Surat Thani Sights and POI

Whether you’re staying in Surat Thani for just a few days and want to [explore the local area, or are using the city as a base to travel further afield, there are plenty of sights and activities to enjoy.

Temples and religious sites

Surat Thani has been influenced over the years by a number of different governing bodies, most notably the Srivijaya kingdom from the 3rd to 13th century. Thanks to this, the culture and sites have been shaped accordingly. Some of the temples in and around Chaiya in Surat Thani have strong Srivijayan references and Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is perhaps the most ornate. With a decorative five-tier chedi in the middle and cloisters containing Buddhist statues on all sides, this temple is really worth a visit.

Another site for the spiritually-inclined is the forest temple of Bhuddhadasa Bhikkhu. Wat Suan Mokkhaphalarama is located is a forest in the hills just off Route 41. This temple complex is simple and was home to Bhuddhadasa Bhikkhu one of the foremost Buddhist thinkers. Although there is not much to see in the forest (Bhuddhadasa focused on the dangers of materialism) the site is a draw for those interested in learning more about Thai Buddhism. Additionally, International Dharma Hermitage runs 10-day retreats for those wanting to study meditation.

Central Surat Thani

If you simply want to take in the local sights, smells and sounds of Surat Thani we suggest staying in the centre of town close to the Ta Pi River and exploring the city on foot.

Ban Don, in the middle of Surat Thani, has a Chinatown vibe and features colourful buildings, unique temples and plenty of street markets to keep you entertained. You can easily eat your way around Surat Thani; dining on fresh seafood, delicious desserts and tasty roadside snacks. Stop at some of Surat’s Chinese-style bakeries or more modern hipster cafes to watch the world go by.

For a day trip around the city, join a river cruise to take you out. Board a traditional long-tailed Thai boat and enjoy witnessing local traditional houses and lush landscapes as you travel.

Further afield

If you’re staying in Surat Thani for longer than a couple of days, you may want to head out to some of the surrounding national parks.

Tai Rom Yen National Park to the east of Surat Thani is home to lush forest, mountains, rivers and waterfalls. Although it has a controversial history (it was a strong communist stronghold in the 70s and 80s), it is now a peaceful and beautiful place to visit. It is best to visit between January and April as this is the main dry season.

Note The earlier in the year you visit the better the waterfalls will be as the water levels will be higher.

Another fantastic national park that is accessible from Surat Thani is Khao Sok NP. This huge protected area spans over 600sqkm and features sprawling jungle, meandering rivers and a large artificial lake, Chiew Lan Lake. We suggest spending a few days exploring Khao Sok National Park, hiking to waterfalls, kayaking on the lake and witnessing the array of birds and animals that inhabit the park.

Surat Thani offers so much more than just a gateway to the islands. Although it is a fantastic transport hub between all provinces of Thailand, it is worth staying for a few days to discover some more Thai culture and taste some local cuisine at the very least!