Your stay — Save Bungalows
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 — Save Bungalows
Save Bungalows feels like a modest, no-fuss base near Surat Thani's pier. The lobby is a simple tiled space with check-in desk, a few plastic chairs, and a notice board of ferry times. It's not a resort: think functional budget accommodation aimed at backpackers and transit travellers heading to the islands. The USP is location a short walk from the bus station and riverfront, plus a pool that's a welcome relief from the heat.
Chronicles of Surat Thani
Surat Thani began as Ban Don, a trading port on the Tapi River, and grew in the early 20th century when the railway arrived. It became a provincial capital under King Rama VI and saw rapid expansion after World War II as a transport hub for southern Thailand. Today it's a functional commercial centre – grid streets, concrete shops, and a large Chinese-Thai community – more gateway than destination. The airport and bus terminals channel most visitors straight to the piers for Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao.
Best Time to Visit
Full Surat Thani guide →Best months
December, January, February – lowest rainfall, sunny days, and the coolest temperatures (25–30°C). The city is quiet because most visitors go straight to the islands.
Peak / festival surge
April (Songkran / Thai New Year) and December–January (tourist high season). In April the city swells with locals and travellers celebrating with water fights. In December hotel prices can double; book months ahead. Monthly events include the Surat Thani Vegetarian Festival (usually October) but that's quieter.
Budget shoulder season
March, June, November – lower hotel rates, fewer crowds, still decent weather. March can be hot (35°C+), June is early rainy season (showers usually brief), November sees the start of the dry season.
Weather & packing
Surat Thani is humid year-round – expect sudden downpours even in the 'dry' season. Pack a lightweight rain jacket, quick-dry clothing, and a waterproof bag for electronics.
Live City Briefing — Surat Thani
- Surat Thani's new flyover at the Ban Don junction opened in March 2025, reducing traffic jams on the main highway to the airport.
- The city's central market (Talad Mai) has new covered seating and improved drainage after flooding issues in late 2024.
- Ferry operators report added departures to Koh Samui and Koh Phangan for July 2026 to manage peak season crowds – book tickets in advance.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to Save Bungalows, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on the top floor (3rd). These are furthest from the reception and street-level commotion, and because the bungalows are low-rise, top-floor units get more airflow and less chance of foot traffic passing your window.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid ground-floor bungalows near the entrance/reception area — they face the car park and the main road noise from Surat Thani’s through traffic. Rooms directly above the lobby may also pick up early-morning staff noise.
Best views
The best view is probably of the garden or pool (if the hotel has one) from a top-floor bungalow facing away from the road — but given the 3-star rating and roadside location, don’t expect a scenic vista; it’s a functional spot for a night’s rest.
Quietest floors
3rd floor (top floor) offers the quietest experience — no overhead footsteps and set back from street level.
🔊 Noise notes
The hotel sits on a busy road in Surat Thani city — expect continuous vehicle noise, especially from trucks and songthaews. The car park near reception can also generate early-morning departure noise.
Insider tips
1. If arriving by car, request a parking spot closer to the back of the lot to minimise engine noise near your bungalow. 2. Check-in can be slow during peak hours so arrive before 5pm if possible; mention you prefer a top-floor unit facing away from the road.
- 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 — Save Bungalows
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speed approx 10 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload (adequate for browsing and email; streaming may buffer). One device per room; login via room number and surname.
One lift serves all three floors of main block; no stairs-only sections.
No complimentary newspapers or digital newsstand. Property has a small open-air lobby with fish pond and rattan seating.
Standard check-in from 14:00; early bag-drop allowed from 08:00 (free, front desk holds luggage). Late check-out until 12:00 free; after 12:00 charged at half-day rate (300 THB) until 18:00, full night after 18:00.
Free for same-day check-in/check-out; fee of 150 THB per bag per day for longer storage.
Step-free access from street to lobby via ramp; one ground-floor accessible room (roll-in shower, grab bars). Lift is narrow (60 cm door width) so standard wheelchair fits; no dedicated accessible parking. Upper-floor rooms require lift for full access.
Free on-site parking for about 20 cars (uncovered, first-come-first-served). No EV charging. Nearest public car park: Surat Thani City Park lot, 2 km away, 200 THB overnight.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None
Deposit & card hold: Full prepayment required at booking for non-refundable rates; refundable rates hold room with credit card. At check-in, a 500 THB cash deposit or card authorization is taken as incidental deposit.
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Buddhist temple: Rama V Shrine (441 m · ~6 min walk)
- Buddhist temple: Sunandra Kumariratana Shrine (454 m · ~6 min walk)
5-Minute Radius Essentials
Nearest — 56 m · ~1 min walk
Rose Pharmacy — 98 m · ~1 min walk
7-Eleven — 55 m · ~1 min walk
Lomprayah Koh Tao Pier — 160 m · ~2 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Thai Baht, THB
Use banks or exchange booths in town for the best rates; avoid airport and hotel exchange kiosks which give poor rates.
Cards work at big shops, hotels, and many restaurants, but street markets and smaller places are cash-only. Contactless is common at chains.
Not expected, but rounding up bills or leaving small change is appreciated. Taxis: no need; hotel staff: 20-100 THB for good service.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Iced or hot coffee from a local coffee cart or shop, around 40-60 THB.
Rice or noodle dish from a food stall or simple restaurant, roughly 50-80 THB.
Stir-fry or curry with rice at a local eatery, about 60-100 THB for a main.
Evening markets along the riverside and near the bus station offer grilled meats, papaya salad, and noodle soups for 30-80 THB per dish.
Tesco Lotus, Big C, and Makro are the main budget supermarkets.
The main market (Talad Mai) and night bazaar have cheap T-shirts, shorts, and local textiles.
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) rides cost 10-30 THB within town; from Surat Thani airport, take a bus to town for 100 THB instead of a taxi (300-500 THB).
Eat at market stalls and local food courts rather than tourist restaurants. Buy snacks and water from 7-Elevens, not convenience stores near attractions. For day trips, share a songthaew or join a group tour instead of hiring private transport.
Good to know — Surat Thani
Type A/B/C · 220V
not safe — drink bottled
$1 ≈ ฿33.34 · 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 Save Bungalows
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · Nearest — 56 m · ~1 min walk — pharmacy · Rose Pharmacy — 98 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 Save Bungalows?
Request a room on the top floor (3rd). These are furthest from the reception and street-level commotion, and because the bungalows are low-rise, top-floor units get more airflow and less chance of foot traffic passing your window.
Which rooms should I avoid at Save Bungalows?
Avoid ground-floor bungalows near the entrance/reception area — they face the car park and the main road noise from Surat Thani’s through traffic. Rooms directly above the lobby may also pick up early-morning staff noise.
Is Save Bungalows noisy?
The hotel sits on a busy road in Surat Thani city — expect continuous vehicle noise, especially from trucks and songthaews. The car park near reception can also generate early-morning departure noise.
Which rooms have the best views at Save Bungalows?
The best view is probably of the garden or pool (if the hotel has one) from a top-floor bungalow facing away from the road — but given the 3-star rating and roadside location, don’t expect a scenic vista; it’s a functional spot for a night’s rest.
What are insider tips for staying at Save Bungalows?
1. If arriving by car, request a parking spot closer to the back of the lot to minimise engine noise near your bungalow. 2. Check-in can be slow during peak hours so arrive before 5pm if possible; mention you prefer a top-floor unit facing away from the road.
What time is check-in at Save Bungalows?
Check-in at Save Bungalows is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does Save Bungalows have Wi-Fi?
Free Wi-Fi throughout, speed approx 10 Mbps download, 5 Mbps upload (adequate for browsing and email; streaming may buffer). One device per room; login via room number and surname.
Is there a city or tourist tax at Save Bungalows?
None
Where can I eat cheaply near Save Bungalows?
Rice or noodle dish from a food stall or simple restaurant, roughly 50-80 THB.
What is the cheapest way to get around from Save Bungalows?
Songthaew (shared pickup truck) rides cost 10-30 THB within town; from Surat Thani airport, take a bus to town for 100 THB instead of a taxi (300-500 THB).
When is the best time to visit Surat Thani?
December, January, February – lowest rainfall, sunny days, and the coolest temperatures (25–30°C). The city is quiet because most visitors go straight to the islands.
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.