Thailand forum

The quickest and easiest way would likely be by bus. I did a similar trip a few years back and I think it was 5 hours or so, maybe less. The advantage of bus is cheap fare and frequent departures. There should be plenty of buses from or through Surat Thani to or through Trang throughout the day.

The train also goes from Surat Thani to Trang. You might even be able to catch the overnight train from Bangkok as it passes through Surat on its way to Trang. But that would be early in the morning and you'd need to catch a ride up to the train station in Phun Phin. Check the State Railways of Thailand or Seat61 websites for train times.

Maybe pop your head into a travel agency just to get an idea of what they have to offer too.

There is usually a big rush of travel association with the new year, but that should have calmed down if you leave on the 3rd or 4th. Good luck. Cheers.

Just confirming exacto's comment about the bus to Trang - you will be able to organise this easily from Surat Thani. If nothing else, our guesthouse can arrange it. I took a mini-bus 2 years ago for 350 baht, just to give you an idea. Agree that it took about 4-5 hours.

The place that I stayed at in Surat Thani organised the bus I think (or maybe I did it on the bus that brought me back from the Ferry Pier - not sure). But anyhow hotel/guesthouse will be able to organise tickets for you.

In Surat Thani I stayed at Tappee Hotel. Cost is currently 440baht on their website.

In Trang, I stayed at Sri-Trang Hotel - cost was 450 baht 2 years ago for a fan room. I wrote a review - so refer to the link for more info. The only downside of the first room that I was in (a fan room on the train station side) is that the room was bloody hot because the concrete wall soaked up the sun all day long. The inside of the wall was actually hot to touch - and I pretty much cooked throughout the night. The second time I stayed there I got a fan room on the street side and it was much better. So go for streetside, or air con!