Arts and Culture Centre of Nakhon Si Thammarat Rajabhat Institute

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. 

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.

Chedi Yak is the province’s second tallest pagoda, after Phra Borom That pagoda. It is located near Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality in the abandoned Wat Chedi area. It is said that the pagoda was built by Khotkhiri, a wealthy Mon, and his employees when they took refuge in the city in 1003. 

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.

City wall is alongside Ratchadamnoen Road. The wall was renovated in the early Rattanakosin period and once more in 1990. The wall runs parallel with the city moat from Chai Nua Gate or Chai Sak Gate to the east for 100 metres.

Ho Phra Isuan is on Ratchadamnoen Road. It is a historical site of the Brahman religion. On display is the Shiva Linga , the symbol of the Brahman god Shiva. There are also several bronze images, such as the Siwa Nattarat image, Phra Uma and Phra Phikkhanet. The bronze images in this hall are replicas of the real images that are in Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum.

Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum occupies the area of the former Wat Suan Luang Tawan Ok. The museum was opened in 1974 and displays artifacts found in the 4 southern provinces of Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Surat Thani, and Chumphon. Of interest are the local handicrafts display room. The national library building opened to the public in 1976. There is a good collection of rare books and important books sent by the National Library in Bangkok for locals to study. 

Phra Phutthasihing is housed in the Phra Phuttha Sihing hall near the Provincial Hall. This sacred image was believed to have been ordered by the king of Lanka in 157 AD and was brought to Thailand during the reign of King Ramkhamhaeng the Great. There are currently 3 similar images in Thailand. One is housed at the National Museum in Bangkok, another at Wat Phra Sing in Chiang Mai and this image in Nakhon Si Thammarat. The hall housing the image was originally the Buddha image hall of the palace of Chao Phraya Nakhon (Noi). The hall is divided into 2 parts; the front portion houses Phra Phuttha Sihing, Phra Lak Ngoen and Phra Lak Thong and the back portion houses the ashes of the ancestors of the Na Nakhon family.

Phra Wihan Sung, or Ho Phra Sung, is an important historical site located just outside the ancient city wall to the north in the area of Sanam Na Muang, on Ratchadamnoen Road. The site is so called because of its high location on a hill, 2.10 metres above level ground. There is no exact historical evidence but it is believed that its architecture and wall murals are from the early Rattanakosin period. The building houses plaster images with a thick, clay core. The images are either from the 18th-19th century or from the late Ayutthaya period.

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).

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

 Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is located on Ratchadamnoen Road in Tambon Nai Mueang. This is a royal temple of the first class. Formerly named Wat Phra Borom That, this is one of the most important historical sites in southern Thailand and in all of Thailand. According to the legend of Phra Borom That Nakhon Si Thammarat, Prince Thanakuman and Queen Hem Chala brought Buddha relics to Hat Sai Kaeo and built a small pagoda to mark the location. Later on, King Si-Thamma Sokarat established the city of Nakhon Si Thammarat and built a new pagoda. The present pagoda has a distinctive Sri Lankan style, measuring 55.78 metres high (measured by the Fine Arts Department during the renovation of the gold top in 1995). The height from the lotus base to the gold top is 6.80 metres. The top is entirely covered by pure gold. Inside the temple are many buildings of importance, especially the royal building which has beautiful architecture from the Ayutthaya period and the Sam Chom building where the Buddha image attired in royal wardrobe, Phra Si Thamma Sokarat , is housed. There are also the Phra Maha Phinetkrom (the equestrian image) building and the Thap Kaset building, while the Khian and Pho Lanka buildings are used to display artifacts that were donated to the temple by Buddhists. 

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.

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 Majesty’s office, a meeting room and an exhibition room on Pak Phanang’s history. For more information, contact tel. 0-7551-7933, 0-7551-7534. 

Pak Phanang Coast and Talumphuk Cape are the sites of a severe storm in Nakhon Si Thammarat in 1962. The coast of Pak Phanang is a long beach with the Talumphuk cape to the north jutting out into the Gulf of Thailand like a crescent moon. Some villages are located on the part that is connected to Nakhon Si Thammarat Bay, while the gulf coast has a beautiful, pine-lined beach. To get to both places, take Highway No. 4013 (Nakhon Si Thammarat-Pak Phanang), and then 16 kilometres on a road to Pak Phanang. Both sides of the road are lined with shrimp farms and mangrove forests. 

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.

Fan Making Village is on Highway No. 403, 40 kilometres from Amphoe Muang to Amphoe Ron Phibun. The villagers here use their spare time to make Kapho fans for sale nationwide. This popular, local handicraft is affordable and very useful.

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”.

Ban Nai Thung Handicrafts can be found 24 kilometres from the city. Ban Nai Thung is a Muslim Thai village near the sea. Aside from fishing, villagers use their spare time to make colored cloth kites in the shape of birds, as well as birdcages, for sale on both sides of the road. This village is well worth a visit for some quality products.

Khao Nan National Park is 30 kilometres from Amphoe Tha Sala. The park covers areas in Amphoe Tha Sala, Amphoe Sichon and King Amphoe Nop Phitam. In addition, the park has areas in Pa Khao Nan National Forest Reserve and Pa Krung Ching National Forest Reserve. The total area of the park is 436 square kilometres. The main topography is a high mountain range extending from Khao Luang National Park. The park itself is a watershed of many waterways. From the city, travel by Highway No. 401 across Khlong Klai, and past Ban Sa Kaeo in Amphoe Tha Sala. Upon reaching the 110-km marker, turn left into Ban Pak Chao and drive 15 kilometres to the park office.

Pottery Village is just 50 metres from Wat Mokhlan. The village still adheres to the old technique of making pottery by hand. The pots made here are large, thick, and have little design.

The park’s main attraction is the small but lovely Sunantha Waterfall. Water drops down a steep cliff to the pool below before flowing into Khlong Klai, the main waterway of Tha Sala. Rafting can be done in the canal during the rainy season, when the water level is high.

Wat Mokhlan Archaeological Site is in Tambon Don Kha and is 10 kilometres from the district office. To get there, take Highway No. 401 to Ban Na Thap, turn left onto Highway No. 4022 and drive for 6 kilometres. Originally a religious place for Brahmans of the Sawai Nikai sect, the artifacts found here date from the 7th-9th century. Items that can be seen here include traces of stone pillars, carvings around doorways, religious stones, an ancient pond, and statue bases. The Fine Arts Department declared this area an archaeological site in 1975.

Hat Hin Ngam has a unique characteristic in that it is littered with round rocks of various striking colors, hence its name. There are no services here.

Hat Kho Khao (Hat Piti) is a popular beach that connects to Hin Ngam beach. There are accommodation and restaurant facilities for tourists.

To get to these 3 beaches, take Highway No. 401 from Amphoe Mueang for 70 kilometres to Amphoe Sichon. Turn right to Ban Pak Nam and go for 3 kilometres to Sichon beach (Hua Hin Sichon). From there, it is 1.5 kilometres to Hin Ngam and Kho Khao (Piti) beaches. Piti beach is 2 kilometres from Hin Ngam beach.

Hat Sichon, or Hua Hin Sichon as known to locals, is a well-known destination of the district. Rocks line the beach all the way to a curved sandy stretch where people can swim. There is accommodation and restaurants for tourists. 

Khao Kha Archaeological Site in Tambon Sao Phao. To get there, take Highway No. 401 from Si Phibun intersection to the 99-km marker, and turn left onto Chinda Pracha Sawan Road for 7 kilometres. Khao Kha was a sacred religious place of the Sawai Nikai Brahman sect who worshiped Shiva as their highest god. Khao Kha was regarded as being similar to the mythical Khao Phra Sumen, a centre of worship, that was surrounded by smaller, secondary historical sites. Many artifacts that were used in rites have been found here, including phallic symbols, holy water pipes, ruins, and an ancient pond. The site dates from the 8th-9th century. The Fine Arts Department completed its renovation in 1997.

Si Khit Waterfall is in Moo 2, Tambon Si Khit. It is 15 kilometres west of Sichon beach on Highway No. 4105. This small waterfall originates in the mountains to the west and flows down several levels amidst pristine natural surroundings. 

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:

Hat Nai Praet is a beautiful, long curved beach. This beach is between Hat Na Dan and Hat Nai Phlao and is rocky in some areas. This popular beach’s natural ambience has been impressing visitors for years.

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. 

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

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.

Namtok Ai Khiao, or Nai Khiao Waterfall, is in Tambon Thon Hong. It is 30 kilometres from the city on Highway No. 4016, on the same route as Phrom Lok waterfall. At the 26-km marker, turn left onto the road and continue for another 3 kilometres. Originating from Khao Luang, this waterfall has 9 levels, which are Nan Chong Sai, Nan Bang Bai, Nan Mai Phai, Nan Sua Phan, Nan Buppha Sawan, Nan Hin Kong, Nan Hua Chang, Nan Sai Kwat Lan, and Nan Fa Faet. The surrounding area is still a dense jungle. Both sides of the falls are covered with betel gardens. The locals call the betel Phlu Pak Sai because of its hot flavor and sweet scent. The view of Khao Luang is best viewed from here. 

Namtok Phrom Lok is in Tambon Phrom Lok. It can be reached via Highway No. 4016 (Nakhon Si Thammarat-Phrom Khiri) to the 20-km marker, then turn left onto Highway No. 4132 for 5 kilometres. This is a large waterfall with wide and lovely rock platforms. It originates from the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range and flows down 4 levels, which are Nan Bo Nam Won, Nan Wang Mai Pak, Nan Wang Hua Bua, and Nan Wang Ai Le. The water flows past many kinds of flora before going to Khlong Tha Phae and ending in the Gulf of Thailand in Tambon Pak Phun.

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.

On the way up Khao Khun Phanom is the Khao Khun Phanom Scientific Study Centre that provides knowledge on science, technology, the environment, and eco-tourism to the public. The Khao Khun Phanom community is a cultural community. There is a training camp activity and a grouping called the Tourism to Study Fruit Orchards by Bicycle Club. For more information, call tel. 0-75 34-5154.

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.