Nakhon Si Thammarat

Thailand Beach Scene, Nakhon Si Thammarat

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.

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.