Day Trip To Chaiya!

A few weeks back I agreed to take on a few extra hours each week tutoring a university lecturer who is preparing to move to England to complete her PhD. What I didn't realize was that not only would I end up really enjoying our lessons, I also have found myself an awesome new friend! I have enjoyed getting to know Pat and this week at our usual lesson we got to talking about museums and other attractions in Suratthani, she generously offered to take me to Chaiya to see the famous Suan Mokkh Buddhist monastery as well as a few other stops along the way!!

First, after a drive through her campus at Rajchapat University, we stopped at a nearby museum which ended up being closed because they were preparing for a performance. However, we weren't turned away as I expected, instead they ushered us in and started giving me music lessons and showing me all of the traditional Thai instruments that they play!! I was in awe of their openness and hospitality, they told me to come back anytime if I wanted to learn more!

Next, we were off to Chaiya – a province of Suratthani just North of our amphoe (district) that is known for their forest temple (Suan Mokkh) as well as their salted eggs! Suan Mokkh was founded by a revolutionary buddhist in the 1930s who was responsible for changing the face of Buddhism as it is known today, he was pointedly against materialism and commercialism and insisted on finding a place deep within nature to found his monastery. The name literally refers to the “untying of sorrow” and today there are still many monks who live at the monastery and they hold daily meditations that anyone can join. There is also an international meditation center across the street that hosts 10-day meditation retreats in English; however, at the original temple anyone can come and stay for meditation for as long as they would like – all by donation.

About 4 km up the road from Suan Mokkh we stopped at a temple, or Wat, called Wat Phraborommathatchaiyaratchaworawihan. Here we enjoyed the many seated Buddhas and the Sri Wichai style architecture.

Finally, we headed to the water – Laem Poh was a really nice park located right on the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Perfect ending for a great day of exploring and learning about Surat, Thai culture, and Buddhism!