Many people who plan to visit Surat Thani probably think of Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, or Khao Sok National Park. Today, I will introduce tourist attractions other than these three places. Let's follow me.

1. Boat tour of the Hundred Canals.

The journey began at the pier in front of the Office of the Attorney General Region 8. The boatman then steered the boat along the Tapi River. Every time a boat passed by, I couldn't help but feel a thrill. The waves from the passing boat hit the boat I was in, causing it to shake. However, it wasn't long before the boatman steered the boat into a canal.

The Khlong Roi Sai canal is a tributary of the Tapee River before it flows into the sea. In the past, there were no roads, so villagers built their houses along the canal. Even today, with the construction of roads, many families still maintain their traditional way of life, using boats as their local means of transportation. This has led to the development of this type of ecotourism.

The boat trip was lined with nipa palms, a type of mangrove that plays a vital role in marine life conservation and coastal erosion prevention. Nipa palms are also a versatile resource, with their leaves used for wrapping food and roofing, their fruits and sap consumed as food and desserts. The highlight of the trip, however, was undoubtedly the nipa palm tunnel.

The fruits of the palm tree are tightly packed together at the end of the flower stalk, forming a cluster called a bunch. A single bunch can contain approximately 50-120 fruits. Along the way, we saw many palm fruits. I just learned that the bunches we saw were no longer edible because they were too old. I couldn't help but feel a little disappointed.

A water monitor lizard emerged to greet me.

The boat trip takes approximately 1 hour. Each boat can accommodate 6 people and costs 50 baht per person. Alternatively, you can rent the entire boat for 300 baht.

For those interested in cruising the Khlong Roi Sai, please contact the Khlong Roi Sai Tourism Promotion Club (086-2676695, 077-205323).

2. Embrace the mist at Hin Pha Daeng in Khiri Rat Nikhom.

It is recommended to depart early in the morning, as the fog will not wait for you.

The road leading to Hin Pat is relatively convenient and well-maintained. However, the final approach to the site involves a steep incline. If you are not comfortable driving on steep roads, it is recommended to hire a local car for 200 baht, which can accommodate up to 10 passengers. The steep section of the road is approximately 500 meters long, followed by a parking lot at the top. From there, it is a 200-300 meter walk to the site. The local authorities have constructed a well-maintained walkway for this final stretch.

A natural wonder lay before me. A massive boulder balanced precariously on a rocky ledge, its base a mere meter wide yet supporting a six-meter-tall rock. Remarkably, the base of the boulder was separated from the surrounding ledge. This morning, I witnessed a breathtaking sea of fog.

3. Rachaprapha Dam

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

The Ratchaprapha Dam, managed by the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, is adjacent to Khao Sok National Park. Tourists often take boat trips to admire the dam's stunning scenery, featuring unique and picturesque limestone mountains. This has earned it the nickname "Thailand's Guilin." Numerous floating resorts are available within the dam. While I initially planned to stay overnight at one of these resorts, an unforeseen circumstance resulted in the cancellation of my reservation.

Near the Ratchaprapha Dam, there is another interesting spot: the heart-shaped suspension bridge. Initially, I was unaware of the bridge's existence near the dam. However, my desire for durian led me to search on Google, where I discovered the "Khlong Saeng durian," a local variety grown in Ban Theppitak. Determined to find it, I ventured into Ban Theppitak. Along the way, I saw no durian trees, only rubber plantations. I inquired with local residents, who informed me that durians were available at Wat Khao Phang, where the heart-shaped suspension bridge is located. This was like hitting two birds with one stone: I could enjoy durian and visit the bridge simultaneously.

The Theppitak Suspension Bridge was built to cross the Saeng Canal, facilitating travel for local residents. The bridge stands next to a mountain whose peak resembles a heart shape, leading locals to call it the "Heart-Shaped Suspension Bridge".

Upon closer inspection, the peak of the mountain on the left resembles a heart shape. This angle may not be clear due to the large tree obstructing the tip of the heart.

4. The Baan Nam Rad Headwaters Forest of Khiri Rat Nikhom

Reaching the Baan Nam Rad headwaters forest requires a considerable journey from the main road. The route is relatively narrow and riddled with potholes. The entrance to the forest is marked by a rubber plantation, where parking is available. Admission is free, but there is a 20 baht parking fee per vehicle.

The regulations for entering the upstream forest are quite strict. Weapons, food, and beverages of any kind are prohibited. The use of soap and shampoo is also forbidden. Toilet paper, diapers, and pets are not allowed inside. At the entrance, officials will thoroughly inspect the bags of tourists entering the area, similar to airport security checks.

From the entrance, we had to walk about 200 meters. The path was shaded by the trees, and before we knew it, we saw a bright blue pond in the middle of the forest.

This area is likely the source of this stream. It is estimated to be a spring.

The water is incredibly clear, allowing you to see small fish without even needing to dive. Tourists enjoy swimming here, making it feel like a natural swimming pool in the middle of the forest.

At the far end, there are boats available for rent for 50 baht per boat, which can accommodate 2-3 people. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, try paddling a boat. The paddling distance is about 1 kilometer.

Despite the slightly challenging journey, a considerable number of tourists still choose to visit this location for relaxation. If you wish to avoid large crowds, it is recommended to arrive early in the morning.

5. Khlong Nam Sai, Kiri Rat Nikhom

The journey to Khlong Nam Sai is more convenient than the Pa Ton Nam Ban Nam Rat forest because it is closer to the main road and the road conditions are better. Khlong Nam Sai is also located in the Kiri Rat Nikhom district.

Admission to Khlong Nam Sai is free, but there is a 20 baht parking fee per car. The walk from the entrance to Khlong Nam Sai is approximately 100 meters.

A narrow canal, hidden amidst lush vegetation, provides shade along its entire length. It is said that this canal originates from a natural mineral spring that bubbles up from underground. The water is crystal clear, and it is said that those who bathe in it will have their skin become radiant. The veracity of this claim is unknown. The canal is approximately 3 kilometers long and flows into the Phum Duang Canal.

Unfortunately, the water was not as clear as its name suggests when I visited, as it had recently rained. Hopefully, I will have the opportunity to return and see it in its full glory. It is still a noteworthy location in the Khiri Rat Nikhom district.

I hope these 5 tourist attractions I have recommended will be another option for visiting Surat Thani without the sea.