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Places |
Surat
Thani, the mainland departure point for ferries to Samui, is a bustling
fishing and ship-building center. An unassuming place, it possess a certain
charm, and a casual stroll around town or a canal tour on the Tapi river
is rewarding for the glimpses it affords of typical southern culture.
Surat Thani is also famous for its oyster farms, harvesting a giant species
of the mollusk.
About
45 minutes drive north of Surat Thani, Chaiya has historical importance
as one possible site of the capital of the ancient Sri Vijaya kingdom.
Chaiya's main sights is Wat Phra Boromathat Chaiya, a highly revered temple
with a chedi believed to be more than 1,000 years old and thus one of
the few surviving examples of Sri Vijayan architecture. A few km west
of Chaiya is Wat Suan Mokkha, "Monastery of Flowing Water", which is a
tranquil meditation center for both Thais and foreigners set amid a peaceful
natural park.
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