Thailand hotels and travel guide. Hotel reservation for Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi and all provinces in Thailand.

Wat Khao Suwan Pradit
Location : Amphoe Don Sak
Luang Pho Choi, one of southern Thailands' most revered Buddhist monks, founded this monastery. The 45-metre hilltop pagoda contains Buddha relics brought from Wat Phra Kiat, Hod District, Chiang Mai. From the pagoda, visitors can get a panoramic view of the coast. The temple is located approximately 1 km from Don Sak District, along the Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401).

Phra Borom That Chaiya
Location : Amphoe Chaiya
Located approximately 4 km northeast of Suan Mokkh, or approximately 54 km north of the provincial capital, this ancient chedi houses Buddha relics, which are highly revered by local residents. The restored Phra Borom That Chaiya serves as a fine example of Srivijaya's influence on religious architecture and is believed to have been built more than 1,200 years ago. Along the courtyard of the chedi are several sculptures and Buddha images. Location : Amphoe Chaiya
Commonly known as Suan Mokkh (Garden of Liberation), the modern forest monastery was founded in 1959 by the late Ajahn Buddhadasa Bhikkhu, one of Thailand's most famous monks. This 150-acre forest temple is formerly called Wat Than Nam Lai, and is located beside Highway No. 41, approximately 50 km north from the Surat City. (or at km 134 marker). Suan Mokkh is set in a serene ambience conducive for meditation or contemplation of the philosophy of life. The temple itself is nothing but a combination of natural sandy grounds and rocks, dotted with trees. There are no elaborate stupas and chapels like other temples, only a place that keeps one in truly in tune with nature.

Buddhadasa Bhikkhus philosophy is universal in nature. It's the combination of Zen, Taoist and Christian elements with the Theravada Buddhism. That's why his teaching has attracted many Thais and foreigners, especially those who are eager to look inward and realign themselves with nature.

The 'Spiritual Theatre' is an interesting attraction for casual visitors. It features art objects, drawings and poems related to Buddhas' teachings in which Buddhadhasa Bhikkhu describes a pictorial interpretation of Dharma. The building also exhibits a diverse mixture of Thai, Egyptian, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Tibetan and European-style murals and sculptures.

An ideal place for meditation for serious visitors, Suan Mokkh offers meditation courses for foreigners every month from 1st 10th. The course is from 08.30 am. - 05.00 pm. Call 0 7743 1522, 0 7743 1597 or visit www.suanmokkh.org for more information. Location : Amphoe Chaiya
Adjacent to Phra Borom That Chaiya is a charming petite museum. Consisting of two buildings, the museum features prehistoric and historic artifacts in the vicinity, local handicrafts and a shadow puppet. In addition, artifacts from Dvaravati, Lop Buri, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya eras are also put on display.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday from 09.00 am. - 04.00 pm. Location : Amphoe Chaiya
Located approximately 300 metres from Chaiya City, at the intersection of Highway No. 41 and the side road of Wat Kaew (or Wat Long), the museum features numerous interesting historical objects. They include Bone China, pottery, shadow puppets, old instruments and a ceramic opium pillow. Admission fee is by donation. The Museum is open daily from 08.00 am. - 09.00 pm. Khao Thaphet Wildlife and Nature Education Station
Location : Amphoe Mueang
Located some 6 km from town along the Surat - Nasan Road, highway no. 4009 and covers 1,162 acres. The station houses many caged wild animals. The hilltop, some 210 metres above sea level, offers panoramic views of Ban Don municipality, the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay. On Khao Thaphet is also located the stupa named Phra That Si Surat or locally known as Phra That Khao Thaphet which houses Buddha relics donated by the Indian government some 30 years ago. Location : Amphoe Ban Na San
The park covers areas in Ban Na San, Kanchanadit and Wiang Sa Districts. With a total area of 265,625 rai of land, the zone was declared a national park on 31 December 1991. The park is covered by lush virgin forests where rare plants can be found. The mountains peak, covered by mist all year round, is the origin of the Tapi River. Wild animals such as elephants, mountain goats, tapirs, chevrotains, wild boars, etc. can also be spotted here. Interesting attractions include Tat Fa Waterfall, Muang Thuat Waterfall, Khamin Cave naturally decorated with stalactites and stalagmites, and Camp 180 as well as Camp 357, which once were the base of the Communist Party of Thailand. Location : Amphoe Vibhavadi
Situated in King Amphoe Wiphawadi, 45 km along the Highway 41 with a 26-km left turn to King Amphoe Wiphawadi. Further on for about 10 km, then turn right for another 8 km, one will get to the sanctuary. Major attraction here is the beautiful waterfall "Nam Tok Wiphawadi". Accommodation is available. Reservation should be made to Chief of Khlong Ya Wildlife Sanctuary at Moo 8, Tambon Takut Tai, King Amphoe Wiphawadi, Surat Thani 84180. Location : Amphoe Phanom
This virgin rainforest dotted by limestone mountain ranges and rugged high cliffs was established as a national park in 1980. The poised limestone mountains resemble to those in Guilin, China resulting in the local nickname of “Thailand’s Guilin”. Covering an area of approximately 646 sq km, the park extends beyond Ban Ta Kun, Phanom and Khiri Ratniyom Districts.

The main attractions in the park include Namtok Mae Yai which can be reached by car and Namtok Sip Ed Chan (eleven-tiered waterfall), situated approximately 4 km from the park office. There are also other magnificent waterfalls and caves, which are mostly accessible by foot.

Khao Sok is inhabited by rare wildlife such as wild elephants, leopards, serow, banteng, gaur, dusky langurs, tigers and Malayan sun bears. Bird lovers will be enthralled visiting , as there are over 180 bird species to watch.

The park and other entrepreneurs provide bungalows, camping areas and raft-houses while accommodation owners normally provide food.

The park office is located 1.3 km off of the Surat-Takua Pa Road at km 109 marker. From Surat Thani City, take Highway No 401 to Takua Pa District (in Pang-nga province). Total distance is approximately 100 km. The park is at its best from December to April. Location : Amphoe Koh Samui
This comprises some 40 islands about 20 km or two hours by boat northwest of Ko Samui. The park covers 250 sq km, of which approximately one fifth is land mass. The most attractive islands include Ko Wua Ta Lap, Ko Mae Ko, Ko Prayat, Ko Sam Sao, Ko Nai Put and Ko Wua Te. Most islands comprise limestone masses reaching heights of up to 400 metres, and fringed by beaches and rain forest.

An emerald saltwater lake known as Tha-le Nai (Inland Sea) on Ko Mae Ko is the park’s major scenic attraction, and entails a mildly strenuous climb. The resultant views are well worth the effort. Another popular venue is Ko Sam Sao where an extensive span of coral reef and a huge rock arch offer scenic fascination.

The park office is on Ko Wua Ta Lap where bungalow-style accommodation is available. Visitors wishing to stay overnight should make advance bookings and specify whether meal services are required, either through the Ang Thong Marine National Park office, 145/1 Talatlang Road, Surat Thani. Tel: 0 7728 6025 or 0 7742 0225.

Getting There: A ferry departs from Ko Samui’s Na Thon pier daily at 08.30 am. and arrives at Mu Ko Ang Thong at 10.30 am. On return, the ferry departs from the Ang Thong National Park at 03.00 pm. Call 0 7742 2262-3 for details. A one-day tour package to Mu Ko Ang Thong is also organised by travel agents on Ko Samui. Pak Nam Tapi (Tapi River Estuary)
Location : Amphoe Mueang
The Tapi River Mouth is located approximately 7 km from Ban Don Municipality. The area is particularly well known for its excellent seafood restaurants. Apart from serving reasonably priced tasty dishes, they are located against a magnificent backdrop of the peaceful Tapi River. Getting to the place from the city is easy. Just use tuk-tuk services located opposite Chula Shopping Mall. Location : Amphoe Wiphawadi
This medium-sized waterfall is the local residents socializing venue on weekends. With rustic surroundings, the waterfall is located 38 km east of the provincial capital along Highway No. 401, approximately at the km 60-61 markers before the Don Sak intersection. Visitors can take either Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat or Surat Thani Don Sak buses to get to the waterfall. Location : Amphoe Thakhun
The Chieo Lan Dam, built in 1982, is a rock with fat-clay core dam that is 94 meters in height and 761 in length. The reservoir (lake) covers an area of 185 sq km and boasts an electricity generating capacity of approximately 554 million kilowatt / hour. The lake offers an incomparably breathtaking view of limestone mountains and over 200 small islands. Accommodations near the dam are available from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. 0 2436 3179 or 0 7731 364, 311-522. For those wishing to see the lake closer, boat rental service is also available. Contact 0 7731 1522, or 0 2240 7405 ext. 5008 for more details.

The dam is located 70 km west from Surat Thani on Highway No. 401. Travel along the Highway, turn right at the km 52-53 marker and proceed for another 12 km along an access road until you see the extensive lake beyond the Dam. Location : Amphoe Koh Samui
is located in the Gulf of Thailand, approximately 84 km east of Surat Thani Province, or approximately 700 km south of Bangkok. Known as the Coconut Island, Koh Samui is one of the most famous and popular attractions of Thailand. With an area of 247 sq km, Koh Samui is the third largest island of Thailand after Phuket and Koh Chang (of Trat Province). The topography of the island is that of a plain with a mountain range in the middle and 7 important streams. In addition, there is a 50-km paved road that encircles the island. Moreover, the area of the island stretches to a group of 48 surrounding islets. Location : Amphoe koh Pha-ngan
Another ideal destination for travelers who prefer less crowded, more private beaches set in a laid-back atmosphere. However, this is also a very hip place to be as the island hosts the world famous, and perhaps the biggest beach party on this planet the full moon party on Hat Rin.

Covering an area of 191 sq km, Koh Pha-ngan is located 20 km directly north of Koh Samui, or approximately 100 km from Surat. The best time to visit Ko Pha-ngan is from February to September. Interesting attractions include secluded and virgin beaches around the island, a hilltop temple called Wat Khao Tham which is ideal for meditation, Than Sadet Waterfall, and the Namtok Phaeng National Park. Renting a motorcycle to explore the island is recommended as there is a lot to see and do. Location : Amphoe Koh Pha-ngan
Situated 60 km off the coast of Chumphon but falling under the jurisdiction of Surat Thani, Koh Tao lies 45 km north of Koh Pha-ngan and is only 20 sq km in area but it is known as the best diving site in the Gulf of Thailand. The turquoise water of Koh Tao is crystalline, coconut plantations still cover much of the landscape, and concrete roads are built along only a few beaches. Getting around the island is either by pick-up taxi or by boat. Motorbikes and mountain bikes are also available for rent to explore the island. Location : Amphoe Koh Pha-ngan
The island is nothing but a group of three small islands located to the north of Koh Tao. Offering stunning and breathtaking views, the islands are connected by a three-way stretch of pure white powdery beach.

The rich marine life at Koh Nang Yuan is similar to that of Koh Tao. With a wide variety of coral formations, the island is also an ideal diving and snorkeling spot. Accommodations and facilities are available with daily boat service to and from Koh Tao. Location : Amphoe Vibhavadi
It is a small island not too far to be reached from Koh Phangan, is increasingly popular to the tourists from its natural beauties. High jungle-covered hill, long stretch golden sand beach, thriving coral reefs surrounded by fish of all sizes and colors etc. are some of its major attractions. Accommodations in the form of bungalows are also provided on the island. Transportation is available by mean of passenger boat or cargo boat which leave from Surat Thani via Samui. Location : Amphoe Kanchanadit
Surat Thani is famous for oyster cultivation and the sizes of the oysters farmed here are substantially larger than those found elsewhere. Several medium to small-sized farms are located around the estuarine areas of the Kradae Canal and the Thong River. These farms can be reached by boat from the Tha Thong Quay side within 30 minutes. Location : Amphoe Kanchanadit
Mr. Somporn Saekow, a person who believes that monkeys can be trained in order to use their capacities to the fullest, established this training college for monkeys. Students are mostly local pig-tailed monkeys from the forests. Monkey owners must pay a tuition fee, which is inclusive of food and accommodation. Classes of 3-6 months are classified into three levels, beginners, intermediate and advance. Graduate monkeys are trained to pick only ripened coconuts from the trees. To get there, take Surat Thani Nakhon Si Thammarat (Highway No. 401) and drive for approximately 7 km. Upon approaching a junction, turn right to the dirt road and proceed for approximately 2 km. The college is located on the right side. Interested visitors are advised to check with local travel agents for full details. Location : Amphoe Chaiya
A small handicraft village located approximately 6 km east of Chaiya, Ban Phumriang is notable for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and jute head gear.

---

Thailand & more | Bangkok | all provinces | Central | Northern | Isan (North-east) | Southern | Surat Thani

(c) 1996-2009 Web Sawadee Plc. - reproduction without permission prohibited. [V.2.00]