NAKHON SI THAMMARAT

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat

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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.

Geography:

The province is located on the shore of the Gulf of Thailand on the east side of the Malay Peninsula. The terrain is mostly rugged hilly forest area. It contains the highest elevation of southern Thailand, the Khao Luang with 1,835 m, now protected in the Khao Luang national park.

History:

The area around Nakhon Si Thammarat was part (according to some scholars even the centre) of the Srivijaya kingdom from the 3rd century until king Ramkhamhaeng of Sukhothai occupied it and added it to his kingdom. With the fall of Sukhothai it fell it its successor, the Ayutthaya kingdom. Nakhon became a province in 1932.

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.

Major Events:

Hae Pha Khun That This spectacular event occurs during the third lunar month (February or March) of each year. Local residents pay homage to Lord Buddha's relics enshrined at Phra Mahathat. There is a traditional merit-making procession which carries a cloth painting depicting the Buddha's life story that is placed around the temple's pagoda.

Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month The ceremony is celebrated during the fifteen nights of the waning moon period in the tenth lunar month (around September or October) to bring merit to the souls of ancestors. Buddhists offer a variety of local foods and other gifts to monks, and there are also numerous cultural performances.