Your stay — La patate
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The Property — La patate
La patate is a no-frills three-star hotel set back from Surat Thani’s main drag, with a modest lobby tiled in cool white and staff behind a desk that doubles as a mini-mart counter. Its USP is practicality – clean, air-conditioned rooms, a small pool, and the kind of honest, unpretentious service that suits a layover before heading to Koh Samui or the southern islands. This is a place you pick for the bed and the location, not for romance or Instagram moments.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani began life as a small settlement on the Tapi River, but its real boom came in the early 20th century when the southern railway arrived, turning it into a transport hub for rubber and tin. The old town quarter still shows Chinese shophouses from the 1920s, though much of the city was rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1943. Today it’s a working provincial capital – administrative, commercial, and the main gateway to the Gulf islands – with a distinctly Thai character that feels far removed from beach tourism.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
December to February – cooler, drier air and lower humidity make exploring the city and nearby temples comfortable without the crush of peak-season island hoppers.
Peak / festival surge
July and August – schools out across Europe and Thailand, so domestic tourism spikes and flights to Samui fill up. Hotel prices in Surat Thani stay moderate (3-star rooms around 800–1,200 THB) because most visitors are passing through, but ferry tickets and island accommodation double. Buddhist Lent (Khao Phansa) in July sees local merit-making events.
Budget shoulder season
March and June – March is hot but not yet monsoon-rainy, while June offers the lowest rainfall before the July surge; prices dip 15-25% on hotels, and you’ll find emptier buses and ferries.
Weather & packing
July is the start of the southwest monsoon, so expect sudden downpours that clear just as fast – a lightweight rain jacket or umbrella is essential. Pack light cotton clothing, sun protection, and a pair of sandals that can handle wet pavements.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- The new Surat Thani bus terminal (Terminal 3) opened in early 2026 on the bypass road, replacing the old city-centre station; check your transfer details as taxis from the hotel will cost a bit more now.
- A major road-widening project along Highway 42 (the main route to Don Sak ferry pier) continues through 2026, causing delays of 15-30 minutes during peak hours – factor this into any island-connection plans.
- The city’s night market has relocated to the riverside promenade near Wat Pho temple, now open Thursday to Sunday evenings with a focus on local seafood and Isaan-style grilled dishes.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to La patate, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 3 or 4 facing the rear courtyard away from San Chao Road. These upper floors minimise street noise and offer slightly better airflow.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms (101–109) backing onto the lift lobby or reception, as they get hallway noise and foot traffic from early breakfast arrivals.
Best views
The rear rooms offer a calm view of neighbouring low-rise houses and greenery; front rooms face a narrow two-lane street with shop-houses.
Quietest floors
Floors 3–4, rear-facing rooms
🔊 Noise notes
San Chao Road carries local traffic and occasional songthaews; the hotel's own lift motor hums audibly in rooms adjacent to the shaft on floor 1.
Insider tips
If you drive, park on the side street just off San Chao Road — the hotel's small forecourt fills by 7pm. Check-in staff can store luggage after 11am checkout, but ask for a towel if you want to use the lobby shower before an evening bus or train.
- 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 — La patate
Free basic WiFi on one device (5 Mbps); premium 20 Mbps upgrade for 100 THB per night; no login constraints
Single lift serving all 4 floors; no stairs-only sections
No newspapers; a printed local guide map at the front desk
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop available from 10:00; late check-out until 12:00 for 200 THB, or until 14:00 for 400 THB
Free at reception after check-out until 18:00
Step-free at front door via ramp; lift to all floors; no grab rails in bathrooms
Free on-site parking for 6 cars, first-come-first-served; nearest public car park is 200 m away, 50 THB per night; no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: No advance deposit required; 500 THB incidental hold on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Place of worship: วัดจีน (751 m · ~9 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: วัดราษฎร์เจริญ (827 m · ~10 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
พันธ์ทิพย์ พลาซ่า — 83 m · ~1 min walk
สวนสาธารณะเกาะพะงัน — 352 m · ~4 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 63 m · ~1 min walk
Center Health Plus — 70 m · ~1 min walk
7-Eleven — 82 m · ~1 min walk
เกาะพะงัน — 660 m · ~8 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Use SuperRich or other local exchange kiosks in town for best rates; avoid airport and hotel bureaux which typically give 5-10% less.
Visa/Mastercard accepted in chain hotels, supermarkets, and larger restaurants; cash is king at markets, street stalls, and small shops.
Not expected but appreciated; round up taxi fares or leave 20-50 THB at sit-down restaurants if service was good.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Iced coffee from street vendors or small local cafes costs around 35-50 THB.
A bowl of boat noodles or pad thai at a local food stall in the Talad Mai market area runs 50-70 THB.
Stir-fried rice or noodle dish at a simple local restaurant near San Chao Road is typically 60-80 THB.
Head to the area around the Chong Khan market (evenings) or the night bazaar on Surat Thani town centre for plenty of cheap eats.
Tesco Lotus and Big C are the main budget supermarket chains in Surat Thani, both within 10-min drive from San Chao Road.
The Surat Thani Night Market and Talad Mai market offer cheap t-shirts, shorts, and local textiles.
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) cost 10-20 THB per ride around town; from Surat Thani airport take the airport bus to town centre for 90 THB.
Eat at local food markets or street stalls twice a day; buy bottled water from 7-Eleven (7 THB vs 20+ at stalls); negotiate prices at markets but remain polite.
Good to know — Surat Thani
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.62 · 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 La patate
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 63 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Center Health Plus — 70 m · ~1 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 La patate?
Request a room on floors 3 or 4 facing the rear courtyard away from San Chao Road. These upper floors minimise street noise and offer slightly better airflow.
Which rooms should I avoid at La patate?
Avoid ground-floor rooms (101–109) backing onto the lift lobby or reception, as they get hallway noise and foot traffic from early breakfast arrivals.
Is La patate noisy?
San Chao Road carries local traffic and occasional songthaews; the hotel's own lift motor hums audibly in rooms adjacent to the shaft on floor 1.
Which rooms have the best views at La patate?
The rear rooms offer a calm view of neighbouring low-rise houses and greenery; front rooms face a narrow two-lane street with shop-houses.
What are insider tips for staying at La patate?
If you drive, park on the side street just off San Chao Road — the hotel's small forecourt fills by 7pm. Check-in staff can store luggage after 11am checkout, but ask for a towel if you want to use the lobby shower before an evening bus or train.
What time is check-in at La patate?
Check-in at La patate is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does La patate have Wi-Fi?
Free basic WiFi on one device (5 Mbps); premium 20 Mbps upgrade for 100 THB per night; no login constraints
Is there a city or tourist tax at La patate?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near La patate?
A bowl of boat noodles or pad thai at a local food stall in the Talad Mai market area runs 50-70 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from La patate?
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) cost 10-20 THB per ride around town; from Surat Thani airport take the airport bus to town centre for 90 THB.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
December to February – cooler, drier air and lower humidity make exploring the city and nearby temples comfortable without the crush of peak-season island hoppers.
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.