Chaiya — Ancient Srivijaya Capital
The ancient Srivijaya capital — Chaiya's 9th-century chedi and museum hold some of Southeast Asia's finest early Buddhist sculpture, yet see almost no tourists.
About this Place
Chaiya is one of Thailand's most historically significant towns, believed to be a major centre of the Srivijaya maritime empire that dominated Southeast Asia from the 7th–13th centuries. The Chaiya National Museum houses Buddhist sculpture of the Srivijaya period including a famous 8th-century Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statue considered a masterpiece of Southeast Asian art. Wat Phra Borommathat Chaiya — an active temple — contains a 9th-century chedi of undeniable antiquity and elegance, one of the few surviving Srivijaya structures in Thailand. The town is 50km north of Surat Thani on the Gulf coast railway line, making it a practical day trip. Few tourists visit despite its extraordinary historical significance. A perfect stop for history-minded travellers combining with Wat Suan Mokkh nearby.
Location
9.3739, 99.1933
More Nearby Locations
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Surat Thani's authentic riverside night market — Southern Thai and Muslim-influenced street food along the Tapee River with zero tourist crowds.
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