🏞 Here’s a Plan! Enjoy the City of a Hundred Islands
📍 Inviting You to Explore Surat Thani, Which Has More Than Just the Sea!
Let’s head down south for a trip! Today, Tourism Product wants to invite everyone to enjoy the city of a hundred islands, Surat Thani. Besides the beach, Surat Thani has many beautiful attractions worth visiting, which can be considered unseen gems. Whether you’re into nature or stunning temples, there’s something to delight both the laid-back traveler and nature lovers. Rest assured, the beauty here is just as impressive as the sea! Let’s check out some interesting places to visit!
📍 Wat Bang Bai Mai
Experience the serene atmosphere of Wat Bang Bai Mai, where you can pay homage to the sacred Luang Pho Khao Suk and take a boat ride to admire the tunnel while immersing yourself in the lifestyle along Klong Roi Sai. This temple was built in the early Rattanakosin era, resulting from the merger of two temples: Wat Nok and Wat Nai. The Bang Bai Mai community is one of the oldest settlements of the Bang people, with a history spanning over two hundred years.
During the reign of King Taksin, when he marched into his army to conquer Nakhon Si Thammarat, a trusted soldier named Khun Prachan Suek, who was the general of Nakhon, saw that the city was no match for King Taksin’s forces. He ordered his soldiers to flee by boat. Khun Prachan Suek, along with his loyal soldiers and family, escaped through the river, passing Don Baan to reach Chaiya, but Chaiya was also attacked by King Taksin’s forces. They retreated down a small canal suitable for settlement, building about five large houses and naming the settlement “Baan Yai,” which eventually became the present-day Bang Bai Mai district.
Luang Pho Khao Suk is unique compared to typical seated Buddha statues, as it has a back that curve forward. This is because the original Buddha statue was sculpted from rice, giving it this distinctive shape. The spelling of “Khao Suk” with a “K” is based on the belief that “Khao” represents abundance, symbolizing wealth and prosperity, while “Suk” denotes tranquility, happiness, and the absence of suffering and illness. This Buddha statue has been venerated by the people of Bang Bai Mai for nearly 200 years.
In 2016, a floating market was established since the community is located by the canal. Local residents bring their household products to sell, including honey, vinegar, and various coconut-based desserts, as the coconuts here are well-known for their sweet taste and aroma. The delicious produce can be used in dishes like curry, chicken curry, namya (Thai rice noodles), hor mok (Thai fish custard), coconut pudding, steamed sticky rice with banana, and baked sticky rice in bamboo. Additionally, popular foods like Pad Thai and fresh coffee are also available.
The market is named “Pracharaht Bang Bai Mai Floating Market,” located in a coconut grove along the canal opposite Wat Bang Bai Mai, providing a shady atmosphere and cool breezes.
Moreover, community products such as cold-pressed coconut oil for consumption, skincare items, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, scrubs, serums, soaps, shower gels, lip balms, and ointments can also be purchased by tourists. This not only provides a pleasant shopping experience but also contributes to distributing income within the community.
Thank you for the images from Wat Bang Bai Mai.
🗺 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P5aszZB1fbgShFDj9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
⏰ Open for visitors: 08.00 – 17.00 hrs.
📍 Laem Pho
Laem Pho Beach is a beautiful seaside destination in the Pum Riang sub-district, renowned for its delicious seafood and as the home of the mud crab. At the Chaloem Phra Kiat Laem Pho Public Park (in the Laem Pho area), a large sculpture of a mud crab has been erected. This impressive crab sculpture is striking with its claws raised and allows visitors to walk beneath it, making it a fascinating landmark and a perfect photo spot in Chaiya District. 🦀
In addition to Laem Pho, another noteworthy location is Pum Riang Village, an ancient community located along the Pum Riang Canal, which flows into the sea at Laem Pho. The town of Pum Riang has rapidly developed, particularly among the Muslim population whose roots trace back to Songkhla, Pattani, and the city of Tairua in Malaysia, as well as from Indonesia. Historically, the locals were skilled fishermen, while Muslim women excelled in weaving textiles for personal use and various ceremonies.
The integration of diverse Muslim groups from different backgrounds has led to a cultural fusion, passing down unique traditions and legacies to future generations. This includes the intricate art of weaving silk fabrics with gold and silver threads, featuring distinctive patterns such as Rajawat, floral motifs, and other traditional designs like Dok Kom, Nok Pa, and Yoke Bet.
🏝 Laem Pho Beach offers stunning and pristine views, equipped with seating areas for visitors. The beach area also includes a public park ideal for walking and cycling for exercise. Whether you prefer a relaxing day or a workout, this destination caters perfectly to all preferences.
Thank you for the images from Laem Pho.
🗺 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RKi65TCrRCbasKBw8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
⏰ Open for visitors: 06.00 – 18.00 hrs.
📍 Pum Riang Village
Discover the charming Pum Riang Village, a model community that has evolved over time. Historically dispersed throughout Chaiya District, these ancient communities have developed into a large settlement known as Chaiya, dating back to the Srivijaya period, when the Srivijaya Empire flourished in the 13th century.
Originally an agricultural society, the Pum Riang community fostered close relationships among its members, who supported one another in farming endeavors. Agriculture required family labor and community assistance, creating strong bonds that extended to neighboring communities, forming a broader social network.
Pum Riang is recognized as a model community for its wisdom in gardening, showcasing a simulated forest with a variety of beneficial plants for sustenance. These plants are used for cooking and medicinal purposes, and they can also be cultivated alongside economic plants for sale. 🌱
🧺 One of the village’s renowned products is Pum Riang silk, a famous local textile in Surat Thani. This unique silk features a different weaving technique compared to other regions, characterized by its floral patterns woven with silk and metallic threads. Notable fabrics include the Nang Ngan Set, Thom Kesorn Flower, and Cheung Flower Designs. The weaving tools used historically include the huuk, making this method known as “huuk weaving.” The fabrics are categorized into everyday wear and ceremonial pieces, with the latter crafted from silk or a silk-cotton blend featuring exquisite floral designs. These ceremonial fabrics are often worn during important events such as religious ceremonies, weddings, and other significant occasions.
The villagers engage in various professions, primarily silk weaving, fishing, trading, and agriculture. If you’re interested in experiencing the local lifestyle or seeking souvenirs, we highly recommend visiting Pum Riang Village. The area retains its natural charm and is home to welcoming residents eager to share their culture with visitors.
Thank you for the images from Pum Riang Village.
🗺 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/D4FX3HpCzmKqv1p66?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
⏰ Open for visitors: 08.00 – 16.00 hrs.
📍 Firefly Watching at Klong Roi Sai
If you’re someone who loves and is passionate about #eco-tourism or looking for a quiet place to unwind, surrounded by nature while enjoying the beauty of fireflies ✨, come visit #Klong Roi Sai in the Bang Bai Mai community. Here, you can take a boat ride along the Klong Roi Sai, an ancient riverside community that has preserved its riverside lifestyle from the past to the present.
Recognizing its potential as a tourist destination, this area has developed into an #ecotourism spot, where locals continue to use boats as their primary means of transportation. The community still retains the way of life of local fishermen and farmers, with well-preserved ancient houses.
The Bang Bai Mai community is known as “Klong Roi Sai” because it has countless small canals interconnected with each other. All these waterways flow into the main river, known as the Bang Ta Pi River, covering an area of six sub-districts in Mueang District, located in Bang Bai Mai Sub-district, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province. 🏞
As an ecotourism destination with abundant natural beauty, it is a perfect place to witness the enchanting fireflies at night ✨. The dazzling lights of the fireflies, combined with the tranquil atmosphere of a boat ride through nature, create a stunning experience. If you bring a good camera, you’re guaranteed to capture some beautiful photos!
Additionally, tourists can enjoy demonstrations of traditional crafts such as coconut shell handicrafts, water hyacinth weaving, batik painting, and a boat ride through the mangrove tunnels. You can also visit ancient houses, learn how to make cold-pressed coconut oil, pay homage to Phra Phuttha Khao Suk at “Wat Bang Bai Mai,” and shop for OTOP products and local delicacies at the Bang Bai Mai Community Market, which is held every Sunday. With so many activities to enjoy, a trip to Surat Thani wouldn’t be complete without a visit here!
Thank you for the images from Klong Roi Sai, Bang Bai Mai Community
🗺 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/t4EXaw5xxhD6a57S8?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
⏰ Open for visitors: 08.00 – 22.30 hrs.
💸 Cost Information: Boat Fee: 100 Baht per person, Capacity: 5 people per boat, Duration: Approximately 2 hours of boat ride
📍 Don Sak Temple
# Don Sak Temple in Surat Thani Province has constructed the world’s largest Luang Pu Toad statue in a meditative pose, as a landmark to promote #cultural tourism. This allows tourists to pay their respects and seek blessings for good fortune.
Recognizing that Don Sak District is a key transit point for both Thai and international tourists heading to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, the local community decided to create this statue to enhance tourism. It provides an opportunity for visitors who respect and have faith in the power of Luang Pu Toad to stop and pay their respects before continuing their journey or returning from the islands.
🌟 The highlight of the temple is the Luang Pu Toad statue, which stands at an impressive 40 meters wide and 39 meters high, excluding its base. The initiative to create this statue was led by Phra Khru Phairoj Thammaruchi (Phra Maha Wilas), the abbot, using approximately 1 rai of land. They dug down about 2 meters to create a surrounding pond around the statue’s base.
Within the temple grounds, there is a pond where visitors can feed fish, bridges for leisurely walks, and a café for enjoying coffee. In the back of the temple, there is a parrot and peacock enclosure, along with several other cages, creating a small zoo for visitors to enjoy.
✨ There is also a pavilion for making wishes to the deity Taep Than Jai. Plans are in place to create a statue of Guan Yin and additional landmarks on the hill within the temple area, allowing tourists to enjoy views of the sea, forests, and mountains. This development is expected to benefit tourism in Surat Thani Province.
Thank you for the images from Don Sak Temple
🗺 Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vrjP92mF4euMnJWk9?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy
📍 Phra That on the Sky Floating Pagoda
We would like to invite you to seek auspiciousness and make merit by paying homage at the Nai Luang Dharma Park #HeavenlyStupa #Phra That, located in Ton Yuan Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province. This site features theHeavenly Stupa of Buddha Silawadee, which houses the relics of the Buddha, constructed from laterite stone sourced from Kamphaeng Phet. It is situated atop a limestone mountain nearly 300 meters high and serves as a meditation center in Surat Thani Province, offering Vipassana meditation training in a tranquil and serene environment.
When visiting, be sure to pay respects at the various sacred sites within the temple, which are beautifully decorated and creatively designed. Notable sites include the Hundred Peaks Stupa, the Thousand Buddha Relics, and the Buddha’s Footprint, which can be found at the top of the park, serving as a center of faith and devotion for Buddhists.
In addition to being a sacred site respected by many, the architecture within the park is fascinating, particularly the Nine Peaks Gate 🌟. A highlight here is the stunning sight at sunset when the sunlight reflects on the gate, creating a truly memorable scene.
During holiday periods, this place becomes bustling with visitors who come to pay their respects and seek blessings for a prosperous life. The atmosphere at the top is peaceful and ideal for meditation. If you prefer to relax, you can enjoy the cool breezes and beautiful views, making it a rewarding experience. This is definitely a destination in Thailand worth visiting at least once!
Thank you for the images from: Phra That on the Heavenly Stupa, Nai Luang Dharma Park.
🗺 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1jgtwiFs5jH1sDqV9
🌐 Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064423552672
Surat Thani is a southern province known for its stunning attractions, beautiful sea, and white sandy beaches 🏖. Besides its famous coastal spots, there are numerous beautiful places in Surat Thani waiting for us to explore! This makes Surat Thani one of the top destinations for tourists from all around the world. If you’re planning a trip to the south and looking for places to visit in Surat Thani, it’s definitely a province worth adding to your travel list.
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