Explore Talad Lang (Lower Market), located on Mit Kasem Road, a fascinating 200-year-old riverside community along the Tapi River. Once the vibrant commercial center of Surat Thani, featuring its first riverside market and a rice mill, it now offers a view into a beautifully uncomplicated lifestyle.

Begin your day early to fully lose yourself in the genuine essence of Surat Thani. Enjoy local cuisine, explore fresh seafood from nearby fishermen, and admire the distinctive Mid-Century Modern architecture that harmonizes history and modernity, making Talad Lang truly enchanting.

Getting There & Parking

Located just 300 meters from San Jao Market and 750 meters from the Koh Pier.

For private car: parking is available near Naris Bridge.     

Opening Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 

Discover Surat Thani’s coolest street art hub in the Talad Lang community. These vibrant murals don’t just beautify; they tell the rich story of this ancient trading hub on the Tapi River.

Once a bustling port during WWII, with ships docking daily, a Japanese-used dry dock, and a sawmill, this community proudly preserves its unique identity. Come explore, say hello, and uncover its fascinating past!

The alley was once the heart of Surat Thani’s homemade soda tradition. Although Soi Talad Lang 3, located in this alley, no longer sells the beloved sweet and sour “rocket water” directly (which can be found at San Jao Market), the vibrant street art still tells the story of a thriving community.

Nearby, explore the working factories producing fried fish cakes (tod mun) and fermented soybean paste, offering another glimpse into local craftsmanship.

Visit Wat Phatthanaram, an ancient temple deeply woven into Surat Thani’s history. Start by paying respects to “Luang Por Phat Naratho,” a revered monk who has long been a spiritual anchor for the local community.

Next, step into the adjacent old ordination hall to admire its exquisite beauty. Inside, you’ll find a richly adorned Buddha image in the Maravijaya posture, dressed in royal regalia. Don’t miss the rare “Royal Ploughing Ceremony” mural, a vibrant fresco from the time of King Rama V—a truly exceptional find in Southern Thailand.

Opening Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Discover a pivotal Chinese shrine in Surat Thani, home to a truly extraordinary Guanyin, Goddess of Mercy. This magnificent, 12-meter-tall white granite statue is the tallest of its kind in Thailand. Each piece of granite was meticulously transported by boat from China’s Fujian Province to form this stunning, complete figure that proudly stands in the heart of the city.

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

Explore this restaurant, recognized with Michelin Bib Gourmand award, which has been a culinary tradition for more than 60 years, handed down from father to son. What is their secret? Every day, they offer handmade fish dumplings and celery-stuffed fish rolls, providing a fresh and flavorful experience that pairs wonderfully with the rich, hot broth.

Recommended dishes: Fish dumpling noodles and mixed noodles soup.

Price range: 50 to 200 THB

Surat Thani’s famous downtown Street Food Night Market hub is nestled between the Hokkien Shrine and Wat Sai. This vibrant market boasts nearly 100 stalls serving diverse, renowned local dishes. With friendly prices and charming vendors, it’s a lively landmark year-round and a must-visit for any traveler.

Opening hours: Daily, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM                               

Must-Try Dishes:                                                                   

Phat Thai Tha Chang

Grilled Tod Mun (fish cakes)

Fried Salapao

Southern Thai Khanom Jeen (rice noodles with curry)

Top Restaurants Near San Jao Market

Yok Kheng:

Yok Kheng, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, delivers genuine Surat Thani noodle meals. Must-try dishes include their hallmark Loong Tong, Guay Jap, Tao Kua, Mango Sticky Rice, and Khanom Kai.

Open: Daily, 11:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Thippayarot:

Experience 70 years of culinary tradition at Thippayarot, famous for its charcoal-cooked dishes. Their original recipe for marinated pork Rad Na and the fragrant, wok-fried Pad See Ew are highly recommended.

Open: Daily, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Step into Wat Sai, an ancient cultural treasure nestled in downtown Surat Thani, believed to date back to the Srivijaya Kingdom, nearly 1,300 years ago.
A must-see is the 100-year-old, two-story wooden sermon hall—the only one of its kind in Surat Thani. This historic structure even served as a Japanese command center during their WWII landing. Don’t miss the rare brass bell from King Rama III’s reign, a true historical gem.
On weekends, the temple courtyard transforms into a lively market, perfect for grabbing a bite and relaxing.

Opening Hours:

• Temple grounds: Daily, 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Wooden sermon hall: 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Free entry)
• Weekend market: Thursday – Sunday, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM