Khao Tha Phet Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Station

Open Days: Monday – Friday For The Visitor Building And Station Service Areas

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 16.00

 

Khao Tha Phet Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Station in Surat Thani is a forested hill close to the city center, covering 2,906 rai at 210 meters above sea level. It combines dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, an 800-meter nature trail, city viewpoints, wildlife observation opportunities, and Phra That Si Surat, one of the most meaningful Buddhist landmarks of Ban Don and Surat Thani.

 

Khao Tha Phet Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Station is located in Makham Tia Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province. It is one of the most accessible natural areas near Surat Thani city. The station is known for its forest environment, nature learning route, wildlife habitat, hilltop viewpoints, and the sacred Phra That Si Surat under royal patronage.

 

The area covers 2,906 rai and rises about 210 meters above sea level. This elevation makes Khao Tha Phet a small but meaningful hill landscape where visitors can look back over Surat Thani city, see the surrounding urban area, and experience a cooler, greener atmosphere only a short drive from downtown. The contrast between the busy city and the forested hill is one of the main reasons local residents and travelers value this place.

 

Khao Tha Phet was declared a national reserved forest in 1965 under the name Khao Tha Phet Forest Park. In 1976, the Wildlife Conservation Division established it as a nature and wildlife study center. Today, it is known as Khao Tha Phet Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Station, serving conservation, environmental education, and public nature learning purposes.

 

The forest inside the station consists mainly of dry evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest. Important plant species include takhian sai, kholan, krabok, and red rattan. Large trees provide shade throughout the area and create a natural learning environment where visitors can observe forest structure, plant diversity, soil conditions, shade, moisture, and wildlife habitat in a compact area close to the city.

 

Wildlife recorded in the area includes lesser mouse-deer, wild boar, bulbuls, sunbirds, and small warblers. These species show that Khao Tha Phet still functions as a living habitat for different groups of animals, from small mammals on the forest floor to birds in shrubs and tree canopies. Visitors should keep their voices low, avoid chasing animals, and never feed wildlife, as these actions help preserve natural behavior.

 

The hilltop is one of the most popular areas for visitors. From the upper part of Khao Tha Phet, travelers can enjoy broad views of Surat Thani city, surrounding roads, green areas, and the wider landscape. Morning visits are suitable for walking and birdwatching because the air is cooler and the light is softer. Late afternoon visits are good for city views, but visitors should leave before dark for safety.

 

Phra That Si Surat, also known as Phra That Khao Tha Phet, stands on the hilltop within the station area. Built in 1957, it is regarded as the first important Buddhist monument of Ban Don people and a major sacred landmark of Surat Thani. The stupa has a tall, slender form resembling a candle or an Ashoka pillar. It stands on an octagonal base and features stucco ornamentation in a style that combines Srivijaya influence with early Rattanakosin artistic elements.

 

Phra That Si Surat carries strong historical and spiritual significance. On March 27, 1959, King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit visited Surat Thani and paid respect at Phra That Si Surat. They also planted a payom tree as an auspicious symbol. In 1984, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the enshrinement of Buddha relics and planted a khiam tree, the provincial tree of Surat Thani, as a memorial.

 

The original stupa later became damaged and developed cracks at its base. It was dismantled and rebuilt into the tall, elegant form seen today. Set on the hilltop, the stupa is visually striking and spiritually important. Many visitors come to pay respect, make merit, appreciate the architecture, and enjoy panoramic views from the same area.

 

The most important annual tradition connected with Khao Tha Phet is the Robe Procession for Phra That Si Surat and Khao Tha Phet Nature, held on March 26 – 27 every year. The event brings together the provincial administration, the Buddhist clergy, public agencies, private organizations, local communities, and residents from across Surat Thani. It honors Phra That Si Surat and reinforces the role of Khao Tha Phet as both a sacred site and a natural landmark.

 

The annual ceremony includes rituals at Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, a worship ceremony for Phra That Si Surat, the celebration of the stupa robe, and a procession carrying painted Buddhist cloth and the robe from the City Pillar Shrine to Khao Tha Phet. Offering a robe to the stupa is an expression of Buddhist faith and devotion, symbolically comparable to offering monastic robes to the Buddha. The tradition is therefore a religious event, a cultural gathering, and a provincial expression of shared identity.

 

The station has an 800-meter nature trail with interpretive signs along the route. Visitors can walk independently and learn about forest plants, wildlife, and ecological relationships. The trail is not extremely long, but it is best approached with proper walking shoes, drinking water, and respect for the conservation setting. Staying on the trail helps protect plants, soil, and small animals that live in the forest floor.

 

The station also provides a camping area for visitors who wish to stay overnight. Travelers must bring their own tents and submit a written request to the head of Khao Tha Phet Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Station before staying. Overnight visitors should follow all conservation rules, avoid loud noise, refrain from lighting fires outside permitted areas, remove all waste, and avoid disturbing wildlife.

 

Khao Tha Phet is suitable for many types of visitors. Families can bring children to learn about nature. Students can use the site to understand forest ecology near an urban area. Local residents can visit for light exercise and fresh air. Cultural travelers can pay respect at Phra That Si Surat and learn about the religious history of Surat Thani. Nature lovers can enjoy trees, birds, shaded paths, and viewpoints in one compact destination.

 

A short visit usually takes 1 to 2 hours if the main purpose is to pay respect at the stupa and enjoy the view. Travelers who want to walk the nature trail, photograph plants, observe birds, and spend time in the forest should allow 2 to 3 hours. The morning is the best period for walking, while the late afternoon is suitable for views and photography.

 

Getting There is straightforward from Surat Thani city. The station is about 6 km from the city center on the Surat Thani – Ban Na San route. From the main road, a left turn leads toward the station office for another 1.5 km. Visitors can travel by private car, motorbike, or ride-hailing service. Because the route includes hill sections, drivers should be careful, especially during rain or low-light conditions.

 

Visitors without a private vehicle can use local transport or a ride-hailing service from downtown Surat Thani. Tell the driver to go to Khao Tha Phet or Phra That Si Surat. If planning to return in the evening, arrange the return trip in advance because public transport is less frequent around the hill than in the city center. Drivers should check their brakes and fuel before going uphill, even though the distance from town is short.

 

Clothing should be modest because the area includes a Buddhist sacred site. Visitors who plan to walk the nature trail should wear comfortable covered shoes with good grip. Bring drinking water, a hat, mosquito repellent, and a small bag for carrying your own waste back down. Responsible travel in a conservation area means not picking plants, not touching animals, not making loud noise, and not removing natural objects from the site.

 

Khao Tha Phet is valuable because it combines several travel experiences in one place. It is a forest conservation area, a wildlife learning site, a city viewpoint, a sacred Buddhist landmark, and the center of an annual provincial tradition. Few places near Surat Thani city offer this combination of nature, faith, history, and local identity within such a short travel distance.

 

For a well-rounded city itinerary, Khao Tha Phet can be combined with Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, San Chao Market, the Tapi River waterfront, Ko Lamphu, and Bang Bai Mai community. A good route is to visit Khao Tha Phet in the morning for nature and merit-making, then return to the city for local food. Another option is to go in the late afternoon for views and continue to a night market afterward.

 

 

A: It is in Makham Tia Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province, about 6 km from Surat Thani city center.

 

A: The visitor building and station service areas are open Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 16.00. The upper hill area can be visited even when the building is closed.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee.

 

A: Visitors can walk the 800-meter nature trail, study forest plants, observe wildlife, enjoy city views, and pay respect at Phra That Si Surat.

 

A: Yes. A camping area is available, but visitors must bring their own tents and submit a written request to the station head before staying overnight.

 

A: It was built in 1957, is considered the first important Buddhist monument of Ban Don people, and is the center of the annual robe procession tradition in Surat Thani.

 

A: Morning is best for nature walks and birdwatching, while late afternoon is good for viewpoints. Visitors should leave before dark for safety.

 

A: Nearby places include Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, San Chao Market, Ko Lamphu, the Tapi River area, and Bang Bai Mai community.