Is there an entry fee for Pak Nam Kadae?

Surat Thani Attractions

Pak Nam Kadae

Pak Nam Kadae in Surat Thani is Thailand's largest natural oyster farming area, famous for its giant, fresh oysters. Located in Kanchanadit District, this coastal area features a unique brackish water ecosystem where freshwater from 16 streams meets the sea. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at the local market and explore a scenic 1-kilometer mangrove nature trail.

About this Place

History & Significance

Pak Nam Kadae (also known as the mouth of the Kadae Canal) has a rich history dating back to around 1767 (B.E. 2310), when it served as an important port town known as "Ban Tha Thong Mai," where large trading ships from China would dock. The Kadae Canal itself stretches approximately 77 kilometers, originating from Nakhon Si Thammarat before flowing into the Gulf of Thailand in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani. Today, the area is a thriving agricultural and fishing community, where locals live in traditional wooden row houses along the waterfront and engage in trading and coastal fishing.

Highlights & What to See

The main highlight of Pak Nam Kadae is its massive natural oyster breeding ground, the largest in Thailand. The unique brackish water environment, created by the mixing of seawater and freshwater from 16 streams (including the Tapi River), provides the perfect conditions for growing exceptionally large and high-quality oysters. Other shellfish such as mussels, blood clams, and wedge clams are also farmed here.

Visitors can explore the Talat Ban Pak Nam Kadae (Ban Pak Nam Kadae Market), where vendors sell fresh seafood. You can buy fresh oysters and have them shucked on the spot to eat right at the stalls, or dine at one of the many seafood restaurants. Additionally, before entering the market, there is the Pak Nam Kadae Ecological Nature Trail. This is an elevated concrete walkway stretching about 1 kilometer through the lush mangrove forest, offering beautiful views of the bay and serving as an excellent spot to watch the sunset.

Visitor Information

Admission to Pak Nam Kadae and its nature trail is free. Visitors can explore the market, enjoy fresh seafood, and walk along the nature trail during daylight hours. The area enjoys a pleasant climate with high humidity and moderate temperatures year-round, influenced by the northeast and southwest monsoons.

How to Get There

Pak Nam Kadae is located in Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, where the Kadae Canal meets the Gulf of Thailand. It is easily accessible by road from Surat Thani city center.