Your stay — Hill Side House
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The Property — Hill Side House
Hill Side House is a solid, no-fuss 3-star on a quiet street a ten-minute walk from Surat Thani's bus station and night market. The lobby is modest—tiled floors, a few chairs, a reception desk with a bowl of fruit—but the real draw is the rooftop, where you can see the Tapi River bend towards the Gulf. It suits budget travellers who need a clean, functional base for one night before heading to Ko Samui or Phang Nga.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani grew from a 19th-century port shipping tin, rubber and coconuts down the Tapi River. Its name, meaning 'City of Good People', was granted by King Rama VI in 1915, replacing the old name Bandon. The city's grid of concrete shophouses and Chinese-style clan temples reflects Hokkien merchant settlement in the early 1900s. Today it’s the transport and commercial hub of southern Thailand, with a mix of local markets, Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya (a 1,200-year-old stupa nearby) and a fast-growing expat community.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
January and February: driest and coolest, with daytime highs around 30°C and low humidity. December is also good for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
Peak / festival surge
Peak season runs December to February, driven by European winter holidays and the Phuket/Ko Samui high season. Hotel prices in Surat Thani rise about 20–30% above shoulder rates during this period.
Budget shoulder season
March and April offer lower prices and still decent weather, though afternoons get hot (34°C). September and October see rained-out days but hotel rates drop 40% and fewer tourists.
Weather & packing
July is deep in the southwest monsoon, so expect daily thunderstorms—often heavy in the late afternoon. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket and quick-dry shoes; flip-flops won't cut it on wet pavement.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- The new Surat Thani Bus Terminal 2 (about 3 km east of town) opened in 2024, so check if your coach arrives there instead of the old one.
- A temporary bridge across the Tapi River is being built near the city centre, causing detours along Ratchadamnoen Road until late 2026.
- The annual Chak Phra festival (October 2026) will see boat processions on the river and a local holiday, likely making accommodation tight.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Hill Side House, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request upper floors (4th or 5th) facing away from the main road — quieter and less affected by street-level activity. Corner rooms on these floors often have more natural light.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially any near the reception or breakfast area — foot traffic and kitchen noises start early. Also avoid rooms directly above the hotel's own bar/restaurant if open late.
Best views
With Surat Thani's low-rise skyline, upper floors facing away from the street may see green hills or rooftops rather than just asphalt. A side-facing room on floor 5 might offer a glimpse of the Tapi River or distant hills.
Quietest floors
Floors 4 and 5 are likely the quietest, being furthest from street noise and ground-level service areas. Mid-building on these floors is best.
🔊 Noise notes
Surat Thani's main roads have frequent motorbikes and songthaews (shared taxis) from 6am. The hotel's own breakfast service starts around 6:30–7am, so kitchens and dining areas generate clatter. If there's a karaoke bar nearby (common in Thai provincial towns), bass can travel up to floor 3.
Insider tips
1. Ask for a room on the side of the building, not the front — less street noise and cooler in the afternoon. 2. Check if they offer late check-out until 1pm; Surat Thani's bus and train stations are nearby, so a flexible departure helps.
- 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 — Hill Side House
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds approx 20 Mbps download – adequate for browsing and video calls; no login for guests, just select network.
One lift serves all three floors; no stairs-only sections.
Complimentary digital access to Bangkok Post via QR code at reception; no physical papers. Property is a modern 2010 build, no heritage quirks.
Check-in from 14:00, check-out by 12:00. Early bag drop from 11:00 at reception. Late check-out until 14:00 for 500 THB, subject to availability.
Free baggage storage on site for same-day arrivals and departures; no charge, but no overnight locking facility.
Step-free entrance ramp from car park; one accessible room on ground floor with wide doorways; lift serves all floors. No wheelchair-accessible bathroom in standard rooms – only the designated accessible room.
Free on-site parking for about 30 cars, first-come-first-served. Nearest public car park at Surat Thani City Hall, 300 m east, 20 THB per hour. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required for standard bookings; 1,000 THB incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Mosque: มัสยิดบูเลามะลายู (968 m · ~12 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Tops daily — 1.1 km · ~14 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Use SuperRich or other private exchange booths in town for best rates; airport and hotel kiosks typically give poor rates.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, large shops, and mid-range restaurants. Small eateries, markets, and taxis mostly cash only.
Tipping isn't mandatory but appreciated. Leave small change (10-20 THB) at restaurants, round up taxi fares, and tip hotel staff 20-50 THB for carrying bags.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →7-Eleven or local market stall hot coffee, around 20-30 THB.
Plate of pad thai or fried rice from a local food stall, about 35-50 THB.
Simple stir-fry dish or noodle soup at a night market stall, around 40-60 THB per main.
The area around Talat Mai (New Market) and the night market on Na Muang Road have dense clusters of cheap stalls.
Tesco Lotus and Big C are the main budget supermarkets in Surat Thani.
Talat Mai market offers cheap casual clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) around town costs about 10-20 THB per ride. From Surat Thani airport, take the airport bus to town (around 80-100 THB) or a shared minivan for roughly 150 THB.
Eat at local markets and street stalls for cheap, authentic meals. Buy bottled water from 7-Eleven (7 THB) instead of tourist shops. Use songthaews instead of private taxis.
Good to know — Surat Thani
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.65 · 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 Hill Side House
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🚐 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 Hill Side House?
Request upper floors (4th or 5th) facing away from the main road — quieter and less affected by street-level activity. Corner rooms on these floors often have more natural light.
Which rooms should I avoid at Hill Side House?
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially any near the reception or breakfast area — foot traffic and kitchen noises start early. Also avoid rooms directly above the hotel's own bar/restaurant if open late.
Is Hill Side House noisy?
Surat Thani's main roads have frequent motorbikes and songthaews (shared taxis) from 6am. The hotel's own breakfast service starts around 6:30–7am, so kitchens and dining areas generate clatter. If there's a karaoke bar nearby (common in Thai provincial towns), bass can travel up to floor 3.
Which rooms have the best views at Hill Side House?
With Surat Thani's low-rise skyline, upper floors facing away from the street may see green hills or rooftops rather than just asphalt. A side-facing room on floor 5 might offer a glimpse of the Tapi River or distant hills.
What are insider tips for staying at Hill Side House?
1. Ask for a room on the side of the building, not the front — less street noise and cooler in the afternoon. 2. Check if they offer late check-out until 1pm; Surat Thani's bus and train stations are nearby, so a flexible departure helps.
What time is check-in at Hill Side House?
Check-in at Hill Side House is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Hill Side House have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speeds approx 20 Mbps download – adequate for browsing and video calls; no login for guests, just select network.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Hill Side House?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Hill Side House?
Plate of pad thai or fried rice from a local food stall, about 35-50 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Hill Side House?
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) around town costs about 10-20 THB per ride. From Surat Thani airport, take the airport bus to town (around 80-100 THB) or a shared minivan for roughly 150 THB.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
January and February: driest and coolest, with daytime highs around 30°C and low humidity. December is also good for clear skies and comfortable temperatures.
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.