Thailand Why go down to Nakhon Si Thammarat Nakhon Si Thammarat, Southern Provinces, Travel to Thailand 4.5 (23)The question is worth asking 😉 The name probably doesn't mean anything to you, and for good reason. If we draw a line between Surat Thani and Krabi, few people will venture below it... (ignoring people going to Tarutao National Park and Ko Lipe Island).And yet, there is a mix between mountains (1m all the same!) and sea. Beautiful lush nature, long beaches that are mostly deserted, a population that is always smiling, culturally mixed (the further south you go, the more Muslims there are).It is also (and above all) my wife's home region. That is why I go there regularly and enjoy finding and visiting new spaces. For the most part, it is very "off the beaten track", where you will generally only come across Thais, although I am now starting to come across a few foreigners there sometimes.One of the friendly faces you might come across! Summary hide Often deserted beaches and fishermen Nakhon Si Thammarat City Pak Phanang and Laem Talumphuk Peninsula Khao Luang Mountain and Kiriwong Village Thung Song Waterfall How to get to Nakhon Si Thammarat Where to sleep in Nakhon Si Thammarat to summarize Often deserted beaches and fishermenAs I just mentioned, Nakhon Si Thammarat province has a good number of beaches. The province is bordered by no less than 130km of coastline. Nai Phlao Beach is one of the beaches in the district that is starting to make a name for itself. Better known as Khanom, this beach is one of the few to have accommodation and a more seaside atmosphere.You can see its "regulars" arriving there, mainly Thais but now also foreigners, eager to spend time in a corner described as quieter. It is therefore an area with normally enough hotel offers, which is not necessarily the case elsewhere in the province.Moreover, a French couple saw its potential by successfully opening their small resort, Little Saint Tropez (no this is not an ad for them, I'm pointing this out because I know it might interest people)Further south, Sichon beach (on the cover of the article) and its fishing village. A very relaxed atmosphere, "authentic" as desired. The population, largely Muslim, lives mainly from fishing. With these kilometers of coastline, it goes without saying that there is plenty to do.We took the time to meet these people who live simply, in harmony with the sea and their Buddhist neighbors. The first time we landed along the seafront.The atmosphere was relaxed for the children who were enjoying this late afternoon, while some adults were still sorting, the boats were leaving for sea. On this part, we find mainly mangroves and not sandy beaches. This does not take away from the charm of the village we were passing through.Another time, we went to one of those deserted beaches where the fishermen's homes are spread out. We first went to the seaside, we chatted with a fisherman who was returning early that very morning. His wife next to him was untangling and repairing the net. A rather tedious but important task.Further on we came across other boats in a small improvised fishing port. On this, we stopped at a fish market in full operation. This gives you an idea of what it is possible to see and do along this coast.For the record, the province starts just 3km from the famous port of Donsak, from where ferries depart for Ko Samui and Ko Phangan.Nakhon Si Thammarat CityThe city itself, to be honest, is not particularly charming. It is a long city, one of the few in Thailand with a population of over 100.However, it has a typical provincial town atmosphere. You can then visit its main temple, Wat Mahathat (not a very original name, I grant you).Wat Mahathat was founded as early as the 13th century. Today it is the largest and most important temple in southern Thailand and also one of the oldest still in operation!Its important relic enclosed under the main stupa gives rise to processions and pilgrimages throughout the year (depending on the important days in the Buddhist calendar). Built in a purely Sri Lankan style, the peak (which culminates at almost 56m) is covered with pure gold.Almost opposite the temple, you will find, in addition to a nice little café, a former residence of a local nobleman. Baan Tan Khun Ratwut Vicharn, as it was known, was a school for a long time after the house was taken over by the nephew of the original owner, Khun Ratwut Vicharn (which is a royal title and not a name as such).After its closure in 1986, it was not until 1993 that the couple in charge of the house (also nephew of the nephew, you have to follow the family history...) renovated the place and furnished it with period photos and some furniture to allow visitors to take an interest in this vestige of the past. The house can be visited freely between 8 a.m. and 20 p.m.Among the places I have not yet had the opportunity to visit in Nakhon Si Thammarat, we can mention the house of the artist Suchart Subsin. Mr. Suchart is a famous creator of traditional puppets used for Thai shadow theater, called Nang Thalung. I regret not having gone there earlier since the gentleman passed away last year.However, he leaves behind a museum, which is nothing more and nothing less than his own home. In addition to learning a little more about this unique art, you can attend a small performance (according to the information, I read that they can ask for a small snack of 50 baht, in any case, supporting the work of these artists by buying a souvenir or even a puppet remains a good option).Free entry between 9 a.m. and 16:30 p.m.Finally, like any city, you can wander around a small local market, its public park, see the ruins of the old fortifications and, a little peculiarity, the walls of the old prison.Depending on when you go, you will also be treated to one of the processions and shows organized by the city.Pak Phanang and Laem Talumphuk PeninsulaDuring your stay in Thailand, you may come across these famous baskets, containing small pots with a kind of more or less translucent liquid inside.This is a popular drink in Asia for its supposed virtues. How is it made? Made from swallows' nests. Themselves shaped with the bird's saliva...Pak Phanang is known for its production and harvest of its precious nests. How do they do it? By literally offering "buildings" as a place to live for the swallows. The Thais have developed these large gray buildings (quite ugly, it must be said) simply to harvest the fruit of this bird's labor.Laem Talumphuk Peninsula is a place to relax and enjoy the many restaurants offering excellent local seafood dishes.Khao Luang Mountain and Kiriwong VillageA beautiful mountain, like so many others, one could say. But clearly Khao Luang has its charm. Probably that of being relatively unvisited (especially outside of weekends), of having lush nature and of meeting smiling people there.In the right season, waterways are often popular for afternoons of swimming and picnicking to escape the heat and spend time with family.As for the village of Kiriwong, which specializes in the production of fruits (mainly mangosteen, durian, rambutan and Pakria), it is a village of artisans with several groups, each with their own specialty.There are those who make fruit juices, wine, jam (durian!), others make dyes, weave from coconut shells etc.The Kiriwong community is a model of ecological tourism management (and awarded by the tourism authorities in Thailand in 1998 for this)Besides experiencing the beauty of nature surrounding the village, you can also experience the daily lifestyle of the villagers and local food.Thung Song WaterfallThung Song is a district in the south of the province. I talked about it in a dedicated article, Thung Song is a small corner of typical nature, a place where Thais come to enjoy the freshness of a river with its waterfall and natural swimming pool.It is also a small town with its attractions, its small cave, its local atmosphere. Some would say "nothing extraordinary", but to those who are looking for non-touristy and "authentic" places, I say Bingo.Thung Song Waterfall.How to get to Nakhon Si ThammaratIf most of the time I go there directly by plane (either via AirAsiaEither Nok Air)I also at least made the round trip by bus or train. Proof that you have the choice!Regarding the bus, count 547 buses for a First Class bus (the second being at 426 baht, but often taken by storm) and between 12 and 13 hours of travel. Go to the Southern Bus Terminal in the west of Bangkok and find among the ticket offices the buses serving this destination, knowing that in general, the terminus of the line is further south, either Hat Yai or Songkhla in general.For my part, it was with the company Transport Co Ltd.For the train, I did it in the direction Nakhon Si Thammarat – Bangkok. It was a great experience, but I don't particularly think I'll repeat it... The train in Thailand is long.In this case, the departure was at 15pm in the afternoon, for an arrival the next day at 7am! But just like the many people going to Chiang Mai this way, it is a unique experience. It allows you to admire the landscapes (until nightfall at least), the atmosphere along the railway, the people you can meet, either on the train or at the various stops in the stations.Unfortunately I don't remember the fare for the train... But in theory it's quite similar to the bus.If you want to book in advance, you can use the search tool below:Powered by 12Go Asia systemWhere to sleep in Nakhon Si ThammaratI won't hide from you that I have never slept in a hotel in the area since I am staying with my wife's family... However, I know at least one place, tested by my parents.It is on the beach. If you want to be quiet and don't mind being a little isolated from everything, then you can go to the Yeoser's Beach Resort, 50 km north of the city.Otherwise I can only encourage you to do a little research here 😉to summarizeAs you can see, Nakhon Si Thammarat allows you to combine this clever mix of authenticity, interesting landscapes and strong culture. If these are the kind of "ingredients" you are looking for, then I invite you to take a look and tell me what you think! Did you like the article? Vote on the article Note globale 4.5 / 5. Number of votes: 23 No votes yet. Be the first to rate this article! Did you like the article? Follow me on social media Urban exploration Off the beaten track Sea and beaches Nature and landscapes Suggestions for visits 1 13 Roman 10/10/2016
