Sand dunes in Thailand
There have been a couple of Grand Canyon doppelgangers in Thailand these past couple of years whether it’s Sam Phan Bok, Snow Mountain, or Hang Dong Quarry, reminding us of the Kingdom’s natural grandeur.
Coming to the surface is another hidden gem in Surat Thani, Nern Tsai Muang Gae, that strikes as a photogenic spot of sand dunes in varying heights that will temporarily take you on a trip to Mars.
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- Sam Phan Bok Is Thailand’s Very Own Grand Canyon
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Nern Tsai Muang Gae
Image credit: Pantip
Hiding in a village in the southern part of Thailand, Nern Tsai Muang Gae or Gae Mine Sand Dunes are hardened sand piles that have transformed into a conglomerate composed of layers of loose sand.
The rocky sand kind of makes you feel like tramping on a martian land
Image credit: Pantip
What’s also beautiful about the dunes are its monochromatic colours given texture by the rough edges of the sand mountain; just the right blend for an IG-worthy background.
Wide shots are a great way to make you pop
Image credit: @tiny.mond
Instead of candids, throw a hat to make it a little more fun
Image credit: @sandeesandee
Just like every other hidden gem, Nern Tsai Muang Gae has a history of its own: these hills of sand are leftover from an old mine tracing back to 1926.
Today, it has transformed into nature’s very own work of art that features a stellar view up top. The best times to visit are the early morning to see the sunrise and late afternoon – when the weather has cooled down – if you’re more into sunsets.
The calm morning view.
Image credit: Pantip
Feel the last warmth of the sun as it sets.
Image credit: TripNiceDay
So, pack a bag because the great sand dunes of Surat Thani awaits you.
Getting to Nern Tsai Muang Gae
If you have a car, you can drive straight to the location via Google Maps, which will take around 9 hours from Bangkok. But if that is not an option, you can just take the plane, bus, or hop on a train at Hua Lamphong station to the province before grabbing a taxi to get you all the way.
Image credit: Pantip
And Nern Tsai Muang Gae doesn’t have to be your only stop. While you’re down there, you can hop on a boat to Koh Samui or Koh Pha Ngan, or visit the local attractions such as Khao Sok National Park to get the best of Surat Thani.
Nern Tsai Muang Gae
Opening Hours: 8AM – 6PM
Address: Na San, Ban Na San District, Surat Thani 84120
Google Maps
Check below for more attractions in Thailand:
- Thailand Has A Giant 19M-Tall Frog Museum
- There’s A Floating Lotus Temple In Udon Thani
- This Cafe Looks Like A Mini Maldives
- You Can Swim With Piglets In Koh Matsum
- Wat Arun: Bangkok’s Most Iconic Temple
Cover images adapted from: TripNiceDay (Left), @sandeesandee (Centre), Pantip (Right)
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