Phra That Si Surat

Open Days: The stupa area and hilltop viewpoint are open daily; the nature education building is open Monday – Friday

Opening Hours: Stupa area and hilltop viewpoint 08.00 – 17.00; nature education building 09.00 – 16.00

 

Phra That Si Surat in Royal Patronage, also known locally as Phra That Khao Tha Phet, is a sacred hilltop stupa in Mueang Surat Thani District. Set on Khao Tha Phet, about 6 km from Surat Thani city, it is known for its tall candle-like form, adapted Srivijaya architecture, royal historical connections, panoramic city views, and the annual Hae Pha Hom Phra That Si Surat tradition held on 26 – 27 March.

 

Phra That Si Surat in Royal Patronage stands on the summit of Khao Tha Phet in Makham Tia Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province. For local people, this sacred monument is more than a tourist attraction. It is the first major sacred stupa of the old Ban Don community, the historic urban area that later became central Surat Thani. The stupa was initiated by local residents and completed with support from many sectors in 1957, making it a symbol of civic faith, Buddhist devotion, and community cooperation.

 

The site combines a place of worship with a natural hilltop viewpoint. Visitors who reach the upper area will find a peaceful religious setting surrounded by mature trees and greenery. From the summit, the view opens across Surat Thani city and the surrounding landscape. This makes Phra That Si Surat suitable for travelers who want to pay respect at a meaningful Buddhist site, learn about local history, enjoy a quiet natural atmosphere, and see a different side of Surat Thani beyond the islands and ferry routes.

 

The stupa is visually distinctive. Its form rises in a tall, slender shape often compared to a large candle or an Ashoka pillar. The design blends adapted Srivijaya inspiration with early Rattanakosin artistic elements. Stucco decoration, a bright white body, gilded details, and a raised base give the monument a dignified presence against the forested background of Khao Tha Phet. The rebuilt structure is about 30.40 metres high and is one of the most recognizable religious landmarks in Surat Thani city.

 

The upper section of the stupa enshrines 2 relics of the Buddha and 16 relics of Buddhist disciples. For this reason, Phra That Si Surat is highly revered by local Buddhists. Visitors come to offer flowers, pay respect, make wishes, and reflect on the spiritual importance of the site. A visit here is therefore not only a sightseeing experience but also a way to understand how Buddhism, local identity, and the natural landscape are connected in Surat Thani.

 

One of the most important dates in the history of Phra That Si Surat is 27 March 1959. On that day, King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit visited Surat Thani, paid homage to the stupa, and planted Phayom trees near the monument for auspiciousness. The stupa was later taken under royal patronage, giving it the full name Phra That Si Surat in Royal Patronage. This royal connection remains central to the meaning of the site for the people of Surat Thani.

 

In 1976, structural damage and cracks were found at the base of the original stupa. A major restoration was required, and the old structure was dismantled before a new stupa was built. The redesign was led by Chit or Prakit Buabut, who created a form inspired by a Buddhist Lent candle. The lower base was arranged as a circular platform around the stupa, with stairways rising from 4 directions. Decorative planting spaces were placed between the stairways, and 8 surrounding niches were added to strengthen the architectural rhythm of the monument.

 

The rebuilt stupa shows careful craftsmanship. Above the lotus elements, the form rises as an octagonal candle-like shaft, then narrows upward through a sixteen-sided section toward the top. The finial includes lotus forms, flame motifs, a tiered umbrella element, and a trident-shaped crown. The auspicious start of dismantling the old structure took place on 7 May 1976, and the new structure was completed in 1979. Since then, Phra That Si Surat has once again stood prominently on Khao Tha Phet.

 

Another major royal event took place on 10 September 1984, when Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn presided over the ceremony to enshrine the relics in the stupa. She also planted a Khiam tree, the provincial tree of Surat Thani, as a memorial. Together with the Phayom trees planted in 1959, these trees give the site additional historical and symbolic value. They connect the sacred monument to royal memory, local botany, and the identity of Surat Thani Province.

 

The annual Hae Pha Hom Phra That Si Surat Lae Thammachat Khao Tha Phet tradition is the most important living cultural event associated with the stupa. Held every year on 26 – 27 March, it brings together the provincial administration, the Sangha, public agencies, private organizations, local communities, and visitors. The ceremony includes the preparation and procession of a sacred cloth and a Phra Bot cloth depicting Buddhist stories, which are carried from Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine to the stupa on Khao Tha Phet.

 

The act of wrapping the stupa with cloth expresses Buddhist faith and is understood as an offering comparable to presenting robes to the Buddha. During the festival, the city has a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere. Ceremonial worship is performed at the City Pillar Shrine and at Phra That Si Surat, followed by the procession and the cloth-wrapping rite on the hill. Many participants wear polite white or light-colored clothing to show respect for the sacred occasion.

 

For travelers visiting outside the festival period, Phra That Si Surat is best experienced at a calm pace. A typical visit begins with the ascent to Khao Tha Phet, followed by paying respect at the stupa, observing the architectural details, seeing the royal memorial trees, and taking in the city view. Morning and late afternoon are especially pleasant for photography and walking around the hilltop area, as the light is softer and the atmosphere is quieter.

 

Khao Tha Phet itself is also an important natural area in Surat Thani city. The hill is associated with the Khao Tha Phet Wildlife and Nature Education Center, where visitors can learn about dry evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest, local plant species, and wildlife that inhabit the area. The nature trail adds another layer to the visit, making this destination valuable for families, students, and travelers interested in both Buddhism and the environment.

 

The site is suitable for several types of travelers: cultural travelers, Buddhist pilgrims, families, photographers, and anyone looking for a meaningful stop close to the city. Because it is only about 6 km from central Surat Thani, it can easily be included in a half-day itinerary with Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, Ko Lamphu Public Park, the Tapi River waterfront, and local food spots in Mueang Surat Thani.

 

Getting there is straightforward by private car, rental car, or local hired vehicle. From Surat Thani city, take the Surat Thani – Ban Na San route toward Khao Tha Phet. The site is about 6 km from the city, with a left-hand side road leading toward the hill for another 1.5 km. Visitors using navigation apps can search for Phra That Si Surat or Khao Tha Phet. Drive carefully on the hill road and allow extra time during the annual festival.

 

Visitors should dress politely and behave respectfully at the stupa. Avoid loud noise in the worship area, do not climb onto the structure, do not touch sacred elements unnecessarily, and keep the area clean. During the annual cloth-wrapping ceremony, the route from the City Pillar Shrine to Khao Tha Phet becomes busy with local residents, officials, and pilgrims, so early planning is recommended.

 

Phra That Si Surat in Royal Patronage is one of the most meaningful places to understand Surat Thani beyond its role as a gateway to the islands. It brings together Buddhist faith, the history of Ban Don, royal heritage, local architecture, and the natural setting of Khao Tha Phet. For foreign travelers who want a deeper cultural experience in Surat Thani city, this hilltop stupa is a highly worthwhile stop.

 

 

A: Phra That Si Surat is located on Khao Tha Phet in Makham Tia Subdistrict, Mueang Surat Thani District, Surat Thani Province, about 6 km from the city center.

 

A: It is the first major sacred stupa of the old Ban Don community and enshrines 2 relics of the Buddha and 16 relics of Buddhist disciples.

 

A: The stupa area and hilltop viewpoint are open daily from 08.00 to 17.00. The nature education building is open Monday to Friday from 09.00 to 16.00.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee for visiting and paying respect at Phra That Si Surat.

 

A: The Hae Pha Hom Phra That Si Surat Lae Thammachat Khao Tha Phet tradition is held every year on 26 – 27 March.

 

A: From Surat Thani city, take the Surat Thani – Ban Na San route for about 6 km, then follow the left-hand road toward Khao Tha Phet for about 1.5 km.

 

A: Travelers can combine the visit with Khao Tha Phet Viewpoint, Surat Thani City Pillar Shrine, Ko Lamphu Public Park, San Chao Market, and the Tapi River waterfront.