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 home to some of Thailand's richest culinary traditions, combining the bold spices of Southern Thai cooking with the freshest Gulf of Thailand seafood. The provincial capital's night markets are excellent for authentic southern curries — fiery gaeng tai pla and rich massaman — while the islands offer everything from beachfront seafood shacks to international fine dining. Koh Phangan has developed a thriving healthy and vegan food scene, while Koh Tao is known for its laid-back dive-camp café culture.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Surat Thani.
Gaeng Tai Pla
A deeply flavored Southern Thai curry made with dried fish organs, vegetables, and spices — intensely savory and distinctly regional
Where to try: Sabienglae Restaurant, Surat Thani City or local market stalls
Price: 80-150 THB
Hoy Tod
Crispy egg-battered oysters and mussels fried on a large griddle — a beloved Thai street food snack
Where to try: Ton Po Night Market, Surat Thani City
Price: 60-100 THB
Khao Yam
A colorful Southern Thai rice salad with toasted coconut, dried shrimp, herbs, and a tangy fish sauce dressing — light and refreshing
Where to try: Local morning markets in Surat Thani City
Price: 50-80 THB
Tom Yum Seafood
Hot and sour Thai soup with Gulf seafood, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal — a Thai classic best enjoyed fresh on the coast
Where to try: Most restaurants throughout the province
Price: 150-350 THB
Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang)
Sweet fragrant sticky rice served with fresh mango and coconut milk — the quintessential Thai dessert
Where to try: All night markets and dessert stalls throughout Surat Thani
Price: 70-120 THB
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Dining on the Rocks
Perched on nine platforms carved into the rocky headland at Six Senses Samui, Dining on the Rocks is one of Thailand's most spectacular dining experiences, with panoramic Gulf of Thailand views and creative cuisine. The tasting menu showcasing local ingredients is outstanding.
Known for: Panoramic sea views and creative fine dining
9/10 Moo 5, Baan Plai Laem, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
The Fisherman's Catch
An upscale seafood restaurant in Bophut's Fisherman's Village, serving the freshest Gulf of Thailand catch prepared with skill. The waterfront terrace and expertly prepared whole fish dishes make this one of Koh Samui's top special-occasion restaurants.
Known for: Fresh Gulf of Thailand seafood in Fisherman's Village setting
Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Zara's Restaurant Koh Samui
A celebrated fine dining destination in Chaweng offering sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine with global influences. The expertly curated wine list and elegant beachside setting make it popular for anniversary dinners and special occasions.
Known for: Mediterranean cuisine with excellent wine selection
154/10 Moo 2, Chaweng, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Ton Po Night Market Stalls
The beloved evening market in Surat Thani City's Ton Po Alley is packed with vendors cooking everything from grilled pork skewers to fresh noodle soups and sticky rice desserts. It is the best place in Surat Thani City to eat like a local.
Known for: Authentic southern Thai street food at very low prices
Ton Po Alley (Soi Don Nok), Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
Ban Don Seafood (Aow Ban Don Tai)
A row of open-air seafood restaurants along the Ban Don waterfront in Surat Thani, where locals come for spectacularly fresh seafood at prices far lower than on the islands. Go-to for steamed crab, grilled shrimp, and southern Thai curries.
Known for: Freshest seafood in Surat Thani at local prices
Aow Ban Don Tai, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
Barracuda Restaurant & Bar
A popular restaurant and bar in Bophut's Fisherman's Village known for its excellent wood-fired pizzas, fresh fish, and relaxed beachside atmosphere. A great choice for a casual dinner with quality food at reasonable prices.
Known for: Wood-fired pizzas and grilled fish in Fisherman's Village
Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Ninja Crepes
A legendary breakfast and brunch spot in Chaweng, Koh Samui, famous for creative sweet and savory crepes, smoothie bowls, and excellent coffee. The open-air garden setting and cheerful vibe make it a morning institution.
Known for: Creative crepes and breakfast bowls
Chaweng Beach Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Larder Restaurant & Wine Bar
An excellent European-style bistro in Bophut, Koh Samui, offering charcuterie, artisan cheese boards, and simple but perfectly executed European dishes. The wine selection is one of the best on the island.
Known for: European charcuterie, cheese, and wines
Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Thai
Ziggy's Bar & Restaurant
A relaxed and welcoming bar-restaurant in Lamai, Koh Samui, with a loyal expat and backpacker following. Known for generous portions, cold beer, sports on TV, and friendly staff — a reliable go-to for casual dining.
Known for: Hearty portions and casual atmosphere for all budgets
Lamai Beach Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310
Sanae Hat (Taste of Koh Phangan)
A beloved casual restaurant near Haad Rin on Koh Phangan, serving authentic Thai dishes and creative fusion plates. The garden setting, friendly vibe, and excellent pad thai make it a backpacker favorite.
Known for: Authentic Thai food near Haad Rin at backpacker prices
Haad Rin, Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280
Cafe Corner Surat Thani
A cheerful local cafe in Surat Thani City popular with commuters and office workers for its excellent Thai-style breakfasts, fresh coffee, and affordable lunch set menus. A genuine taste of local morning life.
Known for: Affordable Thai breakfast and strong local coffee
Na Mueang Road, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
Rim Nam Restaurant Surat Thani
A local Thai restaurant overlooking the Tapee River in Surat Thani City, popular for morning rice soup, fried noodles, and simple Southern Thai dishes. A genuine local breakfast spot with river views.
Known for: Riverside Thai breakfast at authentic local prices
Tapee River Road, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
Chaweng Walk Night Market
A lively night market running along the inland road parallel to Chaweng Beach, with dozens of stalls selling grilled meats, fresh noodles, and Thai desserts alongside affordable trinkets and clothing. Busy every evening.
Known for: Affordable Thai street food and snacks
Chaweng Lake Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
The Jungle Club Restaurant (Koh Samui)
Perched high on a hillside above Chaweng with stunning Gulf views, The Jungle Club serves Thai and Western dishes to a mixed crowd of hotel guests and walk-ins. The infinity pool and spectacular views make it worth the winding road up.
Known for: Spectacular Gulf views from hilltop restaurant
Chaweng Hill, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Sabienglae Restaurant (Surat Thani)
A well-regarded local Thai restaurant in Surat Thani City known for its high-quality southern Thai cuisine including rich gaeng tai pla (fish organ curry) and excellent massaman curry. Busy at lunchtime with office workers.
Known for: Authentic southern Thai curries at local prices
Talat Mai Road, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
The Gallery Restaurant (Koh Tao)
A popular spot on Koh Tao's Sairee Beach strip, The Gallery offers a wide menu from Thai classics to burgers and pasta, with particularly good fruit shakes and happy hour cocktails. A reliable choice for an easy dinner after diving.
Known for: Relaxed post-dive dining on Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Khao Sok Riverside Restaurant
A simple open-air restaurant by the Klong Sok river in Khao Sok village, serving fresh Thai dishes to trekkers and jungle adventurers returning from the national park. The riverside terrace is perfect for relaxing after a long hike.
Known for: Post-trek Thai comfort food by the jungle river
Khao Sok Village, Phanom, Surat Thani 84250
Long Tail Kitchen (Koh Phangan)
A stylish restaurant in Thong Nai Pan on Koh Phangan serving elevated Thai-fusion cuisine in a beautiful beachside setting. The freshly caught fish prepared with local herbs and spices is exceptional.
Known for: Freshly caught fish and Thai-fusion in remote beachside setting
Thong Nai Pan Yai Beach, Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280
Surat Thani Night Bazaar
A sprawling evening bazaar in Surat Thani City featuring street food stalls, fresh fruit vendors, and snack sellers. It is the main gathering point for locals and a window into authentic provincial Thai food culture.
Known for: Local Thai street food and fresh fruit at rock-bottom prices
Ban Don Road, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
Bo Phut Food Stalls (Sunday Market)
The Sunday Walking Street market in Bophut's Fisherman's Village includes some of the best street food stalls on Koh Samui, with dishes from Thai barbecue to pad thai and fresh spring rolls. The village setting is charming.
Known for: Friday night street food in charming Fisherman's Village
Fisherman's Village, Bophut, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Ruan Thai Restaurant (Surat Thani City)
A family-run Thai restaurant in Surat Thani City offering a broad menu of central and southern Thai dishes in a traditional wooden house setting. Popular with local families for weekend lunches.
Known for: Traditional Thai family cooking in authentic setting
Chonkasem Road, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani 84000
International
The Islander Breakfast Club (Koh Samui)
A popular expat-owned breakfast restaurant on the road between Chaweng and Bophut, serving all-day English breakfasts, eggs benedict, granola bowls, and exceptional freshly brewed coffee. Consistently packed in the mornings.
Known for: All-day breakfast in a cheerful garden setting
North Chaweng Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Hemingways Koh Samui
One of Koh Samui's most enduring expat bar-restaurants in Mae Nam, known for its welcoming atmosphere, excellent cocktails, live music evenings, and hearty international cuisine. A reliable local institution.
Known for: Cocktails and live music evenings
Mae Nam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330
Three Sixty (Koh Tao)
A lively rooftop cocktail bar and restaurant near Mae Haad pier on Koh Tao, with 360-degree views of the island and Gulf. Renowned for creative cocktails, decent food, and a great sunset atmosphere.
Known for: Rooftop cocktails with panoramic island and sea views
Mae Haad, Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Karma Beach Bar (Koh Samui)
A relaxed beach bar on Chaweng Beach serving cocktails, light bites, and BBQ dishes directly on the sand. One of the most popular spots for sundowners and casual beach dining in Chaweng.
Known for: Beachfront dining and sundowner cocktails on Chaweng
Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Beach Republic (Koh Samui)
Lamai's most stylish beach club and restaurant, Beach Republic serves international cuisine and cocktails from a beautiful beachfront terrace with sunbeds, a pool, and a sophisticated Sunday Brunch event.
Known for: Upscale beach club dining and legendary Sunday Brunch
Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84310
The Pirate Bar (Koh Tao)
A popular beachfront bar and restaurant on Sairee Beach in Koh Tao, known for its fire shows, cocktails, and relaxed atmosphere. The bar opens until the early hours and is a natural social hub for the island's backpacker community.
Known for: Fire shows and beach party atmosphere on Sairee Beach
Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Bakery
Sunrise Bakery Koh Phangan
A well-loved bakery cafe in Thong Sala on Koh Phangan, offering freshly baked pastries, whole-wheat bread, strong espresso, and healthy smoothie bowls for breakfast and brunch. A calm retreat from the party scene.
Known for: Freshly baked pastries and artisan coffee
Thong Sala, Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280
Koh Tao Bakery
The go-to morning spot on Koh Tao's Sairee Beach, offering freshly baked goods, smoothie bowls, and reliable wifi — popular with digital nomads and early-rising divers who want a light pre-dive breakfast.
Known for: Light breakfast and baked goods for early morning divers
Sairee Beach Road, Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Italian
Cucina Restaurant (Koh Tao)
A charming Italian restaurant in Mae Haad village on Koh Tao, run by Italian owners serving genuine handmade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and excellent tiramisu. The best Italian food on the island by a comfortable margin.
Known for: Handmade pasta and authentic Italian flavors on Koh Tao
Mae Haad Village, Koh Tao, Surat Thani
La Dolce Vita (Koh Phangan)
A casual Italian restaurant in Thong Sala on Koh Phangan run by an Italian couple, serving homemade pasta, pizza and gelato. A welcome slice of Italian hospitality in an island setting.
Known for: Authentic Italian pasta and gelato
Thong Sala, Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280
American
Mr. Moo's Burgers (Koh Samui)
A popular burger joint in Chaweng serving creative smash burgers and loaded fries that have built a cult following among Koh Samui visitors and expats. Simple setup, fast service, and consistently excellent food.
Known for: Smash burgers with creative toppings
Chaweng Lake Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
British
Elephant & Castle (Koh Phangan)
A British-style pub restaurant in Haad Rin on Koh Phangan, popular with backpackers for its generous English breakfasts, Thai dishes, and cold draught beer. Sports on TV and a friendly atmosphere make it a social hub.
Known for: English breakfasts and casual pub food near Haad Rin
Haad Rin Road, Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280
Indian
Karma Sutra Indian Restaurant
A popular Indian restaurant in Chaweng serving aromatic north and south Indian dishes. Particularly beloved for its butter chicken, garlic naan, and extensive vegetarian menu, it fills up quickly in the evenings.
Known for: Authentic Indian curries and excellent vegetarian options
Chaweng Lake Road, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84320
Organic
Koh Phangan Farmers Market
Held every Saturday morning in Srithanu on Koh Phangan, this organic market brings together the island's community of health-conscious residents and visitors. Stalls sell fresh produce, homemade vegan foods, raw desserts, and artisan goods.
Known for: Organic and vegan food in a community market setting
Srithanu, Ko Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani 84280
Vegan
Same Same But Different (Koh Tao)
A beloved cafe on Koh Tao's Sairee Beach offering a predominantly vegan and vegetarian menu with delicious raw desserts, smoothie bowls, and plant-based mains. An excellent choice for health-conscious travelers.
Known for: Vegan and raw food in a relaxed beach cafe setting
Sairee Beach, Koh Tao, Surat Thani
Food tours & tastings in Surat Thani
Eat your way through Surat Thani with a guide.
Browse food experiences in Surat ThaniWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers)
Marinated pork skewers grilled over charcoal — an irresistible Thai street food snack
Find it at: Chaweng Walk Night Market; Ton Po Alley, Surat Thani
Pad Thai
Thailand's most iconic stir-fried noodle dish with egg, tamarind, bean sprouts and choice of protein
Find it at: All night markets and street stalls throughout the province
Rotee (Banana Pancake)
Flaky pan-fried flatbread with banana and condensed milk — a backpacker staple across Thai islands
Find it at: Haad Rin, Koh Phangan; Sairee Beach, Koh Tao; Chaweng, Koh Samui
Coconut Ice Cream
Fresh coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell with toppings like peanuts, sticky rice, and syrup
Find it at: Markets and beach vendors throughout the province
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Ton Po Alley Night Market
Surat Thani City's most beloved evening food market with dozens of stalls serving authentic local cuisine
Hours: 4PM-11PM daily
Chaweng Walk Night Market (Koh Samui)
Bustling evening market along the inland road in Chaweng with Thai street food, drinks, and souvenirs
Hours: 6PM-midnight daily
Bophut Fisherman's Village Walking Street
Weekly Friday night walking street market with artisan goods and excellent street food in Koh Samui
Hours: Friday 4PM-10PM
Thong Sala Night Market (Koh Phangan)
The main food market in Koh Phangan's capital town, bustling every evening with local produce and cooked food
Hours: 5PM-10PM daily
Koh Phangan Saturday Farmers Market
Organic and artisan market in Srithanu village popular with the island's wellness community
Hours: Saturday 8AM-1PM
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Southern Thai food is spicier than central Thai cuisine — specify 'not spicy' (mai phet) if needed
Fresh seafood is exceptional throughout the province — always ask what was caught that day
Night markets are the best value option for meals — a full dinner costs $2-5 at local stalls
Island restaurants are more expensive than Surat Thani City — expect to pay 30-50% more for the same dish
Many restaurants add a 10% service charge and 7% VAT — check the menu carefully
- Vegetarian
- Vegetarian options widely available. Look for 'jay' (เจ) signs for vegan Buddhist food; growing vegan scene on Koh Phangan
- Halal
- Halal food available in southern provinces; look for green halal certification signs on restaurants
- Gluten free
- Thai cuisine is largely naturally gluten-free; inform staff about soy sauce in stir-fries if strictly avoiding gluten
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | 100-200 THB ($3-6) per meal | Street food stalls, night markets, and basic local restaurants |
| Mid-range | 300-600 THB ($9-18) per meal | Sit-down restaurants with table service on the islands |
| Upscale | 1,500+ THB ($45+) per meal | Fine dining restaurants on Koh Samui and resort restaurants |