Hey! Lead from the forest.

While Takua Pa is often associated with its rich history, the city offers a diverse range of experiences beyond its ancient charm.

Today, we will embark on a journey that will leave you saying "Wow!" Get ready to be amazed by the incredible tourist destinations in the city of Takua Pa.

1. The Old Market, with its rows of "Sino-Portuguese" style buildings lining the street, has become a popular photo spot for tourists seeking unique and stylish shots.

Unfortunately, our visit did not coincide with a Sunday. Every Sunday evening, the Old Market Cultural Street comes alive with locals selling a variety of goods, including traditional food and snacks. The atmosphere evokes a sense of stepping back in time several decades. The area is also known for its dim sum and mee sua, which are popular breakfast choices and reflect the city's rich history.

2. Takua Pa Riverside Market

Located just past the Takua Pa Bus Terminal, the Takua Pa Riverside Market is a vibrant hub of local commerce. Situated along a picturesque canal, the market boasts an array of stalls offering a diverse selection of goods, including fresh produce, delicious local cuisine, and handcrafted souvenirs. With its affordable prices and friendly atmosphere, the Takua Pa Riverside Market provides a unique and immersive experience for visitors seeking an authentic taste of Thai culture.

This vibrant event showcases the diverse and delectable local cuisine of Takua Pa, renowned for its unique flavors. A stage provides a platform for talented children to display their singing and performance skills, while tourists are invited to join the locals in a harmonious sing-along.

In addition, there are boats available for tourists to take a boat trip to admire the beautiful scenery of the two banks of the Takua Pa River, which is more than 8 kilometers long, for only 50 baht per person.

3. The Kok Khanun Iron Bridge, also known as the Boon Sung Iron Bridge, is an iron bridge from the prosperous tin mining era that stretches across the grasslands and the Takua Pa River. When driving past, you cannot help but be struck by its prominence.

The long, iron bridge is a captivating sight, attracting passersby to stop and take記念 photos. The contrast between the bridge and the lush green fields is striking, especially during the rainy season when mist hangs over the mountains, creating a picturesque scene.

Furthermore, we encountered a group of water buffaloes grazing under the steel bridge, further enhancing the natural ambiance.

Tsunami Memorial Park, Ban Nam Khem

This park features a curved concrete wall symbolizing a giant wave. On one side, an old fishing boat damaged by the tsunami rests on the beach. On the other side, a walkway runs parallel to a sloping earthen wall paved with alternating bricks and ceramic tiles. Engraved on brass plaques lining the wall are the names of those who perished in the 2004 tsunami, serving as a poignant reminder of the disaster.

A Walk Through Memory: Visiting the Tsunami Memorial Park and Paying Respects

Just a short walk from the Tsunami Memorial, we stopped to pay our respects at the large Buddha statue enshrined on the beachfront of Ban Nam Khem. Nearby, we also visited the statue of Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, the Prince of Chumphon. The surrounding Tsunami Memorial Park at Ban Nam Khem offered a serene atmosphere, shaded by lush trees and rows of towering pine trees.

Moreover, the pristine beach in this area is as beautiful as any other. In addition, the memorial built to commemorate the loss of life during that time further enriches the area with stories that allow us to see the transformation from the past to the present.

5. Bang Sak Beach: Before reaching the beach, we encountered several pigs along the road. Locals call them "pigs that defecate in the forest."

Bang Sak Beach is a tranquil beach with a long stretch of sand lined by pine trees. The surrounding area boasts a variety of seafood restaurants, offering a delightful culinary experience for tourists seeking relaxation or exploration.

Another aspect we want our friends to experience is the breathtaking sunset. It's a refreshing sight that adds to the charm of visiting this beach.

6. Thap Tawan Beach is an extension of Bang Sak Beach, stretching further out. It may not be well-known, as Thap Tawan Beach only emerges when the tide recedes.

From Bang Sak Beach, you can see a chain of rocks stretching out into the sea. As you drive up to the beach, you'll be amazed by its beauty. The rocks that we saw from afar have turned into a sandy area where you can walk straight to the sea. Plus, the view of the sea and mountains is truly breathtaking.

Our journey involved a variety of transportation methods, including buses, shared taxis known locally as "songthaews," and even adventurous rides in the back of pickup trucks, exposing us to the elements. This diverse range of experiences provided a unique and enriching perspective on local travel customs.

On behalf of the students of Prince of Songkla University, Surat Thani Campus, Faculty of Arts and Management Sciences, Department of Tourism and Recreation Management, we would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has visited our travel review of Takua Pa.