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Nakhon Si Thammarat is now a large City and is a City of historical and
archaeological significance having its beginning in prehistoric times,
living and evolving through all periods of cultural and religious
change. Archaeological artifacts of prehistoric times confirm human
settlement in Mesolithic times [ 6,220- 4,200 B.C.E. ], the Neolithic
age [ 4000-2000 B.C.E. ] and the Metal ages [ Bronze and Iron Ages ].
Between 1st C, B.C.E. and 1st C, C.E. contact with other advanced
communities from the sea brought objects such as pottery, golden
decorative objects, medals, beads and pendants with carved letters etc.
This historical period commenced when people settled here and recorded
events in written form on stone inscriptions. Then also were introduced
new beliefs about religion, society, politics and the economy.
The big changes came in 7th C with Indian Hindu settlement [
Shivaism and Vishnuism ], again in 8th-13th C with the Srivijaya
culture of Hinayana Buddhism mixing with traditional beliefs, then
later Lankavamsa Buddhism. From the 7th C Nakhon Si Thammarat was a
major City. Then it commanded a large military force including a navy,
which it twice sent to Sri Lanka to invade it. Later it became a vassal
of the Ayuthayan and Bangkok Empires but at all times it remained an
important trade centre for the Malay Peninsula.
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| Thailand Beach Scene, Nakhon Si Thammarat |
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The major tourist places of interest at Nakhon Si Thammarat are:
- The City wall and moat built in 13th C . Brick additions were
made in the Ayuthayan Empire period in 1407. The city wall is
rectangular [ 2,239 meters by 500 meters ] and is a National Monument
- Mueang Phra Wiang [ 9th - 13th C ] . This walled and moat ancient city includes ancient and now abandoned Wats
- The Nakhon Si Thammarat National Museum. This is a museum
displaying
art and artifacts from the region of Upper South Thailand and hence its
importance. Most of the exhibits were discovered in this Province
- Wat Phra Mahathat [ 757 ]. This is the most important Wat in
South Thailand and was constructed during the Srivijaya Empire period.
Its stupa is 75 meters high and is of Sinhalese design.[ called Phra
Boromathat ]. It is surrounded by 158 small chedis
- Khao Luang National Park which is 30 kilometres to the west. It
reaches the highest point in South Thailand and contains 571 square
kilometres, including fine strands of rain forest on its lower slopes.
It and the surrounding area also include excellent waterfalls [ Nam Tok
Karom, Tham Kaeo Sarakan, Nam Tok Phrommalok, Nam Tok Ai Khio and Nam
Tok Ching ]
- Wat Khao Khun Phanom at the foot of the mountains
- Local beaches. To the north are at least 7 white sandy beaches,
some with bays and beautiful rock formations. These are at, Hat Pak
Phanang, Hat sa Bua, Hat Pak Phaying Laem Talumphuk, Hat Sichon, Hat
Hin Ngam and Ao Khanom and as indicated on the map below.
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