Khao Tha Phet Wildlife Development and Conservation Station

Khao Tha Phet is a forested hill on the southern edge of Surat Thani town, run by the Department of National Parks as a wildlife development and conservation station — not a zoo, despite what the name suggests. The station covers roughly 2,900 rai of dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forest across three connected peaks, with the middle peak rising to about 210 metres. Entry is free. The station office keeps weekday hours only, Monday to Friday 09:00 to 16:00, though the hillside trail and the Phra That Si Surat chedi at the summit are accessible more broadly.

This is genuinely a forest reserve, not a wildlife park with cages or viewing platforms. The species recorded here — gaur, wild boar, hornbills, and assorted forest birds — live in the dry forest and mixed woodland that covers the hillside, and seeing any of them depends on timing and luck rather than a guided route past enclosures. Go expecting a quiet forest trail through native habitat, not close-up animal encounters.

Watch out: Don’t come specifically to see wildlife up close — this isn’t a rescue centre or sanctuary with resident animals on display, and claims that it is (including on some travel sites) are inaccurate. Treat any sighting as a bonus on what is primarily a forest walk.

What makes Khao Tha Phet worth the detour is what sits at the top: the Phra That Si Surat chedi, a Sri Vichai-style stupa built in 1957 and Surat Thani town’s first significant Buddhist monument, with a 360-degree view over the Tapi River and the town below. The forest station and the chedi share the same hill, so a visit naturally combines a short walk through the reserve with the climb to the summit landmark.

Insider Tip: Pair the two in one trip — walk the lower forest trail in the cooler morning hours, then continue up to the chedi for the panoramic view before the afternoon heat sets in.

Visit for the forest trail and the hilltop views over the Tapi River, not for a zoo-style wildlife encounter — that expectation is the one thing that will disappoint here.