44 places to discover
Ao Leuk is a sandy bay on the southeastern coast of Ko Tao in Ko Pha Ngan District, Surat Thani Province. It is known for its white sand, clear shallow water and fringing coral reef close to shore. The bay is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site with calm conditions and good visibility, set against granite boulders and palm-fringed shoreline away from the island's main town.
Bang Bai Mai is a canal-side subdistrict in Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, located along Khlong Bang Bai Mai near the Tapi River south of Surat Thani city. It is notable as a traditional coconut-growing community preserving a waterside way of life with stilt houses, coconut plantations and small canals. The area is known for community-based tourism, weekend floating market, boat tours and local coconut products.
Ban Nam Rat Watershed Forest is a protected community watershed forest in Ban Nam Rad village, Tambon Ban Thamniap, Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. It is notable for its exceptionally clear emerald-green canal fed by natural springs from the surrounding watershed. The forest is conserved by the local community and offers a tranquil natural setting with dense trees, shallow pools and a forest stream popular for swimming and relaxation.
Bottle Beach (Hat Khuat) is a secluded sandy beach on the northern coast of Ko Pha Ngan in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Enclosed by jungle-covered hills and accessible mainly by longtail boat or hiking trail, it is known for its white sand, clear turquoise water and quiet atmosphere away from the island's busier beaches. The beach hosts a small number of low-key resorts and restaurants.
Chaiya National Museum is an archaeological museum in Wiang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, located near Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya. Established in 1935 and housed in its current building since 1982, it preserves and displays artifacts from the Srivijaya period (7th-13th century), including stone and bronze sculptures, ceramics, and architectural fragments excavated in Chaiya and surrounding areas.
Chaweng Beach is the longest and most developed beach on Ko Samui Island in Surat Thani Province, located on the east coast in Bo Phut sub-district. Stretching approximately 7 kilometers with fine white sand and clear turquoise water, it is the island's main tourism hub. It is notable for its extensive beachfront resort strip, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and wide range of water sports and day-visitor facilities.
Cheow Lan Lake is a large artificial reservoir within Khao Sok National Park in Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Created in 1987 by the Ratchaprapha Dam on the Khlong Saeng River, it covers about 185 square kilometers. Surrounded by limestone karst cliffs and rainforest, the lake is known for its emerald water, submerged limestone peaks, floating raft houses, and wildlife, and is a major ecotourism destination.
Don Sak Temple (Wat Don Sak) is a local Theravada Buddhist temple located in Don Sak Subdistrict, Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Situated near the town centre and the main ferry piers serving Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, it functions as a community religious centre. The temple features typical southern Thai Buddhist architecture with an ordination hall, prayer halls and Buddha images, offering visitors a quiet example of everyday temple life in a coastal district.
Fisherman's Village Bophut is a preserved historic fishing village on the north coast of Ko Samui in Bo Phut, Surat Thani. Originally a Chinese fishing community with wooden shophouses, it is now a pedestrian-friendly heritage street lined with boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants along Bophut Beach. Notable for its well-preserved architecture, beachfront setting, and popular Friday Walking Street night market, it offers a blend of cultural heritage and contemporary tourism.
Haad Rin is a peninsula and beach area at the southern tip of Ko Pha Ngan Island in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. It comprises two main beaches, Haad Rin Nok (Sunrise Beach) on the east and Haad Rin Nai (Sunset Beach) on the west, connected by a narrow isthmus. Known internationally as the venue for the monthly Full Moon Party, it features white sandy shores, shallow turquoise water, and a dense concentration of resorts, restaurants and bars.
Hin Lad Waterfall is a forested waterfall in the interior of Ko Samui, Surat Thani Province, located in Ang Thong sub-district near Nathon town. Accessed via a jungle trail starting at Wat Hin Lad temple, it features a series of cascades and natural pools surrounded by tropical rainforest. Notable for its tranquil jungle setting and temple connection, it is most impressive during and after the rainy season.
Hin Ta Hin Yai, known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks, is a famous natural rock formation at the southern end of Lamai Beach in Maret, Ko Samui, Surat Thani Province. The coastal granite boulders naturally resemble male and female genitalia, creating a distinctive landmark. Formed by natural erosion, the site is associated with a local folklore legend and offers sea views, small sandy coves and photo opportunities, making it one of Ko Samui's most visited natural attractions.
John-Suwan Viewpoint is a hilltop viewpoint at the southern tip of Ko Tao in Ko Pha Ngan District, Surat Thani Province. Perched on a rocky hill above the island's narrow isthmus, it offers panoramic views of Chalok Baan Kao Bay to the west and Shark Bay (Thian Og Bay) to the east. Reached by a short steep hike from Freedom Beach, it is notable for its dual-bay panorama and popular sunrise and sunset viewing.
Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park is a Buddhist Dharma park located on a limestone mountain in Ton Yuan Subdistrict, Phanom District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. The site is notable for nine pagodas built on karst peaks at different elevations, combining Sri Lankan, Burmese and Thai architectural styles. Developed as a meditation and pilgrimage center, it offers panoramic views of surrounding forests and limestone formations and is a distinctive religious landmark near Khao Sok National Park.
Khao Ra is the highest mountain on Ko Pha Ngan in Surat Thani Province, Thailand, rising to about 627 metres in the northern interior of the island. Located within the Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park area, it is known for its challenging jungle hiking trail and panoramic summit viewpoint. The peak offers 360-degree views over Ko Pha Ngan, neighboring islands and the Gulf of Thailand, making it a notable natural attraction for hikers and nature visitors.
Khao Sok National Park is a protected rainforest reserve in Phanom District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Established in 1980, it covers about 739 square kilometres of ancient evergreen forest, dramatic limestone karst mountains and the artificial Cheow Lan Lake formed by Ratchaprapha Dam. It is notable for its biodiversity, including gibbons, elephants, hornbills and the rare Rafflesia kerrii, and for its extensive network of hiking trails and lake-based activities.
Khao Suwan Pradit Temple (Wat Khao Suwan Pradit) is a Theravada Buddhist temple on Khao Suwan Pradit hill in Don Sak Subdistrict, Don Sak District, Surat Thani Province. Founded by the revered monk Phra Khru Suwan Praditthan (Luang Por Jiam) and established in 1982, it is notable for its hilltop chedi enshrining Buddha relics, panoramic views over Don Sak town, the Gulf of Thailand and ferry piers, and its role as the principal spiritual landmark of Don Sak.
Khao Tha Phet is a limestone hill and viewpoint in Makham Tia Sub-district, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani city. Rising about 210 metres above the city, it is known for its panoramic viewpoint over Surat Thani, the Tapee River and surrounding lowlands, and for the Si Surat Stupa on its summit enshrining Buddha relics. The hill is a well-known city landmark and recreational area.
Khlong Phanom National Park is a protected forest area in Phanom District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Established in 2000, it covers about 410 square kilometres of limestone karst mountains, dense evergreen forest and cave systems within the Khao Sok–Khlong Phanom forest complex. The park is notable for its rugged karst scenery, extensive caves, waterfalls and diverse wildlife, forming a contiguous habitat with neighbouring Khao Sok National Park.
Ko Nang Yuan is a small private island group northwest of Ko Tao in Ko Pha Ngan District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. It consists of three islets connected by a distinctive white sandbar forming a double beach. Known for its clear turquoise water, coral reefs and hilltop viewpoint, it is a popular day-trip destination from Ko Tao for snorkeling, swimming and photography, accessible only by boat with a conservation entry fee.
Laem Sor Pagoda is a distinctive golden Buddhist chedi located at Laem Sor cape on the southwestern tip of Ko Samui in Na Mueang, Surat Thani Province. Set directly on the beachfront overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, the pagoda is known for its bright gold exterior, traditional Thai chedi architecture, and tranquil coastal setting. Built to enshrine Buddhist relics, it serves as both a religious site and a scenic viewpoint popular with visitors exploring southern Samui.
Lamai Beach is a 4-kilometre sandy beach on the southeastern coast of Ko Samui in Maret Subdistrict, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Located south of Chaweng, it is the island's second-largest resort beach. Known for its fine white-yellow sand, clear water, palm-fringed shoreline and the nearby Hin Ta Hin Yai rock formations, it offers a more relaxed atmosphere than Chaweng while providing swimming, dining and accommodation options.
Mango Bay is a secluded sandy bay on the northern tip of Ko Tao island in Ko Pha Ngan District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Enclosed by forested hills and granite boulders, it is known for its clear turquoise water, fringing coral reef and calm conditions ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving. Accessible mainly by longtail boat or steep 4WD track, it offers a quiet alternative to busier beaches and is centered around Mango Bay Boutique Resort.
Mu Ko Ang Thong National Park is a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, within Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province. Established in 1980, it covers 102 sq km and comprises 42 limestone islands characterized by karst cliffs, lagoons, beaches and evergreen forest. Notable features include the emerald saltwater lake Thale Nai on Ko Mae Ko and the viewpoint on Ko Wua Talap. Accessible only by boat, it is protected for kayaking, snorkeling and hiking.
Na Muang Waterfall is a well-known natural attraction in Na Mueang subdistrict on Ko Samui Island, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. It consists of two cascades, Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2, set in forested hills in the island's interior. The falls are noted for distinctive purple-hued rock faces that give the site its name and for natural pools at the base. It is one of Ko Samui's most visited waterfalls, accessible by road and short hiking trails.
Overlap Stone is a natural rock formation and viewpoint located on a forested hill above Lamai in Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani Province, Thailand. It consists of a large balanced boulder overlapping a lower rock, creating a distinctive photo spot. The site is notable for panoramic views over Lamai Beach, the Gulf of Thailand and surrounding jungle, and is accessed via a steep hillside road.
Phaeng Waterfall (Nam Tok Phaeng) is the largest waterfall on Ko Pha Ngan in Surat Thani Province, located inside Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park near the island's centre. Surrounded by tropical forest, it features a multi-tiered cascade with natural pools and a well-marked jungle hiking trail leading to the Dom Sila Viewpoint. Notable for its accessible forest setting and seasonal flow, it is a popular nature attraction for hikers and sightseers exploring the island's interior.
Sairee Beach is the longest beach on Koh Tao island in Ko Pha Ngan District, Surat Thani Province, stretching about 1.7 kilometers along the island's west coast. Known for its white sandy shoreline, clear shallow water and sunset views, it serves as the island's main tourist hub. The beach is lined with resorts, restaurants, dive centers and shops, and is a central base for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving activities.
Secret Buddha Garden, also known as Tarnim Magic Garden, is a hillside sculpture garden in the interior mountains of Ko Samui, Surat Thani Province. Created from 1976 by fruit farmer Nim Thongsuk, it features numerous concrete statues of Buddhas, deities, animals and folklore figures set among dense jungle, streams and a small waterfall. Located near Na Mueang, it offers a tranquil forest setting and panoramic hill views.
Sri Tapi Bridge (Saphan Si Tapi) is a historic road bridge crossing the Tapi River in the centre of Surat Thani town, Mueang Surat Thani District. Connecting Bang Kung and Talat areas, it was the first permanent bridge over the Tapi River in the town and remains a city landmark. Notable for its river views and evening illumination, it serves both as transport infrastructure and a sightseeing point.
Suan Mokkhaphalaram, also known as Wat Suan Mokkh, is a forest Buddhist monastery in Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Founded in 1932 by Buddhadasa Bhikkhu and relocated to its present forested site in 1943, it is renowned as a center for Theravada Buddhist study and meditation. The monastery features simple natural architecture, Dhamma halls and the Spiritual Theatre, attracting visitors interested in Buddhist philosophy, meditation retreats and tranquil forest surroundings.
The Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine is the principal city pillar shrine of Surat Thani Province, located in Talat Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, near the Tapi River and Surat Thani City Hall. It enshrines the city pillar, regarded as the guardian spirit of the city. Built in a distinctive southern Thai architectural style with ornate roofs and wood carvings, it serves as a respected spiritual and civic landmark for residents and visitors.
Surat Thani Street Art is an open-air gallery in the old town area of Talat Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani, Surat Thani Province. Located along Na Mueang Road and nearby lanes near the Tapi River, it features colorful murals painted on building walls and shophouses. Created to revitalize the historic town centre and promote tourism, the artworks depict local lifestyle, cultural traditions, river life and historical scenes, forming a walkable cultural attraction in central Surat Thani.
Tai Rom Yen National Park is a protected mountain and forest park in Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand, covering about 425 square kilometers across Ban Na San, Kanchanadit and Mueang Surat Thani districts. Established on 31 December 1991 as Thailand's 91st national park, it preserves evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Nakhon Si Thammarat Range. It is notable for Dad Fa Waterfall, forested peaks, viewpoints and watershed forests offering hiking and nature study near Surat Thani city.
Talat San Chao is a small local market located in Talat Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, in central Surat Thani town, Surat Thani Province. Situated near the Chinese shrine area that gives the market its name, it serves the surrounding community with fresh produce, prepared foods, and everyday goods. The market is notable as a traditional town market reflecting daily life in Surat Thani's historic commercial centre near the Tapi River.
Tanote Bay (Ao Tanot) is a scenic bay on the east coast of Ko Tao island in Ko Pha Ngan District, Surat Thani Province. Known for its clear turquoise water, coarse sand and granite boulders, it is a popular snorkeling and scuba diving site with a large central rock formation. The bay is more secluded than west-coast beaches and is accessed via a steep hill road.
Thale Nai, also known as Emerald Lake, is a saltwater lagoon on Ko Mae Ko island within Mu Ko Ang Thong National Marine Park in Surat Thani Province. Enclosed by limestone cliffs and connected to the sea through an underground tunnel, the emerald-green lake is the park's most famous natural landmark. It is accessed via a short stair climb to a viewpoint and is visited as part of organized boat tours from Ko Samui.
Than Sadet Waterfall is a multi-tiered cascade on the eastern side of Ko Pha Ngan Island in Surat Thani Province, within Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park. Fed by the island's largest watershed, it forms pools and streams flowing to Than Sadet Bay. Notable for royal visits since the reign of King Rama V, whose inscribed initials remain on rocks, it is a scenic natural attraction surrounded by protected forest and accessible via a short trail.
Than Thong Waterfall is a forest waterfall located in Khiri Rat Nikhom District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Set within a wooded natural area, it features multiple small cascades and shallow pools surrounded by tropical vegetation. The waterfall is known as a local natural attraction for day visits, offering a quiet forest environment. It is accessed by local roads from Khiri Rat Nikhom town and is typically visited during the rainy season when water flow is strongest.
Wat Kaeo is an ancient Buddhist temple ruin located in Wiang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Part of the Srivijaya-period archaeological group centered on Chaiya, it is noted for its weathered brick chedi and foundation remains dating to around the 8th-9th century. The site illustrates early Mahayana Buddhist architecture in the region and is visited as a quiet historical and religious landmark near Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya.
Wat Khunaram is a Buddhist temple located in Na Mueang on Ko Samui Island, Surat Thani Province. It is best known for housing the preserved, mummified body of Luang Pho Daeng Piyasilo, a monk who died in 1973 while meditating. Displayed in a glass case wearing sunglasses, the mummy is a notable religious and cultural landmark on the island's main 4169 ring road.
Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya is an ancient Buddhist temple in Wiang Subdistrict, Chaiya District, Surat Thani Province, southern Thailand. Centered on a restored Srivijaya-style chedi believed to date from the 7th-9th century, it is one of Thailand's most important Mahayana Buddhist sites. The temple complex includes viharns, historic Buddha images, and the adjacent Chaiya National Museum, and serves as a revered pilgrimage and cultural landmark for the region.
Wat Phra Yai, known as the Big Buddha Temple, is a prominent Buddhist temple on Ko Fan, a small islet connected by a causeway to northeastern Ko Samui in Bo Phut, Surat Thani. Built in 1972, it is famous for its 12-meter seated golden Buddha in Mara posture visible from afar. The temple is a major cultural landmark and one of Ko Samui's most visited attractions, offering religious significance and panoramic views.
Wat Plai Laem is a modern Buddhist temple on the northeastern tip of Ko Samui in Bo Phut, Surat Thani. Built in 2004, it is set around an artificial lake and is known for its large 18-arm Guanyin statue and white seated Buddha image. The temple blends Thai and Chinese architectural styles with colorful murals and sculptures. It is an active place of worship and a popular cultural attraction near Choeng Mon and Big Buddha.