🌿Recommended travel routes "Surat Thani" without going to the sea.☀
Surat Thani Province is one of the provinces with abundant natural resources and a variety of tourist attractions, both cultural and natural attractions (sea and forest) that are famous and well-known to tourists, such as Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, Rajjaprabha Dam, and Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest.
📌This review will take friends to get to know and traveling to Surat Thani without going to the sea. The areas on the coast and the mainland of Surat Thani have many beautiful and interesting tourist attractions that are no less than the tourist attractions in the sea.
There is a 5-day, 4-night travel route to recommend, which can be adjusted according to convenience and suitability for the time available, as follows:
📌Day 1
- Surat Thani Street Art
- Old Town and Shrine Market (Talat San Chao)
- Sri Tapi Bridge
- Accommodation in Mueang District
📌Day 2
- Ecotourism in Bang Bai Mai Subdistrict
- Don Sak Temple
- Khao Suwan Pradit Temple
- Taste fresh oysters at Pak Nam Kadae and Pak Nam Kadae Ecological Nature Trail
- Accommodation in Mueang District / Phanom District / Khiri Rat Nikhom District
📌Day 3
- Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park
- Bang Sawan Spring Reservoir
- Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest
- Than Thong Waterfall
- Accommodation Phanom District / Khiri Rat Nikhom District / Ban Ta Khun District (Recommended accommodation such as Ban Tham Phueng Community Homestay)
📌Day 4
- Rajjprabha Dam
- Khao Phang Bridge, Heart-shaped Mountain
- Bamboo rafting in Khlong Sok
- Khao Sok National Park
- Accommodation Phanom District / Ban Ta Khun District (Recommended accommodation such as Khao Sok National Park and Khlong Phanom National Park houses and tent sites)
📌Day 5
- Khlong Yan Rafting
- Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan Temple
- Buy souvenirs such as Chaiya salted eggs, Phum Riang silk.
🚲Follow us to travel to Surat Thani in the review.
Traveling to Surat Thani Province.
🚗 By car : Take Highway No. 35 (Rama II Road) through Samut Sakhon Province, Samut Songkhram Pass through Wang Manao intersection. Then use Highway No. 4 (Petchkasem Road) into Phetchaburi Province. Passing through Prachuap Khiri Khan Province Arrive at Mueang Chumphon District. Take Highway No. 41 into Chaiya District. Passing through Phunphin District and into Mueang Surat Thani District, total distance 660 kilometers, travel time approximately 7 hours.
🚎 By bus : Depart from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Southern Bus Terminal), Borommaratchachonnani Road. Bangkok-Surat Thani route. Ask for information such as
📌 Transport Company Limited
Tel. 1490
www.transport.co.th
📌 Sombat Tour
Tel. 1215, 0 2894 6050-1
www.sombattour.com
📌 Krung Siam Tour
Tel. 0 2894 6045
www.krungsiamtour.com
📌 Bangkok Busline
Tel. 0 2030 4933
www.bangkokbusline.co.th
🚞 By train : There are services from Bangkok Apiwat Railway Station. Get off at Surat Thani Railway Station. For information, call 1690, Surat Thani Railway Station, call 0 7731 1213 or www.railway.co.th
From Surat Thani Railway Station You can travel into the city by bus or taxi. By using the bus service of Pantip 1970 Company Limited. For information, call 0 7727 2230 (Surat Thani Railway Station Office) or www.phantiptravel.com
✈️ By airplane
Departing from Don Mueang Airport.
📌 Thai Air Asia
www.airasia.com
📌 Nok Air
www.nokair.com
📌 Thai Lion Air
www.lionairthai.com
Depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport
📌 Vietjet Air airline
https://th.vietjetair.com
From Surat Thani International Airport. There is a bus service from the airport to Surat Thani city. For information, call 0 7727 2230 or www.phantiptravel.com
🖌️ Surat Thani Street Art
Location : Talat Lang, Talat Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province.
Take photos with cool street art paintings. amidst the atmosphere of old alleys with bright colors and vintage-style patterns. Most of them are stories from people from the past. Makes you feel like you are going back in time.
🏛️ Old Town and Shrine Market (Talat San Chao)
Location : Talat Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province.
Take a walk to see the way of life of Surat Thani residents amidst the atmosphere of old-fashioned buildings and houses. When evening falls, walk to find delicious food, both savory and sweet, at the Shrine Market (Talat San Chao).
🌉 Sri Tapi Bridge
Location : Na Mueang Road, Bang Bai Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province.
The most beautiful bridge across the Tapi River. On the bridge, there is a pedestrian path that allows you to walk up to see the scenery on the bridge. You can see the scenery of the Tapi River, Lamphu Island, and the sunset. Then at night, the bridge will be lit up with colorful and beautiful lights.
🧑🌾 Ecotourism in Bang Bai Mai Subdistrict
Location : Bang Bai Mai Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani.
‘Bang Bai Mai’ or ‘Nai Bang’ as it is more commonly known by the locals, this verdant area is home to a natural network of hundreds of small canals which eventually meet the Tapi river. The small but long-standing community enjoys a simple, rural lifestyle in the shady glades beside the waterways and the locals have recently begun operating boat trips for visitors to enjoy the local flora and fauna, and float through the impressive tunnel of trees.
Visitors are also able to learn the local wisdom and see how natural products like orange juice and honey are made in the community. There’s also a floating a market here where local products are available for tourists to sample and purchase.
Open Sunday 09.00-16.00 hrs.
🙏 Don Sak Temple
Location : Don Sak Subdistrict, Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province.
Inside the temple is a large statue of “Luang Pu Thuat” sitting cross-legged on an open-air terrace, which can be seen from a distance. In addition, there is a large statue of Guan Yin, Thao Wessuwan, Phra Rahu, and the God of Promptness for people to pay homage to. There is also a large pond where people can walk and feed the fish.
🙏 Khao Suwan Pradit Temple
Location : Don Sak Subdistrict, Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province.
Originally called “Wat Khao Lan”, when entering the temple, you will find the Luang Pho Choy Pavilion. Inside is a glass coffin containing the body of Phra Kitt Mongkhol Phiphat or Luang Pho Choy, the former abbot of the temple, for disciples to pay homage to. Further inside the temple, you will find an archway. Inside the archway is the monument of Her Royal Highness Princess Vibhavadi Rangsit. Next, there are stairs to the top of the mountain and a concrete road that cars can drive up to. On top of the temple, there is a parking lot.
On the top of the temple is the Chedi with a four-sided base. Inside is the relics of the Lord Buddha for people to pay homage to. The Chedi is surrounded by an open area where you can see the scenery in all directions. There is also a walkway where you can see a wide view of the sea, including Pak Nam Don Sak, Laem Thuat, Ko Rat, Ko Nok Phao, Ko Samui, etc.
🐚 Surat Thani's oysters.
Location : Pak Nam Kadae, Kadae Subdistrict, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province.
One of Surat Thani's famous foods is fresh oysters, which are widely cultivated in coastal areas to the east of the province, such as Pak Nam Kradae, Kanchanadit District and Ao Ban Don, Mueang Surat Thani District.
"Pak Nam Kradae" is a learning center and the largest natural oyster cultivation area in Thailand. The quality of the water around the bay is most suitable for oyster farming. It is brackish water, formed by the confluence of fresh and salt water. There are as many as 16 freshwater streams flowing into the bay's mouth, including the Tapi River, which is the largest river. The oysters are large. Other types of sea shells are also cultivated, such as mussels, cockles, and clams.
At Pak Nam Kradae, there is "Ban Pak Nam Kradae Market", which sells fresh sea shells, especially oysters. You can choose to buy and have the vendors shuck the fresh shells while you eat them in front of the shop. There are many types of processed seafood and souvenirs for sale, and there are also many seafood restaurants.
🌿 Pak Nam Kadae Ecological Nature Trail
Location : At the entrance to Ban Pak Nam Kadae Market, Kadae Subdistrict, Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province.
It is a concrete walkway raised above the ground. The walking distance is about 1 kilometer. You can see the mangrove forest and the scenery of Pak Nam Kadae Bay. This area is also a beautiful place to watch the sunset.
🍁 Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park
Location : Ton Yuan Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani.
This shaded, peaceful community surrounded by nature is perfect for those looking for a calming meditation retreat. The most important and sacred site contained in the community is Phra Phutta Silawadi, an elevated pagoda built on a 300 metres high limestone peak from laterite imported from Kamphaeng Phet province. The inside of the pagoda houses sacred remains of the Buddha.
There is also an ancient ‘Kao Yot’ styled gateway known as ‘Phutthawadi’ which makes for excellent photographs during the early hours when the sun’s rays burst through the opening.
🌱 Bang Sawan Spring Reservoir
Location : Ang Nam Phut Village, Bang Sawan Subdistrict, Phra Saeng District, Surat Thani Province.
It is a natural pond with a spring that bubbles up from underground through a layer of sand, and bubbles up into many clear bubbles. The water in the pond is fresh water that is so clear that you can see the bottom. In some places, there are green algae and small fish swimming underwater.
From the ticket booth, you will find a concrete bridge that is a walkway around the clear pond, where tourists can swim. When you walk deeper, the concrete bridge ends at the kayak rental point for paddling to see nature and the source of the water in the swamp forest, which is about 1.5 kilometers from the starting point for paddling. In front of the entrance, there are shower rooms and a restaurant.
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: Foreigners, both adults and children 50 baht.
Rent a kayak for 120 baht (for 2 people). If you want a staff to paddle for you, there is an additional charge of 80 baht per kayak.
🌳 Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest
Location : Ban Thamniap Subdistrict, Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province.
This turquoise hued spring boasts beautifully clear waters which are shallow enough to bathe in. Aside from this, there are boats and rubber rings available to rent but it is imperative that all visitors strictly adhere to the regulations of the area in order to help maintain this area of stunning natural beauty. This includes not bringing food and beverages or soap and shampoo into the area and refraining from using plastic bags or other plastic goods.
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: Foreigners, both adults and children 150 baht.
🌼 Than Thong Waterfall
Location : Ban Thamniap Subdistrict, Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province. (Only 4 kilometers from the Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest)
A small waterfall is located on a relatively quiet side road. From the roadside, there is a path just a few steps down to the waterfall. Water flows from the community forest over several small rocks into a pool below. You can swim in the water. Many trees cover the waterfall area, making it feel shady and cool.
👩🏽🌾 Ban Tham Phueng Community
Location : Ton Yuan Subdistrict. Phanom District, Surat Thani Province.
The name of the village comes from a mountain where there are many caves and bees living. Most areas in the community are limestone mountains and fertile rainforests.
There are a variety of eco-tourism activities under the preservation of nature and the environment, such as trekking and rafting, so it has received a green globe award. And the Thailand Tourism Award (Thailand Tourism Award) as well as the Outstanding Community Award in Tourism.
In the community, there are homestay houses and camping sites provided by the community. Inquire about tourist information Ban Tham Phueng Homestay Tel. 09 8704 6519
🚣♀️ Rajjaprabha Dam (Chiao Lan Dam)
Location : Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province.
📌 This clay and stone dam, located in Khao Phang Subdistrict. It is 95 metres high and 700 metres long with a 100-metre-high wall, and features over 100 small islands spread across its vast reservoir. The dam is the south’s second multi-purpose dam and reservoir and doubles as a hydro-electric power station, as well as having agricultural and fishing purposes. Visitors can take a leisurely boat trip around the reservoir to enjoy some great views with the striking limestone peaks in the background and understand why the area is known as “Thailand’s Guilin”.
📌 One of the most interesting points around the dam and reservoir is ‘Khao Sam Kloe’ peak. Affectionately known as the ‘three friends’ by locals, this trio of limestone peaks emerges from the reservoir in a distinctive fashion and is surrounded by incredible views of the surrounding greenery and emerald waters.
📌 The Pakarang Cave is located in the 197 acres inlet and is maintained under the jurisdiction of the Forest Protection Unit, Khao Sok National Park. The name translates as ‘cave of corals’ and is so named due to the stalagmites and stalactites formed from eroded limestone which resemble an underwater coral reef. There have also been numerous fossils unearthed in the area, which have been dated back to a period
There is plenty of accommodation around the dam and there are many boat trips and tours available, most of which depart from the Chiao Lan Thetsaban pier (Tel. 0 7791 8036, 08 3300 1730). If you have booked private raft accommodation, most of the resorts offer a free ferry service.
🚐 Public vans on the Surat Thani-Ratchaprabha Dam route
There are public vans operated by Phantip (1970) Co., Ltd. providing service from Surat Thani town to Ratchaprabha Dam Pier.
The bus stop in Surat Thani town is at the small bus station, Kaset Market 2, Tel. 0 7728 7059, providing service from 08.00-18.00 hrs. The bus stop at Ratchaprabha Dam, Tel. 09 1178 7444, 08 7264 1493, providing service from 06.00-14.30 hrs. Travel time is 1.30 hours. You can ask the van driver to pick you up and drop you off at either Ratchaprabha Dam Municipal Pier or the viewpoint above the dam.
🏞️ Khao Phang Bridge, Heart-shaped Mountain
Location : Behind Khao Phang Temple, Khao Phang Subdistrict, Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province.
It is lying behind Wat Khao Phang in Khao Phang Subdistrict, this wooden-tiled suspension bridge spans around 120 metres between large concrete pillars and offers stunning views over the Pa Saeng Canal and across to the heart-shaped Thepphithak Peak. On the other side visitors can also find the famous Ban Khlong Saeng durian farm whose 100-year-old trees and unmistakably fragrant fruit are open for tourists to view and taste during durian season. There is also an OTOP market on weekends at the Ban Khao Thepphithak Community.
🛶 Bamboo rafting in Khlong Sok
Location : Khlong Sok Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province.
“Khlong Sok” is an important river in Surat Thani Province. It originates from the mountains and lush forests in Khao Sok National Park. It flows through Phanom District, Ban Ta Khun District, Khiri Rat Nikhom District, into the Phum Duang River (Khiri Rat River) before joining the Tapi River and exiting the Gulf of Thailand at the mouth of the Tapi River.
The most beautiful and natural scenery and atmosphere of Khlong Sok is when the river flows through Khlong Sok Subdistrict, Phanom District. This makes it possible to do Bamboo rafting, Tubing rafting, and Canoeing in this area, with many private operators providing services to tourists. Tourists can contact the operators to book activities in advance.
Bamboo rafting on Khlong Sok is approximately 3 kilometers long and takes 45 minutes to 1.30 hours, depending on how many stops are made to swim or take photos along the way. Normally, a Bamboo raft can accommodate 2 people, not including the raft driver, who will act as a local guide to look after, give advice, and point out various animals and plants that are often found along the way.
The price for a raft trip starts at 250 baht per person, depending on the services in the package. The recommended times to go rafting are in the morning and evening, as the weather is not too hot and the light is beautiful.
🍂 Khao Sok National Park
Location : The park office is located in Khlong Sok Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province.
A lofty peak in the heart of the rainforest, Khao Sok sits at the center of the largest rainforest area in the entire southern region and covers a massive 738.74 square kilometres, including the area to the north of the Rajjaprabha Dam. The geographic features consist of earth and limestone peaks and surrounding forests and marshlands, which are the origin of the Tapi river. The ecosystem is also diverse, with numerous rare and endangered bird species including the hooded pitta and Malayan banded pitta and unusual plants like white backed palms, Maxburretia Furtado palms and rafflesia plants.
Rafflesias, also known as corpse plants, are parasitic plants that resemble lotus flowers in bloom, can grow to up to 70-80 cm. in diameter and take 9 months to grow to their full size, blooming for just 4-5 days. These rare blooms can only be found in two places, Khao Sok and Ayutthaya, in the central region and they can flower any time between November and April.
Entrance Fee: Adults 300 baht, Children 150 baht.
🏕️ Khao Sok National Park has bungalows, tent sites, recreational buildings, and welfare shops for tourists. The park office area has a natural stream flowing through it, providing a shady and cool atmosphere. It is another interesting tourist attraction.
For more information, contact Khao Sok National Park. The park office is located in Khlong Sok Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province 84250. Tel. 0 7739 5139, 0 7739 5154-5 or www.dnp.go.th
🛖 Guesthouse and van terminal, Surat Thani-Khao Sok National Park.
This point is located in front of the entrance to Khao Sok National Park. There are various levels and prices of accommodation. It is very popular with foreign tourists.
At the intersection of the park entrance, there is a van terminal for the Surat Thani-Khao Sok National Park route. Vans leave every hour from 06.30-16.00 hrs. Tel. 08 1893 9882. You can call for a van to pick you up and drop you off at the park's tourist service center or nearby private accommodations. There is an additional charge depending on the distance. Travel time is approximately 2.30 hours.
🛖 Guesthouse and van terminal, Surat Thani-Khao Sok National Park.
This point is located in front of the entrance to Khao Sok National Park. There are various levels and prices of accommodation. It is very popular with foreign tourists.
At the intersection of the park entrance, there is a van terminal for the Surat Thani-Khao Sok National Park route. Vans leave every hour from 06.30-16.00 hrs. Tel. 08 1893 9882. You can call for a van to pick you up and drop you off at the park's tourist service center or nearby private accommodations. There is an additional charge depending on the distance. Travel time is approximately 2.30 hours.
🚍 There are public vans on the Surat Thani-Khao Sok National Park route. The van terminal in Surat Thani town is at the small bus station, Talat Kaset 2. Vans leave every hour from 07.30-17.30 hrs. Tel. 08 9729 5517. You can also call for a van to pick you up at Surat Thani Train Station.
The van terminal on the Khao Sok National Park side is located at the intersection at the park entrance. Vans leave every hour from 06.30-16.00 hrs. Tel. 08 1893 9882. You can call for a van to pick you up at the park's tourist service center or nearby private accommodations. There is an additional charge depending on the distance. The trip takes about 2.30 hours.
In addition, there are vans from Krabi-Phang Nga-Thung Maphrao-Thap Lamu-Khao Lak-Takua Pa-Khao Sok National Park. The vans will pick up and drop off passengers at the intersection at the park entrance. The bus station in Krabi town is at Krabi Bus Terminal (Old Market). Tel. 0 7566 3444, 08 0280 2105.
🚣🏿♂️ Khlong Yan Rafting
Location : Kaeng Krung National Park, Takuk Nuea Subdistrict, Vibhavadi District, Surat Thani Province.
The origin of the river flows from the mountains in Kaeng Krung National Park. The river is approximately 70 kilometers long. Both sides of the river are covered with pristine forests that still maintain their natural beauty. Some parts of the river are islands that make the water flow fast, suitable for rafting. It is also the source of the Phum Duang River and the Tapi River.
There are 2 rafting points at Khlong Yan:
Point 1 is located at Ban Chiao Maprang, Takuk Tai Subdistrict. You can choose the duration and distance of the rafting as appropriate, so that participants do not get too tired.
Point 2 is located at Ban Bang Tai, Takuk Nuea Subdistrict, near Kaeng Krung National Park. The rafting at Khlong Yan at this second point is divided into 2 routes: Route 1 starts from Pak Bang Cham to the Pak Chun Beach resting point, a distance of 12 kilometers, taking approximately 4 hours. Route 2 starts from the Pak Chun Beach resting point to the pier of Kaeng Krung National Park. The distance is approximately 8 kilometers. The most beautiful rapids for rafting on Khlong Yan River are Kaeng Krung or Chieo Krung, which has a length of 400 meters and has dozens of small and large rapids along the route.
Khlong Yan rafting activities are provided by Kaeng Krung National Park and private operators in the area. Interested tourists can inquire for more details in advance before the travel date because the Khlong Yan rafting activity requires local officers or guides to facilitate and ensure safety during the activity.
If it is a rafting activity of the park, kayaks that can seat 2 people per kayak are used. Tourists can choose to paddle by themselves or have the park officers help paddle for them. The rafting fee is 450 baht per person. The rafting distance is 8 kilometers from the starting point at Pak Chun Beach to the end at the pier of Kaeng Krung National Park. It takes about 2 hours.
The best time to go rafting on Khlong Yan is between December and March and between July and August of each year.
🎍 Phra Borommathat Chaiya Ratcha Worawihan Temple
Location : Wiang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province.
This ancient pagoda is designed in the Mahayana Buddhist style and was constructed way back in the days when the Si Wichai empire was at its most prosperous. It is the only remaining site in the whole of Thailand with examples of art and architecture from this particular and the temple also houses important The relics of the Lord Buddha.
An image of the temple is commonly used as a symbol of Surat Thani province for official purposes and no visit to the province should be complete without paying your respects here.
The temple grounds are also home to the Chaiya National Museum. Open Wednesday-Sunday 09.00-16.00 hrs. (Closed on Monday & Tuesday and public holidays). Entrance fee: 100 baht.
🍳 Chaiya Salted Eggs
Location: Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province.
A famous souvenir of Surat Thani Province. The main production source is in Chaiya District because Chaiya District is the area with the most rice farming in Surat Thani Province. Almost every house in Chaiya is a farmer. Most ducks are raised in open fields. Ducks find natural food in the rice fields, which are abundant with crabs, fish, and shellfish. They supplement their diet with rice husks, which makes the duck eggs have bright yolks and no fishy smell.
🧣Phum Riang Silk
Location: Phum Riang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province.
The local product that is famous in the community. The uniqueness of the fabric is the silver and gold thread weaving and the unique patterns of Phum Riang people, such as the Ratchawat pattern, the Dok Khom pattern, the Dok Pikun pattern, the Noppakao pattern and the raised bet pattern.
Tourists can observe the weaving process and buy Phum Riang silk from the weaving group and shops in Ban Phum Riang Market. For more information, contact the Ban Phum Riang Eco-Tourism Group at Tel. 09 2379 3969, 09 9319 9570.
