Must-See Places Nakhon Si Thammarat

No visit to this unassuming corner of Southern Thailand would be complete without stopping by its temples, beaches, and night markets. Nakhon Si Thammarat has a rich cultural history alongside picturesque nature. 

To truly see everything, the best option is a car hire at Nakhon Si Thammarat Airport from Drive Car Rental. With the freedom of a rental car, here are the must-see places you can visit in Nakhon Si Thammarat. 

History

Thailand has been inhabited for more than 30,000 years, according to archaeological evidence. What we know as modern Thailand began as a series of city-states and minor kingdoms during the 1200s. 

Thousands of temples, relics, and ancient ruins can be found across the country, and Nakhon Si Thammarat is no exception.

Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum

Visitors to this museum can experience the rich, multi-cultural history of southern Thailand. The museum houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts, Buddhist images, textiles, and household items from across centuries of Thai history. 

Nakhon Si Thammarat City Pillar Shrine

This gleaming white shrine encloses the city pillar of Nakhon Si Thammarat. It celebrates the founding of the city in the 13th century. Several statues and smaller shrines dot the grounds of the shrine. Within the main hall is the city pillar encased in gold leaf and contained in a glass box. 

Wat Chedi (Ai Khai)

This ancient abandoned temple was renovated and renewed in the 1950s. It is said to be inhabited by the spirit of a young boy approximately. Today, Buddhist pilgrims from across Thailand visit this temple to pay their respects and marvel at the vibrant architecture and statues. It’s located approximately seventy kilometres north of the city, which makes it a perfect stop on the way to the next destination, Khanom Beach. 

Beaches and Watersports

Southern Thailand is known for its ocean views and beaches. Nakhon Si Thammarat province is no exception. There are numerous activities in the northern part of the province, primarily located around Khanom. 

Khanom Beach 

This quaint beach is located at the northern end of the coast, approximately ninety kilometres from Nakhon Si Thammarat. Khanom beach is a fantastic place to relax and experience life the local way. Guided boat tours for snorkeling and diving near Koh Samui are also available. 

Pink Dolphins

Several tour operators offer a pink dolphin tour that runs out of Khanom Beach and heads towards Koh Samui. The Gulf of Thailand is one of the few places in the world besides the Amazon River where pink dolphins can be found. Get up close and personal with these majestic creatures and learn some of the ecology of the area. 

Local Culture

Thai culture places a strong emphasis on self-employment and trade skills. Each village has a trade school that teaches handicraft skills to locals. One of the best handicraft markets in the region can be found just outside Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Kiriwong Village 

This sleepy village is one of the hidden gems in Nakhon Si Thammarat. It is located on the edge of Khao Luang National Park, just thirty kilometres from the city. Here, visitors can visit the local markets to see an array of handmade goods. 

There are also tour operators here that run trekking, national park, and waterfall tours around the area. It makes for an excellent day trip. 

Phrathat Night Market

Located just outside the grounds of Wat Phrathat, this night market pops up every Saturday evening. Vendors of all kinds sell food, handicrafts, clothing, and more. To get a taste of how locals live, the night market is not to be missed. 

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