04 July,2009 (Sat)  


 

 
Nakhon Si Thammarat

Nakhon Si Thammarat is a southern Thai coastal province edging the Thai Gulf. The province covers some 9,942 square kilometres. The provincial capital is some 780 kilometres south of Bangkok. The province is historically important, inasmuch as that from the late 1200s, trade was firmly estahlished between Nakhon Si Tham-marat and Southern India, including Sri Lanka. Intermarriage between local women and foreign merchants resulted in the import of certain Indian beliefs and customs, (including Brahmanism and shadow plays), influences that were to have profOund effects on the Siamese courts of the Ayutthaya Period (l350-1767). Nakhon Si Thammarat was also a major centre of Buddhism some 1,700 years ago, during the Srivichaya Period.

City Attractions

  • Wat Phra Mahathat

    • This is one of the most revered temples in southern Thailand, and is by far the most prominent city landmark. The original pagoda was built some 1,700 years ago to house Buddha relics brought from Sri Lanka. The 77-metre pagoda dominates a comp1ex of lesser yet nevertheless interesting structures which include:

  • Wihan Luang

    • This chapel to the left of the pagoda is a perfect example of Ayutthayan-style architecture and contains an intricately painted and decorated ceiling.

  • Wihan Pra Ma

    • This chapel to the right of the pagoda contains two national artistic masterpieces, namely bas relief depicting the life of the Lord Buddha in India before his Enlighten- ment, and a carved door, dating back hundreds of years, depicting the Hindu gods Brahma and Vishnu. There is also a small museum encompasslng a cluster of priceless archaeo-logical discoveries.

  • Wat Sema Muang

    • It was here that a stone inscription was fOund which recounts the origin of the traditional Thai greeting, Sawasdee. The stone is now kept in Bangkok's National Museum.

  • Wat Wang Tawan Tok

    • This temple is noteworthy for a traditional southern Thai-style house within the complex. Construction of the house commenced in 1888. The structure took l3 years to complete. The building was constructed entirely without nails, and is notable for elahorately carved doors, windows and gahles.

  • Wat Chaeng

    • This temple was built during the 1780s. Keng Chin, a small Chinese-style building, is decorated with wood imported from China. The ashes of a Nakhon Si Thammarat ruler and his wife are contalned in two small pagodas within this building.

  • Wat Pradu

    • This temple contains the ashes of King Taksin the Great (reign: l767-l782) and was built some 200 years ago.

  • Phra Buddha Sining Chapel

    • This contains one of three identical and highly revered Buddha images originally from Sri Lanka. The other two images are in Bangkok's National Museum and Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Sing in northern Thailand.

    Nakhon Si Thammarat

  • National Museum

    • This houses a priceless permanent exhihition of artifacts and locally produced art, including drums, shadow play puppets, hand-woven yan liphao basketry, and examples of local folk art.

  • City Wall & Northern Gate

    • Originally measuring some 400 hy 2,200 metres, the ancient city walls, and northern gate, have been restored several times between the 1300s and l990s.

  • Wirathai Monument

    • This memorial at the northern end of Nakhon Si Thammarat provincial capital commemorates the bravery of Thai soldiers who fought Japanese invaders during the Second WOrld War.

    Out-of-City Attractions
    ALONG HIGHWAY 401(Nakbon Si Thammarat-Surat Thanl)

  • Hin Ngam Beach

    • 66 kilometres from Nakhon Si Thammarat, and 4.5 kilometres from Si Chong district, this rocky yet popular beach has extensive accommodation faci1ities.

  • Khanom Beach

    • Located some 100 kilometres north of the provincial capital, in Khanom district, this tranquil area is the focal point of a sandy beach area that includes the equally scenic Nai Phlao Beach.

  • Khao W8ng Thong Cave

    • Generally regarded as being one of the most beautiful caves ln rhai1and, and preserved hy environmentally-concerned local villagers against industrial encroachment, this cave is also in Khanom district and, some 100 kilometres north of the provincial capital.

    HIGHWAY 4015(Nakbon Si Thammarat-Lan Sdka D1itrict)

  • Khao Lllang National Park The park covers an area of 570 square kilometres comprising largely mountain- ous terrain and lush fruit orchards. The area is noteworthy for several scenic waterfalls which are ideal for hiking and swimming. Some of the more popular waterfalls include:

  • Karom Waterfall

    • This waterfall can be reached hy taking Highway 4016 from the provincial capital for 9 kilometres, turning left onto Highway 4015 towards Lan Saka for 20 kilometres, and making a 3-kilometre hike from the main road.

  • Phrom Lok Waterfall

    • This 3-level cascade is one of the park's largest waterfalls. It can he reached by a 26-kilometre drive via Highways 4016 and 4132.

  • Krung Ching Waterfall

    • One of the cascades of this spectacular waterfall is aptly named Nan Fon Saen Ha, which translates as "Hundred Thousand Drops of Rain." The falls are located 70 kilometres from the provincial capital along Highway 4016. Reaching the falls entails a 4-kilometre walk from the national park's bungalows. Accommodation details may be obtained from the National Parks Division Royal forestry Department Bangkok Tel: 579-0521-9, 579-4842 or National Park Section Nakhon Si Thammarat Tel: (075) 351-340, (01) 720-0511.

  • Elephant Trelddllg & Raftng

    • Khlong Klaai is the natural boundary between Khao Luang National Park to the north, and Khao Nan National Park to the South. Loca1 villagers have established a novel way of enjoy1ng local scenery, including the lush jungle of Krung Ching, by entering the forest by raft and returning on elephant back. Visitors wishing to avail themselves of this service may contact Khun Pairote Ong-Art at (055) 341-489 and 345-609

  • Kiriwong Village

    • Some 23 kilometres from the provincial capital, this village lies at the foot of Khao Luang (Luang Mountain) which rises 1,835 metres above sea-level. The village is the first stop for a hike to the mountain summit. The village is set among lush forests and cool streams, belying the fact that the community was devastated during 1988 by floods and landslides.

    Local Handicrafts
    Nakhon Si Thammarat is the principal centre for Southern folk arts and handicrafts. Major native handicrafts, and products, include:

  • Shaaow niav hoppets

    • Southern shadow play, known as Nang Talung, originated in the area, and remains popular until the present day. Performances entail the manipulation of puppets, with at least one moving part, behind illuminated screens. The puppets, essentially elaborately carved stencils, are fashioned from cow hide and make popular souvenirs. Visits can be made to Suchat House to see how such puppets are laboriously hand-crafted.

  • Yan Liphao Basketry

    • Yan Liphao is an indigenous clinging vine that can be fashioned into thread and hand-woven into a wide range of durable and extremely attractive objects, primarily purses and handbags. A Yan Liphao Centre is located at Tha Rua Village, some 11 kilometres from the provincial capital by Highway 4019.

  • Pha Yok

    • This exquisitely coloured and patterned cloth, in fact distinctive brocade, is wove only in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

  • Other Crafts

    • These include silverware, neilloware and bronzeware. Many craft shops are locate along Tha Chang Road.

    Festivals & Special Events

  • Prapheni Duean Sip

    • Translated as the "Tenth Moon Festival", this is celebrated annually on the last three days of the tenth lunar month (usually late, 26 September or early October) when people make "merit" for their ancestors. The 10-day celebration is marked by processions and religious ceremonles centred around Wat Phra Mahathat.

  • Hae Pha dsn That Homagepaying Ceremony

    • This 3-day event, also centred around Wat Phra Mahathat, entails wrapping around the central pagoda a cloth painting of the Buddha's life to pay homage to enshrined Buddha relics. The annual event occurs during the third lunar month, generally late February or early March.

    How to Get There

  • By Bus

    • Airconditioned coaches and non-alrconditioned buses leave Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal every day. for further details, please contact Bangkok 434-5558.

  • By Rail

    • Several trains leave Bangkok's Hualamphong Railway Station daily for Nakhon Si Thammarat. Please contact Bangkok 223-70l0, 223-7020 for fLrther details.

  • By Air

    • Thai Airways operates daily flights from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat.

  • By car

    • Nakhon Si Thammarat can be most conveniently reached by car from Bangkok by taking Highway 4 (Buddha Monthon Road) to Nakhon Pathom, and thence to Chumphon via Phetchaburi, Hua Hin and Chumphon, and thence onto Highway 401 to Nakhon Si Thammarat.

  • Accommodation

    • A comprehensive list of alrconditioned and non-alrconditioned accommodation, and restaurants, in Nakhon Si Thammarat, can be ohtained from the local Tourism Authority of Thailand office on Ratchadamnoen Road. The office is open seven days a week, throughout the year, from 8.30 AM until 4.30 PM.

  • Nokbon si Tbammarat Qffce

    • Sanam Na Muang, Ratcha-damnoen Road, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80000
    Tel: (075) 346-515-6
    Fax: (075) 346-517