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Phra Boromathat Chaiya
An ancient pagoda, located in Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya,
Amphoe Chaiya, housing Lord Buddha relics. The structure is
believed to be constructed during the Sivichaya period over
1,200 years ago.
Chaiya National Museum
Located at Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe
Chaiya. It is a historical and archaeological museum. The
first building puts on exhibition stone and bronze sculptures
discovered in the ancient city of Chaiya, for example, sculptures
of the God Vishnu and Bohdisattva Avalokitesvara. The second
building exhibits artifacts of protohistoric down to historic
periods from Dvaravati, Srivijaya, Lop Buri, Sukhothai to
Ayutthaya. Art objects and several other crafts are also displayed
here. Chaiya National Museum is open daily between 09.00-16.00
hrs. except for Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is 10 Baht
each.
Suan
Mokkha Phalaram
This is otherwise known as Wat Than Nam Lai (Monastery of
Flowing Water), a monastic community located in a beautiful
and peaceful natural park where Buddhists go for meditation
practice. There are several teaching pavilions which many
paintings and poems illustrating moral teachings known in
Thai as "Entertainment Houses for the Soul".
Khao Thaphet Wildlife and Nature Education Station
Located some 6 kms. from town along the Surat - Nasan Road,
highway no. 4009 and covers 1,162 acres. The station houses
many caged wild animals. The hilltop, some 210 meters above
sea level, offers panoramic views of Ban Don municipality,
the Tapi River and Ban Don Bay. On Khao Thaphet is also located
the stupa named Phra That Si Surat or locally known as Phra
That Khao Thaphet which houses Buddha relics donated by the
Indian government some 30 years ago.
Oyster Farms
Are found around the estuarine areas of the Kradae and Tha
Thong Rivers, in Amphoe Kanchanadit. Oyster Bred there are
substantially larger than those found elsewhere. To visit
the farms is by hiring boats from Tha Thong quayside for some
30 minutes.
Moo Ban Phumriang
Some 6 kilometers east of Chaiya, is an arts and crafts centre
well known for its gold and silver brocade silk cloth and
jute headwear.
Monkey Schools
The schools where monkeys are trained to pick coconuts, there
are 2 places: one is located in Amphoe Kanchanadit, some 13
kms. from Surat Thani along Highway No. 401 and another one
is at Ban Khlong Sai, Amphoe Tha Chang, some 35 kms. along
Highway No. 41. Visitors are advised to check with local travel
agents for full details.
National Parks
Khao
Sok National Park
It is located on km.109 from Surat township area on Highway
No. 401. A verdant forest-covered hill national park, with
an area of some 161,000 acres. Many kinds of rare wildlife
are still to be found. With an atmosphere of peacefulness
and restfulness, one can trek along the trails made to the
adventure. Accommodations in the park can be available through
the reservation section, Forestry Department, Tel. (662) 579-0529,
579-4842. Besides, near the area of the park there are private-run
bungalows available for the tourist.
Tai Rom Yen National Park
Covers the area of 133,125 rai of Khlong Nam Thao Forest Reserve
in Amphoe Ban Na San and Amphoe Wiang Sa. A mountain within
the park known as Khao Chong Chang once used to be the base
of the Communist Party of Thailand. There are several scenic
tourist spots such as Nam Tok Dat Fa, Nam Tok Muang Thuat
in Amphoe Ban Na San and Nam Tok Than Thip in Amphoe Wiang
Sa. Visitors wishing to stay overnight here are requested
to bring along their camping accessories. For more details
please contact National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department,
Tel. (662) 579-4842, 579-0529.
Nam Tok Wiphawadi or Nam Tok Ban
Nai
Though of the same name as the one within Khlong Yan Wildlife
Sanctuary, this one is located in Amphoe Don Sak on the roadside
of the Highway 401 between KM. 60-61, about 38 kilometers
from town. Though a small waterfall, it is always crowded
on holidays.
Ratchprapha or Chieo Lan Dam
It is located on Km. 52-53 Highway No. 401 and turn right
for another 12 kms. The scenery around the dam area is very
beautiful. Accommodations are available from the Electricity
Generating Authority of Thailand, Tel. (662) 436-3179 or (6677)
311-364, 311-522.
Khlong Yan Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated in King Amphoe Wiphawadi, 45 kilometers along the
Highway 41 with a 26-kilometers left turn to King Amphoe Wiphawadi.
Further on for about 10 kilometers, then turn right for another
8 kilometers, one will get to the sanctuary. Major attraction
here is the beautiful waterfall "Nam Tok Wiphawadi".
Accommodation is available. Reservation should be made to
Chief of Khlong Ya Wildlife Sanctuary at Moo 8, Tambon Takut
Tai, King Amphoe Wiphawadi, Surat Thani 84180.
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