The Khao Sok National Park is Thailand's oldest virgin forest. Walk around the lush environment surrounded by limestone towers. This eco-tourism hotspot is popular for hiking, elehphant trekking, cave diving and so much wildlife sightseeing. Float down the rivers in some relaxing raft houses, or take a daring ride in a river tube.
One of the many attractions of the Khao Sok National Park is the Chiaw Lan Lake is a beautiful, man-made area consisting of a shale-clay dam called Ratchaprapha. Take in the sights of the limestone jutting over nine hundred meters into the air. Charter boats from the locals will take you to explore the many natural wonders around the lake including coves, canals, caves and cul-de-sacs.
There are also two caves that can be accessed by foot from the southwestern shore of the lake. Be careful where you walk, though, especially during the rainy season. The Tham Nam Thalu displays amazing limestone formations and subterranean streams. The Tham Si Ru is made up of four converging passageways. It was once used as a hideout for communists between 1975 and 1982.
For a more unique place to visit, check out the monkey training college. Here you will see the trainer instructing monkeys on how to collect coconuts. It is all animal-friendly – no punishments here.
If you are looking to push yourself closer to enlightenment on your vacation, journey into the lush forest to he Wat Suan Mokkhaphalaram, or the "Garden of Liberation." This retreat offers a ten-day program including food, lodging and instruction. Run by the International Dharma Hermitage, this experience includes guidance in Zen, Taoist and Christian elements, along with the traditional Theravada teachings.
For the perfect start to the best date night, take your loved one to the oyster farm. This famous mood-setting food is grown and cultivated in the waters of the Kadae and Tha Thong rivers. This unique atmosphere creates large and succulent oysters for you to select for your lunch.
To truly get in touch with this city, visit the life force of the people – the Tapi River. This is a central point of transportation for many of the locals. After the sun goes down, the area really comes to life. The life is in the light of the fireflies. Make sure you visit to see them light up the mangrove forest.
A nice way to explore destinations in Surat Thani is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Longtail Boat Tour to Koh Madsum and Koh Tan with Lunch for $71 details
- Adventure trip in koh Phangan for $120 details
- Koh Samui Island Hopping Adventure in Coral and Pig Island for $48 details