Cheap Nakhon Si Thammarat Hotels & Beach Resorts, Map & Attractions, Online Hotel Reservation & Travel Guide, Nakhon Si Thammarat Thailand

Nakhon Si Thammarat, the second largest city of the greatest history and background above any other town in the region due to its status as a first grade city controlling various subjected cities and towns, a place that houses Lord Buddha’s relics which is the most important statutory place of the south, being the center of Buddhism during Sivichaya period, is located some 861 kms. by railroad and 780 kms. by highway from Bangkok.

It occupies an area of 9,942.5 square kilometers having high plateau with mountains and jungles in the west then sloping down towards the east and becoming basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. It borders Surat Thani to the north; Trang, Phattalung and Songkhla to the south; the Gulf of Thailand to the east; and Krabi to the west.

Attractions:
Wat Phra Mahathat This was originally an old monastery of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Situated in the heart of the city, it is believed to have been constructed during the Srivijaya Period in compliance with the idea of the Mahayana Buddha school. An extensive complex is centred on the 77-metre pagoda which houses Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka some 1,700 years ago. The temple's museum exhibits art objects found in the region.

Old City Wall The wall is 460 metre wide and 2,230 metre long. It was first constructed during the period of Phraya Si Thamma Sokarat and later renewed twice during the Ayutthaya Period.

Chedi Yak This giant pagoda near the Municipal Office was built in 1003 by a wealthy Mon and his followers. Its size comes secondly to the biggest one at Wat Phra Mahathat.

Ho Phra Buddha Sihing The Shrine of Phra Buddha Sihing Image revered by all Buddhists is located near the City Hall. The image is assumed to have been constructed during the Sukhothai Period.

Giant Swing Located in the heart of the city on Ratchadamnoen Road. The current structure is a replica of the Giant Swing in Bangkok, but smaller in size. This is an important monument of the Brahman religion which was first introduced in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Ho Phra Isuan and Ho Phra Narai Both shrines represent the glory of the Brahman religion. Ancient idols of Hindu gods cast of bronze, once enshrined there, are now kept in Wat Phra Mahsthat's museum.

Sa Lang Dap According to history, this is the pond where the slaughterer washed his sword after slaughtering Sri Praj, a great poet of Ayutthaya. It is situated behind the Stree Kalyani Si Thammarat School.

Sala Pradu Hok This is an old pavilion built outside the city wall to accommodate any traveller who could not get into the city in time.

Ban Nang Talung Suchart Subsin Mr. Suchart Subsin has become well known as a shadow puppet performer and maker, and has obtained many national awards for his excellent skills. He opens his home. at 110/18 Soi, Si Thammasok Road, to the people who are interested in puppetry in the hope of reviving Nang Talung or "shadow puppet play " many shadow puppets from Egypt, Turkey, Greece, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand as well as farming tools are on display.

Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum Located in the west part of the town on Ratchadamnoen Road, the museum houses various artifacts including the kettle drum from the Dong Son Culture, exquisitely hand-woven bags made from the clinging vine called Yan Lipao, and an unusual collection of folk craft including walking sticks, clothing and nielloware.

Hat Khanom This is located 1.5 kms. from Amphoe Khanom; approximately 100 kms. north of the provincial capital. It actually consists of white sandy beaches: Hat Nai Pheret; Hat Hai Plao and Hat Pak Nan. Accommodation is available.

Tham Khao Wang Thong This is a beautiful cave in Amphoe Khanom. A left turn is made before the district for another 6 kms.

Hat Sichon and Hat Hin Ngam Two scenic beaches with different features are located in Amphoe Sichon, 66 kms. north of Nakhon Si Thammarat. Hat Sichon is a curving sandy beach, whereas Hat Hin Ngam is full of rocks. Accommodation is available.

Khao Kha Archaeological Site Khao Kha is a small hill in Tambon Sao Phao, Amphoe Sichon where a 1,500 - year old city has been discovered. To get there, travel along Highway No. 401, then turn right at Km. 99, and drive on for another 5 kms. The remains of a laterite shrine are found on the hilltop. There are fragments of architectural ruins left scattered around the area.

Laem Talumphuk The long sandy cape jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand is located in the area of Amphoe Pak Phanang, 40 kms. from Nakhon Si Thammarat. There is a fishing village on its west side. The eastern beach lined pine trees contains a lot of different seashells.

Khao Luang National Park Covering an area of 570 square kilometres in 5 districts, Amphoe Muang, lan Saka, Phrommakhiri, Chawang and Phipun, the park offers fascinating hiking trails past splendid waterfalls and a brilliant variety of flora and fauna. The popular waterfalls in the park include:

Namtok Karom, a 19-level waterfall in the south of the park area where the park office is located. Travel 9 kms. along route no. 4016, then turn left to route no. 4015 for 15 kms. via Amphoe Lan Saka and turn right for another 3 kms.

Namtok Phrommalok, with 3 levels, is located in the east of the park and can be reached by route no. 4016. turn left at km.21 to route no.4132 for another 5 kms.

Namtok Ai Khieo or Nai Kheio, 5 kms. beyond the Phrommalok Waterfall, is a small waterfall in shady surroundings.

Namtok Krung Ching, a multi-tiered waterfall in the north of the park, is located about 70 kms. from the provincial capital via Route Nos. 4016, 4186 and 4188. Then walk for another 4 kms. The most beautiful level is "Nan Fon Saen Ha" named according to its appearance, which resembles plenty of rain drops falling down from the cliff.

Mu Ban Khiriwong The village at the foot of Khao Luang and the base for an expedition to the mountain is located some 26 kms. from the city. Follow Route No. 4016 for 9 kms., Route No. 4015 for 9 kms. and then turn left for another 8 kms. Most of the area was destroyed during 1988 by floods and landslides. Lush forests, cool streams with sandy banks, and hospitable villagers combine to make the area an ideal setting for savouring the Thai countryside. Moreover, surrounding areas contain orchards where villagers cultivate many of Thailand's most delicious tropical fruits, including durian, rambutan and mangosteen.

Namtok Yong National Park The park is accessible by Highway No. 403 (Nakhon Si Thammarat-Thung Song route). In its virgin forest, there are some interesting waterfalls such as Namtok Yong, Namtok Nan Pliu and Namtok Khlong Kui. Tourists who wish to stay overnight in the park have to bring their own tents and food.

Festivals & Events:
Hae Pha Khun That Festival
is celebrated at Phra Borom That Chedi. The pagoda is considered to be the representative of Lord Buddha and is believed by locals to possess unsurpassed might of righteousness as it contains holy relics. Every year Buddhists pay homage to the pagoda by organizing a procession bearing a religious cloth to wrap around the pagoda to bring good fortune and success. This festival is held twice a year during Makha Bucha Day (the 15^th full-moon night of February) and Wisakha Bucha Day (the 15^th full-moon night of May).

Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month
is a grand event of the province and of southern Thailand. This festival is held from the 1st waning-moon night to the 15^th waning-moon night every September. It is held to pay respect to deceased ancestors. According to Buddhism beliefs, the dead had many sins and was sent to hell to become a demon. The demons are allowed to come up to meet their relatives for15 days in September, but must return to hell before sunrise of the 15^th day.

The living try to appease the spirits by taking food to temples to make merit. Beginning on the 13^th day, people will go shopping for food to be given. The 14^th day is spent preparing and decorating the food tray, and the 15^th day is the actual merit-making day. The tray presented nowadays has elaborate designs but still retains traditional components. Contests to find the most beautiful tray are held. A magnificent procession proceeds along Ratchadamnoen Road on the 14^th day.

Chak Phra of Lak Phra Festival
is influenced by Indian culture, which expanded into the province a long time ago. The festival signifies the joy that people had when Lord Buddha returned from the heaven and the Lord was invited to sit on a throne and carried to a palace. In practice, locals would bear a Buddha image holding a bowl in a procession around the city. Held in October, the festival is preceded by activities 7 days before, such as beating drums, playing castanets and decorating the ceremonial throne for the image.

The actual ceremony is usually held only on the last day of the Buddhist lent. People would take the image from the temple in the morning and proceed to Benchama Rachuthit School in Amphoe Muang. This is also done in front of Ron Phibun district office. In addition, there is a water-borne procession on Pak Phanang River in Pak Phanang, which coincides with an annual boat race for a trophy from the Crown Princess.

How to get there:
By Car
Take Highway No. 4 on the Bangkok-Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon route and then Highway No. 41 past Surat Thani-Thung Song until arriving in Nakhon Si Thammarat or Amphoe Phun Phin in Surat Thani, then take Highway No. 401 along the coast to Nakhon Si Thammarat.

By Train
There are rapid and express trains from Bangkok Railway Station to Nakhon Si Thammarat.
For more information, contact tel. 2237010, 2237020 or call Nakhon Si Thammarat train station at tel. (075) 356364, 346129.

By Bus
Regular and air-conditioned buses of the Transport Co. and private companies depart from the Southern Bus Terminal on Borom Ratchachonnani Road.
For more information, contact tel. 4351199 (air-conditioned buses) and 4345557-8 (regular buses).

By Air
Thai Airways International Public Co., Ltd. (THAI) has daily return flights between Bangkok and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
For more information, contact THAI at tel. 2800060 and THAI Nakhon Si Thammarat at tel. (075) 342491, 343874.

Travel within the province is easy with mini-bus service around the city.
Transport to nearby provinces includes vans, taxis, buses, and trains.

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