Wedged between the Phunphin and Tapi rivers, Phunphin is a laid-back rural town in the heart of Surat Thani. It lies on the doorstep of magnificent national parks and is within a short ferry ride to the idyllic islands in the Gulf of Thailand.
Things to do in Phunphin
Phunphin makes a good base for exploring the sights of Surat Thani, including the whitewashed architecture of the City Pillar Shrine. It’s believed to house the city’s ancestral spirits and is frequented by local devotees bringing offerings and prayers.
Travelling with kids? Let them run loose at the Pirates’ Park. This water-themed amusement park features swimming pools to suit all ages, as well as blow-up obstacle courses.
As the late afternoon sets in, take a longtail boat cruise along the Ta Pi River and travel through the mangrove forests to Wat Thong. Ton Pho is the place to be once the sun goes down, featuring a lively night market with Thai delicacies, fresh juices and delicious sweets.
Need an island escape? Jump aboard a ferry to the resort beaches of Ko Samui or experience the lively ambience on Ko Phangan. Scuba divers will want to spend a few days exploring the underwater landscapes and outstanding marine life encounters on Ko Tao.
Getting around Phunphin
Surat Thani Airport is north of Phunphin and has flight connections to destinations across Thailand. Trains run both north and south from the Surat Thani Railway Station, with tuk-tuks and buses the main means of getting around Phunphin.