About 70 kilometers from the land entrance of Khao Sok National Park and roughly the same distance from Surat Thani lies Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park, a Buddhist complex whose elements are spread across four mountain peaks. The highest peak reaches 300 meters above sea level. The Phutawadi Gate, which marks the entrance to the temple, is a popular photo spot. Many Thais come just to have their picture taken in front of it without going any further. Yet it's a sprawling complex with breathtaking views from the peaks! I think it's now my favorite mountain temple in Thailand. I thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the sunrise there and climbing three of the elements at dawn. The view on the way to the second white chedi (the third element) is simply magical! The Khao Na Nai community began settling here in 1975, when the area was under the control of the Communist Party. After the Thai government ended its pact with the Communist Party in 1982, temples and schools were built. Among these projects was what is now Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park. The climb to the first two temples is quite easy and short, while the climb to the third is a bit more strenuous. However, if you're fit enough, you shouldn't miss it – the best view is just before the white chedi! The best time to visit Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park is at sunrise, when it's at its most beautiful!

No entrance fee. Although it's rare for the sun to rise precisely at the level of the entrance arch, the Phutawadi gate is often bathed in the warm colors of sunrise. From there, you can climb up and admire the landscape, element by element. Those who can easily climb elements 1 and 2 should descend to the parking lot and use the rear entrance to the third element. While this climb is the most strenuous, it also offers the most breathtaking view. I didn't find a way to the fourth element, built of brick, but I was already so impressed and exhausted from the climb to the third that I didn't insist on it. Note that there's an enclosure with deer near the parking lot, but that's not the main attraction of this temple. Be prepared for stray dogs at sunrise. They weren't dangerous to me, as is sometimes the case in Thailand, but caution is still advised.

There is no public transport to Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park (found on Google Maps as Thamma Park (Ban Khao Na Nai)). You will need transportation. Allow an hour's drive from Surat Thani or the land entrance to Khao Sok Park, and 40 minutes from the Ratchaprapha Dam on Chiew Lan Lake. Local agencies or hotels can arrange excursions, which can be combined with a visit to the natural swimming pool, Ban Nam Rad.

Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park is a temple. When visiting a temple in Thailand, there are some rules to observe: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), remove shoes upon entering the buildings, remain quiet, avoid hugs and kisses, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, and smoking is prohibited.

How to get there

How do I get to Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park? There is no public transport to Khao Na Nai Luang Dharma Park (found on Google Maps as Thamma Park (Ban Khao Na Nai)). You will need transportation. Allow an hour's drive from Surat Thani or the land entrance to Khao Sok Park, and 40 minutes from the Ratchaprapha Dam on Chiew Lan Lake. Local agencies or hotels can arrange excursions, which can be combined with a visit to the natural swimming pool, Ban Nam Rad.