Overview of Ban Mai (บ้านใหม่)
Visiting Ban Mai (บ้านใหม่) in Songkhla Province (Golfo Sur y Costa Real (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Khao Sok)) brings travellers to Ban Mai Local Temple & Community Pier/Market, with rail, ferry, or road access via Hat Yai Junction SRT Station (24 km) (elevation 6 m above sea level, population 86,899). Visitors explore its Buddhist temples (Wat), morning fresh markets, evening street-food stalls, and regional Golfo Sur y Costa Real (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Khao Sok) cuisine.
Key Local Landmarks in Ban Mai: Ban Mai Local Temple & Community Pier/Market · Ban Mai Evening Night Market (Songkhla) · Songkhla Scenic Viewpoint.
Quarters, Tambon & Market Areas: Ban Mai Town Center · Songkhla Surrounding Subdistricts (Tambon).
Getting to Ban Mai & SRT / Ferry / Songthaew Transit
Lomprayah high-speed catamarans linking Chumphon, Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Donsak Pier (Surat Thani), plus SRT Southern sleeper trains (#31/#32, #85/#86) via Hua Hin, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. From Koh Samui Airport (USM), Surat Thani Airport/SRT (URT) & Chumphon Pier, frequent SRT trains, domestic flights, intercity coaches, and ferries connect directly to Ban Mai (Hat Yai Junction SRT Station (24 km)) and surrounding districts in Songkhla Province.
What to See & Do Around Ban Mai
- Ban Mai Local Temple & Community Pier/Market: Landmark and visitor highlight in Ban Mai (Songkhla Province).
- Ban Mai Evening Night Market (Songkhla): Landmark and visitor highlight in Ban Mai (Songkhla Province).
- Songkhla Scenic Viewpoint: Landmark and visitor highlight in Ban Mai (Songkhla Province).
- Ban Mai Central Temple (Wat) & Night Market: Visit the main Buddhist monastery in the morning (shoulders and knees covered) and browse evening street-food stalls.
- National Parks, Waterways & Scenic Viewpoints (Songkhla): Explore nearby waterfalls, coastal viewpoints, or riverside markets around Ban Mai.
- Regional Day Trips in Golfo Sur y Costa Real (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Khao Sok): Pair a visit to Ban Mai with nearby highlights across Golfo Sur y Costa Real (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Khao Sok): Koh Samui & Ang Thong Marine Park, Koh Phangan (Bottle Beach & Haad Rin), Koh Tao Coral Reefs, Khao Sok Cheow Lan Lake, Hua Hin Royal Coast, and Phraya Nakhon Cave..
What to Eat in Ban Mai — Southern Gulf Coast & Islands Street Food & Local Specialties in Ban Mai
Ban Mai shares the culinary traditions of Golfo Sur y Costa Real (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Khao Sok) (Gaeng Som Pla — Southern Sour Turmeric Fish Curry (แกงส้มใต้ / แกงเหลือง) (฿150–฿280)). Look for these signature dishes, beverages, and night-market dining customs when visiting Ban Mai:
- 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.
- Regional Drinks & Refreshments: Fresh Samui Young Coconut (฿40–฿70), Southern Cha Chak Pulled Tea & Butterfly-Pea Lime Cooler (Nam Anchan Manaw)
- Local Street-Food & Night Market Tip: Visit the morning Talad Sod and evening street-food night market in central Ban Mai; carry ฿20–฿100 notes or scan PromptPay QR, and ask for 'Phed Noi' (mild spicy) or 'Waan Noi' (less sweet for iced tea).
Nearby Thai Cities, Islands & Districts from Ban Mai
Combine a stop in Ban Mai with these closest neighbouring Thai towns and districts across Songkhla and Golfo Sur y Costa Real (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Khao Sok):
Best Time to Visit Ban Mai
Jan–Sep (Best Summer Islands May–Sep when Andaman has monsoon). Browse all destinations in Golfo Sur y Costa Real (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao, Hua Hin, Khao Sok) or search the full directory of 1,180 Thai cities, islands & districts.