In this video we hire out a longtail boat and explore the Tapi River and smaller canals near the city. We work our way to the floating market that is only open on Sundays. The river flows through the town and eventually to the Gulf of Thailand.
Surat Thani สุราษฎร์ธานี is the largest of the southern provinces of Thailand. It lies on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Surat Thani means 'city of good people', a title given to the city by King Rama VI.
The area of Surat Thani was already inhabited in prehistoric times by Semang and Malayan tribes. Founded in the 3rd century, the Srivijaya kingdom dominated the Malay Peninsula until the 13th century.
The main rivers of Surat Thani province are the Tapi River and the Phum Duang River, which join at the town Tha Kham shortly before they flow into Bandon Bay. The delta of these rivers, locally known as Nai Bang (ในบาง), is directly north of the city of Surat Thani. It consists of several channels ...
Wat Suthat Thepwararam วัดสุทัศนเทพวราราม, commonly known as Wat Suthat, is one of Bangkok’s most significant and majestic temples, located in the Phra Nakhon district near the Democracy Monument. Renowned for its stunning architecture, the temple features a grand ordination hall (ubosot) with intricate murals depicting Buddhist cosmology and Jataka stories, showcasing exquisite Thai artistry.
It is also famous for housing the Phra Sri Sakyamuni Buddha, a massive bronze statue from the Sukhothai period (13th century), one of Thailand’s largest and most revered Buddha images. The temple’s spacious courtyard, adorned with Chinese stone statues and the iconic Giant Swing (Sao Ching Cha), adds to its historical and cultural allure, making it a must-visit for tourists and devotees alike.
Construction of Wat Suthat began in 1807 under King Rama I, the founder of the Chakri Dynasty, to serve as a royal temple of the first grade and a center for Buddhist learning.
It...
Khlong Khuean Ganesh International Park, located in Chachoengsao Province, Thailand, along the Bang Pakong River, is a 40,000-square-meter spiritual and cultural site dedicated to Lord Ganesha, the Hindu deity of wisdom and success. Established in 2012, it blends Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese elements, serving as a pilgrimage and tourism hub.
The park features serene gardens, shrines, a local history museum, and a riverside coffee shop, with free entry for Thai nationals (100 Baht for foreigners) and daily hours from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The park’s centerpiece is the world’s tallest standing Ganesha statue, a 39-meter (128-foot) bronze figure crafted from 854 pieces. Depicting Ganesha with four arms holding jackfruit, sugarcane, banana, and mango—symbolizing prosperity, joy, nourishment, and wisdom—it stands on a lotus base with a rat (his vehicle) and smaller Ganesha figures. Illuminated at night, it’s a striking symbol of protection over the river and community.
In Hindu mythology, ...
Wat Pho Bang Khla (วัดโพธิ์บางคล้า), often called the “Temple of the Flying Foxes,” is a historic Buddhist temple located in Bang Khla District, Chachoengsao Province, Thailand. Situated along the serene Bang Pakong River, it’s about 23 km southeast of Chachoengsao city center and roughly 1.5–2 hours’ drive from Bangkok.
This temple blends spiritual tranquility with a unique natural spectacle, making it a hidden gem for visitors seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience away from Thailand’s more crowded tourist sites.
Built during the late 18th century (around 1767–1807), the temple dates back to the era of King Taksin the Great, who reportedly passed through the area with his army after the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese in 1767. It was constructed to commemorate this historical moment, serving as a reminder of Thailand’s resilience during that turbulent period.
The architecture fuses Ayutthaya and early Rattanakosin styles, featuring intricate brickwork, ...
