Khao Phang Village

The History of Khao Phang Village and the Heart-Shaped Suspension Bridge, Surat Thani

In the fertile land of Ban Ta Khun District, Surat Thani Province, where "Khao Thep Phithak," also known as the "Heart-Shaped Mountain," stands majestically as a symbol, lies "Khao Phang Village" and the "Heart-Shaped Suspension Bridge." This is a place where the stories of local life, development, and the wonders of nature harmoniously intertwine.
From Original Communities to a New Settlement
The history of Khao Phang Village is deeply connected to a significant transformation in the area: the construction of the Ratchaprapha Dam, or Chiew Larn Dam. In the past, the Khao Phang sub-district was home to scattered communities whose livelihoods depended on agriculture and foraging in the lush forests.

A major turning point came between 1982 and 1987 with the construction of the Chiew Larn Dam, which flooded many of the original villages. Residents affected by the project had to relocate to new settlements provided by the government. One of these new areas became the present-day "Khao Phang Village." The name "Khao Phang" is believed to originate from the collapsed appearance of a nearby mountain.

The new village established through this relocation was officially named "Ban Khao Thep Phithak," located in the Khao Phang sub-district. The first generation of villagers had to adapt to their new environment and rebuild their community, primarily continuing their agricultural way of life. They focused on fruit orchards, planting durian, rambutan, and mangosteen, which later became famous local products.
The Birth of the Suspension Bridge: A Path Connecting Hearts and Lives

In the past, transporting agricultural produce across the Phra Saeng Canal was a difficult task for the villagers, especially during the rainy season. Recognizing this hardship, in 2003, the Khao Phang Sub-district Administrative Organization allocated a budget of 2,444,000 Baht to construct a suspension bridge.
The Khao Phang Suspension Bridge, also known as the Khao Thep Phithak Suspension Bridge, was built with large steel cables anchored to sturdy concrete pillars. Its wooden plank floor spans approximately 120 meters across the Phra Saeng Canal. Its primary purpose was to facilitate transportation and the movement of agricultural goods for villagers on both sides of the canal.

Becoming an Unseen Attraction and a Symbol of Love
Upon its completion, the suspension bridge revealed a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding nature. More magically, when viewed from the middle of the bridge, the "Khao Thep Phithak" mountain range on the opposite side forms a perfect and beautiful heart shape.

Thanks to this unique vista, the reputation of the Khao Phang Suspension Bridge began to spread among tourists. A bridge built for community utility was transformed into the "Heart-Shaped Suspension Bridge," an unseen tourist destination that draws people to visit, take photographs, and experience the beauty of nature.

A Strong Community and Ecotourism
The influx of tourists created new opportunities for the Ban Khao Thep Phithak community. Villagers came together to form the Ban Khao Thep Phithak Ecotourism Community Enterprise to manage tourism in the area. They established the "Khlong Saeng Market" (Lhad Khlong Saeng) at the far end of the bridge, creating a space to sell local products, fresh produce, regional food, and souvenirs, which provides supplementary income for the community.

Furthermore, during the fruit season, especially when durians are ripe (around June-July), the community opens its orchards to tourists for visits and to taste fresh durian straight from the trees. The "Khlong Saeng Durian," a local variety from trees over 100 years old, is another major attraction for visitors.
From a history of relocation to the building of a strong community and the serendipitous discovery of a natural wonder, Khao Phang Village and the Heart-Shaped Suspension Bridge are more than just beautiful tourist spots. They are symbols of cooperation, resilience, and the sustainable coexistence between the local people and their natural environment.