Tourism Sights
Nai Bang Area (ในบาง) Nai Bang is an alluvial plain around the mouth of the Tapi River which is crisscrossed with networks of canals. The canals are lined with mangrove forest alternating with traditional southern-styled houses, behind which are coconut farms and orchards.
Khao Tha Phet Nature and Wildlife Study Centre (สถานีพัฒนาและส่งเสริมอนุรักษ์สัตว์ป่าเขาท่าเพชร) This centre is located on a hill called Khao Tha Phet. The hilltop offers commanding panoramic views of Surat Thani town and the Tapi River. Phrathat Si Surat, a candle-like stupa on the hill, contains Lord Buddha’s relics donated by the Indian government.
Monkey Schools (สถานที่ฝึกลิง) In the southern provinces, monkeys work for humans in the harvesting of coconuts. Expert climbers, they show quick skills that are a boon to farmers.
Oyster Farm (ฟาร์มหอยนางรม) Surat Thani people take so much pride in their big and delicious oysters that they have become a part of the province’s motto. Most oysters are raised around the mouth of Kradae and Than Thong canals.
Ban Khlong Sai Monkey Training Centre (ศูนย์ฝึกลิงบ้านคลองทราย) Located in front of Wat Ampharam, Mu 3, Tambon Khlong Sai, Amphoe Tha Chang, the centre trains monkeys to pick up coconuts.
Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram (วัดสวนโมกขพลาราม) Suan Mokkh’s founder, the late Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, was highly respected both locally and internationally. His ‘back to basics’ form of Buddhism, mirroring that led by the Buddha’s earliest disciples more than 2,500 years ago, attracted many Buddhist monks and lay meditators from many countries.
Phra Borommathat Chaiya (พระบรมธาตุไชยา) Constructed along Mahayana Buddhist’s beliefs of the 7th Century, the great chedi is reputedly the best preserved Srivijaya artwork in Thailand. The stone chedi has 3 receding tiers, each of which are decorated with small stupas. The Buddha’s relics are enshrined inside the chedi.
Wat Wiang, Wat Kaeo and Wat Long (วัดเวียง วัดแก้ว และวัดหลง) These 3 temples are supposedly contemporaries of Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya. The seated Buddha statue protected by naga, made in 1183, and a sand stone, Chaiya-styled, Buddha statue were found at Wat Wiang. Wat Kaeo and Wat Long have Chaiya-styled brick chedi on indented square bases.
Phumriang Village (หมู่บ้านพุมเรียง) This Muslim fishing village is famed for its hand-woven silk cloth in red, yellow and black. Buddhist Thais in the village weave hats from leaves.
Namtok Vibhavadi (น้ำตกวิภาวดี) The petite waterfall enjoys bucolic surroundings and attracts a lot of local people during weekends.
Wat Khao Suwan Pradit (วัดเขาสุวรรณประดิษฐ์) This temple was founded by Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailand’s most revered Buddhist ecclesiastics. The hilltop 45-metre pagoda contains Buddha relics and commands striking coastal views of Ban Don district.
Rock Fish Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ปลาหิน) This museum was established in 1992 by Mr. Kitti Sin-udom, an old fisherman who spent more than 10 years in stone carving work. More than 1,000 life-like sculptures of marine fish found in the gulf of Thailand are on display.
Khao Sok National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาสก) As part of the largest moist evergreen forest in Southern Thailand, the park is rich with diverse flora including certain families of lotus, white palm, and fern. Khao Sok is also one of the best bird-watching spots in Thailand. Attractions in the park include:
Ratchaprapha (Rajjaprabha) Dam – The complete of this dam in 1988 gave birth to a huge inland lake of about 168 square kilometres, which is adorned with hundreds of islands and islets
Tham Nam Thalu – Much preparation is needed to visit this cave, as the trail is rather physically demanding.
Tang Nam – Streams chiseled across 2 ridges to create this striking gorge. Many people came to pay respect to this place, around which the venerable Buddhadasa Bhikkhu’s ashes were traditionally showered.
Namtok Than Sawan – This scenic waterfall is 3 kilometres from Tang Nam.
Namtok Sip Et Chan – This 11-leveled waterfall originates from Bang Len canal. The first level is largest and most picturesque.
San Yang Roi Trail – This 2-kilometre trail begins at the park headquarters and runs along the mountain shoulder past streams, waterfalls and moist evergreen forest. A trail to a rarely seen plant called Bua Phut at Bang Luk Chang Mountain.
Khlong Phanom National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติคลองพนม) comprises high limestone mountains connected with Khao Sok National Park. Attractions in the park include Kiriwong and Chong Yung waterfalls and several caves full of stalactites and stalagmites.
Kaeng Krung National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติแก่งกรุง) Its mountainous area is covered by fertile moist evergreen forests, where some rare and endangered species such as tree-ferns can be found. Attractions in the park include hot springs, Bang Hoi Waterfall and Khlong Pa Waterfall.
Tai Rom Yen National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติใต้ร่มเย็น) The 425 – square kilometre – forest areas in Kanchanadit, Ban Na San and Wiang Sa were designated National Park in 1991. The diluting mountains of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range are mostly covered with moist evergreen forest and exotic and rare flora and fauna. Attractions in the park include:
Namtok Tat Fa – The perennial 13-leveled waterfall is highest in Surat Thani. The 4th level is most attractive with its 80 metres high cliff.
Tham Khamin or Tham Men – Exotic stalagmites and stalactites can be admired in this cave. The walkway is well-lit and fit with stairs when needed, to ensure maximum safety.
San Yen – The eastern range, about 40 kilometres long and 1,000-1,300 metres high is fertile with rare flora, fauna and wildlife.
Namtok Mueang Thuat – The 7-leveled waterfall has a large basin.
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