About Chaiya
Chaiya is a small town of about 5,500 inhabitants on the Malay Peninsula, in Surat Thani province, south of the Kra Isthmus. The place has a long history and is often linked with the ancient Srivijaya empire. Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya has an ancient pagoda that is among the region's most important monuments. Wat Long is a ruin from the eighth or ninth century. The Chaiya National Museum is open Wednesday to Sunday. Suan Mokkh, the Garden of Liberation, is a Buddhist retreat centre founded in 1932 by Ajahn Buddhadasa. In the fishing village of Phumriang silk fabrics are woven by hand. Chaiya suits those seeking culture and calm. Chaiya lies on the railway line between Bangkok and the south, about 60 km north of Surat Thani. Many visitors come as a day trip from Surat Thani.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Driest from February to April, which is the best time for beaches and boats. From October to December a lot of rain falls (on Samui November is the wettest month, around 445 mm), and the sea can be rough. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Surat Thani by train or bus (about 1 hour, roughly 50 km); Chaiya station lies on the southern railway. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Chaiya
- Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya A temple with an ancient pagoda, among the region’s most important monuments.
- Wat Long A temple ruin from the eighth or ninth century.
- Suan Mokkh A Buddhist retreat centre founded in 1932 by Ajahn Buddhadasa.
- Phumriang A fishing village where silk is woven by hand.
