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Nakhon Si Thammarat | 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.
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Nakhon
Si Thammarat is administratively divided into 21 districts and
2 sub-districts: Amphoe Muang Nakhon Si Thammarat, Amphoe Bang
Khan, Amphoe Chalome, Phra Kiat, Amphoe Cha-uat, Amphoe Chawang,
Amphoe Chian Yai, Amphoe Chulabhorn, Amphoe Hua Sai, Amphoe Khanom,
Amphoe Lan Saka, Amphoe Na Bon, Amphoe Pak Phanang, Amophoe Phipun,
Amphoe Phra Phrom, Amphoe Phrommakhiri, Amphoe Ron Phibun, Amphoe
Sichon, Amphoe Tha Sala, Amphoe Tham Phannara, Amphoe Thung Song,
Amphoe Thung Yai King Amphoe Chang Kland, and King Amphoe Nop
Phitam.
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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.
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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:
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Ao Thong Yi is a beach that is very suitable for
camping because of its complete natural surroundings. Ao Thong Yi is
encompassed by Khao Phlao and Khao Klang, making it peaceful and
removed from the outside world. Accommodation can be obtained by
contacting the owner of the property. To get there, take a laterite
road from Hat Nai Phlao near Khanap Nam Resort. The distance to there
is 2.5 kilometres.
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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.
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Karom waterfall is 9 kilometres from the city. Take
Highway No. 4016, then turn left onto Highway No. 4015 for 20
kilometres, and the entrance to the waterfall will be on the right. The
waterfall originated in the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range and
cascades down 19 levels, with names like Nan Phung, Nan Nam Ruang, Nan
Dat Fa, and Nan Soi Dao (the highest level at 1,300-1,400 metres).
Kings and royal family members have visited this waterfall, as
evidenced by the initials of King Rama V and King Rama VI carved there.
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Arts and Culture Centre of Nakhon Si Thammarat
Rajabhat Institute is 13 kilometres from the city on the Nakhon Si
Thammarat-Phrom Khiri Road (Highway No. 4016). It is the centre of
information on archaeological sites discovered in the province. On
display are ancient local tools and utensils from the establishment of
the community to the Srivijaya Empire. The centre also preserves and
revives local entertainment, as well as researches and collects works
on languages, literature and anthropology. The most important artifacts
here are the stone inscriptions found at Khao Chong Khoi and artifacts
from the ancient community at Wat Mok Lan. These vital evidences relate
when Nakhon Si Thammarat was built. The centre is open daily during
official hours.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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. Visitors can appreciate this fascinating art by calling
tel. demonstrations and complete performances. Visitors can appreciate
this fascinating art by calling tel. 0 7534 6394.
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Somdet Phra Sri Nakharin 84 Park is a large park
with an area of over 490.23 acres. It is just behind the provincial
stadium. Originally part of Ratcharudi Park during the time of King
Rama V, the park has an open zoo, a bird park, a health park, and a
lake which is home to waterfowls that migrate here during January to
March every year.
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The Thai-style monks residence of Wat Wang Tawan
Tok is on Ratchadamnoen Road, in the area said to be opposite Wang
Tawan Ok (Eastern Palace), the retreat of Chao Chom Prang. Formerly a
park, Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi) donated Wang Tawan Ok and the park
opposite it to a temple, now known as Wat Wang Tawan Tok(Western Palace
Temple). In 1888, Phra Khru Kachat (Yong) and his disciples built a
group of houses for monks. The 3 houses have a pointed roof connected
to the other and there are exquisite Nakhon Si Thammarat designs on the
walls, doors, windows, and vents. The Siam Architects Society named
these houses the best conservation effort in the area of historical
sites and temples in 1992.
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Wat Chai Na Meditation Centre is on Phatthanakan
Thung Prang Road. Meditation courses are held for Thais and foreigners.
The famous monk Phutthathat Bhikkhu established the centre as a branch
of his monastery in Surat Thani. The centre is peaceful with an
abundance of shady trees.
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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.
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Museum Honouring the King for the Development of
Pak Phanang Basin is a museum conceived by the Project to Develop Pak
Phanang Basin by His Majesty the King that covers Nakhon Si Thammarat,
Phatthalung and Songkhla. The museum is in the project itself and
consists of His Majestys office, a meeting room and an exhibition room
on Pak Phanangs history. For more information, contact tel.
0-7551-7933, 0-7551-7534.
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Wat Nantharam used to be called Wat Tai and
currently houses Luang Pho Phut, a red sandstone Buddha image from the
Ayutthaya period. Pak Phanang people worship this sacred image. In
addition, the temple houses a giant phallic symbol found at Khao Kha
archaeological site that is believed to be around 1,200 years old, from
the 7th-9th century. The symbol is carved from limestone and is the
most complete in southern Thailand. The temple is at Chai Nam Road, on
the western side of Pak Phanang.
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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.
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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.
For more information, please contact the Ban Plai Uan Nature
Conservation Club, tel. 0-7533-8633
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Mueang Nakhon Reception House was built to receive
His Majesty the King (Rama IX) and H.R.H. Crown Princess Maha Chakri
when they visited the city. It is located in an old fruit orchard of
the Thongsamak family who built the house for the royal family on
behalf of the city's people. The area is covered with various kinds of
native fruit trees and has been decorated with beautiful and shady
plants. The house is open to the public daily, except Wednesdays and
when the royal family is there.
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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.
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