Your stay — Palida Resort
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The Property — Palida Resort
Palida Resort is a modest three-star property on the outskirts of Surat Thani city, a 15-minute drive from the central bus and train stations. The lobby feels like an airy, tiled veranda with a small reception desk and a few rattan chairs — altogether unpretentious and practical, aimed at budget travellers or those overnighting before heading to the islands. Guest rooms are clean but dated, with tiled floors, basic furnishings, and small bathrooms; the USP is the large outdoor pool surrounded by palms, ideal for a pre-ferry cool-down. It suits self-sufficient travellers who need a functional base, not a destination hotel.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani, originally a small fishing settlement on the Tapi River, gained prominence in the 1800s as a regional administrative centre under King Rama V. The city was largely rebuilt after a devastating 1962 fire, which erased most old wooden shophouses and led to a grid of concrete structures. Today the urban landscape is a functional jumble of markets, government buildings, and Chinese-style shophouses, reflecting its role as the transport gateway to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao. Locally, it remains a provincial hub for rubber, palm oil, and fruit plantations, with a resilient identity that is more working port than tourist stop.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
December to February: driest and coolest, with highs around 30°C; far fewer rain interruptions, and island ferries run reliably.
Peak / festival surge
July and August: European summer holiday demand spikes; hotel prices across Surat Thani rise 20–30%. The main driver is families and backpackers transiting to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, not a local festival.
Budget shoulder season
March and April: hot season, but with lower room rates (30–50% discount) and fewer crowds. Expect clear skies but temperatures regularly hit 35°C+ — good for pool lounging or early morning sightseeing.
Weather & packing
Surat Thani's climate is notably humid year-round, with the southwest monsoon (June–October) bringing heavy short downpours most afternoons. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and one set of quick-dry clothes for ferry days; flip-flops are fine for the hotel but closed-toe sandals help in town.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- The Surat Thani bus station is undergoing a renovation until late 2026, with temporary ticket booths and waiting areas shifted to the south side of the current building — expect longer queues on weekends.
- A new night market has opened at Talad Kaset 2 (near the main fresh market), operating Wednesdays and Saturdays from 17:00, offering local grilled meats and southern curries — a solid alternative to the older downtown stalls.
- The city's main river pier (Tha Thong) has improved its ferry ticketing kiosks and now accepts credit cards, but cash remains preferred for the island speedboats; check ferry schedules online as some departures have been adjusted for low-season demand.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Palida Resort, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the 3rd floor (the top floor) at the back of the building, away from the main road. This reduces street noise and footfall from the lobby.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the reception or breakfast area – likely noisy with staff and early risers. Also avoid rooms facing the main street side.
Best views
Rooms at the back offer a view of the garden/pool area (typical for a 3-star resort). No sea or river view – Surat Thani is inland.
Quietest floors
Floors 2 and 3 (top floor) are quietest, with the 3rd floor having less overhead noise.
🔊 Noise notes
Street noise from the main road in Surat Thani (likely busy with motorbikes and trucks) – worse on lower floors and front-facing rooms.
Insider tips
1. Check in early (before 3pm) to secure a top-floor back room – first come, first served. 2. If you drive, ask about free parking on arrival – many 3-star resorts here have limited shaded spots.
- 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 — Palida Resort
Free basic Wi-Fi (10 Mbps); premium tier (50 Mbps) available for 150 THB per 24 hours; login requires room number and surname
Lift serves all floors (two floors); no stairs-only sections
Complimentary digital PressReader access via lobby tablet; no physical newspapers
Check-in from 14:00; early bag drop allowed from 10:00; late checkout until 18:00 costs 50% of nightly rate
Free, available at front desk
Step-free access at main entrance; lift to all floors; no wheelchairs available on-site; bathrooms not fully adapted
Free on-site parking for 20 cars; nearest public car park is at Surat Thani City Centre (600 THB per night, 15 km away); no EV charging
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full advance payment required for booking; 1,000 THB incidental hold at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: วัดราษฎร์เจริญ (1.2 km · ~15 min walk)
- Church: St.Seraphim Ortodox Church (1.4 km · ~17 min walk)
- Place of worship: วัดจีน (1.4 km · ~18 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
Phantip IT Mart — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
สวนสาธารณะเกาะพะงัน — 2.0 km · ~25 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 226 m · ~3 min walk
Akachai Pharmacy — 147 m · ~2 min walk
First & Frang Minimart — 236 m · ~3 min walk
เกาะพะงัน — 2.3 km · ~29 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Use ATMs at local banks (SCB, Krungsri, Bangkok Bank) for the best rates; avoid exchange booths at tourist spots and the airport, where rates are poor.
Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels, larger restaurants, and big shops; cash is still king for street food, local markets, and taxis.
Not expected, but rounding up the bill or leaving 20-50 THB is appreciated in sit-down restaurants; taxi drivers don't expect it, hotel staff for exceptional service only.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Local iced coffee (oliang) from street stalls or small shops: 30-50 THB.
Rice with a simple stir-fry or curry from a local food stall: 40-60 THB.
A basic noodle soup or pad thai at a local market: 50-70 THB.
The area around the Surat Thani night market (ตลาดโต้รุ่ง) and the municipal market (ตลาดเทศบาล) offer cheap eats from 30 THB.
Big C and Makro are the main budget supermarkets; Tesco Lotus is also common.
The Surat Thani market (ตลาดพลู) and the weekend market by the train station have cheap new and second-hand clothes.
Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) cost 10-20 THB per ride; for airport, a public bus runs between town and the airport for 90 THB.
Eat at night markets and food stalls instead of restaurants. Skip bottled water—use refill or large bottles from 7-Eleven. Negotiate songthaew fares before boarding, or walk short distances.
Good to know — Surat Thani
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.57 · 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 Palida Resort
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 226 m · ~3 min walk — pharmacy · Akachai Pharmacy — 147 m · ~2 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 Palida Resort?
Request a room on the 3rd floor (the top floor) at the back of the building, away from the main road. This reduces street noise and footfall from the lobby.
Which rooms should I avoid at Palida Resort?
Avoid rooms on the ground floor, especially those near the reception or breakfast area – likely noisy with staff and early risers. Also avoid rooms facing the main street side.
Is Palida Resort noisy?
Street noise from the main road in Surat Thani (likely busy with motorbikes and trucks) – worse on lower floors and front-facing rooms.
Which rooms have the best views at Palida Resort?
Rooms at the back offer a view of the garden/pool area (typical for a 3-star resort). No sea or river view – Surat Thani is inland.
What are insider tips for staying at Palida Resort?
1. Check in early (before 3pm) to secure a top-floor back room – first come, first served. 2. If you drive, ask about free parking on arrival – many 3-star resorts here have limited shaded spots.
What time is check-in at Palida Resort?
Check-in at Palida Resort is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Palida Resort have Wi-Fi?
Free basic Wi-Fi (10 Mbps); premium tier (50 Mbps) available for 150 THB per 24 hours; login requires room number and surname
Is there a city or tourist tax at Palida Resort?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Palida Resort?
Rice with a simple stir-fry or curry from a local food stall: 40-60 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Palida Resort?
Songthaews (shared pick-up trucks) cost 10-20 THB per ride; for airport, a public bus runs between town and the airport for 90 THB.
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
December to February: driest and coolest, with highs around 30°C; far fewer rain interruptions, and island ferries run reliably.
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.