plans; scenery turns lush.
Tha Khanon's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 21°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1792 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.5h |
| February | Excellent | 21° - 33° | 31° | 19 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 1.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Very Good | 22° - 34° | 32° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 23° - 34° | 34° | 104 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.2 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 24° - 33° | 34° | 187 mm | overcast | 89% | 1.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| June | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 33° | 170 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.5h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 33° | 179 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 32° | 32° | 209 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 242 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 268 mm | overcast | 92% | 1.0 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.8h |
| November | Acceptable | 22° - 30° | 26° | 242 mm | overcast | 91% | 1.0 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.6h |
| December | Very Good | 22° - 30° | 26° | 91 mm | overcast | 90% | 1.6 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
How to Get to Tha Khanon
Tha Khanon (Surat Thani province) is best reached via Surat Thani town, which handles air and rail arrivals. From Surat Thani, local buses, minivans and taxis provide connections to the province’s smaller towns and rural areas.
Surat Thani Airport (URT): Surat Thani Airport is the main airport serving Surat Thani province and the Gulf islands. From URT you can take a taxi or shuttle to Surat Thani city and the bus terminal; onward local buses or songthaews serve surrounding districts such as Tha Khanon. Taxi transfers to the city take about 30-60 minutes depending on destination and typically cost THB 300-600.
(Other airports): Koh Samui Airport (USM) serves the islands nearby but is not on the mainland; travellers to Tha Khanon usually transfer via Surat Thani town.
Train: Surat Thani railway station is on the Southern Line, with services from Bangkok and other southern provinces. Trains (including overnight sleepers) are a common arrival method; from the station use local buses or taxis for the final leg.
Bus / Minivan: The Surat Thani provincial bus terminal has services and minivans to district towns and rural communes. Local vans and buses are the usual way to reach smaller settlements like Tha Khanon.
How to Get Around Tha Khanon
Plan to reach Surat Thani by air or rail and then use local buses/minivans or taxis for the last mile to Tha Khanon. For flexibility and comfort choose a taxi or private transfer.
- Train (THB 200-800) - Use the Southern Line to arrive at Surat Thani station if coming overland from Bangkok or other southern cities. Trains are reliable for overnight travel; arrange a taxi or minivan from the station for district transfers.
- Intercity bus / Minivan (THB 50-300) - Intercity buses and minivans operate from Surat Thani’s bus terminals to district centres. Minivans are faster but can be crowded; buses are roomier for luggage.
- Taxi / Private transfer (THB 300-900) - Taxis and private transfers are the most straightforward option for reaching remote areas and for early/late arrivals. Prices vary by distance and luggage.
- Motorbike taxi / Songthaew (THB 20-150) - For short hops inside town or to nearby villages, motorbike taxis and songthaews are common and cheap. They’re not suitable for long inter‑district travel with much luggage.
- Car hire (THB 800+/day) - Renting a car is useful if you intend to explore Surat Thani province beyond main towns and want control over timing. Factor in driving times between dispersed attractions.
- Walking - Small town centres and markets are usually compact and easily explored on foot; walking between nearby streets and markets is practical.
Where to Stay in Tha Khanon
Budget
Village centre / beach access - $10-30/night
Tha Khanon is a small coastal community with limited guesthouses and bungalows. Many visitors prefer nearby Surat Thani for more lodging choices.
Mid-Range
Coastal road area - $25-60/night
Mid-range options are sparse; expect simple hotels or family-run resorts. For reliable services, stay in Surat Thani or on nearby islands.
Luxury
No luxury options locally - $n/a
No true luxury resorts in Tha Khanon. Luxury travellers should look to established island resorts or Surat Thani coastal resorts for upscale amenities.
Nightlife in Tha Khanon
Nightlife options are modest and locally focused: evening meals at family restaurants and street-food stalls are the norm. There are no dedicated nightlife districts or major venues. For bars or live entertainment, travel to a larger town.
Shopping in Tha Khanon
Shopping is limited to small shops, market stalls and vendors selling produce and essentials. There are few tourist-oriented shops here; most purchases are everyday items. For a wider retail selection, plan a trip to a larger nearby town or provincial centre.