22 interesting places to visit in Surat Thani
Surat Thani is a province located in southern Thailand, on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula. The province is known for its natural beauty, with several national parks and protected areas, such as Khao Sok National Park, which is known for its limestone mountains, caves, and tropical rainforests. The province is also home to several beautiful beaches, such as Chaiya Beach and Khanom Beach. Surat Thani is also known for its culture and history, with several historical sites and temples such as Wat Phumisiri, a temple that features a large statue of the Buddha and contains several important artifacts. Surat Thani is also known as the gateway to the famous islands of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao, which are popular tourist destinations known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and nightlife.
Mueang District
Bang Bai Mai Pracharat Floating Market
Bang Bai Mai Pracharat Floating Market, located in Mueang District of Surat Thani Province, is a community market established by local residents in the midst of a lush coconut orchard. The market offers an array of local food and products for tourists to savor and enjoy. The market is situated along the Bang Bai Canal, which creates a unique and charming atmosphere for visitors. One of the highlights of the market is the canal cruise that takes visitors through a tunnel to the other end, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. The warm and friendly welcome from the local residents adds to the charm of the market, making it a must-visit destination for those visiting Surat Thani. With its beautiful setting, delicious food, and friendly community, the Bang Bai Mai Pracharat Floating Market is an experience not to be missed.
San Chao Market
San Chao Market is a food market located in the heart of the city. It opens every day in the evenings and operates until late at night. Situated near a shrine, the market is situated in a short alley with food carts lining both sides of the street. Visitors can find a wide range of food options including local Southern cuisine, seafood, rice and curry, Pad Thai, meatballs, sausages, grilled squid, fruit juices, fresh fruits, and traditional desserts. Some of the popular local dishes that can be found here include Kanom Ko, Kanom Don, Fried Buns, and Fried Taro. There are both take-out and sit-down restaurants available, with most customers opting to take their food to go. The market is open for service from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Baan Bon Khao – View Suai
Baan Bon Khao, located in the city of Surat Thani, is a hilltop restaurant and accommodation offering breathtaking mountain views. This easily accessible location provides a stunning view of the city, with a panoramic view of the mountains and lush greenery. In the morning, visitors have the chance to witness the stunning sunrise and see the misty fog, making it a perfect location for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The restaurants here specialize in spicy southern dishes, ensuring that visitors can enjoy a unique culinary experience. Accommodation is also available, providing guests with the opportunity to relax in comfortable surroundings and enjoy a private view of the mountains from their room.
Sri Surat Bridge
Sri Surat Bridge is a brand new bridge spanning the Tapee River and offering a convenient route for those traveling from Kanchanadit District or Nakhon Si Thammarat Province to reach the Surat Thani airport or Asian highways without having to navigate through the city. It also serves as a scenic viewpoint where visitors can take in breathtaking views of the sunrise and sunset. The bridge is a box-girder prestressed concrete bridge and is comprised of two bridges, each measuring 2.56 km in length, with a total road length of 3.24 km. It holds the title of being the tallest bridge in the southern region.
Noen Nora Viewpoint
Noen Nora Viewpoint is a scenic lookout in the heart of Surat Thani that offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. The viewpoint area is peaceful and serene, featuring a picturesque Bali bird’s nest alcove for capturing memories, as well as a comfortable view pavilion to sit and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Khiri Rat Nikhom District
Ban Nam Rad Watershed Forest
Ban Nam Rad Watershed Forest is an increasingly popular tourist destination in Surat Thani. This unique and picturesque location features a small, crystal-clear pool of blue water nestled amidst a lush and verdant forest. The upstream areas of the forest are still abundant with natural beauty, and the water in the pool resembles a large spring, so clear that you can see the sand below its surface. Visitors can walk along the stone path that winds through the area, taking in the serene surroundings and enjoying the peace and quiet. Relax and play in the water, take stunning photographs, and enjoy a foot bath. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a boat ride along the canal and marvel at the beauty of the exotic spring forest, watching fish swim below the water’s surface.
Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park
Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park is located in Phanom District of Surat Thani Province and boasts a striking 9-tiered Buddhawadee archway. This large, beautifully designed arch is even more stunning in the morning when the light hits it. It has become a must-see landmark for tourists who want to capture memories of their visit. Within the park, there’s also the “Chedi in the Sky” or Phra Buddha Silavadee, a structure built on top of a mountain that houses the Buddha’s relics. Its unique and beautiful architecture makes it a popular destination for both those who wish to make offerings and for photographers. On certain days, the park offers a beautiful sea of mist for visitors to enjoy as well.
Hin Phad
Hin Phad is an unusual stone structure in Khiri Rat Nikhom District and Ban Ta Khun District, with a height of approximately 5-6 meters resembling a fan. The base is not fully connected, allowing you to see through it, creating a strange sight. You can enjoy viewing the wonders of this stone and take in the beautiful scenery around the area, including sunrise and sunset views. In the mornings, you can also witness the magnificent mist that hugs the hillsides. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, and offers a range of activities including rock climbing, hiking, and picnicking.
Ban Ta Khun District
Rajjaprabha Dam
Rajjaprabha Dam or Cheow Lan Dam is located in Ban Cheow Lan, Tambon Khao Phang, Ban Ta Khun District. This multi-purpose dam has been built for generating electricity, providing irrigation, controlling floods and for fishing purposes. The dam is surrounded by picturesque limestone mountains with sharp peaks and steep cliffs, which makes it a breathtaking destination for tourists. The atmosphere around the Cheow Lan Dam is so serene and beautiful that it has been nicknamed the “Guilin of Thailand”. Visitors come here to enjoy the natural surroundings and engage in activities such as sleeping on rafts, playing in the water and kayaking. The beauty of the area is particularly stunning in the morning when the sun rises and its light reflects on the water.
Khaosok Boutique Camps
Khaosok Boutique Camps is a unique camping-style accommodation option located on a high hill. Guests can enjoy luxury camping experiences by sleeping in air-conditioned tents with private en-suite bathrooms equipped with full amenities. The tents are situated in a way that seamlessly blends in with the stunning natural surroundings, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain range, the sea, and mist in the mornings. Some of the rooms even feature balconies with beautiful sunset views. In addition to this, the camp also features a restaurant and café, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and a range of activities such as hiking, rafting, and canoeing, providing guests with a truly immersive nature experience.
Phor Sampao Camping
Phor Sampao Camping is an affordable accommodation option that provides a close-to-nature experience on a hilltop. Guests can enjoy stunning views of the Cheow Lan Dam mountain range, including beautiful sunsets in the evenings and misty vistas in the mornings. With its camping-style setup, this accommodation is perfect for travelers who are visiting the Cheow Lan Dam and are looking for a one-night stay in the Ta Khun District or who want to explore the nearby Samphao District. This location is ideal for nature lovers and offers a great view while being easily accessible.
Khao Teppitak Suspension Bridge
Khao Teppitak Suspension Bridge is a unique tourist attraction located in Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province. It is an essential spot for anyone traveling to Cheow Lan Dam and should not be missed. The bridge is a 120-meter-long suspension bridge that spans a clear stream and lush forest, offering a beautiful natural setting for visitors. The most distinctive feature of the area is the heart-shaped mountain, Khao Theppitak, that towers behind the bridge. This mountain, due to its shape resembling a heart, has earned its name “Heart Shaped Mountain.”
Bridge Hill Café
Bridge Hill Café, a café and accommodation located along the route to Khao Sok in Surat Thani, offers stunning views of the magnificent limestone mountains. The outdoor seating area is perfect for taking in the fresh air and capturing memories with a camera. It is famous for its popular net cradle photo spot, where visitors can snap a picture of the white staircase to heaven with the scenic mountains as the backdrop. Accommodation options include 5 houses, some with bathtubs, and luxurious boutique tents with all necessary amenities. The view from the rooms includes the stunning limestone formations and lush greenery, as well as the morning mist. Wake up to the sounds of birds singing and breathe in the fresh air of Khao Sok
Route 401
Route 401 is the road that leads to Khao Sok, connecting Surat to Takuapa. This scenic route is surrounded by towering limestone mountains and lush green forests on either side. As you travel along Route 401, you’ll come across a convenient parking spot at Ban Chong Lom where you can stop and enjoy the stunning views of the limestone mountains from a swing.
Koh Samui District
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an island that is inextricably linked to Surat Thani Province, being one of the main reasons for the fame of the region. This tropical paradise is well-known not just within Thailand, but all over the world, attracting countless international tourists each year. With its pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Koh Samui is the epitome of a perfect beach vacation destination. The island offers a wide array of shops, hotels, and entertainment options, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the sun, sea, and breeze to their heart’s content. The beaches are lined with coconut trees and provide a breathtaking view of the ocean. It’s no wonder that tourists who have visited Koh Samui once, often return time and time again to relive the island’s natural beauty.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is an archipelago situated in the Gulf of Thailand, composed of 42 stunning islands, including Koh Phaluai, Koh Wua Ta Lap, Koh Mae Koh, Koh Sam Sao, Koh Hin Dub, Koh Nai Phut and Koh Thai Plao among others. The park boasts breathtaking natural beauty that captivates visitors from all over the world. One of the most notable highlights is the viewpoint on the top of Wua Ta Lap Island, where you can take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the stunning surroundings. Another highlight is the emerald green sea surrounded by towering mountains at Koh Mae Koh, which draws countless tourists to experience its beauty.
Koh Madsum
Koh Madsum, also known as Koh Mat Sum, is situated in the southern part of Koh Samui. This tranquil and serene island boasts of unspoiled nature, with pristine white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs along its coastline. Besides the stunning natural scenery, one of the main draws of visiting Koh Madsum is the opportunity to encounter wild sea boars that have been adopted by the local villagers. Tourists flock to the island to take close-up photos with these adorable creatures. Visitors can either opt for a day trip to Koh Madsum from Koh Samui via boat or choose to stay overnight on the island.
Koh Taen
Koh Taen is a tranquil island located just 3.5 kilometers from Koh Samui. Despite its proximity, it offers a vastly different atmosphere, with serene natural surroundings. One interesting aspect of Koh Taen is that it is a dog-free zone, with a history of dogs being unable to live on the island due to apparent interference from sound waves and magnetic fields. The island is eco-friendly, providing tourists with accommodations and dining options. It is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful escape from the chaos of daily life.
Koh Phangan District
Koh Phangan
Koh Phangan is an island well-known for its Full Moon Party, which takes place at Haad Rin Beach and attracts a large number of tourists each year. The Full Moon Party is a music and dance event that is held once a month, coinciding with the full moon, and is a major highlight for many travelers. Aside from the Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan offers a range of other attractions for visitors. One of its biggest draws is its natural beauty, with a gorgeous sea and lush, verdant forests that make it stand out from other islands in the region. There are also numerous opportunities for marine activities, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and jungle trekking. For those interested in local culture, there are fishing villages on the island where visitors can witness the way of life of the original island communities and see how they still maintain their unique identity.
Koh Nang Yuan
Koh Nang Yuan is a small island located in the north of Koh Tao, considered one of the top 10 islands in the world. It is comprised of three connected islets, united by a sandy bar and surrounded by clear blue waters. It offers three secluded bays, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling and offers great opportunities to observe the diverse marine life, including colorful fish and abundant coral reefs. Moreover, Koh Nang Yuan boasts a breathtaking viewpoint, which can be reached by a 10-minute walk. From the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the island and the sea. The viewpoint is equipped with a stone platform, providing a comfortable spot to sit and take in the scenery. It is considered one of the most picturesque sights on Koh Nang Yuan.
Koh Tao
Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, is a small island located in the Gulf of Thailand. It is a popular destination for tourists who are looking for a tropical paradise with a stunning underwater world. The island is famous for its clear blue waters and abundant marine life, which make it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. The topography of Koh Tao is characterized by its indented coastline, which has formed many bays and coves. These bays are surrounded by lush green forests, white sandy beaches, and rock formations, creating a picturesque landscape. The underwater world of Koh Tao is equally as beautiful as its land-based scenery. The island is home to a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, vibrant coral reefs, and sea turtles, which is why the island got its name. The clear waters allow visitors to easily see the colorful marine life and the coral reefs. Tourists can participate in various water-based activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving, and there are many dive schools on the island offering courses and trips for all levels of experience. Besides water activities, there are also land-based activities available such as hiking and exploring the island, visiting local shops and restaurants, and experiencing the local culture.
Chaiya District
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan is a precious and priceless temple located in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. It holds a highly revered Buddha image and sacred relics of Lord Buddha and is the only temple in Thailand that has maintained its original identity from the Srivijaya period. The temple’s art and architecture from this era have been well-preserved and it is considered an important historical site that has been designated a royal temple by the government. Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is one of three sacred ancient sites in the southern region that are worshipped and held in high esteem by the local community and the government.
