Tha Chang (Surat Thani) — a thai district (amphoe) & island hub in Southern Gulf Coast & Islands at 170 m elevation, connected via Surat Thani (Phunphin SRT Station) & Donsak Ferry Pier (41 km).
Why Visit Tha Chang (ท่าฉาง)
Tha Chang is a thai district (amphoe) & island hub in Southern Gulf Coast & Islands (located at 9.3417°N, 98.9457°E, elevation 170 m). Renowned for Tha Chang Morning Talad Sod & Night Market, Wat Phra That & Central Temple of Tha Chang, Tha Chang Morning Fresh Market & Night Street Food Stalls, Surat Thani Cultural & Nature Heritage Trail, Southern Gulf Coast & Islands Temples & Street Food, Tha Chang rewards travelers over 1–3 days with walkable historic squares, regional markets, and easy rail links via Surat Thani (Phunphin SRT Station) & Donsak Ferry Pier (41 km) (41 km).
Best Neighborhoods & Quarters in Tha Chang
Tha Chang District Center & Market Square
Key local quarter, market area, and dining hub in Tha Chang.
Surat Thani Highway & Transit Quarter
Key local quarter, market area, and dining hub in Tha Chang.
Top Sights & Things to Do in Tha Chang
- Wat Phra That & Central Temple of Tha Chang — signature temple, natural landmark, and cultural highlight in Tha Chang.
- Tha Chang Morning Fresh Market & Night Street Food Stalls — signature temple, natural landmark, and cultural highlight in Tha Chang.
- Surat Thani Cultural & Nature Heritage Trail — signature temple, natural landmark, and cultural highlight in Tha Chang.
Local Food & Where to Eat in Tha Chang
In Tha Chang (Southern Gulf Coast & Islands), everyday dining revolves around morning Talad Sod fresh markets, made-to-order Tam Sang wok stalls, and evening night markets serving authentic Southern Gulf Coast & Islands flavors. Expect made-to-order street dishes for ฿50–฿120 and sit-down regional mains for ฿120–฿280; say 'Phed Noi' for mild spice or 'Mai Sai Phong Churot' for no MSG.
Signature Local & Regional Dishes to Try
- Gaeng Som Pla — Southern Sour Turmeric Fish Curry (แกงส้มใต้ / แกงเหลือง) (฿150–฿280): Bright golden fresh-turmeric, tamarind, and bird's-eye chili broth cooked with Gulf sea bass and crisp bamboo shoots.
- Khao Yam Pak Tai — Southern Herb Rice Salad (ข้าวยำปักษ์ใต้) (฿60–฿110): Butterfly-pea blue jasmine rice tossed with toasted coconut, lemongrass, pomelo, kaffir lime leaves, and sweet fermented fish dressing (Nam Budu).
- Khua Kling Moo & Surat Thani Blue Swimming Crab (คั่วกลิ้งหมู / หอยนางรมสุราษฎร์) (฿120–฿240): Dry-wok Southern turmeric-and-black-pepper minced pork alongside steamed Bandon Bay blue swimming crab with crispy shallots and chili paste.
- Kalamae Koh Samui — Coconut Caramel Toffee (กะละแมเกาะสมุย) (฿60–฿120): Chewy Samui island coconut cream and palm sugar confection slow-stirred in brass woks.
Recommended Dining Quarters, Markets & Night Markets & Street Food Stalls in Tha Chang
Tha Chang Talad Sod (Morning Market) & Night Market
Local open-air stalls and shophouses in central Tha Chang serving made-to-order Southern Gulf Coast & Islands dishes (฿50–฿140).
Tha Chang Khao Gaeng (Curry-Over-Rice) & Noodle Shophouses
Family-run lunch and dinner kitchens offering wok-fried basil dishes, noodle soups, Cha Yen iced tea, and seasonal tropical fruit.
Food markets & dining streets: Bophut Fisherman's Village Night Market (Koh Samui), Pantip Food Market (Thong Sala, Koh Phangan), Surat Thani San Chao Night Market & Nakhon Si Thammarat Khanom Jeen Alley · Regional drinks: Fresh Samui Young Coconut (฿40–฿70), Southern Cha Chak Pulled Tea & Butterfly-Pea Lime Cooler (Nam Anchan Manaw)
Getting to Tha Chang & Local Transit
By Train & Coach: Surat Thani (Phunphin SRT Station) & Donsak Ferry Pier (41 km) (41 km). Check our SRT Sleeper Train vs. Domestic Flight Calculator (฿ THB) and Bangkok BTS, MRT & Chao Phraya Boat Calculator to compare rail and transit fares. By Air: Surat Thani Airport (URT) & Samui Airport (USM).
Closest Neighboring Towns to Tha Chang
Combine Tha Chang with these nearby Thai towns calculated by direct geographic distance:
- Takuk Nuea (12 km away)
- Vibhavadi (15 km away)
- Chaiya (18 km away)
- Tha Chana (29 km away)
- Tha Khanon (35 km away)
More Cities & Towns in Southern Gulf Coast & Islands
Explore other destinations across Southern Gulf Coast & Islands:
Hat Yai · Nakhon Si Thammarat · Surat Thani · Ko Samui · Koh Samui · Ko Pha-ngan · Koh Phangan · Khao Sok · Ko Tao · Koh Tao · Songkhla · Yala