🇹🇭 Surat Thani, Thailand
IT Hostel
📍 45/5, Hin Kong Road, Surat Thani, 84280
Your stay — IT Hostel
Live forecast for your dates · what's on · air quality & pollen📅 Pick your check-in & check-out above to unlock your day-by-day forecast, what's on during your stay, and live air quality & pollen for Surat Thani.
The Property — IT Hostel
IT Hostel is a clean, no-frills crash pad near Surat Thani's bus terminal, aimed squarely at backpackers and transit travellers heading to or from the islands. The lobby is a functional space with a few plastic chairs and a reception desk, where the vibe is more about efficient check-in than lingering. Its main draw is price and location—you're five minutes from the night market and a short walk to the train station. Don't expect charm; do expect a solid sleep between legs of a longer journey.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani began as a colonial trading post called Ban Don, but its modern shape took off when the southern railway reached it in the early 20th century, turning the marshy town into a transport hub. The city’s architectural legacy is a jumble of Chinese shophouses from the 1920s, concrete government blocks from the 1960s, and newer malls along the Tapi River. Culturally, it’s a gateway to both the Gulf islands and the mountainous interior of Khao Sok, and its contemporary identity is defined by this constant flow of travellers. Locals still celebrate the annual Chak Phra festival in October, which recalls the city's Buddhist roots with waterborne processions.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
December to February: dry season with clear skies and temperatures around 27-30°C, and lower humidity makes exploring the city and nearby islands comfortable. March is also decent but starts to heat up.
Peak / festival surge
January is the peak tourist month for the Gulf coast, driven by European winter holidays and island hopping. Hotel prices in Surat Thani can spike 30-50% above average, especially near the pier. The Surat Thani Vegetarian Festival in October also draws regional visitors, though it's less intense than Phuket's.
Budget shoulder season
April and May offer good discounts (20-30% off peak rates), with temperatures reaching 34°C and occasional thunderstorms. August and September are bargain months because of the monsoon, but you risk disrupted ferry schedules.
Weather & packing
Surat Thani has a monsoonal climate with two rainy seasons—a lighter one in June-October and a heavier one November-December. Pack a lightweight raincoat or umbrella year-round, plus quick-dry clothing if you’re island-hopping via ferry.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- The new Surat Thani bus terminal at Talad Mai opened in late 2025, adding direct minibus services to Khao Sok and Khanom, which cuts transfer time by 20 minutes. Some older songthaew routes have been rerouted to serve it.
- Work continues on the Tapi Riverwalk project near the city pillar shrine, with completion expected in early 2027—some sections behind hoardings, but the night market remains open.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to IT Hostel, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor at the back of the building (away from Hin Kong Road). These are high enough to escape street-level noise but still within easy stair access if the lift is slow.
Rooms to avoid
Rooms on the 1st floor or directly facing Hin Kong Road. The 1st floor picks up lobby traffic and potential street noise; road-facing rooms get early morning motorbike and truck rumble from Hin Kong Road, a main through-route.
Best views
Back rooms (non-road side) offer a quiet view of the local neighbourhood – tin roofs, potted plants, and maybe a glimpse of the Tapi River in the distance. Front rooms face Hin Kong Road and its mix of shops and traffic.
Quietest floors
3rd and 4th floors. The building likely has 4–5 floors (common for a 3-star in Surat Thani). These floors sit above street hubbub but below any rooftop equipment.
🔊 Noise notes
Hin Kong Road is a secondary arterial in Surat Thani, busy with motorbikes, songthaews, and trucks from early morning until late evening. The hostel-style common areas may generate chatter and door slamming, especially near the lift and stairwell.
Insider tips
1) If you arrive by bus or train, the hostel is a short walk from the main transport hub – ask for a back-facing room when booking by phone or email, as online systems may not show this. 2) The lift can be slow; if you’re on the 3rd or 4th floor, take the stairs – it’s quicker and quieter.
- 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 — IT Hostel
Free Wi-Fi for all guests; speed about 10 Mbps download, requires room number and surname to log in.
No lift; all rooms are on the first floor (no stairs).
No newspapers or digital newsstand; building is a converted shophouse with original tiles in the lobby.
Check-in from 14:00 to 20:00 daily; early bag drop allowed from 10:00; late check-out until 12:00 costs THB 200, subject to availability.
Free luggage storage in a lockable room by reception for same-day pickup only.
One step at the entrance (portable ramp available on request); interior is all ground level. No grab bars in bathrooms.
No on-site parking; free street parking on Hin Kong Road (first-come, first-served). Nearest public car park is at Surat Thani Railway Station, 2 km away, THB 50 per day. No EV charging.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required; a refundable THB 500 incidental hold on credit card at check-in.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: วัดสมัยคงคา (1.5 km · ~19 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: วัดศรีธนู (1.7 km · ~21 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 272 m · ~3 min walk
Center Pharmacy 2 — 1.9 km · ~24 min walk
7-Eleven — 262 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Superrich or other exchange booths in town give better rates than airport counters; avoid bureaux in tourist hubs – they take a big cut.
Visa/Mastercard accepted in most hotels, bigger restaurants and shops; cash is king at markets, street stalls and small eateries – contactless is rare.
Not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 THB at a sit-down restaurant is appreciated. Taxis don't expect tips; round up to the nearest 10 THB. Hotel staff – 20 THB for carry bags, optional for housekeeping.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local-style iced coffee (กาแฟเย็น) from street stalls, 35-45 THB.
Plate of pad thai or fried rice from a market stall, 40-60 THB.
Tom yum soup or stir-fried pork with rice at a basic restaurant, 60-80 THB for a main.
Night market at Talat Mai or the main market near the bus terminal – lots of grilled meats, som tam and noodle dishes from 30 THB.
Tesco Lotus (Express at petrol stations), Big C, 7-Eleven.
Walking Street Market on Friday/Saturday evenings, and the clothing stalls at Talat Mai – t-shirts from 100-200 THB.
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) around town – 20-30 THB per ride. From Surat Thani airport, take the public bus to town for 90 THB, not the taxi (500+ THB).
Eat at the night market instead of restaurants; buy water in bulk at 7-Eleven; haggle in markets but always with a smile – start at half the asking price.
Good to know — Surat Thani
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.31 · 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 IT Hostel
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 272 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Center Pharmacy 2 — 1.9 km · ~24 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at IT Hostel?
Request a room on the 3rd or 4th floor at the back of the building (away from Hin Kong Road). These are high enough to escape street-level noise but still within easy stair access if the lift is slow.
Which rooms should I avoid at IT Hostel?
Rooms on the 1st floor or directly facing Hin Kong Road. The 1st floor picks up lobby traffic and potential street noise; road-facing rooms get early morning motorbike and truck rumble from Hin Kong Road, a main through-route.
Is IT Hostel noisy?
Hin Kong Road is a secondary arterial in Surat Thani, busy with motorbikes, songthaews, and trucks from early morning until late evening. The hostel-style common areas may generate chatter and door slamming, especially near the lift and stairwell.
Which rooms have the best views at IT Hostel?
Back rooms (non-road side) offer a quiet view of the local neighbourhood – tin roofs, potted plants, and maybe a glimpse of the Tapi River in the distance. Front rooms face Hin Kong Road and its mix of shops and traffic.
What are insider tips for staying at IT Hostel?
1) If you arrive by bus or train, the hostel is a short walk from the main transport hub – ask for a back-facing room when booking by phone or email, as online systems may not show this. 2) The lift can be slow; if you’re on the 3rd or 4th floor, take the stairs – it’s quicker and quieter.
What time is check-in at IT Hostel?
Check-in at IT Hostel is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does IT Hostel have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi for all guests; speed about 10 Mbps download, requires room number and surname to log in.
Is there a city or tourist tax at IT Hostel?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near IT Hostel?
Plate of pad thai or fried rice from a market stall, 40-60 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from IT Hostel?
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) around town – 20-30 THB per ride. From Surat Thani airport, take the public bus to town for 90 THB, not the taxi (500+ THB).
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
December to February: dry season with clear skies and temperatures around 27-30°C, and lower humidity makes exploring the city and nearby islands comfortable. March is also decent but starts to heat up.
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.