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. |
Nakhon
Si Thammarat, the second largest province of the South and the land
of predominant Buddhism during the Srivijaya Period, is 780 kms. from
Bangkok. It occupies an area of 9,942 square Kilometers 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.
