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Exploring Nakhon Si Thammarat: Why it might be Thailand’s best-kept secret!
- Things to Know
- Best Time to Visit Nakhon Si Thammarat
- How to Get to Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Where to Stay in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Pura Nakhon Hotel
- The Twin Lotus Hotel
- Where to Eat in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Day & Night of Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Kinkanom Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Krua Nai Nang
- What to See and Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Admire Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan’s Sri Lankan-style chedi
- Check out Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Old City Wall
- Tour the National Museum in Nakhon Si Thammarat
- Explore Hat Khanom - Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park
- Hike to the Thale Mok Viewpoint
- Explore and dine at the Pak Phanang Retro Market
- Pay homage to Wat Tham Thong Panara’s reclining Buddha image
- Swim at the refreshing pool of Krung Ching Waterfall
- Enjoy Karom Waterfall’s gentle cascade
- Visit the shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Narayana
- FAQs about Nakhon Si Thammarat
I’m crazy about finding the best beaches in Thailand but I’m also hungry for iconic historic sites. Thanks to Nakhon Si Thammarat, not only can I have the best of both worlds, but I also save up big time as a solo traveler!
I’m not kidding when I say that its pristine white beaches can rival Phuket’s. And what makes it even better is the proximity of beautiful temples like Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan and Wat Tham Thong.
The best part? All these amazing finds come sans the noise of the crowd. So, read on as we detail the very reasons why this off-the-beaten-path ancient city may just be Thailand’s best-kept tourist secret!
Things to Know
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai (Central Thai)
Calling Code: (+66)
Location: Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand
Nearest Airport: Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport
Best Time to Visit Nakhon Si Thammarat
The best time to visit Nakhon Si Thammarat is from February to April. These months offer low average temperatures and the least chance of rainfall which are optimal for sightseeing.
This lets you enjoy the province to the fullest from sun up to sun down. The only reason to visit the province during the rainy season is for its magnificent waterfalls.
How to Get to Nakhon Si Thammarat
Plane: The best way to get to Nakhon Si Thammarat from Bangkok is to book a domestic flight from Don Mueang International Airport. This option is fast since it only takes approximately 1 hour to reach Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport.
The airport is north of the city center, so you still need to catch an 18-minute taxi ride.
Bus: If you want a cheap option to get to Nakhon Si Thammarat, book a provincial bus at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok. The only carrier that runs this route is the Transport Company and it has only one bus departing daily.
We recommend booking a ticket ahead of time to secure a spot. Expect the bus ride to take about 13 and a half hours.
Train: Another option is to board the trains departing from Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal four times daily. These trains also take approximately 13 hours to reach Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
However, they can only take you as far as the train station in Thung Song District. That means you still need to hail a taxi to Nakhon Si Thammarat’s capital city.
Where to Stay in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Grand Fortune Hotel Nakhon Si Thammarat
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Address: 359 Phatthanakan Khukwang Road
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 75 841 888
Website: https://www.fortunehotelgroup.com/grand-fortune-hotel/
Pricing: ฿฿
Good Fortune Hotel is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Nakhon Si Thammarat, so expect stylish, decked-out, and airy rooms with modern amenities and superb city views. You also get room upgrade options which add a separate seating or living area.
It’s perfect for families or travelers in Nakhon Si Thammarat for a business trip. Plus, guests can enjoy a massive rooftop pool, all-day restaurants, a fitness center, and modern event spaces.
Pura Nakhon Hotel
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Address: 342 Ratchanikhom Road, Tambon Tha Wang
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 75 314 888
Website: https://www.facebook.com/puranakhon/
Pricing: ฿
Pura Nakhon Hotel is a solid bang-for-your-buck option for budget travelers who plan to stay in Nakhon Si Thammarat for several days. Here, you can enjoy excellent amenities and chic modern rooms for an affordable price.
It’s also in the heart of the city center, so you’ll be close to must-visit attractions and landmarks.
The Twin Lotus Hotel
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Address: 6 Phatthanakan Khukwang Road, Tambon Nai Mueang
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Contact Number: +66 75 323 777
Website: http://www.twinlotushotel.com/
Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿
The Twin Lotus Hotel is a great option for couples, offering comfy and unfussy rooms with soft mood lighting which gives them an intimate atmosphere. Aside from that, you also get a remarkable view of the city center and a vast outdoor pool.
It also has a picturesque high-ceiling lobby with comfy lounge chairs and elegant chandeliers. And it’s only a 5-minute drive to Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum which is great for history buffs.
Where to Eat in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Day & Night of Nakhon Si Thammarat
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Address: Pak Nakhon Road, Tha Wang
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 75 808 386
Website: https://www.facebook.com/dayandnightnakhon/
Pricing: ฿฿ – ฿฿฿
Day & Night of Nakhon Si Thammarat is a stylish restaurant known for its three distinct (and highly aesthetic) dining areas.
One stands out for its moody brick interiors, another is airy with a high ceiling and numerous hanging plants, and the third is a casual streetside terrace dining area.
The restaurant also offers a wide range of Thai and Western cuisines which we think every variety-loving foodie will appreciate. Our team’s favorite is their signature pizza which uses high-quality dough and has loads of toppings!
Kinkanom Nakhon Si Thammarat
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Address: 32 Wandee-Kositkunchorn
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 95 070 8418
Website: https://www.facebook.com/kinkanomnakornsithammarat
Pricing: ฿฿
Kinkamon Nakhon Si Thammarat is a trendy and ornate restaurant that serves a wide range of Thai and international food, confectioneries, and drinks. This includes Italian, Korean, and Japanese-style dishes and dessert options.
Their best-selling charcoal caramel waffles are our top pick! It’s a gorgeous and sweet medley of waffle balls with vanilla ice cream, caramel corn syrup, whipped cream, and cranberries.
We also recommend their buttermilk waffles and molten chocolate lava cake. Get them with any of their matcha drinks for a delightful pairing.
Krua Nai Nang
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Address: 175, 2 Phatthanakan Khukwang Road, Tambon Nai Mueang
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 75 346 006
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057298276489
Pricing: ฿ – ฿฿
Krua Nai Nang is well-known for its excellent selection of Southern-style stews and stir-fried dishes. It’s the place to go for Southern Thai cuisine in Nakhon Si Thammarat!
Our all-time favorite from this restaurant is its kaeng som. This sour and spicy fish curry is the most popular Southern Thai dish and the one Krua Nai Nang serves is always spot on.
We like that their version has a rich, thick, and creamy curry broth. If you want to try the authentic version of this fan-favorite dish, this is a solid option.
What to See and Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat
Admire Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan’s Sri Lankan-style chedi
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Address: 435 Ratchadamnoen Road
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 75 343 411
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064698429051
Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahawihan is arguably the most popular attraction in Nakhon Si Thammarat. It’s a local favorite due to its elegant architecture and religious significance.
This temple has an ivory-white and bell-shaped Sri Lankan-style chedi with a distinctly elongated spire and several smaller pagodas around it. It’s said to enshrine holy Buddha relics, so it’s one of the most important temples in the province.
Check out Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Old City Wall
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Address: Tambon Khlang
Operating Hours: 24/7
Nakhon Si Thammarat’s Old City Wall, also known as the Old City Fort of Sridramasokarad, is well-known to those who frequent the city center. That’s why it’s an important historical site and tourist attraction in the province.
Aside from its picturesque timeworn walls, people visit this place for its gorgeous landscaped gardens which are good for sightseeing, jogging, and afternoon walks.
The Old City Wall also has numerous light displays on special holidays and festivals.
Plus, there are local food vendors and live performances, so you’re covered for food and entertainment.
Tour the National Museum in Nakhon Si Thammarat
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Address: Ratchadamnoen Road
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wednesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 75 341 075
Website: http://www.virtualmuseum.finearts.go.th/nakhonsithammarat/index.php/th/
Admission Costs: 150 baht
For history buffs, visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat’s National Museum is a must! This place is a treasure trove of historical knowledge, so expect to see artifacts dating back 38,000 years ago.
The museum also has historical accounts of Nakhon Si Thammarat before it came under Siam rule during the Sukhothai and Ayutthaya periods, so don’t miss out on those!
Explore Hat Khanom – Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park
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Address: Khanom District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 86 475 8392
Website: https://www.facebook.com/HatKhanom
This national park covers two districts and some islets in Koh Samui, Surat Thani, so it’s certainly a must-visit for nature lovers. Here, you can explore white-sandy coastlines, coral-rich waters, and lush tropical rainforests.
Hat Khanom – Mu Koh Thale Tai National Park is also popular among hikers and animal watchers since its trails are great for observing local gibbons and bird species.
Its most visited area is the seaside pentagonal gazebo between Khanom and Sischon. You can come here to catch the stunning ocean view and sunset!
Hike to the Thale Mok Viewpoint
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Address: Krung Ching, Nopphitam District
Operating Hours: 5:45 a.m. – 5:45 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 85 793 2288
For fans of natural sceneries, a vacation in Nakhon Si Thammarat won’t be complete without hiking to Thale Mok Viewpoint. This scenic hilltop offers an awe-inspiring view of the surrounding red clay hills and lush greeneries.
The view here is particularly impressive during sunrise thanks to the sea of clouds. It’s no wonder why it attracts crowds of local and foreign hikers during this time of the day.
Explore and dine at the Pak Phanang Retro Market
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Address: Pak Phanang Fangtawanok, Pak Phanang District
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. (Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 75 517 266
If you’re a certified foodie, this is the place to be. This riverside market has numerous local vendors, so there are many food options to try while you’re here.
It’s particularly known for its wide range of traditional sweets and seafood vendors—perfect for sweet-toothed travelers and seafood lovers. The local specialties to watch out for are Pak Phanang noodles, khanom luk chup, and khao yam.
Aside from food, you can also catch live performances on special holidays and festivals.
Pay homage to Wat Tham Thong Panara’s reclining Buddha image
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Address: 134 Village 9 Tham Phannara, Tham Phannara District
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 32 562 744
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WatTamTongPanNaRa/
Wat Tham Thong is an important temple in Nakhon Si Thammarat, so it’s definitely worth adding to every tourist’s itinerary. On the first full moon of the 11th lunar month, locals flock to this temple to pay their respects to its reclining Buddha image.
It’s usually crowd-free on most days, so it’s the best time for tourists who want to explore it in peace. The temple has numerous other Buddha images, caves, and rock formations that we think are worth checking out.
Swim at the refreshing pool of Krung Ching Waterfall
Media credit: thanog_han
Address: Nopphitam Office, Nopphitam District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 75 460 463
Admission Costs: 100 baht
This beautiful waterfall in the northern tip of Khao Luang National Park is one of the more popular cascades you can find in Nakhon Si Thammarat. Visitors frequent this place for its vigorous stream and sizable swimming pool.
It’s also ideal for hiking and picnic trips! The waterfall’s hiking trail is a huge selling point since you can observe numerous local bird species—including some rare ones.
Also, the waterfall has a pond full of friendly fish that are happy to get close to visitors.
Enjoy Karom Waterfall’s gentle cascade
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Address: Khao Kaeo, Lan Saka District
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 75 300 494
If you like hiking and cascades, this is the waterfall to visit. Karom Waterfall has a 7-tier cascade that’s absolutely a spectacle during the rainy season.
However, even during the dry season, this waterfall still stands out for its hiking trail. This uphill rocky trail to the waterfall’s summit can take approximately 10 minutes, so it’s a great challenge for hikers visiting Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Plus, this hike gives you plenty of opportunities for bird and butterfly watching.
Visit the shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Narayana
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Address: Ratchadamnoen Road, Tambon Nai Mueang
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Aside from Buddhist temples, Nakhon is famous for its Hindu shrines. The shrines of Lord Shiva and Lord Narayana, in particular, are spots to not miss!
These shrines hold incredible religious significance, and they’re also across the street from each other which is convenient. If you’re a history buff, you’ll also find historical information for both shrines which is nice.
These Brahman shrines only house replicas of the Hindu deities since the original images are displayed at the city’s national museum for safety reasons.
