Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat, the second largest city of the greatest history and background above any other town in the region due to its status as a first grade city controlling various subjected cities and towns, a place that houses Lord Buddha’s relics which is the most important statutory place of the south, being the center of Buddhism during Sivichaya period, is located some 861 kms. by railroad and 780 kms. by highway from Bangkok. It occupies an area of 9,942.5 square kilometers having high plateau with mountains and jungles in the west then sloping down towards the east and becoming basin along the coastline of the Gulf of Thailand. It borders Surat Thani to the north; Trang, Phattalung and Songkhla to the south; the Gulf of Thailand to the east; and Krabi to the west.

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is located on Ratchadamnoen Road in Tambon Nai Muang. This is one of the most important historical sites in southern Thailand. The pagoda, 55.78 meters high, has a distinctive Sri Lankan style. 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, the Thap Kaset building, while the Khian and Pho Lanka buildings are used to display artifacts donated to the temple by Buddhists. Krung Ching waterfall is a beautiful and important waterfall of Khao Luang National Park. Located in Tambon Krung Ching, the waterfall derived its name from Ton Ching which is a kind of palm prevalent in the area. The waterfall has many levels and the most breathtaking level is Nan Fon Saen Ha where water drops off a sheer cliff 100 meters high, splashing down creating a mist covering the area like rain unlike other falls. This waterfall level is depicted on the back of Thailand’s 1,000 baht currency note. The waterfall is under the responsibility of the Khao Luang National Park Protection Unit. The waterfall can be reached by a road 3.8 kilometers long to Nan Fon Saen Ha. The area has a training center, accommodation and a campground.

Khao Luang National Park Khao Luang National Park covers Amphoe Muang, Amphoe Phipun, Amphoe Phrom Khiri, Amphoe Lan Saka, Amphoe Chawang, King Amphoe Chang Klang, and King Amphoe Nop Phitam. Having a land area of 597 square kilometres, it was declared a national park on December 18, 1974. More... Namtok Phrom Lok 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, more... Namtok Krung Ching Namtok Krung Ching is a beautiful and important waterfall of Khao Luang National Park. Located in Tambon Krung Ching, the waterfall derived its name from Ton Ching, more... Hae Pha Khuen That Festival Hae Pha Khuen That Festival is celebrated at Phra Borom That Chedi. The pagoda is considered to be the representative of Lord Buddha and is believed by locals to possess unsurpassed might of righteousness as it contains holy relics.More... Festival of the Tenth Lunar Festival of the Tenth Lunar Month is a grand event of the province and of southern Thailand. This festival is held from the 1st waning-moon night to the 15th waning-moon night every September.more... Handicrafts Shadow play Shadow play making is an art that goes with the popular southern entertainment of shadow play. Thai shadow play figures have been transformed from those found in Java so that they are now very Thai.More... Yan Liphao basketry Yan Liphao basketry is another famous product of the South, particularly in Nakhon Si Thammarat where people have been making it for over 100 years. More...