Surat Thani is home to some of the oldest temples in Thailand. Some of them are even 200 years old and bespoke the culture and values of the then people.
Here is a list of must visit Temples in Surat Thani that have something unique about them. Check them out on your visit here.
6 Must visit Temples in Surat Thani- 2023 Update
1. Wat Sai
Established in 1931, it is one of the most famous temples in Surat Thani.
The temple is named after the giant Banyan tree inside the temple premises. There is a prominent sandstone carving of Buddha enshrined in the temple.
Besides the chapel, there is a Sala Hall, a two-story building. It holds a collection of ancient art and architecture. The entire building is constructed of wood.
During the Second World War, the Japanese military used the building as their headquarters.
The temple has many antique ruins surrounding it, making it a perfect spot for recreation and clicking insta-worthy photos.
You can see abundant chinawares that are in use in the temple building. There is also a bell tower inside the temple premises. On weekends there is a Pracharat market organized here.
Address: 196 Namueang Rd, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand
Phone: +66 82 239 4695
2. Wat Pattanaram
Popularly known as the Wat Mai temple, the Wat Pattaram is located on Pattanaram Road, Talat Lang, Surat Thani.
The temple is named after a monk whose name was ‘Luang Phor Pat.’ He died in a meditative position, and his corpse still remains inside the temple, resembling a rock, still undecomposed.
Before Pat established this temple, the land was a graveyard and home to wild animals such as tigers, lemurs, snakes, monkeys, etc.
One of the buildings of the temples depicts the life of Buddha through different paintings along the upper walls. The paintings are supposedly 155 years old.
Due to its central location in the city, it is very popular among the locals. You will always find people flocking to the temple.
Some people believe that all the wishes asked here are fulfilled, and hence people come here with high hopes and pray with a lot of dedication.
Address: 652 Namueang Rd, Tambon Talat, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand
Phone: +66 77 214 845
3. Wat Samakkhi Phadungpan
You should should visit Wat Samakkhi Phadungpan is the only temple in Surat Thani town with a beautiful two-story chapel.
On the ground floor of the building, there runs an Institute of Psychic Research 133, one of the province’s most famous meditation and learning venues.
The second floor is where the temple is located. The temple is under the clergy of the Thammasatthanakham sect.
The area is very spacious and gives out a calm and soothing vibe. The place is perfect for meditation and reflection, away from the hustle-bustle of city life.
Address: 48GM+R93, Tambon Makham Tia, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand
4. Wat Sarawanaram
Also known as the Tha Phet temple, Wat Saranaram is located in the Mueang District of Surat Thani Province.
The temple’s location is on the hill next to the rural highway, not far from the city road. You get a fantastic view from up there.
Wat Sarawanaram was established by Phra Dhamma Viroon Thera or Luang Por Plubthitikro, one of the famous teachers of the south.
Inside the building is a monastery hall, the bell tower, the monument, Luang Pho Phlap Sala Kam Phen Charan, and the Phra Kuti.
Inside the premises, huge trees provide ample shade for the devotees to sit and relax. The place is suitable for education, Dharma, meditation, and relaxation.
Address: 49C7+Q6F, Tambon Makham Tia, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand
5. Wat Phothawas
The Wat Pho Thawas temple of Surat Thani was established on 10 January 1787. It is one of the oldest temples in Surat Thani, built during King Rama’s reign.
The ancient architecture of the temple has two beautiful pagodas behind the Buddhist sanctuary.
The temple is built on 5 acres measuring 73.5 square meters 2 ngan.
The temple’s main attraction is the principal Buddha image, which is 80 inches wide and 71 inches high. It was placed in the temple in 1919.
Address: 3WCW+2HQ, Samo Phlue, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76150, Thailand
6. Wat Phra Yok
Wat Phra Yok is another ancient temple in Surat Thani province.
The temple was established around 200 years ago in the early Rattanakosin period (reign of King Rama I).
The temple was named Wat Phra Yok because some people in early times saw the Buddha’s image sway.
Rumor has it that once a novice was cleaning the temple, he disappeared under suspicious circumstances. The only thing left was his robe, and a red bloodstain stuck at the mouth of the Buddha image.
Even today, the mercury under the chin of the Buddha image reacts chemically with the texture of the metal. This reaction gives the effect of a red liquid coming out of the chin, the same as blood.
Local people believed that this was because they hadn’t paid enough merit.
The temple was formerly known as “Wat Sa Kaeo” because the temple area had a large pond, while the old chapel was built of bricks.
You can see many Chinese styles around the chapel decorated with Chinese dolls. In the past, it had an area of approximately 40 rai. At present, there are only 13 rai remaining.
Address: 512 Topo Rd, Talat, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani 84000, Thailand
Final Words
You should visit at least 2 of these temples in your Surat Thani itinerary, and trust me, you won’t regret one bit of it.
If you are someone who does not go along with the crowd well, try visiting these temples in the early morning.
