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.

Wat Khao Suwan Pradit is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. It is situated on a hill called Khao Suwan Pradit, which is also known as the Golden Hill. The temple complex includes several structures, such as a main prayer hall, a pagoda, and a meditation hall.

One of the main attractions of the temple is the 18-meter-tall golden Buddha statue, which is located at the top of the hill. Visitors can climb the stairs to the top of the hill to see the statue and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Another notable feature of the temple is the pagoda, which is decorated with intricate carvings and houses relics of the Buddha. Visitors can also explore the meditation hall, which is a quiet and peaceful space for contemplation and reflection.

Overall, Wat Khao Suwan Pradit is a beautiful and serene temple complex that offers visitors a glimpse into Thailand’s rich Buddhist heritage.

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Bang Riang, Thap Put, Muang, Phang Nga 82000, Thailand

10.03.2023

Road Trip Nakhon Si Thammarat 2023

04.03.2023

The Coral Pagoda that sits in Khao That, otherwise known as Por Thao Khao That.

This temple is 1,000 years old and is revered as a sacred area that’s used as a place to pay homage.

Apart from the Helter skelter drive up to it, its views are stunning and well worth the twisty road. My visit there was breathtaking as I looked out around some of Thailand’s most beautiful Countryside and hills.

It was apparently built by Chinese immigrants on their way to Surat Thani. When they stopped there for a break the local people told them, Surat Thani already has a Pagoda, so they built the Coral one there instead and apparently as legend goes there is treasure (of some sort) hidden within it!

Note there is no shade on the actual Pagoda area, and it was very very hot underfoot (shoes not allowed)

During my visit to Surat Thani recently I stopped by one of the most stunning City Pillar shrines I have ever seen.
It is located near the Tapee River which runs alongside the road that separates it from the busy road, and you can get a good look at the suspension bridge from by the gates.

This city pillar is made from wood of the Golden Shower Tree (CasiaFitsula). (it actually looks like white marble). The top of the pillar is carved into a 4-faced Avalo kite. Vara Bodhisattva looking in the 4 directions.

This is a common style of the city pillars around Thailand. On the large hair curls, there is a Buddha image in the attitude of meditation, which is considered as the guardian of the direction, according to Srivijaya’s belief. Moreover, wood carving of this pillar shows delicate floral motifs in Srivijaya style.

A well-kept shrine which is considered by many to be the symbol of the city, the City Pillar Shrine or San Lak Muang is located in the heart of the city. Standing near the Tapee River, this shrine is lit up colourfully at night and is a great spot to spend some time in the city.

Haad Kwang Pao Beach

Just got back from my break and have got some lovely photos of places I have visited.

Today we start with Haad Kwang Pao Beach, which when i arrived there was empty and I had the place to myself, heaven! But for how long?

Haad Kwang Pao beach is about 14 kilometer in the north of Khanom it is well posted from the main road.

The beach itself is formed like a halfmoon and fine sandy. some resorts and beach bars are located in the back, but it seems that not many tourists found the road to kwang pao beach. it was really empty, and we were the only tourists we saw. at kwang pao beach…generally on the different beaches of the Khanom area mostly Thai people take their holidays. This depends on the cheap prices for resorts and restaurants, which still exist in that region.

we had wind and waves and we just moved hip deep into the water, but it was deep enough to swim, as the beach slopes gently to the sea and so kwang pao is perfect for families with small children.

The beach is well protected…at the Northend are cliffs located…at the south end there’s a pier with a few seafood restaurants and shops. the vegetation directly on the beach is reduced, because behind the resorts and restaurants is where the beach road is located.

The atmosphere at kwang pao beach was really quiet and peaceful, with just the sound of the waves breaking on the shore. we were alone at the beach the whole time I was taking photos.
This is a natural heritage site too, so pink dolphins, turtles and other marine life can be in the offing.