MileHacker Logo
Famous Landmarks in Surat Thani

Famous Landmarks in Surat Thani

Surat Thani Lower Southern Gulf, Thailand Travel Guide

Iconic Landmarks

These sites are well worth a place on your itinerary.

Visit early in the morning for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. This provides a more serene experience and better photography opportunities.

Must-Visit Sites

  • Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan: One of Thailand's most important ancient temples, with roots extending back to the Srivijaya Kingdom.
  • Ko Lamphu Public Park: A small island in the Tapi River, connected to Surat Thani city by a pedestrian bridge. It serves as a popular green space for locals.
  • Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine (Lak Muang): This sacred pillar has repute as housing the city's guardian spirit.
  • Modest dress: Shoulders and knees must be covered. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings.

Museums & Cultural Institutions

Major Museums

  • Surat Thani National Museum: Focuses on the history, archaeology, and culture of Surat Thani province.
  • Collection Highlights: Emphasis on the Srivijaya period, showing artifacts that highlight the kingdom's impact.
  • Chaiya National Museum: Houses a significant collection of Srivijayan art and artifacts found directly in the Chaiya area.
  • Exhibits: Exquisite Buddhist sculptures, bronze images, and pottery from the Srivijaya Kingdom.
  • Visitor Information: Typically open Wednesday-Sunday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A small entry fee applies.

Other Cultural Venues

  • Specialized and Niche Museums: Beyond the two national museums, no other specialized or niche museums are widely known to tourists.
  • Art Galleries and Exhibition Spaces: Formal art galleries are limited. Local art may appear in some cafes, community centers, or guesthouses.
  • Cultural Centers and Performance Venues: Surat Thani has no major centers that host regular public shows for tourists. Local temples often act as community hubs.
  • Special Exhibits and Programming: Generally limited to local events or temporary displays related to specific holidays.

Check local listings upon arrival for events.

Historical Sites

  • Archaeological Sites and Ruins: Chaiya is the most significant historical area. Smaller archaeological sites and mounds scatter around the district.
  • Historical Districts and Architecture: Surat Thani city itself features some older shophouses and traditional wooden buildings, notably along the Tapi River.
  • Religious and Spiritual Sites: Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan is the foremost religious site. Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram (Suan Mokkh) is a renowned forest monastery and meditation center.
  • Memorial Sites and Monuments: The City Pillar Shrine holds deep meaning for the local population. Various smaller memorials dot the province.

Visitor Information

  • Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya:

    Open daily, typically from dawn to dusk. No specific entry fee for grounds, but donations are welcome. Dress modestly.

  • Ko Lamphu Public Park:

    Open daily during daylight hours. Entry is free. A popular spot for evening strolls.

  • Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine:

    Open daily. Entry is free. Visitors should dress respectfully.

  • Chaiya National Museum:

    Similar hours and fees to Surat Thani National Museum. Proximity to Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya simplifies visiting both sites.

  • Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram:

    Offers 10-day silent meditation retreats in English. It attracts serious practitioners.

Natural Attractions

Surat Thani is a paradise for nature lovers, boasting some of Thailand's most spectacular natural landscapes.

Khao Sok National Park

  • Highlights

    An ancient rainforest, towering limestone karsts creating a dramatic landscape, the stunning Cheow Lan Lake (Ratchaprapha Dam), and diverse wildlife. Numerous waterfalls and caves occur within its boundaries.

  • Visitor Information

    Open daily. An entry fee for foreigners (e.g., 300 THB for adults) applies at the park entrance. Guided tours are highly recommended, even required for certain trails and exploring the lake.

  • Cheow Lan Lake

    This emerald-green man-made lake features towering limestone karsts. Its scenery has comparison to famous karst landscapes in Guilin, China, or Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. It is the centerpiece of Khao Sok National Park for many visitors.

  • Scenic Viewpoints

    Many trails lead to panoramic views of the jungle and karst formations.

  • Wildlife Viewing

    Home to elephants, gibbons, civets, tapirs, various bird species (including hornbills), and reptiles. Wildlife viewing is best on guided treks or lake tours, specifically during early morning or late afternoon.

  • Waterways & Activities

    Cheow Lan Lake provides swimming, kayaking, and longtail boat tours. The Tapi River offers short river cruises. The mainland of Surat Thani does not maintain renown for its beaches.

Parks and Gardens

Khao Sok National Park is the jewel of Surat Thani's natural attractions. Ko Lamphu Public Park offers a pleasant urban green space. Namtok Viphavadi Forest Park features waterfalls and natural trails.

Unique Photo Opportunities

Capture the serene beauty of sunrise or sunset over the Tapi River. Photograph the dramatic limestone karsts shrouded in mist on Cheow Lan Lake, creating ethereal scenes.

Geological Features

Limestone karsts forge a dominant and striking geological feature, especially around Khao Sok and Cheow Lan Lake. These ancient formations fashion dramatic cliffs, pinnacles, and a network of caves, like Tham Nam Thalu.

Hidden Gems

Beyond the well-known attractions, Surat Thani offers lesser-known spots that present unique local experiences.

  • Off-the-beaten-path: Wachirawut Camp (Chaiya), a historical military camp established by King Vajiravudh, now serves as a public education and recreation area. Some lesser-known natural hot springs appear in the province.
  • Local Favorites: Explore the smaller, authentic morning markets in various towns. These offer genuine insight into local life, fresh produce, and traditional snacks.
  • Emerging Destinations: Some eco-tourism initiatives develop in rural areas surrounding Khao Sok National Park and in other parts of the mainland.

Affiliate Resources for Attractions

Enhance your trip by booking tours and activities through trusted platforms.

For booking attraction tickets and experiences, consider GetYourGuide.

Exploring Chaiya

Combine your visit to Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya with the nearby Chaiya National Museum. The museum houses many Srivijayan artifacts from the area.

Things to See and Do

  • Visit the Chaiya National Museum.
  • Observe local worshippers at the City Pillar Shrine.
  • Seek out less-known hot springs.

Khao Sok Experience

Spending at least one night on a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake has an unforgettable, immersive experience.

Tips for Khao Sok

  • Consider a longtail boat tour on Cheow Lan Lake.
  • Engage a local guide for jungle treks.
  • Arrange a night safari for nocturnal wildlife.

Urban Exploration

Surat Thani city mostly serves as a transit point, yet it holds its own charm for those willing to explore.

Activities in the City

  • Rent a bicycle for a leisurely ride around Ko Lamphu Public Park.
  • Sample street food at the Surat Thani Night Market.
  • Take a short boat ride on the Tapi River to observe local life.
  • Stroll through older shophouse areas near the Tapi River.

Timing Your Visit

Strategic timing improves your experience at popular sites.

Best Times

  • For popular sites within Khao Sok National Park, attempt to visit outside of the peak midday hours (10 AM - 3 PM).
  • This approach avoids the largest groups.
  • Early mornings usually present cooler temperatures.

Wildlife Encounter Highlights

Khao Sok National Park

  • Guided wildlife spotting tours occur for elephants (sightings not guaranteed).
  • Bird species, including hornbills.
  • Various reptiles.

Khlong Saeng Wildlife Sanctuary

  • This protected area adjoins Khao Sok and offers significant biodiversity.
  • Access usually requires organized tours with specific permits.
  • Night safaris can spot nocturnal creatures.

Other Parks & Waterways

Surat Thani's natural beauty extends beyond Khao Sok, offering diverse landscapes.

Namtok Viphavadi Forest Park

This park features a series of waterfalls and natural trails, presenting a less-visited natural escape in the province.

Ko Lamphu Public Park

This small island park in the Tapi River serves as a popular green space and recreational area for locals, offering walking paths, shaded spots, and views of the river.

Tapi River

The main river flowing through Surat Thani city, offering short river cruises or longtail boat rides to observe local river life and enjoy the urban waterscape.

Deep Dive into Khao Sok

Cheow Lan Lake Wonders

This stunning emerald-green man-made lake, created by the Ratchaprapha Dam, features towering limestone karsts rising dramatically from the water.

Book a lake tour

Khao Sok Entrance

The national park maintains an entry fee for foreigners (e.g., 300 THB for adults) at the park entrance. It applies daily.

Find park tours

Khao Sok Wildlife

Wildlife viewing thrives best on guided treks or lake tours, specifically during early morning or late afternoon when animals are more active. Night safaris can also arrange for nocturnal creature spotting.

Explore wildlife safaris

Klong Saeng Sanctuary

This protected area adjoins Khao Sok and offers significant biodiversity. Access usually requires organized tours with specific permits, allowing for wildlife encounters.

Check sanctuary tours

Beyond Khao Sok Nature

While Khao Sok dominates, other natural retreats exist.

Other Parks & Waters

  • Namtok Viphavadi Forest Park offers waterfalls and trails.
  • Tapi River provides short cruises for local life observation.
  • Mainland Surat Thani is not renowned for its beaches.

Hidden Gems for Nature

Discover the less-traveled natural spots.

Secret Spots

  • Lesser-known natural hot springs exist in the province, offering relaxing thermal experiences.
  • Small waterfalls or caves outside of Khao Sok's main tourist trails.
  • Eco-tourism initiatives develop in rural areas for community-based experiences.
  • The Tapi River or Cheow Lan Lake for unique photo opportunities.

Khao Sok Tip

When visiting Khao Sok, consider spending at least one night on a floating raft house on Cheow Lan Lake for an unforgettable, immersive experience.

This provides a direct connection with the unique natural environment.

Image Spotlight

A visual representation of Surat Thani's historical beauty.

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya

A historically rich temple and ancient relic site.

Photographing History

Capture the distinct Srivijayan architectural style, notably evident in its central chedi.

Chaiya District

Visit the nearby Chaiya National Museum to complement your temple visit and explore Srivijayan artifacts.

Image Context

Image Title

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, Surat Thani, Thailand

Description

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya, a historically rich temple in Surat Thani, showcases ancient Srivijayan architecture.

Relevance

This image highlights a historical and cultural landmark, reinforcing Surat Thani's appeal for those interested in ancient Thai heritage.

Historical Significance

Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is a revered site believed to house a relic of the Buddha.
← Previous
Best Restaurants in Surat Thani
← Back to Surat Thani
Next →
Things to Do in Surat Thani

Next Up: Things to Do in Surat Thani. Activities, Experiences, Adventures

Continue to Things to Do in Surat Thani