Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of the most ancient cities of Thailand and the second biggest province in Southern Thailand. There are plenty of wonderful cultural and natural attractions in the city. Planning a trip to Nakhon Si Thammarat in Thailand? This detailed Nakhon Si Thammarat travel guide will help you discover the city and its best things to do.
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Nakhon Si Thammarat, previously the Kingdom of Ligor, was an independent kingdom for many centuries. It has a long history, as it is the land of predominant Buddhism from Lanka during the Srivijaya Period. The cultural heritage of the city has been accumulated from the history of more than 1800 years. Besides being the center of Thai Buddhism, Nakhon Si was also a major region of trade between merchants from the Indian, Arabic, Dvaravati, and Champa states and later for merchants from British, Portuguese, and Dutch empires.
Nakhon Si Thammarat is located about 780 kilometers south of Bangkok, on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula. The total area of the province is 9942 square kilometers, consisting of highlands and high mountains in the west and lowland along the coast of the Gulf of Thailand in the east. Neighboring provinces are Songkhla, Phatthalung, Trang, Krabi, and Surat Thani.
The province is divided into 23 districts (amphoe): Mueang Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phrom Khiri, Lan Saka, Chawang, Phipun, Chian Yai, Cha-uat, Tha Sala, Thung Song, Na Bon, Thung Yai, Pak Phanang, Ron Phibun, Sichon, Khanom, Hua Sai, Bang Khan, Tham Phannara, Chulabhorn, Phra Phrom, Nopphitam, Chang Klang, and Chaloem Phra Kiat. The districts are further subdivided into 165 sub-districts (tambon) and 1428 villages (muban).
The provincial slogan is “A historical town, the golden Phra That, plentiful minerals, three-metal Nielloware, numerous temples, abundant shellfish”.
Things to do in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Although most people know the province and the city but when talking about things to do in Nakhon Si Thammarat, very few people know that there are many beautiful and unique places to visit. A rich and beautiful forest of Khao Luang, a sample development community of Khiriwong Village and numerous sources of art and culture can be found in the province.
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, or Wat Phra Mahathat, is the most important temple of the province, located on Ratchadamnoen Road in Nai Mueang Sub-district. It is considered as a signature of all Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
Inside the temple, there are many buildings of high importance, such as the royal building from the Ayutthaya period and the Sam Chom building, where the Buddha image attired in the royal wardrobe Phra Si Thamma Sokarat is housed.
The focal point of the temple is a distinctive Sri Lankan-style pagoda, which is 55.78 meters high. The spire of the pagoda is entirely covered by pure gold. In addition, the temple is also home to many ancient Buddha images. The Fine Arts Department has declared Phra Mahathat Temple as an archaeological site, considered to be one of the most important sanctuaries in the south.
The City Wall
The city wall is part of the old wall of Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is located alongside Ratchadamnoen Road. The wall was renovated in the early Rattanakosin period and once again in 1990. The wall runs parallel with the city’s moat from Chai Nua Gate or Chai Sak Gate to the east for 100 meters.
Wat Wang Tawantok (West Palace Temple)
Wat Wang Tawantok was founded by Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi) on a land opposite to Wang Tawan-ok (East Palace) where Chaochom Prang, his mother, once resided. Outstanding buildings, which are a fine example of traditional Thai architecture, still exist there. Wat Wang Tawantok comprises 3 wooden buildings built on high stilts with Pakon-Paneled partitions. The buildings are decorated with woodcarvings and fretwork in floral and geometric designs.
Khanom Beach
The most beautiful natural attractions of Nakhon Si Thammarat Province are located in Khanom District. Khanom Beach is part of Hat Khanom-Mu Ko Thale Tai National Park. The highlight of this place is the sea with clear water and a white sand beach with pine trees lining up along it. In addition, the waves in Khanom Beach are not too high, so it is suitable for swimming in all seasons.
The highlight of a trip to Khanom is getting to see the Pink Dolphins. A group of more than 50 pink dolphins lives by the river mouth along the Khanom Bay, and their regular spot is around Ao Taled and Bann Leam Pratap. For seeing the pink dolphins, you can take a boat tour between March and October by boarding the boat at Ao Phao and Bann Leam Pratap.
For more information, check Pink Dolphins at Khanom Beach.
Khao Phlai Dam
Khao Phlai Dam is an ecotourism attraction in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Khao Phlai Dam is a mountain near the sea in Khanom and Sichon Districts, about 86 km away from the city. Khao Phlai Dam is a place where you will find peaceful nature with a spectacular landscape and wildlife sanctuary. There is a famous Khao Phlai Dam viewpoint offering fantastic views of Ao Thong Yao Bay.
Krung Ching Waterfall
Krung Ching Waterfall is one of the most beautiful and famous waterfalls in Nakhon Si Thammarat province. The waterfall is located in the area of Khao Luang National Park, which is founded in Krung Ching Subdistrict. The name "Krung Ching" comes from the Ching Tree, which is a type of palm tree species. The area once was the site of a communist group, but it has now become a beautiful tourist destination. Krung Ching Waterfall is a 7-tiered waterfall that descends into different levels in the forest. There’s also a walking path to study the rich nature of the forest.
Kiriwong Village
Kiriwong Village is the area in Lana Saka District that is known as the area with the best ozone in Thailand. They even got the Thailand Tourism Award for that. Kiriwong Village is a model community in the management of eco-tourism business. The highlight of Kiriwong Village is the idyllic natural scenery, as it is located in the midst of the mountains, forest, and river.
For more things to do in the city and province, check Top Attractions in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Important Festivals in Nakhon Si Thammarat
There are several important festivals celebrated in the province.
Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month
The Tenth Lunar Month Festival is a grand merit-making for people of Southern Thailand, especially in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The festival has been influenced by the Brahmin religion with a mix of Buddhist beliefs. The important aim of this festival is to pay respect to the souls of ancestors and deceased relatives for helping them to be released from the hell where they end up because of the deeds done while being alive.
Period: 10 days in October
Hae Pha Khuen That Festival
Hae Pha Khuen That is a procession bearing a religious cloth to wrap around the pagoda Chedi Phra Borommathat, which contains holy relics. The pagoda is considered to represent the Lord Buddha. This festival is held twice a year during Makha Bucha Day and Wisakha Bucha Day.
Period: February & May
Chak Phra or Phra Phra Lak Festival
Indian culture has spread to the concept of Nakhon Si Thammarat people. Chak Phra Festival is a celebration of the Buddha returning from Dowadungson (star) and then being put up on the throne that was already prepared. In practice, the local people carry the Buddha image from the temple and proceed around the city for people to pay homage.
Period: Buddhist Lent Day
Where to stay in Nakhon Si Thammarat
The city has many inexpensive, good-quality hotels and other accommodations to offer. Most of the hotels here are in the price range from 500 to 1,000 THB, so you can definitely find a place for you.
Staying in the city center is recommended as it's very convenient when visiting the main tourist attractions of the city.
Discover the list of the best hotels in Nakhon Si Thammarat City Center that should help you to choose the right accommodation for a visit.
One of the best-rated hotels in the city is Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat, which is well recommended.
To get the best deal on accommodation, make sure to compare hotel deals on Booking.com with often better special offers on Agoda.
How to get to Nakhon Si Thammarat
You can get to Nakhon Si Thammarat by bus, train, or plane.
Flights to Nakhon Si Thammarat
Several airlines offer daily flights between Bangkok and Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport (NST). It’s an approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes’ long journey.
Flight tickets on this route can be booked online here: Flights from Bangkok to NST.
There are minibuses picking up passengers from the airport to the city:
- Line 7 (Airport - Bus Station)
- Line 8 (Airport - Na Luang)
Bus to Nakhon Si Thammarat
Regular and air-conditioned buses depart daily for Nakhon Si Thammarat from Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal. The trip by bus takes about 12 hours. There are a few bus companies serving this route:
- Government Bus or 999 Bus
- Nakhon Si Racha Tour
- Nakhon Si Romyen Tour
- Sri Suthep Tour
Bus tickets on the route can be booked online here: Bus from Bangkok to NST.
Train to Nakhon Si Thammarat
As the southern railway passes the province, many trains make a stop there. However, most of these trains stop at Thung Song, which is a town located about 70 km from the main city.
There is currently only one express train departing from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat city at 19:50. The trip by train takes about 12-14 hours. Trains leave the NST Terminal for Bangkok daily at 16:00.
Train tickets on the route can be booked online here: Train from Bangkok to NST.
By car
The city lies 780 km south of Bangkok. From Bangkok, take Highway No. 4 towards Hua Hin and then Highway No. 41 until arriving in Surat Thani; finally, take Highway No. 401 along the coast to Nakhon Si Thammarat City.
Traveling to other provinces
Traveling from Nakhon Si Thammarat to other provinces is easy, as there are many van, train, and bus routes connecting the city with other popular destinations in Southern Thailand. The most popular routes are serving Surat Thani, Phuket, Krabi, and Hat Yai.
The city's bus station is located near the train station. There are a number of bus company offices selling tickets for buses departing to the provinces north and south of the province.
Finding the van stops in each province can be difficult as they park on different sides of the city.
Different transportation options can be compared, and transport tickets can be booked with the help of this search form.
Getting around the city
There are songtaews running on a number of routes along Ratchadammouen Road and Patthanakarn Kukwang Road in the city.
Metered taxis can also be found in Nakhon Si Thammarat. As taxis here are not as common as in Bangkok, you can call the call center 24 hours a day to pick you up. The taxi phone number is 075-357888.
Weather in Nakhon Si Thammarat
From January to March you can expect good weather in Nakhon Si Thammarat, with little if any rain and refreshing winds helping to keep temperatures more moderate. From March, temperatures start to rise, usually reaching peak levels in April and May.
In May and June a little rain is expected, usually in the form of an hour-long afternoon shower, clearing the way for more blue skies and bright sunshine. In September the monsoon is expected, bringing plenty of rainfall and a rise in humidity. Rainfall usually peaks between October and December.
For the best time to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat check our weather ratings chart.
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You are planning to continue your trip up north or visit other destinations in Southern Thailand after visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat? Check when is the best time to visit Thailand's other destinations and choose destinations with the best possible weather conditions.
Destinations after Nakhon Si Thammarat
The neighboring Surat Thani province and its famous islands, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, are the most popular destinations after visiting the province.
In the same province, you can also visit the beautiful Khao Sok National Park. There you can explore a picturesque lake, discover the jungle, and even sleep in a bungalow above the water.
You can also head to the Andaman Coast and visit Krabi province. There you will find Koh Phi Phi islands that are widely considered to be amongst the most beautiful islands in the world, Ao Nang as the main tourist hub of Krabi with beautiful scenery of mountains between the beaches, Railay - a paradise for rock climbers, and Koh Lanta - an island with a much more laid-back atmosphere.
For a more authentic experience, travel further south and visit Phatthalung with a protected freshwater wetland, Thale Noi, and Songkhla - one of the oldest coastal tourist towns in the south, with Hat Yai being the main commercial, entertainment, and tourism center of the same-named province near the Malaysian border.
