Your stay — High-Bar
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The Property — High-Bar
High-Bar is a straightforward 3-star hotel just off Surat Thani's main drag, aiming at transit passengers and budget-conscious travellers who need a clean, efficient base near the bus and train stations. The lobby is functional rather than charming, with tiled floors and a small reception desk manned by efficient staff, plus a rack of local tour leaflets. Its USP is proximity to onward transport links — you can practically roll your suitcase from the night train to the check-in desk. Suits solo backpackers, short-stay couples, and anyone catching an early ferry to Koh Samui or Koh Tao the next morning.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani, originally a small settlement called Ban Don, was officially founded in 1915 when the railway from Bangkok reached it, prompting rapid growth as a transport and trade hub. The city expanded along the Tapi River, with colonial-style shophouses and market halls from the 1920s–30s still lining the older streets. Its name, meaning 'City of Good People', was granted by King Rama VI in 1915. Today it's the economic and administrative centre of southern Thailand, a busy provincial capital that blends rice-milling, ferry logistics and a growing tourism role as the gateway to the Gulf islands. The contemporary cultural identity is pragmatic and unpretentious — a place where monks collect alms in the morning, street-food stalls sell khao yam and fish curries at dusk, and billboards in Thai and English advertise intercity buses.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
December to February: low rainfall (average 40–80mm per month), temperatures around 25–30°C, sunny days and manageable crowds as many visitors head straight to the islands.
Peak / festival surge
August: the heavy monsoon season (rainfall around 200mm for the month, often pelting in short, torrential bursts). Hotel prices in Surat Thani barely spike — it's a transit city, not a beach resort — but bookings fill on Fridays and Saturdays as weekend island trippers pass through.
Budget shoulder season
March, April and November: March offers the tail end of the hot-but-dry season with mild temperatures (28–33°C) and thin crowds; November sees late-monsoon rains easing, plus hotel rates often 15–20% below December peak.
Weather & packing
Surat Thani is one of Thailand's wettest provinces because it sits between two coastlines, drawing monsoon rain from both the Gulf and the Andaman Sea — so a sudden downpour is likely even in the 'dry' season. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho and quick-dry footwear, plus a small umbrella that fits in a daypack.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- The new double-decker bus service from Surat Thani Airport (URT) to the city bus station started in early 2026, costing 50 baht per person and running hourly, making airport transfers faster and cheaper.
- The Tapi River night market has expanded, adding 30 more food stalls and a live-music stage on weekends, which may cause slight traffic delays on Ratsada Road near the hotel on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- July 2026 falls during the Khao Phansa (Buddhist Lent) festival starting July 24, when many Thais avoid alcohol purchases after noon, and some local temples hold evening candlelight processions — visitors should expect quieter nightlife that week.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to High-Bar, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floor 3 or 4, facing away from the main road. These upper floors reduce street noise and offer a decent outlook over the city skyline without being too high for easy stair access if the lift is busy.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floor 1 or 2, especially those facing the street. Low-floor rooms pick up traffic rumble and pedestrian noise, plus any nearby bar or motorbike activity late into the evening.
Best views
Surat Thani is a flat, sprawling city, so a higher floor (4 or above) on the side away from the main road gives the best view: rooftops and distant hills, not a car park.
Quietest floors
Floors 3 and above are generally quieter, with floor 4 offering the best balance of low ambient noise and quick lift/stair access.
🔊 Noise notes
The main road outside generates constant traffic noise, plus occasional motorbikes and tuk-tuks. Bars on nearby streets can be loud until midnight, especially on weekends.
Insider tips
1. Request a room with windows facing the rear of the hotel (ask at check-in if possible). 2. The lift can get slow at peak times; taking the stairs to floor 3 is often faster and good exercise.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — High-Bar
Free basic Wi-Fi (5 Mbps) with a login via room number. A paid 'Premium' tier (50 Mbps) is available at B100 per 24h.
One lift serves all 3 floors; no stairs-only sections.
No physical newspapers. Free access to PressReader via lobby tablet. No notable building heritage.
Standard check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00. Early bag-drop allowed from 08:00 (free). Late check-out until 16:00 costs B500 (subject to availability).
Complimentary for same-day arrivals/departures. Long-term storage not offered.
Step-free entry via ramp at main entrance. Wide doorways on ground floor rooms only. No lift to second floor pool area. Wheelchair-friendly paths to lobby and breakfast room.
Free on-site parking for up to 20 cars. No valet. Nearest public car park is at Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine (B20 per hour, 24/7). No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of one night's stay required for booking; B500 incidental hold on credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Sunandra Kumariratana Shrine (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Rama V Shrine (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Krungsri — 496 m · ~6 min walk
Nopporn Pharmacy — 820 m · ~10 min walk
7-Eleven — 171 m · ~2 min walk
Lomprayah Koh Tao Pier — 1.6 km · ~21 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Banks and authorised exchange booths in town offer fair rates; avoid the airport kiosks and tourist-area bureaux that charge poor rates or add hidden fees.
Visa and Mastercard accepted in hotels, mid-range restaurants and larger shops; contactless is common but cash is still king at markets and street stalls.
Not expected but appreciated — round up taxi fares, leave small change (20–50 THB) at sit-down restaurants, and tip hotel staff 20–100 THB for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local iced coffee (oliang) or instant sachets from 7-Eleven cost 25–40 THB.
Pad Thai or fried rice from a market stall or simple eatery: 40–60 THB.
A main of stir-fried meat with rice at a local restaurant: 50–80 THB.
Night markets and the area around Talat Mai (fresh market) offer grilled meats, som tam and noodles for 30–60 THB.
Tesco Lotus and Big C are the main budget supermarkets; 7-Eleven for snacks and basics.
Small local markets sell cotton T‑shirts, shorts and sarongs for 100–300 THB; avoid tourist-heavy stalls.
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) in town: 10–20 THB per ride. Airport to city: public bus 60 THB, or shared minivan at the terminal.
Eat at market stalls and local shophouses instead of tourist restaurants; use songthaews or walk rather than taxis; buy water in bulk from 7-Eleven.
Good to know — Surat Thani
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.44 · THB
Where to Eat
💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Surat Thani, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at High-Bar
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Krungsri — 496 m · ~6 min walk — pharmacy · Nopporn Pharmacy — 820 m · ~10 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Samui Airport (USM) → Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
💡 Use the official airport taxi counter just outside arrivals to avoid haggling. The resort is only 8km away, so it’s quick.
Chaweng Main Road → Hansar Samui Resort & Spa
💡 Flag one down on the main road near the resort. Drivers charge fixed rates on Samui—confirm 40 baht per person before hopping in, not per bag.
N/A → N/A
💡 Samui has no rail or tram. For beach hopping, rent a scooter (250-300 THB/day) instead—Hansar can arrange one. Wear a helmet.
N/A → N/A
💡 A private car transfer from the resort to Chaweng’s nightlife costs about 200 THB with a local taxi. Book through Hansar’s front desk—they use fixed rates, no surge.
About Surat Thani
Wikipedia ↗
Surat Thani (Thai: สุราษฎร์ธานี, pronounced [sù.râːt tʰāː.nīː]) is a city in Amphoe Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. It lies 651 km (405 mi) south of Bangkok. It is the capital of Surat Thani Province. The city has a population of 132,040 (2019), and an area of 68.97 km2 ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at High-Bar?
Request a room on floor 3 or 4, facing away from the main road. These upper floors reduce street noise and offer a decent outlook over the city skyline without being too high for easy stair access if the lift is busy.
Which rooms should I avoid at High-Bar?
Avoid rooms on floor 1 or 2, especially those facing the street. Low-floor rooms pick up traffic rumble and pedestrian noise, plus any nearby bar or motorbike activity late into the evening.
Is High-Bar noisy?
The main road outside generates constant traffic noise, plus occasional motorbikes and tuk-tuks. Bars on nearby streets can be loud until midnight, especially on weekends.
Which rooms have the best views at High-Bar?
Surat Thani is a flat, sprawling city, so a higher floor (4 or above) on the side away from the main road gives the best view: rooftops and distant hills, not a car park.
What are insider tips for staying at High-Bar?
1. Request a room with windows facing the rear of the hotel (ask at check-in if possible). 2. The lift can get slow at peak times; taking the stairs to floor 3 is often faster and good exercise.
What time is check-in at High-Bar?
Check-in at High-Bar is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does High-Bar have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (5 Mbps) with a login via room number. A paid 'Premium' tier (50 Mbps) is available at B100 per 24h.
Is there a city or tourist tax at High-Bar?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near High-Bar?
Pad Thai or fried rice from a market stall or simple eatery: 40–60 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from High-Bar?
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) in town: 10–20 THB per ride. Airport to city: public bus 60 THB, or shared minivan at the terminal.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
December to February: low rainfall (average 40–80mm per month), temperatures around 25–30°C, sunny days and manageable crowds as many visitors head straight to the islands.
Top Attractions in Surat Thani
💡 Buy a bag of fresh rambutan or mangosteen for pocket change. Watch your step – floors get slippery from melted ice. Best visited before 10am.
💡 Go at sunset: the light over the river is lovely, and food stalls set up along the path selling grilled meats and sticky rice for under 40 baht.
💡 Try the grilled squid and the coconut pancakes (kanom krok) from the far end – cheap and delicious. Cash only, bring small notes.
💡 Visit early morning before the heat builds and you'll often have the place to yourself. Bring a small donation of incense if you want to make a wish.
💡 The museum is free but closes at 16:00 – get there earlier. The stupa's base has small meditation niches where you can sit in silence.