Thailand The Johnsons

Khanom Beach is a beautiful and secluded beach located in Khanom, a district in the Nakhon Si Thammarat province of Thailand. It is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and serene atmosphere. The beach is relatively quiet and peaceful, making it a perfect destination for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some time in nature.

One of the main attractions of Khanom Beach is the chance to spot pink dolphins. These rare and endangered dolphins are often seen swimming in the waters off the coast of Khanom, and there are several tour operators who offer dolphin watching tours.

In addition to dolphin watching, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy at Khanom Beach. Visitors can go snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, serving up delicious Thai cuisine and fresh seafood.

Overall, Khanom Beach is a hidden gem in Thailand, offering a peaceful and picturesque escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The beautiful green Island park of Ko Lamphu on the river Mae Nam Tapi is neatly landscaped around a central lake. There are various sports courts (badminton, futsal, basketball and volleyball) and picnic areas buzzing throughout the evening, as well as lanes for cyclists and joggers. Ko Lamphu is Surat’s finest public green space and a wonderful place to sit and watch locals literally at play.

Lamphu island is in the Tapi River in the centre of Suratthani. It is accessed by crossing the river via the main road bridge( brightly illuminated at night) from near the City Pillar shrine. Once over the bridge, turn left and you will soon come to the entrance to the island where the road( beware of cars and motorbikes particularly in the evening) crosses another, smaller bridge on to the island. On the island are many different sports facilities so you can walk, run, cycle, use apparatus or play ball or racket games. All in all, the equipment is kept in pretty good condition.
There will be several food stalls particularly at the entrance, toilets and places to relax. There is a sizeable car park. Most areas can be accessed by wheel chairs.
It is very popular with the locals and can get quite busy particularly in the evening when it’s cooler.

Ratchaprapha Dam, also known as the Cheow Lan Dam, is a large hydroelectric dam located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The dam was built in the 1980s to generate electricity for the region and to regulate the flow of the Klong Saeng River.

The Ratchaprapha Dam is also known for its stunning natural beauty. The dam is surrounded by lush forests and towering limestone cliffs, creating a scenic and peaceful atmosphere. The reservoir created by the dam is called the Cheow Lan Lake and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.

Visitors to the Ratchaprapha Dam can take a boat tour of the Cheow Lan Lake to explore the scenic surroundings and spot wildlife, such as monkeys, birds, and fish. The lake is also a popular spot for kayaking, swimming, and fishing.

Near the dam, there is also a small village where visitors can learn about the local culture and sample traditional Thai food. The village also offers a variety of eco-tourism activities, such as hiking, camping, and bird watching.

Overall, the Ratchaprapha Dam and the Cheow Lan Lake offer visitors a chance to explore the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of southern Thailand while also providing an important source of electricity for the region.

St. Raphael Cathedral, also known as Surat Thani Cathedral, is a Catholic church located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The cathedral was established in 1932 and is named after St. Raphael the Archangel, who is considered the patron saint of travelers.

The cathedral is known for its distinctive architecture, which features a mix of European and Thai styles. The interior of the church is adorned with colorful stained glass windows and intricate carvings, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.

St. Raphael Cathedral is an important religious and cultural landmark in Surat Thani province. The cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop of the Surat Thani diocese and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.

Visitors to St. Raphael Cathedral can attend Catholic mass, participate in religious ceremonies and events, and explore the history and architecture of the church. The cathedral is also surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is a peaceful and tranquil place to relax and reflect.

Overall, St. Raphael Cathedral is a unique and important religious site in Surat Thani province.

Wat Tham Singkhon is a Buddhist temple located in Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. The temple is known for its natural beauty, as it is situated in a limestone cave complex surrounded by lush forests and hills.

To reach the temple, visitors must climb a staircase that leads to the entrance of the cave. Inside the cave, visitors can explore the various chambers and passageways, some of which are adorned with intricate carvings and Buddha statues.

One of the highlights of Wat Tham Singkhon is the main shrine room, which is located deep inside the cave and features a large reclining Buddha statue. The statue is considered one of the largest reclining Buddha statues in Thailand, measuring over 30 meters in length.

In addition to the main shrine room, there are also several other shrines and prayer halls throughout the cave complex. You will also see some interesting and complex cave art on the ceiling of the cave as you enter.

Outside the cave, there are several buildings and structures that make up the temple complex, including a bell tower and a stupa. The temple also offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby Tapee River.