Surat Thani Province

Chaiya

The somewhat rather nondescript town of Chaiya is located about 50 km north of Surat Thani township. But behind what seems just another provincial town lays the antiquities of the long ago mighty Srivajayan Empire. From relics found in the region it has even questioned historians as to the actual whereabouts of the capital of  the great empire.

The empire which existed from the 7th - 13th centuries was ruled by the Sailendra dynasty from Java, controlled not only Java but also the island of Sumatra and the whole of the Malay peninsula. By the end of the 8th century its power had expanded into southern Thailand up to the Kra isthmus.

The Mahayana Buddhist Srivajayan empire had cultural and commercial connections with Dvaravati, India and a large part of south east Asia. Relics of fine splendour from this age can be found on display in the National Museum in Bangkok and Nakhon Si Thammarat. One of the more majestic pieces being the bronze Avalokitesvara Bodhissatva, housed in Bangkok.


Places of Attraction


Wat Phra Boromthat Chaiya
The temple is located 2 km west of town, off Highway 41. The temple is the most prominent in Chaiya and one of the most revered in Thailand. Constructed in 757 A.D., it is considered the finest example of Srivajayan structures. Inside a courtyard lies the spectacle of the temple, the 1200 years old, 24 m high Borom That Chaiya chedi. The surrounding passageway to the chedi contains 183 Srivajayan Buddha images of various styles and sizes. Attached to the temple is a small museum which exhibits a collection of archaeological finds from the district.

Wat Kaew
This site is noted for its restored Srivajayan stupa, which is similar to the 9th century Cham structures, but also shows distinct Javanese influences.

Wat Suan Mok
This is Chaiya's best known wat and has become an international Buddhist retreat. It is set into a backdrop of forest, at the foot of Khao Phutta Thong, 6 km south of Chaiya, off Highway 41. The wat only came into existence in 1932, when it was founded by the late Phra Buddhadasa Bhikkhu. The original site was at the nearby village of Ban Phumriang, but it relocated to the present site in 1959.
The temple runs 10 day meditation courses which start at the beginning of every month. The small fee of 900 Baht covers the cost and includes basic accommodation, two vegetarian meals a day at 08:00 and 13:00 and instruction from the monks. Visitors are allowed into the grounds to appreciate the tranquility and wander around the workshops.