Nakhon Si Thammarat
We’ve always really liked the somewhat off-the-beaten-track South Thai destination of Nakhon Si Thammarat and always considered that both the town itself and the surrounding province of the same name, deserved far more visitors than the mere trickle it currently gets so it’s great to see Nakhon Si Thammarat may be about to get some recognition from no less an authority than UNESCO.
Wat Mahathat Wat Mahathat (or to give it its full name, Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan), the city’s most prestigious and historic monastery, has been placed on the World Heritage tentative list since 2012. The temple probably originally dates from the 13th century – though estimates vary – whilst the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat itself is one of the oldest on the peninsula and in earlier incarnations, as Tambralinga and Ligor, has been an important port on the China-India trade routes for nearly 2,000 years. The unusual and atmospheric temple certainly makes for a great visit and there are other ancient sites, such as part of the town’s old fortified city walls, to be seen.
Promloke Waterfall, Khao Luang National Park Apart from being an historic town, the surrounding province also just happens to possess some of the most spectacular scenery in South Thailand, including the stunning Khao Luang National Park, home to Khao Luang Mountain, at 1,850m the highest on the peninsula as well as several highly impressive waterfalls and substantial stands of pristine tropical rainforest.
Traditional shadow puppets Back in Nakhon Si Thammarat, aside from the historic temples, you’ll experience what is a very typical southern town and where foreign visitors are still something of a novelty. So, friendly locals, some great South Thai food and perhaps even an opportunity to check out another very traditional local speciality, the beautifully crafted buffalo hide shadow puppet shows.
Dim Sum in one of the town’s popular, traditional-style coffee shops A visit to Nakhon Si Thammarat, including a city tour and a day in Khao Luang National Park, features on our Thailand family tour, Reefs and Rainforests and our 2-week South Thailand small group tour.
