Your stay — Jamhakiri Resort
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The Property — Jamhakiri Resort
Jamhakiri Resort is a basic, no-frills 2-star property on the outskirts of Surat Thani city, set back from the main road among mature trees. The lobby feels like a modest provincial guesthouse – tiled floors, a few plastic chairs, and a receptionist who might be watching a soap on a small TV. It suits budget travellers who just need a clean room and a bed for a night before catching a ferry to Koh Samui or the islands. The USP is price and proximity to the bus terminal and pier rather than any resort-style amenity.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani was founded as a trading post on the Tapi River in the Ayutthaya period, but its modern identity dates to the late 19th century when King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) built the southern railway. The city's name, meaning 'city of good people', was granted by the king in 1915. Its architecture is a mix of Sino-Portuguese shophouses from the early 1900s, concrete blocks from the 1970s and a few gleaming new malls. Today Surat Thani is the transport hub for the Gulf of Thailand islands – a transit city of working docks, bus stations and noodle stalls rather than a tourist destination in itself.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
January to March: driest period with sunny days and low humidity; also the coolest months by a few degrees. Crowds are manageable because most tourists are on the islands, not in the city.
Peak / festival surge
April: the hottest month, often above 35°C, and also the start of the Songkran water festival (13–15 April). Hotel prices in Surat Thani rise modestly for the holiday weekend but nowhere near island peaks. The city hosts a large Songkran street party along Thanon Talad Mai.
Budget shoulder season
May and June are good value: the rains have started but are usually short downpours in the afternoon. Hotel rates drop as ferry traffic dips. September and October are the wettest but cheapest.
Weather & packing
Surat Thani's climate quirk is that the southwest monsoon (May–October) dumps most rain in short, intense bursts that clear quickly. Pack a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella that fits in a daypack, plus quick-dry clothing, because you'll get sweaty even when it's not raining.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- The new Surat Thani bus terminal (near the Big C on the bypass) opened in late 2023, replacing the chaotic old terminal on Talad Mai Road. Make sure you're dropped at the right one – taxis and songthaews still serve both.
- The five-year railway upgrade between Surat Thani and Hat Yai is ongoing. Check for last-minute train cancellations or delays in July, especially on the overnight services from Bangkok.
- The city's night market on Khao Niao Road (near the main temple) has been expanded with more food stalls and a covered seating area. Open daily from 5pm; cash is still king here.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Jamhakiri Resort, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the second floor facing the back of the building (away from the main road) – these rooms tend to be quieter and slightly cooler, as the morning sun hits the front.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the first floor at the front side – street-level noise from passing motorbikes and early-morning market traffic is noticeable, and luggage can be heard being wheeled past your door.
Best views
Back-facing rooms look out over a narrow garden strip or local residential area – no grand view, but far better than the main road. Front windows face a busy street with shops and motorbike parking.
Quietest floors
Second floor. The resort is a two-storey building, so upper floor is best for insulation from ground-level activity.
🔊 Noise notes
Main road outside is a through-route for local traffic, including songthaews and motorbikes from 6am until late evening. The small lobby and car park on the ground floor amplify voices and engine sounds.
Insider tips
Parking is limited to a small lot at the front – if you drive, arrive by late afternoon to secure a spot. Check-in is at a small front desk; ask them to point out which room faces the back, as they may not automatically offer it.
- 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 — Jamhakiri Resort
Free basic WiFi in lobby and pool area (approx 5 Mbps); no password needed. No paid tier. Signal weak in back bungalows.
No lift – all rooms on ground floor in separate bungalow-style units; no stairs-only sections.
No newspapers or digital newsstand. Property is a small converted traditional house with wooden decking.
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed if room not ready. Late check-out until 12:00 for 200 THB, after 12:00 charged half night's rate.
Free storage during day of check-in/out; overnight storage not available.
No step-free access to reception (one step). Bungalow entrances have a small step. Not wheelchair friendly.
Free on-site parking for about 12 cars, first-come-first-served. No valet or EV charging. Nearest public car park is 3 km away at Tesco Lotus, free.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Advance deposit of one night’s rate required; 500 THB incidental hold on credit card at check-in.
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 1.6 km · ~19 min walk
Nopporn Pharmacy — 1.8 km · ~23 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Use bank ATMs for the best rates; avoid exchange counters at Surat Thani Airport and tourist bureaux, which offer poor rates.
Visa/Mastercard are accepted in larger hotels, supermarkets, and some restaurants; cash is still king for street food, markets, and local transport.
Not expected but appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave 20-50 baht for hotel staff, and 5-10% in restaurants if no service charge.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Instant or filter coffee from a local stall or 7-Eleven for 15-25 baht.
Rice and curry from a street stall or food court for 30-50 baht.
One-plate noodle or rice dish from a local eatery for 40-60 baht.
Head to the Talat Kaset 1 and 2 areas or the night market near the train station for cheap eats like pad thai, som tam, and satay.
Big C, Lotus's (formerly Tesco Lotus), and Makro are the main budget supermarkets.
Shop at the Surat Thani night market (Talad Yon) or the local day market for affordable T-shirts and casual wear.
Cheapest way is the local songthaew (shared pickup truck) for 10-20 baht per ride; from the airport, take the airport bus to town for 100 baht, not taxis.
Eat at local markets instead of tourist spots; use songthaews instead of tuk-tuks; buy water and snacks at 7-Eleven, not hotel minibars.
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 Jamhakiri Resort
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 1.6 km · ~19 min walk — pharmacy · Nopporn Pharmacy — 1.8 km · ~23 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 Jamhakiri Resort?
Request a room on the second floor facing the back of the building (away from the main road) – these rooms tend to be quieter and slightly cooler, as the morning sun hits the front.
Which rooms should I avoid at Jamhakiri Resort?
Avoid rooms on the first floor at the front side – street-level noise from passing motorbikes and early-morning market traffic is noticeable, and luggage can be heard being wheeled past your door.
Is Jamhakiri Resort noisy?
Main road outside is a through-route for local traffic, including songthaews and motorbikes from 6am until late evening. The small lobby and car park on the ground floor amplify voices and engine sounds.
Which rooms have the best views at Jamhakiri Resort?
Back-facing rooms look out over a narrow garden strip or local residential area – no grand view, but far better than the main road. Front windows face a busy street with shops and motorbike parking.
What are insider tips for staying at Jamhakiri Resort?
Parking is limited to a small lot at the front – if you drive, arrive by late afternoon to secure a spot. Check-in is at a small front desk; ask them to point out which room faces the back, as they may not automatically offer it.
What time is check-in at Jamhakiri Resort?
Check-in at Jamhakiri Resort is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Jamhakiri Resort have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi in lobby and pool area (approx 5 Mbps); no password needed. No paid tier. Signal weak in back bungalows.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Jamhakiri Resort?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Jamhakiri Resort?
Rice and curry from a street stall or food court for 30-50 baht.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Jamhakiri Resort?
Cheapest way is the local songthaew (shared pickup truck) for 10-20 baht per ride; from the airport, take the airport bus to town for 100 baht, not taxis.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
January to March: driest period with sunny days and low humidity; also the coolest months by a few degrees. Crowds are manageable because most tourists are on the islands, not in the city.
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.