Nathon Pier 3 (Seatran Ferry Pier) — Local services in Surat Thani Province

Important Warning About Seatrans Ferry Pier – Be Cautious When Booking Ride-Hailing Services

I arrived at Seatrans Ferry Pier expecting a smooth transfer, but unfortunately, I encountered a very disturbing and potentially dangerous situation that I feel compelled to warn others about.

After disembarking, I used a popular ride-hailing app to call a car, just like I normally do in most parts of Thailand. However, shortly after my driver arrived, a group of local taxi drivers—clearly part of a mafia-like group—approached aggressively. They surrounded my driver, shouted threatening words, and tried to intimidate both him and me. It was an extremely scary experience.

These individuals appear to have control over the area and do not tolerate competition from app-based transportation services. They openly bullied the app driver in broad daylight, without any fear of legal consequences or intervention from local authorities. It’s clear that these so-called “mafia taxis” feel untouchable.

I want to make this very clear: if you plan to use a ride-hailing app (like Grab or Bolt), do NOT request your pickup directly at the Seatrans Ferry Pier. Walk at least 5–10 minutes away from the pier to a public road or a more neutral area where app drivers can pick you up safely without being harassed.

Also, beware that the taxis operating at the pier often charge extremely inflated prices and refuse to use the meter. When I compared their price to what the app offered, it was nearly double. That’s likely the reason for their aggressive behavior—they don’t want anyone to choose the cheaper, more honest alternative.

It’s truly disappointing that such dangerous and lawless behavior is allowed to continue unchecked. The presence of these local mafia groups is a serious issue, and unfortunately, it seems the Thai authorities have done little to address the situation.

🚨 Please be very cautious. Protect your safety by walking away from the pier before requesting a ride via app. If you confront them directly, you could risk being verbally or physically attacked.

Let’s hope one day this problem is resolved. Until then, share this warning and help protect...

Smooth.

The pier office is small, basic coffee shop and toilets.

I don't think the staff speaks good English so do your research and come. It maybe Google translate will help.

Ferry: Leaves on time, arrives on time, bus/ van connections were never late, everything was organised the many times we used their service.

AC seating area, or you can sit a floor above, open air with a roof so you are not in full sun (raja ferry had no open air seating). Both seating places were very comfortable, the sea breeze is refreshing.

There is a 45 minute massage service. Stocked shop and coffee/tea/ noodles etc. The one in raja is dreadful.

Note: if you bought e tickets to donsak pier and connecting bus to surat Thani town/ railway station, after getting off the ferry, walk to the ticket counter and get the paper receipt, they have it printed already and then you can board your bus/ van.

Bus: spacious, ac working fine. Arrived on time.

• To the reviewer who rated 1 because they arrived late and the ferry left 5 minutes early, do you expect your flights to board you 5 minutes before it takes off? Seatran website and ticket counters all have information about when to arrive (atleast 30 minutes early if you have e tickets). Sometimes it's good to get yelled at because it...

Nathon Pier 3 (Seatran Ferry Pier): A Convenient Transfer Point (4/5 Stars)

Rating:

• Service: 4/5 (Helpful and organized staff) • Facilities: 4/5 (Clean and well-maintained pier) • Overall Experience: 4/5 (Convenient and efficient transfer)

Overall: 4/5

Donkey and I, along with our group of friends, recently used Nathon Pier 3 (Seatran Ferry Pier) to transfer to the Don Sak ferry terminal for our trip to Koh Phangan. While the ferry terminal might not be as well-maintained as the one in Dongsak, we were still pleased with the overall experience, finding it to be a convenient and efficient way to begin our journey.

The pier itself was clean and well-maintained. We found the staff to be helpful and organized, guiding us through the check-in process and providing clear instructions for boarding the ferry. While we were waiting, we enjoyed the shade and seating areas.

Overall, we recommend Nathon Pier 3 (Seatran Ferry Pier) as a convenient and efficient transfer point if you're heading to Don Sak to catch a ferry to...