According to statistics, Surat Thani Airport is the 10th busiest airport in Thailand, and it is an international airport owned by the Thai government through the Department of Airports (DOA). Let's explore useful information about Surat Thani Airport with Vietjet to best prepare for your upcoming trip!
1. Does Surat Thani, Thailand have an airport?
Surat Thani, commonly abbreviated as Surat, is the largest province in southern Thailand. This province is the commercial center of the region, with a seaport serving products such as rubber and coconuts. The province has only one airport, which is Surat Thani Airport.
2. Introduction to Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani Airport (Surat Thani International Airport) is located 21 km west of the city center and is managed by the Thai Department of Airports, in Surat Thani province, Thailand.
- Full name: Surat Thani Airport.
- Address: Phunphin District, Surat Thani, Thailand.
- Airport code (IATA): URT
- Country code: +66
- Phone: +66 77 441 230
- Terminal number: 1
- GMT hours: +7
3. The formation and development process of Surat Thani Airport
Surat Thani Airport has gone through the following stages of formation and development:
- In 1981, the airport was inaugurated on April 15 and has been in operation for 43 years.
- In 1993, the runway was expanded to accommodate larger commercial flights and military operations.
- In 2021, the Department of Airports announced a 1.7 billion Baht plan to upgrade the airport.
- In addition to its role as a commercial facility, Surat Thani Airport also serves as an active RTAF base, home to the 4th Air Division/Air Operations Command of Wing 7.
4. What flights operate at Surat Thani Airport?
Currently, Surat Thani Airport mainly operates domestic flights. From Surat Thani, you can fly to the capital Bangkok (landing at Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi airports), or to Hat Yai and Chiang Mai.
On average, about 10 flights take off daily. The earliest flight usually departs at 7:40, and the latest one is around 18:50.
5. Overview of Surat Thani Airport
Let's explore some outstanding features of Surat Thani Airport, Thailand, including its scale, area, number of floors, and the services available at the airport:
5.1 Scale and area of the runway
Surat Thani Airport has only one concrete runway, which will soon be upgraded as part of the 1.7 billion Baht airport upgrade project.
Additionally, the airport's parking area will be expanded to accommodate up to 11 Boeing 737 aircraft at the same time, and the electrical systems will be moved underground. The airport terminal will be expanded to serve up to 3.6 million passengers annually. The parking lot will also be upgraded to hold up to 700 cars at once. A new transportation center will also be built to serve more passengers.
5.2 Number of floors
Surat Thani Airport has two floors with two terminals, divided into arrival and departure areas, making it easy for you to identify the check-in areas.
5.3 Services available at the terminal
Surat Thani Airport offers the following basic services:
- Wi-Fi system covering the entire terminal
- ATM system
- Business class lounge
- Restaurant and café area
- Souvenir and duty-free shopping area
- Elevator area for disabled persons
- Free short-term parking
- Car rental counter
6. Types of transportation from Surat Thani Airport to hotels and attractions
From the airport, you can choose from various transportation options to reach your hotel or entertainment spots.
6.1 Taxi
Taxis are an ideal choice for those traveling in groups. Taxis are always available outside the airport. You should negotiate the fare with the driver beforehand or ask them to turn on the meter to check the fare.
6.2 Bus
Airport buses are available at Surat Thani Airport and transport passengers to the city center: Koh Samui, Pang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. Depending on your destination, the fare may vary, with the highest being 100 Baht/person (approximately 68,000 VND).
6.3 Car rental
You will have more control over your travel time if you choose this option. Car rental counters are always available in the airport lobby. However, please note that you must have an international driving license, as well as check the insurance and vehicle documents carefully before renting to avoid unexpected risks.
7. Distance from Surat Thani Airport to famous tourist spots in Surat Thani
Surat Thani city is located along the Tapi River, famous for its clear blue beaches and endless stretches of white sand, along with famous attractions that attract tourists. Let's take a look at some prominent landmarks here:
7.1 From Surat Thani Airport to Khao Sok National Park
From Surat Thani Airport, it takes about 1.5 hours to reach Khao Sok National Park. But this is a truly worthwhile experience. It is located deep in the Surat Thani forest and has many beautiful walking trails. There are activities worth trying such as: long-tail boat rides, kayaking on Cheow Lan Lake, overnight stays in floating wooden houses, hiking to the Kri Sorn viewpoint,...
7.2 From Surat Thani Airport to Surat Thani Old Town
It takes about 30 minutes to travel from the airport to this location. It is located in the city center, with many night markets and restaurants serving southern Thai specialties.
7.3 From Surat Thani Airport to Koh Samui
Koh Samui is a well-known island in Thailand. It has many beautiful beaches such as Maenam Beach, Chaweng Beach,... along with other interesting exploration spots like: Ang Thong National Marine Park, Wat Phra Yai - a giant golden Buddha statue with panoramic views of the island, Wat Khunaram - home to the mummified monk, and several majestic waterfalls. Since it is an island, Koh Samui is quite far from the airport, and you will need to take a boat, which takes about 3 hours.
I hope the information above helps you understand more about Surat Thani Airport and the famous attractions in this city.
To stay updated on information about Surat Thani Airport from Vietjet, please visit the Vietjet website: https://www.vietjetair.com/vi/ve-may-bay/ve-may-bay-di-surat-thani/.
