A brief history

Nakhon Si Thammarat has a strong history of trading amongst different nations. The province held good relations with Indian and Sri Lankan importers/exporters for many years. Factories were then set up in the 17th century by European merchants to expand the trading further afield.

King Rama IX’s Watergate Project

A watergate was built at the mouth of the Pak Phanang River. The former King of Thailand initiated the project as a way of helping out the agriculture and farming in the area. This watergate has helped to alleviate salt water, store fresh water and it has also helped with the problems of flooding.

Getting into Nakhon Si Thammarat

By plane

It is cheap, quick and convenient to travel here by plane. Flights depart Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport every day and will get you into the province in just over an hour. Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a metered taxi into town.

By bus

Taking a bus is a common choice in Thailand. You will be able to take one from any major city into Nakhon Si Thammarat. If you are coming from Bangkok, head to the Southern Bus Terminal in Mo Chit and take a bus from there. It will take about 10 to 12 hours so I would advise taking a night bus. That way, you can sleep on the bus and wake up in Nakhon Si Thammarat, ready to go exploring!

By train

You may wish to take a sleeper train from Bangkok. This is a long journey but it can add a bit of adventure to your trip, especially if you plan on visiting some other destinations along the way. The price of this journey will often not be much cheaper than taking a flight – and can sometimes actually be more expensive – all though, you will be saving money on a night’s accommodation.

Getting around

By songthaew

Songthaews are a cheap and easy way to travel around the city. Look out for the blue-colored songthaews parked up, or flag one down as they drive past. It should cost you around 10 baht for each journey.

By motorbike taxi

You will often see these men in orange jackets hanging around next to their motorbike. If you don’t mind being on the back of one, tell them where you want to go, agree on a price and hop on.

Grab taxi

If you haven’t got the Grab app yet, this is something we always recommend you do. You can type where you want to go and you will be shown a price for the journey. Click accept and somebody will pick you up and take you to your destination.

Things to do in Nakhon Si Thammarat

• Phra Mahathat Woramahawiharn Temple
• Suchart Subsin’s House of Shadow Puppetry
• Khao Luang National Park
• Baan Khiri Wong

Things to eat

. Dragon Fruit – The fresh water from the Pak Phanang river is in the soil that this fruit grows in, making it extremely delicious!

. Pomelo Fruit – This is also a province favorite that is worth trying while you are here, but it is not cheap as it is going to set you back around 500 baht just for one fruit.

Where to go next

Depending on which way you’re heading, there are plenty of interesting and exotic locations nearby. Neighboring provinces – Phatthalung, Trang, Surat Thani and Krabi all have something unique to offer.

Continue heading south to Phatthalung for a more local, unseen vibe. Similar to Nakhon Si Thammarat, it is rarely visited by tourists.