South Thailand / Nakhon Si Thammarat's places of interest, transportation
Places of Interest
Wat Phra Mahathat
Wat Phra Mahathat is one of southern Thailand’s most revered temples. The Chedi is believed to have been built during the Srivisaya period, some 1,200 years ago. The temple compound also contains a museum.
City Wall
The old city wall was built by King Thammasokarat and originally encircled an area of some 400m (1,312ft) by 2,230m (7,316ft). Renovations were made during the reigns of Ayutthaya’s King Ramesuan and King Narai. Nevertheless, only parts have remained.
Phra Buddha Sihing Tower
Phra Buddha Sihing Tower, next to the city hall, houses the sacred image of Phra Buddha Sihing.
Brahman Temple
On Ratchadamnoen Road, right in the center of Nakhon Si Thammarat, is a Brahman Temple which houses a bronze image of the Hindu god Shiva.
Sra Lang Barb
Sra Lang Barb, a pond for washing away sins, marks the site where an executioner cleaned his sword after beheading Si Phrat, a famous medieval poet. It is situated near a girl’s school.
San Phra Sua Muang
The City Pillar Shrine (San Phra Sua Muang) in the city center was constructed in a style resembling a Chinese temple.
Beaches
Along Highway 401, between Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat, various appealing beaches are found:
Hat Khanom, about 100km (63mi) north of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Hat Hin Ngam (Beautiful Rock Beach) lies some 3km (2mi) from Pak Nam Sichon Market.
Hat Pak Pha Ying, about 20km (13mi) from Nakhon Si Thammarat city near Tha Sala, is a picturesque, peaceful beach near a small fishing village.
Waterfalls
Along Highway 4015, the route to Lan Saka, are two interesting waterfalls. Nam Tok Phrom Lok, the province’s largest waterfall, is some 20km (13mi) from Nakhon Si Thammarat city and Nam Tok Ka Rom, a smaller, yet scenic cascade, is some 28km (18mi) from Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Transportation
Bangkok - Nakhon Si Thammarat
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat four times a week. Departure is around noon. While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is almost 2hrs. The price of a one-way ticket is 1770 Baht.
Trains for Nakhon Si Thammarat depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Station daily at 17:30 and 19:20. Arrival at Nakhon Si Thammarat is at 8:35 and 10:00, respectively. Fares (excluding charges for rapid, express trains, aircon or sleeper) are 133 Baht for 3rd class, 279 Baht for 2nd class and 590 Baht for 1st class. The rail distance is 832km.
Buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal on Pinklao - Nakhon Chaisi Road (in Thonburi); 805km, non-aircon 150 Baht, 6:45, 17:00, 18:00, 19:00, 21:30; aircon 270 Baht, 18:00, 18:50, 19:30, 20:10, 19:00, 2nd cl 210 Baht, 17:30, 20:30; VIP 420 Baht, 19:00
Coaches from Bangkok to Nakhon Si Thammarat:
Krung Siam Tour
10th Bldg, 93 Ratchadamnoen Klang Ave
Tel 282-2118; 19:00, 19:30, fare 270 Baht
Muang Tai Tour
239 Ratchadamnoen Mansion
Ratchadamnoen Klang Ave, Tel 282-5253
9:00, 18:30, 19:00, 19:30, 20:00, 20:30, fare 270 Baht
Sophon Tour
243 Ratchadamnoen Mansion, opposite Thai Military Bank, Ratchadamnoen Klang
Tel 281-2882 to 3; 19:30, fare 270 Baht
Nakhon Si Thammarat - Bangkok
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Bangkok four times a week. Departures are in the late afternoon. Flight time is almost 2hrs. The price of a one-way ticket is 1770 Baht.
Two trains daily depart from Nakhon Si Thammarat for Bangkok at 13:40 and 15:30. Arrival is at 5:10 and 6:10, respectively.
Provincial Flights
Nakhon Si Thammarat - Phuket
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Phuket three times a week. Departures are around noon. There is always a stop-over at Surat Thani. While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is around 1:40hr.
Phuket - Nakhon Si Thammarat
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Phuket to Nakhon Si Thammarat three times a week. There always is a stop-over at Surat Thani. Departures are in the early morning. Flight time is around 1:40hr.
Nakhon Si Thammarat - Surat Thani
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Surat Thani three times a week. Departures are in the late morning. Flight time is around 35min.
Surat Thani - Nakhon Si Thammarat
Thai Airways has a non-stop flight from Surat Thani to Nakhon Si Thammarat three times a week. Departures are in the mid-morning. Flight time is around 35min.
Nakhon Si Thammarat - Trang
Thai Airways has a direct flight from Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang four times a week. Departures are in the early afternoon. Flight time is around 30min.
Trang - Nakhon Si Thammarat
Thai Airways has a non-stop flight from Trang to Nakhon Si Thammarat four times a week. Departures are in the mid-afternoon. Flight time is around 30min.
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