Surat Thani is a province with a long history with various tourist attractions, both natural and cultural. There are many national parks and more than 100 islands. Tourism in this province has all tastes and atmospheres.
Today, I have a travel route 2 days 1 night to Surat Thani as an idea for you to travel according to each location in which all the places that mustn’t be missed.
Itinerary
- Day 1
- Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan, Surat Thani
- Chaiya National Museum, Surat Thani
- Bang Bai Mai community, Surat Thani
- Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, Surat Thani
- Day 2
- Khao Nanai Luang Dharma Park, Surat Thani
- Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest, Surat Thani
- Ratchaprapha Dam, Surat Thani
Let’s start the trip at Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan, which is located in Wiang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani.
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan is an old temple where there is no evidence of when it was built. It is assumed that it was built around the 13th-14th centuries during the Srivijaya Empire’s most prosperous period.
The interesting things inside the temple include:
Phra Viharn Luang
The Phra Viharn Luang is located to the east of Phra Borommathat Chaiya. It was built in 1959 to replace the old temple that was damaged. Inside is enshrined a replica of the Buddha’s footprint and various Buddha images.
Phra Borommathat Chaiya is a 24-metre-high castle-shaped chedi with a cruciform plan and a porch on all four sides. Above Ruean That, there is a stacked roof of 3 tiers descending downwards that is decorated with a replica of the stupas on the corners and sides. Next is the top. At the base, there is a chedi on all four corners, which it is assumed that this was built in the Mahayana Buddhist style, which contains the Buddha’s relics inside.
Phra Borommathat Chaiya is the most complete Srivijaya architecture left in Thailand.
It is believed that if you come to worship Phra Borommathat Chaiya, you will receive the highest fortune, have prosperity and escape from danger.
Crooked balcony
The relics are surrounded by a crooked balcony, which there are a total of 180 Buddha images.
Ordination hall
The Ordination hall or Phra Ubosot is located on the west side of Phra Borommathat Chaiya. It was built in place of the old building in 1955. Inside there is a red sandstone Buddha statue.
The three red sandstone Buddha statues.
The three red sandstone Buddha statues, also known as the “Three Brothers Buddha” images, are situated in the northeast of Phra Viharn Luang.
It is assumed that the original building will be covered which was later damaged by lightning strike for 3 times, that is the reason why buddha image remains in the open air until today.
- Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan
: Wiang Sub district, Chaiya District, Surat Thani. 
: Open daily from 8.00 hrs. – 17.00 hrs. 
: https://goo.gl/maps/aCi2YZ8b2iM14FV28
Chaiya National Museum, Wiang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani.
Located opposite Wat Phra Boromthat Chaiya Ratchaworawihan.
The interior of the museum is divided into two buildings with the first building on the front displaying a replica of the sculpture discovered in Chaiya district.
Important items include Phra Bodhi Avalokitesvara, which only has the upper body remaining and is regarded as one of the most beautiful idols. It was built around the 14th century and is Srivijaya Buddhist art. It is assumed that Phra Bodhi, Patamapani, had two arms, his right hand showing a blessing, and his left hand holding a lotus. The real body is currently on display at the Bangkok National Museum.
The second building exhibits antiques from prehistoric times until the Rattanakosin period, including fine arts and various amulets.
- Chaiya National Museum
- : Wiang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani
- : Open for service Wednesday – Sunday from 09:00 – 16:00 hrs. (Closed on Monday, Tuesday and public holidays)
: Entrance fee: 100 Baht 
: For more information, Tel.: 077 431 066 - : https://goo.gl/maps/GsqsBDCr7uWjUxtq5
Next, we come to chill at the Bang Bai Mai community, Bang Bai Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani.
The “Bang Bai Mai community” or “Nai Bang” is a community along a canal that still lives in a simple way. In this area, there are hundreds of small canals that flow into the Tapi River. Therefore, known as “Khlong Roi Sai”.
A popular activity in this community is a boat trip to see the abundance of the two banks of the canal where you can see the mangrove palms and coconut trees lined up as far as the eye can see.
The boat driver said that the mangrove palms that we can see can are used for a variety of purposes; such as, the leaves from wrapping sweets, or a row of sticks to make a broom, for being used to make desserts, etc.
In addition, there is a tunnel where the mangrove palms of the two banks of the canal lean together. It’s a very popular photo spot.
- Bang Bai Mai community
- : Bang Bai Mai Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province
- : Open daily from 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.
- : Cruise fee: 100 Baht per person, seats 5 people, or charter a boat for 500 Baht per boat; the cruise takes about 2 hours.
- : Bang Bai Mai Ecotourism Group Tel. 077 292 903 or Khun Charanya Tel. 081 607 4935. If you want to take a boat trip as a group, it is recommended to contact at least 2 days in advance.
- : https://goo.gl/maps/Ginv7X1kJr6rRNqf7
Visit the Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, Talat Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani.
Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine was created on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great on 9 June, 1996, and to be auspicious as well as being the heart of the people of Surat Thani.
This city pillar shrine was designed by the Fine Arts Department that brought Phra Borommathat Chaiya as a model but doubled the size. The building is a Jaturamuk shape. There are stairs going up on four sides. The gable is decorated with a stucco pattern and the emblem of the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the Accession to the Throne of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great adorns all 4 sides as well.
Inside the City Pillar Shrine is a city pillar made of wood and gilded ratchaphruek. The top has a carved Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara or Brahma surrounded by four pillar models smaller than the number of four pillars, all set on an octagonal base decorated with elephant sculptures within the arch.
Every day people of Surat Thai have visited the City Pillar Shrine continuously in the evening at dusk. There will be lights around the City Pillar Shrine as well, so it is so beautiful.
- Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine
- : Talat Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province
- : Open daily from 8.00-17.00
- : https://goo.gl/maps/vBaBqak3YDKdUgbu9
Day 2
Today, we woke up a little early. We will go to see the sea of mist at Khao Nanai Luang Dharma Park, Ton Yuan Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani. I recommend reachiung theer around 06:00 – 06:30 hrs.
This is a temple where the monks and villagers in the area use for meditation and meditation training.
Various buildings within this temple in the middle of the mountain have been made from the faith of the workers and donations of the villagers that jointly renovated and developed this place to be used for meditation and as a tourist destination for many people who want to come to see the beauty.
The first point that we enter and have to take out the camera to take a picture is the Nine Arches or Phutthawadee, which I would like to say is very beautiful even if you go on a misty day.
The sunlight shines through the arch, and it will make these 9 arches as beautiful as a picture.
Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park: The intention is to build a floating pagoda containing 7 peaks of relics, which currently has 5 peaks built together.
This time, I chose only one peak. It is a floating pagoda, Buddhasilavadee that looks like the way up is not very high and should be able to walk for anyone.
Phutthasilavadee was the second Chedi that was built. Inside are the Buddha’s relics, and it is also a very beautiful spot to view the sea of mist.
Who would have thought that the South of Thailand in September like this, there would be a sea of mist to see! Plus, the fog is thicker than expected .
Even when walking up, I complained all the way but after seeing a beautiful picture like this, I completely lost my tiredness.
Who likes walking, You can go to all 5 peaks because each peak has a different perspective. As for me … at the next opportunity gradually.
- Khao Nanai Luang Dharma Park
- : Ton Yuan Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province.
- : Open daily from 8.00-18.00 hrs.
- : https://goo.gl/maps/eknDN5yCdGU4CBgZ8
Let’s continue to sit back and breathe in the fresh air. Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest.
It is a rich and beautiful forest, and it looks like a large pond, about 1 metre deep.
Water is so clear, you can clearly see the fish in the lagoon.
In addition to this, there is also a boat trip to see the waters of the forest, which is a distance of 1.5 kilometres and takes about 20-30 minutes, which we can choose to row by ourselves or let the staff take the oar. If let the staff do it, there will be an additional cost of 50 Baht.
Although Ban Nam Rat watershed forest has been developed into a tourist destination, and since this area is an important water source and the birthplace of many rivers and canals; therefore, there are strict rules for entering the area and swimming in the water.
For example, it is prohibited to bring food and items that will become garbage into the area, Including the use of soap and shampoo, taking a shower and washing your hair in the canal, etc.
- Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest
- : Ban Tam Neap Subdistrict, Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani.
- : Open daily from 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.
- : 95 Thai Baht, The ticket includes entrance fee, toilet fee and paddle boat ride fee.
- : https://goo.gl/maps/NR1yRb67Ri3hGCsG8
End the trip at Ratchaprapha Dam, Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani.
Ratchaprapha Dam or as many people know it as “Cheow Lan Dam”
It was built in 1987, and the reservoir area is 185 square kilometres. It is a multipurpose dam that stores water for power generation, cultivation, and flood relief. It is an important source of freshwater fishing.
Ratchaprapha Dam has more than 100 islands in the lake above the dam and is full of exotic limestone mountains.
And where to go・ Do not miss the Sam Kluea Rock, which looks like 3 limestone mountains in a row. We can stand to take pictures on the prow of the boat posing with the limestone mountains. Post it to show off to your friends on social media as well.
- Ratchaprapha Dam
- : Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani.
- : The cruise price depends on the package and the route chosen. Prices start at 1,500 Baht
- : For a list of cruise companies, please contact the TAT Surat Thani Office Tel. 077 288 818-9.
- : https://goo.gl/maps/HcRudJ9zpCfjWHwf7
