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Photo: Dharmadana, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Celebrates the return of Gautama Buddha from heaven to earth to be greeted by multitudes. The celebration takes place every year immediately after the end of three month rain retreat, about October. It is celebrated in many parts of southern Thailand, but especially in Surat Thani. The evening prior to Chak Phra Day, billboards are erected showing Buddha's story around the city and celebrations continue day and night. On land, the splendidly adorned floats are pulled across the town by the participants. At the same time, on water a float decorated with colourful Thai designs carries Buddha's image. Chak Phra festivities conclude with a boat race and traditional games.
Chak Phra is a Buddhist festival that is celebrated annually in Southern Thailand and Northern Malaysia. The name "Chak Phra" could be translated as “Pulling the Buddha”, “pulling of the Buddhist monks”, or “pulling of ceremonial Buddha image carriages”.
A "must see" in Surat Thani, this picturesque riverside market offers a range of ready-to-eat foods. The market also features a large fish pond, live music, and canal boat rides (at a cost). This market is on Sundays only and even though it's open until 15:00, it’s best to go before noon.
ศาสหลีกเมือง
Former site of the provincial administration building. The building was first destroyed when the Japanese invaded Thailand on 8 December 1941 and landed in Surat Thani. The building caught fire during the short battle and burned down. It was reopened in 1954. On 19 March 1982 it was destroyed again by a bomb planted by communist rebels, killing 5 people. This is a religious shrine and, although it is not a temple, dress appropriately and to remove shoes when entering the structure.
Khao Tha Phet (เขาท่าเพชร)
Khao Tha Phet is a hill outside of the city centre. It has an elevation of about 210 m (689 ft) and offers a good view over the town. On top of the hill is the Sri Surat stupa (also known by its common name, Phra That Khao Tha Phet), which was built in Srivijavan-style in 1957. The stupa contains a Buddha relic donated by India. Next to the stupa is a sweet shorea tree (Shorea roxburghii) planted by King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
เกาะลำพู
A small, car-free island on the Tapi River offering walking & biking paths, exercise equipment, and a playground. Great place to play volleyball and basketball.
A city park offering walking & biking paths, exercise equipment, and a playground. There's also a large fish pond where you can buy fish food to feed the fish.
Khuntalay Swamp
Khun Thale Swamp, despite its name, is a picturesque marshland just south of the city centre. A local fishing spot for many years, the area is undergoing renovations (May 2018) to make the area more accessible. Despite ongoing renovations to the boardwalk, the area is still a great place for cycling. Paddle boats are available for a small fee to take out into the swamp. A troop of wild monkeys also lives on the south side of the swamp.