Your stay — Mick’s Bungalows
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The Property — Mick’s Bungalows
Mick’s Bungalows is a no-frills, concrete-block place just off the main highway east of Surat Thani town centre. It’s clean, functional and aimed squarely at travellers who need a cheap overnight stop before catching a ferry to the islands. Standing in the small lobby, you get the feeling of a well-run transit hub: a tiled floor, a desk fan, a noticeboard with ferry timetables, and a receptionist who can order you a minibus to the pier.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani began as a small trading post on the Tapi River, growing rapidly after the southern railway reached it in 1916. Much of the old city centre was rebuilt after a devastating fire in the 1950s, giving it a mid-century concrete character. The name – ‘City of Good People’ – was granted by King Rama VI in 1915, replacing the earlier name Bandon. Today it’s the commercial and transport hub for the upper Gulf coast, sending millions of tourists onward to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. Its own cultural identity remains quietly provincial, with a lively morning market and a handful of Chinese-Thai shophouses surviving on the riverfront.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
February and March are ideal: rain is scarce, temperatures hover around 30°C and relative humidity drops a notch. January is also good, though slightly cooler.
Peak / festival surge
July is the core of the high season for nearby islands, so Surat Thani itself sees a trickle of budget travellers passing through. Hotel prices in town stay low (rooms often under £15), but ferry excursions get busy. The Rambutan Fair in August draws local crowds, though isn't a major tourist event.
Budget shoulder season
May and October are the real budget sweet spots: you’ll find the cheapest rooms of the year, lighter ferry traffic, and mostly short, heavy showers that clear quickly.
Weather & packing
Surat Thani is one of Thailand’s wettest provinces, with rain possible any month. Pack a light waterproof jacket and a second pair of dry shoes, even in July.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- Surat Thani City Municipality completed a flood-drainage upgrade on the main riverfront road in early 2026, reducing the annual street flooding that used to block traffic after heavy rains.
- The new Surat Thani railway station extension opened in late 2025, adding a covered waiting area and better connections to the night train from Bangkok; check if your train arrives there rather than the old Phunphin station.
- Local ferry companies introduced a digital boarding system at Donsak Pier in March 2026, requiring all passengers to scan QR-coded tickets – arriving early for the minibus transfer is now more important than ever.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Mick’s Bungalows, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the upper floor (second floor or above) at the rear of the property, away from the street. These rooms are quieter and have less foot traffic from the lobby and restaurant.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those near the reception or the dining area, as they can be noisy from check-in activity and breakfast setup. Also skip rooms facing the main road due to traffic noise.
Best views
At a 3-star hotel in Surat Thani, the best view is from an upper-floor room at the rear, overlooking the small garden or local neighbourhood rather than the street.
Quietest floors
Second floor and above, particularly at the back of the building.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from Surat Thani’s main roads can be significant, especially during rush hours (7-9am and 4-7pm). The restaurant and lobby area generate early morning bustle from 6am. Motorbikes and tuk-tuks are common.
Insider tips
1. If you’re arriving by scooter, park at the rear of the property—quieter and more secure. 2. Request a room away from the breakfast area during check-in; they often accommodate if you ask politely.
- 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 — Mick’s Bungalows
Free basic Wi-Fi (5 Mbps) in lobby only; paid premium tier 150 THB/24h (20 Mbps, whole property)
No lift; two-storey bungalow block only accessible by stairs
No digital newsstand; physical Thai-language newspapers at reception (limited copies)
Standard check-in from 14:00, early bag-drop available from 10:00 (free), late check-out fee 500 THB until 18:00 (subject to availability)
Free storage for same-day arrivals/departures; no extra cost
No step-free access; main entrance has two steps, no wheelchair ramp; ground-floor bungalows can be requested but have narrow doorways
On-site free parking for 12 cars (first-come, first-served); nearest public car park is 500 m away (PhraPhut Alley lot, 50 THB/night); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: 50% advance deposit required to hold booking; 1,000 THB incidental card hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Wat Phu Khao Thong (Gukauthong) (1.9 km · ~24 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Winnie Garden — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Use ATMs for best rates; avoid exchange booths at the airport and tourist-heavy spots as they take a big cut.
Cards accepted in malls, hotels, and chain restaurants; cash essential for street food, markets, and local transport.
Not expected but appreciated – round up taxi fares or leave 20-50 THB for good service in restaurants.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local iced coffee (oliang) from street stalls – around 25 THB.
Plate of rice with stir-fry or curry from a local eatery (40-60 THB).
Pad Thai or fried rice from a street stall or simple restaurant – 50-80 THB.
Nightly food stalls along Talad Mai road and near the bus station; look for busy spots with fresh cooking.
Tesco Lotus Express, Big C Mini, or 7-Eleven for basics and snacks.
Day market (Talad Mai) for cheap t-shirts, sarongs, and flip-flops; avoid tourist stalls for better prices.
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) at 10-20 THB per ride within town; from airport, take the RTC bus (100 THB) or shared minivan.
Eat where locals queue; shop at wet markets for fresh fruit; use songthaews instead of tuk-tuks – always agree fare before boarding.
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 Mick’s Bungalows
🕒 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 Mick’s Bungalows?
Request a room on the upper floor (second floor or above) at the rear of the property, away from the street. These rooms are quieter and have less foot traffic from the lobby and restaurant.
Which rooms should I avoid at Mick’s Bungalows?
Avoid ground-floor rooms, especially those near the reception or the dining area, as they can be noisy from check-in activity and breakfast setup. Also skip rooms facing the main road due to traffic noise.
Is Mick’s Bungalows noisy?
Street noise from Surat Thani’s main roads can be significant, especially during rush hours (7-9am and 4-7pm). The restaurant and lobby area generate early morning bustle from 6am. Motorbikes and tuk-tuks are common.
Which rooms have the best views at Mick’s Bungalows?
At a 3-star hotel in Surat Thani, the best view is from an upper-floor room at the rear, overlooking the small garden or local neighbourhood rather than the street.
What are insider tips for staying at Mick’s Bungalows?
1. If you’re arriving by scooter, park at the rear of the property—quieter and more secure. 2. Request a room away from the breakfast area during check-in; they often accommodate if you ask politely.
What time is check-in at Mick’s Bungalows?
Check-in at Mick’s Bungalows is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Mick’s Bungalows have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (5 Mbps) in lobby only; paid premium tier 150 THB/24h (20 Mbps, whole property)
Is there a city or tourist tax at Mick’s Bungalows?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Mick’s Bungalows?
Plate of rice with stir-fry or curry from a local eatery (40-60 THB).
What is the cheapest way to get around from Mick’s Bungalows?
Songthaews (shared pickup trucks) at 10-20 THB per ride within town; from airport, take the RTC bus (100 THB) or shared minivan.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
February and March are ideal: rain is scarce, temperatures hover around 30°C and relative humidity drops a notch. January is also good, though slightly cooler.
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.