Journeys From A Small Room

Khanom Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located in Khanom, a district in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province of Thailand. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and serene atmosphere. The beach is relatively quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect destination for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some time in nature.

One of the main attractions of Khanom Beach is the chance to spot pink dolphins. These rare and endangered dolphins are often seen swimming in the waters off the coast of Khanom, and there are several tour operators who offer dolphin watching tours.

In addition to dolphin watching, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Khanom Beach. Visitors can go snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, serving up delicious Thai cuisine and fresh seafood.

Overall, Khanom Beach is a hidden gem in Thailand, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The beautiful green Island park of Ko Lamphu on the river Mae Nam Tapi is neatly landscaped around a central lake. There are various sports courts (badminton, futsal, basketball and volleyball) and picnic areas buzzing throughout the evening, as well as lanes for cyclists and joggers. Ko Lamphu is Surat’s finest public green space and a wonderful place to sit and watch locals literally at play.

Lamphu island is in the Tapi River in the centre of Suratthani. It is accessed by crossing the river via the main road bridge( brightly illuminated at night) from near the City Pillar shrine. Once over the bridge, turn left and you will soon come to the entrance to the island where the road( beware of cars and motorbikes particularly in the evening) crosses another, smaller bridge on to the island. On the island are many different sports facilities so you can walk, run, cycle, use apparatus or play ball or racket games. All in all, the equipment is kept in pretty good condition.
There will be several food stalls particularly at the entrance, toilets and places to relax. There is a sizeable car park. Most areas can be accessed by wheel chairs.
It is very popular with the locals and can get quite busy particularly in the evening when it’s cooler.

Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam, is a large hydroelectric dam located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The dam was built in the 1980s to generate electricity for the region and to regulate the flow of the Klong Saeng River.

The Ratchaprapha Dam is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The dam is surrounded by lush forests and towering limestone cliffs, creating a scenic and peaceful atmosphere. The reservoir created by the dam is called the Cheow Lan Lake and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Visitors to the Ratchaprapha Dam can take a boat tour of the Cheow Lan Lake to explore the scenic surroundings and spot wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and fish. The lake is also a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Near the dam, there is also a small village where visitors can learn about the local culture and sample traditional Thai food. The village also offers a variety of eco-tourism activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.

Overall, the Ratchaprapha Dam and the Cheow Lan Lake offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of southern Thailand while also providing an important source of electricity for the region.

St. Raphael Cathedral, also known as Surat Thani Cathedral, is a Catholic church located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The cathedral was established in 1932 and is named after St. Raphael the Archangel, who is considered the patron saint of travelers.

The cathedral is known for its distinctive architecture, which features a mix of European and Thai styles. The interior of the church is adorned with colorful stained glass windows and intricate carvings, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

St. Raphael Cathedral is an important religious and cultural landmark in Surat Thani province. The cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop of the Surat Thani diocese and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Visitors to St. Raphael Cathedral can attend Catholic mass, participate in religious ceremonies and events, and explore the history and architecture of the church. The cathedral is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and reflect.

Overall, St. Raphael Cathedral is a unique and important religious site in Surat Thani province.

Suspension of Khao Thep Phitak Bridge is another famous tourist destination in Surat Thani province. Located behind Wat Khao Phang close to the entrance of Ratchaprapha Dam (Chiao Lan Dam). The bridge uses a large wire rope stretched to a concrete pole. The floor is covered with wooden and metal planks on a steel frame. It is surrounded with natural scenery which is beautiful. Behind the bridge is a heart-shaped mountain. If taking pictures in the middle of the bridge will get the most beautiful heart shape.

The bridge is known for its unique design and engineering, as it is one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in Thailand, with a total length of 1.8 kilometers. The bridge’s main span is 320 meters long and is supported by two tall pylons, which are 117 meters high.

The name “Khao Thep Phitak” means “Mountain of the Angel’s Wings” in Thai, which is derived from the nearby mountain range that has a similar shape to angel wings. The bridge was named after this mountain range.

Set up in 1992 by a fisherman, this museum houses stone carvings and sculptures of marine life found in Thailand. It is a must see for zoologists and marine life enthusiasts.

Stone Fish museum is the creation by Mr. Kitti Sinudom. It was inspired by his past career as a boat captain. He carved stone into different kinds of fish and categorized them in accordance with their habitat in the sea. Inside the Museum

The rock museum is located in Donsak subdistrict, Surat Thani province. Founded in 1990 by Mr Kitti Si-Udom. His hometown is Park Aow Village, Bang Tapoon. After he and his family moved to Surat Thani, he began carving stones in 1943 with the purpose of conservation of all species existing in the Gulf of Thailand; therefore the future generations would have a chance to know these species.

These carved stones are supposed to be permanent artifacts for future generations and property of the country. Rock fish museum has been raised with skills and perseverance by carving stones into realistic fish, including many species in single and large group compositions.

Most of the carved stones are marble, limestone, feldspar, sandstone, any gypsum. Currently, there are approximately 3,00 pieces of carved fish and growing!

Haad Chao Phao Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located on the northwest coast of Koh Phangan, an island in the Gulf of Thailand. The beach is surrounded by lush tropical jungle and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby islands.

Haad Chao Phao Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a wide range of accommodation options, restaurants, and beach bars available. The beach is also known for its calm waters, which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

There are many activities available for visitors to enjoy, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also several nearby attractions, including the Phaeng Waterfall and the Than Sadet National Park, which are popular with nature lovers.

Ao Ta Let is a beautiful beach located in Khanom district in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand. It is situated on the Gulf of Thailand and is known for its tranquil and secluded atmosphere, as it is still largely undeveloped and not yet as popular among tourists as other beaches in the region.

The beach at Ao Ta Let is pristine and peaceful, with soft white sand and crystal-clear water that is perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The surrounding area is also home to a lush mangrove forest and several small fishing villages, which offer visitors a glimpse into the traditional way of life in southern Thailand.

One of the main attractions of Ao Ta Let is its stunning sunsets, which paint the sky with vibrant hues of orange and pink. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking in the nearby hills.

Overall, Ao Ta Let is a beautiful and peaceful beach that is perfect for those seeking a quieter and more laid-back holiday experience in southern Thailand.

The City Pillar Shrine in Surat Thani, Thailand is a sacred shrine that houses the city’s revered city pillar, which is believed to be the protector of the city and its people. The shrine is located in the heart of the city, near the Tapi River, and is considered an important spiritual and cultural landmark in Surat Thani.

The City Pillar Shrine consists of a central structure, which houses the city pillar, as well as several smaller shrines and prayer halls. Visitors can enter the central shrine to pay their respects to the city pillar and offer prayers and offerings.

The city pillar itself is a wooden post that is believed to embody the spirit of the city and its people. It is decorated with intricate carvings and engravings, and is considered a symbol of the city’s history, culture, and identity.

Throughout the year, the City Pillar Shrine hosts various festivals and ceremonies, including the annual City Pillar Festival, which celebrates the city’s founding and heritage. During these events, the shrine is adorned with colorful decorations and offerings, and visitors can participate in traditional Thai cultural activities, such as music and dance performances, parades, and food fairs.

Overall, the City Pillar Shrine is an important and sacred site in Surat Thani that offers visitors a unique insight into the spiritual and cultural traditions of the city and its people.

The Coral Pagoda, also known as Wat Tham Khao Plueng, is a Buddhist temple located in Khanom district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, southern Thailand.

What makes the Coral Pagoda unique is that it is built entirely from coral reef, giving it a distinct texture and appearance compared to other temples in the area. The temple is situated on a hilltop, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Gulf of Thailand.

Visitors can explore the temple grounds, which include several halls, pagodas, and shrines. One of the most striking features of the temple is the main prayer hall, which is adorned with intricate carvings and houses a large Buddha statue.

The Coral Pagoda is also a popular site for meditation and spiritual retreats, with several quiet areas for reflection and contemplation. Visitors can also participate in traditional Buddhist ceremonies and offerings, such as lighting incense and offering flowers.

Overall, the Coral Pagoda is a unique and beautiful temple that offers visitors a glimpse into Thailand’s rich Buddhist culture and the natural beauty of the southern region.