Hidden Gems in Nakhon Si Thammarat

There is no shortage of hidden gems to be found in Nakhon Si Thammarat. This often-overlooked province of Thailand has plenty to offer in the form of natural wonders and unique culture. 

The best way to get around the province, given the lack of public transit, is with a car rental at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport from Drive Car Rental. Once you’re behind the wheel, you can see some of the best-kept secrets in Nakhon Si Thammarat. 

Waterfalls

The inland mountains of Nakhon Si Thammarat create several spectacular waterfalls worth visiting. The best time to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat for waterfalls is late in the year, when heavy rains bring majestic torrents of water. 

Most of them are located in Khao Luang National Park. The same entrance ticket covers all of the following waterfalls:

Krungching Waterfall

This seven-tiered waterfall is located northeast of Nakhon Si Thammarat. The park features a 3.7 kilometres nature trail stopping at each tier of the waterfall. The path is mostly paved and easily walkable. 

Karom Waterfall

This stunning waterfall is located on the south side of Khao Luang National Park and is just thirty kilometres from the city. It also has seven tiers with a short twenty-minute path that passes each of them. 

Phrom Lok Waterfall

Also inside Khao Luang National Park is Phrom Lok waterfall. This natural wonder features five tiers, although only the first can be visited alone. The remainder of the tiers require a guided trail walk, which is available between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

Cultural Sites

Thailand’s history as a what could be called a sovereign country dates back nearly one thousand years. Humans have inhabited Thailand for more than 30,000 years. As such, there are several millennia of cultural heritage sites to explore. Some of the highlights are:

Kiriwong Village 

This quaint rural village is located on the edge of Khao Luang National Park. It’s a fantastic jumping-off point for incredible nature trails, challenging hikes with breathtaking views, and traditional village homestay experiences. 

Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum 

The ancient history of Southern Thailand comes alive at this often-overlooked museum. Millennia of human migration through the area brought Indians, Malays, and Indonesians to Thailand. 

Many past civilisations left evidence of their beliefs and religion in the form of statues, images, and coinage. For fans of archaeology and ancient artifacts, this museum is one of the must-see places in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan

This sacred temple is the oldest in the region and dates back to the 13th century. The pagoda or ‘chedi’ at the heart of the temple is made in the Sri Lankan Buddhist style. This is because of robust trade with South East Asian nations and a strong historical practice of Buddhist monks on pilgrimages bringing their traditions and temple designs to new lands. 

Old City Walls

For centuries, Thailand was a patchwork of warring city-states and fiefdoms. With the constant threat of invasion and occupation from nearby rivals, most larger cities built moats and fortified walls to surround their city centre. 

Today, these ancient city walls can be found across the country in various states of disrepair. Nakhon Si Thammarat has some of the best-preserved and restored walls anywhere in the south. Some of the walls are no longer visible, but can be recognised by long, raised soil berms where the wall remains but has been covered over the centuries.

Move Freely With Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental has a convenient location inside Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport. Simply fly in and drive away. We also have locations throughout Thailand’s provincial capitals and at most airports. Drive Car Rental allows customers to pick up a car in one location and drop off in another for maximum flexibility. 

Early booking also includes a 10% discount, but to save even more money, monthly and annual car rentals are available for business travellers, expats, and long-stay tourists. This includes free regular vehicle maintenance. 

Drive Car Rentals has a full suite of vehicle options to suit solo travelers, couples, and large groups. SUVs, vans, sedans, luxury vehicles, and electrics like Tesla and BYD are all available. With the perfect rental, you can see all the hidden gems Thailand has to offer!