This centrally located Cafe & Workshop in Surat Thani is a popular gathering place for people of all ages, especially teenagers. It’s a place where people can relax and unwind through various interesting workshops, from painting and coloring to stone bracelet making and plaster molding.

The cafe also serves tasty and inexpensive drinks and snacks. Stepping inside, you’ll find a wonderfully pleasant and friendly atmosphere thanks to the modern decor and fresh green plants. Just a stone’s throw away is the Riverside Clock Tower, a provincial landmark perfect for a quick photo opportunity. The cafe is conveniently located just 350 meters from San Jao Market and 700 meters from the City Pillar Shrine.

Getting There & Parking

Tuk-tuk: A ride costs just 20 baht.

For private car: Park on the street directly in front of the shop or  near Naris Bridge.                                                    

Opening Hours:

Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Saturday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

This traditional Chinese pastry shop, nestled at the entrance of the 100-Year Saphan Khong community alley, is a true heritage. For three generations, this family has perfected their pastry recipes, resulting in a uniquely delicious, sweet, fragrant, and rich flavor that keeps loyal customers coming back.

Beyond their beloved traditional pastries, you’ll also discover a delightful selection of other rare and equally delicious ancient snacks, including peanut brittle, tin-canned biscuits, and various auspicious sweets.

Must-Try Items:

Pia cake with winter melon filling and peanut brittle.          

Price Range

40 – 250 Baht                                                                          

Opening Hours:

Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Phone: 077-281137

Discover a captivating 100-year-old ancient community on Setthaphakdi Road, renowned for its distinctive Sino-Portuguese architecture and charming skywalk bridges—earning it the local nickname “100-Year Curved Bridge.” This historic neighborhood was once home to old publishing houses, hotels, and shops from the city’s golden age, retaining its unique charm to this day.

Now a vibrant hub that attracts all generations, you’ll find inviting cafes and beautiful street art that seamlessly blends with the urban landscape. Every Saturday and Sunday evening, this area transforms into a lively vintage market.

Opening Hours:

Saphan Kong Community Market: Saturday – Sunday: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM

A century-old landmark, this Chinese shrine in Ban Don (Suratthani) stands as a vital symbol for the local Chinese community. It’s not only the city’s first Chinese-style shrine but also a central gathering place for worship, practicing a ritual to ward off bad luck, and celebrating Chinese New Year ceremonies.

Architecturally, the shrine showcases exquisite Teochew Chinese design, known as “Si Tiang Kim” or “Four Golden Positions.” Inside, intricate stucco and delicate Chinese paintings adorn the space. It houses revered deities, including the City Pillars’ God and Goddess, Guan Yu, Mazu, and Phra Mae Thorani (the Earth Goddess).

Opening hours: Daily, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Directly opposite the shrine is “Koh Pier,” a bustling departure point for boats heading to Koh Tao and nearby islands. By evening, it transforms into a popular dining spot for Suratthani locals, with numerous renowned food stalls serving up delicious fare.

Don’t miss these local favorites:

Hoitod Koongking Koh Pier: Open daily from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Pa Ya Kanom Wan (Desserts): Open daily from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM.

Step onto the banks of the Tapi River and discover sculptures that beautifully recreate the simple, riverside life of Surat Thani’s past. You’ll see a man patiently fishing, children joyfully splashing and playing in the water, and local fishermen casting their nets, a timeless scene of traditional livelihoods.

But this isn’t just an art exhibit; it’s a living snapshot. Here, you can witness local fishermen still going about their daily routines, heading out to catch fish and shrimp. All of this unfolds with the stunning Sritapi Bridge as a backdrop, a beautiful landmark in the heart of the city. As night falls, the bridge comes alive, decorated with vibrant lights that create an incredibly romantic atmosphere

Located on Preedarad Road, near Surat Thani’s fresh market, stands a captivating, nearly 80-year-old building. This two-story, three-unit structure features load-bearing brick walls, charming folding doors, and decorative cast-concrete grilles for ventilation. Its architectural appeal is further enhanced by ornate eaves supports and a pediment adorned with plasterwork displaying the building’s name. Once a law office, this historic gem has been beautifully renovated into the ‘Owl Story Cafe,’ meticulously preserving its original charm.

A stroll from this historic building to the Lean Tai restaurant offers a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant daily life of Surat Thani’s market and urban community, both day and night. Along the way, you’ll discover a fascinating blend of old architectural styles, including traditional Thai wooden houses, Mid-Century Modern designs, and Sino-Portuguese influences. Notable examples include the commercial buildings opposite the market, Ruamchai Fabric Store, “Muea Khuen” restaurant, and the recently renovated white building housing Top Charoen Optical. Many of these structures are beautifully illuminated with colorful lights at night, adding to the city’s enchanting atmosphere.        

Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM                                                  

Explore a Surat Thani gem: a Patongko (fried dough) shop on Chon Kasem Road, recognized with a Michelin Bib Gourmand for its tasty and inexpensive treats. Their success is rooted in a traditional dough recipe that has been perfected over 50 years by the owner’s father. The Patongko are fried until they reach a golden brown, resulting in a pleasing combination of a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. Combine them with the aromatic pandan custard for a memorable flavor experience.

The shop provides a variety of hot and cold drinks, featuring genuine Southern Thai iced tea and cocoa, all designed to enhance your meal.

Must-Try Menu: Patongko and Pandan Custard

Price Range: 30-50 Baht

Opening Hours: Daily except Sundays, in two shifts:

6:40 AM – 9:00 AM

6:00 PM – 10:00 PM