Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat General Information
Nakhon Si Thammarat, the second largest province of the South and the land of predominant Buddhism during the Srivijaya Period, is 780 kilometres from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 9,942 square kilometres consisting of high plateau and mountains in the west then sloping down towards the east and becoming a basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand.
In addition to its great history, Nakhon Si Thammarat boasts pristine verdant jungles abundant with luxuriant vegetation and is also noted for picturesque beaches and beautiful waterfalls.
Nakhon Si Thammarat Festival Information
- Chak Phra Festival
Chak Phra or 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 a star 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. This is a great way for escape from daily routine and it is a fun competition to find who is the most religious. 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.
- Festival of the Tenth Lunar
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 15th 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 for 15 days in September, but must return to hell before sunrise of the 15th day. The livings try to appease the spirits by taking food to temples to make merit. Beginning on the 13th day, people will go shopping for food to be given. The 14th day is spent preparing and decorating the food tray, and the 15th 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 14th day.
- Hae Pha Khuen That Festival
Hae Pha Khuen 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 15th full-moon night of February) and Visakha Bucha Day (the 15th full-moon night of May).
Nakhon Si Thammarat Attactions Information
- Khao Chong Khoi Stone Inscription
Khao Chong Khoi Stone Inscription is at Ban Khok Sathon, Moo 9, Tambon Thung Pho, Amphoe Chulaphon. This is the oldest Sanskrit stone inscription found in southern Thailand and dates from the 6th-7th century. It tells the story of people asking for shelter from Shiva and jungle spirits. It ends with the saying If a good person resides in a village, then that community shall find happiness and prosperity.
- Ao Khanom
Ao Khanom is the largest bay in Khanom District. It is 1.5 kilometres from the district office and can be reached by taking Highway No. 4014, which separates from Highway No. 401, for 17 kilometres, then 1 kilometre past Khanom Public Health Area Market, then turn right and drive along Khanom beach. Khanom beach is a long beach that connects to other beaches, as follows:
Hat Nai Phlao is Khanoms largest beach and the most popular tourist attraction. The beach curves along a mountain range. The overall scenery is one that features perfect nature, including a clean, white beach conducive to a day in the sun. Accommodation and restaurant facilities are available.
Hat Na Dan is a long, palm-fringed white beach. From this quiet beach, one can see the beautiful aquamarine water of the Gulf of Thailand.
Hat Nai Praet is a beautiful, long curved beach. This beach is between Hat Na Dan and Hat Nai Phlao and is rocky in some areas. This popular beach's natural ambience has been impressing visitors for years.
- Ban Khiri Wong
Ban Khiri Wong is an ancient community that settled at the foot of Khao Luang in Tambon Kamlon, near a path that goes up the mountain. This peaceful village is like one big, happy family. The main occupation is growing fruits, such as mangosteen, rambutan, durian, and Sato. The village was faced with catastrophe on November 21, 1988 when a flash flood swept away some 100 houses. The local monastery and villagers still maintain the damaged convocation hall and houses as monuments to those who perished. Ban Khiri Wong is considered a prototype of eco-tourism management and the place won the 1998 Thailand Tourism Award in the city and community category.
The village is a good example of local people living in co-existence with nature. Residents have developed tourism services to be a new business for the area through the Eco-tourism Club, a central organization that delegates responsibilities to groups in the community to create cooperation. The services include trekking tours, porters and homestay programs. Tourists can appreciate the way of life here all year round, with the most attractive time during July to September when fruits are on sale. Trekking up Khao Luang must start at Ban Khiri Wong.
- Khao Luang National Park
Khao Luang National Park covers Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Phipun, Amphoe Phrom Khiri, Amphoe Lan Saka, Amphoe Chawang, King Amphoe Chang Klang, and King Amphoe Nop Phitam. Having a land area of 597 square kilometres, it was declared a national park on December 18, 1974. The park has a winding mountain range, with the Khao Luang peak the highest of the peaks in southern Thailand at 1,835 metres above sea level. It is the watershed of more than 15 streams and rivers. The parks rainforest is home to a multitude of tropical flora and fauna. There is a route that takes visitors around the park to see unspoiled natural scenery, the variety of wildlife and rare animal and plant species, some of which can only be found in the park. The beauty and completeness of the park, its fascinating nature, the parks efforts to encourage the local community and tourists to be aware of the importance of nature, and its excellent tourist service system have all combined to help the park win the 1998 Thailand Tourism Award in the natural destination category.
- Bang Pu
Bang Pu is 17 kilometres from the city and is at the Bang Pu intersection. This is where quality pottery is made. Only bricks and flowerpots used to be made here, but villagers from Ban Mok Lan have now set up stores selling their handicrafts in this area. The products on sale have been improved in variety and quality for greater marketing appeal.
- Chedi Yak
Chedi Yak is the provinces second tallest pagoda, after Phra Borom That pagoda. It is located near Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality in the abandoned Wat Chedi area. It is said that the pagoda was built by Khotkhiri, a wealthy Mon, and his employees when they took refuge in the city in 1003.
- Chinese buildings at Wat Pradu and Wat Chaeng
Chinese buildings at Wat Pradu and Wat Chaeng is on Ratchadamnoen Road near the provincial stadium. Built in the early Rattanakosin period, they house the ashes of Phraya Nakhon and is believed to also have the ashes of King Taksin the Great.
- Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum
Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum occupies the area of the former Wat Suan Luang Tawan Ok. The museum was opened in 1974 and displays artifacts found in the 4 southern provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Surat Thani, and Chumphon. Of interest are the local handicrafts display room. The national library building opened to the public in 1976. There is a good collection of rare books and important books sent by the National Library in Bangkok for locals to study.
- Phra Phutthasihing
Phra Phutthasihing is housed in the Phra Phuttha Sihing hall near the Provincial Hall. This sacred image was believed to have been ordered by the king of Lanka in 157 AD and was brought to Thailand during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. There are currently 3 similar images in Thailand. One is housed at the National Museum in Bangkok, another at Wat Phra Sing in Chiang Mai and this image in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The hall housing the image was originally the Buddha image hall of the palace of Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi). The hall is divided into 2 parts; the front portion houses Phra Phuttha Sihing, Phra Lak Ngoen and Phra Lak Thong and the back portion houses the ashes of the ancestors of the Na Nakhon family.
- Residence of Ok Ya Sena Phimuk (Yamada Nagamasa)
Residence of Ok Ya Sena Phimuk (Yamada Nagamasa) Yamada Nagamasa was a Japanese volunteer soldier who lived in the Ayutthaya period during the reign of King Songtham. For his many contributions to the palace, he was rewarded by being bestowed the title of Ok Ya Sena Phimuk and appointed lord of Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1629. Traces of his home are still visible in the area of the Thai restaurant on Nang Ngam Road (beside the provincial hall).
- Shadow play house of Suchat Sapsin
Shadow play house of Suchat Sapsin is at 10/18 Si Thammasok Road, Soi 3. Suchat Sapsin received the 1996 Thailand Tourism Awards for the best cultural and historical site. The house has a shadow play museum, shadow play-making demonstrations and complete performances.
- Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is located on Ratchadamnoen Road in Tambon Nai Mueang. This is a royal temple of the first class. Formerly named Wat Phra Borom That, this is one of the most important historical sites in southern Thailand and in all of Thailand. According to the legend of Phra Borom That Nakhon Si Thammarat, Prince Thanakuman and Queen Hem Chala brought Buddha relics to Hat Sai Kaeo and built a small pagoda to mark the location. Later on, King Si-Thamma Sokarat established the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and built a new pagoda. The present pagoda has a distinctive Sri Lankan style, measuring 55.78 metres high (measured by the Fine Arts Department during the renovation of the gold top in 1995). The height from the lotus base to the gold top is 6.80 metres. The top is entirely covered by pure gold. Inside the temple are many buildings of importance, especially the royal building which has beautiful architecture from the Ayutthaya period and the Sam Chom building where the Buddha image attired in royal wardrobe, Phra Si Thamma Sokarat , is housed. There are also the Phra Maha Phinetkrom (the equestrian image) building and the Thap Kaset building, while the Khian and Pho Lanka buildings are used to display artifacts that were donated to the temple by Buddhists.
- Ban Rang Nok
Ban Rang Nok is famous for the numerous swallow bird nests located in the town. Several houses and buildings have been closed because of the immense number of swallows inhabiting them. These birds make the houses their homes, though they predominantly inhabit caves and mountains. However, the nests are not easily accessible as they are in private properties.
- Pak Phanang Coast and Talumphuk Cape
Pak Phanang Coast and Talumphuk Cape are the sites of a severe storm in Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1962. The coast of Pak Phanang is a long beach with the Talumphuk cape to the north jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand like a crescent moon. Some villages are located on the part that is connected to Nakhon Si Thammarat Bay, while the gulf coast has a beautiful, pine-lined beach. To get to both places, take Highway No. 4013 (Nakhon Si Thammarat-Pak Phanang), and then 16 kilometres on a road to Pak Phanang. Both sides of the road are lined with shrimp farms and mangrove forests.
- Namtok Ranae
Namtok Ranae is in Moo 6, Tambon Phipun. To get there from Nakhon Si Thammarat city, take the Nakhon-Lan Saka, Chandi Road (Highway No. 4015) for 55 kilometres (the same route as the one to Suan Ai and Suan Khan waterfalls). Then continue on the Chandi-Phipun bus for 18 kilometres. Approximately 1 kilometre before you reach Phipun district office, there is a sign on the right pointing to the waterfall. Take that road for 10 kilometres. This beautiful, ten-level waterfall is well worth a visit.
- Ban Plai Uan
Ban Plai Uan in Moo 5, Tambon Phrom Lok is at the foot of Khao Luang near Phrom Lok waterfall. Most residents cultivate fruit orchards. The Nature Conservation for Jungle Trekking Club is located here. One can trek 5 kilometres from the village to Phiman Mek waterfall, which is 1,505 metres above sea level. Along the way are many interesting flora, fauna, caves, streams, and the gigantic red palm of the genus Caryota, which is a plant with very unique features.
- Namtok Ai Khiao, or Nai Khiao Waterfall
Namtok Ai Khiao, or Nai Khiao Waterfall, is in Tambon Thon Hong. It is 30 kilometres from the city on Highway No. 4016, on the same route as Phrom Lok waterfall. At the 26-km marker, turn left onto the road and continue for another 3 kilometres. Originating from Khao Luang, this waterfall has 9 levels, which are Nan Chong Sai, Nan Bang Bai, Nan Mai Phai, Nan Sua Phan, Nan Buppha Sawan, Nan Hin Kong, Nan Hua Chang, Nan Sai Kwat Lan, and Nan Fa Faet. The surrounding area is still a dense jungle. Both sides of the falls are covered with betel gardens. The locals call the betel Phlu Pak Sai because of its hot flavor and sweet scent. The view of Khao Luang is best viewed from here.
- Wat Khao Khun Phanom and the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study Centre
Wat Khao Khun Phanom and the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study Centre is in Moo 3, Tambon Ban Ko. From the city, use Highway No. 4016 to the 21-km marker, past Phrom Lok market, then take a right-hand road for 2.5 kilometres. Wat Khao Khun Phanom is a temple of historical and archaeological importance. The temple has a cave lined with a brick wall and marked with heart-shaped stones marking the limits of the temple similar to those along the city wall. The front wall has plaster designs decorated with Chinese porcelain. In the cave are about 30 bronze Buddha images and a bronze Buddha's footprint. Several smaller connecting caves branch out from the main cave like an elaborate fortress maze. Many believe this is where King Taksin the Great used to stay. Others say it was the rest stop of Princess Kesini, daughter of Chao Nara Suriyawong, the lord of Nakhon Si Thammarat during 1769-1776.
- Fan Making Village
Fan Making Village is on Highway No. 403, 40 kilometres from Amphoe Muang to Amphoe Ron Phibun. The villagers here use their spare time to make Kapho fans for sale nationwide. This popular, local handicraft is affordable and very useful.
- Hat Kho Khao (Hat Piti)
Hat Kho Khao (Hat Piti) is a popular beach that connects to Hin Ngam beach. There are accommodation and restaurant facilities for tourists.
- Hat Hin Ngam
Hat Hin Ngam has a unique characteristic in that it is littered with round rocks of various striking colors, hence its name. There are no services here.
- Si Khit Waterfall
Si Khit Waterfall is in Moo 2, Tambon Si Khit. It is 15 kilometres west of Sichon beach on Highway No. 4105. This small waterfall originates in the mountains to the west and flows down several levels amidst pristine natural surroundings.
- Namtok Yong National Park
Namtok Yong National Park, or locally known as Yong Sai Yai waterfall, has a total area of 49,403.25 acres. Covering the areas in Thung Song, Na Bon, and Chawang, it was proclaimed a national park on December 10, 1987. The parks pristine nature includes the Yong Waterfall where streams converge into one giant rope-like waterfall dropping from a high cliff to the large pool below. There is also the Plieu Waterfall at Pa Praek, a smaller waterfall measuring 25 metres high. An ascent from Ban Nam Ron to the top takes about 1 hour. To get to the park, take the Nakhon Si Thammarat-Thung Song Road for 50 kilometres, turn right, and drive for 3 kilometres to the park. Tents are available for tourists. For more details, please contact the park at Moo 2, Tambon Tham Yai.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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