October 30, 2025 | 07:23 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Thailand offers a variety of destinations, ranging from culinary delights and shopping to history and natural wonders. One fascinating destination for nature lovers and adventurers is the city of Surat Thani in southern Thailand. The city has a charm that makes travelers feel as if they've been transported back to the era of the dinosaurs.
From its stunning natural panoramas, lush tropical rainforests, to the towering karst mountains, Surat Thani remains easily accessible through connecting domestic flights from Bangkok despite its remote location.
Febrian, an Indonesian travel creator, shared his experience exploring Surat Thani with AirAsia MOVE and the Tourism Authority of Thailand. According to him, the city is an ideal choice for Gen-Z travelers seeking hidden gems. "Initially, I thought it was just a transit point to Koh Samui, but here I experienced the most natural and peaceful version of Thailand," said the diving enthusiast, as quoted in the MOVE press release on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
4 Destinations in Surat Thani
Here are four top destinations in Surat Thani that should be included in your next travel list:
1. Bamboo Rafting at Khao Sok National Park
Bamboo rafting in Khao Sok National Park is a must-try natural experience. The park is known as one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Drifting along the river on a bamboo raft surrounded by tall trees and limestone cliffs during the rainy season, shrouded in a thin mist, presents a unique ambiance. While following the river stream, visitors can take a moment to enjoy a warm cup of tea at Soi Cave, a hidden rock cave on a small hill in the middle of the river.
2. Cheow Lan Lake
Cheow Lan Lake is an artificial lake formed by the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam in 1987. The lake, a hydroelectric project, spans an area of 185 square kilometers with a depth of up to 94 meters. It is said that traces of an ancient city submerged during the dam construction still lie at the bottom. Travelers can explore Cheow Lan Lake with longtail boats available for rent at the main port. Apart from sightseeing, visitors can take photos among the limestone formations, relax at floating restaurants, swim, or kayak in the clear lake water.
Ban Nam Rad Headwaters, Surat Thani, Thailand. dok. Farna Syhida/AirAsia MOVE
3. Ban Nam Rad Headwaters
Exploring Ban Nam Rad Headwaters feels like entering a fairytale world. The water at the river's source is as clear as crystal, with the riverbed clearly visible from the surface. The area's natural surroundings remain pristine, surrounded by lush green vegetation and an abundance of wildlife. Visitors can swim or paddle kayaks along the river.
4. Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park
A trip to Surat Thani would not be complete without a visit to Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park, a majestic pagoda complex perched atop a hill. Known for its unique architecture, this spiritual park has gates and buildings that resemble a setting from an adventure film.
Six main pagodas stand at different heights, with the final pagoda reaching 300 meters above sea level. Visitors must climb hundreds of steps and cross a bridge to reach it. Upon reaching the top, the breathtaking natural panorama becomes the perfect gift, an ideal place for self-reflection and enjoying inner peace.
Editor's Choice: When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand? A Seasonal Travel Guide
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
India to Repatriate 500 Citizens from Thailand After Myanmar Scam Hub Raid
13 jam lalu
India will repatriate 500 of its citizens from Thailand following a raid by the Myanmar military on a notorious scam hub within its territory.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Thailand? A Seasonal Travel Guide
16 jam lalu
A destination as captivating as Thailand can easily sweep travelers off their feet. Knowing the best time to visit Thailand for the best experience.
Thailand Enters Year-Long Mourning, Here's Travel Guidance for Visitors
1 hari lalu
The mourning period is marked with flags at half-mast and dark clothing for 90 days to honor Queen Sirikit. Tourism in Thailand remains open.
Thailand Offers to Host International Summit on Cybercrime Crackdown
1 hari lalu
Thailand proposes itself as the host of an international conference to address cooperation in combating cybercrime and online scam.
Thailand, Cambodia End Border Conflict at ASEAN Summit with Trump as Witness
3 hari lalu
The signing ceremony at the ASEAN Summit was witnessed by Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim, this year's ASEAN Chair, and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Indonesia's Prabowo Mourns the Passing of Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit
3 hari lalu
President Prabowo condoled the passing of Thailand's Queen Mother Sirikit at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, October 26, 2025.
Sirikit: The Life of Thailand's Queen Mother
4 hari lalu
Queen Mother Sirikit of Thailand has passed away at the age of 93, as announced by the Royal Household Bureau of Thailand on Saturday, October 25, 2025
Sirikit, Queen Mother of Thailand, Dies Aged 93
4 hari lalu
Sirikit was the wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in 2016 after 70 years on the throne, and the mother of current king.
Malaysia: Can ASEAN Summit Deliver Regional Peace
5 hari lalu
Malaysia hosts the ASEAN summit this weekend, with regional leaders set to discuss peace efforts in Myanmar, among other things.
Thailand Deputy Finance Minister Resigns Amid Online Scam Allegations
5 hari lalu
Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister, Vorapak Tanyawong, was accused of being linked to a cross-country online scam network.
