About Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thammarat is one of Thailand's oldest cities and was once the capital of a kingdom of its own. The city is already mentioned in chronicles at its re-founding in 1278, and parts of the old city wall still stand. The heart of the city is Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan, a temple with a tall golden chedi regarded as one of the most important in southern Thailand. The National Museum and Wat Nantharam, with the sandstone Buddha image Luang Pho Phut, are also worth visiting. The city is known for nang talung, the shadow-puppet theatre, and for nielloware silver. Outside the city lies Khao Luang National Park with waterfalls and forest. It is a calm, traditional city for those seeking culture and local dishes.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Driest from February to April, which is the best time for beaches and boats. From October to December a lot of rain falls (on Samui November is the wettest month, around 445 mm), and the sea can be rough. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight (about 1.25 hours), night train or bus (about 12 hours); the city has its own airport and station. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Wat Phra Mahathat A temple with a tall golden chedi, open daily from 8:30 to 16:30.
- Old city wall Remains of the wall that has surrounded the city since 1278.
- Wat Nantharam A temple with the sandstone Buddha image Luang Pho Phut from the Ayutthaya era.
- Nang talung and nielloware Shadow puppetry and silverwork are local traditions.
Nakhon Si Thammarat on the map
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