Surat Thani: Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park
As you step through the ancient Phutthawadi Gate you feel yourself entering a realm of calmness and beauty at Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park and you’ll soon realise you are off-the-beaten-track in Surat Thani. Set amidst breathtaking mountain landscapes, Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park is a hidden gem perfect for meditation and reflection. Surrounded by rolling hills and vibrant greenery, this park offers a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty - Find out more here!
SURAT THANI
Be enchanted by the ancient 9-pointed archway, beautifully named Phutthawadi, which radiates magic when illuminated by the morning sun. Then climb to the Pagoda of Phra Phuttha Silawadi, crafted from laterite sourced from Kamphaeng Phet Province, gracefully resting atop a peak nearly 300 meters high.
Immerse yourself in this enchanting sanctuary, where tranquility reigns supreme and every moment invites peace and inspiration.
Before we visited Khao Na Nai Dharma Park we struggled to find really accurate information and so we hope that this guide will make your visit easier.
Entrance is free although donations are, of course, much appreciated. Remember this is a place of worship and as such you must be properly dressed, covered knees and shoulders. You will need to remove your shoes at each Pagoda.
The park consists of the entrance archway and six separate Pagodas set amidst rugged limestone karst scenery. The park is becoming a new popular destination among Thai locals.
The park is one of a few ‘sea of mist’ viewpoints within Thailand.
The nine peak entrance archway (ancient ‘Kao Yot’ styled) known as ‘Phutthawadi Gate’ is impressive and is best photographed at sunrise, although the sun does not line up perfectly in the centre of the arch, the warm colours bring the archway to life.
The Phutthawadi Gate and first stupa bathed in the morning sun make one of the best views in Southern Thailand.
There’s plenty of parking and two kiosks at the bottom sell hot and cold drinks, snacks and Thai food.
As we stayed overnight close by, we split our visit over two days.
The first afternoon we arrived just before sunset to familiarise ourselves with the park and we climbed up to Pagoda 2. The next morning headed to the park for sunrise to capture the archway and mist covered farmland, then climbed all the way up to Pagoda number 6 while it was still cool.
Just behind the archway there’s a beautiful pond with lotus flowers and fish. You can buy fish food in the kiosks.
There are a lot of dogs roaming around who all seemed friendly. One accompanied us on our climb all the way up to Pagoda 6 and back down.
It is not possible to climb Pagoda 1 as the pathway has been damaged.
Pagoda 1 viewed from Pagoda 2.
Pagoda 2 is a stand lone climb up and back down. It is 215 steps to the top on concrete stairs of varying steepness.
View of Pagodas 3-6 from Pagoda 2 at sunset.
Pagodas 3-6 are reached one after the other by stairs and connecting bridges.
Pagoda 3 at sunrise.
Pagoda 4 with it's 41 glittering stupas at sunrise. Devotees come here to pray for good luck, prostrating before a black Buddha sculpture and donating yellow marigolds.
Pagoda 5 adorned with rows of gilded Buddha statues and Phaya Nak serpents legendary in Thai mythology, boasts white mortar outside. Inside, the laterite bricks create dull, isolated sounds when you speak.
At Pagoda 6 there is a fish pond and fish food available to purchase.
Phra Phutta Silawadi (Pagoda 6) is the most important and sacred site built on a 300-meter-high peak. Created from laterite imported from Kamphaeng Phet province.
The inside of the pagoda houses sacred remains of the Buddha.
Stunning view from the top.
The climb up from the car park through Pagodas 3 - 6 is a round trip distance of 3.3km and it took us 2.30 hours. We stopped very often to take photographs and drone footage.
Pagoda 6 is 300m above the car park.
The route is concrete staircases with steps of varying height and steepness. Between each peak there are balustraded bridges connecting each one to the next.
Towards the back of the park at ground level there is a small enclosure with deers, you can buy deer food for THB10. The park also contain diverse wildlife and flora.
How To Get There
Ka Na Nai Luang Dharma Park is located in a peaceful community surrounded by nature. As there is no public transport to get there you will need to drive yourself or hire a driver.
From Khao Sok Village: 126km 2hours
From Ratchaprapha Pier: 35km 40 minutes
From Surat Thani International Airport: 74km 1 hour
Where To Stay
As there’s so much to see at Khao Na Nai Dharma Park and because it is quite remote you might consider staying over a night or two especially if you want to capture the best photographs or drone footage at both sun set and sunrise.
We stayed at Mountain O’Clock Homestay which was perfectly located only 500m from the park entrance. After an afternoon check in, we spent time familiarising ourselves with the layout of the park and climbed Pagoda number 2 just before sunset. We returned just before sunrise the next day to capture the entrance archway and the early morning fog rolling over the farmland before climbing to the highest Pagoda.
Mountain O’Clock is a family run homestay and has various accommodation options. We opted for the Local Hut which had everything we needed for an overnight stay. The quirky nature of the Local Hut really appealed to us and we weren’t disappointed. Find our more here.
Our host Wanida was very friendly and recommended other attractions to visit in the area.
When to Visit Kao Na Noi Luang Dharma Park
The best time to visit Kao Na Noi Luang Dharma Park is during the cooler months of November to February when the weather in Surat Thani is more temperate and pleasant for outdoor activities. However, the park is open year-round and offers a unique charm no matter the season. The mornings and late afternoons are particularly peaceful, offering a perfect opportunity for a quiet visit or a beautiful sunset view from the top of the hill.
During the cooler months, you can see the morning fog roll over the nearby farms.
Tips for Visiting Kao Na Noi Luang Dharma Park
Wear Comfortable Shoes: The hike to the summit is steep, so sturdy shoes are a must but remember you will need to remove them at each Pagoda.
Respect the Local Culture: As the park is a Buddhist site, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully, covered shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing revealing clothing and be mindful of the peaceful nature of the location.
Bring Water and Snacks: If you are arriving before sunrise the vendors in the car park may not be open and there’s not many vendors nearby. Be sure to bring water and light snacks if you plan to spend a lot of time exploring. Some of the Pagodas have water available for THB10 but it can run out.
There are toilets in the car park and at each Pagoda.
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Recommended to take:
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Camera
Bug Spray
Sunscreen
Hat and sunglasses
Small change for fish / deer food
Snacks
Water
Light clothing to cover knees and shoulders
History
Overlooking palm and rubber plantations on limestone mountains, this temple started its construction in 1997 to commemorate the ancient-Srivijaya roots that laid the foundation for the Surat Thani region. As maritime trade and commerce in that era helped spread Buddhism throughout Asia, stupas were originally built to safeguard Buddhist remains and relics.
Sometime around 1975 some 40 villagers left Cha-uat district and settled in Khao Na Nai in the Surat Thani Province of Southern Thailand. The area was at this time under control of the Communist Party. Villagers had to hold council with the party to negotiate living conditions within the area for those who had now made homes here. As living standards were improved the local population grew. When The Thai Government ended its pact with the Communist Party in 1982, the community grew paving the way for Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park, a name that refers to its Stupas built on the peaks.
The villagers cleared land before building the 'Phuttawadi gate', a 9 peak arch that is now the Temple entrance. Over time Pagodas were added which villagers hoped would be filled with relics of Buddha. The Pagoda containing the relics sits atop a 300m high peak surrounded by limestone mountains.
Today, sitting enthroned on jungle-cloaked limestone outcrops the park comprises of six Chedi sites – numbered in the chronological order in which they were built. The Stupas glittering in gold, white mortar spires and red laterite brick Chedis reminiscent of the Khmer empire make this place one of the most spellbinding sights of the Surat Thani Province, if not Thailand.
Conclusion: A Peaceful Retreat in
Surat Thani
Kao Na Noi Luang Dharma Park is a true gem in Surat Thani, offering visitors a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature and spiritual beauty. Whether you’re hiking to the summit for breathtaking views or reflecting in the presence of Buddha, this serene destination is perfect for those looking to slow down, reflect, and connect with the natural world.
So, if you find yourself in Surat Thani, make sure to carve out some time for a visit to Kao Na Noi Luang Dharma Park — it’s a place that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and connected to the tranquility of Thailand’s natural beauty.
Surat Thani is a gateway to Southern Thailand and so a visit here is not too far out of the way.
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