Chak Phra festival, Surat Thani 2024Wat Khao Si Wichai

See this boat in 360°

Thai name

วัดเขาศรีวิชัย

Location

Si Wichai Subdistrict, Phunphin District, Surat Thani

Background

The temple stands on a low hill that is a major archaeological site of the Tapi River basin, with finds from roughly the 7th–11th centuries. Summit ruins are thought to be a Vaishnavite shrine, and a Vishnu image was found there. The temple registry gives 582 as the founding year, based on the age of the ruins.

What to see

• Khao Phra Narai (Khao Si Wichai) ancient monument on the hilltop
• Old brick-and-stucco ordination hall with load-bearing walls, tiled timber roof and ceramic-decorated door and window arches
• Buddha image in the Palelai posture in front of the ordination hall
• Eleven gilded Buddha images in the Maravijaya posture inside the ordination hall
• Finds of Srivijaya-period votive tablets and many beads