Thailand is an incredibly popular tourist destination for many reasons, one being the fact that the country has the perfect balance of city life and nature. Surat Thani, a province in the south of the country, is quite far from the capital, but you will not be disappointed with the wild nightlife. Most people choose to hop on boats to enjoy the Full Moon Party on Koh Phangan.
If you do aren’t a fan of crowded places, however, you probably shouldn’t follow the typical travel guide. Fortunately, we are here to recommend four underrated Surat Thani destinations that are worth visiting. Let’s take a look.
Khanom
Tourist attractions can be loud and chaotic. If you want to relax and enjoy an amazing beach view, Khanom is just the place for you to visit. It has a peaceful, charming environment without a loud crowd. This oceanfront town is perfect for those who wish to be isolated and enjoy nature without too many disruptions. The beach bungalows are incredibly cheap, but the scenery is priceless. You will not see many foreigners in this little town. Even if you do, there is a high chance that they are either expats or English teachers. When you feel like going out at night, Jam Bay Reggae Bar is one place to pay a visit. You can travel to Khanom on the back of a motorcycle or by taking a minibus from the east of Surat Thani. It is a mere hour away from the province.
Chaiya
If you are the type of traveler who loves learning about how the locals live, you will have a wonderful time at Chaiya. This is a small fishermen’s village surrounded by rubber tree groves and the perfect place to get to know how locals spend their everyday lives. There are also some temples and ancient ruins that are worth visiting. Wat Phra Borommathat is known for impressive architecture with interesting mural paintings.
As you travel through the town to the Silk Village, you will find an abundance of handmade blankets made purely of Thai silk available for sale. Most importantly, they are ridiculously cheap, yet of high quality! Not only can you purchase them, but you will be able to see how the locals make the blankets right then and there. Chaiya is located in the north of Surat Thani. You can reach the village within an hour by car.
The Monkey Training College
Thailand is often associated with elephants. In Surat Thani, however, they train monkeys! There is a school that was founded for this purpose in the province. It is called the Monkey Training College. They teach the monkeys to harvest coconuts from the top of the trees. You are able to watch the training and play with them at school. It is recommended that you book an appointment before visiting. If you’re worried about supporting an establishment that abuses the animals, you can ease your mind because the Monkey Training College is known for taking good care of their monkeys and treating them humanely.
Ban Don Pier
Are you a beer lover? If so, make sure that you stop at a small pier at Ban Don Pier to enjoy a cold one. The place has a chill, laid-back vibe with plastic chairs and metal tables. Order their cheap beer and a few dishes of street food to enjoy a slow night in Surat Thani.
If you’re looking to book a resort in Surat Thani, Pavaree Resort is a great choice. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.